Her Witch, Her Demon [WxW]
9. The Bodyguard

Meredith gnawed on Alicia’s advice over and over. She even lost count of the days as she was left in deep thought about what to do. Maybe all she had to do was follow her heart and go after the woman she wanted. But she would lose her family if she did that. Somehow, the thought of losing Nyx scared her even more.

It didn’t help that the visions she had of Nyx became even more frequent, popping up at the oddest times of the day. She wasn’t yet sure what it was, but they seemed to only appear whenever Nyx was in pain. The visions themselves were not physically painful to Meredith, however, her heart shattered into a million pieces whenever she watched Nyx go through such torment.

“Huang.” Someone tapped her on the shoulder.

She suddenly looked up from her computer to see her boss staring at her in concern.

“Miss Mendez.” When did her boss get to her desk?

“Are you okay?” the older woman asked. “I’ve been watching you staring at your screen without moving for like five minutes straight. What’s going on?”

She could get nothing past Jane Mendez, could she? Jane was often distant toward her employees and can be quite scathing with her remarks. But she was also very attentive and could tell when something was going on with her employees.

“I’m alright, Miss Mendez.” Meredith forced a smile. The woman’s expression didn’t change, but Meredith could tell that she didn’t buy her bullshit. Hell, Meredith didn’t buy her own bullshit. She quickly added, “I just haven’t been sleeping well lately. That’s all.”

Well, that wasn’t exactly a lie. She really didn’t sleep well. If she wasn’t crying over a heartbreak, then she was having unpleasant visions of Nyx. It seemed the whole thing was affecting her more than she thought. Was it so obvious? God, she had to pull herself together.

“You sure everything is fine, Huang?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Well, then try and sleep better, alright? I don’t want you dying on the job.”

That actually made Meredith laugh. “Yes, Ma’am.”

Without another word, the woman strutted back to her transparent office. Yes, that was the classic Mendez Talk. Straight to the point. Meredith went back to the logo she was designing on her computer.

She left work at 6:30 pm and took a taxi to the Neon Velvet. This had become kind of like a daily ritual for her. The Neon Velvet was the perfect place to get her thoughts in order. It was a small quiet bar, about a five minutes drive away from her house.

Her phone beeped to warn her that her battery was dying. Everything seemed to be conspiring against her. Even her car died a few days ago on her way to work and she had to leave it at the mechanic. Thankfully, she could just walk the rest of the way home.

But going home wasn’t on her mind now. Speaking of home, it was about time she moved out. Her mother wouldn’t like that, but it was fine. Though she didn’t depend on her parent’s money, she hardly felt independent. They seemed to be all up in her business these days. If she wasn’t living with her parents, they wouldn’t have known about Nyx so early on in their relationship and they would still be together.

She sighed.

“What can I get you?” A brown-skinned guy with curly hair flashed her a beautiful white smile. It took Meredith a moment to realize that it was the bartender asking for her order. This one was new.

“Um, what do you recommend.”

The bartender’s smile widened. “I know just the thing. I guarantee it will lift your spirits.”

“Oh.” Was it that obvious she was sad? Jeez.

A few minutes later, she was sipping a cool minty drink that tingled all her taste buds. She couldn’t help but raise a brow at the bartender, nodding in approval. “Wow.”

“Right.” He looked pleased with himself. “I call it the Rainbow Zinger. You know, cos it gives you that zing. Plus it looks like a rainbow.”

Meredith chuckled. “It’s a zinger alright. Thank you. Consider my spirits lifted.”

The rest of her night was uneventful as she slowly sipped her drink. Then someone plopped themselves next to her stool. They leaned on the counter and said, “I’ll have what the lady is having.”

The middle-aged man smiled at her and Meredith smiled back politely. He wasn’t what one would call traditionally handsome. But he had a kind face and endearing brown eyes that twinkled when he smiled.

“Hey.” He waved.

“Hey.” Not knowing what else to say, Meredith went right back to sipping her drink.

“I’m Luis.”

She hesitated for a moment but gave him the benefit of the doubt. “Meredith.”

The bartender finished mixing up the drink and served the man. He took a long gulp and beamed. “Damn…” Then he took another sip. “Now I know why it put you in a better mood. What is it called again? The drink, I mean?”

“The Rainbow Zinger, I’m told.”

“Ah.” Luis nodded. “It’s... magical. And so are you.” He held Meredith’s gaze.

She smiled. This wasn’t why she was here. She would rather be by herself. But she just didn’t know how to stop the conversation. Besides, he seemed like a genuinely sweet guy.

“You know,” Luis lowered his voice, “you’re so magical, it makes me wonder if you’re...” Meredith froze, unnerved by the man’s sudden change in disposition.

“If I’m what?” A witch? Did he know she was a witch?

“An angel.” He chuckled.

Meredith released a breath she didn’t know she had been holding. “Nope. Not an angel.” She managed to keep her voice even. “Um… sorry, I have to go.”

Without waiting for Luis to say anything, she stood up and left. Something wasn’t quite right about the stranger. The way he looked at her, it made Meredith feel as though the man knew what she was. Most ordinary humans didn’t know they were surrounded by magical beings.

Usually, humans who knew about the existence of the magical world were hunters whose sole mission in life was to hunt the supernatural. But Green Front was a safe haven and the Hunter Guild had been inactive in the city for decades. Though the Witch Council and Demon Circle didn’t meet eye to eye, they tolerated each other’s existence and put up a united front to protect themselves from the Hunter Guild.

The last time there had been rumors of hunters in Green Front, Meredith was only a child. Even then, it was nothing but rumors. She doubted Luis was a hunter. Maybe he was just a creepy man. Whatever he was, Meredith didn’t want to be a second around him.

The clock was past 10 pm when she left the Neon Velvet. The lone street was empty and dark. Walking home would take her about twenty minutes. But it was too dark, and she would rather take a cab home. Unfortunately, there were no cars in sight. Why had she stayed up so late? She’d completely lost track of time.

And then she froze as someone darted from the street junction and stopped a few feet away from her. She felt the person’s eyes on her and she clenched her jaws. The figure emerged out of the darkness and stepped under the light illuminated by the lone street light.

“Luis?” Meredith raised a brow. Was this guy following her? Of course, there was something odd about him. Sometimes she got so caught up in witch and demon problems that she often forgot how terrible humanity could be.

“Why the hurry, Meredith?” His gaze chilled. Those kind eyes she thought he had were not more and had transformed into something more vile, more sinister.

“Luis, I just want to go home. It’s late.”

Luis laughed. He inched closer and Meredith retreated, not taking his eyes off the man. She quickly turned around to run but then stopped immediately at the sight of the two men blocking her path.

“What are you guys doing?”

“Isn’t it obvious, Meredith?” asked Luis. “Do you not know how kidnapping works?”

“Get back, I’m warning you.” She outstretched her hand, ready to cast a spell. The men actually halted.

“What the fuck are you two waiting for? Inject her with the serum and get her,” Luis yelled at the others.

“You sure she’s the real deal?” Said one of the men.

“The fuck do you think?”

“I’m just saying, man.” Then they came at her with wide strides.

“Da xin a.” Meredith’s vital energy roared inside her as the spell sent a huge gust of wind at the two men. An invisible force threw them back violently. She didn’t wait for another second and took off without looking back.

“Holy hell, she’s really a witch.”

“The fuck did you think, Boost, you fucking idiot.” Luis’s angry voice boomed in the distance. “You think the locket will glow if she wasn’t a witch, huh? Go get her before she gets away. You know how much money she…”

The voices blended into the cool night air, and Meredith just kept running. She run by a few alleys and then came to a halt when she was suddenly face to face with the tallest of the three men.

What the hell?

“Got you, bitch.” He grinned.

Meredith’s reflexes kicked in immediately. “Ignitari malas.”

The man howled and staggered like a man possessed as he was ravaged by bright red flames.

“Mackie…” Luis shouted. “Fuck... Boost, the serum.”

The short guy called Boost took out a syringe from his blazer and ran toward Meredith like a crazy bull. But just before Meredith could cast another spell, a dark figure materialized between them and bashed Boost in the face. The sound of shattering bones reverberated in the air. Boost dropped to the ground, unmoving. Probably dead.

Luis’s face warped in shock, his eyes widening at the sight of the shadowy figure standing over the body of his comrade. The figure merged with the darkness like a specter, reappearing behind Luis. He froze, and his eyes said that he knew his time had come to an end. In one swift motion, the figure snapped Luis’s neck like it was nothing but a cork on a bottle.

Meredith trembled as the figure slowly sauntered toward her. They wore long black clothes that fitted their tall slender form, but at the same time covered their entire body. Their face was covered by the black hood over their head.

“Ignatari malas.” The fire spell activated again, this time burning up the dark figure. But they just walked through the fire like it was nothing but a cool evening breeze. The flames vanished into thin air.

Meredith’s eyes widened. Was that a witch? No. Something wasn’t right. Even when she willed herself to move, she couldn’t do it. Her mind was completely numbed by fear.

They stopped a few feet before her and gave a curt bow. “Forgive me, Lady Meredith. I do not mean to frighten you.” It was a manly voice, deep and smooth, full of power.

Wait… did the person just mention her name?

The figure took off their hood and Meredith audibly gasped at the sight of the most beautiful man she had ever seen. He was something right out of a cliche fairy tale.

His skin was darker than night, and his irises shone with a brilliant golden hue. His long black hair draped past his sturdy broad shoulders. The striking contrast between his midnight skin and golden eyes was enchanting. But never once did Meredith lose her guard. After all, she was in the presence of a demon. Something about him reminded Meredith of Nyx.

“Who are you?” she asked when she finally found her voice.

“I am Ezerix, milady.” He clasped his hand over his chest. “Second Demon Guard of Her Royal Highness, Princess Onixcasria.”

Meredith paused. “I’m sorry who?”

What in the hell was happening? This man had confirmed her suspicions that he was a demon? But what was he talking about? Who the hell was Princess Onixcasria?

Onixcasria. It sounded so familiar. Wait… Meredith narrowed her eyes.

“Are you talking about Nyx… Onyx Castle?”

“Indeed, Lady Meredith. Her Highness commanded me to keep you safe.”

She did? How long had this been going on? “Have you been stalking me all this time?”

“Indeed, Lady Meredith.” Wow. He didn’t even deny it.

“Meredith… please just call me Meredith.”

“Forgive me, Lady Meredith.”

She sighed. This was pointless. “How long have you been… keeping an eye on me?”

“Since your first date with Her Highness.”

“What?” That was two months ago. She’d been under Nyx’s protection all this while, even after she broke her heart.

Meredith bit her lips, suddenly feeling a deep sense of loss. “How’s she doing?”

That was a stupid question. She knew exactly how Nyx was doing. And it was certainly not a picnic.

“I haven’t seen Her Highness in a while. But I do sense her all the time. She’s… not too well, I’m afraid.” His golden eyes darkened a little. “But Her Highness is strong. She’ll get through it, I’m certain.”

Those words weren’t enough to comfort Meredith, but she nodded anyway. She wished she was by Nyx’s side, easing her pain however she could.

She hated that she couldn’t do it. That she had no choice.

But did she really not have a choice? She did have a choice. She would rather not have to choose between her parents and Nyx. But those were the cards her parents had dealt her. Maybe the fated bond didn’t work on Meredith because she wasn’t a demon. But she sure as hell knew for a fact that she wanted to be with Nyx.

These past few days had taught her that.

“Would you like me to transport you home, Lady Meredith?”

Meredith paused thoughtfully. “Actually, can you take me to Nyx? I need to see her?”

“As you wish, Lady Meredith.” Ezerix smiled for the first time. It was small but genuine. “Do take my hand, will you?”

When Meredith took his warm hands, he paused for a moment and said, “Forgive me, but teleportation might feel a little strange on your body for the first time. Do bear with me.”

Meredith nodded. How bad could it be anyway? It certainly couldn’t be worse than watching Nyx suffer. Right?

Sᴇarch the FindNovel.net website on G𝘰𝘰gle to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.