I won't fall for the queen who burned my world-Chapter 154: I always act like this

The morning was tense.

Not because something had been said.

But because too much had been felt.

Elysia stood at the edge of the cabin’s main room, her hand still resting on the wooden frame of the doorway that led into the kitchen, her bare feet pressing lightly against the cool wood floor.

Her silver hair, damp from the long, hot bath she’d just taken, clung to her shoulders and spine, the ends curling in soft disarray.

Her tunic was simple linen dyed a muted maroon that hugged her figure just enough to be comfortable without being suffocating but she still felt too warm.

Because Malvoria was standing by the kitchen counter.

Cooking. And somehow managing to look like the most dangerously attractive person in the universe.

Her crimson hair was tied into a loose braid that hung over one shoulder, a few strands escaping to frame her sharp face.

She wore no armor, no cloak—just a sleeveless black top that hugged her torso, exposing toned arms, shoulders carved like stone, and the faint glisten of heat along her skin as she stirred something in a pan over the fire.

The scent was unfair. Spiced meat, herbs, the rich aroma of roasted vegetables—it wrapped around Elysia like a seduction.

Elysia blinked.

She had hugged Malvoria.

No. More than hugged.

She’d clung to her.

Clutched at her shirt like a frightened child, like she couldn’t breathe unless Malvoria was there to hold her together. And she hadn’t let go. Even when morning light crept in. Even when her rational mind should’ve returned.

And the worst part?

The worst part?

She didn’t regret it.

Malvoria had made the first move that night—had pulled her close, whispered soft reassurance, wrapped arms around her like iron and silk combined—and it had been safe. Warm. Real.

Elysia hadn’t realized how much she needed that until she was already melting into it.

Malvoria had felt like protection.

Not just from the storm, but from the thoughts she didn’t want to have. From the aching uncertainty in her chest. From herself.

Elysia shook her head.

Nope.

Too much.

She needed a distraction—something, anything—

She stepped forward a little too quickly.

Her head collided with the corner of a cabinet.

"Ow—dammit!"

Malvoria turned instantly, the cooking spoon still in her hand. "What the hell was that?"

"I—nothing," Elysia said too fast, waving one hand while she used the other to rub her side. "Nothing. Cabinets. Evil. Who needs furniture anyway?"

Malvoria didn’t move from the stove. But her mouth curled in a slow, smug line.

"You’re such a graceful creature," she said dryly. "Truly majestic."

"I tripped over a cabinet. It’s not a crime."

"It’s not not a crime," Malvoria countered. "At least not when it happens every other day."

Elysia flipped her damp hair back and marched past her toward the table. "Are we eating or are you going to critique my entire existence?"

"Both," Malvoria replied, placing a pan on a wooden trivet with a practiced ease that should not look as good as it did.

The food was annoyingly amazing. Spiced and seared meat, soft bread, and sautéed greens that made Elysia’s mouth water the moment she took a bite. She tried not to let her eyes roll back in pleasure.

Malvoria watched her.

Watched every movement like she could read her thoughts.

Which, knowing Malvoria, she probably could.

After a few bites, Malvoria’s gaze shifted pointedly to Elysia’s head. "You sure you’re okay?"

"What?"

"You hit your head pretty hard on that cabinet."

"It’s fine," Elysia muttered.

"You sure?" Malvoria’s tone was teasing now, a dark glint in her gray eyes. "Because if you start acting weirder than usual, I’ll need to test for brain damage."

"I always act like this."

"Exactly."

"Okay," Elysia said, putting down her fork with a forced sigh. "Let’s change the subject before I stab you with a spoon."

Malvoria smirked. "Tempting offer."

"I hate you."

"That’s not new."

And then Malvoria leaned back, crossing her arms lazily. "What do you think about a visit to the lake? A high-altitude one. The view’s decent."

Elysia blinked.

"Are you asking me to go on a romantic scenic hike after insulting me over breakfast?"

"Yes."

She should’ve said no.

She should’ve rolled her eyes and made some comment about demonic manipulation.

But instead, she found herself nodding. "Sure. Let’s go."

The hike to the lake was tougher than the others.

Steep inclines, winding paths that twisted between old trees and jagged stone. The air grew thinner the higher they climbed, crisp and sharp with the scent of pine and moss.

But gods, the view—

The moment they stepped through a clearing and found the lake, Elysia stopped breathing.

It was perfect.

The water lay still and crystalline, a sheet of glass catching the sky. Every cloud, every hint of sun, reflected back so clearly it looked like a second world.

Flowers bloomed along the edges in blue and violet clusters, their petals swaying in the breeze. The far side of the lake dropped into a valley, endless stretches of forest folding beneath it.

It felt untouched. Ancient. Sacred.

Elysia stepped forward without thinking, her boots sinking into the soft grass. She removed them, pulling off her socks and rolling up her pants before wading into the water.

It was cold.

But it made her feel something.

Alive.

She let out a soft laugh, spinning once, then kicked up a splash of water in Malvoria’s direction.

A lot of water.

Malvoria didn’t flinch.

She stood on the bank, arms crossed, expression blank.

"You’re trying to die," she said flatly.

Elysia grinned. "Maybe. Are you going to punish me?"

Malvoria tilted her head. "Would you like me to?"

Elysia blinked. "That sounded way too suggestive."

"Did it?"

Elysia opened her mouth—and was hit square in the face with a burst of water.

She gasped.

Malvoria had splashed her.

Malvoria.

The terrifying Demon Queen.

Had splashed her. On purpose. With a smirk.

"You—" Elysia sputtered, blinking through water. "You child!"

Malvoria chuckled.

A real, genuine laugh.

Deep and full and completely unexpected. Not cold. Not sharp.

Warm.

Elysia stared.

Because she’d never heard it before. Not like that.

And it made something flip in her stomach.

Made her want to do it again.

She splashed her back, smaller this time, laughing through her own surprise.

And Malvoria didn’t glare or threaten or scowl.

She just smiled.

Not a smirk.

Not a mocking grin.

A real, damnably soft smile.

Elysia’s heart stumbled.

Dangerous.

This was dangerous.

She stepped out of the water, brushing wet strands of hair from her face, and sat down on a flat rock warmed by the sun.

Malvoria joined her a moment later, damp at the edges, her sleeves pushed up, her expression unreadable again.

But something had cracked.

Something had shifted.

And Elysia wasn’t sure she could put it back.