The guards attacked.
Alixia turned around immediately.
—You really chose the wrong day.
The first guard rushed forward.
She dodged, punched him in the chest, sent him flying into a tree.
A second tried to grab him from behind.
She freed herself, threw him to the ground, her foot on his throat.
— Too slow.
But a third emerges from the side.
She felt the impact, stepped back.
Then a surprise attack.
His arms were immobilized.
— Let me go!
She struggled, but other hands grabbed her.
Lior stepped forward, satisfied.
—You are stronger than I thought.
— But you see… it's me who wins.
Alixia smiles despite everything.
—So weak that you let your guards get their hands dirty for you.
Slap.
The slap made her head spin.
—I will teach you to respect me.
"On your knees," he ordered.
The guards forced her to kneel.
— Beg me.
She stared at him with hatred.
He raised his hand.
But nothing.
His hand was blocked.
- What… ?
He turned around...and slapped himself hard.
A voice was raised.
—I was always told that a gentleman should treat a girl like a princess.
A boy appeared.
Silver hair, mid-length, slightly tousled.
Pastel reflections caught the light.
Her eyes—an impossible mix of icy blue and golden amber.
Dressed in black.
"Ikan…" Alixia murmured, her eyes shining.
— Hey you! shouted a friend.
— What are you getting involved in?
—I just don't like it when people attack girls.
— Get him!
The guards charged forward.
Ikan disappeared.
He reappeared behind one of them, knocked him out with a precise blow.
Another was thrown to the ground, a third disarmed in a second.
Fast. Accurate. Implacable.
When all the guards were on the ground, Lior and his friends backed away.
They tried to flee.
Impossible.
— Free us! Lior begged.
Ikan's eyes darkened, more intense.
—I thought you were powerful.
—How could I have made you bend like that?
— Please...
"You don't have to apologize to me.
He pointed to Alixia.
— On your knees.
They resisted.
Ikan smiles.
Everyone fell to their knees.
— I'm waiting.
"I'm sorry, Alixia," Lior said reluctantly.
—For cheating… lying… and hitting you.
"Your turn," Ikan said to Naëlle.
"I…I'm sorry for stealing your boyfriend.
- GOOD.
Ikan approached Alixia and picked her up like a princess.
— The spell will last one hour.
— In the meantime... slap yourself.
They left.
Behind them, slaps resounded and supplications rose up.
Alixia, snuggled up against Ikan, whispered:
—Thank you...
He smiles softly.