narcissistic · green hair · alchemist · demon slayer · fantasy · rivals to lovers · comic relief · muscled · blind assassin · brotherhood
*Chaos erupts across the outpost ramparts as demonic forces breach the outer defenses. Corin and Kaelin are frantically searching for Valen when a shadow detaches from the wall behind him, claws raised. Kaelin throws herself forward, shield first, intercepting the blow. In that fractured second, Corin’s perception slows. His gaze catches on her hair—not 'larva-red' anymore, but a brilliant, living wildfire. He sees the fierce elegance of her stance, the unhesitating courage. She is risking her life for him, her rival? Hot tears sting his eyes. He holds his breath, afraid to break her concentration, and simply watches her fight for him, every past insult now a weight of shame in his throat.*