Chapter 11：Down to hell

Devon had followed Lewis from behind. However, just as they were by the door, Devon held her hand closer to her chest as she stopped.

Lewis, who already stepped out of the door, turned around. His brows raised, seeing the reluctance and worry creeping out on her face.

"What are you doing, my friend?" He asked out of curiosity.

"Uh…" Devon opened her mouth, but no words came out. Her lower lip trembling, recalling her fears of her life.

Even though she was aware they blessed her to live in another person's body, her memories were intact. The memories in the castle where she spent her life in torment.

"I, uh…"

Lewis sighed, impatiently. But he didn't want to force her or anything. Hence, he raised his hand and offered it to her.

"If you're scared, hold my hand." He said, along with another sigh. "No one will hurt you, I assure you that."

He added. His tone firm and reassuring. Devon raised her brows, biting her lower lip. She darted her head from his eyes to his hand.

"Alright…" she replied timidly as she slowly reached to his hand.

As soon as she slid her fingers into his large hands, she took a deep breath. Lewis stared at her patiently, watching her carefully overcome her fear, which was unknown to him.

When she heaved a sigh of relief, Devon looked up to him and smiled. Her smile and the way her eyes twinkled at this 'achievement', caught him off guard.

"My lord…" she breathed, squeezing his hand unconsciously. "I did it."

"Hah," Rendered speechless at her reaction, it conflicted Lewis.

She just stepped out of the hospital room. But she looked so proud as if she won an Olympic with a gold medal.

"You did." He snapped his tongue, ignoring his ridiculous thoughts.

"So, let's go."

Without waiting for her, he started walking, dragging her with him. Still, Devon didn't feel any pain as he held her hands.

Since his steps were large, she had to jog. Devon looked around, passing by nurses and patients.

"My lord," she called out, hastening her pace to keep up with him.

Out of overwhelming worries walking with people who paid her no attention, Devon strode close to his back. From a bystander's perspective, they'd easily tell they were lovers.

But they were not. Still, Lewis paid her no mind until he stopped in front of the elevator.

As they were waiting for the elevator to open, he cocked his head towards her. And then his eyes landed on their hands.

There wasn't much emotion in his eyes as he stared at his hand holding hers. This was not their first time holding hands. They'd even cuddled before.

However, this was their first holding hands publicly. This was not part of their contract.

Lewis raised his gaze to her side profile. Devon was clasping her chest, smiling as she was biting her lower lip.

'What's wrong with her?' He wondered internally. 'Oh… her head.'

"What is this, my lord?" Devon asked when she stabilized her breathing and calmed her racing heart.

She looked up to him, surprised to see him staring at her.

"Am I your master or your friend? Make up your mind." He humored.

"Oh!" An awkward smile slipped past her lips. "Apologies, my friend. This situation overwhelmed me, I thought my heart will explode."

Devon was panting for air, smiling. Her cheek was colored with a light shade of red. She's flustered.

"What situation?" He tilted his head to the side. "You don't mean this?"

He raised their hands, arching his brow. After all, the way she put it could lead to a misunderstanding.

Lewis wasn't fond of misunderstandings. Hence, he asked.

"What?" Devon shot their hands a look. Then she shook her head and her eyes brightened even more.

"Certainly not!"

It was, indeed, something else. As a princess who was locked in a tower until the day of her coming of age, this experience made her heart giddy.

After all, even when she got married, she could not go outside. Everywhere she goes around her enormous cage — called the palace — servants followed her.

Now, in this body, and on this strange floor she had never seen before. Devon realized she had broken free.

Like a bird who finally escaped her cage. She could finally fly freely with no one's restriction.

Alas, just when she was about to tear up out of happiness, Lewis let go of her hand. He opened his hand and let her hand drop from his grip.

"Huh?"

Ignoring her puzzled expression as he turned his head towards the elevator.

"That's a lift." He answered her previous query as a divertion.

"Oh…" Despite being baffled at his strange change of mood, Devon nodded and smiled.

"A lift…" She trailed off and looked up to his side. "What's that?"

*DING!*

Suddenly, a sound caught her attention. As the elevator slowly slid opened, Devon took a step back.

"That's a lift…?"

Just as her amusement escaped her lips, Lewis unhesitatingly strode inside. Upon taking two steps, he halted and gazed down.

Devon clung to his cufflinks. He slowly raised his gaze to her.

"Didn't you assure me?" She asked in urgency.

"I did."

"Why did you let go of me?" As quick as his flat response, Devon threw her next question.

"I assure you no one will hurt you. I still do. But, how about me?" In a knowing tone, Lewis replied.

His vague response baffled her. Furrowing her brows as she tilted her head a little.

"Don't worry. Let's go." Lewis beckoned, letting her cling on to his sleeves as they went in.

Although she's a bit scared, she went inside the elevator. She watched as Lewis pressed a number before he stood still.

Devon clasped his sleeve tightly, holding her breath as the door closed.

"What — what…" She couldn't finish her sentence as the lift shook a little.

"Ah!" Devon squeezed herself in his back, shutting her eyes closed.

"It's just a lift. It's better to use it than stairs." He uttered with a straight face.

Upon hearing his remarks, Devon opened her one eye, and then the other followed. She looked around. Nothing changed.

"A lift…" she repeated under her breath. "Where will it take us?"

"Down." Lewis glanced at her and caught her shocked expression.

Seeing her hold her breath, the side of his lips curled mischievously.

"Do — down, where?"

"Down to hell."