My stepsisters are sexy demons, and I must protect them

«Big bro... Big bro! You finally woke up! We thought you would never open your eyes again — I'm so happy to see you're still alive!» Yuzu exclaims, her bright, hiccuping voice rousing Hakuto from the deep stupor that struck him the moment he reopened his eyes.

He lies on the soft double bed in the room he shares with Chantal in their loft in Rome. His limbs are still slightly numb and sore, still bothered by sporadic stabs of pain here and there.

The night they were treated by Melania, they contacted Kagura, who did not hesitate to come to their aid. After bringing them home, Hakuto and Chantal lost consciousness again, while Shin was rushed to the HESPARC Italy medical center and received special treatment reserved for official HESPARC members.

Hakuto looks around with a confused, heavy gaze. Next to him, Chantal has not yet regained consciousness, but from the regular rise and fall of her chest, he understands she is still breathing — and that calms him immediately.

But they are not alone. Besides Yuzu, curled up next to Hakuto, Rika is also there with them, sitting on the mattress at the foot of the bed. Her eyes are filled with concern yet softened by emotion, and her face is lit by a faint smile of relief.

The same cannot be said for Elisabeth Azuralis, Chantal's girlfriend, lying beside her.

«Please... my love, wake up... wake up... I can't bear the thought of living without you. You're strong, my love, the strongest of all. Don't you dare leave me alone, or I'll make you regret it, do you hear me?» Elisabeth sobs over and over, her voice breaking with tears, her words barely audible.

It's a scene that inevitably tightens Hakuto's heart — and that of his sisters as well.

«Chantal is tough. Don't worry, she'll recover,» Hakuto murmurs in a hoarse voice as he gently strokes Chantal's head. «Don't forget she's a vampire — even though her regeneration has slowed due to the wounds she took during the fight with Cassian, her system is still doing its work. I'm sure she'll open her eyes soon and scold you if she finds you with that long face and tear-stained eyes,» he adds with a faint, ironic smile, trying to ease the tension of the moment.

«Yeah, I'm sure too,» Elisabeth says, a faint smile returning to her face as she wipes her tears on the sleeve of her sweatshirt. «Knowing her, as soon as she wakes up she'll probably drag me out to train somewhere, just to make up for the week she spent unconscious in bed.»

Hakuto stares at her, puzzled.

«Chantal's dedication doesn't surprise me,» Hakuto says. «If anything, after witnessing Cassian's destructive power firsthand, she'll probably train even harder. But... does she really drag you into it too? It's true that sharing hobbies with your partner can strengthen a relationship, but she already spends hours every day training with me and my father. Why does she need to involve you as well?»

«Well... she says it's important that I can protect myself too,» Elisabeth admits, her voice softening. «And she's not wrong — knowing I'm not weak probably helps her feel calmer when she's away from home. But sometimes I feel like becoming stronger matters more to her than being with me. She denies it, of course, but when she forces me to spend our evenings fighting instead of going out to dinner, dancing, or doing what couples are supposed to do together... I just feel a bit neglected. And all those afternoons she spent with you and Shin, leaving me behind... it's like I'm just her training partner, not her girlfriend.»

Hakuto is about to answer when...

«If I spend every minute of my life trying to become stronger, it's only because I'm afraid I won't be able to protect you if those people ever find you, you idiot,» Chantal mutters, her voice slightly slurred.

A wide smile spreads across their faces as soon as they hear her words, and Elisabeth's eyes overflow with tears of joy and relief. Tears burst from her eyes as she throws herself onto Chantal, hugging her tightly.

«I was so scared, my love. I'm so happy you're awake — I love you so much!»

«Me too, you fool...» Chantal whispers softly, returning the embrace.

It's a deeply touching moment, filling the room with warmth and emotion. But for Hakuto, it also raises questions. Who was Chantal talking about? Who are "they"? Could that be the reason Elisabeth fled from N'Raeth, and why she was granted political asylum and refugee status on Earth?

Hakuto waits until the heartfelt moment between the two girls has passed before voicing his doubts.

Chantal's expression turns serious, while Elisabeth's gaze grows heavy with sadness and wistful nostalgia.

Chantal is about to answer Hakuto's question, but...

«I want to tell him myself,» Elisabeth interrupts firmly.

«Are you sure? If you're not up to it, I can do it for you — I know it's painful for you to talk about, and judging by how red and swollen your eyes are, you've already suffered enough for today,» Chantal replies, gently squeezing her hand.

Elisabeth squeezes back and nods with determination.

«My mother...» Elisabeth begins, fighting to hold back her tears. «My mother — Arielle Azuralis — was a powerful elemental mage who served directly under the crown, as the personal bodyguard of King Jade Kyndrake of Kristalia. We lived well — very well, in fact. My mother's work and her privileged position with the king gave us a comfortable and enviable life. But five years ago, something broke. Jade Kyndrake, since his coronation, had always shown remarkable foresight and kindness of heart, passing numerous laws to help the poor and the outcast — a move that cost him greatly, which required a heavy increase in taxes on the wealthy. In this world, he'd be considered something like a modern Robin Hood. His policies earned him the love of the people, but also the resentment of the noble houses whose wealth and privileges were threatened. All that resentment culminated in a coup,» Elisabeth continues, her tone growing heavier. «It was orchestrated by the Azuralis family, and many other noble houses took part — those who opposed Jade's benevolent rule. My mother had admired Jade deeply ever since they attended Astralea together, to the point where my father was quietly jealous of their closeness. She was the first to take his side and defend his vision, but her surname was her downfall. Once the rebellion was crushed, Jade Kyndrake — under the advice of his wife, Queen Viktoria Nightshade — carried out a ruthless purge of the traitors. No amount of affection or mutual respect between Jade and my mother could sway Viktoria's heart. To her, any Azuralis could be a potential assassin, and therefore had to be eliminated. Fortunately, we managed to escape the massacre and take refuge on Earth, protected by HESPARC Italy. But Viktoria Nightshade is relentless, especially when it comes to her beloved king's safety. She won't stop until every last member of the rebel houses is wiped out... I don't even want to imagine what would happen if she ever found out where we're hiding.»

Elisabeth's voice trembles as she finishes speaking, her eyes shimmering with tears.

«So... you and your parents are the only survivors of the Azuralis family?» Rika asks, her voice filled with compassion.

Elisabeth shakes her head, her expression darkening even more. «My older brother, Blake Azuralis... that stubborn fool stayed behind on N'Raeth! He said he wouldn't rest until he killed Jade Kyndrake and Viktoria Nightshade, so we could all return to N'Raeth and live the peaceful life we've always dreamed of. I only hope he's still alive... it's been four years since I last heard from him — I miss him so much...»