Shivers (II)

"Where do you think you are going, Lilac Girl?" He asked, his deep voice was a low growl that immediately sent shivers running down Seraphina's spine all over again.

The endearment came out of nowhere and it almost left her speechless. She opened her mouth, ready to remind him that she was going to take a bath, but no words made their way out of her mouth. She just stood there staring at the man in shock while her heart pounded like crazy in her chest.

She was starting to hate her so-called spirit's heart. The thing kept betraying her the first chance it get, but it wasn't like her body was any better. Despite the initial shock, she was aware of the way her body was reacting toward the man. She recognized that overwhelming feeling immediately.

Desire.

The realization left her stunned and she quickly returned to her senses. "What are you doing? Let me go." She demanded as she thought about using her other hand to push him away, but quickly changed her mind as she didn't want her other hand to get pinned over head too.

A barely noticeable smile curved the corners of Arwan's lips as instead of moving away, he took a step forward, almost pressing their bodies together with no regard to the fact that she was covered in dust.

"There's no hurry for that, is there? Let's have a few words first." His voice came out low and dark as he spoke the words. "You do owe me that much after using me like your personal servant."

"I..." Seraphina opened her mouth to speak but the words got stuck in her throat when she noticed him inching his face closer. Her heart was nearly jumping in both anxiety and anticipation as she forced herself to stay still. Just as their lips were almost about to brush, he dipped his head to the side and nuzzled against the crook of her neck.

A sharp gasp escaped her lips when she felt his nose brushing against the side of her neck right before he inhaled deeply as if to take in her scent. The thought made her blush. But his next move left her mind completely blank when she felt his lips brushing softly against her skin.

"Arwan."

His name escaped her lips in a mere whisper and she felt the man pulling back enough to look at her face. It was only then did she notice how his beautiful emerald eyes had shifted into the deepest shade of amber.

He suddenly growled, low and deep, and the sound made Seraphina's legs lose their strength all of a sudden. Thankfully, the man immediately wrapped his hand around her waist and stopped her from landing on the hard floor.

The look in his eyes was that of approval, as if he was enjoying the way she was reacting toward him. With their bodies literally pressed against each other's, it was hard for Seraphina to think properly. All that she was able to focus on was how good it felt to be in his strong arms.

"Say that again." He suddenly demanded.

"Huh?"

"My name." He whispered as he gazed into her eyes with his face merely an inch away from hers.

The request, or more precisely the demand, was abrupt and weird. Yet, Seraphina found herself complying. Her lips parted on their own accord and she whispered his name - "Arwan."

The man inhaled deeply, as if hearing her calling his name was doing something really crazy to him. Closing his eyes, he rested his forehead against hers and finally released her hand that he had been keeping caged above her head all this time.

While Seraphina lowered her hand by her side and tried to stay as still as possible, she felt his hand coming to rest on her waist before he pushed her against the wall even more if that was even possible in the first place.

"You are going to stay. Don't you?" He suddenly asked, his eyes still closed and his warm breath fanning her lips as he spoke.

"Huh? You mean... whether I'm surviving until second ceremony?" Seraphina asked as she tried to make sense of his question.

"Mmhm." He hummed softly as he pressed his cheek against hers, causing her to inhale deeply.

"I... I will." Seraphina finally answered. She wanted to remind the man that she was covered in dust, but it seemed like he barely cared. Finding some courage, she asked, "What's up with you all of a sudden?"

The man didn't respond immediately. It was not until several long moments had passed, did he finally pulled back his face and opened his eyes to look at her, making her notice that the color of his orbs had returned to their normal emerald color to some point.

A very faint smile made its way to his lips as the man finally answered her question. "I just found something really interesting about you. That's why... I want to see you prove my brothers wrong and complete the Second Wedding Ceremony. I'm putting all my trust into you, Lilac Girl. Don't let me down."

And them, he finally stepped away from her. With a final soft look at her, he turned away and left the room, leaving a completely stunned Seraphina behind. She kept staring at the door through which he just left. As he was no longer there to hold her up, her body finally reacted and she had to take support of the wall to keep herself from falling on the floor.

"What did... just happen?"