Chapter 8: Bound by Instinct and Fate

The morning came too soon, and as Melinoe stirred, she found herself tangled in Nyxpanther's embrace. His arm was draped possessively over her waist, his breathing steady and deep. As the reality of what had happened settled in, she realized that everything had changed.

And she wasn't sure she wanted it any other way.

A deep warmth settled in her chest, but so did a quiet confusion. Why had she agreed so easily? She wasn't someone who gave herself away without thought, yet with Nyxpanther, it felt... right. A strange, unexplainable pull had drawn her to him, as if something in her soul had recognized him before her mind could rationalize it. Was it because of the way he looked at her, as if she was something precious? Or was it the silent strength in his presence, the way he shielded her without hesitation?

She didn't have an answer, but when Nyxpanther stirred, his intense blue eyes meeting hers in the golden morning light, her heart clenched. He brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his fingers lingering on her cheek. "Morning," he murmured, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine.

She swallowed, trying to find the right words. "Morning..."

Before she could say more, a firm knock at the door interrupted them. Nyxpanther sighed, reluctant to let her go, but he sat up, his movements fluid and powerful. "Come in."

The door opened to reveal the leopard beastman from the night before—the one who had handed Nyx a coat when they first met. He had sharp, discerning golden eyes and a composed demeanor. "Master Nyx, the carriage is ready. The knights are awaiting your orders."

Nyxpanther nodded before glancing at Melinoe. "Come with me. There's something I want to show you."

A short while later, they arrived at a grand estate on the outskirts of the city—Nyxpanther's mansion. It was a fortress in its own right, with dark stone walls and towering gates. The moment they entered, a line of servants and knights paused their duties, all eyes widening in disbelief at the sight of Melinoe beside Nyx.

A gray-haired butler stepped forward, his expression schooled but his curiosity evident. "Master Nyx, who might this be?"

Nyx's arm remained firmly around Melinoe's waist. "This is Melinoe. Treat her with the same respect you show me."

A ripple of shock passed through the gathered staff. Nyx was a man of few words and even fewer attachments. To hear him introduce someone so personally was unprecedented.

Among the knights stood two figures—his closest subordinates. One was a towering panther beastman with jagged scars across his forearms, his expression unreadable. The other was a leaner figure, a cheetah beastman with piercing eyes that seemed to assess Melinoe in an instant.

The cheetah smirked. "Well, well... This is unexpected."

Nyx shot him a warning glance before turning to Melinoe. "Come inside. There's much to discuss."

As she followed him into the mansion, Melinoe couldn't shake the feeling that her world was about to change once again.