07. Sweet Smell

Rosella smiled as she read every word written on the white sheet of paper. It hadn't even been seven days since she was trapped in this place, yet the warmth of the message made her unable to suppress her smile.

A warmth she hadn't felt in a long time.

Ever since her adoptive parents died, Rosella had focused solely on becoming stronger—on avenging them. Even when she lived with her comrades, she had never felt as comfortable as she did with these strangers she had only just met.

With great care, she folded the letter, treating it like a precious treasure. Then, she resumed eating the warm porridge, savoring both its comforting taste and the view of the rose garden outside.

Once she felt re-energized, she decided to leave her room. There was no way she'd be unlucky enough to run into him.

Besides, from what Lorien had told her, this castle was enormous.

Rosella needed to move around, to train, to keep her skills sharp. No matter how comfortable she felt, she couldn't forget her true purpose.

"What are you doing here?"

Damn it.

She had barely left the kitchen after returning her bowl when she heard that voice. She had planned to head to the training grounds—wherever they were in this labyrinth of a castle—but, of course, things wouldn't go that smoothly.

The last person she wanted to see had appeared before her, coming from the opposite direction.

I must be cursed, she thought grimly, quickly turning her back to him, ignoring his icy gaze.

Why was this happening?

No matter which way she moved, he kept following. She turned another corner, only to find herself at a dead end. Frustrated, she spun back around, ready to face him head-on.

The white-haired man stopped as well, looking slightly puzzled.

"Listen," Rosella started, exhaling sharply. "I know you don't want me here. But as I've already said, I can't leave. And believe me, I want to. There are important things I need to do, and my friends are probably worried sick about me."

"I know."

"Then why do you keep following me?"

The man tilted his head, genuinely confused. "Who said I was following you?"

Rosella blinked. Was he really this oblivious?

As much as she hated to admit it, he was frustratingly handsome—tall, sharp-jawed, and exuding an air of cold charisma. But that didn't mean she'd fall for him so easily.

"Of course it's you," she snapped.

Zale, as she now knew him, blinked before slowly nodding. "You think I was following you?"

She nodded without hesitation. Obviously!

The next second, a smirk tugged at his lips. He took a step closer, and out of pure instinct, Rosella squeezed her eyes shut and held her breath.

Why am I acting like this?

One second.

Two seconds.

Three.

Nothing happened.

The soft sound of footsteps faded, replaced by the creak of a door opening.

"You misunderstood," Zale said. "I was just heading to the training grounds."

And just like that, he was gone, leaving Rosella standing there, humiliated beyond belief.

Opening her eyes, she stared at the faint, shimmering frost left in his wake. It took her a few moments to process her own foolishness. When she finally did, she crouched down, burying her face in her hands.

Why am I such an idiot?

"Is something wrong?"

Rosella looked up. Her mouth fell slightly open.

Was she dead? Was this heaven?

Why were there so many handsome men in this castle?

"Are you alright?" the man asked, concern evident in his deep, rich voice.

Rosella nearly shrieked. Why does his voice sound so damn attractive? And that jawline—

She had never seen him before. Who was he? From the way he looked at her with worry, could he be… Kian?

"You…"

Before she could finish, the man extended a hand and helped her up. His striking dark green hair framed his sharp features, his expression still full of concern.

"I believe this is our first time meeting. I'm Ryuu." He offered her a kind smile. "I've heard a lot about you from the others. It must be difficult, being unable to leave."

Rosella shook her head instinctively. His voice… it's hypnotic.

Realizing what was happening, Ryuu quickly reined in his power, stopping it from leaking out unintentionally.

Rosella snapped back to reality, blinking in confusion.

"Are you alright now?" Ryuu asked again, still watching her with concern.

Rosella touched her forehead. Why do I suddenly feel lightheaded? Had she lied about being sick too often? Was she actually sick now?

"I apologize for that."

She had no idea what he was apologizing for, but she nodded anyway.

"I think I feel a little better," she admitted.

Ryuu nodded, his gaze shifting to her outfit. "Where were you headed in that?"

"I was going to train. I can't afford to let my skills get rusty. After all, I'm a vampire hunter."

Ryuu fell silent, his expression unreadable. It made Rosella slightly uneasy.

"Do you hate them that much?"

"Of course," she said without hesitation. "I can't let them roam freely. But don't worry—I'll help you all escape this castle and bring you to my adoptive father. I'm sure he'll be happy to see you. You could even become vampire hunters yourselves."

Ryuu forced a small smile. "I appreciate that, but… it's not that simple."

"Maybe not, but things could change now that I'm here. You do know about my magic, right?"

Ryuu raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You have magic?"

Rosella grinned and gestured for him to lean closer. When he did, she whispered into his ear, "My magic is never giving up."

She pulled back with a radiant smile, looking proud of herself.

Ryuu blinked, then frowned slightly, as if trying to process what she had just said. That… wasn't magic. He wanted to say so, but in the end, he decided to let it slide.

If keeping her spirits high helped her endure being trapped here, then so be it.

"I'll look forward to seeing it in action," he said, finally smiling back.

Together, they headed for the training grounds.

When they arrived, the others were already there. Lorien waved enthusiastically from the sidelines. Elio and Rein were sparring, while Zale and Lucian stood nearby, watching with interest.

"Got tired of being alone in your room?" Lorien teased, patting the empty bench beside him.

Rosella sat down, watching as the men trained. For some reason, the sight was… oddly captivating. Handsome warriors, sweating, giving it their all—

Wait.

Something caught her attention. A scent.

A sweet scent she could never forget.

Her eyes darted around the field, searching. But aside from the six of them, there was no one else.

"…Was Kian here earlier?" she asked suddenly.

The reaction was instant.

Lorien and the others exchanged startled glances. "How did you know?" Lorien asked. "He was here, but he left all of a sudden."

"But, Rose… how did you know he was here?"