17

Kingdom of Delensar, near the Vesperia Wastes, stood the city of Darnorya. A towering wall to the west shielded the city from the relentless sandstorms of the desert season. As the largest trade hub connecting Delensar and the nomadic tribes, Darnorya rivaled the wealth of Lionheart, the city near the royal capital. Yet, its architecture and the attire of its people were starkly different.

The marketplace buzzed with life, filled with tall, long-legged figures with deep-set features, sun-kissed skin, and hair the color of dark flax. The air was alive with the rhythmic beats of drums and the cheerful clamor of vendors. The slow, deliberate steps of a camel echoed with the gentle jingle of bells, drawing the attention of Aurelia Delensar.

Straining on her tiptoes, Aurelia craned her neck to catch a glimpse of the approaching camel. Seated atop it was a girl of exotic beauty, dressed in a cropped top and short skirt that accentuated her slender waist and long legs. A sheer golden veil draped over her, catching the light with every movement. Her sun-kissed skin radiated a vibrant energy, a stark contrast to the pale, porcelain complexions favored by the noblewomen of the capital.

Aurelia's gaze lingered on the girl's veil, adorned with shimmering mica fragments, and the colorful threads and beads woven into her hair, creating a mesmerizing halo as she swayed with the camel's gait. Such attire was common in Darnorya, where women boldly bared their arms and legs, many even running barefoot through the streets. Only outsiders like Aurelia, swathed from head to toe, stood out in their modesty.

"Nini, let's buy new clothes!" Aurelia's heart soared, free from the watchful eyes of her maids and the occasional reminders from her brother about proper decorum. She wanted to dress like the beautiful girl she had just seen.

Aurelia's golden hair and fair skin were a beacon in the city, unmistakable signs of her royal lineage. As more eyes turned toward her, Caelum Valtaris, her knight, felt an overwhelming urge to shield her from view. Bound by his duty, he could only silently deflect the curious gazes, his golden eyes, sharp and wolf-like, deterring any who dared approach.

They wandered from morning till dusk, the sun dipping below the horizon before Aurelia remembered her original errand—to purchase necessities for her monthly cycle. Glancing back at Caelum, laden with shopping bags, she asked softly, "Nini, do you have enough money?"

Caelum nodded, though Aurelia had no concept of prices. To her, a dazzling jewel and a simple ice cream were of equal value. Relieved, she smiled, "Your armor must be worth a fortune!" Then, with a rare moment of concern, she added, "How much do we have left?"

"My lady, we've spent less than a tenth," Caelum replied.

Aurelia's eyes lit up as she pointed to a crown adorned with a large ruby, displayed in a high-end jeweler's window. "Let's buy that! The ruby will match my new dress."

Caelum's silence spoke volumes. The crown's price could buy a three-story villa in the capital. Yet, he simply nodded, "As you wish, my lady."

As the stars emerged and the desert's amber hues deepened, Caelum grew anxious. The rising moon threatened to reveal his lycan nature. Aurelia, oblivious, continued her shopping spree, her energy undiminished.

"My lady, we haven't booked a room yet," Caelum gently reminded her.

"Just three more shops, then we'll go," Aurelia promised, adjusting a veil that partially obscured her face, leaving only her striking ruby eyes visible.

Caelum's breath caught. Her eyes, pure and radiant, outshone the very gem she had just purchased. He looked away, his voice hoarse, "Very well."

As they walked, Aurelia suddenly froze, a warm sensation spreading. Caelum stiffened, a low growl escaping his throat. Aurelia, flustered, whispered urgently, "Nini, take me to a room, now!"

Unprepared for her sudden discomfort, Aurelia clung to Caelum, her face buried in his chest. The scent of her blood overwhelmed him, his grip tightening as he fought to maintain control. Aurelia, oblivious, nestled closer, seeking warmth.

Caelum's lycan features began to surface, his tail emerging before he could stop it. Aurelia's eyes fluttered open, "What's that…?" Before she could see, darkness claimed her.

Kicking open the door of the nearest inn, Caelum, now fully in his lycan form, carried Aurelia inside. He set her down gently, as if handling a fragile crystal. Her pale face, marked by her own bite on her lip, was framed by golden hair, her tears glistening like rare pearls.

Caelum exhaled deeply, his control slipping. Aurelia's trust in him was both a blessing and a curse. He knelt by her side, his tongue gently catching a tear from her cheek. The sweetness of it nearly undid him.

Reluctantly, he tucked her in, ensuring she was comfortable. He had to leave before she awoke and discovered his presence. As he turned to go, he noticed her foot peeking out from the blanket. With a soft sigh, he adjusted the covers, his lips brushing her temple one last time.

"Goodnight, my lady," he whispered, his voice thick with unspoken longing.