21

On the way back, Caelum Valtaris was unusually silent.

Though he was rarely talkative, tonight his silence was suffocating, like an early winter frost descending upon the sunlit city of Vescalen.

Even the usually oblivious Aurelia Delensar noticed something was off.

She kept glancing at him, her eyes scanning him up and down as if he were a new toy she'd just discovered.

—His skin was already dark, but tonight it seemed even darker, as if it could drip ink if squeezed.

How amusing.

"Pfft—"

Aurelia suddenly burst into laughter, her crescent-shaped eyes sparkling. "Nini, are you upset?"

Her voice was light and melodic, accompanied by the soft jingling of the bells at her ankles.

Caelum didn't respond.

He continued to sulk, glancing at Aurelia's radiant smile, which in his eyes was proof of her enjoyment with Edward at the banquet.

The knight thought bitterly that Aurelia had never smiled so brightly when she was with him.

Was Edward really that much more entertaining?

Caelum's prolonged silence only piqued Aurelia's curiosity.

She stopped walking and turned to face him.

Her hands behind her back, she tiptoed forward like a fluttering bird, leaning in close to his face. "What's wrong? You disappeared all night, and now you're acting like a mute."

Caelum remained silent.

He had been standing right behind her, where she could easily see him, but she'd forgotten him and gone off to the balcony with another man.

And now she was blaming him for disappearing!

In truth, it wasn't Aurelia's fault.

Caelum had forgotten one crucial detail—

In the past, even if he didn't join the dance floor, he always wore his striking golden armor, his tall figure standing out like a beacon.

Tonight, he was dressed plainly, blending into the shadows, his lycan instincts making him nearly invisible.

No wonder Aurelia couldn't find him.

"Tell me, my little puppy, what's bothering you?"

Aurelia's voice was as soft as cotton candy, sweet and teasing. She playfully gave Caelum a new nickname. "Nini, are you my little puppy?"

Without his armor, Caelum looked like a large, brooding dog with his dark skin and hair, his golden eyes glistening with a hint of sadness.

It was almost endearing.

Aurelia reached out and unexpectedly ruffled his hair.

It was coarser than hers but not unpleasant to touch, the texture surprisingly soft.

Caelum froze.

Her pale, delicate fingers threaded through his hair, the contrast stark and oddly mesmerizing, like vines creeping through a dense forest.

A shiver ran down his spine, and he struggled to maintain his composure.

Especially when Aurelia bit her lip and murmured, "Little puppy," her voice dripping with sweetness.

His golden eyes flickered, and he quickly looked away, unable to meet her ruby gaze.

Even the priceless crown paled in comparison to her brilliance.

Seeing that Caelum didn't react negatively to being called a puppy, Aurelia decided to tease him further.

She loved seeing him flustered, his usual stoicism giving way to helpless indulgence.

"Nini, lower your head a bit," she commanded sweetly.

Caelum obeyed without a word.

Aurelia hooked her arms around his neck and climbed onto him, confident he wouldn't let her fall.

Then she began to playfully ruffle his hair, giggling. "You're like a little puppy who pouts but won't say a word."

Caelum's throat tightened.

He remained still, letting the spoiled princess tug at his hair, her fingers occasionally brushing his scalp.

It felt like she was petting a dog, her fingers trailing from the back of his head to the base of his ears.

Aurelia gasped in surprise. "Nini, your ears are so warm!"

She giggled, reminiscing. "You know, my teacup poodle used to get warm ears when I petted him too. He'd wag his tail like a little whirlwind."

She mimicked the motion, her laughter infectious. "I loved holding him. He was so warm, like a hand warmer in winter. But he was too skinny—he'd always lose in fights."

Hearing her imply he couldn't fight, Caelum glanced at her, his golden eyes glinting.

Aurelia laughed, her voice soft and teasing. "What's wrong? I didn't say you couldn't fight, my little puppy."

She patted his muscular shoulders, her touch lingering on the firm, powerful lines.

Then she leaned her head against his neck, nuzzling him with a smile.

"You're so strong," she praised, her voice warm and sincere.

Caelum couldn't handle this.

His arms tightened around her slender waist, his muscles tensing.

But he quickly let go, his lips pressed together in nervous anticipation.

Surely, Aurelia would scold him for being too rough.

"Mmm…"

Instead, she let out a soft, unfamiliar sound, her voice laced with a hint of something sweet and intoxicating.

Caelum's eyes widened.

He looked at her, noticing the faint flush on her cheeks, the way her eyes sparkled with a newfound allure.

Was she…?

The scent of Crimson Bloom filled the air, overwhelming his senses, seeping into his veins.

Beneath the sweetness, he caught a faint trace of alcohol.

She was drunk.

The girl he'd longed for was now in his arms, clinging to him, more enticing than ever.

But he couldn't.

Caelum took a deep breath, his claws digging into his palms, drawing blood.

Calm. Control.

The wolf within him fought to break free, but he forced it back, his mind throbbing with the effort.

He tried to steer the conversation elsewhere. "My lady, should we stay in Darrowye for the night and leave tomorrow?"

Aurelia shook her head firmly. "No! We're leaving tonight, and that's final."

She grabbed his ears, tugging them playfully. "You have to listen to me! You're my knight, and you'll do as I say!"

Caelum sighed, giving in to her whims.

"Yes, I'm your knight."

Aurelia nodded, satisfied. "Good!"

She kept hold of his ears, marveling at how warm and soft they were.

For a moment, she truly felt like she was holding a puppy's ears.

Her little puppy…

Her Nini…

A reward…?

Her thoughts muddled by alcohol, she murmured, "Good puppies… get rewards from their masters."

"What reward will you give me?"

Caelum's voice was low and smooth, coaxing the drunken princess.

Aurelia blinked, confused. "Reward? For who?"

She'd already forgotten her own words.

Her head tilted, her hazy eyes reflecting Caelum's golden gaze, the pupils sharp and predatory.

"For me. For Nini."

Caelum leaned in slightly, his breath brushing her ear, hot and tantalizing.

His fangs hovered dangerously close to her soft, pale skin.

Aurelia, completely disoriented, nodded. "Okay… a reward for Nini."

Caelum's breath hitched.

He closed his eyes, his fingers brushing her waist, the fabric thin enough to feel her warmth.

She was like a blooming flower, vulnerable and sweet.

The wolf within him ached to claim her, to devour her completely.

But he held back, his voice barely a whisper. "Can I have any reward?"

Aurelia nodded again, her voice soft. "Yes…"

Caelum took a deep breath, his heart pounding.

He knew this was self-deception, but the opportunity was too rare to pass up.

"Then, my lady, can you promise me… that you'll never abandon me?"

Aurelia frowned, even in her drunken state. "That's not a reward… You're my knight. Of course, you'll stay with me."

Caelum pressed on. "I want to hear you say it."

He held his breath, waiting, hoping for the unexpected gift.

"Fine…"

Aurelia nodded generously. "I'll never abandon Nini."

Her eyes, filled with a soft haze, sparkled as she smiled.

She cupped his face and, before he could react, pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead.

"Mwah."

The sound was soft, like a drop of water rippling across a still lake.

Caelum's arms tightened around her, pulling her close.

Aurelia's lips accidentally brushed against his nose as she tried to pull away.

"Ah—!"

Her startled cry was swallowed by his embrace.

Darkness enveloped her, and she felt herself wrapped in warmth, the sensation both comforting and overwhelming.

Her senses heightened, she noticed something hard pressing against her thigh.

Her voice, soft and confused, broke the silence.

"Nini, your sword… it's poking my leg."

"It's so hard."