Chapter 53: Choice (Part II)

Ivina stared at Bucher in surprise. Such speed was indeed beyond human capabilities. At the same time, Luo's hand, which had been raised in the air, fell stiffly to his side.

For a moment, an awkward silence fell between the three of them.

　　Slowly, Bucher made a move. He gently picked up the wine glass that had nearly tipped over, bringing the rim close to his nose. Perhaps savoring the rich aroma of the wine, he closed his eyes in enjoyment, then gradually bent his body downward. 

　　Only when he was very close to Ivina's cheek did Bucher lazily open his eyes.

　　Ivina was at a loss, her heart racing with fear. But what was even more shocking was the words that followed.

"I will replace the passionate roses with intoxicating red wine and invite you to be my dance partner."

　　How bold a challenge! Yet Bucher spoke with such calmness, as if requesting something ordinary. 

　　Ivina stared at Bucher, forgetting even to avert her gaze or blink.

　　They were equally captivating eyes. Lord's eyes were deep yet clear; in his eyes, the deep purple irises held a layer of mist, causing confusion. 

"But… Lord Qisa, I am your dance partner." Bia raised her voice in disbelief, her smile nearly cracking on her beautiful face.

　　Did this man not even deign to glance at her? She was the object of desire for so many men, yet this Bucher... 

Bia desperately tried to regain her composure. She couldn't afford to lose face, after all, the others present were prominent vampires, beings from the underworld, and her king.

　　However, Biya's words only added to the tense atmosphere, having no effect on turning the situation around. 

　　Luo narrowed his eyes, his gaze filled with intensity. 

　　Yes, that man was provoking him, trying to anger him to drain his rationality. 

　　Good, he had succeeded. 

　　Luo's hand rested on the edge of the table, as if he might rise to his full height at any moment.

　　He was certain that if there were a sharp weapon within reach, he would swing it at Bucher without hesitation.

　　He didn't know where this anger came from, but perhaps, perhaps no matter who the target was... And Ivina, simply because she was his untamed prey, was the reason he cared so much about her.

　　That was indeed the case, Luo kept telling himself.

　　[Master, you must not antagonize the Underworld at this time. The border issue has yet to be resolved, and if a direct conflict were to arise now, such new and old grudges would be difficult to resolve...] S relied on psychic power to converse with Luo.

[No need to say more; I will decide for myself.]

　　Meanwhile, Ivina waited impatiently. Faced with Bucher's invitation to dance, she stood stiffly in place, her dark eyes finally turning to Luo with hope. 

　　She wanted him to take her hand. At this moment, her heart finally confessed its true feelings.

　　All the vampires in the room gasped. They had witnessed bloody wars and intense negotiations, but they had never seen such a scene before. What decision would their king make? 

　　For the vampire clan, or for that sinful witch. 

　　He pulled her into his arms.