---
Azreal's P.O.V.
For the first time in a long while, I felt... uncomfortable.
Last night had been terrible.
I put her in that state.
I don't know why what I did affected me so deeply, but for the first time, the monster inside me felt... hurt.
Holding her cold body in my arms filled me with regret and doubt. I rushed back to the castle, terrified she might die in my hands. Miss Grump and Eve tried their best, but she wasn't getting better—only worse.
For the first time in my life, I was scared of losing someone.
That feeling made me feel... strange.
I had the instinct to save her. So, I used my powers to heal the damage I'd caused.
Luckily, it worked. The deep cuts closed, leaving her skin flawless, like it had never been wounded.
I breathed in relief, wanting to stay with her until she woke, but Eve didn't give me the chance.
Normally, I wouldn't tolerate being pushed around—but right now, I didn't feel like myself.
I sat by the window, staring out, lost in worry.
A knock pulled me from my thoughts.
"What?" I snapped, not bothering to hide my displeasure.
"Master, may I have a word?" Miss Grump's gruff voice came from the other side of the door.
There was a short silence before I gave my consent.
The door creaked open and Miss Grump entered, carrying a tray.
She set it down on a stool, poured a cup of tea, and handed it to me without a word.
"Is she awake?" I asked, breaking the silence.
"I can't be sure," she said, "but I posted someone to inform us the moment she does."
"Hmm."
I took a sip of the tea, almost drowning in my thoughts, when Miss Grump spoke again.
"She is your—"
"I know," I cut her off. "I knew from the first time I laid eyes on her... but I didn't want to accept it."
"Why, Master? Why don't you want her?"
"I don't know."
"Then what happens now?"
"Now... we wait. And watch," I replied.
Another knock interrupted us.
"What now?" I growled.
"Master, Miss Erica is awake," a timid voice announced.
Immediately, and without thinking, I stood up, a strange happiness filling me.
I hurried to her room, pushed open the door, and our eyes met.
I never thought I'd see those beautiful eyes again.
"What the hell am I thinking?"
I noticed her fidgeting with her nails, not even sparing me a glance.
For some reason, that hurt.
"Azreal! I don't want you here! Before you harm her again!" Eve's voice snapped at me, her rage filling the room.
I turned to her, annoyance flaring. She dared to grab my hand, to stop me.
Just that little action ignited a fire inside me.
"Watch your attitude, or I'll be forced to remind you how to behave in the presence of your kind," I warned her coldly.
I felt her hands tremble before she released me.
"I want to talk to her. Alone."
"No! Whatever you have to say, say it in front of us," Eve argued, trembling.
I was close to losing my temper, but then Erica's calm, enchanting voice filled the room, soothing the rage inside me.
"Eve, I'll be fine. Don't worry."
"Are you sure, Erica?"
"I'm sure, Eve. Please, go."
Eve reluctantly obeyed, shooting me a venomous glare before storming out.
The room fell silent again.
I walked over and stood by her bedside, studying her.
"How are you?" I asked, my voice softer than I intended.
---
Rachel's P.O.V.
I screamed in frustration.
That cursed girl!
She ruined everything!
If I'd known it would turn out this way, I never would've helped her escape!
I regretted it deeply.
I wanted to tell Azreal everything, to expose her, but then...
Azreal belonged to me.
If I told him what I saw, maybe he'd finally cast her out.
He had to listen.
He didn't even like her, right?
Right?
I had to find him. Now.
---
Erica's P.O.V.
I looked away, avoiding the king's intense gaze.
He walked closer, and my heart skipped a beat.
That spicy scent of his filled my senses again.
"How are you?" he asked, his deep, husky voice ringing in my ears.
It was so compelling. So comforting.
"I am fine, my King. Thank you for saving me," I replied, hoping he would leave.
Instead, he sat at the edge of the bed, his gaze never leaving me.
"Are you afraid of me?" he asked.
There was disappointment in his voice.
I looked up and met his eyes—so full of hurt.
Why?
"Azreal... what's troubling you?"
I immediately regretted the familiarity.
"I'm sorry, my—"
He cut me off, pressing a finger to my lips.
He leaned in, his warm breath brushing my ear.
"I love the sound of my name on your lips," he whispered.
"You may call me Azreal... when we are alone."
My face burned with heat.
"Hmm... Azreal, I'm not scared. Just... worried."
"Why?"
"What happened last night?"
His face turned away, shame shadowing his features.
The silence was heavy between us.
"I lost control," he finally blurted out.
"Huh?"
I blinked in shock.
He turned back, desperately gripping my hands, his gaze intense.
"I didn't mean to hurt you. I was angry... and the other side of me took over."
"I know," I said softly.
"I saw it... he didn't mean to hurt me either. He was blinded by sadness and rage."
Azreal laughed bitterly.
I frowned.
"A monster has no feelings," he said grimly.
I pulled my hands from his grip.
I didn't care how dissatisfied he looked—I was upset.
"He's not a monster, Azreal," I said firmly.
"He's a part of you. You just don't understand him yet. He regrets what happened. I could feel it. He's angry, and you're the only one he can talk to, but you shut him out."
He parted his lips, about to speak—
But a knock interrupted us.
I tried to get up, but Azreal pulled me gently into his chest.
"You are still recovering. You need to rest," he murmured.
He tucked me back into bed, covering me with a quilt, his movements surprisingly gentle.
He gave me one last lingering look... before leaving the room.
---
Azreal's P.O.V.
I wanted to tell her everything.
The blood spilled because of my monster.
The lives lost to his thirst.
But Erica had changed something.
He calmed at the sight of her.
And it made sense—she was the one we were supposed to protect.
I stepped into the hallway, only to be met by a guard.
"What?" I snapped.
The guard flinched.
"Apologies, Master, but... there are visitors. They say it's about Miss Erica."
Visitors?
I stalked toward the courtroom, the guard scrambling after me.
When I entered, I immediately regretted it.
Christopher.
The one face I didn't want to see.
"No," I said immediately, turning to leave.
"I think you should hear us out first," Christopher said with a smug smile.
"She isn't yours to keep."
"She is in my kingdom. She is my responsibility."
"She was never yours to begin with!" Christopher shot back. "I am her uncle and guardian. I make decisions for her. I won't allow this so-called bond between you to go any further."
"I won't let her go," I said, locking eyes with him.
I saw the fear hidden behind his bravado.
Not many could, but I could.
And it satisfied me.
"It's dangerous for her here," Christopher pressed. "You know it."
"And selling her to Jarel wasn't dangerous?" I spat.
Christopher flinched but hid it poorly.
"I didn't know," he muttered.
"Foolish even for you, Christopher," I said coldly.
He straightened.
"I failed once. I won't fail again. She must come home. If you refuse... prepare for war."
I clenched my fists.
I called for a guard to summon Erica.
One way or another, she would decide.
Another woman—plain, but attempting to look seductive—spoke next to Christopher.
"Your Highness, don't worry. We'll take care of her. Maybe later, when things are better... we can visit?"
Her words disgusted me.
"Christopher, control your niece," I said icily. "If she can't behave, lock her up. I won't tolerate this behavior in my kingdom."
The woman paled and fell silent, glaring daggers at me.
Finally, Erica entered the room, holding Eve's hand tightly.
The sight of her made me want to lock her away from all harm...
but Earth was too dangerous for her.
She spotted Christopher and immediately ran to him, smiling brightly.
It made my chest ache.
"Uncle! What are you doing here? How did you find me?"
"I'm here for you, Erica," Christopher said warmly.
"It's time to return home."
"What?" she gasped, her smile fading.
--
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