" The mark is… quite deep, though…"
Yurei whispered to himself, fingertips brushing the fresh bite mark over his right shoulder --- left by Kyoren's fangs.
A faint warmth flushed his cheeks just remembering the moment his prince bit down.
Steam curled around him in the marble tub, water scattered with rose petals drifting lazily against his pale skin.
His half-lidded eyes blinked slow, heavy from sleepiness… and that tiny spark of leftover pleasure he refused to name.
A shiver trailed down his back. The cold water barely cooled the heat lingering beneath his skin.
He wrapped his arms around himself under the water, head tilted, resting lightly against the marble edge behind him.
His wet gray hair rippled each time he moved, and his long fox tail, soaked and heavy, drooped over the side. He gave it a small shake; droplets scattered, leaving it half-fluffed and half-damp.
Maybe… maybe I'd have gotten something more…
If Kuradome-sama hadn't come crashing in like thunder…
My luck is always so damn cruel — caught every time, without even being a real criminal…
He murmured the last words under his breath, voice trailing off into the quiet night.
After bathing, Yurei stepped out in a light golden inner robe — too tired for full layers, and planning only to sleep.
The loose sleeves clung damply where water hadn't dried, and his half-dried hair clung in silver-gray strands to his neck.
At the mirror, he hesitated.
Fingertips hovered over the mark on his shoulder — almost glowing against his pale skin.
He raised one hand, a soft silver healing glow curling around his fingers… then slowly lowered it again.
No… let it stay.
As a reward… or a memory…
Just then — breath as hot as a whisper brushed the back of his damp neck.
A low, teasing voice spoke behind him, almost purring:
"Can't erase the pretty love bite, Yuyao? ~"
Yurei stiffened, heart punching his ribs. His cheeks turned scarlet, eyes widening as he locked gazes with the black-haired figure in the mirror's reflection.
Him…! Of all the damned people — now?!
He forced his voice steady, though it came out sharp and embarrassed:
"Don't call me that, Sozai…! And why in this hour? Couldn't you at least pretend to knock?!"
Sozai's smirk curled lazily in the mirror.
"Don't be such an angry fox or ~ …"
He paused just to let the tease hang in the air.
"Or what?!" Yurei snapped, brows twitching.
"I'll tell everyone ~," Sozai sing-songed, voice dripping mock innocence.
Yurei exhaled, fighting the spike of panic.
He wouldn't really… right?
His pulse raced; he forced himself to keep calm.
Sozai stepped closer, reflection sharpening in the glass, black ponytail brushing Yurei's shoulder.
Fingers toyed with strands of Yurei's damp hair, twisting them.
"Besides… why would I disturb your beauty bath, hm? ~"
Yurei's neck flushed redder.
"W-What beauty bath? It was just a normal bath…"
"Oh no, wrong-time-got-caught fox princess," Sozai chuckled low, leaning closer until Yurei felt breath against the nape of his neck. "I can smell fresh rose from you ~"
The words made Yurei's chest tighten, skin prickling with heat.
Before he could think, he twisted away sharply — wet hair whipping Sozai across the cheek.
Sozai only laughed, catching the strands and winding them around his hand.
His grin gleamed, teasing:
"Why so shy? And why so loud? Afraid someone'll think we're doing something scandalous? ~"
"S-Stop laughing like a fool! Let go of my hair!" Yurei hissed, voice low but urgent. "And answer me properly — why are you here, in this. damned. hour?!"
Sozai's smirk deepened.
He tugged the hair gently, drawing Yurei closer — then, without warning, pinned him down on the edge of the bed.
Yurei landed with a small gasp, eyes wide, heart hammering as his robe slid dangerously over his shoulder.
"W-W-WHAT THE HELL?! Move! Move away! And answer me!!"
His voice pitched up, both furious and flustered.
Sozai's eyes glittered, head tilting.
"To drink until I dry out ~"
Yurei's brain tripped over itself.
Drink…?
"W-What do you mean, drink?! You… you can't be serious?!"
The words tumbled out, his face crimson.
[ End Of Chapter 29 ]
Author's Note:
Thank you, from the bottom of my soul, for 15k views.
I still can't believe so many people have reached for this story.
Some of you are new, some have stayed for a while—and I want to welcome every one of you with all my heart.
Right now, I'm writing quickly—not because I don't care, but because I care so much. I have so many ideas living inside me, and I'm scared I'll lose them if I don't let them out. That's why some early chapters may feel more like raw messages or soft roleplay between characters, rather than polished novel pages. But please know—
I'm learning. I'm growing.
And little by little, you'll start to notice deeper details, fuller emotions, and stronger pacing.
Next year , when I have more time, I'll go back and lovingly polish each chapter. But for now, thank you for accepting this messy beginning with me.
It means more than I can ever express.
I don't just love my story or my characters.
I love you, the readers.
And I truly believe—maybe not overnight—but slowly, deeply, and truly,
some of you will walk beside me into the light of legends.
And that thought… is enough to keep me going.
Also another announcement : ■□●○
This story and my pen name has recently changed from Akito's __ eyes of broken lilies to Yàn Yè Xīn 's __" Candle Eyed Long Night " .
It'll slowly turn into pure Chinese denmai soon..
Please stay with me through this soft shift..the heart of the story usmst going to Change..
With all my soul,
– " formal pen name : Akito Yana "
" new Pen name : Yàn Yè Xīn "
(Author of eyes & soul )