Dinner ended quietly.
Kael rose from his seat, his eyes never leaving Liana. The moment he leaned toward her, her breath caught. His face was so close she could feel the heat of his lips. Then—unexpectedly—his hand slid around her lower back, pulling her gently but firmly against him.
Liana's heart jumped.
Her fingers trembled.
She went completely still.
"I don't want to see that guy touch you again," Kael whispered, his voice low, deep, and dark with jealousy.
She opened her mouth to respond, but before a single word escaped, Kael dipped closer. His lips brushed her neck—soft, slow, intentional. A shiver tore through her whole body. Her knees weakened, and she held onto the table for support.
"Kael… what are you doing?" she whispered, barely audible.
He didn't answer.
He was too lost in the feel of her.
His breath warmed her skin. His lips made her heart flutter. But just as quickly, he suddenly pulled back, his expression unreadable.
"I'll bathe you," he said simply.
"W–What?" Liana froze.
But Kael was already leading her toward the bathroom.
---
🚿 Inside the Bathroom
The warm steam filled the room as Kael's hands moved gently across her skin. When he cupped her breast softly, Liana stiffened in shock.
"Kael…" she whispered, afraid, confused, embarrassed.
He leaned close, his lips near her ear.
"You're goddamn cute," he murmured.
"Don't be scared. I won't touch you fully until you're ready."
His tone was calm. Certain. Protective.
Liana swallowed hard and nodded. They finished their bath, wrapped themselves in nightwear, and stepped back into the room.
---
A Voice in the Darkness
"Wow… someone is in love."
The unexpected voice snapped the air in two.
Liana turned instantly—her eyes wide.
Kael's expression hardened, and with one clap of his hand, their clothes fully settled on their bodies.
"Who are you?" Kael demanded.
A man stepped out of the shadow with a lazy smile.
"I'm here for my daughter."
Kael froze.
Liana froze.
The entire room felt like it dropped.
"Daughter?" Kael repeated, stunned.
Liana's heart pounded. What
Her father—Cain Valerius—laughed darkly.
"Yes, my dear. I was the one who stabbed you earlier. I knew you wouldn't die."
"What did you just say?!" Liana stepped forward, trembling.
Cain's eyes glittered with secrets. "It's a long story, my princess."
"Who is my mother?" she asked, tears already gathering.
Cain's smile faded. He stared at her for a long, unsettling second.
"Enjoy your love while it lasts," he said slowly.
"I'm coming back for you. You don't belong here."
Kael's hand cracked with magic—he threw a glowing strike straight at Cain. But the man only laughed, the attack passing through like smoke.
"You're powerful, Kael," Cain said with a mocking bow, "but not powerful enough."
Before they could catch him, he vanished into dust.
---
The room fell silent.
Liana dropped to her knees, overwhelmed. "Why is this happening to me?" she cried softly.
Kael rushed to her, pulling her close. "Don't worry… I'm here," he whispered, pressing her head to his chest.
But even as he soothed her, guilt and fear churned inside him.
Cain's words repeated in Kael's mind:
"She doesn't belong here."
Kael held Liana closer, eyes dark with det
ermination.
No matter who came for her…
No matter what truth her father hid…
Kael would not let her go.