Chapter
"He fall in love and harder"
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(Next Day – Velmoria Market)
Eyan stood in the shadow of a narrow alley, arms crossed, gaze fixed on the busy street.
Waiting.
"…She should have been here by now," he muttered under his breath.
He shifted his weight slightly, eyes scanning every passing figure.
Not her.
Minutes passed. Then more.
His patience thinned.
"…What is taking her so long?" he said quietly, irritation creeping into his voice. "She usually comes at this time."
Another hour slipped by. The sunlight softened… then dimmed.
Still—
No sign of Eva.
Eyan's brows furrowed.
"…Did something happen?" he murmured, his tone no longer just annoyed—something else slipping in. "Why isn't she here…?"
He exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair.
The sun dipped below the horizon. Shops began to close. The crowd thinned.
And Eyan— Was still there. Waiting.
Finally—
He clicked his tongue softly. "…Looks like she won't be coming today."
He straightened, forcing his expression back to normal. "I should leave."
He turned and began walking away.
"…It's fine," he muttered. "I can come tomorrow and confirm it properly."
But his steps felt… heavier than they should.
__________________________________
(Night – Outside Eva's House)
Eyan stood in the shadows across the street. His eyes fixed on her door.
A long sigh escaped him. "…Why did I come here?"
He rubbed his temple slightly. "I could have just waited until tomorrow."
He turned to leave— Took a step— Then stopped.
Silence.
"…No."
He looked back at the house.
"It has to be now," he said quietly. "Otherwise… I won't be able to sleep tonight."
He took another step forward— Then froze.
A man stood in front of Eva's door.
Eyan's gaze sharpened instantly. "…Who is he?"
The man knocked. No response.
He knocked again— Still nothing.
Eyan's expression darkened slightly. "…Why isn't she opening the door?"
The man sighed, clearly frustrated, and turned away, leaving.
Eyan watched him go, eyes following him until he disappeared.
"…Good." A pause. "…Now it's my turn."
____________________________
(At the Door)
Eyan walked up to the door and knocked.
He adjusted his expression—calm, composed. Ready.
The door opened.
Eyan began— "Lady Ev—"
Splash.
Cold water hit his face.
Eyan froze. Dripping. "…What just happened?"
Eva stood there— Equally frozen.
Her eyes widened in horror. "L-Lord Kyel?!"
She immediately covered her mouth.
"I—I'm so sorry!" she stammered. "I didn't know it was you! I thought—"
Eyan wiped the water from his face slowly, blinking once.
"…It's alright," he said, maintaining composure.
Inside—
Foolish woman...Throwing water at me…
Eva looked genuinely guilty.
"Lord Kyel… what brings you here at this hour?" she asked softly.
Eyan hesitated for a second.
"…I was waiting for you at the market earlier but you didn't came i thought—," he said.
I thought something might have happened to you.
Eva sighed.
"I wanted to come," she explained, "but that man kept bothering me all day. He wouldn't leave, kept knocking on my door…"
"So I thought… I would teach him a lesson by throwing water on him."
Her gaze dropped to Eyan's soaked clothes. She looked embarrassed.
"…But instead, I attacked you."
Eyan's eyes narrowed slightly.
"That man," he said, voice lower now, "do you want me to deal with him?"
Eva shook her head quickly.
"No, it's fine," she said. "He'll probably come again… but I can handle it."
Eyan didn't look convinced. But he didn't push further.
Instead—
Eva stepped aside slightly.
"Lord Kyel… please come inside," she said gently. "Your clothes are wet. You might catch a cold."
Eyan paused. "…Inside?"
Eva nodded with a small smile. "Yes. Please."
Eyan hesitated briefly—
Then sighed. "…Very well."
Eyan stepped in, observing everything instinctively.
She lives alone…And yet she lets someone inside at night…
His brows furrowed slightly.
Does she not have any sense of danger?...What if I were not who I claim to be?....What if I intended harm?
He glanced at her briefly.
…Not that I would.
Still—
It bothered him.
Eva handed him a towel and a set of clothes.
"Here," she said. "Dry your hair… and you can change into these."
Eyan took them—
Then paused. Looking at the clothes.
His gaze sharpened slightly. "…These are men's clothes."
Eva nodded. "Yes."
Eyan looked at her again. "…You said you live alone."
"I do."
"…Then whose clothes are these?" he asked.
"I keep them," she said simply.
Eyan frowned. "…You keep them? For what reason?"
Eva gave a small, almost embarrassed smile.
"For safety," she admitted. "If someone comes and sees men's clothes or shoes, they'll think I'm not alone. It… discourages trouble."
Eyan went silent. "…That is… unfortunate."
Eva shrugged lightly.
"It is," she said. "But I don't have many choices."
Her expression softened slightly.
"I often run into men who bother me… or follow me," she added quietly. "So I try to be careful."
Eyan's gaze darkened slightly. "…I see."
A pause.
Then—
Eyan looked at her again.
"What about me?" he asked. "I am also a man. Yet you allowed me inside your house."
Eva smiled gently.
"That's because I trust you, Lord Kyel," she said simply. "You don't seem like a bad person."
Eyan blinked slightly. "…You trust too easily."
"Maybe," she said softly. "But I trust my instincts....And they tell me… you won't hurt me."
Eyan didn't respond immediately.
"…I see."
Eva clapped her hands lightly.
"You should dry your hair," she reminded him. "You'll get sick otherwise."
"…Right."
Eyan lifted the towel and began drying his hair.
Badly...Awkwardly. Like he had never done it properly in his life.
Eva watched for a moment— Then frowned slightly. "…That's not how you do it."
Eyan paused. "…It works."
"No, it doesn't," she said, stepping closer. "You're just making it worse."
Before he could react—
She took the towel from his hands. "Let me do it."
"Wait—"
Too late.
She started drying his hair—Roughly.
His head moved left, then right.
"…That is unnecessary," Eyan said, trying to stay composed.
"You're doing it wrong," Eva insisted, continuing. "Stay still."
"My head is not a cloth," he muttered.
She didn't stop.
Eyan's fingers closed gently around Eva's wrist.
"Enough," he said, trying to steady her hand.
But in that same moment— Eva lost her balance.
"Ah—!"
She stumbled forward— And fell against him. Her hands pressed against his chest.
His arm instinctively wrapped around her waist to steady her.
They were— Too close.
Eyan froze...His breath caught.
Then—
His heart—
Started racing.
Fast...Too fast. Like it would tear straight out of his chest.
His grip tightened slightly without him realizing.
His face flushed instantly. Heat rushed through him, unfamiliar, overwhelming.
He could feel her warmth. Her closeness. Her scent.
Everything— Too much.
"…Lady Eva," he said, voice lower than usual, almost strained.
She looked up at him— Just as flustered.
Then—
Their eyes met.
Eyan stepped back abruptly. Breaking the contact.
"…You should be more careful," he said quickly, turning his face slightly away.
His ears were red. His heartbeat still uncontrollable.
"…Yes… I'm sorry," Eva said softly, equally embarrassed.
Before the silence could settle—
Knock. Knock.
Both of them froze. The sound echoed through the room.
Eyan's expression darkened immediately. "…It's him again."
His tone turned cold. "I'll deal with him."
He took a step toward the door—
But— Eva grabbed his hand.
"Wait—please."
Eyan stopped. He looked back at her. Her hand was trembling slightly.
"…Why are you scared?" he asked, his voice softer now.
Eva hesitated.
"…He's a noble," she said quietly. "If you get into trouble with him… it won't end well for you."
Eyan frowned. "…You don't need to worry about that."
He tried to move again— But her grip tightened.
"Please don't," she said, her voice more urgent now.
Eyan paused.
She looked at him, eyes filled with concern.
"You're a gentleman," she continued. "I can tell… you're not someone who fights like that. If something happens… you might get hurt."
Her voice lowered slightly.
"And… I'm afraid of things like that. Fighting… blood… I can't bear to see it."
Eyan went silent.
Her words—Her concern—It stopped him.
A long pause.
Then—
"…Fine." He exhaled quietly. "I won't go."
Eva's shoulders relaxed slightly. "…Thank you."
The knocking continued for a few more moments—
Then stopped. Footsteps faded away.
Silence returned.
Eyan glanced toward the door one last time. "…He's gone."
Eva nodded faintly. "Yes…"
A brief quiet settled between them again.
Then—
Eyan stepped back slightly.
"…I should leave as well," he said. "It's already late."
Eva looked at him. "…Alright."
Eyan moved toward the door— Then paused.
He turned back to her.
"Lady Eva," he said, more serious now, "make sure you lock the door properly. And the windows as well."
Eva nodded. "I will."
Eyan gave a small nod. Then he turned—And walked out into the night.
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(Velmoria – Isolated Alley, Late Night)
The streets had gone quiet.
Shops were closed. Lanterns flickered faintly in the distance.
And in a narrow, shadowed alley—
A man walked alone.
The same noble. Careless. Unaware.
"Persistent little thing…" he muttered to himself. "Acting all pure, but sooner or later—"
"Going somewhere?"
The voice cut through the darkness.
Cold....Sharp.
The noble barely had time to react—
When Eyan stepped in front of him, blocking his path.
"…You," Eyan said coldly. "You were the one knocking on her door."
The noble looked him up and down, unimpressed.
"…Yes," he said with a careless shrug. "So what?"
Eyan's gaze hardened.
"Stay away from Lady Eva," he said, voice low and firm. "Do not go near her again."
A pause.
"This is your last warning."
Without waiting for a reply— Eyan turned to leave.
Then—
"Why are you taking her side so seriously?"
Eyan stopped.
The noble's smirk widened.
"…What?" he continued mockingly. "Did she sleep with you already?"
Silence.
Eyan didn't move...Didn't turn.
The noble laughed under his breath.
"I knew it," he went on, voice turning uglier. "She looks innocent, but women like her—"
He scoffed.
"Give them a little attention and they'll open their door for anyone. If I had pushed a little more, she would've been—"
CRACK.
Eyan's fist slammed into his face. The noble collapsed to the ground instantly.
Before he could even breathe—
Eyan grabbed him by the collar and dragged him up.
His face—
No longer calm...No longer controlled...His eyes burned with cold fury.
"Say another word about her," Eyan said quietly, "and I will end you."
The noble coughed, blood spilling from his lips.
"You—!"
THUD.
Another punch...Harder....Sharper.
The alley echoed with the impact.
Eyan didn't stop.
Each strike was precise—Brutal. Controlled rage.
"You speak about her," he said between blows, voice low and deadly, "like you have the right—"
CRACK.
"You go to her door—"
THUD.
"—and dare to insult her—"
The noble's resistance weakened quickly. His body went limp, barely conscious.
Eyan's grip tightened one last time—Then he leaned closer. His voice dropped to something terrifyingly calm.
"If I ever hear your name mentioned near her again…"
A pause.
"…you won't live long enough to regret it."
He let go. The noble collapsed to the ground, broken and shaking.
Eyan stood still for a moment. Breathing steady. Face expressionless again. As if nothing had happened.
Then—
He turned....And walked away into the darkness.
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(Royal Palace – Night, Eyan's Chamber)
The door opened sharply.
Eyan stepped inside, his expression still dark, tension lingering in every movement.
Thud.
The door shut behind him.
"…That damn bastard." His voice was low. Cold.
His hand clenched tightly at his side.
"I gave him a warning," he muttered, pacing slowly. "And still… the way he spoke about her…"
His jaw tightened.
"What if he didn't understand?" he continued, irritation rising again. "What if he goes back to her house again?"
His steps stopped. A dangerous thought crossed his mind.
"…I should have terrified him more."
Silence.
The anger slowly settled—But didn't disappear.
After a moment—Eyan exhaled.
"…Enough."
His voice steadied. Then—
"…Come out, Mara."
The shadows in the room shifted. Darkness gathered— And from it, a black wolf stepped forward.
Mara.
Silent. Loyal. Watching him.
Eyan looked at him directly.
"…Go and stay near her," he ordered. "Make sure no one approaches her."
Mara tilted his head slightly confused.
Eyan paused. Then sighed.
"…Right. You need her scent." He frowned slightly, thinking. "…Now where would I—"
Then—
A memory surfaced.
Eva—Falling against him.nHer hands pressed to his chest. Too close.
Eyan's expression shifted slightly. He looked down at his shirt. Still faintly damp.
"…I see." He pointed at it. "Mara. Smell this."
Mara stepped forward and lowered his head.
Eyan's voice turned quieter. "There is another scent on it. Not mine."
Mara inhaled once—
Then again. His eyes changed. Sharpened.
Eyan watched him carefully. "…You understand?"
Mara nodded.
"Good."
Eyan's gaze hardened slightly. "Go. Stay hidden. Do not reveal yourself to her."
A pause.
"…Protect her."
Mara bowed his head once— Then dissolved into the shadows.
Silence returned.
Eyan stood there for a moment— Then slowly walked to his bed and sat down.
His hand moved to his chest. His heartbeat— Still fast. Still restless.
"…It hasn't stopped."
He lay back, staring at the ceiling.
Then—Closed his eyes. And again—
She appeared. Her face— Too close. Her warmth. Her scent.
Eyan's eyes snapped open. He sat up abruptly.
"…This is absurd."
Without thinking— He lifted his shirt slightly. Brought it closer. And inhaled.
Faint— But there. A soft scent.
Something sweet. Something warm.
"…Rose…" A small, unconscious smile appeared on his lips. "…She smells… nice."
Then— He froze. Realizing what he just did.
He immediately dropped the shirt, adjusting it quickly, his expression turning embarrassed.
"…What am I doing?" He ran a hand through his hair. "I'm losing my mind."
A long pause.
Then—
His expression slowly shifted. Serious. Certain.
"…I don't need to test it any further." He looked down slightly. "…Hans was right."
Another pause. Quieter this time.
"…I like her."
The words felt unfamiliar. But real.
Eyan sat up straight. His expression hardened again— As if forcing control back into himself.
"…Then I need to stop this."
His tone became firm. Decisive.
"I won't let this grow any stronger." He stood up."…I won't go see her again."
A final pause. Cold resolve returning.
"…It ends here."
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(Two Days Later – Velmoria Street)
For two nights— Eyan did not sleep. Not properly. Every time he closed his eyes— She appeared. Her smile. Her voice. That warmth.
"…This is ridiculous."
He stood outside the palace gates, already in disguise.
"…This will be the last time."
His tone was firm. Controlled.
"I'm only going to see her… because I didn't say a proper goodbye." A pause. "…That is all."
He started walking.
-----------------------
(Velmoria Market)
The familiar street came into view. Eyan's steps slowed slightly.
His eyes searched—And then—
He found her. Eva.
But— She wasn't alone. A man stood in front of her. On his knees. Holding something out.
"…What is this?"
Eyan's gaze darkened. He moved closer— Quietly. Close enough to hear.
"My lady, please accept my feelings," the man said earnestly. "I have admired you for a long time. Give me a chance… I promise I will treat you well."
Eyan's jaw tightened. His hand clenched. …A proposal?
Something sharp twisted in his chest. Unfamiliar. Unpleasant.
"…No."...Eva's voice was gentle—but firm.
"I'm sorry," she said. "I cannot accept your feelings."
The man looked stunned.
"Why?" he asked. "At least give me a reason—"
Eva shook her head softly.
"It wouldn't be fair to you," she said. "Please… find someone who can return your feelings."
She turned— Ready to leave.
But— The man grabbed her wrist.
"Wait!" he insisted. "Don't reject me so easily—"
Eva frowned, trying to pull her hand back. "Please let go—"
Before she could finish— A hand gripped the man's wrist. Hard.
"Didn't you hear her?" Eyan's voice cut in. Calm. Almost polite. But cold underneath.
"She rejected you," he said, smiling faintly. "Why don't you let go and leave quietly?"
His grip tightened. Slowly. The man winced.
"…Who are you?" he snapped, trying to pull back. "What right do you have to interfere?"
Eyan tilted his head slightly. "As for that—"
He was about to answer—
But—
"Lord Kyel is like a brother to me."
Silence.
Everything stopped. Eyan froze.
His expression— Went completely blank. His grip— Loosened. Just slightly.
Enough.
The man immediately pulled his hand away and stumbled back.
"…Tch," he muttered, glaring at Eyan. "Fine. I'll leave."
And just like that— He ran off. Gone.
Eyan didn't move. Didn't speak.
Eva turned to him, relieved.
"Thank you, Lord Kyel," she said softly. "You helped me again…"
But—
Eyan turned away. Before she could say anything more. Without looking at her. Without answering.
"…Lord Kyel?" she called, confused.
He didn't stop. Didn't slow down. Just kept walking.
________________________________
(Royal Palace – Eyan's Chamber, Night)
The door slammed shut.
Eyan stood there, breathing unevenly, irritation still clinging to him.
"…Brother."
He scoffed.
Then again—
"…Brother?"
His expression twisted in disbelief.
"She could have said friend," he muttered, pacing. "Just a simple—'he's my friend'—that would have been enough."
He stopped, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
"But no," he snapped, "she had to say brother."
He turned sharply.
"Brother."
The word clearly bothered him more than it should.
"…Unbelievable."
He crossed his arms, clearly annoyed.
"Of all things—why that?"
A pause.
His voice lowered slightly.
"…If she had any idea how I see her…"
He stopped mid-sentence. Then exhaled sharply, looking away.
"…Well, I don't want to be her brother."
The words came out blunt. Honest.
He dropped onto the bed, still irritated.
"…Not even close."
His thoughts— Wouldn't stop. That scene replayed again. The man on his knees. Proposing.
"…Tch." Eyan clicked his tongue, irritation rising again.
"She's always surrounded by men," he muttered. "Every time I see her, there's someone trying to get close to her…"
His jaw tightened.
"…If I don't do something…" A pause. "…someone else will take her."
Silence.
Then suddenly—
He froze.
"…What am I even saying?"
He stood up abruptly, pacing.
"So what if she marries someone else?" he said sharply to himself. "Why should that matter to me?"
His voice grew colder.
"It has nothing to do with me."
But—
The thought of her with someone else—
Smiling at someone else. Belonging to someone else— His chest tightened.
His blood— Boiled.
"…No."
The word came out sharper than expected. His steps stopped. His expression changed. Something darker. More certain.
"…No."
He looked ahead, eyes steady now.
"…Screw it." A pause. "I'm done pretending this doesn't matter."
His voice was calm— But absolute.
"I won't let her go." His gaze hardened with resolve. "…At any cost."
A faint smirk touched his lips. "…I'll make her mine."
The decision settled in him completely.
No hesitation left.
"…I'll court her."
.
.
To be continued —