Leon followed Aric down the long corridor, their footsteps echoing like the steady beat of a drum. With each step, the oppressive atmosphere of the wedding ceremony they left behind seemed to fade, but Leon’s heartbeat only quickened in its place.
He couldn’t resist stealing a glance at Aric, who walked ahead with an unshakable presence. The broad shoulders, the graceful line of his back, and the undeniable aura of strength he exuded stirred a tangle of emotions within Leon—confusing, unnameable, and impossible to ignore.
They finally entered a spacious bedroom. The room was simply furnished, yet luxurious in its own way. The dark-toned furniture exuded a quiet authority, while the half-drawn curtains allowed a sliver of moonlight to spill in, casting a cold, distant glow over the entire space.
Leon stood at the edge of the soft carpet, raising his head, wanting to say something, but he realized that his voice was still trapped within him. He bit his lip in frustration, then turned t
