4. After Dinner

Fiora froze.

She couldn't move as each of her hands was firmly held by a different man.

What was she supposed to do now?

"Let her go, Riven. I'm serious." Darius spoke again, his strange crimson eyes blazing like living flames.

"And if I don't?" Riven challenged with a mocking smile.

"How childish. Just because you saw Fiora first, you think you have the right to be the first Seed Donor?"

Darius let out a cold snort. "Typical. You're always like this, aren't you? Always trying to take away everything I like."

His voice dropped into a warning. "I'm telling you one last time. Let go of Fiora... or I'll beat you senseless."

A soft laugh escaped Riven's lips. "You really think you'd win?" he asked, his smile never fading, though a dangerous gleam flashed across his blue eyes.

"I'm much stronger than you, Darius."

A crooked grin spread across Darius' face. "We'll see who's still standing in the end."

Elyon, who had already returned to his book, quietly closed it once more, apparently deciding that watching Darius and Riven argue was far more interesting.

Meanwhile, Vael rubbed his temples with a weary sigh. "You two are always fighting."

His calm voice echoed through the room. "Can't we settle this peacefully? There won't be any fighting here... not while I'm in charge."

His heterochromatic eyes moved from Darius to Riven.

Strangely enough... Both men restrained themselves almost immediately.

So Vael really was the leader here.

Fiora had already noticed how the others respected him, but this confirmed it.

"I've got an idea." Riven suddenly smiled again, the gloomy aura surrounding him vanishing as though it had never existed.

"To keep things fair, why don't we let Fiora choose which man she wants as her first Seed Donor?"

The moment four pairs of eyes turned toward her, Fiora swallowed nervously.

"I... um..." She grimaced helplessly. Her mind had gone completely blank.

At this point, she felt like she might faint from sheer nervousness.

Her eyes drifted toward Riven.

With his golden hair, dazzling smile, and princely face, he looked like someone straight out of a fairy tale.

Then she looked at Darius.

Wild and aggressive like an untamed beast, yet just as handsome.

Even those crimson eyes, which had seemed unsettling at first, now looked strangely unique.

Two men... As different as day and night.

Riven, bright, charming, and playful.

Darius, dark, intense, and overwhelming.

Who should she choose?

Without realizing it, her gaze shifted...

...to Vael.

The silver-haired man was already looking back at her in silence.

His eyes reminded her of what he had said on the beach only moments ago.

"Ahem." Darius' impatient voice snapped her back to reality.

"So? Who are you choosing? Me... or that arrogant blond?"

Fiora blinked. "Umm..."

After a brief hesitation, she took a deep breath. "I'll leave the decision to Vael."

Vael raised an eyebrow in surprise. Why was he the one being asked to decide?

"Very well." His expression remained calm. "If Fiora entrusts the choice to me..."

He glanced at Darius before making his decision. "I choose... Darius."

A triumphant laugh burst from Darius.

Without wasting another second, he swept Fiora up onto his shoulder--just as he had done when she first arrived on the island—and headed toward the stairs.

"Wait, Darius." Vael's calm but commanding voice stopped him instantly.

"Fiora just arrived, at least let her rest first. You can do your part after dinner tonight."

Darius immediately frowned. "After dinner?" he complained. "That's too long."

Vael didn't respond. He simply stared at Darius with those striking mismatched eyes.

After several tense seconds, Darius clicked his tongue in annoyance.

Reluctantly, he lowered Fiora back onto her feet.

Just as she steadied herself, she felt Darius gently pinch her waist. Then his warm breath brushed against her ear.

"Tonight..." His voice was low and possessive.

"I'll make you scream, Fiora." A satisfied smile tugged at his lips.

"You're mine."

***