เข้าสู่ระบบThe dining room fell quiet after Kael's departure, Morvienne returning to the last of her meal, while Thalira maintained an impeccable posture, her spine straight as a blade and fingers curled lightly around the delicate handle of her teacup.Her face was a mask of serene interest, but those who knew how to look—and Morvienne did—might catch the faint pulse at the base of her throat, and the way her gaze lingered a fraction too long on the empty space Kael had occupied.At last, Morvienne finished her meal, setting her utensils down with a gentle clink that seemed to punctuate the silence. She pressed a napkin to her lips, folding it precisely beside her plate, then rose from her seat in a single fluid motion. Her eyes met Thalira's briefly, and she offered a smile—warm, inviting, and utterly disarming. "Enjoy the rest of your breakfast," she said, her voice soft and holding no grudge. "I hope the food suits your taste."She turned to leave, feeling very satisfied with her meal. "You
Morning came softly, pale sunlight spilling through the windows of the mansion as Kael and Morvienne descended the stairs together, moving side by side in an ease that had begun to feel natural. Kael wore dark clothes already prepared for the day ahead, every inch of him composed and commanding. Beside him, Morvienne looked fresh from sleep, her hair falling neatly around her shoulders, and her expression calm. She was also ready for the day ahead in a simple outfit as they made their way toward the dining room. The moment Kael stepped through the doorway, the woman already seated there brightened immediately. Thalira rose at once, a wide smile spreading across her face as she crossed the room toward him, her eyes lit with a hopeful gleam that was fixed solely on him."Good morning, Kael," she said warmly, her voice carrying a subtle lilt of familiarity she wished he would return. "Did you sleep well?"Then Morvienne appeared beside him, stepping into view with a small, serene smile
Kael's fork hovered in the air for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he processed the maid's words. But then he paused, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. "Thalira?" he repeated, setting the fork down with a soft clink. "Hmm... send her in. I'll meet her in my office."He pushed back from the table, the chair scraping lightly against the floor. "I'll be back," he said to Morvienne, his voice even but firm. Morvienne looked up, curiosity in her eyes, but nodded without a word, picking up her spoon to continue with the last of her pudding. Kael strode out of the dining room, his steps measured and quick as he headed to his office. When he got there, the door was ajar, and inside stood a young woman—tall and striking, with wild auburn hair tied back in a loose braid, her green eyes, thoughtful and self-assured. She wore travel-worn clothes: a fitted leather jacket over a simple tunic. She paced a little, then stopped when he entered, her face lighting up with a smile. "Kael!"
Kael had just reached for the door when it opened from the other side. Morvienne stood there, clearly on her way out, her hand still on the handle. Her eyes widened slightly when she saw him. "You're back," she said, a hint of surprise in her voice. "I thought you would stay longer."Her gaze searched his face. "How did it go?"A small smile tugged at his lips as he stepped forward, gently nudging the door wider. She moved back instinctively, allowing him in, then followed, closing the door behind them."It was good, actually," he replied, already reaching for the buttons of his shirt. Morvienne's hands lifted before he could do much, stopping his movements. "Let me," she said softly, a small smile on her lips.He didn't protest and her fingers worked steadily, unbuttoning his shirt as she looked up at him again. "So, was there anything found? Anything that could help?"Kael nodded once. "Yeah. We found a scent. Black orchid and Vanilla. A mix of both."Her fingers stilled. She li
By the time Kael and Harlan rounded the corner, the black SUV was already waiting for them, engine humming low. The driver, one of his warriors, nodded once from behind the wheel as Kael approached.He got into the passenger seat, while Harlan took the back, and with that, they drove off, another car with few warriors in it, following right behind them. Trees loomed on either side, their branches arching overhead like a natural tunnel as they drove past. Harlan glanced at Kael once, then out the window, his fingers drumming a slow rhythm on his knee. He knew how triggering a topic like framing and betrayal was for Kael. It was one of the things he hated, and now it had come back. Soon, they hit the Nightwind border as full dusk settled, the sky a bruised purple with the sun's glow reduced to a thin line on the horizon. Headlights from both sides illuminated the meeting point: a cluster of five figures already waiting. Guards flanked an elder, their postured rigid but weapons lowere
As soon as Morvienne finished dressing, slipping into a simple gown that hugged her recovering frame just enough to make her feel put-together, she turned to Kael with a quick nod. He held the door open for her, his hand brushing the small of her back as they stepped out together.Maids moved about their evening routines as they walked down the stairs, some carrying trays of food, others wiping down surfaces, and many more. Their eyes flicked to Kael first, respectful and quick, then lingered a beat longer on Morvienne, curiosity mixing with something else, probably approval.Morvienne caught one of the older maid's glance, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her mouth before the woman hurried on.Walking out through the main doors, the evening air greeted them like a gentle exhale. It was cool against her skin, carrying the scent she always craved for. Morvienne closed her eyes for a second, tilting her face up as a light breeze tugged at loose strands of her hair, lifting them
Forty-five minutes. She had forty-five minutes to execute her plan perfectly. The moment she opened the doors of the aquarium and the night air brushed against her face, something in her changed. It was subtle at first. Her shoulders slackened and she stepped forward slowly, almost like she
Kael's eyes softened as he looked at her. "You... you look so effortlessly breathtaking," he said, his voice low and filled with adoration. "Like you completely took my breath away."Morvienne raised an eyebrow, now trying to keep her expression serious, forcing herself not to smile. "So... why a
He led her away from the aquarium viewing area and as they walked, she realized they were heading into a completely different section of the building. This section was brighter, livelier, and full of movement and voices. It was like a small world of its own. There were different stalls lined up
The man's eyes widened instantly, the fear in them raw. His breathing grew fast and shallow, chest rising and falling rapidly, then he started trembling uncontrollably. His whole body shook, from his shoulders to his hands, as if the very air around him had turned icy. Kael on the other hand, watc







