a gorgeous white by Heather_anare

299: An understanding husband

"Hadrian..."

The whisper fell from his lips. The youth's heart began to beat wildly, as loud as the thoughts swirling in his head. Ever since his rebirth, Hadrian hadn't shown him such fierce expression. The man's eyes were burning with unrestrained anger. Something manic as bubbling within it, awaiting the chance to burst open. Moulin wasn't scared. He was confused and worried. Questions swirled in his head, and he didn't know how to obtain the answers to each of them. The only question, so clear and bright, in his mind, appeared to float in the evening of his thoughts.

'Is Hadrian angry at... me?'

Never again did Moulin want Hadrian to suffer. And the look on the man's face now was enough to arouse the anxiety in his heart.

"Is it my fault?'

"Moulin!"

The call boomed in his ears, shattering the young man's world of thoughts. Silver eyes lifted, turning away from the Lord Hadrian's gaze and stopping at Emlen who's face was brimming with perplexity. His expression suddenly cleared Moulin's mind.

When he felt the sting in his hands, he looked down. He didn't realize he was clenching his fists so tight that his nails cut his palms. The layer of frost receded into his skin as he relaxes, forcing himself to calm down. Meeting Hadrian's gaze again, Moulin was calmer. Unfortunately, Hadrian's gaze remained frightful. Knitting his brows, Moulin decided to question Hadrian later.

There was the sound of breaking wood, cracking floorboards, and the falling dust from the ceiling. Every soul within the room shifted their attention to the woman rising from the wreckage.

Malyana groaned and sighed as she rose. Her ruby eyes were cold and helpless. Fortunately, she wasn't hurt. The only thing that disappointed her was the rudeness of Moulin's comrades and his so-called lover. Ignoring the eyes around her, she dusted her sleeves and torso with her hands before straightening her back. There was not a scratch on her, which relieved Moulin.

"Honestly, maeruthans are indeed rude and barbaric." She muttered, loud enough for everyone to hear. Then she turned to Moulin with a smile, "Of course, you're different from them, little snowflake."

Moulin sighed, muttering an apology.

"Moulin, are you alright?" Emlen rushed towards his little brother. However, he stopped halfway. His expression was cautious and attentive, as though he was trying to move without waking a gigantic slumbering beast.

Emlen was near, and Moulin could clearly see where his gaze was directed.

It was from behind him.

Slowly, Moulin turned his head slightly. And there behind him was a man, clad only at his waist, revealing its nude torso and the striking likeness as that of Hadrian's features. The only difference was its pure black eyes and golding slit pupils. Eyes of a snake.

Moulin raised his brows. This was Malyana's creature who protected him. The youth paused, thoughts clicking. So this was what caused the silence around him and the cautious gazes Moulin thought were directed at him.

That means Hadrian wasn't angry at him... He was-

"Get away from him!" Emlen mustered up his courage and grabbed Moulin's arm. He pulled his little brother to his side and inspected him for injuries. Releasing a relieved sigh, he turned his attention back to the creature impersonating their Lord. His grey eyes looked as if they could pierce through steel.

"Brother, no," Moulin spoke hurriedly before his elder brother could do something dangerous. Emlen turned to him in confusion.

"The mistress and I have spoken to each other. She's..." Moulin glanced at the fox woman eyeing him with a curious look. "... an ally."