Beyond

Chapter 46

Jesse

"Finally, the two of you decided to come."

My eyes widened, seeing Pierre sitting together with Payton.

"What are you doing here?" Payne and I both asked in unison.

"Why? Can't I be here?" Pierre smiled. "Brother invited me," he said. Payne and I took a seat next to each other, and the four of us started eating the meals served on the table. "Are you all right, Jesse?"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry that happened to you..." Pierre said. "The emperor's actually injured. They asked for my father to heal him as you were being saved by Payne. I don't know how Payne managed to save you or how you managed to injure the emperor since everything happened so fast, but I'm glad the two of you are all right."

"Do you think they're trying to find me because I injured the emperor?" I asked.

"William Galehund is actually already on the move," Payton said, making me tighten my grip on the untensils. Hearing the family name of the person made me shiver. After all, that name was the one who brought peace to the empire. "Don't worry, we're out of sight. I heard that they actually recorded what happened, and it's a good thing Payne was wearing a hood, so his face is definitely not seen. They've also been keeping an eye on his movement for days, so there's no 'time' for Payne to save you."

"...How did the emperor manage to capture me?" I asked.

"We teleported back to our house when you passed out, and I left you in my room for a moment to inform Lou that we're back, but then you suddenly vanished. The butler who last saw you was Seb. He saw you walking towards the garden, but you ignored him when he called you."

I don't remember it happening, but I don't think I have to worry about any of that since I'll be going back to the Sanctuary. If I'm there, those knights hunting me wouldn't be able to do anything.

The laughter and the loud chattering at the table filled with delicious food would soon vanish... and just the thought of losing Payne and not being able to see him every morning made my heart throb.

Don't cry. Don't cry. I kept repeating the same exact words when I thought of it.

"So... what should we do now?" I eyed Payne as we entered the room.

"You need to go to sleep. It's already night after all," he said.

"No!" I refused.

"Why? You need a good rest for tomorrow."

I took a deep breath. "In a few hours, we won't be able to be with each other anymore, and you just want me to sleep?"

He chuckled and ruffled my hair. "What do you think we should do?"

I glanced at the bed and looked at him. My face started to heat up. "Let's do it," I mumbled sheepishly.

Payne tilted his head and smiled. "...Do what?" he asked, the tone of his voice was playful.

I clenched my hands into a tight fist as my cheeks burned. "Let's make lo—"

My words were cut off when his lips crashed into mine. I instantly opened my mouth to let his tongue slide in and hold on to his neck, deepening the kiss. The moment we pulled our lips away from each other, Payne caressed my cheeks and rested his forehead against mine. I closed my eyes while his warm breath brushed against my skin.

"I'm sorry. We can't do that yet," he whispered, making me open my eyes. I took a step back, only to be met with a reaction filled with disappointment.

Why would he refuse and give such a disappointed look after?