TWOTCL

Vl

⭑. ݁ ˖₊˚✩.𖥔 ݁ ˖๋ ࣭ ⭑.𖥔 ݁ ˖₊˚✩.𖥔 ݁ ˖๋ ࣭

Malcolm and even Falken, standing beside him, shuddered at the overwhelming presence of the lion that dwarfed their own. As they stood frozen, trembling like dogs about to wet themselves, Hadeon raised his sinister eyes toward Malcolm.

“I told you not to make me repeat myself.”

“Eek! Hic, yes, y-yes….”

“Then move aside if you understand.”

“A-as you command!”

Hadeon paused and turned his head toward the church where the woman remained. His lips curled into a devilish smile.

His heart was pounding faster and more violently than at any other moment. This was a thrill no battlefield or blood-soaked slaughter could satisfy.

Right now, Hadeon was consumed by a single thought.

Elysia Pearlman.

Though he wasn’t fully aware of his own feelings, the moment he entered the church and saw the woman in the mantilla from behind, he had reacted like a lion smelling blood for the first time after a lifetime of deprivation.

Moreover, her scent and skin—just thinking about it made his throat and heart burn with fervor. The fragrance she left on his palm still lingered.

Feeling this, Hadeon clenched his fist so tightly that his nails dug into his palm.

He had already made up his mind. He would make that woman his ‘possession.’ He would stop at nothing to achieve his goal.

Meanwhile, two men—no, beasts—remained, unable to adapt to Hadeon’s transformed demeanor.

‘I’ve never seen the master like this before.’

‘Do you think I have? This is my first time too.’

Malcolm, witnessing his master’s mad expression, took a step back and leaned towards Falken. Even Falken, who was usually unfazed by most things, subtly leaned towards Malcolm, avoiding the ferocious aura of their master. The two vassals of the ducal family clung to each other, thinking inwardly.

‘How comforting it would be if Ban were here.’

‘Indeed.’

They swallowed their tears, recalling Ban, another vassal of the ducal family who had recently taken an indefinite leave due to illness. At least their master would pretend to listen to Ban’s words.

“Malcolm.”

Then, their master turned his head towards them.

Malcolm, like a hyena bitten by a lion, whimpered as he answered.

“Wh-what is it, Your Grace? Just give the order….”

“Why are you standing there like an idiot?”

“Pardon?”

Malcolm cried inwardly. Why ask why he’s standing like an idiot when he’s just standing as he is? How was he supposed to answer that?

But before Malcolm could ask, Hadeon, with a vicious smile, commanded him.

“You should go escort Elysia Sabel immediately.”

“Wh-what? Right now? Escort that woman? Where am I supposed to take her?”

Hadeon, as if scolding him for being unclear in front of him, softly growled.