The Villain's Dead Wife

21. Shattering Masks

Kairan stormed into his room, yanking off his shirt and tossing it aside, revealing his muscular back and chest. In a fit of frustration, he slammed a vase on the table, sending shards clattering across the floor.

“What the hell did I do tonight?” Kairan muttered, glaring at the broken vase as if it were personally responsible for his turmoil.

Just then, Ancillin appeared on his bed, sprawled casually with his elbow propped up and his palm resting against his cheek. He watched Kairan with a mischievous grin.

“I saw the whole spectacle tonight, brother,” Ancillin said, his voice dripping with amusement. “You really outdid yourself.”

Kairan’s eyes narrowed into slits as he shot a warning glare at Ancillin. “Get out,” he growled, clearly irritated.

Ancillin ignored the silent threat and continued, his tone mockingly sweet, “Oh, don’t be so hard on yourself! It’s not every day you get to have a heart-to-heart with a crying lady.”

Kairan clenched his fists, his irritation mounting. “I don’t need your commentary, Ancillin.”

Undeterred, Ancillin leaned forward, still grinning, “Come on, admit it. Watching you try to comfort her while she’s bawling like a toddler was pure gold. I haven’t seen you so flustered in ages!”

Kairan slammed his hand on the table, making Ancillin jump slightly. “Seriously, Ancillin, get out of my room! I’m not in the mood for your teasing.”

Ancillin chuckled and leaned back, unbothered. “Alright, alright. But just remember, even the devil himself has a soft spot. Tonight, it was the crying girl.”

With one last chuckle, Ancillin vanished, leaving Kairan to glare at the broken vase, his frustration as palpable as the shards scattered on the floor.

Kairan sank onto his bed, closing his eyes as the image of Meredia's tear-streaked face played in his mind.

[Kairan's POV]

I shut my eyes and saw her again—crying like a child, her eyes squeezed shut, lips trembling, and her whole body shaking.

I’ve always relished seeing people beg for their lives. It’s been a game for me, a twisted pleasure. But her tears, her desperation—it stirred something in me.

I couldn’t quite place it, but it was there, gnawing at me. I felt a pang of guilt, an unfamiliar sensation. I’ve always prided myself on being a devil with no remorse, but seeing her in that state, her sobs slicing through my defenses—it was different.

Her pleas, her bargaining, her childlike desperation to be spared... it struck a chord in me. Everyone has begged me before, but why did her cries cut so deeply? Why did it feel like my heart was cracking open under the weight of her pain?

Maybe even devils have limits. And tonight, I’ve crossed mine.

I wanted to control her, but not like this. This wasn’t the way I envisioned it. From tomorrow, I don’t know how I’ll approach her, but one thing is clear—I have to give her respect and make her feel safe. If I’m to achieve my goals, I need her cooperation, and I can’t afford to break her spirit any further. She needs to trust me, even if it’s just a little. And if that means showing a bit of humanity, then so be it.

----------------

The next morning, after preparing and boarding the carriage, I made my way to Oberon Keep.

Upon arriving at the training field, I spotted Kirill as usual, diligently instructing his juniors. Nearby, under the shade, sat Meredia, with Evelisse Carter beside her.