Reincarned with a deities Harem (Tome 1)

Byakko's despair

“Well, my lords, it seems the dangerous animal in the city is your brother, the sacred beast, Byakko the White Tiger.”

Claude spoke while the others were deep in discussion.

“Why didn't he follow Mylène's aura? He's acting as if he's lost or his mind is clouded.”

“What if it's a human confusing Byakko? Humans are so vile, and their artifacts…”

He lowered his head as I scowled. It was true that my mother had managed to control Seiryu, but not truly, seeing as she only used his vessel to trap him. But unlike Seiryu, who certainly didn't have a physical body, my mother was also an archfiend; so it was impossible for a human or any creature to control them.

“That's not the case, Vanderly. Since, unlike me, who needs a human body to live in a physical state, you have your own bodies, which means I can be sealed and my body controlled as long as I don't awaken my consciousness, which isn't the case with any of you.”

“So what happened? I don't understand what's happening to Byakko.”

“Despair.”

Christal had reappeared and was now sitting next to Claude, who was looking at her with desolate eyes.

“Mom?”

“When you lose the being on whom your sole existence depends, you gradually sink into the depths of despair to the point where no voice reaches you. You end up losing your mind.”

Claude placed his hand on Christal's, moving closer to her. He imagined what she meant. When he'd pushed her away, there had been deaths along the path leading to the Nightmare Forest. At the time, he'd just thought it was a completely normal animal attack, but today, he understood. His words had hurt Christal so much that she'd lost her mind and started venting on all the humans, especially the blonde women who passed by, anyone who reminded her of Eleanor.

“I think Lord Byakko is lost in the fog of his emotions, which is why he didn't hear the sound of the horn. He's in the dark and needs to be reassured.”

“I see... we have to go get him.”

“Sweetheart... it's dangerous.”

“I know, Dad. But I can't leave one of my jewels like this. He needs me, so I'm going to save him. Also, don't forget that I have the best bodyguards on this earth.”

Claude looked at her with great concern, wanting to tell her not to leave, but Christal stopped him.

“I told you, trust our child. She knows what she's doing and she's in good hands.”

“I just don't want to lose her.”

I blushed before smiling.

“Don't worry, Dad, I'll take care of myself.”

Claude looked at the three sacred beasts surrounding his daughter, and even though what he was about to do was incredibly impertinent, he had to.

“My lords... protect my daughter, that's all I ask of you…”

Azef raised his eyebrow, surely speaking for everyone.

“If there's anyone who doesn't want Mylène harmed, it's us.”

Claude nodded, and the four of them climbed out the window toward the city.

I lost myself in thought, wondering if I could calm Byakko's murderous rampage.

“Don't worry, Mylène, everything will be fine.”

I heard Seiryu speak and stroked his fur.

“I hope so with all my heart.”

We flew on dragonback for a few more minutes and soon we were in town, looking for an inn not far from where the last attack had taken place.

“Yes, my lady, gentlemen. What can I do for you?”

“A room with a big bed.”

“Just one room? There are plenty available this season, you…”

“One room, I told you.”

Azef's sharp tone cut off the innkeeper, who gave us a room with a single bed. We went upstairs under the more than astonished gaze of the innkeeper, who wondered how a woman could sleep with three men in the same room. Even if they were siblings, it was still inconceivable unless they didn't have enough money to pay for multiple rooms.
But even then, it was almost unlikely given the quality of their clothing; they must have been quite wealthy, so the girl would be from a noble family and the men her bodyguards.  Which meant they'd be sleeping outside her room.

He'd check later that night anyway.

We got to the room and I lay down on the bed. It was a little warm, so I decided to take a bath. Ifnir and Vanderly had decided to check the area for any signs of Byakko, while Azef stayed behind to protect me.

I slowly slid into the tub, thinking of Byakko, a feeling of sadness and guilt overwhelming me.

“Byakko... I hope you're not in too much pain. Don't worry, when we find you, you won't be in any more pain; I'll make sure of that.”

I felt the bathroom door click and looked up to find Azef standing naked in front of me.

I thought my nose was going to bleed when I saw his toned, muscular body, even though I could see barely concealed desire in his eyes.

“Azef…”

He didn't answer and simply slid into the tub, the water pouring over the sides as he settled in front of me.

Azef smiled and moved towards me; I was sure I'd lost my way of thinking. He kissed me, placing his hand behind my neck to deepen the kiss.

“Mylène, I want you.”

“Yes... me too, Azef.”