The wooden door was deliberately left slightly ajar. Its distance from the main hall gave them a bit of privacy. The dim lighting was intentional, cloaking their presence in shadows.
"When I was cleaning this room, I never once imagined it would be occupied," Raken said, pacing slowly before his gaze settled on the shadow cast against the wall by his own figure.
"An honor." Hein gave a sarcastic smile as she bowed.
"No need to be so formal. Has time made you feel that distant from me?"
"I have never not felt that way in your presence, Raken. I've always bowed even to a single strand of your hair." Hein pointed at Raken's head, where his jet-black hair fell perfectly.
A smirk tugged at Raken's lips before he sat on the edge of the bed, crossing one leg over the other as he glanced at the watch on his wrist. It was only eleven at night—there was still time for a brief conversation.
Raken remembered how he had left back then, despite the many objections. The escape, carefully planned, wouldn't have been possible without Hein's help. He could open dimensional portals with ease because Hein had managed to break the seal on his power, freeing everything the day before the coronation.
"How are things over there?"
Raken knew Hein would understand what he meant. Sure enough, a faint smile curved her lips before she answered.
"A bit chaotic since the sinner souls disappeared."
"Is that why the wolf race managed to escape their dimension?"
Raken could clearly see the shock on Hein's face, even under the faint glow of the bedside lamp.
"I don't think 'a bit chaotic' quite covers it, Hein. The boundary between the immortal world and the human world is in complete disarray. Something that's never happened before." Raken leaned back, supporting himself with his hands. He looked relaxed, but his eyes burned with a warning—this had to be resolved soon.
"How could they even get here? I'm certain no one knows about the dimensional gaps except us."
"There's a traitor among the 'us' you're referring to."
"Oh my…" Hein leaned back slightly.
From her expression, Raken could tell she didn't want to believe it. If it weren't him saying it, she would probably kill the messenger instead of believing such betrayal. Hein trusted their kind too much—Raken knew that well.
"I don't care what happens over there as long as no one touches my lady. But it seems those little dogs want to play, Hein."
"It's been a long time since the wolf race caused any trouble for the Kingdom of Noctyr. They've been living quietly, building their own territory. That's why I'm so surprised. What are they really after?"
"Kalaya."
"What?"
No further explanation was needed. Hein understood. Killing intent filled the room. Raken's gaze sharpened, brimming with anger he no longer restrained. His aura pressed down on Hein so heavily that she had to erect a barrier around herself. Without it, she would have been suffocated, even if not killed. A being as strong as Hein was still powerless beneath Raken's ancient power.
"Calm down, Raken. Save your energy for later."
The atmosphere gradually lightened. Hein only lowered her barrier once Raken reined his aura back in.
"I heard from rumors in the kingdom that the wolves are searching for a mate for their prince." Hein paused, watching Raken's reaction.
When one of his brows lifted, she continued, "There's a prophecy among them that a mate with human blood yet possessing noble and pure lineage will bring success. Is that what they're searching for in this world?"
"Where did you hear that?"
"Too many mouths talking, and ears eager to listen and spread it again. No one dislikes gossip, Raken—except you. Still, I don't believe it's entirely true."
Raken's jaw tightened. The more he thought about it, the more his anger surged. The thought of those filthy wolves targeting Kala made his chest churn. How many lives did they think they had, daring to desire his lady? What had they already planned for her? He wanted nothing more than to crush the brains of anyone who even dared to think about her.
"Those little dogs are getting out of line. Acting superior just because the Kingdom of Noctyr allows them to do as they please." A bitter smile appeared on Raken's lips. It would be effortless to make the wolves submit if the King of Noctyr wished it.
They were only free because someone allowed them to be.
"It's time to teach them manners… and gratitude." Hein smiled sweetly, though it carried a cruel edge. She was eager to show her power.
Faintly, Raken heard sounds from outside—clattering kitchen utensils pulling his attention away.
"Keep an eye on Nic and Aldor. Don't let them come near this place again."
After Hein nodded, she added casually, "Sounds like someone's hungry in the kitchen."
"There are too many things she can't do." Raken stood, heading out to deal with the troublesome girl who constantly kept him on edge.
Before he could leave completely, Hein called out, "You'd better go quickly before your lady finds us in this dim room together. She's terrifying, Raken. Like a tigress who won't let anyone touch her mate." Hein shuddered, imagining herself roasted and served on a platter. Kala killing her out of jealousy wasn't impossible. Truly a dangerous young girl.
At that, Raken disappeared from her sight with a faint glimmer in his eyes. For some reason, Hein's words pleased him.
He quickly made his way to the kitchen. As expected, Kala stood there among scattered ingredients. Watching her simply stare at the stove made him itch to help.
Raken moved swiftly, turning on the stove. Kala was so focused she didn't even notice him approaching.
"You'll starve to death if you just stand there."
"I'm trying, Ken. Planning my strategy."
How adorable his lady was. Whatever strategy she was thinking of, he couldn't imagine.
"This stove won't light just because you glare at it, Kala. What kind of strategy is that?"
"Hey! What if the fire jumps onto my hand?"
Raken ignored her question, busy preparing what she wanted. From the ingredients on the table, he guessed she was making noodles with three eggs and extra toppings. He cooked, adjusting the seasoning so it wouldn't taste ordinary. When he reached for vegetables, he found Kala still just watching him.
Annoyed, he lifted her up and placed her on the counter.
Before he could turn away, his gaze caught on her dress, slightly lifted.
Time seemed to stop.
His focus locked onto her thigh—no longer pristine. Fresh blood seeped out, mixed with dried stains that hadn't been cleaned. The noodles boiling were forgotten. Anger flared again, stronger than before. The claw marks on Kala's thigh darkened his vision.
Without caring whether it hurt her, after turning off the stove, he placed both hands on her waist. His grip tightened unconsciously under the surge of anger.
"What did you do without me knowing, Kala?"
This time, his killing aura burst out uncontrollably. Seeing her injured unsettled him deeply. He hated it. He was used to blood—but not like this. Not on her flawless skin.
"Tell me! What is this, Kala?!"
"It hurts, Ken…"
For the first time, Raken lost his composure. Darkness clouded his eyes as Kala grew paler.
"How did these wounds get on your body?"
"Le-let go, Ken… it hurts."
Realizing what he'd done, Raken immediately released her. His aura receded, his awareness returning. His gaze softened as he carried her to the sofa.
"Can you tell me how this happened?"
His voice was calm again, filled with warmth.
"I—I don't know, Ken. It just felt itchy, so I scratched it… then it started bleeding."
Raken's gaze shifted downward, blowing gently on her wound as if it could ease the pain.
"Does it still itch?"
Kala shook her head. "It only comes when I think about my old home… or when I miss it."
"Since when?"
"Since I moved here. Every night."
"And you never told me? Never came to me?"
"I didn't want you to worry, Ken. I already trouble you so much. I can't give you anything in return."
Raken closed his eyes, suppressing the storm within. All this time—and he didn't know? Shameful. She was hurting while he believed everything was fine?
He took her small hand. "I could give you the world. So don't ever hide your pain from me."
"But, Ken… I'll only make things harder for you. I'll just keep burdening you."
"Then keep doing it, Kala. That's why I'm here. You can do anything, ask for anything—I'll make sure it happens. If you're hurt, I'll be the one to heal you."
Raken pulled her into an embrace as tears began to fall. Her quiet sobs soon filled the room.
"I'll become anything for you, Kala. Even if you want to kill someone… let me be your blade. Don't carry everything alone," he whispered against her ear.
Kala wrapped her arms around him in return.
After everything settled—her wounds treated and bandaged—Raken brought her to bed. This time, he would make sure nothing was overlooked. If necessary, he would stay until she fell asleep.
"From now on, if it itches, you call me, Kala."
She nodded. "By the way, Ken… are we sleeping together?"
"I'll stay until you drift into your dreams."
"I'm ready, Ken. I surrender." Kala stretched her arms as she lay down.
Raken exhaled softly, a faint smile forming. "You really are something else."
"You said you'd stay." She pouted, pulling the blanket up to her chin.
Raken moved closer, gently adjusting the blanket over her. His hand lingered on her head, brushing her hair softly.
"I'm here. Just sleep."
Kala watched him for a moment, as if making sure he wouldn't leave. Then she shifted slightly, making space beside her.
"Don't go anywhere."
"Mm."
Raken lay down on the outer side, keeping a small distance yet close enough to reassure her. One hand reached out, holding hers.
No more teasing.
No more noise.
Only the steady rhythm of breathing.
Kala closed her eyes first, her fingers still wrapped around his as if afraid of losing him. Meanwhile, Raken remained awake, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts darker than the night outside.
Kala's wounds weren't gone.
And that alone was enough to make him want to destroy anyone—or anything—that dared cause them.