Chapter 64: Frozen Confession
Zylan was rendered speechless; his wife was beginning to learn how to silence him.
"Rest first. You don’t have to worry; I won’t leave until you fall asleep tonight," he spoke reassuringly, his tone uncharacteristically gentle as he walked to the door. Naomi remained silent, her gaze lingering on him for a brief moment before she finally lay on the bed. Her mind was too heavy to think clearly, and before long, her exhaustion caught up with her. She drifted into a dreamless sleep, her breathing soft and steady.
Zylan lingered by the door for a moment, his figure cloaked in the dim light, before slipping away into the shadows of the mansion. His footsteps were soundless, each movement fluid and deliberate, as though he were more shadow than man. Ascending to the roof with an ease that seemed almost unnatural, he paused, letting the cool evening air wash over him. He stood motionless, his sharp gaze fixed on the distant void, lost in deep thought.
Rylan appeared beside him, his expression hesitant as he regarded Zylan’s distant gaze. The tension between them was palpable, a silent battle of wills that neither wanted to acknowledge.
"About the masquerade party..." Rylan began cautiously, each word chosen with care. "I’m not sure it’s a good idea to bring her with you. There will be more of our kind present, and—"
"Nothing will happen to her," Zylan interrupted, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable edge of finality. His gaze remained fixed on the horizon, but his tone was dark, as though daring Rylan to press the issue further.
Rylan hesitated, his unease growing. "I don’t think... You know she’s, um, human, and I suppose—"
Zylan’s head turned sharply, his piercing gaze cutting through the air like a blade. "Say one more word, and your head will roll off this roof," he warned, his tone dangerously low.
Rylan swallowed hard, his unease mounting. This was bad—very bad. Zylan was beginning to have a soft spot for Naomi, a development that could lead to complications far beyond what either of them could anticipate. Rylan knew better than to push his luck, but he also couldn’t afford to stay silent.
He took a cautious step back, his voice barely above a whisper. "Please remember, she needs to know who you are," he finally said, his words heavy with both fear and urgency.
Zylan’s gaze hardened, his presence exuding a menace that made the air around them feel heavy. "Shut up," he commanded.