Chapter 100: Naomi Or The Bird
Naomi couldn’t believe her eyes. Zylan had actually gotten her an eaglet—an actual eaglet. She blinked several times, as if the tiny bird would disappear if she didn’t focus hard enough. Her lips parted slightly, trembling as she struggled to process what she was seeing.
An eaglet.
She had always heard how rare it was to find one, let alone purchase one. They weren’t the kind of pets anyone could acquire on a whim. The cost, the care involved—everything about it screamed exclusivity. Yet, here it was, chirping softly in its cage, as though oblivious to the sheer weight of the moment.
Her gaze fell on the cage, and her shock deepened. This wasn’t just any cage—it was a miniature masterpiece, the kind you’d expect to see in an upscale gallery. Painted in soft shades of pink, it was adorned with delicate ribbons and bows in a mix of pink and blue, creating a whimsical, almost fairy-tale-like appearance. The contrast was striking, almost absurd: the childlike design clashed starkly with the cold, sophisticated elegance of the room. It was as if Zylan himself had ensured it was crafted to exude a distinctly girly aesthetic.
Naomi stifled a giggle at the absurdity. Her eyes returned to the eaglet, its small head tilted in curiosity, much like her own. For a brief moment, she forgot the tension that always surrounded her when she was with Zylan. The tiny creature’s innocence was disarming, a welcome distraction from her usual nerves.
The man who had brought the cage into the room shifted awkwardly on his feet, clearly uncomfortable. His eyes darted toward Zylan, who remained seated with an air of calm authority. The man’s discomfort was almost palpable, as though he feared that Zylan might disapprove of the design.
The silence stretched for what felt like an eternity, and then Zylan’s sharp voice cut through it like a blade. "Good. Take it back inside."
Naomi’s head snapped toward him, her brows knitting together in confusion. Take it back?
Her lips parted to protest, but no sound came out. Her thoughts raced. Why would he send it away? Wasn’t this for her?
Zylan’s voice, steady and commanding, interrupted her silent questions. "Bring it tomorrow morning."
The man holding the cage hesitated, glancing nervously at Naomi before nodding quickly. Without another word, he began retreating with the cage in hand.