Chapter 431: Transformation-2
His hands moved quickly, catching her before she could slip, his fingers gentle yet firm, as if afraid she might get hurt.
When his eyes landed on the kitten...a soft smile spread across his face.
"You’re back?" he murmured, his voice low and warm. "Where did you go...? You haven’t come to see me for so long."
Lana tilted her tiny head, confusion flickering in her bright eyes.
’Why... does he feel different?’
There was something in his tone... something softer, more attentive... more affectionate than before.
Her small pink tongue slipped out unconsciously as she leaned forward, licking his fingers.
His skin was cool and smooth, almost like polished jade. She nibbled lightly at them, unable to stop herself.
Lucian didn’t pull away.
Instead, he simply watched her, his gaze gentle and indulgent, as if whatever she did were perfectly acceptable.
’Let her do as she pleases ...’
A fleeting thought crossed his mind, one he didn’t allow himself to complete.
Without a word, he lifted her carefully and walked toward the bed, sitting down before placing her comfortably.
His fingers began to stroke her fur. Slow. Careful. Knowing.
A soft, involuntary sound nearly escaped Lana.
Her body relaxed instantly under his touch, warmth spreading through her limbs.
’What... what did he learn...? Since when did he get this good at this...?’
Her thoughts grew muddled.
The way he touched her was precise, almost as if he knew exactly what she liked.
Even she hadn’t fully realized it before. But Lucian had learned.
After they had parted, he had studied, observed... adapted.
At the same time, he had been subtly channeling his own energy, linking it to the jade bracelet she wore.
Through it, he had been feeding her strength, slowly stabilizing her condition during her breakthrough.
Looking at her now...healthier, more vibrant...a quiet relief settled in his chest.
Still...
"Where did you go?" he asked again softly. "For a moment... I thought you found someone else to rely on."
Lana blinked.
A faint chuckle bubbled within her as she jumped down, glancing around as if searching for something to communicate with.
But before she could act... Lucian stopped her.
"Wait," he said, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes. "I recently contracted a spirit... maybe we can try something."
He snapped his fingers. In the next instant, a faint, transparent figure appeared in the air, like drifting mist given shape.
Lana’s eyes widened. ’...It’s kind of cute.’
But before she could even react properly...the spirit darted toward her excitedly, as if it had spotted something irresistibly delicious.
Lana stiffened in surprise. However...before it could reach her, Lucian caught it mid-air.
His expression darkened slightly. "Behave."
The spirit wriggled in his grip, making faint, whining sounds.
"I want... I want to go to her...!" it seemed to protest.
Lucian’s eyes narrowed.
He tightened his hold just slightly, bringing it closer to his face.
"If you don’t behave," he said quietly, his voice carrying a subtle threat, "I’ll send you back."
The spirit froze instantly.
Its movements stilled, though its gaze remained fixed on Lana, longing evident even in its vague form.
It even lifted tiny, indistinct limbs toward her. Lana blinked, slightly taken aback.
"I..."
"Strange," Lucian interrupted thoughtfully. "I’ve seen this reaction before... when Lana was around."
Lana’s body stiffened. Her tail shot up instinctively, straight as a rod.
Lucian noticed.
A faint smirk tugged at his lips.
"And sometimes," he continued slowly, "when I’m near Lana... I feel like you’re this silver kitten."
He looked directly at her. "What do you think?"
Lana’s heart skipped. ’He knows.’
Panic surged through her. And in that moment...her control slipped.
Her body shimmered, and she transformed. But not completely.
Her human form returned... partially.
Her face, her body...but her silver ears remained. Her tail swayed behind her.
And...she was completely naked. For a split second, she froze.
Her face flushed instantly, heat rushing to her cheeks.
She was far too close to him... just inches apart.
Her eyes widened, her expression utterly stunned.
Lucian, too, paused. But then...a slow smile formed on his lips.
"So," he said softly, "you’re Lana after all."
Lana snapped back to reality.
Her face burned even brighter as she quickly pulled away, her heart pounding uncontrollably.
"I... I don’t know what you’re talking about," she said hurriedly, forcing confusion into her voice. "Where am I? What’s going on?"
She even scratched her head awkwardly, her silver hair slipping through her fingers as she tried to act natural.
Lucian watched everything. Every movement. Every reaction.
The smirk on his face deepened.
"You turned into a kitten and came to me," he said calmly. "Shouldn’t we talk about that?"
Lana froze. ’He definitely will break off contact with me ...’
A flicker of panic crossed her eyes. She braced herself.
’He hates physical contact... he’s going to scold me...’
But instead... Lucian suddenly pulled her into his arms.
His grip was firm. Possessive. One arm wrapped around her waist, holding her close.
Her breath hitched.
"What?" he murmured near her ear. "Planning to disappear after using me?"
Before she could react, he took her hand and guided it toward his torso.
Even through the fabric, she could feel the solid warmth beneath.
Her thoughts went blank.
Lucian’s gaze darkened slightly, a faint teasing glint flickering in his eyes.
"You licked here," he murmured, his voice low, almost dangerously calm.
Before she could pull away, he moved her hand upward, placing it against his chest.
The steady rhythm of his heartbeat thudded beneath her palm, each beat strangely loud in her ears.
"And here," he continued, his tone carrying a quiet certainty, "you bit and licked here too."
Lana froze, her fingers trembling slightly. "W-what are you even saying...?!"
Her thoughts scrambled, her heart pounding wildly.
Then...he lifted her hand again.
This time, he placed it gently against his face. His skin was cool and smooth, and the closeness made her breath grow uneven.
"And here," he said softly, his eyes locked onto hers, "you didn’t spare this either."
Before Lana could even process... his fingers guided her hand lower.
To his lips.