Chapter 211: Lucky
After a brief hesitation, Nina nodded. "Alright."
She took out a soft mat and animal furs from her space and carefully spread them beside Idir.
Watching her, Idir felt a flicker of guilt.
"I’m sorry, little female. My storage stone was taken, and I can’t shift forms right now... otherwise, I should be the one doing this."
These were things a male ought to handle—yet here he was, bound and useless, forced to watch her do everything herself.
"It’s alright," Nina said gently. "You’re in a special situation. Don’t blame yourself."
Besides, to her, he was still a stranger. Even if he didn’t help, it wasn’t something she would hold against him.
"...Alright." Idir lowered his voice.
Hopefully... when the time comes to escape, I can at least be of some use to her.
Once the bedding was ready, Nina gathered the little ones into her arms and settled down.
Sunny tugged lightly at her sleeve.
"Mom, can we play a bedtime game tonight?"
Nina smiled and stroked his head. "Of course. What do you want to play?"
Sunny’s eyes lit up as he waved his little paws excitedly. "I want to play the ball-carrying game!"
He’d spent so long inside his egg—he’d had the least chance to play.
A flicker of curiosity passed through Idir’s eyes.
A bedtime game?
"Alright, let’s play that tonight."
Nina took out six small balls.
"Whoever carries their ball all the way to me without dropping it gets a reward—cookies or candy."
Mimi, who couldn’t move around much yet, stayed at the side to cheer the others on. Naturally, Nina had already prepared a reward for her too.
The little ones nodded eagerly, each taking a ball and lining up at one end of the mat.
They balanced the balls on their heads.
"At my signal—go!"
At once, they set off toward her.
Yinny and Didi moved carefully, doing their best not to let the balls fall.
Linny and Momo crawled quickly along the ground instead of flying.
Shushu and Sunny tried to rely on speed, racing forward in hopes of reaching her before their balls slipped.
First round.
Momo arrived first, placing his ball into Nina’s hands—and earned the first piece of candy.
Next came Yinny and Linny, who also succeeded.
Didi dropped his ball halfway.
Shushu and Sunny weren’t fast enough—their balls fell before they reached her.
Determined to win, Shushu and Sunny slowed down for the second round.
Second round.
Momo took first place again.
Then Didi, Shushu, and Sunny successfully completed the task and received cookies.
They played three more rounds.
Momo earned the most rewards, while the others came out about even.
Yinny and the others praised him:
"Momo is amazing! Always first!"
Nina scooped him up and kissed his little head. "Momo did so well!"
Blushing shyly, Momo leaned in and kissed her back.
"Big brothers and little brothers did great too!"
Idir felt something stir in his chest. He had never known... that a mother and her children could be like this.
Watching the warm, lively scene before him, a quiet softness spread through his gaze.
Momo was lucky. He met a good mother.
...And perhaps, in some small way, so did he.
"Alright, that’s it for tonight’s game," Nina said softly. "Time to sleep."
Mimi tugged gently at her finger. "Mom, I want a story."
Nina squeezed her soft little hand with a smile. "Okay. Lie down, all of you—I’ll tell you one."
The little ones immediately snuggled into her arms.
In the dim darkness of the dungeon, Nina’s voice turned gentle and soothing as she began her story.
One by one, lulled by her voice, the children drifted into sleep.
Idir lay quietly nearby, listening as Nina’s soft, gentle voice drifted into his ears. Somehow, it softened something deep within him.
For the first time, this dark, oppressive dungeon didn’t feel quite so cold or lonely.
After finishing the story, Nina gradually drifted off to sleep with the little ones nestled in her arms.
Idir, who had closed his eyes, slowly opened them again.
He simply lay there, watching her in silence... for a long, long time.
Elsewhere in Barbarian City, along a dimly lit path, Zena wandered aimlessly, searching for her target for the night.
The narrow road was shrouded in darkness, broken only by patches of pale moonlight that barely illuminated the way.
She walked alone, her steps languid and alluring, a faint, knowing smile playing on her lips.
As she moved deeper into the shadows, the sound of heavy breathing began to follow behind her.
A glint of something dark flickered in her eyes, her smile deepening.
The footsteps drew closer.
Suddenly, a large hand shot out from the darkness, grabbing her slender arm and dragging her into a corner. A burly body pressed in close.
"Out alone this late, little beauty? That’s dangerous. Let your big brother keep you company."
A lewd voice murmured by her ear.
The man lowered his head to look at her—and his eyes lit up with excitement.
What a beauty. Hit the jackpot tonight.
Zena caught the sour scent of sweat from him, a trace of disgust flashing through her eyes—but her smile never faltered.
"Alright," she said sweetly. "How does big brother want to keep me company?"
"Haha! However you like—I’ll go along with it."
Rough hands began to roam boldly.
Zena’s gaze turned cold as she started to release her ability. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a tall, upright figure not far away.
Her brows lifted slightly. She stopped using her power. Instead, she suddenly let out a sharp scream.
"Ah! Let go of me! Help!"
The man froze, startled by her sudden cry. He quickly clamped a hand over her mouth, hissing, "What are you yelling for? Dressing like this at night—aren’t you just looking to hook a male? You should be grateful I picked you."
Zena struggled, muffled protests escaping her lips.
Irritated, the man began tearing at her clothes.
"Stop struggling. You’re not getting away tonight."
With a sharp rip, her top tore open, exposing a stretch of pale shoulder. The man’s eyes filled with crude desire.
Just as he moved to go further, a powerful kick slammed into him, sending him flying.
The man scrambled up, about to curse, but then met Setan’s cold, piercing gaze.
"Harassing a female like this... you deserve to die."
Setan stepped forward, intent on finishing him, but Zena suddenly grabbed his arm.
He stiffened, immediately shaking her off and stepping back.
The man seized the chance and fled.
Setan frowned, about to give chase—but Zena reached out again, blocking him.
"Why did you stop me?" he asked, irritation creeping into his voice.
Zena stood there, one shoulder bare, her expression pitiful.
"If you chase him... what if another one comes?" she said softly.
Of course, I want to deal with that scum myself, she thought coldly.
She lifted her gaze, eyes shimmering. "Could you... escort me home?"
Her gaze lingered on Setan’s face, satisfaction flickering within.
Not bad. Two handsome males in one night.
Setan didn’t meet her eyes. He glanced in the direction the man had fled, then let out a quiet sigh.
"...Fine. I’ll take you back."
He didn’t know her, but he couldn’t just stand by and watch a female be harmed. This place was clearly unsafe.
"Lead the way."
Zena frowned slightly, then said, "My foot was hurt just now. Could you carry me?"
Setan’s frown deepened.
He walked to the side, picked up a long wooden stick, and handed it to her.
"Use this to support yourself."
Zena stared at the stick in stunned silence.
...Was this man made of wood? How could he be this utterly unromantic?