Chapter 117: In love with the Sin of lust
Seraphel
Katula was an absolute spectacle from above. Flying high through the open sky, I could see the entire kingdom unfolding like a grand, breathtaking scroll—from the jagged mountain peaks bordering the realm to the glowing, bioluminescent forests and winding crimson rivers that sparkled like liquid fire.
Azriel was the perfect guide, navigating our flying mat seamlessly through the clouds and pointing out landmarks and historical sites without missing a single beat.
"That statue was built in my honor after I slayed the beast that plagued these lands," he spoke proudly, gesturing toward a colossal stone structure carved directly into the mountain face.
I stared in awe, though I already knew its story.
Author Nude had described that very monument in the web novel, calling it Az—a shortened form of his name after he defeated the gigantic monster that threatened to destroy Katula just months after its creation. Seeing it in person instead of through a screen was surreal. I couldn’t help but marvel at just how terrifyingly powerful Azriel truly was.
He wasn’t just anyone. He was an almighty Sin, and this powerful Sin was mine.
Trying to clear the overwhelming thoughts lingering in my head before, during, and after the wedding, I looked at him. "Can you take me to the Tower of Prosperity?"
Azriel’s crimson eyes flashed with an enigmatic light as he looked down at me, nodding smoothly. "Yes. You deserve to see the Tower of Prosperity."
The magical carpet glided effortlessly forward, giving off pure Aladdin vibes. I couldn’t help but wonder if Princess Jasmine felt this exact rush soaring through the night air.
I felt completely on top of the world.
"Here it is," Azriel announced, pointing toward a structure shooting straight into the heavens, towering over every other building in the realm.
It was a breathtaking sight—a classic Xianxia-style pagoda rising endlessly into the sky, constructed from heavy ebony wood and brilliant crimson lacquer. Tiered roofs with dramatic, sweeping eaves curled upward toward the clouds, adorned with intricate black and red tiles.
The sheer presence of the tower was imposing, ancient, and deeply grand.
Once we reached the topmost terrace, Azriel lowered the mat, and we both stepped out.
"Wow! This place is unbelievably beautiful," I pointed out, clapping my hands in pure excitement.
"Your excitement is running exceptionally high—it is bursting straight through our soul bond," Azriel voiced softly, watching me.
I paused, giving him a cautious look as a sudden spike of self-consciousness hit me. "I... I hope I’m not doing too much?"
Azriel smiled gently, shaking his head. "No, not in the slightest. I adore seeing you this excited."
A surge of warmth bloomed in my chest. I smiled and stepped forward, wrapping my arms around him in a tight hug. When I pulled back, I cleared my throat and pointed toward the outer walls of the tower, tracing the stunning artwork carved into the dark stone—vivid, blood-red lilies and intricate shadow motifs depicting Azriel’s regal crest.
"Can I get a tour of the inside, too?"
"I would love nothing more than to show you around," Azriel answered, his tone shifting into something measured, "but I cannot right now. The interior of the Tower of Prosperity is currently under a strict barrier."
"Why?" I demanded, my brow furrowing.
A heavy, unyielding silence fell between us. For ten long seconds, Azriel said nothing, his gaze fixed on the heavy gates.
"Alright," I said quietly, breaking the tension. "I guess whatever is inside isn’t something I should see yet. But it’s okay—at least I got to see the tower in person."
Azriel immediately took my hands into his, squeezing them gently. "I will bring you back here and show you everything inside eventually. But for now, we can only remain out here on the balcony... and I cannot reveal what lies within."
I nodded, leaning my head softly against his broad shoulder. "This place is so calm and cool."
"I often come here when I try to forget the nature of my existence," Azriel admitted softly, staring out into the twilight horizon. "When I try to tame the Lust within me. But it is a futile effort... after all, I am Lust itself, and one cannot easily conquer their own essence."
I blinked, raising my head off his shoulder as the burning question about the disbandment of his concubines surfaced once more.
"Will you... will you be fine?" I asked nervously.
"Fine?" Azriel asked, turning my face gently toward him. "What do you mean by that?"
"You disbanded all your concubines," I murmured, the quiet insecurity slipping through my tone. "You might need them if I am unable to satisfy your desires, or if I can’t keep up with—"
Before I could finish, Azriel pressed a gentle finger against my lips.
"Enough. Do not speak such words about yourself," he commanded softly, his voice rich with intense devotion. "You are far more than that, Seraphel. Have you forgotten that you are my consort?"
"But... I thought I was only your consort because of the child," I whispered. "I thought I wouldn’t be enough..."
Azriel let out a low sneer, though his eyes held no malice—only fierce affection. "Not another word claiming you are inadequate," he growled gently, taking my hands and rubbing his thumbs over my knuckles with agonizing sweetness. It was jarring to see him like this; the Sin who was supposed to be the ultimate walking red flag was holding me like I was something precious and breakable.
"Are you... treating me this way because of the child?" I asked softly.
"In the beginning? Yes," Azriel answered with striking honesty. He sighed, cradling my hands against his chest. "Initially, all I sought from you was physical pleasure. I intended to keep you merely as a vessel for my heir, a plaything to satisfy my Sin. But I saw a completely different side of you, Seraphel. You... a human whom I once deemed lowborn, made my heart race with every fleeting second I spent by your side."
He placed my palm flat over his heart, letting me feel the rapid, frantic pulse thumping against his ribs. He let out a low, breathless laugh.
"Who could have foretold that a Sin would be brought to his knees by a human?" he murmured, searching my eyes. "You changed everything. I no longer desire you because of the child, Seraphel. I desire you simply because you are you... and because you have completely captured my heart."
My eyes widened in shock.
Captured his heart? Had he completely lost his mind? There was no way a Sin could fall in love—Author Nude had never written him to be capable of such emotion. The plot was completely derailed.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Azriel asked, his brow furrowing slightly.
I blinked rapidly, still caught off guard. "Staring at you like what? I..."
"Like you are in awe... yet somehow disappointed," Azriel noted, a sudden trace of vulnerability touching his voice. "Do you not feel the same? Does your heart not beat the exact same way for me?"
I wanted to answer right away, but my mind was in absolute chaos. Yet, through our soul bond, the raw, unfiltered truth of his feelings rushed into me and I knew he wasn’t lying.
He truly meant every word.
He loves me? How? How could the Prince of Lust fall for me?
"You do not need to give me your answer this very moment," Azriel spoke softly, sensing my inner storm. "But I wish to hear it soon... at least after the grand banquet concludes, Seraphel."
He pulled me against his broad chest, wrapping his arms securely around me. "You hold my heart. I only pray that I hold yours as well."
"Azriel... I..." I started, pulling back slightly.
"Shh," he hushed gently, cutting me off before I could overthink. He turned my head toward the vast, open horizon. "Look... watch the sky as it slowly shifts."
I turned my gaze toward the twilight sky, taking in the magnificent view, even though deep down, I already knew the truth. I wanted to tell him that I felt the exact same way.
That I had completely fallen for a character from my favorite book. That I was deeply, hopelessly in love with Azriel—the Second Sin, the Prince of Lust.