Chapter 59: A cursed crest on Shadow
Ren reached out, her fingers curling around his hand where it rested at his side. She traced slow, deliberate circles over his knuckles with her thumb, her gaze lifting to meet his. Tears shimmered in her eyes, threatening to spill, but she fought to hold them back.
’Release them. They are scared, please.’
Her whispered plea made Shadow shift his attention toward her. Instinctively, she knew exactly where to look. He was watching her, not with the malice she had expected, but with something else, something strange. Was he inspecting her?
The beast moved, its form shifting into an inky black cloud that drifted back to the platform. From within the darkness, its head emerged, crimson eyes gleaming like embers in the abyss. Those eyes should have sent her heart into a terrified frenzy. She should have screamed, run, or even collapsed from sheer horror. But she didn’t. She sat still, spine taut, her gaze unwavering as she met his. It wasn’t enough—her fingers moved of their own accord, reaching out.
Shadow had no true physical form, yet when her palm pressed against him, he reacted. A deep rumble vibrated through the air as he leaned into her touch, closing his eyes and nuzzling against her hand.
Kai stiffened. He could feel it—the connection between Ren and Shadow, as tangible as the warmth of her fingertips against his skin. His gut twisted in disbelief. A short while ago, before releasing the beast, Shadow had—as always—demanded a deal. And unlike always, Kai had agreed, but ensuring the creature would be kept away from her. And yet, here he was, summoned by her touch, allowing her to stroke the sharp planes of his jaw.
’You gotta be kidding me!’ Kai snarled in his mind, jerking Shadow back with a forceful pull. ’Time to sleep. You’ve enjoyed the feast enough!’ he commanded.
Shadow let out a disgruntled snarl. ’Dumbass fucker.’ The beast spat his irritation before vanishing into the void.
Ren lowered her hand, fingers curling into her lap. She sat motionless, waiting for Kai to speak.
"Now that all of you have accepted Princess Reneira D’Orient as your Luna Queen, we may proceed with our supper and enjoy the feast."
His words were a challenge, directed at those who had been forced to kneel. His gaze, sharp as a blade, landed on the Serpent elder, unspoken threats lacing his stare.