Chapter 60 Heartbeat Beneath the Clouds
Evelyn's POV
But the moment my feet touched solid ground, my nerves that had been tense for so long suddenly relaxed, and my legs went weak, as if all my strength had been drained away.
All that pent-up tension, suddenly let loose, sent my whole body tipping helplessly backward.
I only had time to cry out before I saw a dazzling golden light flash before my eyes. Kane hadn't even time to take human form again; his broad wings, covered in golden feathers, had already swept beneath my waist like the gentlest of barriers.
I tumbled straight into the warm cradle of his embrace.
He looked at me anxiously, his eyes full of worry. One wing still held me protectively while the other gently patted my back, as if comforting a frightened baby bird, or perhaps checking to see if I was hurt.
Leaning against him, I couldn't help but laugh. "I just didn't react in time for a moment. My legs went a bit numb and wouldn't listen to me."
Then, the golden flames wrapping around us slowly faded. The huge Phoenix figure gradually blurred in the glow, finally turning into specks of golden starlight, like a gorgeous meteor shower, silently disappearing into the air.
In its place was that familiar young man in black robes.
Kane still held me in his arms. His arms were strong and warm, and his body still carried that faint scent like sun-dried warmth.
"Can you stand?" He looked down at me, his voice a bit hoarse with concern.
"Mm... I rather think I should be able to."
I tried to put my weight back on my own legs, but that feeling of being grounded seemed to need a little time to adjust to. That sense of my legs not listening to me still hadn't completely faded.
Kane didn't let go of me right away. Instead, he took my hand, the warmth of his palm passing through to me, and led me to a nearby shaded area where there was a wooden bench.
We sat down side by side. Kane crossed his long legs, leaned back slightly, rested one hand on the back of the bench, while the other still held my fingers tightly, as if making sure I wouldn't leave.
I don't know why, but I felt he was in a good mood—or rather, I hoped he was in a good mood, because there was something light in those eyes that I rarely saw.
"Just now... weren't you frightened at all?"
He turned his head, looking at me intently, his gaze carrying a hint of inquiry.
"A little bit at first, since I've never flown before."
I honestly held up my finger to show a tiny amount, recalling the thrill and excitement from earlier.
"But after that, it gave way to nothing but pure exhilaration. Kane, you flew so steadily, and... that feeling was such freedom itself, as though I'd cast off every last bond."
As I spoke, the excitement built up in me all over again. That feeling just now was too wonderful!
Kane listened quietly, the smile in his eyes deepening, like ice and snow giving way at the first touch of spring.
"And flying with you made me even less scared. You'll keep me safe, won't you? No matter how high we soar, you'd never let me fall." I turned my head, looking at him seriously, my gaze full of trust.
"Glad to hear it."
He watched me keep talking and ruffled my hair.
Suddenly he leaned forward, getting very close to me and said, "Since you like it so much, how about we go somewhere even farther next time, to a place you want to go, just the two of us."
When Kane said this, there was something tempting in his voice. I nodded in agreement.
We sat under the shade for a long time, enjoying this moment of peace and warmth, until the evening glow began to fill the courtyard, dyeing everything a gentle gold.
"I still have class later." I hurried to check my schedule, only to find that the academy had thoughtfully canceled my remaining classes.
But the reason really embarrassed me: 'Physical discomfort due to special teaching arrangements.'
My eyes widened as I looked at that line, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "This works? They can cancel classes like this?"
Kane glanced at it. "After all, the academy likes you very much, so of course they'll take special care of you."
Looking at Kane's calm face, I felt relieved.
Kane raised an eyebrow, stood up, and reached out his hand to me, his eyes full of tenderness. "Well, since you don't have class, what do you want to do now? I'll keep you company."
"I want to go back and take a shower."
I pulled his hand to stand up, tugging at the corner of my clothes a bit embarrassedly, my cheeks slightly red. "After flying for so long, my hair is all messed up, and I must be covered in sweat. I feel really messy."
"You smell good."
Kane leaned close to me, sniffing lightly at my neck. His warm breath sprayed on my skin, causing a slight shiver. "Like the fresh smell after rain, mixed with a little bit... of my scent."
My face instantly turned bright red, obviously feeling frighteningly hot. I pushed him. "Stop talking!"
Kane didn't tease me anymore. Instead, he obediently followed beside me, holding my hand, walking with me toward the dormitory.
The sunset stretched our shadows long and long, intertwined together. Along the way, we didn't say much, but that didn't make us uncomfortable.
We finally reached the door of my dorm room.
"Well, I'm going in!"
I stopped, turned to look at him, feeling inexplicably reluctant.
Kane nodded in response but showed no sign of leaving, his gaze still on me.
"Then... good night!"
After saying that, I turned around and put my hand on the doorknob, my fingertips applying slight pressure.
But Kane suddenly stepped forward, placing one hand on the door behind me with a soft sound, trapping me in his arms, making me unable to move.
"Kane?"
I looked up in surprise. Before I could speak again, his kiss fell, carrying an undeniable dominance.
This kiss was full of aggression and possessiveness, intense, as if swallowing me whole.
Kane's lips were hot. He pressed hard against my lips. I was immersed in his kiss, holding his neck, responding. As if unsatisfied, he forcefully pried open my teeth, driving straight in, plundering all the air in my mouth.