Chapter Forty.

Chapter Forty.
The man’s gaze darkened suddenly, his eyes sliding into that same haunting, hungry look—the one she had seen before on that predator in Eldoria.

Lust and menace twisted his expression as his hands reached out toward her.

Taliya’s breath caught in her throat, heart pounding.

But before his fingers could close around her, his throat tightened. He staggered back, clutching at his neck, his face twisting in panic and disbelief.

Taliya whipped her head to the side—and froze. There, stepping forward with a terrifying calm, was Kaidon.

Even beneath the heavy cloak and hood, his presence was undeniable. His red eyes glowed like burning embers, fierce and unyielding, cutting through the shadows like blades.

With each deliberate step he took, the ground beneath him cracked, splintering as though the very earth feared his wrath.

Behind her, she felt the small boy tremble violently, his tiny hands gripping hers with a desperate strength born of pure fear.

His wide eyes were fixed on Kaidon, the name he dared not speak written clearly in the terror within them.

The man choking before them went pale; his skin darkened and crumbled like ash in a dying fire, his eyes turning blank, lifeless.

The wind caught the fragile remains, and with a soft, mournful sigh, he was gone—reduced to nothing but drifting dust swept away by the breeze.

Around them, the crowd held their breath, eyes wide with a mixture of awe and dread. Whispers spread like wildfire

The Demon King.

The ruthless lord whose name alone could send shivers down spines.

Taliya stood rooted, unable to speak, overwhelmed by the raw power radiating from Kaidon. But then, a soft, trembling voice broke through her daze.

The small boy behind her was mumbling something, barely audible.

“Hey, hey—are you okay?” Taliya crouched gently beside him, brushing a stray lock of dirt-streaked hair from his face. But he didn’t answer.

His gaze remained locked on Kaidon, body trembling like a leaf caught in a storm.

Suddenly it clicked for her—the reason for the boy’s terror, for the whispers and wary glances from every corner of the market.

They fear him. All of them.

She looked up at Kaidon, who still stood rigid, fists clenched tightly at his sides beneath the cloak.

No wonder he hides his face and masks his presence.

Turning back to the boy, she softened her voice, wiping the tears from his cheeks with a gentle touch.

“Don’t worry,” she whispered, “you’re safe now.”

The boy blinked at her, confusion flickering across his face, but the trembling began to ease.

Before she could say more, Kaidon’s arms were around her, pulling her close with a possessiveness that sent a shiver down her spine.

“Wait...” she said, trying to pull back, “we can’t just leave him here like this.” She glanced back at the boy, concern knotting in her chest.

Kaidon’s eyes darkened as he spoke softly but with unshakable authority, “He doesn’t understand our words. Our languages don’t mix here—only those who know the letters can speak to him.”

“And don’t worry,” he added quietly, voice low enough only for her to hear, “he will be taken care of.”

Taliya watched as Kaidon’s figure melted back into the crowd, the weight of his power lingering in the air.

For all his fearsome reputation, for all the darkness surrounding him—she saw a flicker of something else. Protection.

They might fear him but he is protective of his people.

♣︎♣︎♣︎

The air shifted as they stepped through the portal, the cool, haunting stillness of the castle replacing the sunlit warmth of the town.

Shadows stretched along the tall stone walls, torches flickering dimly as they entered the grand corridor.

Before they could go any further, Lenora approached quickly, her ever-composed face brightening at the sight of Taliya.

“Miss, you are back. Shall I prepare the bathing chamber for you?” she asked warmly, folding her hands in front of her.

Taliya smiled, soft and tired. “Yes, please.”

She started to walk away, but after a few steps, something tugged at her. She stopped, turned, and glanced over her shoulder.

Kaidon stood where she had left him—still, unreadable beneath the hood and cloak. Watching her. Always watching.

She hesitated for a moment, then walked back toward him.

Without a word, she wrapped her arms around him.

Kaidon froze. His entire body went rigid as if he didn’t know what to do with the sudden contact.

Her head rested briefly against his chest, and she felt the faintest echo of his heartbeat—calm, controlled... and then it stuttered.

She pulled back, just slightly, her eyes lifting to meet his.

“Thank you... for the outing. I loved it. The town was beautiful.” Her lips curved into a crooked smile. “Well, aside from the drama.”

Kaidon’s throat worked as he swallowed hard. His red eyes studied her with a silent intensity, and she could tell he was holding something back.

When he didn’t respond, she gave him a small nod and turned to leave.

But he caught her wrist.

She gasped softly, startled, as he pulled her back—and kissed her.

It was sudden. Fierce, but not forceful. His lips brushed hers like he’d been waiting forever and couldn’t hold it back any longer.

There was emotion in it—a clash of control and desire, unspoken affection and possessive need.

When he pulled away, his voice was low, a little rough. “You’re welcome.”

Taliya’s heart pounded. Her cheeks burned, and she was silently grateful for the warm hue of her caramel skin that masked the blush.

She managed a faint, breathless smile and nodded.

Then she walked away.

But once she turned the corner, her expression changed.

Her smile faded. Her eyes dimmed with quiet guilt.

“I’m sorry, Kaidon,” she whispered to herself. “But if lying is the only way to get out of here... then I’ll do what I must. I hope you trust me and grant me another wish to go out.”

Her footsteps echoed down the corridor.

Meanwhile, Kaidon remained where she left him. His hand slowly drifted to his chest, right over the thudding of his heart.

He’d never felt it beat this fast before.

A small, rare smile curved his lips.

And for the first time in a long time... he didn’t feel like a monster.