Chapter 7

Queen

I glanced once again at the multitude of stars in the sky before closing the window. I sighed and tried to suppress the turmoil in my mind. Should I go to Mama's place or just stay here for now? I was torn in making a decision, especially when I recalled Zeus's face the last time he saw me escaping. He might not allow me to leave again. Besides, I just visited Mama last night. But my thoughts were abruptly interrupted when I looked at my reflection in the mirror.

I shouldn't be questioning or debating my decision! I should automatically go to Mama, so why do I find myself making excuses now? Annoyed, I rolled my eyes at myself, grabbed my wallet and hood.

I carefully exited the dorm and followed the path toward the towering wall of the Academy. However, my steps faltered when I saw a man standing right where I was about to pass on the other side of the wall.

Nervousness gripped my chest, and I shivered as I approached him. He flashed a sexy smirk while tucking his hands in his pockets. The wind carried his masculine and alluring scent, almost making me close my eyes in delight.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, a cold edge to my tone. He raised an eyebrow, biting his lower lip.

"Where are you going?"

"None of your business. Just let me through," I said, irritated, and he seemed to find pleasure in what he saw.

"I don't want to. I'll go with you," he said with a lazy response, reaching for my hand, nearly making me scream when he raised the ground. I was used to it, but not with someone like him, who manipulated the earth as if in a hurry.

I held onto his firm arm, biting my lip. "Can you slow down?!"

"Yes, I can. But I'm enjoying your touch right now, Eri," he murmured to the wind while gazing into my eyes. I gulped when I saw the dark midnight sky in them. How could he capture the nighttime sky and place it there?

I didn't speak and just looked at him. "I don't like you," I stated.

"Well, I don't care," he lazily replied, grabbing my hand again and lifting me away from the dense area.

I let go of his grip and marched away. I had to think about what to do because going home wasn't an option. He would see Mama, and Mama would see him. That couldn't happen because Mama might go berserk upon seeing the child of the people she despised—us.

I took a deep breath and walked into an open market. Luckily, it was only eight o'clock because the place usually closed late at night. People were still around, and everyone cast glances at the man accompanying me.

I mentally listed the essentials I needed for home. Even though we had money, Mama rarely left the house, and she always stayed in her room. I sighed again, contemplating what to do, as she might scold me even more if she found out about my foolishness.

I picked up the basic necessities and placed them in a large plastic bag, almost staggering from its weight. I looked behind me and spotted Zeus, gazing at a street food stand. I nudged him and handed him the heavy load.

"Carry this, so you're useful," I muttered, and he, seemingly absentmindedly, nodded and looked at the stand. He effortlessly carried the plastic bag. I wanted to slap myself because he was indeed strong. I looked at him again, and he was still staring at the food stand as if he'd never seen one before!

I couldn't believe what I was seeing. "Don't tell me you've never tried that before?"

He turned to me and innocently shook his head. "It smells good."

I laughed and went to the stand. The vendor smiled at me, handed me a cup, and quickly skewered a fish ball. Zeus followed me, looking oddly at the food.

"What? No fork?" I rolled my eyes at his fussiness.

"None! So just eat it, and my jaw's getting tired."

He opened his mouth and bit into the food. He chewed for a moment before nodding.

"It's good. Can I get it for takeout?" I winced and asked the vendor to prepare two servings of raw fish balls. I was about to pay when Zeus interrupted.

We were immersed in our meal when Zeus suddenly grabbed my hand and put it on his back, on his ass!

"What?"

"Get my wallet, slave. It's in the back pocket."

I furrowed my brow, almost on the verge of tears at his words. Is this man serious? Does he really want me to retrieve his wallet from his... you-know-where? I glanced at his back and stifled a gulp upon seeing his prominent rear end.

It was a sizable backside. I bit my lip and handed my money to the vendor, but Zeus deftly moved my hand aside, causing my cheek to almost explode in red as it landed on his seat.

"Just because you're my slave doesn't mean you'll pay for me. Spare me this one, Eri," I bit my lip at his seriousness. The innocent and cute man had vanished. I swallowed again before feeling for his wallet, bulging from his back pocket.

I cursed repeatedly in my mind as I retrieved the wallet. I felt the substantial cheek of his backside!

Without saying a word, I handed the payment to the man, and Zeus walked ahead. I took a deep breath as we reached a river, situated just beside the highway, with vibrant green grass laid out below.

Even at night, the river sparkled magically, illuminated by the moonlight. I found myself selflessly sitting on the soft, green grass. I stared at the reflection of the dark sky on the water, and my thoughts immediately raced.

When would I be able to visit Mama without Zeus tailing me? He'd probably lose his mind if he found out my true identity. But why do I have to care? It's not as if he would really find out, not now, as I haven't yet avenged my father, not even knowing the cause of his death.

I took a deep breath, feeling his presence and his sitting down beside me. I heard the rustling of the plastics and his sigh.

"You like dark, huh?" his rough voice blended with the cold night air.

I didn't answer, keeping my gaze fixed on the sky. My heart was beating frantically and... frenziedly. Which I thought was just right, but why the frenzy? I'm angry, and I loathe him, so isn't it natural for my heart to go wild when he's around? I didn't know.

"No," I said, looking at his dark eyes directly staring at me. They were slightly narrowed, as if scrutinizing my response.

I sighed and averted my gaze. Oggling him is right, but I didn't like the reason why I found myself always looking at him. It's maddening.

"I like light... so much," I unconsciously confessed. "But darkness suits my life more."

I lowered my gaze to the small blades of grass beneath me.

"Who?" I asked in surprise. His dark eyes were looking at me with unknown emotions.

"Who?" I repeated in amusement, but he didn't laugh. Instead, his eyes weighed heavily on me.

One thing I liked about a person I considered an enemy was his eyes. Full of emotions, whatever he wasn't saying seemed to echo and be shown in his eyes. His dark expressive eyes that calmed me down.

"Who said you should belong in the dark?" he questioned, determination etched on his face, and my whole system trembled when he leaned in. I moved back, but he quickly placed a hand on my back, pulling me closer to his body. His other hand rose, and I closed my eyes when he gently brushed my cheek repeatedly.

"A person like you shouldn't be confined in darkness," I kept my eyes closed, feeling his warm breath on my face and his hand still caressing me.

"Let me take care of you, Eri. Let me, and I'll make you the queen of light," my heart's beat quickened, and for the first time in the darkness, I didn't feel fear and sadness.

For the very first time in my life, from birth until now, I felt warmth. I saw light even with closed eyes, and most importantly... I felt love and understanding.

I opened my eyes and found his intense gaze. I slowly smiled at him, a genuine smile that I rarely showed. He opened his lips, seemingly surprised at me, but it quickly vanished as he pulled me into his chest.

I chuckled softly as I heard him muttering curses.

"Fuck, it's true," I laughed.

"It is," I replied, unhesitatingly leaning into his chest, which seemed to surprise him even more, and the next thing I knew was his soft kisses on my head.

Whatever will be… let it be for now.