Aengus understood the motivations behind her actions; it was clear that her attraction stemmed from his potential rather than genuine devotion. It wasn’t complete love. It was mixed with calculation.
She had sought to use him, and while she had her reasons, the manipulation left a bitter taste.
Her confession fell on deaf ears, for his heart no longer held space for love, only the echoes of memories long past.
She clung to him, her embrace tight and desperate, as though she hoped that by doing so, her allure could conquer his indifference. But it was in vain; her helpless attraction, despite her beauty, could not stir him.
Aengus gently pushed her away, his voice calm and resolute. “It’s pointless, Bella Bellfrost. My heart belongs to someone else already, and now, it’s as cold as ice. I can no longer feel the love or affection you wish to offer.”
Bella’s crimson lips pressed into a thin line as she felt a sharp pang in her chest. Yet, she forced a seductive smile, like the beguiling succubus she was.
“It’s fine,” she purred, her voice laced with temptation. “I’ll find my place in your heart eventually. And if I’m not mistaken, your former human partner is long dead, isn’t she?”
Her words made his gaze harden with every second.
Realizing her misstep, Bella quickly backtracked, her tone softening. “Ah, forgive me, sweetheart. I shouldn’t have brought her up.”
Aengus remained silent, restraining the surge of anger within him. Confronting an Archdemon was no small feat, and to strike her would be sheer folly. It was fortunate enough that she hadn’t retaliated against him for his defiance.
Still, if she had, Aengus would have been forced to take drastic measures—measures that could have destroyed them both.
Suddenly, Bella’s gaze fell on the locket around his neck. She leaned in, her fingers brushing it with possessiveness, as though it hers already.
“And who gave you this locket, sweetheart?” she asked, her voice laced with jealousy. She suspected it had belonged to his human lover, and the thought stirred something dark within her.
Aengus grasped her hand firmly, halting her attempt to delve deeper.
“It’s from my parents. You don’t need to concern yourself with it,” he replied, his tone sharp and cold.
Unfazed by his icy demeanor, Bella pressed her cheek against his chest, letting out a contented sigh.
“Where are your parents, sweetheart? Why don’t we visit them?” she asked, her voice laced with feigned innocence.
“They’re not in this world,” Aengus said shortly.
Her eyes widened slightly. “You mean they’re dead? Oh, I’m so sorry, sweetheart.” She smiled seductively, her voice dripping with false sympathy. “But you’re not alone—I’ll stay by your side from now on.” Her breath, warm against his skin, sent an involuntary shiver through his body, stirring reactions he fought to suppress.
Steeling himself, Aengus broke free from her embrace, striding toward his residence.
Bella trailed after him, her presence is more clingy than ever. Her eyes, brimming with naughty thoughts.
The Hellfire Wolf King and Queen were still kneeling by the time Aengus and Bella arrived at the recent battleground. Their immense forms, once so fearsome, now cowered under the weight of defeat.
Bella let out a soft snort, and with that small sound, an invisible force descended upon the wolf couple. The crushing pressure was a subtle yet unmistakable warning. She would tolerate no harm coming to Aengus—her decision to align with him was final, their goals now intertwined.
Without a word, Aengus summoned back his Legion, the ethereal creatures vanishing into the void at his command. He turned toward the mansion, motioning for his subordinates to withdraw and return to their posts.
Even though this was the second time Bella had witnessed it, the sight of Aengus conjuring powerful monsters out of thin air still left her astonished. It was nothing short of extraordinary.
As they entered the mansion, Butler Yu and the maid Donna greeted them with respectful smiles.
Aengus, however, cast a cold, knowing glance at Donna.
The maid froze, a shiver running down her spine as the realization struck her—he was aware. Aengus had discovered her audacious act, and the silent warning in his gaze made it clear.
Why else would he want to unsettle her like this?
Sensing the tension between Aengus and the maid, Bella stepped in with a playful smile.
“Sweetheart, don’t blame her. I was the one who instructed her to do that foolish thing.” She squeezed his hand gently, her words soft but deliberate.
The maid let out a breath of relief, while Butler Yu exchanged astonished glances with her, noting the sudden intimacy between the two. His only concern now was not to become an unwelcome third wheel in whatever was transpiring. So, with hurried steps, both he and the maid discreetly left the room, giving them their privacy.
Aengus, pulling his hand free from Bella’s warm grasp, turned to her with a hint of irritation. “Why are you still following me, Bella? Don’t you have your own territory to manage?”
She pouted slightly but stayed close, trailing behind him. “Didn’t I say I’m staying with you now?” she teased. “I’m giving you my army—and myself—to manage. I’m tired of responsibilities. From now on, I’ll just eat, sleep, and take care of you.” Her wings fluttered slightly, betraying her excitement.
Aengus stopped in his tracks, his voice low and irritated. “What do you mean, ‘sleep with me’?”
The mere thought was unsettling. If she insisted, even his sleep would be disturbed by the uncomfortable tension she always seemed to bring.
Bella smirked, her lips curling with mischief. “Sleep means sleep, of course. What else?” She raised an eyebrow suggestively, her curvaceous figure all too prominent as she leaned closer. “But if you’re thinking of something naughty… well, I wouldn’t say no.”
Aengus shot her a sideways glance, his body betraying him with that all-too-familiar tingling sensation. He could already tell that tonight, his greatest enemy would not be Bella—but his own self-control.
