The sun's descent cast a warm orange glow over the landscape as Ryker and Eliana strolled back to the mansion, hand in hand. Ryker's grip was tight, as if he feared she might vanish if he let go.
"Don't try what you did back there again," he whispered, his husky voice sending shivers down her spine. "It was far too dangerous to confront a superior creature."
Eliana's heart raced as she replied, "I couldn't just sit back and watch another human being mistreated." Her voice was firm, but her eyes betrayed her unease.
Ryker's expression turned cold. "That's just how the world is here, Eliana. They're called slaves for a reason."
Eliana frowned, her mind racing with the implications. She didn't like the way Ryker spoke about humans, but she remained silent.
As they approached the mansion, the guards by the gate left their posts to welcome their king. The gate creaked open, revealing the maids awaiting their master's return. Vynessa's smile faltered for a moment as her eyes met Eliana's, but she quickly hid her disdain.
The maids accompanied them, helping them remove their coats. Ryker's smirk returned as he faced Eliana. "I won't be joining you for dinner tonight. I would have loved to eat you for dinner, though." Eliana's cheeks flushed, and she turned away, her mind thinking, He's too cheesy. Ryker chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "But you're not ready for that yet. I'll try to be patient."
With a bow, he left her side, heading towards his chambers. Eliana watched him go, her heart still racing from their exchange. She instructed the maids to serve her dinner in her bedroom, as Ryker won't be joining her, then followed Sarah to prepare her bath.