"Keep pushing forward, Kael. You're destined for greatness."
Kael smiled, feeling a deep warmth inside. He really did have one hell of a supportive family. For all the challenges ahead, knowing they believed in him made a world of difference.
Meanwhile, Ellie, standing slightly behind Lyra, remained silent. The deal they had made weighed heavily on her mind, yet beneath it all, even she couldn't fully hide the admiration quietly growing inside her.
After a few lingering seconds, Lyra gave a gentle nod toward Ellie. "Let's get back to the kitchen. The night's meal won't prepare itself."
Ellie offered a small, almost shy smile in return, her eyes still flickering toward Kael as they turned away.
As they disappeared down the hallway, Kael was left alone in his room.
He sat back on the broken wall, his thoughts swirling.
Although I can train freely here, without worthy challengers, I can never truly measure my strength...
Lust energy felt more powerful than mana, more hungry, but just how strong was it?
That was the question eating at him. He needed to face other swordsmen to test himself and to compare.
Suddenly, Nyx appeared as if from nowhere, her bright smile lighting the room.
"Hey there, cutie," she teased, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Looks like you're getting used to the power."
Kael grinned, the tension easing from his shoulders. "I sure am, Aunt Nyx. But where have you been hiding?"
Nyx flopped back onto the bed, her figure as mesmerizing as ever under the soft light.
Catching Kael's gaze, she smirked playfully. "Stop devouring me with your eyes," she said, her voice dripping with teasing warmth.
Kael swallowed hard. "What can I say? I'm walking a path of lust. And you, aunty, are lust incarnate."
Nyx gasped, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Such good words... I might just give in to you after all," she purred.
Kael turned his head away, the tips of his ears reddening. "Don't tease me," he muttered, trying to keep his voice steady.
Nyx chuckled, clearly enjoying herself. Her second most favorite thing—right after roaming around the house like she owned it—was teasing Kael until he couldn't keep his composure.
And he was so easy to fluster, especially now that his energy was blooming into something dark, hungry, and irresistible.
She stretched lazily on the bed, her tone light but laced with temptation.
"Well," she said, twirling a strand of her green hair, "I might consider letting you explore a little... if you do something wild for your aunty."
Kael's gaze snapped back to her, his curiosity piqued. "What kind of wild?"
Nyx bit her lip, then grinned. "Surprise me," she whispered, eyes locked on his. "I want to see how bold my little swordsman can be. Show me something that makes my heart skip."
Something bold, he thought. But what does she mean by that? Her bold isn't the same as ours.
Nyx was no ordinary woman. She was lust incarnate—a being born of desire itself. For her, "bold" didn't mean a mere kiss or a passing touch. It meant crossing lines, pushing boundaries, and doing things most wouldn't even dare to imagine.
What thrilled her wasn't just raw strength but how far someone was willing to go to claim what they wanted.
She watched him silently, amused, expectant.
He took a step forward.
If she wants bold, I will give her bold.
He moved slowly, deliberately, each step toward the bed heavier than the last. His breath was quiet, but inside, his pulse thundered in his ears.
When he reached the edge, his eyes traced the curve of her smooth, toned legs, crossed in that effortless way only Nyx could manage. They were perfection carved in temptation.
Kael dropped to his knees.
His hands reached out, trembling with anticipation and excitement. The moment his fingers touched her feet, a small jolt ran through him. They were soft—so soft it felt unreal. He let his fingertips glide along the curves, lingering and caressing, just barely applying pressure.
Nyx didn't say a word, but he saw the slight twitch of her toes.
Encouraged, Kael let his hands travel upward.
Slowly.
From her ankles to her calves, his touch was maddeningly gentle— pausing, then moving again like he was savoring each and every second.
He reached her knees and lingered, thumbs brushing the sensitive spot, drawing a soft gasp from her that filled the air like perfume.
Nyx's body tensed just slightly under his touch.
He looked up at her then, eyes dark, breath shallow. She met his gaze with a smirk, but her chest rose a little faster, her lips parted just slightly.
He didn't say a word.
He didn't need to. His actions were loud enough.