In the slightly dark room, only tension filled the air. The men behind were holding their breaths, with her head lowered as they waited for him to speak. All except one man, who was surprisingly calm. What's there to be afraid of?
"Can you make your words more clearer?" he finally spoke, and they heaved a sigh. Relieved that it wasn't their heads that was asked of them.
"What we're trying to say, my lord, is that we cannot kill the girl. It's as impossible as snow falling in the desserts" one of them said.
"I still can't understand how and why it's impossible" he turned to them "She's just a human!"
"She's shielded by a strong force. A very powerful one. Trying to break through that shield, only results in death before we even do anything" the other demon, who had the calm expression spoke this time.
Kang Jimyeong sighed. How can an ordinary human have such power protecting her? "What other way is left?" he asked.
"To manipulate her and make do the job herself. But it's not an easy task, my lord" he answered.
"Do whatever you can. I want her dead before he realises the truth about her. Is that understood?"
"Yes, my lord" they chorused.
"Jang Han Seok" Kang Jimyeong called the expressionless man and he answered.
"I leave this job to you. Also, find a way to use that other human again"
"I understand"
He was quiet for a little while, before asking "Why isn't he dead yet?"
"It's difficult to get to him" they answered. "Just as it's difficult to get to her."
Kang Jimyeong's jaws clenched "You may all leave" he said and they bowed and left. He was infuriated that even until now, the half breed is still out of reach. "I'll kill both of you. Even if it's not with my own hands" he muttered to himself.
*....*....*.....*....*
Ryan walked to his bed after watching the city for half an hour now. He was tired from the day's activity in his study, as well anticipating an attack. That's why he stood that long at the balcony. Doing nothing but watching. Since it doesn't look like anything would happen, he retired to his room.
Arianna had already laid on the bed with her back against him, so he thought she was already asleep. He turned off the lights and left the lamp on, since she doesn't like the dark. He exhaled once his body relaxed in the comfort of the mattress. He was slowly falling into that dark abyss again, when Arianna turned and face him. A frown was settled between her brows, and she tapped him gently.
"Ryan? Ryan..." She called and he turned to her, still with his eyes closed.
"What's wrong?" he asked her.
"I can't sleep" she said and his eyes opened.
"Why?"
"I need someone to rub my hair" she said, looking everywhere but him.
"Huh?"
"I need someone to rub my hair" she repeated. This time looking at him with puppy eyes and poked lips.
This girl.... She has started again with those eyes which is impossible for him to resist. And must she poke out her lips like that? It makes him want to kiss her hard.
"Come close" he said and a bright smile crawled up her face. She inched closer to him, and his hand went to her hair, massaging it gently. She kept gazing at him while he did the work, and he wondered why. It was hard to predict what she was thinking, because her mind was in a traffic jam. Too many thoughts, making him unable to even read one.
"Is it okay?" he asked after a while and she shook her head. "You'll have to did it until I fall asleep. Or else I wouldn't be able to sleep tonight" she said. When would that be? It doesn't look like she'll fall asleep anytime soon. Exhaling he continued. His eyes were going blurry, and slowly the darkness was taking him. She's the one getting a hair massage, but he's the one falling asleep?
His hands stopped moving as his eyes closed. Ari's intense gaze was still on him. Her hands moved and she touched his face. Making his hand which rested on her hair, slide down to her waist and it remained there.
This was the first time she was seeing his sleeping face. She always sleeps before him. He looked just so angelic while sleeping. His face was so peaceful. This man....this angel of hers, who turned out to be the one her heart yearns for. How could he be so sinfully, and heavenly beautiful?
Her fingers traced his jawline. Then his both brows, she touched his lashes. Her hand went up to his hair and she felt it's texture. How lustrous and long. She brought her hand back, still gazing as if plastering the features of his face in her memory. She suddenly had the urge to do something she thought she wouldn't be able to in her sober state. Besides, he's already asleep. He wouldn't know. Arianna leaned forward, and then, pressed her lips against his, her eyes closed.
Surprisingly, Ryan's eyes opened and he caught her in the act. He never expected her to do that. To kiss while he's asleep, though he wasn't. He was actually aware when she started touching his face, but he kept calm. As if waiting to know what would happen. He never thought 'this' would happen. She just stole kiss! His lips stretched into a tiny smile, and he closed back his eyes, savouring the feeling of her lips on his. He knew how badly he wanted to kiss her back, but... he restrained himself.
She leaned back with a smile. Thinking what she did would forever be unknown to him. She traced his brows again, and surprisingly, she also caressed his cheek.
"Good night, Ryan" she said in a whisper, but he heard it. Her hand went under his arm, wrapping it around his torso, she held him tight and buried her face in his chest. She inhaled his scent. He smells like... Chamomile. In a manly way. His arms around her tightened, pulling her much closer to himself. She thought he was acting from his sleep, not aware of the smile on his face and the twinkles in his eyes. Even when they were closed.