Chapter 70
Chapter 70
Ruby’s POV
The room was bathed in the glow of a luxurious crystal chandelier. The scent of medicinal herbs, mixed with faint traces of blood, filled the air as I pressed my palm against Killian’s exposed skin. My magic was weak, far from the power of a trained healer, but Nora had taught me enough to at least tend to non–fatal wounds.
I took a slow breath, focusing on the energy flowing from my hand, allowing its warmth to seep into his bruised flesh.
Killian sat still, his crimson eyes glowing as he stared at me with an unreadable expression. His broad chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, but I could feel the slight tension in his body beneath my touch. I wondered why.
He was usually the most vocal when it came to ‘touch‘.
“Maybe the man has finally learned the word ‘shame‘,” Leia’s sharp voice intruded.
I held back a frown. “Don’t make a fuss in my head. I need to concentrate!”
“Yeah, yeah, oh Great Healer.”
Leia disappeared with her usual sarcasm. I sighed in relief. Finally, no more constant criticism from her.
“Where did you learn this?”
I looked up immediately as the man suddenly spoke.
“My friend taught me,” I answered, focusing on his shoulder, where the deep wound was slowly beginning to close. “I’m sorry if this isn’t as good as the kingdom’s great healers. I don’t have a strong magic core.”
“This is more than acceptable,” he said.
I felt the tips of my ears grow warm. “Thank you…”
“So, tell me. Why was your
friend so kind as to teach you magic?”
I fell silent for a moment, searching for the right words to begin the story. It wasn’t a particularly proud tale, but I always loved praising my friend, Nora. She was incredibly kind, even if her mouth was utterly insufferable.
“I was a reckless little girl back in the day,” I began, diving into those fond old memories. “She was always annoyed whenever
I got hurt. She called me a trouble magnet because I kept tripping over things or getting myself into messes.”
Ignoring the burning embarrassment, I continued, “She got tired of patching me up, so she taught me how to do it myself.”
“Should I start imagining things?”
I glared at him, catching that teasing tone that was anything but amusing.
“Don’t even think about it, Your Highness,” I grumbled, continuing to treat him while also wiping away the blood.
“Then keep telling your story.”
I steeled myself against the urge to smack that handsome face with a pillow.
“Learning magic wasn’t easy at all. And I ended up in the hospital repeatedly.” My expression soured at the sudden recollection of those brutal days. “Still, I managed to master a few somewhat useful things.”
Nora was truly the best teacher. She never gave up on me until I got it right.
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Chapter 70
“She sounds amazing. What’s your friend’s name?”
I smiled, pleased that someone was praising her. “Nora Lec.”
Killian let out a breath that almost sounded amused. “Seriously? That’s your friend?”
“Yes. Is there something wrong with that?”
He shook his head, and that small chuckle of his only piqued my curiosity.
“Of course, you wouldn’t be associated with just anyone. The famous Grand Sorceress herself.”
My brain processed the words, and then I burst out laughing.
“There it is. I take it you know her?”
Killian’s lips curved into a faint smirk. “She has quite the reputation. Bold, talented, and utterly insufferable.”
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“That sounds about right,” I agreed, grinning as I continued my work. “She’s one of the best tower mages on the continent. And also one of the worst at keeping secrets.”
“Perfect for gossip,” Killian added effortlessly.
I nodded quickly in agreement. “You’re absolutely right about that. But I’m curious. How do you know her, Killian? I mean, beyond her incredible reputation as a sorceress?”
“This kingdom has business relations with the tower mages.” Killian glanced at my hand, still glowing with magic. “Besides that, we have a good rapport. I admire them, if that’s the highest compliment I can give, for their astonishing magic.”
What a stark contrast. A so–called tyrant could be free of prejudice and discrimination, yet the people I knew couldn’t do the
same.
“It’s nice to see someone who actually respects mages. It always upsets me when Nora gets insulted just because she’s a witch” I admitted gloomily.
“They’re just jealous of someone soaring above the clouds.” The glow of my magic faded as I checked the treated wound. Killian continued, “Besides, it would be hypocritical of me to be prejudiced when my mother was a mage.”
My hands suddenly froze.
What Killian had just said was exactly the same as Beatrice’s answer. That confirmed it—it was true.
“Ruby?”
His voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I hurried to smile, albeit awkwardly, and rambled on about admiring sorcerers, trying to mask my sudden panic. I was terrified that he’d realize I had been secretly trying to verify his personal information through the palace servants.
“I’m sure she said something about me, that perveted woman.” He sneered, sounding mildly irritated.
I doubted, unsure whether to be honest or not, but I was far from the best liar on this continent. In the end, I nodded and chuckled softly. “She called you ‘a bloodthirsty, oversized wolf with an ego too big for any throne.“”
Killian’s lips curled into a razor–sharp grin.
“She’s not wrong.”
The last wound closed, leaving only a faint scar behind. I let out a breath and leaned back. “Finally done. You’re all patched up. Now you just need to get cleaned—”
07.31 Sal, 20 API
Chapter 70
“Yeah, alright. I understand, little lady.”
Killian suddenly stood up, flicking my forehead with two fingers, making me yelp in pain. This evil tyrant!
“Come with me.”
I blinked, my mouth suddenly dry.
“Excuse me?”
“You’re the one always fussing over me. Stay here until the bath is ready,” he said nonchalantly.
Before I could protest, Killian grabbed my wrist and led me toward the bathhouse. The room was grand–far larger than I had expected. A massive pool of crystal–clear, steaming water sat at its center, surrounded by marble pillars and intricate carvings of wolves and moon phases stretching along the walls. The scent of lavender and sandalwood filled the air.
I barely had time to admire the place before the sound of rustling fabric caught my ear. I turned just in time to catch a glimpse of Killian’s shirt slipping off his broad shoulders, revealing battle–worn muscles, firm and scarred. Heat crept up my neck, and I quickly spun around.
“Shy, little Luna?” Killian teased.
I swallowed hard. “I–It’s called having manners!”
Killian only chuckled. “Haven’t you already gotten used to seeing this?”
I gritted my teeth in silence. So much for the cold, domineering man from before. In his place stood a wild beast and a shameless flirt.
A soft ripples echoed behind me, signaling that he had entered the water. And then, that commanding voice rang out
“Get in.”
My heart pounded. I mentally chanted every calming spell I knew, while Leia scoffed, mocking me for acting like some innocent maiden–especially when I had already been surrounded by two naked men before. Heat burned fiercely across my face.
“Leia, I swear, stay quiet this time unless you want trouble!”
My wolf only grew more amused. “Oh dear, just look at that adorable blush.”
“Leia!”
A sudden splash of water hit my face, making me jolt back. I immediately searched for the culprit and shot a glare in his direction.
“Is that how you invite someone, Your Highness?”
Killian looked unimpressed. “That’s twice now you’ve used that outdated title. Get in, or I’ll drag you in myself.”
I exhaled sharply, choosing not to argue. Instead, I tied my long hair into a messy bun before stepping forward and slipping into the bath. The warmth enveloped me instantly, easing a tension I hadn’t even realized I was carrying.
Killian leaned against the edge of the bath, his gaze fixed on me like a predator observing its prey.
“You’re awfully quiet,” he remarked, tilting his head slightly. “What’s wrong?”
I bit my lip before finally asking, “Why were you late coming home?”
07:31 Sat, 26 Apr m S⚫
Chapter 70
Killian’s expression darkened slightly, a chilling cold creeping back into those blood–red eyes.
“It’s not a pleasant story.”
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“If you don’t mind, I’d still like to hear it. Can you tell me?” I quickly added, “Since your original plan was to visit my pack.”
Killian’s gaze locked onto mine, as if weighing whether he should tell me the truth. Then, a smirk curved on his lips.
“A kiss first, as an opening story.”
I rolled my eyes, even as a blush crept up my face. Just as I was about to protest to the king, he pulled me closer, his large hands resting firmly on my waist. His breath was warm against my lips as he murmured, “You insist on knowing everything, don’t you?”
And then he kissed me.
The kiss was demanding, filled with raw hunger. It stole the air from my lungs. My fingers dug into his bare shoulders as his lips moved against mine, deepening the kiss until I felt dizzy–in the best way possible. Killian always felt like this. The intoxicating scent of musk, the heat and strength, and something darker–something that made me want to be an eternal flame that never burned out for him.
When he finally pulled away, he rested his forehead against mine, his voice rougher and deeper than usual.
“Was that enough for the price?” I panted.
Instead of answering, his teeth tugged at my lower lip, making me whimper before he kissed me again–hotter, fiercer. Our bodies pressed together like bird lovers lost in newfound passion. My head tilted back, my lips parting in pure delight as he expertly found the sensitive spot on my neck.
“I suppose this payment will do, little Luna.”
