Rise of the Lustful Evil Monarch (Re)

Ethan's POV

What in the world is a Heartshadow? I thought as my brows furrowed in thought. Why haven't I heard of this before?

Her declaration felt bizarre, like something straight out of a poorly written romance novel.

I felt cringe and the concept of being "together forever," caring for each other's every need… seemed over-the-top and didn't fit into the pragmatic reality of my life in my opinion.

I felt my temples throb as I processed her words.

Had Master truly instructed her to become something so absurdly dramatic? It didn't align with the Master I knew, who was always fiercely protective of her space and even more so of mine.

The idea of her allowing someone else to stay so close to me seemed wildly out of character.

And yet… Velcy's conviction made it hard to believe she'd invented the story.

Her words didn't feel entirely her own though they had the formal and almost rehearsed tone of someone reciting a speech.

I rubbed my forehead as the chaos of my thoughts swirled. This doesn't make any sense.

Despite my confusion, I forced myself to remain calm. Without saying a word, I rose from the bath as the water cascaded down my torso.

My mind was chaotic and confusing as I tried to understand the implications of Master's actions. My movements were measured, my expression unreadable as I stepped toward the shore.

But a sudden scream broke my stupor. I looked up to see its source, and Velcy was covering her face with her hands as her tail swished with an intensity like never before.

But there were gaps between her fingers through which she peeked at me. I was confused for a moment at her actions before I suddenly realized something.

Even her ears had turned to a pink shade that was visible to my superior senses and it reflected her current emotions. Discover exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire

I looked down and realized that I was not wearing anything underneath. I was standing stark naked on the shore as the bloody light reflected across my skin and hot vapor arose from my body.

Shit!, Suddenly, I realized that I had forgotten the detail that I had been naked in the hot pool.

Velcy's sudden appearance and words had occupied most of my mind making me forget such an important detail.

Suddenly, my little brother started turning hard as if it was waking itself to say hi to a visitor.

The expected shame at being exposed like this didn't arrive inside me but a weird kind of excitement raced across my body as I was observed by Velcy.

I was already an adult by my mental age but being exposed like this didn't make me embarrassed instead, a secret kind of excitement coursed through me.

By now, my little brother had totally turned hard and had grown to its full potential. It roared at the cave ceiling as if announcing its ascent.

Velcy froze and seeing me observing her she covered her eyes properly again but while I looked down I could see her peeking again.

I grabbed a nearby towel and began drying myself and deliberately took my time. My silence seemed to unnerve her more than any words could have, and I could practically feel her apprehension building.

Velcy can think that this is my normal behavior and way of living. This way she can get used to it from early on. I thought with a dark smile on my lips that was obscured by the towel that I used to wipe my face.

I wore an amused smile but decided that it was enough and turned around to the rising fog where I vanished soon.

I emerged soon but this time I was dressed in simple but impeccable dark clothes with golden motifs and designs on their cuffs and collars. My little brother had also calmed down by now and had gone to its sleep again.

Once I had finished, I turned back to her with a steady gaze.

"So, Velcy tell me" I began in a neutral tone as if the earlier incident had never happened and it was not a mistake on my part but a normal routine of mine.

"This 'Heartshadow' what exactly did Master say about it? I want it word for word."

Velcy hesitated and her ears twitched as though she was trying to remember the exact phrasing.

"She said… She said it was a sacred bond. That I was chosen for it because of my connection to you and because of what you unknowingly did for me.

She said it was an unbreakable bond and one could not break it even in time of a life and death crisis."

Her voice wavered slightly, and she fidgeted with her hands. "She told me to stay by your side, no matter what."

I frowned, crossing my arms over my chest. Her words were not providing the clarity I had hoped for. If anything they had raised more questions in my mind.

Unbreakable bond? Life and death? The Dragoness's cryptic tendencies were frustrating at the best of times but this felt excessive even for her.

Velcy's gaze remained fixed on me and her tail still swished nervously as she awaited my response.

I sighed and ran a hand through my damp hair.

"Velcy," I said, my voice softer now, "if this is truly what Master told you, then we will need to figure out what it means together. But until then you don't have to jump to conclusions about what this 'bond' entails. Understand?"

Her ears perked up slightly, and she nodded eagerly. "Yes, Big Brother Ethan!"

Her sudden enthusiasm caught me off guard but I chose not to comment. For now, it seemed, I'd have to accept her presence and try to unravel the mystery of the so-called Heartshadow.

But deep down, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something far more complicated.

I moved to the exit and Velcy followed me silently with her head down.