I gently moved Thyrian, even though he was heavy, especially given the state I was in, and carefully pushed him into the water. The moment I did so, his body sank. Worried, I tossed away the warm towel on my forehead and immediately slid my legs in. I let my body sink into the pool and gently grabbed his body. I hugged him tightly and clung onto him, attempting to swim back up, and that’s when his legs began to shine, and eventually his merman fin appeared. I stared down at him, his pale face looked better, slightly calmer...

His eyes opened instantly, and panic washed through them. His hands rested on my waist, and he swam upward until our heads popped above the surface.

"What did you jump in for?" he asked, and my lips parted. "You weren’t making any sounds or moving," I said, wiping the water from my eyes.

"You already have a fever. Get out of the water, you might worsen it," he said worriedly, and I nodded. I swam to the edge and climbed the stairs, walking out of the water. I stood there, staring at him, still drenched. I wanted to ask him a question, but I had to change first, especially with the wind blowing in my direction.

"So fucking cold," I cursed out and immediately rushed to my room. I gently shut the balcony doors and quickly changed into a gown. I added a thick jacket over it and sat down, trying to warm my cold body, when the door moved and Thyrian emerged.

"What are you doing here? You should stay in the water," I said, standing up and rushing to him. But then his hands rested on my forehead, and silver light shimmered softly. I felt my body cool instantly, like warmth wrapped around me... He pulled his hands away and walked into Azrael’s room, naked.

"Out!" I heard Azrael’s displeased voice, and I couldn’t help but giggle. Everyone was asleep.

"Come on, Raven, get Thyrian some clothes!" Azrael yelled from the room, and I couldn’t help but laugh. "But yours suit him more," I said, sliding the door open, and Azrael’s cold eyes bored into mine.

"He’s tiring," he said, but..

"Don’t worry, his words are different from his heart," Thyrian said, and Azrael raised a brow. At that second, he raised his hands, and greenish-black mist swirled around them. He glared at Thyrian and smirked.

"My heart is dark, Thyrian!" he warned, and I panicked. I immediately stood in front of Thyrian, shielding him, and Azrael’s brows arched even more in disbelief.

"Are you willing to die for him?" Azrael asked, and I nodded, closing my eyes shut, bracing for impact, yet nothing came. I peeked my eyes open. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

"Out!" Azrael said, and Thyrian’s hands landed on my shoulders. "Yes, Azrael," he said softly, and gently pushed me out with him. I felt Azrael scoff, and the door shut closed.

Standing outside, I felt my heart race. "What if he actually hurts you?" I said, and Thyrian laughed. His echoing happiness made me snap back to reality.

"I’m serious," I said, but he only licked his lips and crouched down to my level... I audibly stuttered, feeling his wide shoulders and pressuring presence tower over me.

"Azrael wouldn’t hurt me," he said again, and I paused. Come to think of it, from the moment I came here, Azrael had looked out for Thyrian. Azrael indeed wouldn’t hurt Thyrian. Even in the cold Netherlands, he protected him, and it seemed he cared about him a lot. I must just be imagining things! Because out of my beast-men, Azrael was the scariest...no way he was that caring. I relaxed and leaned forward, resting my head on Thyrian’s bare chest, and he blushed.

"You are right. I should stop thinking of him like that," I said and licked my bottom lip.

"Raven, is it too early to say I love you?" Thyrian asked, and my eyes widened. I stared up at him, and my head flushed red.

"No, you are qualified to say that this early," I said, and he blushed. He looked away, and gently his hands landed on my hair, softly caressing it. I melted into his touch, and his eyes locked with mine.

"Raven, I want to bite you," he said, and I froze.

"Huh?" I asked in confusion, and before I could say a word, his hands landed on my waist and he swept me up. I gasped and placed my hands over my mouth.

"You’re so light," he said, and I blushed. I looked away, but my gaze landed on his bare chest, and I couldn’t help but lick my lips. His nipples were light pink, I couldn’t help but suck in air... they were literally calling me to have a taste, but I composed myself.

"Thyrian, at least wear trousers," I said, pointing at his dick, and he froze. I felt his body tense up. He gently placed me down, and I turned my back to him. I couldn’t stand there and watch him change like a pervert... But Thyrian seemed inexperienced in lovemaking. The thought made my evil smile spread inwardly. That day... would I be the one taking the lead? I’ll make him mine. Does that mean I would be taking his virginity? Also, could beast-men be called virgins or first-timers? I thought and turned.

Luckily, he was done putting on the pants, but it didn’t look like he would wear a shirt, I don’t mind. I moved closer, and my finger landed on his chest. I felt the slow movement of his muscles and licked my lips.

"You should go sleep in the water," I said in an angelic tone, slowly dropping my fingers lower, and he let out a shaky breath.

"Mas-ter..."

"Have you ever been intimate with a girl?" I asked, and Thyrian shook his head negatively. I knew it—it would be his first time. I felt my tummy churn with excitement and withdrew my hands, but then he gently caught them and placed them on his cheeks.

"Raven, I love you," his soft voice came. I was expecting him to say it, but not in this way. I felt my heart move with a pang and froze on my spot.

"I love you so much," he added, and before I could even give an answer, he carried me in his arms, princess-style, and gently placed me on the bed.

Oh my! Were we going to the next part? I thought in happiness, but then he just pulled the duvet over me, and my smile died.

Really, Thyrian?

"You have a fever. Get some sleep."