Loon was enjoying the food that was served. He was smiling and eating happily in his usual elegant way. Fenir was looking at him with an innocent smile as Theo was getting even more curious; his eyes were attracted by the jade horns of the dragon, who felt his stare and looked at him back.

On the other side of the table, Ayren was getting a headache from all that "light" that Loon was sending out with simply his presence there.

"So..." Ayren turned to Fenir "I'd like to hear what's so important to tell a mere swordsman." he marked as he was already trying to tell him he didn't want to deal with anything.

Fenir smirked as Nyme was looking at the two of them and eating in silence to then check sometimes on Theo and encouraging him to eat his food.

"Someone is on your trail."

Loon flinched and opened his eyes "How..."

Fenir sighed "Apparently the other mage guilds are awakened. Umi has sent his spies and thunderbirds to check on the area... It seems they want you, Ayren... Or maybe you, Loon, but I wouldn't know why."Ayren felt awkward towards Fenir's tone as it was obvious he was acting.

Loon looked at Ayren to then sigh "I have... an unfinished business with them." he explained to then tilt his head as the swordsman looked neutral as always.

"So what?"

Fenir looked at Ayren and smiled "I know you're fearless, but Ayren... We both know that they're not going to stop... I fear they might talk about him to the current Emperor to get reinforcements."

Loon looked at Fenir "You know..." his eyes for a moment got wider, like he was feeling worried, so he looked at Ayren "He knows?"

Ayren almost killed him on spot with his stare "Loon." he called him out and his eyes looked at Fenir, who crossed his arms.

With just one look at the Lord of the House, Nyme took Theo away from the room and soon the butler and the maids left as well. Loon didn't know how to feel, he was confused, and Fenir could feel it just by the look of his eyes locked on something not specific.

"I guess you deserve to know something more about my relationship with Ayren." he smiled as he pointed at the swordsman, who looked a little worried about the next words of Fenir.

"He doesn't need to know."

"Enough." Loon looked at Ayren with a serious stare. "Please, you may continue."

Ayren glanced at Fenir, who smirked to then smile innocently "Well, you know vampires are long life creatures, of course I was... a big friend of his" he did giggle amused "You have to understand something... All the creatures who have lived during the previous Emperor reign, will always remember and fear about anything related to his Era to return... Ayren is the example... We do remember, and we do not forget." his smile was a little evil "We do not forgive as you probably do not know... Treasure, but while you were in comfort in the Palace... The Emperor managed to gather so much power that he wanted to wipe all the creatures... Vampires, dragons, elves, sirens... Oh... If it wasn't for that beautiful fire back to the Palace... I bet a war... A war would have happened." He tilted his head, showing off his own red eyes glowing like he wanted to recall his blood-art. Madness was growing and Loon could feel its roots deep in Fenir's heart slowly enhancing his speech "Blood... So much blood spilled, so much chaos and endless trials to recover from that insane man's doing..."

Loon looked at Ayren and kept himself quiet as he understood why the swordsman wanted him to stay silent.

Fenir knew indeed, but he didn't know he was the Moon's Herald, literally a God.

And apparently even Umi covered him up on that.

Honestly, he didn't know if he had to tell him at that point, not like he could have done anything since Ayren was there and he was sure he wouldn't have let anyone get him anymore.

"I was wondering who was the only one the Emperor was letting walk in the Great Palace..." Fenir almost sang as Loon crossed his arms and tilt his head "Oh? What's with that look, isn't it true?"

"I have been in the Palace for... only a few years." Loon spoke to then look away "I was just a servant."

"A servant..." Fenir repeated "Tell us... I think even Ayren deserves to know more about you." his red eyes stared into the swordsman's ones.

"Fenir, can we go back to Umi and Talon?" Ayren asked, "Those are useless information, I want to know something more about what you and Umi got told exactly."

"Oh, sure sure, I am just curious. One last question!" Fenir smiled innocently "You are my guests after all" he smirked, and Ayren gnashed his teeth as the lord was looking again at Loon. "Tell me, little treasure." Loon looked at him and tried not to flinch to that name. His mind was getting back all the memories, and the whispers of the Emperor through his ears, making him shiver. "What have you done to be the forbidden treasure no one had to see because holy only for the Emperor's Eyes?" he asked "Was it because of your appearance? Was it because of your scent? Are you the reason why he was the only Emperor in his lineage to have no concubines at some point?" he laughed "That's just so hilarious."

Ayren looked at Loon and felt weird once he noticed him looking away.

Where was his stubborn side that would always talk back?

Was Fenir saying something that would actually be the truth?

Loon wasn't only used for his mana but... for something else?

Ayren's eyes widened as memories of their first encounter surfaced in his mind, bringing back Loon's words from that moment. They echoed clearly now, filling the tense silence between them.

"I guess I was the Emperor's best entertainment."

He was literally begging Loon to look at him with his usual serious, and mighty aura as his mind was just moving fast with thoughts about that bastard laying his hands on him.

Fenir looked at the two to then drink his wine "I do not think I have to hear an answer... Moving on!" he smiled as the two were just silent. "It's interesting how you're willing to protect something, the one you did hate the most, Ayren... Don't you think it's weird?" Fenir asked "After all, he's the reason why he was always in a good mood to slaughter creatures, people and my brothers and my sisters" his voice was getting even more aggressive.

Ayren sighed as he felt his voice echoing inside the manor "The reason why he did all that was because he was an insane bastard." Fenir looked at the swordsman whose eyes were glowing "You better stop talking about this nonsense and get back to what I want to know. It's an order."

Loon on the other side was almost spacing out. His heart felt heavy once the words of Fenir came to mind. The Emperor used his mana to wipe out creatures in the Empire? Why? Why did he decide to destroy so much when all he showed with his mana was... beauty and life.

He felt sickened. The more he stared at his own hands, the more flashes of blood and the lifeless bodies of creatures slain by the Emperor filled his vision.

Those hands were his.

As Loon's emotions started to unravel, Ayren noticed his distant expression. The dragon's blue eyes were fixed on his own hands, horrified, as though he could see the ghosts of the past clinging to them. Ayren sighed, stood up, and quickly moved to sit beside him, grasping his hands gently. He flinched as he felt Loon's hands trembling in his own.

The sight stirred Ayren's mind, making him wonder about the deeper connection between Loon and the Emperor. But he held back from asking—this wasn't his place to pry.

It really wasn't.

Loon looked sad and lost in his thoughts, even when Ayren was blocking his hands from trembling. Fenir looked at the two to then sigh.

"I think you have to go to the Dragon lands... The mages won't rush there in big groups as the Dragons are hostile to everyone who enters there... The current Emperor is pretty much useless, which is something that is making us all worried."

"Why?"

"Because if you haven't noticed, Ayren, the outer lands are healing," Fenir said, his eyes locking onto Ayren. "A magic thought to be lost or corrupted by dark forces is restoring them. The Emperor's going to worry when he finds out the outer lands won't depend on his domain anymore, now that the earth is returning to life and giving resources to humans." Ayren knew this was because Loon was finally walking free again, no longer chained and drained of his mana.

"...And if the mages report to the Emperor about his father being powerful again," Fenir continued, "they might form an alliance, throwing everything at getting Loon. After all, the Emperor's treasure knows the secret to his power, doesn't it?"

Loon, arms crossed, looked at Fenir and deadpanned, "I don't."

"Really?" Fenir's eyebrow arched.

"Really." Loon closed his eyes, exuding a serene, unbothered aura.

"Hm."

"Hm?" Loon cracked open his left eye, staring at Fenir's puzzled expression. Then, as if waiting for applause, Loon glanced at Ayren with a smug smile, as though silently begging for praise for his "brilliant" performance.

Ayren narrowed his eyes, doing his best to ignore the imaginary stars and sparkles radiating from Loon's proud smile. With a deep sigh, he took a drink, hoping water could somehow get him drunk.

"Indeed," Ayren muttered dryly, leaving the glass on the table and getting back to hold Loon's hands. "Are you even looking at him? He's off in some fairyland... or whatever." The swordsman gestured vaguely, trying to back up Loon's clueless act while Fenir smiled through the excruciating awkwardness.

Fenir nodded a little "Well, it doesn't matter, you're the only trace left of the Emperor and they probably know... Umi told me you still got some traces of his mana on you which explains the reason why of the scent..." he sighed "I don't think they will stop even if you tell them you don't know anything."

Ayren let Loon's hands go "It doesn't matter, we will go to the Dragon lands. We can't stay here... I am more than glad to get in some fights after this stay in your... city."

Fenir's eyes were surprised "You're really planning to keep moving together? How interesting! I have never seen Ayren with a partner in all these years." he smiled innocently under the swordsman's serious stare.

"Are you sure?" Loon's voice was soft, Ayren looked at him to then tilt his head.

"Do you wish to part ways?" he asked, and Loon honestly didn't know what to say.

He felt awful at that moment. All that information was making his heart little and pierced by thousands of swords.

He was meant to bring life and maintain the cycle in the world, but why did it look like his presence was mostly bringing destruction and pain?

In that moment he was so fragile that his mind was literally just highlighting the bad things that happened, and he felt like the main reason for it.

Ayren meanwhile almost felt mad.

Actually.

He was irritated.

Why was he even taking his time to answer him?

Fenir's red eyes glowed the more he was looking at Loon, asking himself who he could be for real. He knew Ayren wasn't telling the truth, so was Loon.

Of course, there had to be a reason if mages were waking up and deciding to move to seek for him.

Just, who was he exactly?

Fenir knew himself, even if he asked, he knew Ayren wouldn't have let him get more information.

After all, they had experienced tons of adventures together, probably Fenir was the closest person to Ayren.

Still alive, at least.

"We made an oath," Ayren said matter-of-factly, crossing his arms. "As a swordsman, I'm bound to honor it, which means you can't back out either, Loon. You were the one who chose to form this oath with me."

Loon glanced at Ayren, who was staring at him with a slightly irritated look, almost as if he were scolding him. For a brief moment, Loon noticed something different in his gaze—a calmness, but with a flicker of... annoyance?

"Well" Fenir clapped his hands amused "I do foresee interesting events in the future... I would love to be with you and experience fights, but I fear I am forced to be in the city for the time being as... I am curious what the mages will try to do with the Emperor."

Ayren stood up and nearly cursed himself as he reached for Loon's hand to pull him up as well.

"If this little show was to your liking, we're taking our leave. Tomorrow morning, we will leave" Ayren said as he was going to the door to finally get out.

"I am not done." Fenir smiled, still sitting on the chair and eating a bite.

Ayren sighed to then turn to him "You're playing with my patience, Fenir." he warned him and Fenir looked serious.

"I have to speak privately with you."

With that said, Loon found himself out of the room. He crossed his arms to then walk to the living room and sit on the couch, waiting for Ayren to get back to him.

"This is... boring" he sighed after a while. Just, what were those two talking about?

And another question came to his mind, what did Fenir mean by he had a long past with Ayren?

"I shouldn't even care... It's a lot already and he's still willing to help me... But why, after all... Is he just satisfied by the fact I will bring him fights?" he felt awkward "Well, he's Ayren, he's definitely weird on this matter, he just wants to fight endlessly." his hand moved a little summoning his orb which its rays were shining of a lovely blue mana caressing his pale fair skin.

"How troubled is your soul... Ayren?" he whispered as his blue eyes were shining, stuck into his orb. Loon sometimes would feel such a deep ocean, a dark one around the swordsman. Full of pain and sorrow that the swordsman was using to enhance his blood thirst on incredible levels "For how long have you been wandering to calm those ghosts of yours?" he sighed to then flinch and make his mana disappear once he saw Theo peeking from the door "Hello, Theo" he smiled and the kid walked slowly, climbing on the couch to sit next to him as his red eyes were looking at him.

The kid laid his hands on the tail and played with the fur that was on the end of it, making Loon tilt his head and sigh. He couldn't really maintain himself happy as his mind was running wild on all the things that happened during his absence.

He couldn't keep his duty.

He brought destruction to the earth and the people through helping a man, who promised to do his best.

How foolish of him to trust a human. Why was he that blind to trust?

Was he worthy? Could he actually keep being the Moon's Herald?

"So foolish..." he whispered to himself to then smile softly as the kid was laughing, till he laid his hand on the soft black hair of the vampire cub.

The red eyes of the kid looked at his hand and he blocked himself, making Loon embarrassed.

"Oh sorry, I am a stranger." he tried to withdraw his hand, but his eyes opened up once the kid grabbed his hand and bit his finger like a cat. "Huh?" he noticed the red eyes of the baby glowing as he was happily getting his blood through the bite.

Loon tilted his head and sighed, letting the child keep biting his finger as he wasn't actually feeling pain or anything. His mind was too full that maybe getting that bite was distracting his energy.

"Seriously."

Loon's empty blue eyes met Ayren's as the swordsman grabbed the child by the scruff of his clothes, making the kid dangle like a kitten being lifted by its mother. The child blinked in confusion, realizing he was now floating, though his small teeth still clung stubbornly to Loon's finger. A shiver ran down his spine as he looked up, catching sight of Ayren leaning closer, his red eyes filled with a dark, ominous aura.

"Leave him." he said as an order with an evil smile, and his eyes glowing. The baby opened his mouth, to free Loon's finger, to then see himself falling on the couch.

"Oi oi, Theo, that's rude! No matter how tasty it is, you can't just draw on the blood of a stranger for your desires." Fenir sighed under Ayren's annoyed glance.

Loon looked back to his usual neutral and apathetic aura. He was simply too into his thoughts to care too much about what was happening in the moment. After all the child wasn't hurting him, who was he to say no to a little bite?

Theo clapped a little his hand as from those little strings of blue and red mana were entangling till forming a rose that was shining of blue mana, Loon's one.

Ayren flinched once he saw Theo being happy of his creation under Loon's lost eyes.

"Vampires draw on their own blood or their enemies, preys' one to either create or destroy... Seems like Theo wanted to use your blood for his little desire, I do apologize. He adores your scent." Fenir sighed to then stroke the child's head "He doesn't talk much, but... I think this kid has his way to see the world and what's in people's mind..." the lord laughed "But how could I know? He doesn't talk."

Loon nodded a little to then look at Ayren and tilt his head "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"We're sleeping in the manor, let's go." Ayren reached for his hand, under his confused stare while Fenir and Theo were waving their hands happily.

"What? Why?" Loon asked curious once they were in a big room that was meant to be one for the guests. It had all the possible comfort. He almost felt like a prince himself, but that didn't change the fact he was confused.

Ayren crossed his arms to then lay by the doorframe "Do I really have to save you from children as well, now?"

"Why are we sleeping here? It looked like you were about to kill him before I had to leave the room for you two to speak." Loon looked confused and Ayren sighed a little to then keep his stare serious.

"Why did you let that kid bite you?" he asked and Loon tilted his head, feeling irritated

"You're not answering my question!"

"Same goes for you!" Ayren's hands trembled as he fought the urge to check Loon's finger for the bite mark. It frustrated him deeply—why did the immortal let anything touch him? It was driving him mad.

His mind raced with questions about the Emperor, suspicion gnawing at him, but he hesitated to voice them. His thoughts spiraled until he abruptly pulled away.

"Get some sleep. Lord Fenir expects us to leave tomorrow. Goodnight."

"Huh? Where are you going..." Loon called out, but the door closed, leaving him alone. He sighed, glancing around the oversized room, which now felt oppressive, like shadows and echoes were closing in on him. His face saddened as he climbed into bed, disappearing under the sheets.

"Why... why do I feel like I'm suffocating in such a big room?" he whispered to himself, trying to find rest.

Meanwhile, outside the big residence, some people were gathering.

"There's no need to come." Umi said once Fenir and Nyme came out of the manor.

The woman was wearing black pants and a tight upper coat, as her hands were holding red strings enhanced by her own blood that was flowing from her own wounds in her hands, while Fenir was looking up at the night sky, breathing the cold and calm air.

"Oh? Don't you know, Umi?" The vampire smiled innocently as the gates of the city were opening and the three with Talon were walking out.

"I hate outsiders."

***********************

Back to the manor, Ayren couldn't believe he was actually sleeping.

But he couldn't believe he had to wake up after a few hours because of someone knocking at the damn window.

The swordsman raised himself to sit on the comfortable bed. He almost laughed insanely when he saw the little pet of Loon hitting the glass of the balcony window.

"Now even water dragon pets try to make me lose my mind, fantastic." Ayren commented annoyed. His long black hair was untied and loose, he was wearing a soft silk white shirt and comfortable pants for the night, typical western clothes Fenir made the maids bring to ensure comfort.

The swordsman sighed, glaring at the little shi... pet. "You really want to die," Ayren muttered, but his attention was suddenly drawn to the window. His eyes widened as an unnatural storm brewed over the town.

Standing up, he watched in disbelief as heavy rain lashed the streets, mixed with sharp pellets of ice. The thunderclaps roared louder, and the flashes of lightning were relentless, illuminating the chaos outside.

It was as if the heavens had unleashed fury—an apocalyptic storm that made the town look like it was descending into hell.

Ayren's red eyes narrowed at Loon's pet, sensing something was wrong. He quickly opened the balcony window, and the creature darted inside, hiding behind him in fear. His teeth clenched as a flash of lightning illuminated the night sky.

Through the clouds, he caught sight of the shadow of an enormous dragon, its form cutting through the storm. A deafening roar followed, echoing across the town, sending waves of panic through the streets. People and creatures, jolted awake by the thunderous sound, scrambled in fear as the storm raged on.

Something happened to Loon.

Ayren's legs literally moved fast. His hands grabbed the belt with the sword and ran to check if Loon was still in his room.

Did Fenir really trick them?

Or maybe Umi managed to get through the manor without Fenir's consent? Or both actually allied to do something to Loon?

Ayren's thoughts got interrupted once he opened the door, almost slamming it, and noticed that actually Loon was in his bed.

The pet peeked from Ayren's shoulder, making the swordsman almost lose his mind. "Your master is here, you little idiot." his red eyes looked deadly towards the water dragon pet with the wish to strangle it. But it was made of water, so it was basically pointless to even do it.

Ayren got back to focus on the situation. Loon was whispering and trembling in his sleep, he was having a troubled sleep.

The swordsman sighed heavily once he noticed the pet flying to Loon and then back to Ayren more than three times, like he was hinting at the swordsman to get close.

Ayren, already on edge from the unnatural storm and Loon's evident distress, felt his annoyance boiling over. The situation was far from normal, and seeing the immortal hurt even in his sleep only fueled his frustration. Without much thought, he walked over to the bed and gently laid his hand on Loon's face.

He pinched his cheek, jolting the immortal awake. Loon's eyes shot open as he quickly sat up, fear still evident in his expression—until he realized Ayren was sitting beside him on the bed, his red eyes fixed on him with a mix of concern and irritation.

"Your stupid pet even asked me for help," Ayren muttered, crossing his arms as he withdrew his hand, sighing in frustration. "What's wrong?" His tone was a mix of annoyance and concern as he looked at Loon, waiting for an answer.

Loon looked around and noticed the storm. He laid his hands on his own cheeks "I am sorry, even immortals have trouble sleeping sometimes, I usually have more control... I don't know what happened." he smiled warmly under Ayren's serious glance.

Within moments, the clouds parted, allowing the moon to shine through. Loon smiled as its rays gently touched his face. Ayren, noticing this, took hold of Loon's hands, drawing his attention back.

As Loon focused on him, he couldn't help but blush slightly. Ayren's presence had its own undeniable charm. His long black hair, tipped with red, softly framed his face, and the partially open silk shirt revealed a glimpse of his chest. His intense red eyes were fixed on Loon, who appeared lost in thought, wondering what might be going through the swordsman's mind.

"See? All is fine, thank you for... making me notice the mess." The immortal stood up to go to the balcony and check the weather. It was maybe a bit cold, but it was back to being calm.

Ayren stood up to reach him, as he laid on the fence of the balcony. Also to enjoy the view of the immortal almost shine as the moon rays were highlighting his fair skin and blue eyes.

"How long are you going to pretend?" he asked and Loon tilted his head to a side

"You're immortal, but even immortals have feelings, I think you're the example... You always smile and laugh... And when you don't, you look like you're back to heavens, ignoring everything and everyone but tell me... Do you do it to defend yourself?"

"Defend myself...?" Loon asked and Ayren sighed heavily to then feel nervous.

He laid the hand on his ear where the earring of their oath was "The oath... I agreed on protecting you while I get my part on seeking battles and satisfaction from it... But protection means also from you yourself. Therefore..." he moved his hand to his cheek "If you don't let your emotions flow, your mana will do it on your behalf by turning into that."

Loon's eyes opened under Ayren's serious eyes, feeling like he knew something deep about him.

The swordsman could tell as he could tell the weather sometimes would be the mirror of Loon's emotions. The Immortal surely had control on his emotions for so much time but probably that night was the waterfall of all his destructive thoughts caused by the conversations he had with Fenir and Umi.

"What... Are you talking about?" Loon didn't move. His blue eyes were into his as the hand of the swordsman was still laying on his cheek.

The swordsman tried to look serious and cold. "I am just saying that... It's okay to cry." The swordsman looked away to focus on the sky. "One of my comrades was very young." He didn't see himself smiling as weirdly his mind was sending off good pictures of his old friends... family "He was actually the youngest... For that reason, he would always ask for a match whenever we were free.. He would always look strong, determined like nothing could even dare to think to touch him. " He crossed his arms as his eyes were staring at the moon "When we were on a mission... Months away from his town... The whole unit laughed when we saw him reading a letter from his family... He was holding back from crying so much that he would look so pathetic... He was embarrassed but... We did give him some pats on his shoulder and head, telling him it was okay... It's okay to cry."

Ayren's eyes opened up when he heard little hiccups. He looked at Loon that was looking at him with his teary eyes, as his body was trembling. The swordsman felt irritated, maybe? He couldn't understand his feelings, but seeing Loon actually showing his fragile side wasn't maybe the best idea to come up with for his own mental sanity.

Rain started to fall along with the tears of the dragon, but it was a slow calm rain. Loon was crying and he didn't really know what to do. He never cried like that? He used to surely have teary eyes, but he would always control himself. Yet this time he was just letting it flow in front of the swordsman who looked as if he didn't know what to do.

"You're... You will catch a cold." Ayren moved his arm to then wait for the dragon to move, but he was simply crying silently as the rain was falling on him "You... Seriously... I didn't mean to... do it in place."

Loon tilted his head as silent tears were dripping down his cheeks "T-then how... when? I... don't know how to do this. Is there a right time and wrong time for this too?" he asked confused, looking too adorable and Ayren felt like he literally stabbed himself by giving that advice.

"No, it's fine... I meant..." The swordsman reached his hand "Come..." he said with a calm voice, making him enter the room, to then close the balcony window to avoid the rain to enter, even though it was pretty calm.

The more Ayren was holding and guiding Loon back to the bed, the more he noticed how much in pain the immortal was.

The swordsman sat in front of the dragon, who tried to wipe some of his tears as his chest was going up and down because of the hiccups. Ayren honestly didn't know what to do other than looking at him and being simply present like he used to do with his young comrade.

"I am meant to bring life... but why does... does it look like I just destroyed?" he asked between the hiccups and tears "Just because of my bad decisions..."

The swordsman found himself once again in a situation he desperately wanted to avoid—one where his sword couldn't provide the solution. To him, Loon appeared to be at the very edge of his usual calm control. Knowing Loon's deep love for all living things, Ayren could tell the half-dragon was weighed down by guilt, even over the smallest harm done to any creature. Was this, perhaps, the true burden of the Moon's Herald? To witness the cycle of life and death, to feel both suffering and joy for the world's constant changes? How much restraint did it take to carry such a weight for centuries?

Ayren sighed "Theo..."

Loon tilted his head confused as the swordsman was crossing his arms looking away to maintain his composure.

Yes, because Loon being that fragile was seriously playing awful tricks in his mind. "What...?"

Ayren sighed to then look at him "He drew on your blood to use his bloodstring and create a beautiful rose... He did in fact used your resource to create something harmless even though he could have created something else, like a weapon to pierce you or to bring death, yet he did choose a rose" he explained "You surely... had made a terrible choice, but the true fault on all that is troubling your mind is someone who simply draw on your mana to satisfy his crazy desires, to destroy."

"I am immortal... I should have known... I was told to stay alone in the forest to keep myself away, but I didn't..." he kept crying and Ayren laid the hand on his head, feeling even more nervous because the immortal looked like he just wanted to keep self-blame.

He was missing him.

He was missing his bright smile and his shiny eyes full of life instead of tears.

"You wanted to trust... Betrayals are normal in the human world." Ayren almost felt sad to slam another reality door at him.

His eyes widened when the immortal's blue gaze met his. "Will you betray me?" Loon asked, and the question hit the swordsman hard, leaving him feeling genuinely unsettled.

"We made an oath; it goes against my principles." he said to then flinch when Loon laid the head on his chest to keep crying like he wanted to hide and ask silently the swordsman to actually make no one see him like that.

Ayren had his hands trembling, like he didn't really want to touch him, but Loon's hiccups made him sigh heavily. He wrapped his arms around Loon's waist, as one hand was raising till caressing his hair, making him enjoy the sensation of the touch.

After some time, Ayren could notice the rain had stopped, to then look at Loon with a puzzled stare.

Yes, the immortal actually fell asleep laying on Ayren's chest. The swordsman felt nervous and annoyed "Seriously..." his stare became puzzled as he noticed the water dragon pet forming and flying happily around the two "You're lucky I am blocked here." he whispered "One day I will find a way to make you suffer." he noticed how slowly around the whole room the usual mana was overflowing to form the typical environment when Loon was sleeping nicely.

Ayren couldn't help but smile, it was like a confirmation of the immortal being calm and sleeping well.

Yes, okay... What about him?

Ayren let out a sigh before gently nudging Loon, pushing him down onto the bed. To avoid jolting him awake, Ayren ended up holding him tightly, and suddenly found himself hovering over the immortal, his arm wrapped around Loon's waist.

His red eyes widened as he realized the situation. Loon lay beneath him, eyes closed, breathing steadily. For a moment, Ayren was frozen, just watching him in the peaceful silence. With no interruptions, he had a chance to truly take in the immortal's serene face. Slowly, Ayren withdrew his arm from Loon's back, letting his hand drift to his cheek, carefully brushing aside a few strands of his dark hair.

He felt like he was getting burnt from that closure, so he cleared his throat to get back to sit on the bed and cross his arms.

"You will make it hard for me to sleep, won't you?" he asked in a whisper. His eyes were locked on his figure as the whole room was giving a soothing and calm atmosphere... Ayren's eyes laid on his lips and then the earring, feeling like a charm.

Why was he feeling like they were for real bonding?

Ayren smiled insanely for a moment, not believing his own thoughts.

"Foolish. I guess I got into a big mess, how hilarious." he stroked his own hair to then feel his hands closing into fist. Feeling his heart pounding out of madness, the red eyes were on the beautiful figure of the immortal "Will you tell me what did the Emperor do to you... Loon?"