Those words were uttered but Leon heard them. He wasn't sure how but hearing that voice made his mind shudder. It was clear and it held firmness that resembled a rushing stream.
It was soothing to the ear.
And as he lifted his gaze, the demon felt like his entire concept of beauty had shaken up. To call this man handsome was an understatement.
Seeing that this person was clothed in white and adorned in lace, perhaps this was the moment when Leon could genuinely say that a celestial being was beautiful and mesmerizing.
Unlike the ones inside he had no mask on.
This person had raven locks dark as the night, that fell in the right places. It frames his face delicately and handsomely. His skin was white but not pale, there were no blemishes or imperfections. His eyes held no gentleness, but coldness that could rival the cold winter air. The kind of eyes that could pierce through a glacier with ease. The aura around him was also cold, but maybe it was from the night but Leon could swear he could feel the chilling sensation from just looking at him.
But Leon finds it... Oddly comforting.
"Oh.." Lily was struck by this person's features, words couldn't find their way out of her lips.
And Leon would admit, his did too.
"We were just..." Forcecibly Lily tried to speak up, breaking from her trance, "Taking a rest."
"Barefoot?" This person answered causing both of them to flinch. Leon felt Lily move to hide behind him, her cheeks reddening in embarrassment not knowing what to say after.
"My sister is resting her feet, you know how women and their footwear can sometimes be unpredictable."
"No, I don't."
Not only did he speak with such firmness, but quite bluntly as well.
"If you're done resting go back to the ballroom or leave."
Maybe too bluntly…
Leon wasn't the type to find his way to cause trouble. He took Lily's hand behind him and was about to leave when he felt her grip tightening, almost telling him to stay.
Shocked by her intentions, he knots his brows in confusion. He turns to her only to see her looking at the flowers.
To be exact, the flowers that were held by the handsome figure. Identical to the ones surrounding the garden, this person had a small bundle of them. Held by a large hand, the flowers looked more delicate and fragile. With just enough force he could crumple them with ease.
"Those..." Lily clears her throat, "Flowers... Did you make them?"
"You know I made these?"
"Yes." Lily didn't hesitate to answer him which made Leon even more confused. "It's beautiful, can I take some home?"
This person didn't even give a second thought as he turned around saying, "No. Leave."
"When a lady is asking politely, shouldn't you answer at least in the same way?" Leon scoffs at the angel's manner, obviously appalled by it.
And it seemed like his words had taken the angel by surprise.
"Such words coming from a person who's wandering around recklessly?" This angel asked while lifting a brow.
Leon wanted to refute but his arms were grabbed by Lily's hands to stop him. She shakes her head, not wanting to have the situation escalate and if he was in a better mood, he would agree.
However, this person's nonchalant expression and tone fueled Leon's irritation. Seeing him walking away like they were nothing but a breeze to him, Leon removed his mask and hurriedly threw it at the angel's head.
"Arrogant bastard, I ought to teach you what manners truly are, huh?"
"Leon!"
"Turn around and face me!" Leon was now fuming in anger. Due to his actions, the angel does face him. And this time with an equally angered look.
However just as Lily tries to hold her brother back, the angel froze from his spot.
Leon didn't notice the gaze that fell on him because Lily was trying to grab his attention. And Leon was looking at her, trying to pull his arm back from her strong grip.
Since when did she get this strong?
"Leon that's enough!" Lily hisses through gritted teeth, "Remember this is the Celestial Palace! We're just guests!"
"I know but that doesn't change the fact that this bastard can treat us like this?" He hissed back while pointing at the so-called bastard.
"Stop it!" Lily nearly shouted, her face turning red in anger, almost the shade as her dress, "We have no power here and you of all people should know that fighting for trivial matters is childish and beneath us."
She's right. He doesn't want to admit it but she's right...
Leon could only click his tongue in annoyance.
They just wanted to enjoy the night, talking and interacting with a celestial being was not on their agenda in the first place. It might be for them, but for Leon himself, it wasn't.
With this in mind, Leon straightens himself up, forcing his nerves to calm down.
"Who... Are you."
Leon had a hand over his chest as he heard this. Seeing that the angel was looking right at him, he was startled at the intensity of his gaze.
Now he also realizes that he had thrown his mask at his head.
But he had no regrets in doing it. Looking down at the ground, he spots the mask, and despite his mind telling him to let it go, he doesn't.
It was a beautiful craftsmanship, he could use it for inspiration. Pulling away from his sister's grip, he walks towards the angel without answering him.
Both of them held their gazes. Seems like this angel was as stubborn as he was.
Stopping in front of him, Leon could now see the angel in a more detailed perspective. And maybe, just maybe this person's features were more intimidating up close.
Very handsome... But his personality was rough. Leon could call it a pity. He bends down wanting to pick up the mask from the grass but his wrist is stopped, cold long fingers wrapped around his slender wrist rather tightly.
"Who are you."
The demon heard him repeat, but this time, it sounded like a demand and not a question.
"You may ask a question," Leon tells him, the corner of his lips lifting into a grin, "Which I may choose not to answer."
His strength was commendable, but Leon was a man too. And exerting the needed strength, Leon rips his wrist from the angel's grip. and slips his mask back to his face.
The way he was able to act calmly might have shocked the angel. And it gave Leon satisfaction.
Glancing behind, Leon nods at Lily's way. She nodded back and began walking in the direction they both came from. The other demon follows but not before hitting the angel's frame with his clothes when he turns. Successfully disrupting the angel's perplexed state.
Ciel was baffled. Half of his life, he had spent on the battlefield. His hands were constantly soaked in blood, his eyes never failed to cause fear to every being he had pointed a sword to. Even his subordinates knew how ruthless he could be, and with just one look he could gain a massive amount of respect from other Kings who wanted to ally with him for peace.
However tonight. It was different. There was a person who held his ground and even showed no sign of intimidation from him.
And the other one. Unlike the fearless latter, she was trembling like a leaf. But she had strong senses to figure out the garden was filled with flowers he had created through his energy. What an interesting pair.
The Celestial King was listening as they left. Their footsteps slowly disappear but echo loudly enough for him to hear. Until he couldn't hear anything at all. Only the sound of the night remains.
The flower in his hand slowly swayed from the breeze that started to caress his skin.
Glancing at the bundle of flowers, he plunks a stem. Twirling the flower slowly while mumbling a few words. A single flower glows faintly before it shapes into a silver insect. Silver as the flowers he held, its wings had gold dusting at each movement. By lifting his hand, the small creature began to leave the warmth of his skin.
Only then when the moth left with no troubles, He moves. Walking through the garden, passing a few trees and bushes, he finds a grand fountain greeting his return.
The sound of rushing water mixes with the sound of the night, creating a peaceful ambiance for him to indulge in. There he picks up the mantle he had left. Placing it back onto his shoulders, feeling the weight he was familiar with.
And as he started to slip on his gloves, he could feel his body starting to get warm from the mantle. The cold night soon left his body, but he felt somewhat disappointed.
He wanted to stay more, but since someone had spotted him, it was best to head inside to avoid any more casualties. Releasing a troubled breath, the Celestial King began to move towards where the ballroom should be.