However, Mavislin was quick to react as she got behind the creature and slashed it into multiple pieces. As the ribbon disintegrated into fiery ashes, the dragoness let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
Zenos, though momentarily unsettled, swiftly restored his usual calm demeanor and cast a sidelong glance at Mavislin.
"What…"
"It's Solaris… I think she has decided to send us a warning…" finished the dragoness as she kept her scythe.
"Or an invitation…"
"I highly doubt so… If I had been a step too late, it was planning to wrap itself around you for an explosive and fiery death."
"Why didn't you let it? Do you think that I can't handle such a small critter?"
Mavislin felt her vein pop and desperately wished that she had a nearby vase to throw against the blonde.
"I'm not about to let you die just yet… Besides, our fight got cut short, and honestly, I'm not up for finishing it right now. How about we head back downstairs?"
"I've got a feeling my little rabbit's about to storm your palace if you don't answer the gate," said Mavislin, her voice laced with pure anger and violence while also wearing a beautiful smile.
The Viceroy blinked a few times in amazement before he held an amused expression and stepped towards the angered girl.
"I will gladly return you to your partner. However, what of our alliance? Will you persuade Mattheos to accept my terms? Are we proceeding as a unified group?" questioned Zenos, placing his hand on his hips and tilting his head to the side.
"I never said anything about returning me to him. In fact, I'm turning your palace into my makeshift base of operations. Since my old quarters had been destroyed by Tarasque..." retorted Mavislin, sticking her tongue out in a childish way.
"And what's in it for me?"
"Eh?"
"The principle of equivalent exchange dictates that for every gain, there must be a corresponding sacrifice. You wish to operate your base here, but what will you offer in return?" questioned the Viceroy as he reached out to tilt Mavislin's head up with his finger.
"Me."
Zenos instinctively withdrew his hand, his entire body electrified by a jolt of adrenaline. His eyes widened, pupils dilated as he struggled to reign in the sudden surge of primal energy coursing through him.
The Viceroy's usually unshakable composure faltered as he grappled with the rush of raw, unfiltered emotion. Mavislin, on the other hand, was acutely aware of the game she was playing.
Zenos had taken the bait, and the corner of her mouth lifted in a satisfied smirk as she observed the internal struggle unfolding before her. Her demeanor was calm and deliberate, a stark contrast to the turmoil she was witnessing.
Taking a deliberate step closer, Mavislin moved with a grace that belied the intensity of the moment. She tiptoed towards him, her movements slow and deliberate, and planted a soft, lingering kiss on his cheek.
The touch was fleeting but charged, leaving a trace of warmth in its wake as she drew back, her gaze steady and unwavering.
"Now then, let's get a move on. I wouldn't want my bunny to wait…"
Before Mavislin could turn away, Zenos moved with surprising speed, his hand snaking around her hips to pull her closer. The sudden movement elicited a small, startled yelp from the dragoness.
As he drew her near, the Viceroy's hand rested on the small of her back, his touch both firm and possessive. Before Mavislin could pull away, Zenos's other hand swiftly encircled her waist, effectively trapping her in his embrace.
The dragoness felt the Viceroy's grip tighten, pulling her firmly against him. The sudden, intimate closeness was palpable… Her head was starting to spin as she tried to take in his scent.
Leaning in, Zenos lowered his voice to a dangerous whisper, his breath warm against her ear.
"Do not mistake my tolerance for weakness. You play a dangerous game, and while I may indulge in your provocations now, remember this: the consequences of crossing me will not be so easily dismissed."
"Tread carefully, Mavislin, or you may find yourself ensnared in a way you did not foresee."
Despite being trapped, Mavislin was determined to be on the high ground as she smirked and gave her answer.
"I would like to get ensnared by you."
Zenos drew in a sharp breath as his grip on Mavislin tightened, his powerful fingers nearly squeezing the air from her lungs. He leaned closer, his lips grazing her ear with a fleeting, but deliberate, bite—more a sensation than a mark, sending a shiver racing down her spine.
With a deliberate and controlled motion, he withdrew, giving her the space to breathe once more. As he straightened his attire and restored his cold, authoritative composure, he turned sharply on his heel.