"But she isn't the creator of the illusion. Why is it against the rules for the illusionary person to remember her face?" Vince asked Raine.
"Because the illusion is anchored to her pocket dimension. Normally, illusions created by someone would dissipate once the creator dies, but in this case, the illusion was made to last as long as the pocket dimension exists. That's why Lily's most treasured possession is her compact mirror, it serves as the anchor to the pocket dimension. If it breaks, she would lose the last fragment of her loved one."
Raine set down her teacup and smiled.
"It wasn't an ordinary illusion, you see. The man created it from his own blood, which means it holds a real trace of him. That's why it's hard to distinguish him from a real person. Because of this, Lily would never allow anyone else who can create illusions to make another for her. It holds too much sentimental value."
"I understand. It must have been hard."
Vince couldn't fully empathize. He had never grieved the loss of a loved one, as his entire life had been overshadowed by the ruin of his own.
It wasn't that he was heartless, but when he was brought to the human world, he only had his father as a relative, and they were never close.
So, when his father died, Vince didn't feel grief. He felt a little sad, but he didn't mourn. How could he when his own father felt more like a stranger? How many times had they met during his 15 years of existence? He didn't keep track, but he was sure it was less than 20.
"Who was the girl, Master Vince?" Fiona whispered, now perched on the armrest of the sofa where Vince was sitting.
"You're very nosy. I thought you were sleeping?"
"Hmph."
"She's a city guardian and a friend of mine," Raine said. She stood from her seat and moved to sit beside Vince.
Vince felt warmth rush to his ears as Raine's hand gently grasped his arm, her soft body pressing intimately against his.
Seeing the intimacy between Vince and Raine, Fiona rolled her eyes and flew away. She wasn't interested in witnessing anything lewd. She was a cultured demon cat, after all. She wouldn't allow such a sight to corrupt her mind.
"Did you miss me, Vince darling?"
A little tense, Vince replied, "You were only gone for a few hours, Raine. How was your trip to the capital?"
"It was okay. The city chief sent me to the Royal City to deliver a message to the Regent, and I didn't do much else."
Vince noticed Raine's eyes briefly flash with annoyance when she mentioned the Royal City, as if something unpleasant had happened there.
"Did something happen?"
Raine shook her head and smiled before standing up, only to settle herself on Vince's lap.
Vince stiffened. Raine smelled so good, and her body felt so soft against his. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers tracing his jaw as she gazed at him with an innocent yet sensual look.
From his jaw, her index finger slid down to his Adam's apple and stopped at the hollow of his throat.
"Would you throw me away if I don't pass the city guardian's entry exam?" he asked.
It was Raine's condition. He must pass the city guardian's entry exam before they could undergo the marking ceremony, which would make him her official mate. But as Vince observed Raine showing him such intimacy, he began to wonder how absolute her decision really was.
"Hm, let's see." She chuckled, her fingertips tracing the side of his neck. "You are handsome, and you have your own charm, Vince, but I want my possessions to be useful. So you need to understand, darling, that I won't keep something of no use."
Vince had expected that answer. From the start, he knew Raine hadn't chosen him during the Selection for his good looks or strong seed, and he wasn't foolish enough to believe she had fallen for him at first sight.
She knew something about him that he didn't, which was why Raine was training him and wanted him to become a city guardian.
"Don't be upset, my dormant boy. I have a good eye for valuable things, and I can see great potential in you."
"Will you tell me why you chose me, then? After I pass the entry exam."
"Sure, sure." She smiled graciously. "If you pass, that means we'll have the marking ceremony and become official mates. I can't wait for you to be officially mine, Vince darling," she whispered in his ear, sending goosebumps across Vince's skin.
"Once you are marked by me, we'll do a lot of naughty things. For now, let me give you a good night kiss."
Raine's lips landed on his cheek.
* * *
Vince woke up to a noise disturbing his morning. He opened his eyes and saw the devilish cat shaking a bell right above his face.
He raised his hand, about to swat Fiona away, but the cat quickly flew out of his reach. He glared at her, and she smirked tauntingly.
"Why are you here?!"
Last night, Raine had instructed the butler to arrange another room for Fiona. This delighted the cat, as she thought she was being given special privileges even as a pet servant. Unbeknownst to Vince and Fiona, Raine did it out of possessiveness. She didn't want Vince spending his nights with the female cat.
Raine believed that she should be the only one Vince spent his nights with. But she had to wait until Vince passed the city guardian exam so they could perform the marking ceremony that would make them official mates.
"It's time to wake up, Master Vince. Lady Raine is waiting for you downstairs. It's your second day of training, remember?"
Oh right. Vince sighed. Even though he didn't feel like leaving his cozy bed, he got up and dragged himself to the bathroom.