The ride back to the mansion was silent.
Hyun-Jin leaned against the cool leather of the car seat, his black eyes staring out at the dark cityscape. His men sat stiffly, exchanging uneasy glances, still shaken by what had happened.
But none of them spoke.
Even Hyun-Jin himself couldn't explain it. The rain stopping. Time freezing. That man—Akhlys.
He shook his head. No. Thinking about it wouldn't change anything.
When they arrived at the mansion, Hyun-Jin headed straight to his room.
Stripping off his bloodstained shirt, he stepped into the shower. Scalding hot water poured over his body, washing away the blood, the filth, the memories.
Yet, no matter how much he scrubbed, he couldn't wash away that lingering feeling.
The cool sensation of Akhlys' fingers on his skin.
The whisper that still echoed in his ears.
"You are mine."
Hyun-Jin exhaled sharply, pressing his hands against the shower wall.
Forget it.
This wasn't the first time he had met someone dangerous.
And it wouldn't be the last.
He finished showering, dried off, and slipped into his silk robe. Exhaustion weighed heavy on his body. Without another thought, he climbed into bed and closed his eyes.
Tomorrow, everything would go back to normal.
Or so he thought.
---
Morning – 8:30 AM
A soft breeze brushed against his skin. Sunlight filtered through the curtains.
Hyun-Jin's eyes fluttered open.
His body felt warm—too warm.
Something wasn't right.
He turned his head slightly—and froze.
There, lying beside him on his bed, was Akhlys.
Silky purple hair splayed across the pillow. Pale skin, almost glowing in the soft morning light.
His long lashes rested against his cheeks, lips slightly parted as he breathed evenly. His robe had slipped slightly, revealing the curve of his collarbone and a hint of his bare chest.
Hyun-Jin's breath caught. What the hell?!
His mind raced. How?! When?!
He hadn't let anyone inside. His mansion was locked down. No one could just appear in his bed.
And yet—
Akhlys was here. Sleeping beside him.
For a moment, Hyun-Jin just stared.
Then—
Akhlys' red eyes fluttered open.
And he smiled.
"Good morning, my beloved."