Ch. 296..300: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 296-300

Chapter 296: Odin D’Alessio

Venus let out another cry when the sleeve of her gown was torn off in an attempt to free herself from Solomon. Tears streamed down her cheeks as her body gave in. This wasn’t what she imagined when she came to meet him.

Her eyes clenched shut in terror as the door burst open with a violent crash, and in the next moment, Solomon was forcefully thrown away from her. Startled and shaken, Venus cautiously opened her eyes to see a towering figure standing protectively before her. Her eyes widened in both surprise and relief—it was Odin, whose sudden appearance felt like a saving grace amidst the chaos.

Odin swiftly turned his attention to Venus, his expression tightening with a mixture of concern and restrained anger as he took in her torn gown and trembling form.

Overwhelmed by shame and embarrassment, Venus instinctively lowered her head and covered herself with her arms, feeling exposed and vulnerable in front of Odin, despite his protective presence.

Before anyone could react, Solomon, recovering from the impact, launched himself towards Odin with a primal scream of rage. In an instant, Odin’s hand shot out, gripping Solomon’s throat with a strength that left no room for escape.

With a fierce growl, Odin delivered a punishing blow to Solomon’s face, sending him reeling backwards.

The commotion drew the attention of onlookers from nearby rooms, who began to gather cautiously to witness the unfolding scene.

Odin stood over Solomon, his sharp fangs were bared in a menacing snarl, and his eyes blazed a fiery red.

"Arrest him," Odin instructed the two guardians. The manager of the tea shop quickly came there and was shocked to see the vampires there.

"It’s not a place for vampires!" The manager shouted, not realizing in front of whom he spoke.

"Odin D’Alessio. Keep this name in your mind if you don’t wish to die by my hands," Odin said. The manager was quick to recognize that name. Before he could glance at Venus, Odin swiftly approached her. Taking off his overcoat, he draped it over Venus, who was trembling in fear. Her hair was disheveled, and there were bruises on her hands and forehead.

"Close the shop!" Odin commanded firmly to the manager, his voice brooking no argument.

The manager hesitated for a moment, but the intensity in Odin’s gaze made him comply without further protest. He hurriedly began ushering customers out and closing down the tea shop.

Venus, still shaken and tearful, spoke in a trembling voice, "Don’t tell anyone at home."

"Why?" Odin asked gently, his hands resting reassuringly on her arms.

"They will be upset. No one should know about this, Odin. My life will be ruined," Venus explained, her voice filled with fear and despair as tears continued to stream down her cheeks.

Odin gently wiped the tears from her eyes and led her to a nearby chair. He was torn between wanting to reprimand her for her reckless decision and wanting to comfort her in her distress. Seeing her vulnerable state, he chose to remain silent, knowing that words might not bring solace in that moment.

The servant in the shop brought the water. Odin took the glass from the tray and brought it close to Venus’s mouth. She drank the water slowly, her throat parched from the ordeal. Odin then set the glass down on the table and instructed the servant to fetch the first-aid kit if available.

"It is, Sir. I’ll bring it quickly," the servant affirmed, hurrying off to fulfill Odin’s request.

Odin’s gaze shifted to the ruby necklace and the letter lying on the table. He read the contents of the letter with furrowed brows, then looked back at Venus. His voice was strained with barely contained anger as he asked, "Why didn’t you tell me about this?"

"Forgive me," Venus replied softly, her fingers nervously intertwining. "I thought I should inform Solomon myself that I wasn’t interested in him. He even sent a letter to my father. That’s why I came here. I had no idea Solomon would try to take advantage of my situation."

Odin’s expression softened slightly at her explanation, though concern still lingered in his eyes. "Look at yourself. Do you even know what could happen if I hadn’t come here?" Odin muttered while gritting his teeth. "Tell me what he did. That way I’ll punish that wolf in a better way," he demanded.

Venus slowly began to speak and told him everything. She burst into tears and covered her eyes using her palms. If people found out what happened with her, they would blame her for seducing the cousin of her late husband. Her entire being was engulfed with fear.

The servant knocked on the broken door. Odin took the kit from him and thanked him. As he returned to his chair, he asked Venus to stop crying. Tenderly he grabbed her hand and lowered it, ready to tend the bruises she received.

"That won’t happen. You don’t have to think so far," Odin reassured her firmly. Venus looked at him through misty eyes as he opened the first-aid kit. He carefully took out a tiny glass bottle containing antiseptic, dabbing the cotton on its top before turning it upside down.

"You’ve no idea," Venus murmured softly.

"You were foolish, don’t you think?" Odin met her gaze squarely. "You knew about their family and Solomon’s inappropriate interest in you. Yet, you chose to meet him without informing me. You need to consider the consequences of your actions. If I scold you any further, you’ll end up in tears," he stated firmly, gently applying the antiseptic-soaked cotton swab to the bruise on the back of her hand.

Venus hissed in pain as she instinctively pulled her hand back. Odin’s expression hardened as he firmly grabbed her hand again. Blowing gently over the bruised area, he carefully applied ointment, his touch firm yet gentle. Moving to her forehead, he noticed how tightly she had squeezed her eyes shut.

"Tell your parents the truth. They won’t be angry," Odin said firmly, his gaze locking with hers as he cleaned the wound on her forehead, his concern evident despite his earlier sternness.

Chapter 297: Miseries to end soon

A slap flung across Venus’s face, causing everyone to be shocked. Rhea was quick to come in between her daughter and husband before Norman could slap her.

Odin, on the other hand, didn’t understand Norman’s reaction. He wasn’t supposed to slap Venus.

"My Lord, how could you raise your hand on my daughter?" Rhea got furious, her eyes brimmed with tears. On the other hand, Venus was already broken down into tears.

"Didn’t you hear what she did? Who told her to go out of the house when it was prohibited?" Norman asked her. He told Rhea to get aside from his way.

"That’s not the right way you should treat your daughter," Odin intervened.

"Please don’t intervene in my family matters. I appreciate that you saved Venus, but she’s needed to teach a lesson," Norman affirmed. Last time too Venus met Eugene’s mate, schemed against Alora and later, got caught.

"Do you even consider about the reputation of this family before taking such reckless decisions?" Norman bellowed at her. "Because of you, we are unable to meet eyes with anyone!" He remarked.

"My Lord, please calm down. You can’t be harsh on our daughter. It wasn’t her fault today. She had no idea such a thing would happen," Rhea pleaded with her husband.

Odin couldn’t believe Norman could be so thoughtless at such a crucial time. His patience worn thin, he stepped forward with a determined stride. "Norman, you’ve failed as a father. Do you even realize that?" His voice was cold, and his sharp, penetrating gaze left no room for Norman to argue.

"Lady Rhea, please take Venus upstairs," Odin requested firmly. Rhea, sensing the tension, gently guided a bewildered Venus out of the living room. Norman stood there, his lips pressed into a thin line, too shocked to respond.

"You’ve always been obsessed with your dignity, but it’s your own actions that have trampled it repeatedly with your poor decisions," Odin continued, his voice filled with contempt.

"In these difficult times, don’t you think your daughter deserves your comfort and support?" He paused, allowing his words to sink in, his expression one of utter disgust. "Next time, before you think about raising your hand, consider the consequences at least ten times." His tone was low and threatening, making it clear he had no interest in hearing any excuses from Norman.

Odin left the living room, his mind already shifting to his next task: visiting the punishment center to determine Solomon’s fate.

As he stepped outside, he recalled the news he received upon bringing Venus home. One of his men had informed him of the return of the princes and princess, which made him decide to lift the curfew.

~~~~~

Rhea set the tray of food on the table of their bedroom and glanced at Norman. "Venus has refused to eat the dinner. How could you not think once before raising your hand on Venus? When you were supposed to bring her on the right path, you never took any action. I don’t understand you sometimes," she complained.

"Rhea, she made a grave mistake this time. Who told her to meet Solomon alone? Didn’t Venus know what she has gone through earlier? Yet, she went to a tea shop, which is run by only the werewolves. As a father, I did nothing wrong in giving her a slap. How many times she’s going to make mistakes?" Norman bitterly asked his wife. He told Rhea to take away the food tray since he didn’t wish to take the supper either.

"My Lord, don’t take your anger out on the food," Rhea told him calmly.

Norman’s expression remained resolute. "Tell Venus to take her meals. Only then will I have my supper," he said stubbornly.

Rhea sighed in exasperation, placing her hands on her hips. "I can’t understand this father-daughter duo. Why don’t you tell Venus yourself? I have no interest in running up and down the stairs like a messenger," she suggested, shaking her head.

"You know how much you love her. Go to her and show her some affection. She’ll surely agree to eat," she advised, her tone softening as she met his eyes. "Sometimes, a father’s love is all a daughter needs to feel secure."

Norman’s gaze softened and he lifted from his seat. "I’ll soon be back," he said. Rhea hummed and watched her husband leave.

Norman knocked on the door, his voice soft yet firm. "It’s me, your father," he called, urging Venus to open the door.

After a few moments, the door creaked open, and Venus stood before him, her head bowed low. "Please forgive me, Father. I didn’t think Solomon would look at me like that. I beg for your forgiveness," she said, her voice trembling and her lips quivering.

Norman gently placed his hand on the back of Venus’s head, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "I have already forgiven you, my daughter. Forgive me for reacting so harshly and raising my hand against you," he said, his eyes moistening.

Tears streamed down Venus’s cheeks as she clung to her father, her sobs shaking her small frame.Norman held her tightly, his own heart breaking at her pain.

"I will make sure Solomon is hanged for what he did to you. He touched you inappropriately, and I won’t spare him, even if I have to fight the entire werewolf community," Norman promised, his voice filled with steely resolve.

He gently patted Venus’s head, trying to offer her some comfort.

For a while, they stood there, locked in their embrace. Gradually, Venus’s sobs began to subside, and she found a small measure of solace in her father’s embrace. Norman continued to console her, whispering reassurances, until she had finally stopped crying.

From a little distance away, Rhea observed the tender moment between Norman and Venus, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Yet, despite the warmth of the scene, her heart was heavy with worry.

Venus’s future was a constant source of anxiety for her. She wished fervently for her daughter’s miseries to end soon.

The thought of Venus enduring more pain was unbearable. Rhea longed for the day when her daughter could find peace and happiness soon.

 

 

Chapter 298: My first wife

"Did you design this robe for me?" Izaak asked, his voice tinged with amazement as he marveled at the intricate embroidery on the back of the robe. The detailed patterns and exquisite craftsmanship left him astounded.

"Yes, Your Highness," Melody replied, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "I have received so many gifts from you, so I thought it was only fitting to create something special in return."

Izaak ran his fingers over the delicate stitches, feeling a warmth in his chest that he rarely experienced.

"I like it. I’ve never received such a thoughtful gift before. I think I will wear it before going to bed," he said, still in awe. Despite the numerous expensive gifts he had received from others, this simple yet heartfelt robe touched him deeply. He could feel the genuine affection Melody had poured into every stitch.

"I’m glad His Highness appreciates my humble gift," Melody responded, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "It’s late, and His Highness should get some rest now." She turned to leave, but Izaak reached out and gently stopped her.

"Stay with me. I had some sleep before dinner, and now I’m no longer sleepy," Izaak told her.

Melody looked at him, before nodding her head in agreement.

"Wait for me on the balcony," Izaak instructed, a hint of anticipation in his voice. "I’ll be back soon." With that, he disappeared from her sight, leaving Melody standing in the dimly lit room.

She made her way to the giant balcony, pushing its doors open with a quiet creak. Usually, she came here to clean, her presence unnoticed in the grandeur of the palace. But tonight was different. Tonight, she was here to spend some private time with Izaak, a thought that made her heart flutter.

Stepping out onto the balcony, Melody felt a cool breeze brush against her skin. The sky above was clear, the stars twinkling brightly after a heavy downpour earlier in the day.

She looked down and found the height from the ground was so large. Her one foot was in the air as she attempted to look down when a hand rested on her belly and pulled her back.

Melody’s breath hitched, her back rested against Izaak’s strong chest.

"Do you plan to fall off the balcony?" Izaak asked, his voice low and teasing, his gaze lingering on her. Melody could feel his warm breath against her forehead as she shook her head in amusement.

"I spotted some flowers and got curious to see them. I was careful," Melody replied, tilting her head to look up at him. Her eyes widened with surprise as she noticed Izaak had donned the robe she had made for him.

"How do I look?" Izaak asked, releasing her from his embrace as she turned to face him fully.

"Great! The robe suits Your Highness very well," Melody complimented with a sincere smile.

"Just great!?" Izaak raised an eyebrow playfully. "Not enchanting or comely?"

"Yes, enchanting and comely too," Melody added, her gaze lingering on the robe she had embroidered with care. She bit her bottom lip softly, momentarily lost in the moment.

Without warning, Izaak leaned in and kissed her, catching Melody off guard. Her eyes widened briefly before closing as she reciprocated, her heartbeat quickening at his unexpected display of affection.

"I missed you," Izaak murmured, his voice filled with longing. "I get jealous easily seeing other couples around," he admitted with vulnerability in his voice.

The back of his hand brushed her cheek tenderly, his forehead rested against hers. "Did you miss me?" he asked affectionately.

"Yes," Melody promptly responded. "It felt like ages. I never thought waiting someone could be so long and troubling. I was used to live alone and suddenly, Prince Izaak came into my life. He has become an important part of my life," she asserted.

A smile gently carved its way onto Izaak’s lips as he absorbed Melody’s reaction to his announcement. "I think we should get married next week. Qasima’s threat is over. Everything has fallen into place," he declared with a mixture of relief and anticipation.

"This soon?" Melody’s voice carried a blend of surprise and uncertainty, her eyes searching his face for understanding.

"Why wait? If not next week, perhaps in just a couple of days. I only considered the guests who might miss witnessing our union," Izaak remarked casually, though his eyes held a glint of playfulness.

Melody’s initial astonishment melted into a smile tinged with bemusement. "No, Your Highness," she replied softly. "It’s not that it’s too late. It’s just... sooner than I expected. It caught me off guard."

Izaak, his large hands now gently cradling Melody’s face, looked at her intently. "Do you need more time to prepare?" His thumbs caressed her cheeks tenderly.

"No," Melody chuckled lightly, her eyes meeting his. "I didn’t anticipate Your Highness proposing marriage so swiftly. Thank you for trusting me and finding me worthy to be your wife," she said sincerely, her voice a soft murmur.

"Not just worthy, Melody," Izaak asserted, his gaze warm and sincere. "Perfect."

Melody felt a warmth spread through her at his words, her heart swelling with affection for this man who saw her as more than just a companion, but as his perfect match.

"Come, let’s sit here," Izaak said and led her way to the swing. He made her sit on it first and then sat next to her.

"I will love you with all my heart, Prince Izaak. The life you’ve given me is devoted to you only," Melody said. The two gazed at each other, smiling.

"I know. Even my life is devoted to you and always be. If you’ve any desires, you can tell me. I’ll fulfill all of them," Izaak opined.

"Nothing. Just you and your love. That’s all I need," Melody stated. She lowered her eyes and saw how possessively Izaak had held her hand.

"My first wife promised me the same words," Izaak suddenly brought his past, prompting her to look at him.

Chapter 299: I don’t despise you

Venus had her legs close and buried her face between her knees. It was past midnight; she was supposed to sleep, but she couldn’t. When earlier Rhea helped her in sleeping, Venus pretended to sleep because she did not want to bother her mother.

Lifting her head, she wiped the tears from her eyes. She could feel that they were puffy and red because she cried for long hours. She looked around the room and only found loneliness and darkness. Was this the life she imagined?

No.

Venus had no idea how to become the person she was once.

Odin, who was standing in the balcony looked at Venus. He never felt upset for her. He always found her pain was valid because she was evil. However, what happened with her earlier was something which left him furious. He shouldn’t be bothered about Venus, but he was!

Odin raised his hand and finally knocked on the door. Venus was quick to turn her head to look and slowly got down from the bed. There was no light in the room, so she couldn’t see who was in the balcony.

However, she knew it was Odin. Placing her hands on the door handle, she unlocked the door and pushed them open. She lifted her head only to meet Odin’s red pupils. The only thing which were shining at this hour.

"Why haven’t you slept?" Odin queried.

"I’m unable to," Venus replied. She lowered her head while placing her hand on her forehead. Her head was aching badly. "Do you know any way which can make me sleep? Perhaps any drug?" She inquired.

"No. I don’t know. Even if I had, I would not have given you the drug because it could lead to negative consequences," Odin explained.

"Come out," he urged and turned around. Venus watched him going near the balustrade and she entered the balcony. Halting beside him, Venus looked at the clear sky. The cool breeze blowing calmed her nerves down.

Odin reached out his hand from behind her and placed it above her head. She promptly gazed at him, feeling protected.

"Solomon will be punished for what he has done. The werewolf elders will decide his fate, and the punishment won’t be an easy one," Odin stated.

"Why didn’t you kill him?" Venus asked.

"Because Solomon is a werewolf. Even if I had to, I couldn’t. That’s not in my hands," Odin explained.

"I understand. Thank you for what you did for me," Venus expressed her gratitude. His hand lowered from her head as he pulled it back. They both were somehow now facing each other. He brushed her hair strand behind her ear, the cold touch of his sent a shiver throughout her body.

"You need to go to bed," Odin said.

"I’m unable to sleep," Venus admitted. "Do you know any way that can put me into sleep?" she asked.

"Absolutely not. I have never assisted anyone in falling asleep," Odin declared firmly, his eyes narrowing with conviction.

Venus gazed deeply into his eyes, searching for any hint of relent. "Perhaps I should go to bed then," she whispered, not wanting to inconvenience him with her wakefulness. She turned to leave, her mind racing for a solution that wouldn’t disturb him. Suddenly, an idea struck her, causing her to pause.

"What if you drank my blood? I’ve heard that it can make you feel weak and even cause you to faint," Venus suggested, her voice tentative but filled with a newfound resolve as she turned back to meet his gaze.

A glint of amusement sparkled in Odin’s eyes. "You want me to drink from you?" he chuckled, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards in a rare display of humor.

"It was just a suggestion," Venus replied defensively, feeling a flush of embarrassment. "You don’t have to mock me," she murmured, her voice barely audible as she turned away to head back inside. Before she could take a step, Odin reached out and grasped her hand, his grip firm but gentle, stopping her in her tracks.

"A human offering her blood to a vampire. What could be more intriguing?" he mused, his tone thoughtful as he studied her face. "You are right. If I drink too much, you may feel weak and faint," he added, a note of seriousness creeping into his voice.

Venus felt a shiver run down her spine at his words, but she steeled herself, curling her fingers around his. "Then do it. I need to sleep anyway," she urged, her voice firmer this time, determination shining in her eyes.

Odin hesitated for a moment, his expression unreadable.

"I think it will be a bad idea. Once I start drinking, things may not remain the same," Odin affirmed, leaving his grip from her hand.

"What do you mean? Nothing will change. We both don’t like each other anyway. You are a vampire while I’m a human. There’s nothing wrong in drinking my blood or do you despise everything about me?" Venus gazed at him with skepticism.

Then, with a slow nod, he pulled her closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "As you wish," he murmured, lowering his head to her neck. Venus closed her eyes, her heart pounding in her chest, bracing herself for what was to come.

Something in Odin hesitated, a resistance that wasn’t merely his sense of duty but something more profound and indescribable.

Since when had a vampire begun to overthink such things? A human was willingly offering her blood to him; there should be no reason for hesitation. Yet, he found himself unable to proceed.

"I don’t despise you," Odin whispered near her ear, his breath warm against her skin.

Venus’s eyes widened in surprise at his words. She tilted her head slightly, exposing her neck, only to feel the light touch of his sharp fangs caressing her skin. Her breath hitched as the anticipation of what was to come made her heart race.

Odin’s hesitation grew as he felt her pulse quicken beneath his lips. He could sense her fear mixed with a strange trust.

"Then," he pulled back and hit a particular spot on her neck. Venus’s eyes shut immediately as she fainted. Odin caught her in time and carried her to the bed. "It’s such a hassle," he mumbled as he tucked Venus inside the duvet. Without waiting for another second, he vanished from her room.,

Chapter 300: Explored the lines of her...

Alora woke up early in the morning, upon hearing the chirping of the birds in the balcony. She quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Magnus, who was still deep in slumber. After a refreshing bath, she went to the dressing chamber to get changed. Today, she wanted to surprise him with a special breakfast.

First, though, she needed to ensure the present for her parents was ready. She meticulously checked the gift, making sure everything was perfect. Satisfied, she prepared to head to the kitchen, her mind already buzzing with ideas for the breakfast she wanted to prepare.

"Your Highness, you can tell me what dessert you wish to make. I will ask the chef to prepare it," Selvina, her palace attendant, suggested. "If His Highness wakes up, he will ask for you first," she added with a knowing smile.

Alora appreciated Selvina’s offer but shook her head. "Thank you, Selvina, but I want to make this breakfast myself. It’s a special surprise."

Before Selvina could respond, a familiar voice echoed from the doorway. "Alora! When did you leave the bed?" Magnus’s voice reached their ears, filled with curiosity and a hint of amusement.

Alora promptly turned to look at him, while Selvina respectfully lowered her head and stepped aside. She then discreetly slipped away from the dressing chamber, not wanting to intrude on their intimate moment.

Magnus stood there, his robe loosely draped over his shoulders, exposing his muscular chest and abdomen. The sight made Alora’s heart skip a beat.

"I woke up early," Alora said with a warm smile as they walked toward each other. "Good morning, Magnus."

"You already bathed!" She exclaimed in surprise, getting the fragrance from him. His damp hair had some water droplets in them, which fell on Alora’s hands.

"Yes. I sensed your absence in the bed. There was no fun in sleeping alone," Magnus said, his nose brushing with hers. He watched Alora’s hands reached to the knots of his robe.

"You forgot to tie the knots on your robe," she whispered, raising her hands to fix it.

Before she could, Magnus caught her hands and drew her close, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "That’s to show you my body. Do you not like it?" he quipped playfully.

Alora blushed, feeling the warmth of his body against hers. "Magnus," she murmured, half-exasperated, half-amused. "Don’t you have to get ready? We need to join everyone at the breakfast table," she asserted.

"So, why don’t you give my special meal first?" asked Magnus.

"What do you want to eat? I was only heading to the kitchen earlier," Alora said.

"I want you," Magnus whispered, causing her to blush hard. Her cheeks turned red like some ripened tomatoes, making her difficult to meet his gaze.

Magnus gently lifted her chin, urging her to meet his gaze. "I love your eyes. They heal me," he murmured, his voice rich with sincerity and affection.

Slowly, he leaned in, capturing her lips in a gentle, tender kiss. His hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them.

Alora rose onto her toes to meet his height, her hands slowly moving up to his shoulders and then sliding behind his neck, where they locked together.

The kiss deepened and the intensity of it kept growing. She gasped softly as she felt herself being suddenly pinned against the wall, the cool surface contrasting with the heat of their embrace.

Their lips parted briefly, and Magnus trailed his mouth downwards, placing delicate kisses along her jawline and neck. He savored the feel of her smooth skin beneath his lips, his breath warm against her flesh.

Alora’s fingers tangled in his hair, her nails grazing his scalp as she played with his dark tresses. She let out a soft sigh, the peculiar sensation sending shivers down her spine.

Magnus’s hands roamed her body with a sense of reverence, tracing her coveted curves. He explored the line of her hips, the dip of her waist, and the swell of her back, his touch both gentle and possessive.

Alora’s breath hitched with each caress, her body responding to his every movement.

He pressed his lips to the hollow of her throat, his kisses growing more insistent as he moved lower, savoring the way her pulse quickened under his touch.

The moment he nipped the skin on her throat, she yelped but the next second, he licked the spot, yearning a moan from her mouth.

"I wish I could take off this from you right now," Magnus murmured as he continued to torture her with the gentle kisses.

Alora’s hands clung to him, her fingers tightening in his hair, her body arching towards his in a silent plea for more.

Magnus paused, lifting his head to look at her. His eyes, filled with a mixture of desire and tenderness, locked onto hers.

"You are everything to me," he whispered, his voice husky with emotion.

Alora’s heart swelled at his words, and she pulled him back towards her, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss.

After some time, they stopped, their breaths coming in short, heated bursts. Magnus ran his thumb gently over her swollen lips, a tender look in his eyes. "Why are you so beautiful?" he asked softly, his voice a mix of wonder and admiration.

Alora blushed under his intense gaze, her heart fluttering. "What kind of question is that? How would I know?" she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She lowered her eyes, feeling self-conscious, and bit her bottom lip nervously.

Magnus’s expression changed, a hint of seriousness replacing his earlier amusement. "Don’t do that," he demanded gently, his thumb moving to free her lip from her teeth.

She let go of her lower lip, looking up at him with curiosity and uncertainty. "Why not?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Magnus’s eyes softened, and he leaned in closer, his forehead resting against hers. "Because it drives me crazy," he whispered, his breath warm against her skin. "Every time you do that, it makes me want to kiss you even more."

Alora gently placed her hands on Magnus’s shoulders, playfully nudging him backward with a teasing smile. "You really need to get ready now. We can’t be late for my parents’ gathering. Remember, Venus sent us the invitation," she reminded him, her voice laced with warmth and a touch of urgency.

Magnus nodded reluctantly, stepping back with a sigh. He ran a hand through his tousled hair.

"Alright," he conceded with a faint smile. "I may have messed up your makeup a bit. You should touch that up before we leave," he added, his tone apologetic as he gestured towards her face.

Alora chuckled softly, her affection for him evident in her eyes. "I will," she assured him, her fingers brushing lightly over her cheek where his touch had smudged her makeup. She glanced at Magnus, her gaze lingering on his tousled appearance and the way his eyes softened when he looked at her.

"Go on and get ready," Alora encouraged him gently, her voice filled with tenderness. "I’ll meet you outside in a bit."

Magnus nodded again, a fond smile playing on his lips as he turned to head toward the second dressing room.

Alora watched him go, her heart pounding with love for the man who had become her everything.