Ch. 356..360: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 356-360

Chapter 356: No one can stand before me

Venus stood outside Odin’s imposing residence, her eyes lingering on the name engraved on the board by the gate. She stepped down from the carriage, a cloud of dust rising as the wheels began to turn again.

The chauffeur, having been paid handsomely, tipped his hat and drove off, leaving her alone in the quiet street. She had deliberately chosen a local carriage, not wanting to draw any unwanted attention to her visit.

The mansion loomed before her, its tall iron gates flanked by two stern-looking guards who surveyed the grounds with practiced vigilance. Their eyes narrowed as they spotted her approach, their postures stiffening at the sight of an unfamiliar figure.

"Is Odin inside?" Venus asked them.

The guards exchanged a quick glance, their expressions a mix of confusion and suspicion. One of them, a tall man with a grizzled beard, stepped forward.

"Y-yes, Lord Odin is inside," he replied, caught off guard by her directness. "But... what is a human doing here? I think the Young Lady should go away," he added in a wary tone. It was clear he found her presence here unusual, perhaps even troubling.

"Tell your lord that Venus Wilson is here," she instructed, her tone leaving no room for hesitation. "He knows me well. It’s an urgent matter that needs his immediate attention."

The first guard, still wary but more composed, raised an eyebrow at the mention of her name. Before he could respond, the second guard, recognizing the significance of the name, stiffened in surprise. Without a word, he spun on his heel and hurried into the mansion, his footsteps echoing against the stone pathway.

As the gates creaked open, the first guard stepped aside, bowing slightly as he gestured for her to enter. His earlier suspicion had softened into a mix of respect and curiosity.

"Thank you," Venus said, her voice warm as she offered a gentle smile.

The second guard soon returned, slightly out of breath, and nodded respectfully. "Miss Wilson can go in," he said, stepping aside to clear the path.

Venus gave a curt nod in acknowledgment and swiftly moved forward, her pace quickening as she crossed the threshold into the mansion grounds. She wouldn’t let this fury dissipate until she had confronted Odin and settled things as she intended.

As Venus stepped into the grand foyer of the mansion, she was greeted by a dignified, middle-aged man dressed in a butler’s uniform. His posture was impeccable, and he carried himself with the quiet authority of someone who had served the household for many years.

"I will lead Miss Wilson’s way from here. Miss Wilson can call me Arthur," he said with a humble bow, his voice calm and measured.

Venus nodded in response, her earlier haste slowing as she followed Arthur through the opulent corridors. The mansion was a testament to wealth and power, with intricate tapestries adorning the walls, each thread shimmering under the soft glow of the chandeliers. The richness of the place confirmed what she had already suspected—Odin was no ordinary vampire; he hailed from a noble lineage, deeply entrenched in both status and history.

As they walked, her attention was captured by a large, ornately framed photograph in the hallway. It was a family portrait, striking in its detail and composition. The faces, frozen in time, hinted at stories and legacies she could only begin to imagine.

But before she could examine it further, Arthur, who had been leading the way with steady, practiced steps, suddenly turned left. "This way, Miss Wilson," he said, his voice gently breaking her focus.

Reluctantly tearing her gaze away from the portrait, Venus followed Arthur down the corridor.

Finally, they arrived at a corridor that contrasted starkly with the rest of the mansion. Unlike the grand, well-lit spaces they had passed through earlier, this area was shrouded in shadow. The dim lighting cast long, eerie shapes across the walls, amplifying the room’s somber ambiance. The decor, from the heavy, dark red drapes to the deep burgundy carpets and tapestries, added to the oppressive atmosphere, making the space feel more like a Gothic retreat than a welcoming home.

"Please have a seat. Lord Odin will soon be here," Arthur said, his voice low and almost reverent in the stillness of the corridor. With a slight bow, he left Venus alone in the living hall, his footsteps fading into the silence.

Venus took a moment to survey her surroundings, feeling a chill that had nothing to do with the temperature. The room exuded an unsettling aura, its darkness oppressive for someone who favored brightness and light. The walls seemed to close in around her, the heavy, shadowy decor pressing down on her spirit.

With a quiet sigh, she lowered herself onto a plush, velvety sofa, its rich fabric soft beneath her fingers.

"Does he make his guests wait like this?" Venus murmured. It had been more than ten minutes, but Odin hadn’t shown his presence, which irked her more.

"Hello, Venus!" Odin’s voice finally broke the tense silence, his tone laced with a casual, almost mocking, familiarity. Venus turned her head sharply, her eyes narrowing as they met his. He stood at the entrance of the dimly lit room, a smirk playing on his lips as he took in her presence.

"Don’t tell me you came here after reading my message," Odin continued, his amusement evident. "I can’t believe you didn’t think twice before entering the territory of a vampire who hasn’t tasted fresh human blood straight from the source in a long time." He sauntered closer, his gaze never leaving hers, savoring the power he believed he held in this situation.

But Venus was unfazed. She let out a soft chuckle, her eyes gleaming with defiance as she reached into her pocket. Without a word, she pulled out the crumpled paper she had brought with her—the very message that had sparked her anger—and threw it at his face with surprising force.

Odin’s playful expression darkened instantly, his jaw tightening as the crumpled paper hit him and fell to the floor. His eyes flashed with a mix of anger and surprise; clearly, he had not expected such a bold response.

"You don’t have to weaken my heart like that," Venus said, her voice low but laced with a dangerous edge. "Odin D’Alessio shouldn’t forget that when I switch on my evil mode, no one can stand before me. And I can easily bring you to your knees. Don’t forget who my sister and brother-in-law are!" Her words were a direct threat, a reminder of the powerful connections she had, and the strength she herself possessed.

Chapter 357: You hate me

"Why did you do that? I don’t understand your teasing. Don’t tell me you fell for me," Venus said, her voice laced with frustration as she crossed her arms tightly across her chest, her eyes narrowing as she awaited his response.

Odin’s expression remained impassive, his gaze as cold as ice. "I did that to keep you away from me," he replied in a low, measured tone. "You were the one who approached me first, Venus. You walked into that bar knowing full well it was meant for vampires only. And you hurt me, too. You made it clear that you would never fall for a so-called ’evil vampire’ like me. That’s why I did what I did. Now that you have your answer, you can leave."

The sharpness of his words hit Venus like a physical blow. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words lodged in her throat, refusing to come out. For a moment, she stood there, stunned, as his cold dismissal echoed in her ears.

"Arthur!" Odin called out, his voice echoing through the grand hall as he summoned the house butler.

"Wait!" Venus suddenly burst out, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and desperation. She took a step forward, fixating her gaze at him. "Do you even have any idea what you’ve done to me?" Her voice cracked as she tried to keep her emotions in check.

Without warning, she shoved Odin away in a surge of anger, but he quickly grabbed her arm and pulled her back with a forceful yet controlled grip. They stood inches apart, their breaths mingling as they locked eyes, the air between them crackling with tension. Neither spoke, but the intensity of their shared gaze said everything their words couldn’t.

"Let me go!" Venus demanded as she struggled to free herself from Odin’s grasp. "I get that I’m nothing in your eyes, just a culprit who tried to kill her own sister," she added, her voice trembling with the weight of her pain. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over at any moment.

Odin’s expression darkened, his grip tightening slightly as he leaned in closer. "And what am I in your eyes, Venus?" he asked, his voice low and edged with fury. "What evil have I done to you? I’ve always protected you, at least after you left that prison." His anger was palpable, his fangs beginning to show as his control slipped.

Venus let out a bitter chuckle, shaking her head at his words. "Protected me? You’ve always made me feel small, made me feel worthless," she shot back, her voice rising with every word. "I never asked for your protection, Odin. Just admit it—it was because of Prince Magnus that you had to protect my family. If it weren’t for him, you would never have bothered."

Odin’s eyes flashed with a mixture of anger and something else—something unreadable. For a moment, they simply stared at each other.

Arthur entered the living hall, his footsteps almost silent on the polished floor. His eyes widened in surprise as he took in the tense scene before him—his master, Odin, holding the young lady, Venus. Sensing the awkwardness of the situation, Arthur quickly averted his gaze and cleared his throat softly, a signal of his presence.

"You should leave, Arthur," Odin commanded. The butler hesitated for a fraction of a second, noting the tension in his master’s tone, before he nodded obediently and turned on his heels, swiftly exiting the room. He understood all too well that Odin was not in the mood for any interruptions.

As the door clicked shut behind Arthur, Venus seized the moment. "What now?" she spat, her voice thick with anger and frustration. "Let me go. I get it—you hate me. You love to toy with my heart because that’s the only thing you can do to a broken-hearted woman like me." She tried to pull her arm free from his grip, but Odin held her fast.

A flicker of something dangerous danced in Venus’s eyes as she added, "Don’t make me go to my sister and ruin you." She warned him this time.

Odin threw his head back and laughed, a deep, chilling sound that echoed through the room. The cold amusement in his eyes only deepened as he released her arm, letting it fall away as if she were of no consequence. "Don’t talk back now," he said with a sharp edge to his voice, "and leave my sight."

But Venus wasn’t ready to back down. Her eyes flashed with defiance as she squared her shoulders. "I won’t do that if you stop playing these games with me," she countered, her anger still simmering just beneath the surface. The fire in her voice made it clear she wasn’t going to let him have the last word without a fight.

"I told you not to talk back to me," Odin said sharply, his voice cutting through the tension as he closed the small distance between them. Venus’s eyes widened slightly, and she instinctively took a step back, confusion and apprehension swirling in her gaze. She couldn’t quite understand what was driving his behavior today.

"I-I won’t if you promise me not to bother m-me like this," Venus stammered.

Odin’s expression hardened as he took another step forward, closing in on her. "I never asked you to come here. You came into my domain of your own volition. Many others bother you, yet you don’t rush to their houses."

Venus shook her head in frustration, her eyes flashing with defiance. "Because others don’t mock me or kiss me like you do," she snapped, her voice rising with emotion. "I don’t wish to talk to you anymore."

As she turned to leave, a flicker of something—perhaps a mix of mischief and resolve—crossed her face. She reached out and grabbed Odin’s overcoat, pulling him down to her level. His eyes widened in surprise.

"What do you want now?" Odin’s frown deepened.

Without a word, Venus leaned in and kissed him, her lips pressing against his with a forceful insistence. Odin’s eyes widened in shock, and he quickly pushed her away, his hand coming up to cover his mouth as if to ward off the lingering sensation.

"Now, you should stay bothered the entire day and night," Venus remarked with a smirk, her eyes glinting with a mix of triumph and defiance. With that, she turned and fled, leaving Odin standing alone.

Chapter 358: Find out yourself, Alora

Alora sat gently swaying on a wooden swing, her soft humming blending with the serene atmosphere of the garden. The air was sweet with the scent of new blossoms, their petals freshly opened to greet the sun.

Around her, birds began to chirp, their melodic voices weaving into the song she hummed, as if they were all part of the same quiet symphony. Alora’s gaze drifted to the sky, her lips curving into a bright, contented smile.

As she continued to hum, Alison approached, gently bringing the swing to a stop. Alora lifted her head, her smile growing even brighter at the sight of her. The peace of the moment settled deep within her, a calmness she hadn’t known she was searching for.

"I never thought I could be happy one day and also at so much peace," Alora murmured, her eyes returning to the birds singing above.

After a while, Alora’s gaze drifted down to the white stone bracelets encircling her wrist. The cool, smooth stones seemed to pulse with a faint energy, reminding her of the last time she had dared to summon the Lunar God.

His warning still echoed in her mind, a caution against calling on him lightly. Yet, her thoughts involuntarily wandered back to him, as they often did.

"Yet, you have again thought of me, Alora," came Raphael’s deep, familiar voice, startling her from her reverie.

She promptly lifted her head, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of him. The impulse to rush toward him in excitement was strong, but she managed to maintain her composure, though a smile tugged at her lips.

"Then, that’s the fault of the Lunar God," Alora replied mischievously, her tone light as she tried to mask the joy she felt at his unexpected appearance.

Raphael’s expression remained calm, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Have you achieved your target, Alora?" he asked.

"My target?" Alora repeated, her brow furrowing in confusion. She hadn’t expected such a question.

"To bring stability and trust between the three species," Raphael clarified, his gaze steady on hers.

Alora’s thoughts quickly turned to the delicate alliances she had worked so hard to nurture. "Um... I think the relationship between Werewolves and Vampires is very much stable," she replied.

"However, after Damien killed Gloria, our relationship with the witches has been stained," she asserted, a trace of sorrow lacing her tone.

"Brother Raphael, why don’t you answer a few of my questions since you’re here?" Alora asked, her eyes filled with hope. She watched him closely as he moved to the swing, his steps light and graceful. He settled in, crossing one leg over the other, and glanced at her, a silent invitation to continue.

Taking a deep breath, Alora followed him and stood nearby. "Why did I get injured that day? Was it because I didn’t face my grandmother?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of concern.

Raphael shook his head slowly. "No. That’s because Magnus intervened and changed the course of the future," he replied, his words causing a ripple of shock to pass through her. Alora’s eyes widened as she processed the revelation, quickly understanding the gravity of what the Lunar God had just revealed.

"Was my mother destined to die?" Alora’s voice softened, a frown forming as she hesitated to ask the next question, fearing the answer.

"Yes," Raphael confirmed, his tone gentle but firm. "That’s why you were punished for that."

Alora’s heart sank, and she bit her lip, trying to mask the pain his words brought. "It seems the Lunar God is not happy that my mother is alive," she murmured, pouting slightly in frustration.

"Will there be more consequences? Now that I’ve become a vampire, will I lose these eyes?" she inquired, her voice trembling slightly at the prospect.

Raphael’s gaze softened as he looked at her. "No. These eyes are supposed to stay with you until your last breath," he reassured her. "As for more consequences, I can’t tell you about that," he added, keeping the mystery.

"Usually, it takes a year for humans to fully transform into a vampire. But why did I wake up early? Isn’t that strange?" Alora asked, her eyes clouded with confusion as she searched Raphael’s face for answers.

"Alora, you aren’t an ordinary human," Raphael replied, his voice calm and assured.

"Oh," Alora murmured, a small smile gracing her lips. "That means Magnus was right," she added, thinking back to the times Magnus had hinted at her unique nature.

As the memories flooded back, she suddenly recalled the temporary blindness and the strange, almost violent bleeding she experienced after she had perished Qasima. The vivid memory made her pause, and she hesitated before voicing her next question. "What about that time when I perished Qasima? There was this... temporary blindness and the bleeding. What was that?"

Raphael listened patiently before responding. "When you perished Qasima, the strain of using such intense power took a toll on your body. Your temporary blindness and the bleeding were consequences of pushing your limits beyond what your body could handle at that time," he explained, his tone gentle but factual.

Alora nodded slowly, processing his words. "And I didn’t become like those typical vampires, who lose a large part of their humanity. Why?" She was curious to know.

"You are magical, Alora. Everything involving you will be different from the others," Raphael replied.

"Oh. Then, will I have abilties like the other vampires?"

"You’ll find out yourself, Alora." Raphael left the swing and stood straight before her. "You seem to love your eyes now. I’m glad that you value them now," he affirmed with a smile.

"Brother Raphael, thank you for protecting my husband. I’ve given this bracelet to Magnus. That night when he encountered Damien, he was in trouble. He shared with me how he got free after feeling a strong energy in his hand," Alora stated, expressing gratitude for his protection.

"The bracelet works on its own whenever it’s owner is in danger. However, it cannot protect for too long. Also, I couldn’t come there since you were not there. I can only protect you not the others. The bracelet will give me an indication whenever you’ll be in danger," Raphael revealed to her.

"I shall leave now. I forgive you this time for calling me," Raphael said and flicked his fingers in the middle of her forehead before disappearing into the thin air.

Chapter 359: I want you

Magnus had been searching for Alora with a mix of impatience and concern, his steps quickening as he finally spotted her in the garden. She was standing still, her gaze fixed on something distant, lost in thought. The sun cast a warm glow over the flowers surrounding her, but she seemed unaware of the beauty around her.

"There you are," Magnus called out, his voice carrying a hint of relief mingled with his complaint. Alora slowly turned to face him, her eyes softening as she recognized him.

"I figured you’d be at the execution," she said, her voice quiet but steady. "So, I came here to have some time to myself, to clear my mind," she added, her gaze searching his face. "Did everything go as planned?"

Magnus hesitated, a flicker of unease crossing his features. "Yes, it’s over," he replied simply, choosing not to burden her with the grisly details of Damien’s demise. He knew how gentle Alora’s heart was, and he had no desire to darken her day with the details of the execution.

Alora, sensing his reluctance, didn’t press for more. Instead, she turned back to the swing, the wooden seat creaking softly as she sat down. The quiet rustling of leaves filled the air as a gentle breeze swept through the garden.

"Push me?" she urged with a small smile.

Magnus smiled back, his tension easing as he stepped behind her. With a gentle touch, he began to push the swing. Alora enjoyed the swing ride as Magnus kept pushing her lightly from behind.

Alora’s sweet laughter rang out like a melody, filling the garden with warmth as her feet finally touched the ground, halting the swing’s gentle motion. She tilted her head slightly, her eyes sparkling with a playful glimmer as she looked up at Magnus.

"Come, sit with me," she invited, patting the space beside her on the swing.

Magnus didn’t hesitate. In an instant, he was at her side, his presence a comforting weight next to her. His gaze locked onto hers, searching for any signs of worry or distress.

"Did Rienna respond yet?" Alora asked, her voice laced with curiosity and a hint of concern.

Magnus shook his head, a faint sigh escaping his lips. "No reply has come yet," he admitted, his tone serious.

Alora frowned slightly, her mind turning over the implications. "Shall we visit her place then?" she suggested, her voice tinged with a determination to take action.

Magnus’s expression tightened as he considered her words. "That wouldn’t be wise," he cautioned, his voice gentle but firm.

"Why not?" Alora asked, a trace of confusion creasing her brow.

"The witches are upset with the vampires," Magnus explained patiently. "Father and the elders have been meeting with Rienna and the other witches regularly, but so far, no resolution has been reached. Tensions are high."

Alora’s lips pressed into a thin line as she absorbed his words. "So, because one vampire made a mistake, everyone has to suffer for it," she remarked.

Magnus nodded slowly, acknowledging the unfairness of the situation. "Unfortunately, that’s how it often goes," he murmured. "Rienna’s a fair leader, but even she can’t ignore the anger of her people. Moreover, Gloria was like her mother. Her frustration is clear. I only want one chance to clear up everything with her."

Alora sighed softly, leaning back against the swing as she gazed out at the garden. "Hmm. If Rienna is a fair leader then she may respond to your message soon."

"I hope so," Magnus replied, his expressions turning a bit serious.

~~~~~

Melody carefully placed the book down on the table, her fingers lingering on the worn edges of the pages. She had been engrossed in her studies, her mind absorbing every detail as she silently recited the text to herself, ensuring the words would stay with her.

Lost in her thoughts, Melody didn’t notice the soft footsteps approaching from behind until it was too late. She gasped in surprise as strong arms suddenly wrapped around her waist, pulling her back into a firm yet gentle embrace. Her heart raced as she recognized the familiar touch, warmth spreading through her as Izaak’s presence enveloped her.

"Your Highness!" she exclaimed in surprise. She tilted her head slightly, trying to catch a glimpse of him, but he held her close, his chest pressed against her back.

Izaak’s response was a low, satisfied hum as he buried his face in the curve of her neck. His breath was warm against her skin, sending shivers down her spine as his nose nuzzled into the soft spot just beneath her ear. He inhaled deeply, savoring the intoxicating scent of her blood, which seemed to weave a spell over him.

In one fluid motion, Izaak spun Melody around, his eyes dark with intensity as he swiftly plucked the book from her hands and set it aside on the table behind her. The room seemed to pulse with a new, electric energy, the air thick with anticipation. Melody barely had a moment to react before Izaak closed the distance between them, his presence overwhelming in its urgency.

"Do you want—" Melody began, her voice soft and uncertain, but her words were abruptly cut off as Izaak captured her lips in a fervent kiss.

"I want you," he murmured against her mouth, his voice husky with desire. The raw need in his tone sent a shiver down her spine, and before she could respond, his lips claimed hers again, more insistent this time.

His hand slid up to cradle the back of her neck, tilting her head to deepen the kiss, his touch both tender and commanding. Melody’s thoughts scattered, lost in the heat of the moment as Izaak’s kiss grew more passionate, more demanding. The world outside ceased to exist; there was only the two of them, their breaths mingling, their hearts beating in sync.

With a smooth motion, Izaak’s free hand trailed down her side, his fingers grazing the soft fabric of her dress before moving to her thigh. Without breaking the kiss, he effortlessly lifted her onto the table, the wooden surface cool against her skin in contrast to the fiery heat between them.

Melody’s hands instinctively reached out, gripping the fabric of his shirt as she steadied herself, but the intensity of Izaak’s kiss left her breathless, powerless to resist the pull of his desire. His lips moved against hers with a hunger that sent waves of warmth coursing through her, each nibble, each gentle bite, igniting a deeper need within her.

Izaak’s hold on her tightened, his body pressing against hers, his hand on her thigh slowly inching higher. Melody found herself melting into him, her resistance fading as she surrendered to the intoxicating passion that consumed them both.

The hand on his neck, moved to the back where Izaak played with the knots of Melody’s dress. He was swift in untying them, thus loosening her dress from the top.

When Izaak finally let go of her mouth, she finally got to breathe. A low cry escaped her mouth when Izaak nipped her a sensitive spot on her smooth skin.

"Your High–" she was stopped as Izaak placed his finger on her lips. His eyes soon met hers.

"I really want you," Izaak said with a serious tone.

Chapter 360: Who’s perfect for you

Griffin leaned back in his chair, his keen eyes narrowing as he observed Odin across the table. The dim light of the tavern cast shadows over Odin’s face, but it wasn’t enough to conceal the tension that radiated from him. Something was clearly off, and Griffin wasn’t one to ignore it.

"Why do you look so irritated today?" Griffin asked, his voice calm but laced with curiosity. His gaze remained fixed on Odin, searching for any signs of what might be bothering him.

Odin barely glanced up, his focus seemingly absorbed in the glass of alcohol he held. "Nothing," he muttered, his fingers rhythmically tapping against the rim of the glass.

Griffin wasn’t convinced to hear that. He knew Odin too well to be fooled by such a simple deflection. Leaning forward slightly, he decided to cut to the chase. "What’s going on between you and Venus?" he asked in a probing tone.

Odin’s fingers froze mid-tap, and his eyes shot up to meet Griffin’s, wide with surprise. For a brief moment, he was completely caught off guard, his usual composure shattered by the unexpected question. He hadn’t anticipated that Griffin would bring up Venus, let alone ask so directly about their relationship.

"What... what do you mean?" Odin stammered, trying to recover his composure, but the crack in his facade was already showing.

Griffin raised an eyebrow, his skepticism clear as he studied Odin’s reaction. "You’ve been on edge lately, more than usual. I mean, I noticed that Venus has started affecting you. Don’t tell me you actually like her," he said, his tone probing but not without a hint of amusement.

Odin let out a low chuckle, shaking his head as if the very idea were absurd. "No," he replied firmly, his voice steady.

Griffin wasn’t convinced, and he wasn’t about to let Odin off the hook so easily. "You don’t have to lie to me, Odin. I can tell when something’s bothering you," he insisted. "Whenever someone mentions Venus, you get this look—like you’re torn between wanting to punch something and... well, something else. What I’ve seen isn’t just in my head."

Odin’s smile faded slightly, and his grip on the glass tightened, but he kept his composure. "Venus was always an enemy to me," he remarked, his voice cold and detached. "And she still is."

He took a deliberate sip of his drink, letting the alcohol burn down his throat as if it could erase the discomfort the conversation was causing him.

Griffin leaned back, observing him with a knowing look. "You can tell yourself that all you want," he said calmly, "but I’ve known you long enough to see when something’s off. You’re not just talking about some random enemy. There’s more to it, even if you won’t admit it."

Odin’s jaw clenched, the muscles in his face tightening as he processed Griffin’s words. He wanted to argue, to dismiss the notion entirely, but the truth was gnawing at him, just beneath the surface.

"I don’t like her," Odin finally said, his tone edged with frustration.

Griffin noticed the anger in Odin’s voice and decided to tread carefully. "You don’t have to speak about it so angrily. Also, there exists a fine line between love and hate," he remarked calmly.

"From what I’ve observed, Venus isn’t the same person she used to be. Sure, my conversations with her have been brief, but in those moments, I saw a woman who’s been through a lot. She craved love, and maybe that led her down some wrong paths, but it seems like she’s grown from it. She’s become gentle, even sweet."

Odin’s gaze narrowed, his eyes locking onto Griffin. He didn’t say anything, but the tension on his grimace was evident. His mind raced, torn between wanting to dismiss Griffin’s words and acknowledging that they might hold some truth.

Without a word, he downed the remaining alcohol in his glass, the burn in his throat doing little to distract him from the thoughts swirling in his head.

After a moment, Odin leaned back in his chair, trying to shake off the weight of the conversation. "Have you thought about moving forward in your own life?" he asked, deflecting the attention away from himself.

Griffin took a deep breath, his expression shifting to something more introspective. "I have," he admitted honestly. "But it’s not easy to find someone who’s... right for me. The perfect match, you know?"

Odin nodded, his expression softening just a bit. He understood that struggle all too well. The search for something meaningful, something real, was never easy—especially when they both had experienced quite a harsh life.

"Perfection is hard to come by," he said quietly, his voice less tense now. "But maybe... maybe it’s not about finding the perfect person. Maybe it’s about finding someone who’s perfect for you."

Griffin considered his words, nodding slowly as he mulled them over. "You’re right," he said after a moment. "It’s not about perfection. It’s about finding someone who fits, someone who complements who you are."

"Then, go and explore, Griffin," Odin encouraged, his tone lighter now, trying to steer the conversation away from the tension that had lingered between them.

"I’m trying," Griffin replied with a small smile, appreciating Odin’s support. But he wasn’t done yet. "Well, you should consider Venus," he added, his voice was thoughtful.

"Consider what?" Odin’s eyebrows shot up, a mix of surprise and irritation flickering across his face. "I told you there’s nothing going on between us. Besides, I don’t want to bring a human into my life—especially not a woman like Venus. She’s hot-headed, stubborn..." His voice trailed off as he recalled their last encounter that morning. Venus had dared to kiss him, igniting a storm of emotions he hadn’t been prepared for. The memory of it brought a flush of frustration and confusion to his face.

He muttered under his breath, almost as if speaking to himself, "She’s just trouble. I need to stay away from her."

Griffin turned quiet and didn’t probe further in that matter.