CHAPTER 07
“Kyahhh!”
A sharp scream cut through the darkness, followed by the splash of bathwater.
Luna thought she had managed to slip away from him, but a heavy arm wrapped tightly around her waist and dragged her back. A chill ran up her spine, raising goosebumps across her body. Gasping for breath, she curled herself up, hastily grabbing a thick bath towel to shield her front.
Her face pale, Luna clawed at the muscled arm locked around her waist, but her wet hands only slipped uselessly against the ridged veins beneath his skin.
“Are you crazy? Why are you doing this? The lights are off—just cover yourself and go! You said you’d leave me alone!”
She shouted, thrashing desperately to break free. Her body was already drained, her breathing ragged from exhaustion. Fear and anger welled up inside her, bringing tears to her eyes. Her grandfather’s face flashed in her mind, and her chest tightened until it was hard to breathe.
“Didn’t I tell you to be careful? You’ll trip and hurt yourself if you try to walk alone. Stay still.”
His deep, unhurried voice rippled through the dark, strangely calm. The iron grip around her waist loosened, only for her to feel his strong arms shift—one supporting her back, the other sliding beneath her thighs.
Splash—
Water sloshed and spilled over as she was lifted out of the tub.
Luna’s eyes flew wide, her lips parting in shock. He had picked her up as if she weighed nothing, her heart hammering wildly in her chest.
So that was why he pulled her back? To keep her from slipping and falling?
Should she be relieved? It wasn’t the worst outcome, at least. Still, she couldn’t relax.
No matter how dark or confusing the situation was, how could she entrust her body to him like this? She hadn’t even managed to secure her towel properly!
Her head jerked away, cheeks burning. She pushed against his shoulder and chest with trembling arms, kicking and writhing like a fish out of water.
“I’ll be fine! Thank you for your concern, but I can walk on my own. Just put me down!”
“……”
The man didn’t budge. The harder she struggled, the tighter his grip became, as if to prove she wouldn’t be released. He turned toward the edge of the bath, his voice low and edged with quiet menace.
“I told you not to move, magician. If I didn’t know you were hurt, I’d have already snapped your neck. Behave before you really get injured.”
“Y-You’d what?”
A shiver of killing intent in his tone made her freeze. Luna’s body stiffened, her head snapping up in horror. She couldn’t see his face clearly in the dark, but it felt like he might sink his teeth into her throat at any moment.
Anyone who dealt with the Raven Guild’s vice-captain had to be dangerous, no matter who they were. Instinct screamed at her not to provoke him further.
“Can’t tell if you’re a sly fox wagging its tail, or a rabbit so frightened it can’t see straight,” Kalid muttered coldly, eyes narrowing as he looked down at her.
Neither, Luna thought bitterly. It was just an accident…
But the sting of his words pierced her chest, wrinkling her brow. She wanted to snap back, but her lips pressed shut, refusing to move.
Heat flared across her cheeks. Truthfully, what unsettled her most wasn’t his harsh words but the feel of his body against hers—his damp, muscular frame pressing against her as he carried her. Her grip on the towel tightened as she drew it closer to her chest.
Kalid moved with practiced ease, striding confidently through the pitch-black bath chamber. Every step was steady, even as he passed stone pillars and shallow puddles that would have tripped anyone else. Clearly, this was a space he knew well.
Luna, however, could only burn with mortification. Each time he shifted, her arms, sides, and thighs brushed against his wet skin, an unfamiliar sensation that sent waves of heat rushing through her.
This is why I said no…!
Her embarrassment spread like wildfire, searing her down to her very veins. She felt as if she might forget how to breathe altogether.
The walk couldn’t have lasted long, but to her it felt like entire seasons passed before her feet finally touched cold marble flooring. She sucked in a shaky breath, almost like a sob.
“Huuhh…”
Kalid studied her quietly, then reached into a cabinet nearby. He pulled out a fresh towel and dropped it gently over her head.
“……?”
“Dry off.”
The brusque command left her stunned. Still, she took the towel automatically.
Meanwhile, he retrieved another for himself, rubbing it roughly over his own damp hair. Luna listened intently to the sound of him moving—the swish of fabric being lifted, the rustle of clothing as he dressed.
Maybe I overreacted, she thought reluctantly. He’s curt, but… he’s actually looking after me.
“How long will you stand there drying like that?” he asked suddenly.
“Huh?”
Before she could answer, another towel landed atop her head. His large hand swept firmly down her wet hair through the fabric.
Luna gaped in disbelief. Yet Kalid ignored her, his tone as flat as ever.
“I’ll put a robe on you. Don’t be startled—I’m just helping.”
“O-Oh… th-thank you…”
Before she could process, something soft and heavy settled over her shoulders—a men’s bathrobe. He even held it open properly for her, waiting.
Flustered, Luna quickly slipped her arms through, pulling the plush fabric tightly around herself and fastening the belt. The robe smelled faintly of the forest at dawn. More than anything, she was grateful not to be exposed anymore.
But then, without warning, he scooped her up again. This time, she didn’t resist. Somehow, she knew he meant her no harm.
Without a word, he carried her from the bathing chamber, snapping his fingers once. Lamps flared to life, illuminating the path as he strode toward the bedchamber.
In the light, Luna found herself staring at his face—still damp, his cheeks faintly flushed.
Did he notice I was too weak to stand? Or is he just… being kind?
Whatever the reason, guilt pricked her at the sight of his reddened skin.
He’s strange… half tender, half frightening.
Her musings ended when the softness of bed linens brushed against her back.
Outside, rain battered the windows, filling the dawn air with its steady rhythm. Two people, fresh from a bath, clad in matching robes, sitting under the glow of lamps—it was a situation begging for misunderstanding.
Knock, knock.
“Milady, I brought you something to eat!”
The cheerful voice of a maid rang from the door.
Luna’s eyes went wide in alarm, while one of Kalid’s brows arched sharply.
He set her down and moved to the door. The maid stood there with a tray in hand, smiling brightly—until her head tilted in confusion. Instead of the young lady in a robe, it was her master who greeted her.
“Ah… G-Good evening, my lord.”
“Give it here. I’ll take it.”
Kalid took the tray smoothly, leaving the maid flustered.
“Shall I bring more? Is the young lady still inside? I was the one who guided her to the bath earlier…”
At that, Kalid’s gaze turned sharp, his expression darkening. So it was this servant who had let Luna into the bath. The puzzle pieces fit neatly in his mind, and his scowl eased just slightly.
“The food will suffice. Go rest.”
There was no need to reveal Luna’s presence. The maid bowed and began to withdraw.
“Achoo!”
A distinctly feminine sneeze echoed from within the room.
The maid froze. Her expression lit up like someone stumbling across a hidden romance.
“You were with the young lady! I—I must inform the steward—oh, no, I mean—I’ll just… leave you to it!”
Her cheeks flushed pink, and she hurried away on quick feet.
Kalid stared after her, his brow furrowing once more. He looked down at the tray in his hands—warm soup and freshly baked bread—and sighed with a conflicted expression.
