n

n

nI glanced at the man in front of me; a strong man, and I couldn't help but sigh in relief. Even without admitting it, I'm so glad he was sent to guard me. Even though he is so annoying sometimes. I know how powerful he is and that it's safer beside him than anyone else's. He's the male lead, after all.

nI'm also glad that I know things, especially the powerful people around me. I can hug all their thighs without worry.

nSometimes, my luck is truly off the charts.

nThe carriage stopped when I was feeling good about myself and I thought that we had finally arrived. But when I looked outside, I didn't see the mansion at all. We were still on the road, surrounded by trees.

nAnd then I saw Uno on the side of my window, looking grim.

n

"Please wait, milady. I advise you to not go out.

"

nMy heart started pounding fast as I peered outside to look at what was going on.

nAre we being ambushed again?

nI saw a group of people blocking the way while the Herman knights faced them. I didn't get to see the whole picture because Lukas brought the curtain down and covered the window.

nMy wide eyes went to him and saw his serious expression. I gulped down the ball that was blocking my throat. Honestly, I couldn't think of anything at that moment but all I do know is I wasn't calm. My back was sweating, my palms too, and I could feel my body as rigid as a board at that moment.

nI thought that I was fine but it doesn't seem that way right now. Even if I want to deny it, I'm still traumatized by that incident after all.

n

"Stay here.

"

nLukas' deep voice echoed to my ears, firm and decisive. He then opened the door, ready to go out but my hands quickly grabbed his arm and tightly hung on, surprising him.

nHe looked down at my hand and then to me, tight lips and all.

n

"Please don't go,

" I whispered, staring at him.

nKuro wasn't here and I really don't want to be alone.

nI was so terrified that I had completely forgotten that Lukas hated being touched. Even so, it didn't dawn on me that he still let me cling to him despite his disgust for people.

nHe saw my pale skin and the fear reflected in my eyes which made him ease his gaze on me.

n

"You'll be fine. I will protect you.

" His low voice filled with conviction soothed my tight nerves.

nMy body softened from his assurance but I was still reluctant to let go of his arm. He must have realized that so he didn't try to remove my claws on him and climbed down. He stood there leaning by the door so technically, a part of his body was still inside, and I was holding it.

nIt must be uncomfortable yet he never said anything and let me do as I pleased. Uno was at the side, watching us. He seemed indifferent but seeing him, my face immediately turned red in embarrassment. My hands then moved downwards and clung to his sleeve instead.

nLukas only glanced at me and turned his attention back to the front.

n

"What's the situation?

" He asked.

nUno looked at the crowd gathered up ahead and frowned.

n

"They said their carriage broke down and needed help.

"

n

"So they blocked the way?

" Lukas then sneered,

"Do they think we're idiots?

"

nI heard both Lukas and Uno talking but I wasn't paying attention to them. I was just praying inside my head, over and over again, that this will be all finished sooner so I can go home peacefully.

nMy mind was buzzing and all I could hear were their distant voices because it was being overpowered by the loud beating of my heart.

nMy fingers were turning white, clenching his sleeve so tight, afraid that he would suddenly take off and leave my side. Yeah, I have issues.

n

"Tell them to get out of the way before I burn them down to crisps.

"

n

"... yes.

"

nI have no idea how long the confrontation had taken. I blinked when Lukas came inside and sat in front of me, then the carriage started moving again.

nI met his gaze, a little bit disoriented. He then tilted his head to the side, idly so.

n

"Aren't you going to let go?

"

n

"Nn?

" I then noticed that I was still gripping his sleeve,

"Ah...

" My embarrassment was instantaneous, dyeing my cheeks red.

nLetting go, I clasped my hands on my lap and bit my lip, feeling rather shy because of my behavior earlier. I felt him watching me intently, an amused expression plastered on his face.

n

"Thank you,

" I muttered in a small voice, almost like a whisper.

n

"Mmm…

" was his curt response. Lukas then leaned back and closed his eyes, brushing the awkwardness off as if it is not bothering him.

nGazing at him, a small smile appeared on my lips before I retracted my eyes.

nIt was a simple response but it was already enough. At least he is not shaming me for being such a scaredy-cat.

n---**

nI was sleeping comfortably when I was suddenly awoken by the tremors on the ground. I busted up, sitting on my bed, and felt the abnormality in the atmosphere. The little bit of drowsiness I had disappeared and alertness set in, observing my surroundings cautiously.

nMy first thought was, the mansion was being attacked by those magic conquerors and they were coming back for me. Of course, when the thought came, I began to panic! I quickly grabbed the sleeping figure of Kuro, bundled up in quilts, and tried to sense what's amiss.

nThe ground stopped shaking just as quickly as it came but the weirdness in the atmosphere was still there. I didn't hear a fight happening outside like I was expecting. It was silent, except for the occasional squawking of birds in the distance. Other than that, everything else was normal, yet not.

nI could really feel that something had changed, and that was proven when it suddenly got colder!

nI looked outside and I saw snow.

nHuh?

nSnow?

nIt's still autumn, isn't it?!

n

"What the hell?

" I whispered under my breath.

n

n