Rin took a slow breath and shook his head. "No," he said firmly. "I'm not ready."
The air in the room thickened, not with disappointment, but with understanding. Zepharion bowed his head slightly, a gesture of respect. His red eyes shimmered in the low light.
"As you wish, Master," he said, stepping back. Then, with a rare softness, he reached forward and lifted Rin's hand. His lips brushed the back of it in a kiss that felt more like a promise than a farewell.
Rin watched him, confusion fluttering across his face. His eyes shifted to the small black dog sitting quietly beside the drawer.
Zepharion turned to Niblet. There was something ancient and unspoken between them. Rin could notice it. Niblet wasn't the kind of person who remained calm when someone got into his room or tried to touch him, but Zeph appeared out of nowhere, and Niblet didn't even bark.
'I keep forgetting Niblet isn't a dog. He's a demon,'
He hit his head and looked at Zepharion.
