The walk back to the castle was a procession of silent, conflicting energies. The crowd of elves did not leave but made way for them, their eyes wide and fixated on Caelen.
The women's gazes were filled with a desperate, aching longing, while the men's held a mixture of awe, fear, and reluctant admiration. The air itself seemed to thicken with his unfettered [Abyssal Charm].
Just before he crossed the threshold of the grand palace doors, Caelen paused. A thought, a spark of mischievous curiosity, flickered in his crimson eyes. He wanted to test the limits. He turned back to face the sea of captivated faces.
He didn't say a word. He simply offered a slow, deliberate wink. Then, he brought his fingers to his lips and made a soft, kissing sound as he blew it gently in their direction.
The effect was instantaneous and chaotic.
A wave of palpable yearning swept through the crowd. Several women actually swooned, collapsing into the arms of those beside them.
