"Mmm…"
A faint groan slipped from Isabella's lips as her eyes fluttered open.
Her thoughts were foggy. She shook her head, trying to clear the haze, then pushed herself upright. Memories came in fragments—charging the enemy lines with Xuelan, felling a giant, burning through every last reserve of strength. The wind crystal had struck her down, and she'd been sure that was the end. Yet here she was, awake. Alive.
"Finally awake, Isabella?"
The voice snapped her back to reality.
"L-Lord Tenra!"
Isabella scrambled to her feet, bowing deeply to Tenra, who sat nearby. Behind him stood Yubelluna and Xuelan, both with flushed cheeks and downcast eyes. Whatever had happened while she was unconscious, it had clearly left its mark.
"Come here."
Tenra patted his leg, a gentle smile on his face.
He looked calm, as if nothing had changed—but Isabella's heart hammered in her chest. She and Xuelan had gone against Tenra's orders, rushing off on their own. Was this the moment she'd been dreading? The moment of punishment?
She bit her lip, nerves twisting inside her, but she obeyed. Quietly, she walked over and sat on Tenra's lap.
She'd made her choice alongside Xuelan, fully aware of the risks. Whatever punishment awaited, she wouldn't regret it. Even if given another chance, she'd do the same.
Lost in anxious thought, Isabella barely noticed as Tenra lifted her chin.
"Do you know, Isabella—when Yubelluna found you and Xuelan, you were both clinging to life by a thread. If your Evil Pieces hadn't bought you a few precious seconds, you'd be dead now."
"Isabella knows her mistake, Lord Tenra…"
She couldn't meet his eyes, her voice barely a whisper.
"Oh? You know you were wrong? Then tell me—what exactly was your mistake?"
His smile grew softer, almost tender.
"We… we shouldn't have disobeyed your orders and acted on our own…"
Isabella's words trembled. In the Underworld, servants who defied their master's commands were seen as disgraceful. Other devils would shun them. The thought that Tenra might despise her now made her stomach twist with fear.
But Tenra shook his head.
"No, Isabella. That's not it. I do expect loyalty and obedience, but I don't mind that you have your own will. In fact, I rather like it."
"You weren't wrong for acting on your own. Your real mistake was failing to protect yourselves—almost getting yourselves killed."
"You're mine. Your bodies, your souls, your loyalty, your love—everything belongs to me. Dying without my permission? That's the greatest betrayal of all."
"Do you understand now, my adorable, foolish Isabella?"
His fingers traced her cheek, his words echoing in her ears.
Isabella's hand flew to her mouth, tears springing to her eyes.
"Lord Tenra, I… I…"
So that was it. He wasn't angry that she'd disobeyed; he was furious that she'd risked her life so carelessly.
A tidal wave of emotion crashed through her—gratitude, guilt, devotion all tangled together. How had she not understood this before? All she wanted, in that moment, was to prove her loyalty—even if it meant dying for him.
"Tears won't help, Isabella. Wrong actions require punishment. You're ready for that, aren't you?"
Tenra wiped away her tears, his voice gentle but firm.
"Yes, Lord Tenra."
Her fear and anxiety melted away, replaced by anticipation. This was her sin, and she needed punishment—otherwise, she could never forgive herself.
"While you were out, Xuelan already received her punishment. And because of you two, Yubelluna was dragged into it as well. You'll apologize to her later."
"Now. Turn around and lie down."
Obediently, Isabella turned and stretched herself across Tenra's lap. The position was humiliating, but she accepted it without hesitation. This was her cleansing, her penance.
"Repent well, Isabella. Your punishment begins now."
Tenra's lips curled in a faint smile as he raised his hand and brought it down sharply.
Smack.
"Ngh…"
Pain bloomed, blanking her mind. But it was only the beginning.
Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack.
On and on, until Isabella lay limp across his legs, her face flushed, breath coming in ragged gasps.
It hurt—humiliation and pain mingled together—but beneath it all, she felt relief. Her sin was washed away.
Tenra gently turned her over, then pulled Xuelan into his arms as well.
The two girls exchanged a glance, then quickly looked away. Isabella hadn't seen Xuelan's punishment, but she could guess it had been much the same.
"Punishment's over. Now, it's time for your reward."
Isabella and Xuelan stared at him, bewildered.
They'd been punished for their mistakes—why reward them now?
"Yubelluna told me everything. Because of your efforts, the others held out long enough for Rias and Sona's teams to arrive. You did well, Xuelan, Isabella."
Just a simple compliment—but tears welled in their eyes once more.
"Lord Tenra, we… we…"
Their resolve hadn't been rejected. Their sacrifice had mattered. Everything they'd done was worthwhile.
Tenra looked at his two foolishly devoted retainers and smiled. He stroked Xuelan's cheek, then kissed her softly.
"Mmm…"
When their lips parted, Xuelan was dazed. Tenra turned and rewarded Isabella with the same gentle kiss.
"Xuelan, Isabella—from now on, you'll both share my bed."
It was time to finally claim the two Rook girls. Tenra leaned in, whispering in their ears.
"Yes, Lord Tenra…"
Weak and blissful, the girls melted against him.
Tenra smiled, saying nothing more. He scooped both girls into his arms and headed toward his bedroom.
Tonight belonged to Xuelan and Isabella. Yubelluna started to slip out, but Tenra's voice stopped her.
"You too, Yubelluna. Show Xuelan and Isabella how it's done."
Face burning, Yubelluna quietly followed them inside…
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