Vivia didn't realize that her fingers had unconsciously tightened their grasp on his sleeve. She wanted to look away, to avoid his gaze that held her reflection in it. The only face glimmering in his golden irises was hers. As much as it overjoyed her, a strange tension squeezed her chest at the same time.
"Anything I want…?"
Zerath held her gaze, slowly moving his arm backward just a little. It released her grasp from his sleeve - but only for a half a moment, until his own fingers gently enveloped her hand. He pressed down firmly before his fingers slipped between hers, intertwining them together.
"Anything."
A rush of an intoxicating sweetness hit her from within. His fingers caressed hers, his palm pressing against her warmth as if hungrily devouring it. His mesmerizing but intense gaze held a hint of a raw desire that made fireworks spark in her chest. A faint blush spread across her cheeks when his pleasant but deep voice whispered his resolute answer.
The single word alone meant the entire world to her. If she would wish him to pluck the moon for her, he wouldn't hesitate to fly to the sky.
Anything I want…
If I say I wish to keep living here, that I don't want to stop seeing him, that I want him to continue smiling at me, if…
If I wish I don't want you to ever let go of my hand that you're holding at this very moment, then I wonder…will it be too selfish?
She looked into his eyes, ones different from hers - black slit pupils that defined a demon's physical characteristic. It was only one of the defining traits, but enough to remind her of the divide between them - that he was a demon and she, a human. No matter how deeply she wished for it, her desire to keep meeting Zerath until the end of time would never be realized.
Zerath watched her lips stretch into the most beautiful smile he had ever witnessed.
"You're a good demon, Zerath. Kind, warm and full of love in your heart. If I wish for something, then it's to see you lead Rudaheim as the King one day. A King who wishes well for his people, who wants nothing but their happiness and who can see beyond the painful history. The crown belongs to you more than anyone else in the world."
It was soft, but the tips of his fingers touching her trembled. A flicker of surprise passed across his eyes, which then culminated into a tranquil light. He lowered his head, resting it upon her shoulder.
"Thank you."
She smiled.
"You're incredibly kind, Lady Vivia, but I also want you to be selfish with me."
Her breath stopped in her throat. A tremor seized her lashes.
She cut through her own trance and cleared her throat. "Don't tempt me, Crown Prince. My greed has no bounds~"
Zerath closed his eyes, basking in the calm darkness of her soft hair strands fluttering across his forehead. He sensed her racing pulse at her neck, echoing like booming drumbeats.
"Mhm."
"Wh-What does 'Mhm' mean? You should feel a little bit alarmed by what I just said."
"I'd like to say the same to you. You should feel a little bit alarmed with how close I'm to you right now."
She froze. She swallowed a gulp, feeling the ticklish brush of his hair against her neck. His warm breaths gently fanned over her skin, raising goosebumps as if his lips would inevitably press against them at any moment.
"Hm? It suddenly feels…a little feverish in here."
Isn't that all your fault!?
Vivia pressed her palm against his chest and mercilessly pushed him back.
"That hurt."
Her brow twitched. "If I point your sword at you, will it hurt even more then?"
"So cruel," he chuckled. "Alas, I should've held my tongue back for a little more time."
Her shooting glares burst out a hearty laughter from him. Nevertheless, he lifted her hand that was still interlocked with his. His laughter softened into a mischievous smile, his eyes glinting with a roguish light.
"Be as greedy as you want, Lady Vivia," he placed a feather-light kiss on her knuckles, "Only when it's you, I feel an urge to see the many colors within you."
Vivia would have stumbled had Zerath not been tightly holding onto her hand. Her mind tumbled in cartwheels with dizziness, wondering if her point of focus should be his buttery flirtation or the lingering warmth that his kiss left behind.
"My lord!"
Vivia withdrew her hand at lightning speed upon the arrival of the Sanctum's aides.
"A bummer…" Zerath whispered a faint complaint.
He stood up and asked, "Is everything okay?"
They nodded. "Yes, my lord. Fortunately, the rumbling hasn't caused any damage. Nobody is hurt either."
He breathed out in relief. "That's good to know. You may return to work."
The one in the middle hesitantly said, "We'd have to inform Sire about what happened."
"Indeed, there's no hiding it. Don't worry. I'll meet him later and explain everything."
It'll be a pain when he'll start dragging the curse again…
Zerath felt a headache coming. He ignored that troublesome future conversation for now and turned to face Vivia. His headache dissipated in an instant, and the smile returned to his lips.
"Shall we head to the top?"
"Top?" She coughed, trying to calm her heartbeats.
"The Sanctum's terrace. You'll be able to see the entire Casca and the festival from there."
Her expression shone. "I'd love to!"
—
The Twilight Sanctum's rooftop was a breathtaking expanse of fine artistry. Vivia held her breath, gazing at the humongous bell at the center, etched with ancient runes. Lost in its magnificence, she didn't realize when the hour struck, and the bell tolled.
"Careful," Zerath supported her back as she slightly stumbled. "It can be a little overwhelming up close."
The bell seemed to work on its own, imbued with magic, its deep, resonating chime echoing across the city of Casca. It signalled dusk's transition into night. The ancient sound reverberated in her ears, leaving her awe-stricken.
"Golden bell and silver runes," her eyes sparkled. "It reminds me of you and Eurus."
He blinked once.
"Your golden eyes and Eurus's ice-silver eyes," she chuckled. "It feels as if you and Eurus are accompanying me."
"I see," he tilted his head thoughtfully.
"It also reminds me of Bellor's bell tower!"
"There're similarities indeed. Bellor was the inspiration behind this bell tower."
Vivia happily hopped towards the terrace's railing, eager to take a look outside. She wasn't disappointed, as it offered an unobstructed view of Casca and the festival that now glowed with lanterns in the darkening night.
Yet again, the beautiful lanterns rushed in the pleasant memories of her time in Bellor - the evening where the entire sky floated with countless lanterns. A gesture that made Vivia feel as if she was Zerath's most special person. The warmth of those memories made her smile.
She closely watched the Sun and Moon effigies that she had first witnessed from afar at the entrance. The solar and lunar emblems scintillated in tandem as if keeping Casca in a state of peace and harmony. A breeze of fresh air fluttered her hair back and she breathed in deeply, allowing herself to sink in their soft light. The melodious music from the festival reached her ears, her lips automatically humming to the tune. Her foot tapped against the floor, matching its rhythm.
"I think I can spend my life here. The Twilight Sanctum is too beautiful to miss living here," she laughed.
Zerath joined her, watching her relish the cool breeze.
"I can arrange it if you wish so, Lady Vivia."
Vivia gently opened her eyes, a flicker of an unsaid sorrow passing by her irises. She laughed, albeit awkwardly.
"I wasn't serious."
She tensely clasped her hands together and forced herself to talk about something else. It then occurred to her.
"Oh yes!"
Zerath, who was keenly studying her expression, asked, "Hm? What is it?"
She grinned and took out a small box. Opening it, she revealed a beautiful golden brooch that sat delicately inside. Her voice shook with faint nervousness.
"This is my present for you. You saved me and gave me shelter in your realm when I needed it the most. You've done a lot for me. This might still not be enough, but I hope…it expresses the immense gratitude I hold for you."
Vivia felt heat spread from her cheeks down to her throat as she presented him with her parting gift. She could barely contain her heartbeats, when she noticed Zerath's gaze becoming strangely silent.
Did he not like it?