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Chapter 18 - chapter 18Ear-Holding Punishment

Nikita's sudden tears changed the atmosphere of the entire room.

Raphael's terrifying red eyes softened instantly. He realized that in his mischief, he had gone too far and truly hurt his beloved sister.

Raphael's Concern

He rushed toward Nikita and asked anxiously,

"Big sis… what happened? Why are you crying? I was just joking!"

But Nikita didn't answer. She only sobbed harder.

Sibling Affection

Without hesitation, Raphael gently lifted Nikita into his arms. Stroking her hair, he spoke in a soft, affectionate voice,

"Stop crying, my sweet sister. If Kairen sees tears in your eyes, he'll bury me alive. You're the true queen of this kingdom."

At that exact moment, the heavy door burst open with a loud bang.

The King's Entrance

King Kairen stormed inside like a raging tempest. His bare, powerful chest rose with fury, his long black hair trembling with restrained rage.

The moment his eyes landed on Raphael holding Nikita, he didn't waste a second.

The King's Fury

Kairen grabbed Raphael by the hair and yanked hard. His pale, cat-like eyes blazed with jealousy and wrath.

Raphael winced but still managed a grin.

"Hey, hey—easy, friend! Can't you see my sweet sister is crying? I was just trying to comfort her!"

The King's Claim

Kairen shoved Raphael aside and pulled Nikita into his own powerful embrace. Casting Raphael a dangerous smile, he said,

"Sweet sister? Yes—she is my sweet queen. But your habit of calling her 'darling'? I'll cure you of that today."

Nikita hid her face against the king's chest, slowly calming down. Her cute locket glowed a brilliant blue under his touch.

By the door, the white cat sat flicking its tail, clearly enjoying the chaos.

Raphael's Teasing

Still trapped in Kairen's grip, Raphael twisted his neck to look at Nikita and said dramatically,

"Did you see that, sis? See what your husband does? I hold you affectionately and he tries to rip my hair out! Is this what love looks like? He's a jealous dinosaur!"

Despite her tears, Nikita burst out laughing. Her long sky-blue hair spilled across Kairen's chest.

A Dangerous Whisper

Kairen tightened his grip slightly and leaned close to Raphael's ear, whispering coldly,

"Say one more word and I'll pluck out those red eyes of yours and turn them into jewelry. She's my queen. You may be her brother—but don't cross the line."

Nikita's Peace

Wrapped in Kairen's arms, Nikita felt completely safe. Her four blue wings gently folded around him, silently declaring where she belonged.

The white cat padded over and rubbed against Raphael's leg, as if offering sympathy.

An Unexpected Witness

A shadow appeared at the doorway.

Min-jun stood there, his enchanting green eyes taking in the scene—Kairen holding Nikita, Raphael suffering by the hair. His face darkened… then instantly changed.

Min-jun's Laughter

He leaned against the doorframe, his green eyes sparkling with amusement.

"I thought a war was happening here," he said with a grin. "But looks like you've built quite the entertaining family."

Nikita blushed and buried her face deeper into Kairen's chest, peeking shyly at Min-jun.

Raphael shouted,

"Hey Min-jun! Don't laugh—help me! Use that healing power of yours on my scalp!"

Kairen didn't release his grip. He merely glanced at Min-jun with calm, royal authority and lightly flexed his six massive wings.

Min-jun stepped inside, the glow of his green eyes pushing away the shadows. Smiling at Nikita, he said,

"I never imagined your royal life would be this dramatic. So cute."

Nikita's locket flickered rapidly with blue light—clearly pleased.

Later That Night…

In the grand hall of the palace, an unbelievable sight unfolded.

King Kairen—ruler for six hundred years.

Raphael—the red-eyed terror of the dark realms.

Min-jun—the green-eyed guardian of life.

All three were standing in a line… holding their ears like scolded children.

Nikita paced before them with her four blue wings spread wide, her long sky-blue hair flowing. She held a small stick, pretending to be strict.

Kairen stood stiffly, trying—and failing—to hide a sheepish smile.

Raphael whispered angrily, "This is all your fault!"

Min-jun smiled helplessly, hoping Nikita would soften.

Hands on her hips, Nikita declared,

"That's enough drama! One pulls hair, one calls me 'darling,' and one just stands there laughing! You'll stay like this all night. No one moves!"

The white cat strutted past them regally, clearly enjoying their punishment.

Nikita's locket glowed a radiant blue—approving her rule.Raphael was never one to stay calm for long. Standing there holding his ears, he even wrapped his legs around himself for support. Seeing that Nikita was looking the other way, he thought he could lower one leg for a moment's relief.

No sooner had he gently lowered a leg than Nikita's sharp gaze fell upon him. In a flash, she spun around and swung her small stick hard at Raphael's foot!

Raphael's Scream

The blow made Raphael leap into the air, shrieking,

"Mother of mercy! Oh, father! Sis, you've become a real cop!"

He hopped on one leg in pain, glaring at Nikita with his red eyes, full of mock suffering.

The King's Laughter

King Kairen could no longer keep his composure. Even while holding Raphael's ears, he let out a loud, deep laugh, his long black hair shaking with the motion.

Min-jun's Caution

Seeing Raphael being struck on the back and feet, Min-jun quickly tightened his grip on his own ears. His green eyes widened as he stood rigid, making sure Nikita's stick didn't swing toward him.

Nikita's Stern Command

Raising her stick, Nikita's voice rang with authority:

"Not a single move, Raphael! And you, King, no laughing! Remember, when I'm in charge, I recognize no kings or generals."

Her strict order instantly silenced the room. Her four blue wings flared slightly in anger. The white cat, frightened by Raphael's cries, hid under the bed. Nikita's cute locket glowed a fierce violet—symbolizing her absolute rule.

The King's Mischief

Seeing the stick wasn't enough, Kairen decided to lighten the mood with some personal teasing. Still holding Raphael's ears, he began revealing very private stories to both Raphael and Min-jun:

"Min-jun, remember that girl in Seoul? The one you hid from in the drain? And Raphael, do you recall the time you saw your own red eyes in the mirror and fainted from fright?"

Nikita's anger surged to the heavens at their casual chatter while she was supposed to be in charge.

Nikita Strikes Back

She could no longer stay still. With a sudden motion, her four blue wings spread wide and she advanced. Just as the King was about to whisper another secret, Nikita delivered a powerful kick!

The King's Reaction

Even someone as strong as King Kairen staggered back, hitting the wall while trying to maintain his posture.

Raphael and Min-jun's Panic

Seeing the King get kicked, Raphael's red eyes widened in horror, and Min-jun's green eyes nearly popped out. They realized today, Nikita would spare no one.

Nikita's Roar

"I'm in charge! And you're busy sharing personal stories? No one gets off today!"

Her sky-blue hair hissed like a living serpent, and her locket trembled bright red with fury.

Kairen steadied himself against the wall, his pale, cat-like eyes now showing a strange kind of admiration. Perhaps, he thought, his queen truly was worthy.

The King's Wrath

Now truly angered, Kairen's cat-like eyes turned terrifying. With a single motion, he unfurled his six massive black wings, the gust forcing Raphael and Min-jun to step back.

In a deep, commanding voice, he warned:

"You will stay right there, holding your ears. Not a single move! And this queen—who had the audacity to kick me—I'll take aside and 'teach' her a lesson."

The King's Attack

Without delay, Kairen scooped Nikita into his strong arms. Her long sky-blue hair spilled across his shoulders and onto the floor.

Nikita's Struggle

Nikita realized she was truly in danger. Struggling and shouting, she thrashed in his arms:

"Let me go! I'm your queen—you can't do this to me!"

But the King only gave his mysterious smile, and her heart fluttered.

Raphael and Min-jun's State

Raphael's red eyes went wide in shock. Min-jun's green eyes stared helplessly. As Kairen left, he bellowed back:

"Move a single step, and blood will flow in this palace today!"

Kairen carried Nikita into his private chamber, slamming the door behind them. Outside, only the long sighs of Raphael and Min-jun could be heard, still holding their ears. The white cat sat by the door, swishing its tail knowingly.

Nikita's locket trembled wildly in fear and excitement.

Inside the chamber, Nikita could no longer hold herself. She sobbed, clutching the King:

"Are you really going to hurt me? I only wanted to discipline!"

Her cries reached the ears of the two "madmen" outside, causing a commotion.

Raphael's Anxiety

Raphael, unable to contain himself, whispered to Min-jun while tugging on his own ears:

"Min-jun! Sis is crying! Is Kairen really hurting her? I can't stand it!"

Min-jun's Wisdom

Min-jun, eyes wide, tugged Raphael's ears tighter to keep him quiet:

"Are you crazy? You know the King—he'd never hurt Nikita. They are husband and wife. Sit tight and stay silent!"

Misunderstanding

Raphael, still panicked, thought the King was punishing Nikita harshly.

"You're heartless! She's crying and you're saying 'husband-wife matters'? I'm going in!"

Min-jun tried to hold back his laughter, thinking both the King and Raphael had lost their minds. He pressed his ear to the door, trying to hear what was happening inside.

Inside, King Kairen was softened by Nikita's tears. His pale cat-like eyes became gentle as he wiped her tears and smiled mysteriously:

"I was only trying to scare you, silly. Did you really think I'd hurt you?"

Nikita's locket slowly turned a soothing blue again.

Raphael's Fury

Unable to control himself, Raphael ripped his ears free and roared:

"No! I can't stand here another second!"

He kicked the King's chamber door with a resounding Boom! and burst inside.

Raphael's Shock

He screamed,

"Kairen! How dare you make my sister—"

Then he froze in astonishment.

The Surprising Scene

Inside, the King was kneeling on the floor, holding Nikita's hands and coaxing her in a tender, affectionate voice. His pale eyes showed no anger—only endless affection.

Nikita, still sniffling, was astonished to see Raphael barging in. Her hair was disheveled, but she couldn't hide her amazement.

Min-jun, standing behind, whispered:

"This madman has ruined every romantic moment!"

Kairen rose slowly, pushing his long black hair back. His mysterious smile now carried a hint of warning:

"Raphael, even your red eyes won't save the door. Tell me—how will you be punished?"

The Punishment

Seeing Raphael had disrupted his private moment, Kairen smiled wider. He wiped Nikita's tears and ordered in a deep, commanding tone:

"Raphael, your bravery is commendable! But for the door, you shall do 100 sit-ups while holding your ears. Do not stop until I say so!"

Raphael's Plight

Realizing he was truly trapped, Raphael lowered his red eyes in shame and began the ear-holding sit-ups. "All this for trying to comfort my sister…" he thought.

Min-jun's Comment

Outside, Min-jun whispered through his green eyes:

"Having fun, buddy? Showing off bravery now?"

Nikita's Mixed Feelings

Nikita, brushing her sky-blue hair, felt a twinge of sympathy for her brother. But seeing his antics, she couldn't stop laughing. Her locket glowed faint blue in delight.

The King Observes

Kairen, reclining with his chest bare, began counting:

"One… two… three… speed up, Raphael!"

The white cat sat in front of Raphael like a judge.

Finally, Kairen glanced at Min-jun, who had been laughing outside:

"Min-jun! Standing there watching? You should join him!"

Min-jun froze, green eyes wide, unable to protest.

Raphael, mid-sit-up, shouted joyfully:

"Perfect! Now we'll suffer together!"

Nikita twisted her hair nervously, glancing between Min-jun and the King. Her locket flickered rapidly in red and blue, clearly enjoying the chaos.

King Kairen stretched his six wings and leaned back on the sofa:

"Min-jun, Raphael, start together! One… two… three!"

Now, in the King's private chamber, two unusually handsome young men—Red-Eyed Raphael and Green-Eyed Min-jun—stood side by side, holding their ears, doing sit-ups. The white cat purred encouragingly in front of Min-jun.

Outside, the palace was silent at 3 a.m. Perhaps the King and Raphael had grown tired, or the King had withdrawn his wings in deep thought.

On the palace balcony, two shadows walked slowly side by side—Min-jun and Nikita. Moonlight streamed through the glass, illuminating them.

Nikita's Shyness

Beside Min-jun, Nikita's cheeks were flushed bright red. Her long sky-blue hair hung over one shoulder as she walked, head down.

Min-jun's Gentle Presence

He glanced at her with his enchanting green eyes, smiling softly.

"After all these years, it feels nice to walk together like this, doesn't it?"

Locket's Signal

Nikita's locket glowed faint pink—indicating her romantic feelings.

Awkward Silence

Nikita couldn't speak, feeling every heartbeat loud in the quiet night. She folded her wings slightly so as not to brush Min-jun.

Suddenly, Min-jun stopped and gently took her hand. Nikita's breath caught, and she blushed deeper. A tear sparkled at the corner of her eye.

In a soft, trembling voice, she whispered:

"Why are you looking at me like that? Do you know how much I've missed you? Where have you been all this time?"

Her tear slid down her cheek, glinting in the moonlight.

Min-jun gently wiped it away, and her locket shivered in a tender blue.

Shared Memories

"I missed you every moment, Nikita. These palace walls kept us apart," he murmured.

Nikita wrapped her four blue wings around him, as if to never let go. But somewhere in the palace, a sense of danger lingered.

From the upper corridor, heavy footsteps echoed. Perhaps King Kairen, with his pale cat-like eyes, was watching them from the shadows.

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