Chapter 324: Electric Affection and Mountain Silence
The house was quiet again. That kind of thick, echoing quiet only found in large homes tucked away inside ancient mountains—where every sound was a sigh, and every sigh belonged to someone who'd lived too many different emotions that week.
Ranke pushed open the frost-lined door with the flick of her wrist and stepped inside, her boots crunching on the warm-glow tiles. The air held the scent of old scrolls, winter herbs, and the lingering hum of goldish pink magic—the kind Malik infused into everything, from cooking pots to bookshelf corners. It was annoying. And also comforting. Like the crackle of a storm you knew wouldn't strike yet, but was still dancing through the sky, waiting.
She exhaled once. Then smiled.
No one else was home.
Perfect.
Ranke had mixed feelings about how long they'd stayed here. Hyōsetsumura was vast, gorgeous, wrapped in crystal and secrecy and mountain-buried wonders. The kind of place people wrote poetry about, or got lost in on purpose. She wasn't the poetic type—but she'd done the "lost" thing once or twice.
Walked through the lower bazaar tunnels. Wandered past well-kept gardens. Took a slow lap around the perimeter and bought a handful of things she didn't need, like a hot spring comb shaped like a snowdrop and—her favorite—an uneven, awkward little stone owl carved by a ten-year-old.
The boy had handed it to her proudly, eyes wide with wonder, cheeks dusted with frost.
"You're too pretty to pay," he said, with the dramatic confidence of a future heartbreaker.
Ranke had chuckled, patted his head, and distracted him with compliments while slipping his parents a handful of coin behind his back. The owl lived in her travel pouch now. She liked it. Sharp-edged. Flawed. Earnest.
Much like her mood.
She made her way up the stairs. Quiet steps. Light hum of static trailing behind her like a scarf made of lightning threads.
Everyone else had found hobbies here. Fugai had her weights. Kamira her chaos. Haku his scrolls and training. Gen'yūmaru probably had a secret rock garden where he whispered to icicles. Malik? Malik had the full-on village under his fingertips. He was doing prayers. Trial quests. Diplomatic meals. Being adored by fox goddesses. Being useful.
Useful Malik.
Busy Malik.
Her Malik.
The third floor was mostly empty. Bare walls. Tall windows. Some old dust and maybe three vases that existed for mood, not function.
She found him halfway down the hallway—slumped into an overgrown magical chair that had reshaped itself into a hammock-throne hybrid, because of course it had. His robe was twisted around his limbs, one foot kicked lazily off the side, head tucked against the cushioned curve. He looked wrapped up and soft. Not soft like fragile. Soft like sleepy ferret prince energy, complete with vague snoring and one hand still half-glowing with a half-finished charm.
Ranke stopped.
Tilted her head.
He looked…
Ridiculously adorable.
Annoyingly so.
Chubby cheeked. Hair curled slightly from the warmth. She wouldn't admit it aloud—not without leverage—but he looked like a creature you wanted to nudge awake just so he'd make some pouty noise and call you "violent."
She didn't hesitate.
A soft flick of her fingers.
ZAP.
Just enough electricity to bounce through his shoulder like a ticklish warning shot.
Malik's eyes snapped open with a sharp breath, blinking as his chair pulsed around him in confusion.
Ranke, standing in perfect pose, hair flicked dramatically over her shoulder, one hand on her hip, skin aglow with ambient light from the energy just under her perfect skin, looked down at him with her best smug expression. Her frilled blonde hair—longer now, untamed in all the right ways—danced behind her like it was reacting to her mood.
Her light-violet eyes were stunning.
Her grin?
Fatal.
And then came the line—her style of a request.
"Oi, ShortStack."
She leaned down, tapped the tip of his nose with her lightning-marked finger.
"I'm hungry. So get up, stretch that fancy magic, and make me something warm. Preferably eggy. With melt-y cheese. And flaky bread. And maybe a kiss in between prep steps if I don't fall asleep waiting. Chop-chop."
Malik blinked.
Smiled.
Groaned.
And stood.
Because this was Ranke.
And he wouldn't have it any other way.
Still groggy from his unintended nap, Malik stretched lazily, yawning as he carefully adjusted the softly snoring wolf pup, Haido, cradled in his arms. The fluffy, one-eyed pup remained oblivious to the world, nestled comfortably in the folds of Malik's robe. Malik scratched Haido gently behind his ear, earning a sleepy mumble in response.
Ranke watched with quiet amusement, her electric-violet eyes following Malik's slow movements as he stood from his hammock-throne. She couldn't help but grin at the sight: her fiancé, short, soft-bodied, and disheveled from sleep, carefully holding the little furball as if it were his child.
Malik took one sluggish step toward the stairs, mumbling under his breath, "Spoiled princess," just loud enough for Ranke to hear.
"I heard that," Ranke purred, voice dripping sweet menace.
Malik laughed softly. "You were supposed to."
As he passed her, Ranke seized the opportunity. A wicked grin flickered across her face, and with a swift, playful flick of her wrist—
SMACK.
Her palm landed firmly but gently against Malik's ample, rounded backside, the satisfying sound echoing softly through the empty hallway.
Malik jumped, squeaking indignantly, the sudden jolt nearly waking little Haido. He spun to face her, a playful glare on his face, cheeks flushed.
"Ranke!" he whispered sharply, mindful of the pup. "You almost woke him!"
Ranke leaned forward, hands on her hips, eyes gleaming mischievously. "And? You looked like you needed waking up too."
Malik shook his head in mock disapproval, hiding his blush poorly behind his usual bravado. "Just for that, I'm burning your eggs."
"You wouldn't dare," Ranke challenged, smirking broadly.
Malik paused dramatically, lips quirking upward. "You're right. I wouldn't."
He spun away, continuing downstairs while Ranke's victorious laughter followed him.
Haku's kitchen was warm and inviting, bathed in the cozy glow of Stone lanterns from inside the walls. Malik carefully placed little Haido in a plush, fur-lined basket near the hearth. The pup stirred slightly, snuggled deeper, and resumed his quiet, snuffling sleep.
Malik rolled up his sleeves, tying on an apron with a flourish, and began gathering ingredients: fresh eggs, creamy local cheese, a loaf of freshly baked flaky bread, mountain herbs, and golden butter. Soon the scent of sizzling butter filled the kitchen, blending with herbs and subtle notes of warm, melting cheese.
Ranke entered moments later, stepping into the kitchen with casual elegance. She watched Malik from the doorway as she began peeling away layers of winter clothing, starting with the heavy fur-lined cloak, revealing her figure beneath. Her thick, cozy sweater clung lovingly to every generous curve, emphasizing her full, voluptuous figure. With an easy motion, Ranke peeled the sweater upwards, stretching her body in the process. Her large, full breasts bounced freely beneath a thin, tight undershirt, the fabric barely containing her overflowing curves, generous cleavage fully on display. Her hair cascaded around her face and shoulders in tousled waves, and her pale, flawless skin seemed to glow in the kitchen's soft lighting.
Malik, caught mid-flip of an egg-filled skillet, nearly dropped it. His gaze lingered on her bouncing chest longer than necessary, his eyes wide and appreciative.
Ranke, thoroughly enjoying his reaction, sauntered slowly to the table, taking a seat while making sure Malik could enjoy every subtle sway and jiggle of her body. Leaning on the table, she rested her chin in one hand, her elbow pressing into the soft curve of her breast.
"Enjoying the view?" she teased, eyes glittering.
Malik cleared his throat, regaining his composure, though his cheeks flushed warmly. "Always. You know you're impossible not to stare at."
Ranke's lips curled in satisfaction, her voice sultry, tinged with mischief. "Flattery won't make me less hungry—but it might earn you something nice afterward."
Malik raised an eyebrow, a slow, playful smile spreading. "Promise?"
She leaned forward slightly, the neckline of her shirt dangerously low, her voice dropping to a smoky whisper. "Promise."
The kitchen grew warmer—not just from the cooking, but from the charged silence passing between them. Malik hurried, cooking now with practiced urgency, his hands swift and sure. Eggs folded perfectly, cheese melted into golden rivers, herbs sprinkled elegantly across perfectly toasted bread. With one last artistic flourish, Malik plated the food and set it proudly in front of Ranke.
"There. Satisfied?" he asked, arms crossed, eyes twinkling.
Ranke picked up her fork, eyes locked on Malik. "Almost."
She took a bite slowly, savoring the creamy texture, her eyes fluttering closed in bliss. Malik watched intently, heart fluttering warmly at her obvious enjoyment.
"Mmm," she purred softly, licking her lips. "You spoil me."
"You make it easy," Malik replied quietly, stepping closer, leaning against the table and watching her closely.
She took another luxurious bite, chewing thoughtfully, eyes mischievously locked on Malik's. After swallowing, she leaned forward, lips curved in satisfaction.
"I think someone deserves their reward," she teased gently.
Malik's heart raced, his voice a gentle, eager murmur. "Already?"
Ranke's fingers gently reached out, tracing small circles across Malik's forearm, her touch electric and warm.
"Absolutely," she whispered, eyes glittering hungrily. "You cooked for me, stared at me, and made sure I was warm. How could I not reward you properly?"
Malik chuckled softly, moving closer, almost touching noses. "Well, then. I accept."
Ranke leaned in, capturing his lips in a slow, heated kiss that burned brighter than the fire in the hearth. Malik melted into her touch, warmth spreading through him, heart soaring at her electric affection.
They broke apart, breath mingling softly, Malik smiling contentedly.
"Enjoy your meal," he whispered tenderly.
Ranke smiled warmly, heart unusually full, her voice gentle but playful. "Oh, trust me. I intend to."
And as Ranke continued to eat, savoring every bite, Malik simply watched—utterly content, warmed by the glow of affection, love, and silent promises lingering in the cozy mountain kitchen.
As Malik settled into the seat next to Ranke, his mind began to wander through the possibilities of what to cook for the others. The warmth of the kitchen and the contentment of the moment made it easy to lose himself in thoughts of recipes and ingredients. He leaned back slightly, his body relaxing into the comfortable chair, his eyes half-closed as he imagined the flavors and aromas that would fill the house later.
Ranke, meanwhile, was thoroughly enjoying her meal, each bite savored with a satisfaction that bordered on bliss. Her eyes were half-lidded, her lips curved in a contented smile as she chewed slowly, savoring the rich flavors of the eggs, cheese, and herbs. Malik watched her out of the corner of his eye, a soft smile playing on his lips as he admired the way she enjoyed her food.
Without a word, Ranke's hand slipped away from the table and into Malik's lap. Her fingers deftly undid the buttons of his pants, her touch firm and sure. Malik's breath hitched as he felt her hand wrap around his thickening cock, her fingers stroking him with a slow, deliberate rhythm. He glanced at her, his eyes widening slightly in surprise, but Ranke's gaze remained fixed on her plate, her expression one of casual indifference.
Malik's body responded to her touch, his cock hardening in her hand as she continued to stroke him. He shifted slightly in his seat, his breath coming in shallow gasps as he tried to maintain his composure. Ranke's hand was strong and firm, her fingers moving with a skill that made it clear she knew exactly what she was doing. She varied her grip, sometimes tightening her fingers around the base of his cock, other times letting her palm glide smoothly over the sensitive head.
Malik's mind was a whirl of sensations, his thoughts of cooking long forgotten as he focused on the pleasure Ranke was giving him. He could feel the heat of her hand, the way her fingers seemed to know exactly where to touch him to drive him wild. He leaned back further in his chair, his eyes closed as he gave himself over to the sensations, his body tensing with anticipation.
Ranke continued to eat with her other hand, her movements slow and deliberate as she savored each bite. She seemed completely at ease, her expression one of casual enjoyment as she ate, her hand never faltering in its rhythmic stroking of Malik's cock. Malik couldn't help but marvel at her ability to multitask, her focus unwavering as she gave him pleasure.
As the pleasure built inside him, Malik's breath came in ragged gasps, his body tensing as he approached the edge. Ranke's hand moved faster, her grip tightening as she felt him nearing his climax. Malik's hips bucked slightly, his body responding to her touch as he felt himself teetering on the brink.
Malik's body shuck as he released himself on Ranke's hand, his cock pulsing as he released a massive amount of very thick, hot cum. It sprayed all over her hand, covering her fingers in his seed, the warmth of it contrasting with the cool air of the kitchen. Ranke's hand stilled, her fingers wrapped tightly around his cock as she felt him cum, her eyes flickering with satisfaction.
Malik's body trembled with the force of his orgasm, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he rode out the waves of pleasure. Ranke's hand remained wrapped around his cock, her fingers gently stroking him as he came down from his high. Malik's eyes fluttered open, his gaze meeting Ranke's as he smiled softly, his body relaxed and sated.
Ranke's expression still remained one of casual indifference, her eyes flickering with a hint of amusement as she looked at her cum-covered hand. Without a word, she brought her hand to her mouth, her tongue flicking out to lick and suck the cum from her fingers. Malik watched her, his eyes widening slightly in surprise as she cleaned her hand with a slow, deliberate sensuality.
Once her hand was clean, Ranke leaned down, her tongue flicking out to lick the remaining cum from Malik's cock. Malik's body trembled slightly at the sensation, his cock twitching as she cleaned him with her tongue. Ranke's eyes flickered with satisfaction as she looked up at him, her expression one of casual amusement.
Malik's breath came in shallow gasps as he watched her, his body still trembling with the aftershocks of his orgasm. Ranke's tongue was warm and wet, her movements slow and deliberate as she cleaned him, her eyes never leaving his. Malik's body responded to her touch, his cock twitching slightly as she licked him clean.
Once she was finished, Ranke leaned back in her chair as she picked up her fork and continued to eat. Malik watched her, his eyes wide with admiration and desire, his body still trembling with the aftershocks of his orgasm. Ranke's eyes flickered with amusement as she looked at him, her expression one of casual enjoyment as she savored each bite.
Malik's mind was a whirl of sensations, his thoughts of cooking long forgotten as he focused on the pleasure Ranke had given him. He leaned back in his chair, his body relaxed and sated, his eyes half-closed as he savored the moment. Ranke's presence was a warm and comforting one, her touch electric and her affection undeniable.