"Your Honorable Mr. Levin Jackzephyr …!!!"
The intimate greeting between Levin and Daphne was cut short by the villagers. They managed to find them. One was an older woman on her knees, followed by the others.
"You must immediately report the murder of the girl and Sam Rogers' death to King Draco."
From the locals' treatment of the young man named Levin, Daphne guessed he wasn't lying. He was an important figure or nobleman in their area. Daphne was sure she was the same age as the man.
"Wait, hey!"
The series of surprises continued, Levin carrying Daphne as lightly as a sack of rice. Despite the kiss, Daphne immediately confirmed that her life was far from safe. But this time, Daphne's logic defied her feelings. She was in the hands of the same person who had saved her from the older man's stabbing.
One second. At that moment, Daphne placed a wager that Levin was not attempting to murder her and was a little better.
Somehow fate will be accepted in the middle of three stone buildings surrounded by a giant curtain wall.
To reach the main building, 300 feet high, one had to pass through countless pillars, pits, and cold-walled passageways.
The building is in the center with a special roof and black flag poles.
As far as the eye could see, Daphne continued to be enchanted. The horizon seemed to open freely, penetrating the beads previously only depicted on canvas. This extraordinary place was real. Miraculously, it was a thousand times more beautiful than any imagination.
"It seems you have completely surrendered to your fate," Levin said as he set Daphne in front of the Great Door guarded by two wolf statues.
"Just being alive is a blessing," Daphne replied, "speaking of which, about Pandora and-"
"Sorry about earlier. I know you have a lot of questions. But we don't have much time. I know more about Pandora than you do," Levin said. "Oh, yes, you can call me Levin."
"And, your full name?"
"Levin Jackzephyr."
"Ah, you killed the father of an Alpha… is your position higher?"
"I am the King's right-hand man."
It was only a single sentence, but awkwardness immediately set in. The effect was similar to visiting a prospective in-law's house, and Daphne cursed herself for asking so many questions. Truthfully, Daphne had never been afraid of death. She had fought the giant wolf purely for survival. Now, amidst the fantastic, her desire had turned into greed.
"Before you go back to your home, I want you to trust that I will ensure your survival."
"Go home?" Daphne's eyes widened, met Levin's grin.
"Why? Do you want to stay here? Be our meal?"
Daphne's eyelids fluttered. "No, I'm just interested in learning about this place, you guys, and many other things. I don't intend to die."
"Why are you interested?"
Daphne shrugged. "Does there have to be a reason to be interested in something? This place is fantastic, especially for a creature like you," she explained dryly.
"You dodge."
Daphne pursed her lips. "You said you knew more," she complained. "Our Pandoras are connected."
"You're very confident it can get out of here alive," Levin chuckled.
"Even if I die, I have no regrets. I've survived far more than I thought!" Daphne exclaimed, defending her pride.
Levin's smile crossed his face, his eyes flickering gently. "You won't die. I told you so."
Levin lifted Daphne's elbow a little firmly. "But, hold on a moment."
When they entered the hall with its arched, super-high ceiling, a chill hit them. Daphne's shoulder accidentally brushed against the golden walls, which were cool to the skin.
A growl greeted him with a sneer. A pair of sharp, orange-rimmed eyes pierced Daphne's gaze. Daphne immediately looked down. The King's aura was indeed different, too strong and intimidating, through the dark circles under his eyes.
On the other hand, Daphne was amazed because the King looked so young. She felt the curves of the King's face were more 'baby' than Levin's, who was often dashing. His skin was milky white, with his hair dyed back.
Levin pushed Daphne to kneel with him.
"Your Majesty, I believe your envoy has reported what happened to Sam Rogers," Levin said.
Draco let out a shaky breath. "It's a shame indeed," he replied, "it's a shame that Alpha ROGUEVELLAZ died so foolishly."
The red velvet hood fell carelessly as Draco shrugged his large, imposing shoulders and descended the Great Throne.
"But, what? By a woman? This little woman you brought with you? I would have preferred it if you were the one who executed Sam and his father."
Levin couldn't hide the furrowed brows. The urge to deny Draco's speculation was growing stronger. Levin's chest heaved, making it seem like he was struggling to control himself.
"Isn't that right?" Draco asked again, emphatically.
The silence lasted for five seconds. Draco was starting to think it was an answer. He raised his fingers, covered in sharp nails, and reached for Daphne's neck.
Her entire body trembled.
She couldn't help but lift her head and meet the King's gaze again.
"Your Majesty, this woman is no ordinary woman." Levin held Daphne tightly until Daphne glanced up in surprise.
"Let me remind you of A Thousand Dark Nights. In which my father and mother died searching for someone who could stop the catastrophe. This woman... was the one they were looking for," Levin said.
"A curse?" Draco laughed coldly, climbing down from the throne and approaching Daphne. He grabbed her chin and forced her to look up. For some reason, Daphne's breath hitched slightly. Her glance at the King's chest left a big question mark. It was closed. There was no aura radiating at all.
Who locked his Pandora? Daphne's mind wandered.
"She's so beautiful," Draco praised, as Levin's teeth began to grind, "I have to marry her, right, to break that stupid curse?"
"No! Don't be reckless!"
A spontaneous exclamation made Draco open his eyes on Levin. The werewolf warrior lowered his head, though his jaw was as hard as stone.
"We still don't know how this girl will defeat the curse. I ask Your Majesty to be careful for your safety," explained Levin.
"For my safety?" Draco simply turned Daphne's face away. "What can this human girl do? You said she could save us? Why is she a threat to the King?" he snarled dismissively.
"As I said, this girl is capable of defeating the curse. However, we don't yet know the extent of her power and whether she can be completely under our control," Levin explained, occasionally glancing at his King.
What was even crazier was that stranger was the fact that Draco slapped Levin for his earnestness.
"Just so you know, Levin, I never believed in that ridiculous curse," he said lightly.
Daphne began to glance at Levin anxiously, his fists trembling.
"Your Majesty… don't believe it? The curse of a thousand nights-"
"SHHH, that's enough! I hate being scared like I was when I was little. What's clear is that I want to marry this girl. If she refuses, I'd better dump her body right now!"
"Your Highness, please-"
"I want to!" Daphne let go of Levin's hand, then held it tightly again. Levin was dumbfounded, staring at the girl.
"What ignoble creature would refuse this golden opportunity? Being your queen is a great honor."
"Hahaha, who said you would be my queen?"
Daphne then frowned.
"I would never want any other seat but my throne. Anyone who marries me will be nothing more than a concubine," Draco explained.
Daphne swallowed, then lowered her head even more. "I apologize for my insolence. However, that does not diminish my gratitude at all."
Draco grinned a satisfied smile. "Ha! What a wonderful girl.."