Kael's smirk lingered even as he leaned back slightly, eyes glinting with amusement.
If knowing me matters to you… then my house is where you'll find the answers you're looking for.
"So… you want to know more about me?" he asked, voice low, teasing.
Elior's hands tightened around his notebook. His cheeks were still warm from the morning—red from embarrassment, from almost being kissed. Now… Kael was asking him to go to his house? His mind raced, heart pounding.
"W-well… yes," Elior admitted, voice small, hesitant. "But… can't we… just… talk here? There are… other ways to get to know each other, right?"
Kael's smirk deepened, slow and dangerous, as if he could read every flutter of fear in Elior's chest.
"Why are you afraid I'll do something to you?" he murmured, tilting his head. His gaze didn't waver, dark and unwavering. "Do you think I'd hurt you?"
Elior swallowed. "I… I don't know… It's just… you… this morning—" He paused, looking down at his hands. "You… almost… kissed me…" His voice was barely audible.
Kael's smirk softened, though the heat in his eyes didn't fade. "Ah… that was a mistake on your part, wasn't it?" He leaned just enough that Elior could feel the faint warmth of his shoulder. "But I'm serious about you coming to my house. If you want to know everything about me… truly, there's no better place."
Elior's stomach flipped. Every instinct screamed caution. "I… I don't know… Kael… I—"
Kael leaned even closer, voice dropping to a velvety whisper. "Elior… trust me. If you want to know me… the real me… the fastest, clearest way is here. You'll see everything. No secrets."
Elior looked at him, wide-eyed, heart hammering. "But… I don't know what will happen there…"
Kael's fingers brushed against the edge of Elior's notebook, tracing it lightly as if to punctuate his words. "Nothing bad," he said softly, but with a teasing glint. "Only the truth. And… maybe a few things you'll enjoy."
Elior's ears burned brighter, and he looked away, pretending to focus on his notebook. "I… I guess… if it's just to… get to know each other… I… I'll come."
Kael's smirk turned into a small, satisfied smile. "Good. That's settled. Evening then. Be ready."
Elior nodded quickly, almost too quickly, and muttered, "Y-yes… I'll… be ready."
Kael leaned back in his chair, eyes following Elior with dark amusement. He has no idea… Kael thought, how much I'll enjoy showing him the real me. And how much he'll struggle to keep his composure…
Meanwhile, Elior's thoughts were a whirlwind: I'm going to his house… what if he tries to—no, I mustn't… I have to be careful… but… he's so close, so intense… I… I wonder what he'll tell me…
The tension between them was a living thing, a thread of anticipation, teasing, and desire, stretching tighter with every unspoken word.
"..."
The classroom was filled with quiet chatter, the low hum of students settling into their seats.
Aevrin entered as usual, his movements calm, deliberate, almost regal. He glanced around the room, then froze, his gaze locking on the back row.
There they were.
Kael and Elior. Sitting close. Laughing softly. Exchanging small smiles, quiet words, subtle touches that made the air around them warm and tense.
Aevrin's lips curved into a slow, controlled smile. But it didn't reach his eyes. Not really.
No.
In his mind, a storm had already begun.
Elior… he thought, he belongs to me. Every smile, every word, every glance… it's mine. Who gave Kael the right to even sit beside him, to talk to him, to make him laugh?
His fingers curled slightly at his sides, hidden under the edge of his desk. I've waited… patiently… since we were children. Even my family knew, even my own blood… I loved him first. I claimed him in my heart long before anyone else dared. And now… Kael thinks he can take him away?
Aevrin's eyes darkened, sharp enough to cut through the laughter between Kael and Elior. I will not let it happen. I can be patient… I always am… but Kael… Kael is crossing a line. Elior is mine. He will see it soon. He will know it. And if Kael dares to keep him… I will take him anyway.
He leaned back in his chair, expression serene, mask perfect, but inside, every nerve was taut, every thought poisoned with jealousy and desire.
Elior… my rabbit… my possession…
You smile at Kael, you speak to him… but you will belong only to me.
The words burned in his mind. Possessive, toxic, unwavering. He had waited too long. Kael's presence here was a challenge, a provocation—and Aevrin had no intention of letting it go unanswered.
His lips curved into a thin, dangerous line.
Patience, yes… patience… but soon, Elior will be mine, no matter what Kael tries.
And as he watched the two of them, laughing and unaware, a silent, dangerous plan began to form in his mind.
"..."
The bell rang, signaling break. The classroom emptied gradually, leaving Kael and Elior leaning slightly closer, talking quietly.
Aevrin appeared at the doorway, moving with that calm, deliberate grace, and made his way toward them. His lips curved into a polite smile.
"Kael… Elior," he said smoothly, sitting beside them. "Mind if I join you?"
Elior's smile was soft, almost innocent—but he didn't answer much, only nodding slightly, eyes flicking down to his hands. Kael noticed, his lips twitching into a small, satisfied smirk.
Aevrin tried again, leaning forward slightly. "So… what were you two talking about?"
Elior gave a faint smile, shaking his head. "Just… some things," he murmured, careful not to give anything away.
Kael let out a quiet, low laugh, the sound warm and full of amusement, drawing both their gazes. "Ah… Elior's keeping secrets from you, Aevrin. Don't worry—you'll find out soon enough… maybe."
His tone was teasing, light, but there was a gleam in his eye, a small victory in how effortlessly Elior had shut Aevrin down without even trying.
Aevrin's smile didn't falter outwardly, but inside, a spark of annoyance flickered. Kael was enjoying this—Kael always did. And Elior… well, Elior was choosing Kael's side, even in silence.
The cafeteria chatter continued around them, but for a moment, the three of them were in their own little orbit. Kael leaned slightly closer to Elior, whispering just enough for him to hear:
"See? You're doing well… even when he's trying, you're all mine."
Elior's cheeks warmed faintly, and he cast his eyes downward, but that small smile lingered.
Aevrin, meanwhile, sipped his drink carefully, masking the storm behind his calm eyes.
Soon… he thought, I'll have my moment.
"..."
Evening came, and the sun dipped low, casting a warm glow over the academy grounds. Kael and Elior stood near the gates, ready to leave for Kael's house.
Just then, Aevrin appeared, moving toward them with his usual calm grace. "Elior," he said smoothly, "I'll drop you at your dorm. It's getting late."
Elior's eyes flicked to Kael, cheeks slightly flushed. "No… thank you, Aevrin. I… I have some things to do first," he said firmly, though politely.
Aevrin's gaze lingered on Kael for a moment, noting the subtle tension between them. He pursed his lips but nodded slowly. "Very well," he said, his voice calm, controlled, yet with a flicker of something sharp beneath.
Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Kael and Elior standing together.
Kael's lips curved into a small, satisfied smirk as he glanced at Elior. "Looks like it's just us now," he murmured, the warmth in his eyes softening the evening light.
Elior's chest fluttered slightly, but he simply nodded, a small, nervous smile tugging at his lips.
The path ahead felt quieter, warmer… theirs.
"..."
The gates opened silently as Kael led Elior into the courtyard. The mansion loomed before them—a grand, almost fortress-like structure, built with elegance and authority, every stone and archway exuding power. It was quiet, yet somehow welcoming, as if the walls themselves waited for Kael's arrival.
"Welcome to my home," Kael said, gesturing to the entrance. His voice was soft, but carried the weight of possession, as if every corner of this house already belonged to him—and would, once Elior stepped inside.
Elior stepped through the doorway hesitantly. His eyes widened slightly, taking in the vastness, the polished floors that gleamed under the chandelier light, the high vaulted arches carved with intricate patterns. He wasn't much amused—after all, Kael's presence alone made his heart race—but a quiet awe settled over him. The mansion was… beautiful, serene, yet commanding, like a kingdom built for one ruler.
Kael led him through the first hallway, walls adorned with portraits of ancestors, the air carrying the faint scent of old books and polished wood. Elior's footsteps were soft, careful.
The kitchen came next—a warm, spacious room, quiet except for the gentle ticking of a clock on the wall. Kael opened a cabinet with ease, showing him neatly arranged plates and cutlery. "This is where everything begins," he said lightly, though his eyes held a glint of mischief.
Then, the study room. Shelves lined with books reached the ceiling, a soft carpet underfoot, and a desk that seemed large enough to command kingdoms. Kael ran a hand along the edge. "This is where I… spend a lot of my thinking time. Where I plan, where I… dream." His eyes flicked to Elior, teasing, yet inviting.
Finally, they stepped outside, onto the gardens. The sun dipped lower, casting golden light across the neatly trimmed hedges, the fountain at the center sending gentle ripples into the air. Flowers bloomed in clusters, vibrant and wild, paths winding like secret trails only the initiated could follow. Birds chirped softly, and the faint scent of jasmine and roses mingled with the warm evening breeze. Elior's breath caught for a moment—not just at the beauty, but at the sense of calm that seemed to settle over everything.
Kael guided him past the garden paths, up two flights of stairs, each floor more private and quiet than the last. Guest rooms, sitting areas, and small lounges—each designed for comfort, yet maintaining the imposing elegance of the mansion.
And finally… the third floor.
Kael paused at the top of the staircase, glancing at Elior. "This floor… is mine. Only mine."
Even his private bodyguard waited outside a heavy door, bowing silently as Kael passed. No one was ever allowed beyond this point without Kael's permission.
Elior's eyes flicked between the door and Kael, curiosity mingled with nervousness. The air felt heavier here, more intimate, as if the walls themselves whispered secrets meant only for Kael—and now, for him.
Kael's lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "This… is where I am truly myself. And now… I'll show you everything you want to know."
The door loomed before them, quiet, solid, and yet promising something entirely different—something personal, dangerous, and undeniably Kael.
Kael's hand hovered over the heavy door at the end of the hallway. He glanced at Elior, eyes softening just slightly, though the usual edge of command remained.
"This floor… this room," he murmured, voice low and intimate, "you're the only one allowed here. Even my parents never came. This… belongs solely to me."
Elior's chest tightened, a mixture of awe and nervous anticipation flooding him. Every step he took felt heavier than the last, as if approaching something sacred.
Kael slowly pushed the door open, the hinges whispering softly. Warm light spilled out, revealing a space so vast, so impossibly grand, that Elior's eyes widened in disbelief.
It was… not just a room. It was a world. A mansion within a mansion.
A long hallway stretched before him, lined with plush sofas and polished glass tables, golden light reflecting off crystal accents. To the left, a private study—Kael's sanctuary, known only to him, shelves stacked with secrets, scrolls, and rare books. To the right, a vast practice room, high vaulted arches adorned with intricate carvings, space enough for sword practice, magic drills, or anything else Kael desired. The floor itself gleamed, reflecting the chandeliers hanging like stars above.
And then… in the very center, Kael opened another door.
Elior's breath caught.
The bedroom.
It was… impossible. A single bed would have been an understatement. This bed could have fit five people comfortably, and yet it seemed to belong to only one—Kael. The mattress looked impossibly soft, yet supportive, draped with silks that shimmered faintly in the light. The pillows were plump, inviting, arranged with precision, promising a sleep so deep that anyone who rested here could forget the world outside.
The headboard was carved from dark, polished wood, tall and majestic, crowned with subtle gilded patterns that glinted in the light. It wasn't just a bed—it was a throne of comfort, power, and elegance, a private kingdom where only Kael reigned.
Elior stepped inside slowly, eyes darting from one corner to the next. Every detail—the carpets, the subtle lighting, the delicate aroma of sandalwood and jasmine—spoke of care, authority, and meticulous perfection.
Kael's voice broke the silence, low and commanding, yet somehow gentle:"This is my world, Elior. My private space… my rules. And now, for the first time… I'm letting you in."
Elior's heart raced. The room was overwhelming, beautiful, and… intimate. It wasn't just a bedroom—it was Kael. Every inch of it screamed Kael's presence, his taste, his control, his… existence.
Elior's gaze fell on the bed. It was so inviting, so majestic, that a quiet shiver ran down his spine. Whoever sleeps there… whoever rests on it… would truly forget the world outside, he thought, almost holding his breath.
Kael stepped closer, his presence wrapping around Elior like a shadow. "Come," he said, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips, "if you want to know me… this is where it starts."
Elior's pulse raced. He stepped further into the room, fully aware that with each step, he was crossing into Kael's world—into a space no one else had ever touched, into the heart of Kael himself.
To the side of the bedroom, a door led to the bathroom—spacious enough to rival a small suite. Marble floors gleamed under the soft golden light, polished to a mirror-like shine. A deep, freestanding tub sat near a large window, framed by flowing curtains, offering a view of the gardens below. Double sinks of dark stone with intricate gold fixtures, an enchanted rainfall chamber, where water descended softly like natural rain, and shelves lined with neatly arranged soaps, oils, and scented candles completed the space. Every corner radiated elegance, privacy, and the quiet indulgence of a room designed for one who demanded perfection.
— by Aurea;"Some doors are meant for everyone… but some are meant for only one. Enter wisely, for what awaits inside is more than just a room—it is a world of him."