When Aviel stepped out of the cave, he saw a male waiting nearby—one of the beastmen traveling with Tao's group.
"You said Nina was looking for me?" Aviel asked.
"Yes. She's waiting for you in the woods over there," the male replied, pointing toward a patch of forest.
Aviel narrowed his eyes slightly, suspicion flickering across his face. Still, he decided to go.
What if it truly was Nina? And even if it wasn't, he had nothing to fear.
"Viann, head back first."
"Yes, my lord. Good luck!" Viann grinned and returned to the cave, silently wishing his king success in securing the position of first beast-husband.
Aviel strode toward the woods. After walking a distance and seeing no sign of Nina, he frowned, about to venture deeper, when a soft, delicate voice called out behind him.
"Lord Aviel, what are you doing here?" Shui approached with feigned surprise, trotting lightly toward him.
Aviel's face darkened instantly. "You tricked me into coming here?"
