The Villain Alpha's Cursed Mate-Chapter 194: A Girl By The Wall

The next morning, Esme immersed herself in studying the properties of the lycobane serum, wondering if she could make positive changes to the weapon.

Balancing this relentless pursuit with the weight of her new responsibilities was proving to be an arduous challenge, and it tested her endurance at every turn.

Yet, her tasks did not end there— she had a meeting to prepare for, one that demanded both her focus and composure. Letting out a soft, weary sigh, her gaze drifted to Donovan who emerged from the adjoining bathroom chamber, his movements measured as he adjusted his attire.

Lately, he had taken to sleeping in her chambers more often than not, but not that she was complaining. His presence in her chamber felt more familiar and natural than it should have.

Esme’s eyes followed him as he crossed the room toward the spot where his blindfold always rested. His fingers brushed over the dark fabric, pausing briefly, as though lost in thought. There was a heaviness to his sudden stillness, a hesitation that hinted at internal conflict, before he lifted the blindfold and methodically made attempts to tie it over his eyes.

"What are you doing?" Esme asked, rising from her seat with purpose. Her strides carried her to Donovan, who had paused mid-step at the sound of her voice. His head turned to her, and her gaze shifted pointedly between him and the blindfold he gripped in his hand.

"You don’t need this anymore," she said firmly, her voice tinged with quiet urgency. "I know there are other reasons behind the blindfold, but now that you can see things, you can also control your ability without harming anyone."

Donovan hesitated for a moment, his fingers tightening around the fabric. "I know it seems strange, but—"

"But nothing," Esme interjected, her tone both insistent and gentle. "You finally have your sight, and that is something you’ve longed for your entire life. This is your chance to truly see the world, to experience everything you’ve missed. You don’t have to keep tethering yourself to this anymore."

Stepping closer, Esme gently cupped his face with a tenderness that disarmed him completely. "I understand it’s hard to let it go, especially after all these years. I can guess what it felt like. It’s familiar, it’s safe. But it’s time to move forward." Letting her hands drop to his own, her expression remained unyielding, yet kind. "Give it to me."

Donovan locked gaze with Esme before surrendering the blindfold to her. Her fingers closed around it with a sense of finality. "I’ll hold onto it for you," she said, her voice softening as she assured him with a gentle smile. "Now go. Leonardo’s waiting."

Donovan’s brow furrowed as doubt flickered in his eyes. " Are you sure?" he asked cautiously.

Esme’s lips stretched further into a reassuring smile as she nodded. "I’m sure. You’ve earned this. Go enjoy your day. But only with Leonardo," she added, her tone light yet pointed. The implication hung unspoken, though she trusted he understood.

A faint smile tugged at Donovan’s lips as he leaned in, his palm now cradling her small face with surprising tenderness. He pressed a lingering kiss to her crown, his warmth momentarily grounding her. "I won’t be long," he promised.

Esme quietly watched as he exited, reaching for his dark fur cloak which he gracefully draped over his shoulders. A quiet sigh escaped her as the door clicked shut, leaving her alone with her thoughts. Her gaze dropped to the blindfold in her hand, a tangible symbol of the life he was slowly leaving behind. Turning, Esme made her way to her drawer, carefully putting it away in a corner.

Her attention shifted to the blood petal sword which she hung to the wall beside it, and she reached for it.

Meanwhile, Leonardo and Donovan had exited the building, their hoods pulled to obscure their faces. They rode astride their powerful steeds, traveling unguarded except for the vigilant presence of Kangee. The raven circled high above, its sharp eyes scanning the terrain ahead.

Leonardo cast a sidelong glance at Donovan, whose face was completely hidden in the shadows of his cloak. The sight compelled Leonardo to adjust his own hood, mimicking the deliberate concealment.

"The letter that was brought by the royal courier," Leonardo began, breaking the silence as he shifted his focus to the path ahead, whilst their horses moved steadily forward. "What did the letter say? Is it something you’re willing to share?"

"A letter of reminder," Donovan replied evenly. "Which is typical of your king."

"A reminder?" Leonardo frowned, the weight of his thought apparent. "I thought he’d postpone the meeting, to be honest. After what happened in the East, I assumed his priority would be the people who were attacked. This... doesn’t sit right with me."

Donovan’s jaw tightened beneath his hood, and he let out a soft huff. "I don’t know why you and Esme keep saying that, like you don’t expect him to make such a stupid decision. Regardless, I don’t want Esme to go there, but her mind is already made up. We can’t accompany her even if we want to, so I’ve decided to arrange the best protection for her."

Leonardo turned his gaze to his brother, a flicker of admiration crossing his features as he depicted the worry in his brother’s tone. Esme was fortunate to have someone as fiercely loyal as Donovan in her corner. But in truth, they were both fortunate to have each other, hence, he would ensure that bond remains unbroken between them.

As the ride progressed, Donovan’s keen eyes caught sight of a figure ahead. His gaze instinctively sharpened, zeroing in on a little girl standing by a crumbling wall, her presence almost haunting. Her hair, white as untouched snow, was even paler than his own silvery strands, whilst it glinted in the daylight like an ethereal halo.

Her eyes mirrored her hair, pale and luminous, lending her an unearthly, almost spectral air. The way she stared at him— intense and knowing— sent an inexplicable chill through him, as if she recognized him in a way no stranger should.

"Leo," Donovan murmured, his voice edged with unease. "Do you see her?"

"Hm?" Leonardo simply turned his head, following his brother’s line of sight. He scanned the bustling street that was crowded with merchants, travelers, and locals hurrying about their day. But his brow furrowed in confusion when he couldn’t tell exactly who his brother was referring to. "See who?"

"She’s right there," Donovan insisted, nodding toward the girl. "By that wall, watching us."

Leonardo squinted, trying to spot anyone leaning against a wall, but no matter how intently he searched, he saw nothing unusual. "Donovan, there’s no one there. I don’t see anyone by any walls."

As truthful as Leonardo sounded, Donovan couldn’t help but doubt if his brother was tricking him again. He could still see the girl clearly, her small frame standing still amidst the chaos of the Northern capital’s busy street. She stood out in a much more otherworldly manner, and when he blinked, she was gone.

"She was just there," Donovan muttered, his voice trailing off. "Right by that building, but now..." his words faltered. How could anyone disappear so quickly, or did the girl use some sort of teleportation technique to get away?

Leonardo, on the hand, tilted his head, concern flickering across his face. "Are you sure you saw someone over there?"

Donovan didn’t respond. The girl’s image was seared into his mind, vivid and undeniable, yet doubt began to creep in. He wondered if what he saw was real, or just his imagination playing with his vision?

He hoped so.

"Never mind," he said at last, shaking off the lingering unease. "Let’s keep going." freeweɓnøvel.com