Vampire's Veil Of Obsession-Chapter 89: Tell Me…

Lilia’s breath hitched as she finally finished counting. A strange unease settled over her—was it guilt? Or had she simply counted too fast? She wasn’t sure, but since she couldn’t change the rules now, there shouldn’t be a problem.

Or was it because of that quick peek she took before she said five, but she had not seen anything?

The thought gnawed at her as she turned around, her gaze sweeping over the large rocks scattered across the area. Zethan was tall, so the smaller ones that might have hidden her wouldn’t work for him. Still, she had to check.

She moved toward the first large rock—nothing. The second—still nothing.

Her stomach tightened.

She searched the next one, peering behind it with growing unease, but Zethan was nowhere to be found.

A shiver ran through her.

Her fingers curled into small fists as her pulse quickened.

"Zethan?" she called softly.

No response.

The air felt heavier, the silence stretching unnaturally.

Her heart pounded as she picked up her pace, scanning every possible hiding spot. This was just hide-and-seek... right? So why was she panicking?

"Zethan!" she called again, louder this time.

Her voice trembled as she rushed past the rocks, her unease growing into full-blown fear.

"Fine! You win! Please, come out!"

She was sure she’d checked all possible rocks.

Still, there was nothing but silence.

Still holding that one stone she’d found, she clenched it tightly.

Her breath came in short gasps, and for a fleeting moment, she considered calling for help. She hesitated, swallowing hard, before making her way toward the exit.

Then—

"Where are you going?"

The voice was calm, almost amused.

Lilia spun around.

There he was.

Zethan stood a few feet away, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Her breath hitched.

She blinked, unshed tears blurring her vision. He had been here the whole time?

As he took a step toward her, her fear twisted into something else—anger.

Zethan’s body stilled as he noticed the moisture in her eyes, the glare she shot him sharp enough to cut.

"Where were you going?" he asked quietly.

Her voice was barely above a whisper. "I was going to call for help."

She knew she sounded absurd. How was she even going to call for help when she knew no one?

Zethan’s dark crimson eyes narrowed slightly.

"Help?" His expression darkened.

Did she really think he needed help? That there was someone stronger than him?

He said nothing, but Lilia exhaled sharply, shaking her head.

"We’re not playing this game anymore. It’s too dangerous."

From the way she looked, he could tell she was really worried.

Zethan fell silent, finally realizing just how much he had scared her. If he had known it would bring her to tears, he wouldn’t have gone that far.

After a moment, she asked, "Where did you hide?"

He pointed toward a rock near the edge of the clearing—covered in thick grass, blending so perfectly with the surroundings that it barely looked like a rock at all.

She stared at it before looking back at him.

"You cheated. No one would have known that was a rock," she muttered.

Zethan smirked slightly. "Then I didn’t cheat, did I? Isn’t the game called hide-and-seek? While I hide, you find?"

Lilia bit her lower lip.

He was correct.

She huffed, wiping at her eyes before grabbing his hand.

"Let’s go back. That’s enough for today."

Zethan could not believe this wife of his.

She was treating him like a child.

He shook his head in disbelief.

Together, they walked back toward their small house, the tension slowly fading into the cool evening air.

As they walked, the sky had dimmed slightly, marking the early hours of the evening. A soft breeze rustled through the trees, and the distant chirping of birds filled the air.

It was then that Lilia noticed something near the small house—several neatly placed packages.

She stopped, her curiosity piqued.

"They’re your clothes," Zethan said quietly, following her gaze. "And some food."

Lilia turned to him in surprise.

When had he arranged this?

Had he done it while she was bathing?

Then again, nothing about him truly surprised her anymore.

He had a way of doing things unpredictably, always surprising her.

Zethan picked up the bags, effortlessly carrying both the clothes and the food.

"Let’s eat there," Lilia suggested, pointing toward a large rock near the waterfall.

He nodded. "Let’s go."

He then dropped the cloth package, planning to take it inside later.

With one hand, he held hers, while the other carried the food package.

They walked toward the rock, settling down as the gentle roar of the waterfall filled the air.

Lilia unwrapped the meal, revealing a beautifully arranged salad—rich with vibrant vegetables, nuts, and a generous drizzle of creamy dressing.

She wasn’t sure what exactly made it look so luxurious, but it seemed carefully prepared.

As they ate in comfortable silence, Lilia gazed at the waterfall, mesmerized by its endless flow.

"How long have these been here?" she asked softly.

Zethan was quiet for a moment before replying, "Longer than I can remember."

Lilia nodded, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of her plate.

"This place is beautiful. I love it."

A small smile ghosted over Zethan’s lips, but he said nothing.

The gentle rustling of leaves filled the quiet space between them, mingling with the distant chirping of birds preparing for nightfall. The sun had begun its slow descent, casting golden hues across the water’s surface, making it shimmer like molten gold.

As soon as they finished eating, Lilia stretched her arms over her head, her joints softly popping from the movement. A cool breeze brushed against her skin, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine. Without a word, she rose to her feet and padded toward the small pond near the waterfall.

The soft grass tickled her toes as she walked, She liked it here—the serenity, the way the water seemed to whisper secrets only nature could understand.

Reaching the pond’s edge, she let out a small sigh before slipping off her footwear entirely.

She hesitated only for a moment before dipping her foot into the water.

A sharp gasp escaped her lips.

The cool sensation sent a pleasant tingle up her leg, contrasting against the lingering warmth of the setting sun. The temperature was perfect—not too cold, not too warm. Just... soothing.

A deep sigh of relief left her lips as she sank onto the perfectly trimmed grassy bank. She dipped both feet in this time, letting the water lap at her ankles. With slow, deliberate movements, she swung her legs back and forth, watching the ripples distort the reflection of the sky above.

Then—

A sudden shift in the air made her pause.

Something was different. freewёbnoνel.com

She turned her head just in time to see movement from the corner of her eye.

Before she could react, Zethan was already pulling off his shirt.

Her breath hitched.

She barely had time to blink before he moved.

And then—

SPLASH.

Her mouth parted slightly as she watched him disappear beneath the water’s surface.

The ripples spread outward, distorting his form for a few seconds before he emerged.

Lilia’s breath caught in her throat.

Droplets of water clung to his silver hair, making it look even silkier under the fading sunlight. Beads of water rolled down his sharp jawline, tracing the contours of his face before slipping down the expanse of his chest.

Her eyes followed the movement—trailing the streams of water as they cascaded over his perfectly sculpted muscles, over the ridges of his toned abdomen, before disappearing beneath the surface again.

The golden light of the setting sun reflected off his wet skin, making him look almost ethereal—like a god carved from marble, stepping right out of the myths of old.

Unreal.

Her throat went dry.

She had seen him countless times before, but this...

Right now, he looked like something beyond human.

And then—

She forgot how to breathe.

Zethan swam toward her, his movements fluid and effortless as he closed the distance. His hands found her waist where she sat at the water’s edge, her legs slightly parted. His touch was warm despite the sudden coolness of the pond.

He leaned in, his voice low. "Swim with me."

Lilia shook her head, her fingers unconsciously threading through his wet silver hair.

"Why don’t you make me, Mr. Zethan?" she murmured, her voice carrying a teasing lilt.

Zethan stilled. He hadn’t expected that. Her touch, her words—both caught him off guard.

His wet hands slipped beneath her shirt, his fingertips gliding over the soft curve of her waist. Lilia shivered, heat pooling at the base of her spine as his fingers traced slow, deliberate patterns along her skin.

She inhaled sharply as his hands drifted lower, slipping past the waistband of her boxers, teasingly close—

Her breath hitched.

Lilia jolted, her body instinctively jerking backward, and before she could tumble into the water, Zethan caught her.

Then—

SPLASH

They both entered the pond, his strong arms wrapping around her, pulling her close against his damp chest.

A smirk tugged at his lips. "Oh? That was quick."

Lilia’s face burned as she realized what had just happened. Her soaked shirt clung to her body, the fabric leaving little to the imagination. She swallowed hard, averting her gaze—but Zethan didn’t let her escape.

His fingers brushed against her chin, tilting her face toward him.

And then, without another word, he pulled her into a deep, searing kiss.

The moment he pulled away, she pointed at him, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You... you cheated..."

Her cheeks burned, betraying her.

Zethan’s gaze darkened slightly before a smirk tugged at his lips.

"This is the second time you’re saying this, Loris." His voice was smooth, teasing, laced with something deeper. Something dangerous. Then, as if reading her thoughts, his eyes gleamed with mischief. "Or... do you simply want me to show you what cheating really looks like?"

She barely had time to process his words before he moved again.

A firm hand wrapped around her wrist.

Before she could react—

His lips crashed against hers.

Heat shot through her body despite the wetness of her body, her thoughts scattered like autumn leaves in the wind.

His kiss was deeper this time. More possessive. More demanding.

A soft gasp left her lips as he pulled her closer, molding her against him.

The world tilted, her senses spiraling as the scent of water, earth, and something distinctly him surrounded her.

When he finally pulled away, her breath came in shallow pants, Her pulse thrummed wildly as he leaned in, his breath warm against her skin.

His lips brushed the shell of her ear as he whispered,

"Do you want me to tell you what’s been bothering me?"

Lilia’s breath hitched.

His hands slid around her waist, fingers grazing the exposed skin just above her hips.

Then—

His other hand moved, fingers feather-light as they traced the outline of her lips.

Soft. Unhurried.

A slow, torturous drag.

Her stomach flipped, her heart drumming harder, drowning out every other sound.

Realization dawned.

But before she could steady herself—

Her legs gave way.

His arms caught her just in time.

Firm. Secure.

She felt the strength in them, the way they held her as if she weighed nothing at all.

Lifting her chin, his eyes locked onto hers.

A silent moment passed between them.

Then, his voice dropped lower—so low it was almost a plea.

"I’m afraid you’ll develop feelings for me."

Lilia’s heart stopped.

Everything went still.

She wasn’t sure she had even heard him correctly.

Her lips parted, but no words came out.

"So tell me..."

His fingers trailed over her cheek, down to her jaw, a touch so gentle it sent another shiver down her spine.

"Tell me that you’ll never, ever develop feelings for me, Lilia Winslow."