The man hesitated. Just for a second. And that was enough. Ethan suddenly stepped forward. Fast. Too fast. Before the thug could react— Ethan’s fist slammed into his stomach. The man doubled over instantly. Air blasted from his lungs. “GHH—!” Then Ethan grabbed the back of his collar. And slammed his face into the stone pavement. BAM. The leader stopped moving. Only one thug remained. The man stared at Ethan. Then at the bodies of his companions. Then back at Ethan. “…Nope.” He turned. And ran. Ethan didn’t chase him. Instead, he simply sighed. Then he looked down at the groaning men on the ground. For a moment he said nothing. Then he crouched beside one of them. The thug groaned as Ethan grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him slightly upright. Ethan’s voice was calm. Almost polite. “Who sent you?” The thug spat to the side. “Tch… go to hell.” Another one laughed weakly from the ground. “You think we’re gonna talk?” Ethan stared at them. Qui

Malikar stood alone in the shattered remains of his chamber, the silence pressing in around him.The broken glass still glittered across the floor.His jaw tightened.Defeated… by one man.His fingers curled slowly into a fist.No. Not just a man.His thoughts darkened, twisting.That wasn’t normal. The speed… the precision… the way he dismantled them…His lips pulled into a thin, vicious line.“Ethan…” he muttered under his breath.The name tasted bitter.You humiliated me.The torches flickered violently as his aura surged.You made me look weak.His eyes burned with cold fury.I will tear everything from you. Piece by piece. I will make you regret ever stepping into my world.He exhaled slowly, but the rage didn’t fade.It settled.Deeper.Sharper.Next time… I won’t send thugs.⸻Meanwhile, Ethan stood in front of Norka’s door.He hesitated.Then knocked.Once.Twice.His heart was beating faster than he wanted to admit.The door opened.Norka stood there, looking at him quietly.

“What is that?”Norka stood, holding it between her fingers.“Just… a little something.”Karpeta’s eyes narrowed slightly.“…For what?”Norka stepped closer.Lowered her voice.“You’ll figure it out.”Then, with a subtle motion, she pressed the vial into Karpeta’s hand.Discreet.Almost secretive.Karpeta stared at it.Her brows furrowed.“… Auntie Norka?”But Norka had already turned away, continuing her packing like nothing had happened.A faint smile lingering on her lips.Karpeta looked down at the small vial in her hand.The liquid shimmered faintly, catching the light in an almost hypnotic way.Her brows pulled together.“…Auntie Norka.”No response.Norka kept folding clothes like she hadn’t just handed over something suspicious.Karpeta narrowed her eyes.“…What is this for?”Still nothing.Karpeta stepped closer.“I’m serious.”Norka sighed, clearly annoyed, and finally glanced over her shoulder.“Don’t be an idiot.”Karpeta blinked.“…Excuse me?”“If you don’t know when to u

They kept walking.Step after step.The light slowly faded, the sky shifting from gold… to orange… to deep violet.By the time darkness settled in, the path ahead was barely visible.Even Norka finally stopped.“…We camp here.”No one argued.They were exhausted.Especially Ethan.He rolled his shoulders slightly, letting out a quiet breath as he dropped his bag to the ground.“Yeah… that sounds perfect.”Karpeta watched him for a moment.He’s tired…Not just a little.It showed in the way he moved now—slower, heavier than before.Not weak.Just… worn down.Norka was already setting things up with practiced ease, clearing a small area and marking the perimeter.Ethan crouched down nearby, running a hand through his hair.“Alright… food?”“Food,” Norka confirmed.Nothing fancy.Just what they had prepared.Simple snacks.Dried meat.Hard bread.A few preserved fruits.Karpeta sat down across from Ethan, handing him a portion.Their fingers brushed again.This time—Neither of them pull

Ethan loomed over her, knees bracketing her hips, his hands pinning her wrists above her head. “You're so fucking beautiful,” he muttered, voice thick with need. He released her wrists to trail rough palms down her sides, thumbs brushing the undersides of her breasts before pinching her nipples hard enough to make her cry out.“Ah! Ethan...” Karpeta moaned, her legs parting instinctively, inviting him closer. She reached down, wrapping her fingers around his shaft, stroking firmly from base to tip. He bucked into her touch, a guttural groan escaping his throat.“Gods, your hand feels too good,” he panted, thrusting into her grip. “But I need inside you. Need to fuck this pussy.”“Yes,” she urged, guiding him to her entrance, where she was already slick and swollen with arousal. “Slide in, Ethan. Fill me up.”He didn't wait, positioning the head of his cock at her folds and slamming forward in one brutal thrust. Karpeta's back bowed off the rug, a sharp yelp turning into a throaty mo