(Eva and Eyan’s House)
The house was quiet. Too quiet.
Eva sat on the couch, one leg crossed elegantly over the other, her foot tapping restlessly against the floor. The rhythmic sound echoed faintly in the stillness of the room. Dinner had long been prepared. The dishes were covered, steam gone cold.
Eyan would normally be home by now. He was always punctual.
But tonight—
Nothing.
Eva exhaled slowly, leaning back against the cushions. “He’s not coming… it’s late.”
She hadn’t eaten either. She was waiting. Waiting for her angry husband.
Her gaze shifted to the three black wolves seated near her feet. They sat like silent guardians, their golden eyes occasionally flickering toward the door.
“You three know him better than I do,” she said thoughtfully. “You’ve spent more time with him.”
She tilted her head slightly. “What do you think? Will he come home?”
The wolves exchanged glances. Talon let out a low sound and shook his head. Fen followed, giving a small, solemn shake of his own.
But Mara suddenly lifted his paw and smacked them both on the head.
Eva burst into laughter. “You guys fight too?”
The wolves straightened immediately, as if embarrassed.
Eva leaned forward, studying them carefully.
“You must be the oldest,” she said, pointing at Mara.
Mara gave a slow, dignified nod.
“And you…” She looked at Fen.
Fen stepped forward slightly, lifting his head with pride.
“Oh, so you’re the middle one.”
Then her eyes moved to Talon. “That means you must be the youngest.”
Talon’s tail began wagging happily, unable to hide his excitement.
Eva smiled warmly.
“Your names are Talon, Fen, and Mara, right?”
All three wolves nodded in unison.
She tested them.
“Talon.” The youngest immediately lifted his head.
“Fen.” The middle wolf raised his chin calmly.
“Mara.” The eldest lifted his head with composed authority.
Eva’s eyes softened. “Good. Now I can recognize you all.”
She leaned closer to Mara, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. “Mara… tell me. Will my husband come home tonight?”
Mara nodded confidently without hesitation.
Eva smiled faintly. “Let’s see if you’re right.”
As if summoned by her words—
The front door creaked open suddenly, and a rush of cold night air slipped into the house, carrying with it the faint scent of frost and pride.
Eva straightened at once, her heart skipping hopefully.
All three wolves lifted their heads toward the door.
Kyel stepped inside.
Mara made a low, smug sound in his throat, as if proudly announcing,
Eva didn’t wait another second.
She jumped to her feet and rushed toward him, arms wide open, a bright smile already forming on her lips.
“Welcome home, hone—”
Before she could finish, Kyel caught her by the shoulders and firmly moved her aside.
Not gently.
Not carelessly.
But decisively.
His jaw was tight. His eyes didn’t even soften when they met hers. He released her as if even touching her required effort, then walked past without a single word.
His silence was colder than the night air.
The wolves instinctively lowered their heads as he strode toward the stairs. Each step he took was controlled, heavy, deliberate.
He didn’t look back. He climbed the stairs, reached the bedroom, and shut the door behind him.
Not a slam. Just a solid, final click.
Eva remained frozen where he had left her, arms still slightly raised in the air. Slowly… very slowly… she lowered them.
She turned her head toward the closed bedroom door. “…He’s really angry.”
The wolves shifted uncomfortably.
Eva looked at them helplessly. “What do I do?”
Mara lifted his head and gestured toward the stairs with a firm nod.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
“You want me to go to him?” Eva asked.
Mara nodded again, more insistently this time. Fen gave a supportive grunt. Talon wagged his tail.
Eva narrowed her eyes at the three of them. “Will you guys help me?”
All three wolves nodded together.
She gathered her dress in both hands, determination flashing across her face. She took a deep breath. “Come on. Let’s go calm the angry beast.”
And with three loyal wolves following behind her like an elite guard unit— Eva marched up the stairs toward her very offended husband.
__________________________________
(Ten Minutes Later)
Eva still stood outside the bedroom door.
Ten whole minutes had passed, yet her hand remained hovering near the handle.
She exhaled slowly.
she thought.
Drawing in a steady breath, she finally turned the handle and stepped inside.
The room was dim. Only a single lamp burned quietly in the corner.
Eyan lay on the bed with the blanket pulled up to his face, his back turned toward her side. Not a strand of hair was visible. He had cocooned himself completely, like a sulking child hiding from the world.
She walked a few steps forward and cleared her throat to announce her presence. “Honey… are you sleeping?”
The blanket shifted slightly. Just a little.
Eva noticed.
“Oh,” she said gently, “so you’re not sleeping.”
She moved quickly to his side and reached for the sheet, trying to pull it down from his face. But Eyan gripped it tightly from underneath.
It wouldn’t budge. She pulled harder.
Nothing.
Her brows furrowed. She glanced back at the wolves standing near the door. “Talon. Fen. Mara. Pull the sheet down.”
The three wolves lowered their ears instantly. Their golden eyes flickered toward Eyan. Then they slowly stepped back. Fear was written clearly on their faces.
Eva stared at them in disbelief. “You cowards… You said you would help me. Now you’re taking side?”
They didn’t move.
She turned back to the blanket and used all her strength, tugging with both hands— Suddenly, her grip slipped.
Eva stumbled backward and fell onto the floor with a soft thud, breath knocked from her lungs. She lay there for a moment, staring at the ceiling.
“Why are you strong…” she muttered under her breath.
Slowly, she pushed herself back up.
This time, her voice lost its playfulness. “Eyan… stop being angry.”
Silence.
“I apologize, alright?” she continued, her tone trembling slightly despite her effort to remain calm. “I kissed Princess Violet because I wanted you to feel what I felt when I saw you kiss her. That’s all. Nothing more.”
Her fingers clenched into the fabric of her dress. “So please… forgive me.”
The blanket did not lower.
Not even an inch.
Eva closed her eyes briefly. “Fine,” she whispered. “If you want me to beg, then I’ll beg.”
She moved toward the foot of the bed and reached for his foot, wrapping her hands around his ankle.
“Please forg—”
In an instant, Eyan sat up, his hand shooting out to grab hers and pull it away from his foot.
Worry etched his features. "Eva... what are you doing? Don't do that."
“I’m apologizing,” she replied, her voice cracking. “Can’t you see?”
Tears gathered in her eyes despite her effort to hold them back.
Eyan's heart ached at the sight. The sight pierced him instantly. His expression changed.
Without hesitation, he pulled her into his arms. He held her tightly, one hand pressing against the back of her head, fingers sliding gently through her hair.
“I’m sorry,” he murmured, his voice low and strained. “Don’t cry.”
"You forgive me...?" Eva whispered through her sobs, clinging to him.
"Why are you asking for forgiveness? I wasn't angry with you—I was just acting, teasing you. I didn't know you'd cry like that," Eyan confessed, his voice thick with emotion.
Eva pulled back from the hug, her tear-streaked face searching his. "You're not angry?"
Eyan smiled warmly, shaking his head. "No..."
"Then you forgive me?"
"You want my forgiveness?" he teased softly.
"Yes," she replied, her voice breaking as fresh tears threatened.
Eyan leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, "I'll forgive you... But in return..... Let me for tonight."
Eva's crying ceased abruptly, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson. She froze, her heart pounding.
Eyan pulled back, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. "Can I have for tonight?" he asked, his voice low and husky, laced with desire.
Biting her lip, Eva nodded shyly, her gaze dropping as heat bloomed across her skin.
A slow, satisfied smile curved his lips. He looked at the wolves standing nearby. “Go.”
They nodded and melted into his shadow, leaving the two of them alone.
Eyan leaned closer, lifting her chin gently and captured her lips in a deep, fervent kiss, his mouth claiming hers with a passion that made her gasp.
She responded eagerly, her hands wrapping around his neck, fingers tangling in his hair as she pulled him closer.
In a blur of motion, he swept her into the bed, never breaking the kiss, pressing her beneath him as their bodies aligned perfectly. The world outside ceased to exist—there was only heat, only breath, only them.
When they finally parted, their foreheads rested together, breaths mingling, hearts racing.
His hands stayed on her cheeks, thumbs brushing softly, as he whispered, low and husky, “Mine… always mine.”
Eva’s lips curled into a small, breathless smile. “Yours…”
The night held them close, quiet and unbroken, every touch, every heartbeat, a promise they didn’t need words to keep.
__________________________________
(28 days later)
(Velmoria Market)
Luca and Aranel had been going on dates almost every day, but today they decided to make it different. They invited Eva and Eyan along, turning their usual outing into a double date.
The market of Velmoria was crowded and full of life. Merchants called out to customers, colorful stalls stretched across the streets, and the air was filled with the scent of warm bread and sweet spices.
Eva and Aranel had arrived first. They stood near the entrance, waiting.
Eva let out a heavy breath, shifting her weight uncomfortably.
“They’re taking too long…” she muttered. “My leg already hurts from standing…”
Aranel immediately glanced around, searching for somewhere to sit. Her eyes landed on a small bench near a fruit stall.
“Eva,” she said softly, reaching for her hand. “Come, let’s sit there.”
Eva nodded without arguing. Aranel guided her carefully, helping her sit down. Eva leaned back, breathing heavily. Sweat had formed on her forehead, and her face looked drained, as if all her strength had been taken away.
Aranel’s worry deepened. “Eva… you look exhausted. Are you alright?”
Eva gave a weak smile. “I’m fine. It’s just… I’ve been feeling a little sick since morning.”
Aranel’s eyes widened in alarm. She grabbed Eva’s hand.
“Did you tell brother-in-law?”
Eva quickly shook her head. “No, I didn’t… he’ll worry for nothing.”
Aranel frowned. “What do you mean worry for nothing? You’re sick, Eva.”
She looked at Eva’s pale face again and her expression hardened with concern.
“We should cancel this double date,” Aranel said firmly. “You need rest. Let’s go home.”
Aranel stood up and helped Eva rise. Eva’s legs trembled slightly, but Aranel supported her as they began walking away.
Then—
“Eva.”
The voice was calm, but it made both of them stop.
They turned around.
Kyel and Luca were walking toward them. Luca looked relaxed, but Kyel’s gaze was sharp and focused, immediately landing on Eva.
Eva’s heart skipped.
She leaned closer to Aranel and whispered urgently, “Aranel… don’t tell Eyan that I’m sick.”
Aranel hesitated. “But—”
“Please.”
Aranel sighed in defeat. “…Fine.”
Kyel and Luca reached them.
Luca smiled brightly. “Sister, Lady Aranel… we didn’t make you wait too long, right?”
Then he pointed at Kyel with a playful grin. “It’s his fault. He was in a meeting.”
Eva forced a smile despite the discomfort in her body. “No, brother… we didn’t wait long.”
Kyel’s eyes remained fixed on her face. His brows furrowed slightly.
“Eva… are you alright?” he asked quietly. “You look—”
Eva immediately interrupted, putting on an overly cheerful tone. “I’m perfectly fine! Now that everyone is here, let’s begin the date!”
Before Kyel could question her further, Eva grabbed his hand tightly. “Honey where do you want to go?” she asked quickly.
Kyel paused, still studying her. “I’m fine with anywhere you want.”
Eva smiled. “Then let’s go eat something.”
Aranel quickly nodded, hiding her worry. “Yes… let’s go eat something.”
Luca reached for Aranel’s hand, and she allowed it. Soon, all four of them walked together through the market.
Hand in hand, surrounded by noise and laughter, they headed toward the food stalls.
But Aranel couldn’t stop glancing at Eva.
And Kyel…
Kyel didn’t look away from Eva even once.
Not because he wanted to ruin the date. But because something in his heart was already telling him—
Eva wasn’t fine.
.
.
to be continued—
