AzEye – Chapter 2: The Veil Between Us
The wedding chamber was dimly lit, bathed in golden candlelight and perfumed with rare black lotus incense—a scent said to awaken lost memories.
Ray sat on the edge of the silk-draped bed, veil off, but his face still shadowed by the room's softness. His heart pounded not with nervousness, but anticipation. This was the moment he'd waited for—when Kai would see him up close again.Kai stood silently by the door, his eyes narrow, his expression unreadable. He didn't move, didn't speak. He just stared.
"You're quiet, my husband," Ray whispered, playing the role with gentle grace. "Do I displease you already?"
Kai stepped closer. "You're… different."
Ray tilted his head, smiling innocently. "Is that a bad thing?"Kai's hand suddenly gripped his chin—not harsh, not gentle, but controlled. His thumb brushed Ray's lower lip as his gaze searched for something he couldn't name. Something that pulled at the edge of his buried memories.
"…Your voice. Your eyes," Kai muttered. "I've seen them before."
Ray's heart thudded, but he only leaned into the touch, whispering, "Maybe in another life."
A knock interrupted the tension. Kai's eyes sharpened."Enter."
The door creaked open and six figures stepped inside—Kai's elite squad, hand-picked from every corner of the kingdom.
Kai's Six Comrades:
Lian – The strategist. Calm, sharp-eyed, always dressed in navy robes. Watches everything, speaks only when needed.
Raku – The flirt. Golden-blond hair, constant smirk, obsessed with gossip and pretty people. He eyed "the bride" with amused suspicion.
Shin – The silent swordsman. Tall, black-clad, rarely speaks. His eyes are always calculating.
Meko – The healer. Soft-spoken and gentle, with long hair and kind eyes, but hides a ruthless side when needed.
Jin – The hothead. Red hair, loud mouth, fast fists. Suspicious of everyone, especially people in veils.
Taro – The tech-mage. Half-blind, covered in runes and enchantments, genius with magic devices. Doesn't trust anything unless he can scan it.
"We found nothing in the ruins of the bride's estate," Lian reported. "Everyone's dead. No survivors. The fire was... unnatural."
Kai's eyes never left Ray's. "I see."
Jin stepped forward, arms crossed. "And this bride of yours? Not even a tear when her family died. That's suspicious."
Ray lowered his gaze, perfectly timid. "I barely knew them. The marriage was arranged... not chosen."
"Still..." Raku leaned in with a sly grin. "You smell a little too calm, sweetheart."
Kai raised a hand, silencing them all.
"She's under my protection now," he said flatly. "Anyone who questions her... questions me."
The squad fell silent.
But behind Ray's soft smile, a wicked thrill bloomed.
Kai was already starting to notice.
Good.Now let him burn slowly in curiosity, until the only answer he craves... is him.