Tyrant's Obsession With The Heiress-Chapter 62: When The Sabertooth Crosses His Boundaries

Lady Karina had come to know firsthand just how power-hungry Orpheus was and the reason behind it was an appetite he was trying to sate under the teachings of his father.

Although she could sympathise with him for the fact that he was raised to enforce cruelty and destruction, she could hardly believe that he would go so far as to seek out a second magical mark.

Was that truly the case?

Did someone brand it on him as a curse or did he sacrifice something to gain it, which resulted in a curse anyway?

"And you mentioned he showed an interest in the White Phoenix?" Naeryn brushed her hooves against the ground. "For what reasons? If there is a way that you can somehow get to the bottom of his motives, then I would advise doing so, Hyacinth."

Lady Karina nodded understandingly. Even without the advice from Naeryn, she had planned to get answers to the questions she asked herself earlier before entering the sanctuary.

"I will first focus on finding out more about his second magical mark," Lady Karina agreed. "As much as I have come to despise him... I must continue as if everything is normal between us."

But was that truly the case? Did she really come to despise him because he was the enemy?

Yes, she should despise him.

At least, that is what she had convinced herself to believe.

"I will return when I find another opportunity," Lady Karina said, bowing her head.

"Give our regards to Lady Drosera." Ignius nodded. "Bring her with you if possible next time. I believe the sanctuary will offer her some peace."

"I will." Lady Karina smiled, although there was sorrow behind it. "Farewell for now."

With that being said, she mounted Soran's back with Sparx on her shoulder, and the sabertooth beast took off in a sprint out of the council hall to escort her back to the sanctuary gates.

When they arrived at the gateway, Lady Karina carefully slid off him. She'd been silent the entire way, which was rather unusual considering her chatty nature.

Soran suspected it was no doubt because of Amberis and Onyx.

"I will speak to Onyx, my lady," Soran reassured her. "You have much on your mind and the lad is simply a brat with no sensibility. Anger is often the driving force behind youngsters, which is why you are not to be blamed."

Soran had a natural way of soothing her nerves whenever anything became overwhelming. It was somewhat impressive that the beast knew what to say to her in her times of distress.

It was difficult to contain herself around him and the tears, the ones she'd been holding back ever since she entered the sanctuary, rushed to her eyes unbidden. They were hot, stinging, and uncontrollable as they streamed down her face.

Soran's heart sank at the sight, knowing how strong she had fought to be composed all this while.

The beast decided to take on his human form.

Bones snapped as his anatomy changed and realigned, fur changing into skin until he stood tall in the form of a man with waist-length snow-white hair, sharp and chiselled features, icy blue almond-shaped eyes and a slim but athletic frame that was clothed in a white silk shirt and black leather trousers.

His skin was pale and smooth and although his face was somewhat hardened in general, it softened a bit as he walked over to Lady Karina.

Soran embraced her, bringing her into his arms, where he allowed her to pour out her heart against his chest.

"I am so sorry for being weak..." She sobbed, sniffling even as her throat tightened and made it somewhat difficult for her to breathe.

"You are the strongest lady I have ever known, Karina," Soran said tenderly, his voice gentler than before. "Hardships have come to all of us at different times in our lives; it tears us down and exposes what is inside but it is not weakness."

She couldn't withstand her own grief and woes any longer, clutching onto his shirt while his hand rubbed her back soothingly.

"I don't know what I am doing, Soran," Lady Karina admitted, pressing her forehead to his chest. "When the invasion happened... I thought I would be strong enough and up till now, I have fought and made demands despite my fears."

Carefully, Soran cupped her face with both hands, hands that were strong and warm against her skin.

"You have been brave, Karina. If the enemy is as demonic as you have described, then I admire that you were able to face him despite the fear." Soran's eyes softened as he swept his thumbs across her cheeks to wipe away the tears. "I have always been proud of your resilience."

Her pretty, glossy emerald eyes that were red from crying seemed to brighten a little upon hearing his words.

"Thank you, Soran." Lady Karina smiled through her tears. "I do not know what I would do without you."

"You'll never have to find out, my lady," he assured, leaving a soft touch of his lips on her forehead.

It was an unexpected gesture, yet also warm and tender.

"Soran..." Lady Karina murmured, unsure of how to react.

"I am not sorry, my lady." He chuckled. "I believe that gesture is meant to comfort one, no?"

"Perhaps." She nodded shyly. "I will be back soon." She wiped her tears away and stepped back, realising she'd gotten too comfortable with her familiar.

And when Soran realised her discomfort, his expression fell, and he immediately withdrew his hand.

"Forgive me, my lady," he apologised with a deep bow. "I was out of place."

Lady Karina forced a smile. "It's alright, Soran, thank you."

Sparx hopped down from her shoulder, remaining behind since he could not be seen with her.

As done before, the little fennec fox opened the portal gateway, and the lady passed through without another word, the gateway vanishing behind her.

Soran stood there, fists clenched at his sides.

As much as he always remained calm and composed in every situation, it was difficult to hold back the seething anger within him.

Whatever he'd heard about Orpheus from Lady Karina only infuriated him to no end.

That frustration was clear in the way his icy blue eyes seemed to burn, but his anger was short-lived when Sparx rubbed his face against his leg.

"I should not have done that." Soran sighed to himself, regretting his forwardness. "Seeing her in tears...made me lose control."

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A/N: hi lovely readers! Thank you for reading and please look in the cvarac section to see images of the beasts that made an appearance and Soran's human form!