[32]

“Too bad I have to go back to the room,” grumbled Miya who seemed reluctant to swing her legs towards the place that was already available for her to rest. A well-lit tent with a soft bed was not far from where she had spent time with Victor and Marcus earlier.

Even though he was annoying, Victor hadn't moved from his seat since the beginning. Sometimes Miya couldn't help swearing because the owner of Hillarious University often tested her patience. It wasn't just Miya who felt that way, Marcus also responded to Victor's words no less fiercely. But ... the togetherness was warm and it felt soothing. Even Miya had no interest in leaving out of boredom.

Their conversations, although sometimes not really Miya understood but they happily balanced what topics could be talked about together.

“It's quite getting late, Miss Miya.”

Miya forgot that Desi would never be far from her. The short-haired woman walked a few steps behind Miya. Making sure that she was always safe and not lacking anything during her stay at the mansion.

“Um... Desi, can I ask you a question?” asked Miya who began to slow down. The special tent for her was not too far away. Two men in black shirts and well-built were waiting around the tent. Those two men must be the bodyguards Damian had asked to stand guard around Miya. Maybe to keep Miya from running away? But if that intention was in Miya's mind, the blonde-haired girl had immediately eliminated it.

Damian and his dominance made Miya never think of a way to leave the mansion even for a moment. She knew Sawyer's big name was behind Damian and the man could do anything just to find her.

“What did you want to ask?” she asked with a quizzical look. “Do you have any special wishes for breakfast tomorrow? Your lessons with Miss Lidia are temporarily suspended for a week. Miss Lidia has some important business at the office and can't be left behind.”

That wasn't what Miya wanted to hear but knowing that for the next week she wouldn't be struggling with her books and college subjects, made Miya smile cheerfully. “You're not joking anymore, are you?”

“I never pass on information that's out of line.”

Miya chuckled. “You take yourself too seriously, Desi.” She took the woman's hand and leaned partially against it. For Miya, Desi's existence was already considered a friend to talk to. Being exiled in a place Miya had never been, not being allowed access to the outside world, and not being able to move freely made Miya locked in a golden cage.

But what can be said other than Miya must immediately complete the contract that ensnares her with Damian. If it weren't for the misfortune that Miya experienced, she wouldn't have ended up here.

“I am always there for you, Miss Miya. So... what did you want to ask?” Desi smiled slightly. Not trying to dismiss Miya's presence despite the fact that it was a bit hard to keep up with this girl's behavior. Initially, Desi found it hard to watch over and take care of Miya Ashton but the more she got to know the girl, the more she understood that Miya was like a spoiled girl who had many desires. But Miya's temperament was so warm and welcoming.

“Has Damian been coming to this area for a while?” Miya cleared her throat briefly. The arm that had been wrapped around her, she began to let go. She looked up, enjoying the beautiful starry night. She still regretted wasting time if she went inside the tent immediately. When else would she spend time outdoors like this? In the middle of the forest accompanied by the sounds of night animals that Miya had rarely experienced in her life. The moon and stars also looked clearer than on previous nights.

“No.” Desi gave a quick glance at Miya who was still looking at the sky. “Mr. Damian has just arrived. He had some important business at the mansion since this midday."

Miya just nodded. “Look, Desi,” she pointed at the sky. “Beautiful, isn't it?”

“You're right.” Desi agreed with Miya. Tonight was indeed beautiful and captivating to anyone who looked up at the sky. It's as if it has a certain magic that makes the eyes that look up at the night, not want to leave. “But you should go inside immediately. It's very late and it's not good for you to sleep too late.”

Miya scowled. “I still want to enjoy this night.” Her sigh looked sad and disappointed. “Can't you give me a little more time? Maybe... 15 more minutes?”

Desi hesitated. But she also didn't have the courage. In the end, she lost out to Miya's wish which sounded so simple. If there was trouble later, Desi would bear it for Miya. After all, throughout the day the blonde haired girl seemed to be enjoying her day. Don't let the end of the day make Miya sad. And don't ask her why she cared. She didn't know the answer to that either.

“Alright. Just 15 minutes and please... you'd better stay close to the tent. I'll have some people prepare a seat and a blanket for you.”

Miya smiled broadly. “Thank you, Desi. That's very kind of you.”

***

“Make sure you get back safely. I don't want to take care of a dead body with unrecognizable limbs,” Victor said casually. The vodka was already half gone. A perfectly good night spent with some alcohol and some pretty serious talk about what they were going to do.

Damian chuckles sarcastically but quickly brushes off his distaste for Victor's words. “Don't forget to call Harold and tell him the outline of what's going to happen at Sezhya Harbor.”

“Are you sure we'll find Kenzo's killer in there?” asked Marcus enthusiastically. “If so, I can't wait to blow his chest out.”

“Don't be rash, you idiot!” scolded Victor expressionlessly. “If you do that, our plans will fall apart. Leonard must have masterminded all this, it's just that we lack evidence. He really is a very cunning man.”

Damian shakes his wine glass without interest. And when he places the glass on the table, a slight pressure is applied which makes a surprising sound. Making Victor and Marcus stop arguing. Damian's eyes stared straight on without any distractions, unfortunately... that stare was tense. Perhaps for those who were not used to being around Damian even to the point of sitting together this close, would have chosen to step aside rather than get into more trouble. Because seriously, Damian's wordless silence, eyes as black as the night that stared straight without expression, and a flat look as if the center of his mind was only focused on one core; his goal.

In the end, both Victor and Marcus looked at each other and finally sighed together.

“We won't be rash, Damian,” they said together.

“Good,” Damian said quietly. “Make Leonard's movements smaller from now on and put some extra people around Rebecca.”

“Okay,” Victor said immediately.

Feeling that enough, Damian chose to leave the drinking session with his two trusted ones. Grabbing the long coat that was draped over the back of a chair not far from him, he walked confidently towards the tent where Miya had already headed. Damian was sure that the blonde haired girl was already asleep.

After Damian left, both Victor and Marcus let out a long sigh. It felt much more relieved than the feeling that was strangling their necks. Damian and his wordless intimidation was far more suffocating and hair-raising.

“He's made of demon blood,” Marcus grumbled. He quickly downed the rest of his wine. “I'd better get some sleep. Make sure your newest weapon doesn't arrive too late. I need to test it first.”

Victor chuckled in annoyance. “Is there no thank you for me? Can't even Damian say that? You too, Marcus?”

Marcus grinned ridiculously. “That's your job.”

“I hope I never see you again!” Victor followed Damian's lead. Leaving the place that felt warm with the fire still blazing around. But Marcus didn't care. The gray-black haired man just laughed at Victor's words just now.

Their steps led to the tent that had been set up for them to rest tonight.

Meanwhile, Damian's pace slowed as his eyes caught something strange in a corner not far from the tent where Miya was sleeping.

“What's going on here?”