Chapter 6: Temptation and Warnings

The night draped over the estate, with the moonlight filtering through the curtains, casting a soft yet cold glow on the floor. Liora stood by the window, her gaze piercing through the glass towards the distant forest. Her mind was filled with one question—did she truly understand Kaelan? What kind of heart was hidden beneath his cold, hardened exterior?

Lately, she found it increasingly difficult to ignore Kaelan's presence. His deliberate attempts to keep a distance only piqued her curiosity. Every time she drew near him, she could feel a subtle tension in the air, as if he were always on guard, afraid she might uncover his deepest secrets.

However, Liora had no intention of giving up so easily. She knew that the more he pushed her away, the more she wanted to get closer, to uncover the man beneath the mask.

"Liora, what are you doing here again tonight?" Suddenly, Kaelan's voice broke her train of thought.

She turned to see him standing in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes cold and sharp like a blade, exuding an undeniable sense of threat.

Liora smiled slightly, lifting her chin, and moved toward him without hesitation. "I just wanted to see the night scenery."

Kaelan's brows furrowed slightly, a flicker of complexity in his eyes. "You know, the night here isn't suitable for you."

"Why?" Liora stopped and took a step closer to him, her tone teasing. "Don't you think it's quiet and beautiful?"

Kaelan remained silent for a moment before responding in a low voice, "Nights are meant for quiet, but you always seem to disrupt that calm at the most dangerous moments."

Liora didn't back down. Instead, she took another step forward until she was just a few centimeters away from him. She could sense the tension and unease in his body but deliberately gave him no space.

"You know," she whispered, "the more you push me away, the more I want to get closer to you."

Kaelan's body tensed further, and he looked down at her, anger flashing in his eyes. "I've warned you, Liora. Don't challenge my boundaries again."

His voice was laced with threat, deep and dangerous, but Liora remained unfazed. With a smile tugging at her lips, she lightly touched the sleeve of his shirt. "What are you afraid of? Afraid that if I get too close, I'll discover the fragility hidden beneath that cold exterior?"

Kaelan's gaze grew sharp, and he held back his fury, turning away and speaking coldly, "You don't understand me, and you never will. I’m telling you, if you take one more step closer, I won’t show any mercy."

Liora didn’t move, her eyes fixed on him, unwavering and resolute. "Then I'll see if you can really make me back down."

Kaelan swiftly turned, gripping her wrist and pulling her closer. His eyes turned even sharper. "Do you really want to challenge me?"

Liora could almost feel the strength in his fingers, but instead of panicking, she smiled lightly. "The colder you remain, the more I want to get closer to you."

They were so close now that Liora could hear Kaelan's quickened breaths, as if he were desperately suppressing the turmoil inside him. She had never seen a man like this—so ruthless and cold yet full of tension, as if he could erupt at any moment. She wanted to touch him, to know the secret behind his facade, to make him break through his own defenses.

"You have no idea what you're doing," Kaelan’s voice was hoarse, filled with anger that he could no longer disguise. "You have no idea the consequences of the sparks you've ignited."

"I’m willing to face the consequences." Liora didn't retreat, her voice firm with challenge. "If it's to get closer to you, I’m willing to face whatever comes."

Kaelan's hand tightened around her wrist, and a cold smile spread across his face. "Do you think you can control everything? Do you really think you can master me?"

Liora stared deeply into his eyes, no fear in her gaze, only challenge and desire. "I don't know if I can master you, but I know this—if you don’t break this barrier, we will always remain strangers."

Kaelan’s expression grew complicated, as if he were struggling within himself. His feelings were clearly torn—on one hand, he didn’t want to be constrained, but on the other hand, he couldn’t ignore Liora's presence. Her challenge made it impossible for him to let go, and it also caused an unprecedented sense of pressure.

At that moment, Kaelan suddenly released her hand and stepped back coldly. "If you think you’re capable of matching me, then go ahead. You may discover that you're not as strong as you think."

Liora didn’t back off; instead, she smiled faintly and spoke in a relaxed tone. "I’m not afraid of failure, Kaelan. The more you warn me, the more I want to get closer."

She knew that Kaelan could not remain cold forever. With every step she took toward him, it would make him struggle more, unable to control the turmoil within. She could already feel it—his defenses were slowly crumbling, and she was the one forcing him to reach that breaking point.

"Do you think you can change anything?" Kaelan sneered, his eyes flashing with dangerous light. "You will regret this, Liora."

But Liora showed no fear. She smiled slightly, her gaze unwavering. "I will only want to get closer to you more."

Her determination seemed to ignite the deepest fire within him, and the collision of their sparks had only just begun.