The Damned Demon

Asher's return to the beach was met with a mixture of anticipation and impatience. The sun was now hanging a bit low, casting long shadows over the soft sand and painting the horizon with a medley of oranges and yellow.

The soft lull of the waves was occasionally punctuated by the distant laughter and chatter of other people.

Isola was playing with Callisa at some distance away from Merina and Ceti but had her gaze softened upon seeing Asher return.

Merina smiled upon seeing him return, and it seemed like she was eagerly but patiently waiting for his return, except for one other person.

Her eyes shifted to Ceti, whose arms were crossed in a pose of disapproval, as Asher approached.

"Your Highness, may I ask, what took you so long?" Ceti inquired, arching an eyebrow.

Why would he need to spend so much time with that obnoxious harpy?

What kind of special 'gift' did she have for him?

With a confident swagger in his step, Asher raised his palm, taking out a drink in his hand with a flourish.

He presented it to Ceti, grinning mischievously, "I was on a quest to procure the finest beverages this beach has to offer. Or were you waiting for me too long?"

Ceti's cheeks tinted with a faint blush, but she cleared her throat and denied with pinched lips, "Of course. It's my duty to ensure you don't get into trouble but I appreciate your kindness," Saying so, she accepted the drink with a petulant smile, not expecting him to procure a drink for her.

Chuckling, Asher responded, "Of course, of course," Without missing a beat, he added, "But for now, let's savor the moment," He gracefully lifted a finger, letting a strand of mana flow forth. It danced through the air before touching the ground.

Instantly, a glowing rune circle, bathed in a deep blue luminescence, emerged from beneath.

The circle expanded, enveloping Asher, the three women, and even a section of the sea, which included Callisa, who was still playing in the waters.

Within seconds, their portion of the beach became a sanctuary, concealing everyone within it to those outside.

The surrounding people glanced around in mild confusion, their gazes landing on the spot where the group once sat, now shrouded in an opaque barrier.

There were sighs and murmurs, the onlookers both impressed and slightly envious of the private haven the Bloodburn Consort had conjured.

They sighed in disappointment since they could no longer take glimpses at such a beautiful sight.

But people had already begun to gossip, wondering what they were doing in there.

Inside the sanctuary, the ambiance was serene. The sounds from outside were muted, and the light seemed softer, creating an intimate setting.

Asher looked around, satisfied, "Now, shall we indulge?" he proposed, lifting his drink in a toast as Merina and Ceti raised their glasses as well.

As she drank, Ceti felt her chest drumming with a certain tension, wondering why he erected a barrier like this.

Was he planning to do something…?

Asher cast his eyes in the direction where Isola was, indulgently watching Callisa play at a distance. He turned to Merina and Ceti, with a small smile playing on his lips, and advised, "You both should relax and enjoy the sun. I will return shortly."

With purpose in his stride, he moved towards Isola, prompting the brow of Ceti to crease with subtle concern.

She couldn't shake off the feeling that there had been a ripple of tension undercurrent between Asher and Isola ever since the day they had shared a bed, a tension subtle but palpable.

"Is everything alright between Isola and him?" Ceti couldn't help but voice her apprehension, her eyes flickering between Asher's retreating back and her mother.

Merina, with eyes that held the depth of understanding and acceptance, gave Ceti a look that was intricate, laden with unspoken words and empathy, "Their circumstances aren't exactly kind. Being together, especially once we return, isn't written in the stars for them and knowing that only makes it harder for both of them," she said with a gentle sigh.

Ceti's eyes, mirrors reflecting the battle between realization and acceptance, softened. With a smile that was both understanding and somewhat melancholic, she murmured, "That's probably true for any woman who harbors feelings for him, barring the queen," She then continued in her mind, 'If only he wasn't the royal consort…' But she then shook away that thought, realizing it wasn't fair for Rowena.

As the two women engaged in their contemplative conversation, Asher had reached where Isola was stationed.

His gaze landed on Callisa, who was engrossed in her own world of play.

With the giant pincers she moved with surprising grace, she was conjuring elemental figures; a visage of Isola formed from water particles with attention to the minutest detail, a masterpiece of devotion and innocence. It seemed like she was getting better and better with her precision and control.

Observing the enchanting tableau, a chuckle escaped Asher's lips, "She seems to have developed a delightful penchant for crafting elemental portraits," he noted, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Isola, with a smile as gentle and soothing as the moonlight, glanced at Callisa, her eyes radiating pride and fondness, "She indeed is extraordinary," she agreed softly, her gaze lingering on the young Kraken's innocent antics with an expression that was a beautiful amalgamation of pride and affection.

With a gentle and unanticipated movement, Asher enveloped Isola in his arms from behind, the warm proximity causing her eyes to flutter open in mild astonishment, and her brows to lift in delicate arches.

The intimacy of the moment cast a soft yet resolute veil over his gaze, as he lowered his chin to gently rest on her shoulder, bringing his lips close to her ear.

Do you remember," he began, his voice a soft, velvety whisper that melded seamlessly with the ambient murmur of the sea, "that day, you asked me if I could hold you under the open sky like this?"

The words, laced with the subtle timbre of his voice, settled over Isola like a tender, ethereal cloak, causing her eyes to dim, their luminous glow softening into a reflective, contemplative light.

"I'm aware," Asher continued, the smile never leaving his face though it bore the weight of sincerity and resolution, "that this moment, as precious as it is, isn't the epitome of what you envisioned, of what you yearned for. But, once we return, once we step back into the realm we call home, I desire nothing more than to hold you before everyone—openly, defiantly, proudly."

His words, a gentle yet irrevocable promise, hung in the air, their significance not lost on Isola, "What kind of a man would I be if I am too scared to hold someone I want to live with for the rest of my life?"

Isola's heart trembled, oscillating between disbelief and ecstasy, caught in the whirlwind of Asher's confession of not only his love for her but also wanting to make her his wife.

She wasn't expecting this, not only because of his present status but because knowing his past as well.

However, amidst the allure of his proclamation, reality, with its jagged, unyielding edges, nudged at her consciousness. With furrowed brows and hands that delicately, tentatively rested on his, she voiced her concern, a whisper laced with uncertainty.

"But, Asher," she murmured, the name rolling off her tongue with a familiarity and affection that was innate, "What about Rowena? You are her consort. Other than the bad blood between our ancestors, our people were at war not too long ago. How can we have a future?"

Isola knew as a consort, he couldn't have any other woman officially. Rowena also would feel hurt and perhaps angry if she learned about this.

Moreover, Asher held feelings for Rowena despite what happened in the past. He wouldn't leave her.

She also still hadn't forgotten her last conversation with Rowena under the night sky, the subtle yet firm warning in her words.

In a smooth, deliberate motion, Asher turned her around and tilted Isola's chin upward gently, aligning their gazes until they locked, creating a silent, electric communion between the two.

With eyes radiating warmth and undeniable resolve, he offered a smile, soft yet steadfast, gently assuaging the tumultuous sea of emotions within Isola.

"Isola," he began with a tender yet firm certainty painting his voice, "You can leave the uncertainties revolving around Rowena to me. Your mind shouldn't be burdened by my matters. The only thing you should think about is whether you are willing to talk to your parents and people about us? Are you willing to do it for us? Because I can't do this alone, nor would I want to make your life difficult since if we do this, then it's a given that things won't be easy. But I promise you, if you do agree, I will be there for you every step of the way just like how you have been for me."

Her eyes, reflecting a myriad of emotions, gazed back at him, flickering with the internal dialogue she was navigating.

The prospect of facing her people, of standing before her parents with the truth hanging between them, was daunting, inducing a sense of anxiety within her.

Yet, as she submerged herself into the depths of Asher's dark yellow eyes, witnessing the steady flame of determination and affection flickering within, a surge of conviction filled her heart, propelling her forward.

"The moment I surrendered myself to you," Isola whispered, her voice imbued with soft strength and undeniable sincerity, cradling his cheek tenderly with her hand, "was the moment I chose you as my man. So the least I could do is not let you fight alone for us."

Her words, saturated with commitment and unspoken promises, acted as a magnetic force, pulling them closer until the distance dissolved, until there was nothing separating them but the whisper-thin space, charged with anticipation.

With smiles reflecting their feelings, they bridged the gap, their lips meeting in a kiss that was at once gentle and profound, laden with the silent pledges and deep affection flowing between them.

The world around them faded into inconsequence as they indulged in the sweetness of the moment, savoring the love that enveloped them like the most exquisite, intoxicating wine.

Her arms were hugging his neck while his arms wrapped around her slender waist, pulling her closer as they felt each other's warmth upon having their bodies press together.

Callisa, who was silently and curiously listening to their conversation, had her bulbous eyes blinking upon seeing them suddenly engaging in such a passionate moment.

She meekly lowered herself into the water upon hearing Isola's voice in her head, telling her to not look.

However, after covering her eyes with her giant pincers, she opened them slightly to take a small peek, her bulbous eyes glowing, feeling curious and moved by the warmth these two were sharing.