Chapter 4: Threads of Curiosity

Kael returned to his chambers after a long night of patrolling the southern district. The faint memory of golden eyes and soft, deliberate movements lingered in his mind, irritating him more than he would admit. He did not like being unsettled. Not by people. Not by anything.

Kael’s POV: It is just presence. Nothing more. Curiosity is dangerous—it weakens judgment. I cannot afford weakness.

He poured himself a glass of crimson liquid, the taste sharp and grounding. Yet even the familiar burn did little to ease the tension curling at the edges of his mind.

Meanwhile, Lior sat quietly on a rooftop in the southern district, the night wind brushing his hair, soft and calm. He watched the city below, almost invisible, a gentle observer of chaos and order. His golden eyes reflected the flickering torches in the streets, but there was no fear, only serenity.

Lior’s POV: He watches. I can feel him even when he is gone. Cold. Untouchable. And yet… I wonder. What drives someone so strong to care for nothing?

A small, mischievous smile tugged at his lips, though no one could see it. Lior was patient. Always patient. And he knew that the threads of curiosity, once pulled, could unravel even the coldest of hearts.

The next morning, Kael convened a council meeting. His mother, silent as always, studied him with quiet pride. Other vampires presented reports, but Kael’s attention drifted subtly to the southern district. The faint disturbance he had sensed last night was growing, and he could not ignore it.

A guard approached, hesitant. “My lord… there is… something unusual in the southern district. A presence, calm, unlike the others.”

Kael’s eyes narrowed. “I know.”

The guard’s voice trembled slightly. “Shall we… investigate?”

Kael’s POV: Investigate? Of course. It is time to see the source of this… calm.

That evening, Kael ventured out once again, moving silently through the streets. He was precise, calculating, as always. Each shadow, each whisper of movement was cataloged. He felt the faint pull again, a presence soft, deliberate, and frustratingly gentle.

Kael’s POV: So small. So calm. And yet… I cannot ignore it. Why does it matter? I do not care…

Lior, unaware of Kael’s approach, moved quietly along a side street. He paused, crouched slightly, as a pair of minor demons argued over territory. A soft hum escaped him, calming the tension without a word. The demons eventually backed away, startled, leaving him alone again.

Lior’s POV: The city is restless tonight. I feel him moving… the cold one. I am not afraid. I do not wish to confront. I only… watch.

Kael’s steps were silent behind him. Lior did not immediately notice. It wasn’t until a faint flicker in the torchlight caught his attention that he turned, golden eyes calm, unreadable.

Their eyes met again. This time, longer. Kael’s black gaze was sharp, cold, unyielding. Lior’s golden eyes were soft, steady, and… almost smiling.

Kael’s POV: There he is. Calm. Quiet. And yet… there is something here I cannot measure, cannot control.

Lior said nothing, merely observing. His gentle presence was almost infuriating in its quiet confidence.

Kael finally spoke, voice low and commanding. “You are far from home. Why are you here?”

Lior’s soft, melodic voice barely rose above the wind. “I do not belong anywhere, yet I watch everything.”

Kael’s lips pressed into a thin line. Unfazed. Calm. Cute in a way that irritates me. Why do I notice this? I should not.

A tense silence stretched between them, broken only by distant sounds of the restless city. Kael studied Lior, analyzing, calculating. Lior merely tilted his head slightly, watching Kael with quiet curiosity.

Suddenly, a disturbance erupted from the alley behind them—a group of minor demons, unaware of Kael’s presence, began causing chaos. Kael moved instantly, precise and deadly. In a few controlled movements, the threat was neutralized.

Lior’s POV: He is… terrifying. Cold. But protective. Why? I did not ask for this.

Kael turned back to Lior. “You are lucky I chose to intervene. This city is mine. Do not forget it.”

Lior’s faint smile did not waver. “I would not dream of forgetting.”

Kael’s POV: Luck. He speaks as though he is untouchable. I do not know why, but I… notice it. I cannot stop noticing.

The two stood there, quiet, separated by distance and differences, yet bound by the faint, invisible threads of curiosity, tension, and something neither could name.

Later that night, Kael returned to his chambers. The city sprawled below, silent, obedient. But his thoughts lingered stubbornly on the calm, gentle presence he had observed tonight. He would not admit it aloud, but he could not forget.

Kael’s POV: Patience. Observation. Control. That is all that matters. And yet… why does he occupy space in my thoughts?

Far away, Lior curled on a quiet rooftop, looking at the city. He hummed softly, a calming song to himself. He did not think about Kael in fear or desire. Only curiosity. Only the faint pull of a presence he could sense, strong, cold, untouchable… yet familiar.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***