Witch's Daughter And The Devil's Son

"Why didn't you tell me before, at least when we after you saved me and you true form was in front of me?" she asked.

"It was all so sudden and I didn't know what to do. I didn't wish to deceive you but things happened this way and I had to leave for Agartha even before I could get a chance to explain the truth."

"As much I am upset that I was not aware of my own pet, I am thankful you have saved me that night, so I won't hold it against you."

He felt relived to hear it. "Thank you so much."

"Shall we leave now?" she asked, silently giving him a permission to carry her. Not like he was entirely stranger to her as she had been with him when he was her pet.

Aureus nodded and cast a warning glance around, signaling to those nearby that they should mind their own business. Everyone shivered under their lord's cold glare and quickly resumed their tasks or hurried away.

Stepping closer, Aureus gently lifted Seren into his arms. She hesitated before resting one hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry, you won't fall," he reassured her softly, and then, with a strong beat of his golden wings, they ascended into the sky.

Others watched in awe as their lord carried a female in his arms. But as they had received a warning from their Lord, which they understood clearly though not a single word was said, they all chose to forget it, despite being curious in their minds.

Aureus and Seren reached the top of the tallest tree in the forest, where a beautiful home had been built—a large, circular nest-like structure. It had a slanted roof that gave it a cottage-like appearance. They landed inside a spacious area that seemed to be the drawing room, open on all sides, with only the roof above. On one side, there were proper walls, indicating that there were other rooms in the nest as well, providing some privacy despite the otherwise open design.

"What a huge nest our Lord has," Ember chuckled, looking around. "Maybe the largest in the entire clan, built on the tallest tree."

"The king must always have the best, just like Draven has his palace," Morpheus remarked. "But if you want, I can build one like this for you as well. I just didn't think it was necessary."

"No need. I love our current nest. It has your essence everywhere," Ember replied with a smile.

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Seren quietly observed the couple, admiring how well Ember treated Morpheus, despite her bond with Draven. Their dynamic intrigued her.

Ember turned to Seren with a playful grin. "Let's explore our Lord Aureus's nest, shall we?" She shot Aureus a teasing glance. "You don't mind, do you, my Lord?"

Ember typically addressed him by his name, but now she was teasing him with his title. Aureus simply gave in with a nod, resigned to her playful ways.

Taking Seren's hand, Ember led her on a tour of the nest. "Even the nest has rooms, unlike what you'd expect from ordinary birds," she chuckled. "It's as grand as a mansion."

Seren admired the surroundings. The drawing room offered a breathtaking view of the clouds, the crowns of the towering trees, and the mountains in the distance. She wondered if looking down from the balcony might make her dizzy—so high was the structure. They noticed a few doors leading to other rooms and decided to explore further.

The room they entered was furnished with a neatly arranged bed and mattress, along with other essentials. "Looks like this is our Lord's room," Ember commented as she walked over to the large window, which offered a stunning view of the sky and clouds outside. "Aureus seems so serious, but he's secretly quite thoughtful about what he wants. He prepared this nest himself, and it resembles human homes, doesn't it?"

Seren nodded. "Maybe because he's lived among humans for so long."

"His mate will be so fortunate to have someone like him—so thoughtful, calm, and composed," Ember said with a soft smile. "Morph always thinks Aureus should act more like other young eagles, enjoying life, having fun. But Aureus chooses to be responsible. Morph regrets not being there for him while he was growing up. Maybe if he had been, Aureus would have lived a more adventurous life, like any young eagle."

Seren's heart sank at the thought. She had treated Aureus as just a pet, unaware of his true nature. If she had known who he really was, she would have shown him the respect he deserved.

Meanwhile, in the drawing room, Aureus turned to his uncle with a stern look. "Is this fun for you?"

Morpheus raised an eyebrow. "Do you think so? I just wanted her to step inside your nest, even if it's just this once. After today, she probably won't ever come back."

Aureus understood the meaning and stayed quiet.

"Don't be too hard on yourself, Aureus," Morpheus said, his tone softer. "We both know the pain of wanting someone you can't have. Cherish whatever moments you can." He glanced meaningfully at Aureus. "That flower you gave her—it wasn't just any gift." .net

"It was meant to protect her. Nothing more," Aureus replied quietly. "And it did help me protect her when Drayce wasn't there."

"Hmm, hard to argue with that," Morpheus said, then sighed. "I don't want you to end up like me, but at the same time, a part of me does as at least you can be by her side."

"Don't say it," Aureus frowned. "There won't be anything like that."

"Looks like I'm going to miss the chance to be a grandfather," Morpheus teased. "Never mind, as long as you're happy with your choices."

Aureus narrowed his eyes at his uncle and retorted, "You can have your own children with your mate. Why don't you actually mate with her instead of just being her mate in name?"

Morpheus's expression shifted, a hint of determination in his voice. "Just like you said, there won't be anything like that. So, forget about ever having little cousins for you."

Aureus shook his head and fell silent.

"But Draven and Ember's children will be like mine too," Morpheus added with a grin. "So, you can treat them as your cousins."

"Well, since you're not giving me any cousins, I guess that's the only option I've got," Aureus chuckled playfully. "I'll be their good elder brother."

Both men smiled at the thought, their playful exchange bringing a brief moment of lightness. Soon, they saw the two women returning to the drawing room.

"It's a beautiful home—I mean, nest," Seren complimented Aureus.

"The one he built it for, sadly, can't be here," Morpheus said, throwing a knowing glance at Aureus.

Seren looked confused and glanced at Aureus for clarification.

Earning a glare from his nephew, Morpheus added, "Because my dear nephew has yet to find his mate."

"Oh," Seren said softly, turning to Aureus. "I'm sure you'll find one soon. A beautiful golden eagle like you will definitely get the most beautiful female."

Aureus simply hummed, though he knew it was never going to happen as his heart lay with her, the most beautiful woman standing right in front of him.

In his heart, he had already accepted the fact that he would be alone for the rest of his life. A powerful divine beast like him could never find a true mate if his heart was already with someone else, and that was the most painful truth of his existence.