When the Black Moon Rises - Chapter 144
Chapter 144
It was late at night, so quiet that even the chirping of crickets had ceased.
Perhaps because it had swallowed the white light of the perpetual snow, the large moon, unusually pale and devoid of its usual yellow glow, hung high in the night sky.
It seemed much colder here than in the Ju Clan territory.
A cool breeze flowed through the open window, filling the room.
Sehwa, unable to sleep due to various worries, stared at the white moon for a long time.
She finally drifted off to sleep just before dawn.
Her breathing, which had been anxious and at times ragged, gradually evened out.
Even the movement of her eyes beneath her thin eyelids ceased.
Even though she had cast a strong barrier before going to bed, the door opened silently.
A dark figure, after checking the quiet room, slipped inside.
The figure slowly approached Sehwa, who was sleeping peacefully on the large bed.
Just as it reached out to her…
“You’re not asleep?”
“!”
A clear, wide-awake voice echoed between Sehwa and the figure.
The startled figure hesitated, then carefully sat down beside the bed.
“…You’re awake? I thought you were asleep.”
Sehwa's eyes, dark beneath her long lashes, curved into a gentle smile.
“I couldn’t sleep.”
“…Are you worried about your brothers?”
Baek Giha’s large hand enveloped her slender one on the bed.
“That too, but…” Sehwa gently rubbed his warm hand with her thumb. “I’m not a heavy sleeper.”
“......”
“Why?”
“…They say beautiful people are heavy sleepers, but since you’re not…”
Slap!
Sehwa pulled her hand away and lightly swatted his.
They chuckled softly.
Baek Giha took her hand again.
“Your brothers will be fine.”
“I know.”
She intertwined their fingers and asked, “Why are you here? So late?”
She knew the answer.
He often acted like he couldn't rest without checking on her.
So much had happened, and during their last visit to the Baek Clan, they had left immediately after a brief meeting, without even spending a night.
This was their first night back in the Baek Clan since her return, so he must have been even more worried, remembering what had happened before.
‘I wish he would take care of himself as much as he cares for me.’
“…I just… heard about the commotion earlier today… so I came to check on you.”
He had come because he felt guilty for not handling the situation better.
His voice was low and subdued, as if his throat was sore.
Sensing his guilt, she sat up. “Don’t say that. It wasn’t your fault.”
“But I know what happened before, and I think I was too lenient.”
She had been through a lot, but so had he.
He had brought his fangs, his spiritual essence, from the Baek Clan when her life was in danger.
He had traveled back and forth between the Ju Clan territory to rescue her mother and brothers.
He had gone to the Human Realm without rest after returning to the Baek Clan.
And he had been maintaining the barrier to prevent news of the fight with the Corrupt Dragon from reaching the Mystic Realm, and had just returned to the Baek Clan territory.
“You’ve been working tirelessly too, don’t say that.” Sehwa chuckled and added, “And do you think I can’t handle those things without your help? You underestimate me.”
“That’s not what I meant. I just…”
Baek Giha’s voice dropped even lower, making Sehwa flustered.
She had thought he would agree with her, that he had almost underestimated her.
But that wasn’t what he meant.
Having been away for so long, numerous problems had piled up, waiting for him.
He had sent a stern warning, almost a threat, to all the elders and residence managers through Manyong, but…
‘Even so, knowing what my clan did to her in the past, how could I be so careless?’
He was overwhelmed with guilt after hearing about the incident in her room.
Baek Giha hesitated, still unable to speak.
Seeing this, she took his hand and brought it to her lips.
‘What am I supposed to do with you, you fool?’
He didn’t need to apologize for such things.
He didn't owe her anything.
But even if she said so, he wouldn’t understand.
So, instead of words, she gently kissed his knuckles, one by one.
She didn’t know exactly when his voice had trailed off.
But she could feel the temperature in the room rising, despite the open window.
She looked up and met his gaze, his dark eyes fixed intently on her.
“You can’t sleep because you’re thinking too much,” she said, smiling softly in the dim moonlight. She opened her arms, beckoning him, “Come here. I’ll hold you if you can’t sleep.”
As if it were the most natural thing in the world.
As if it were meant to be.
At her words, he leaned in, his warm lips pressing against hers.
The moment their lips met, all reason fled.
Their arms wrapped around each other tightly.
Unspoken words mingled with their breaths, their lips colliding, tasting of blood.
His tongue invaded her mouth, exploring every corner, every crevice.
A shiver ran down her spine, the sensation intensely vivid.
For a moment, she wanted to pull away.
But instead, she tightened her embrace, her arms wrapping around his strong body.
She would do anything to hold him closer.
He kissed her deeply, as if searching for a way to merge with her, changing angles repeatedly.
Her lips, bitten and sucked, her tongue teased and tormented, were numb.
His hands left red marks on her skin, but he tightened his grip, as if it wasn’t enough, growling softly.
He, always so cautious and composed, only showed such intense emotion with her.
And it was the same for her.
There had been many people she cherished in her life, but…
‘…Why is he so different?’
She surrendered to his rough caresses without hesitation.
He had risked his life to turn back time for her, but the future that awaited them wasn't bright.
They had to prepare for another battle with the Ju Clan.
He possessed incredible power, but his spiritual power was flawed.
She also possessed unprecedented power, but the more she used it, the more she would lose herself.
So, even if they defeated the Mystic Ruler and the Corrupt Dragon, one of them would surely face a tragic end.
But…
“What are you thinking?” a low, husky voice asked.
He showered her face with kisses, his lips like brands.
His hot breath washed over her like a waterfall, its force so overwhelming that she couldn't help but be swept away.
The ties of her nightgown were completely undone.
His large hands pulled the thin fabric away, revealing her white shoulders in the moonlight.
He caressed her smooth skin, then cupped her breasts.
She trembled as his fingers brushed against her sensitive nipples.
His dark eyes, unwavering, were fixed on her.
She thought she heard something ripping, and then she realized she was naked, her skirt gone.
Her translucently white body, exposed in the moonlight, seemed to float on water.
Her slender hands reached for him, her fingers tracing the contours of his firm skin beneath his robe.
As she pulled his robe open, it slipped off his shoulders.
She hadn't thought it was cold, but goosebumps rose on her heated skin.
And he was the same.
“When are we getting married?” he whispered, his voice filled with urgency, his strong arms pulling her close.
“When will you marry me?”
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