Chapter 3

Just as I was starting to feel anxious, Blake suddenly said: "You can go back now. I'll let you know when there's news."

The weight lifted off my chest and I put on a sweet smile again: "Thank you, sir!"

As soon as the words left my mouth, a large hand suddenly covered the top of my head, gently rubbing my ears.

I froze for a moment and looked up.

Blake had already withdrawn his hand, his expression as cold as ever: "Keep up the good work."

He seemed like a genuinely caring teacher looking out for his student.

If only I couldn't hear his thoughts.

"Her ears really are soft and tender..."

"I want to lock her up in here and hold her while I sleep every night..."

I fled in panic.

I nearly tripped over my own feet as I rushed out the door.

How could Mr. Blake be so different in private too?

By the end of the day, I had finally accepted my ability to hear some beast-people's thoughts.

I returned to my apartment feeling dejected, contemplating ending it all as I collapsed on the couch. Just then, I heard the sound of running water coming from the bathroom.

I glanced at the fish tank, understanding dawning. I walked over and knocked on the door: "Nolan, are you in there?"

The water stopped, followed by a weak male voice: "Yes, sorry... did I disturb you, sis?"

I sighed and turned the doorknob.

In the bathtub full of water lay a stunningly handsome young man. His sky-blue fishtail, covered in water droplets, gleamed in the sunlight streaming through the window.

Only the deep, bone-deep wound on his chest marred his beauty.

When I found Nolan washed up on shore, he was barely clinging to life, filthy and battered.

As soon as we got back to the apartment, he automatically reverted to his fishtail and slept in the water for half a month straight.

"I came to the bathroom to clean my wound. I'll tidy up afterwards..."

Nolan looked pale as he leaned against the edge of the tub. The water beneath him was already tinged a faint red with blood.

I shook my head: "Don't worry about it, just focus on healing."

As soon as I finished speaking, water splashed up.

The large fishtail rose from the surface, wrapping around my waist and forcefully pulling me into the fish tank.

Caught completely off guard, I fell onto Nolan's body. My clothes were soaked through, clinging to my skin and outlining my curves.

Nolan's arms held me tightly, his forehead pressed against the crook of my neck. His voice was low, his beautiful eyelashes wet with crystal-like water droplets, as if he'd been crying.

"Sis, I had a nightmare. Can I hold you for a while?"

I hadn't even commented on his sudden action, but hearing those words made my heart melt.

Nolan came from the Western Sea. He was the fourth prince, but unloved by his parents and nearly killed by his brothers' schemes.

I knelt straddling Nolan's body, the soft fishtail beneath cushioning my thighs so my knees weren't too uncomfortable.

I stroked Nolan's wet golden hair, my maternal instincts overflowing.

Just as I was about to say some comforting words, an inexplicable drowsiness overcame me.

I can't fall asleep here...

Even as I thought this, my eyelids grew heavier and heavier. An increasingly fierce fatigue washed over me, and I collapsed onto Nolan's chest.

Naturally, I didn't see the flash of jealousy in Nolan's cobalt blue eyes.

He lifted his head from my body, his tongue licking along my neck. No longer the harmless creature he first appeared to be, he now exuded a bewitching aura.

"These scents are so unpleasant..."

White tiger, silver wolf, eagle... Nolan's eyes darkened as he decisively removed my fake ears and tail.

"Humans should just behave themselves. Otherwise they're easily coveted..."

"Let me clean off these scents for you, sis."