Ascension Of The Villain

"Oww, oww, oww. You are hurting my shoulder."

Iyana snapped out of her bubble and instantly recoiled. Her eyes widened in horror as she spotted Vyan's shoulder wrapped in a makeshift sling.

"Oh, no, I didn't even notice. I am so sorry!" She practically vibrated with concern. Her hands fluttered uselessly around him, like she couldn't decide whether to poke, prod, or just wrap him up in bubble wrap again.

"It's fine, it's fine. I was kidding. It doesn't hurt at all," Vyan assured, trying to downplay the situation, even though it definitely hurt like a bitch.

But Iyana didn't buy his lie. She zeroed in on the sling and inspected it, her brow furrowing. "It looks like it's dislocated," she murmured, thinking, I would normally be able to fix it by myself, but… She looked up to meet his curious gaze. I don't think I have the ability to be that rough with him. "Were you hurt anywhere else, by the way?"

Vyan shrugged—well, as much as one could shrug with an injured shoulder. "Just a few scratches on my cheeks," he admitted, pointing to the faint red lines marring his face, and her heart clenched. "Oh, and these." He held up his free wrist, marked with the angry red lines from the handcuffs.

Iyana's eyes narrowed, not in anger but in focused concern. "I am going to kill this person," she muttered darkly under her breath and started swiping her head around looking for that criminal. But it turns out that Fred had been tied up with ropes and had already started his journey with him on foot with the imperial knights "Ugh, he is not here anymore."

"Well, you can see him back at the prison," Vyan suggested, joking. "I won't be against you torturing him a little.

"Oh, I will torture him."

"Wait, you just sounded serious… didn't you?"

She didn't respond to that and gently took his wrist with one hand and caressed his cheek with the other hand, examining the marks. Obviously, Vyan briefly melted under her soft touch.

Meanwhile, the surrounding knights exchanged bewildered glances, wondering if this was the same demonic Vice-Commander they had come to know and fear. The icy, no-nonsense warrior who struck terror into the hearts of enemies—and apparently also gave bear hugs and was capable of tenderly caressing someone's wounds. This softer, fussing version of her was like seeing a lion cuddling a bunny.

Clyde also was watching the entire exchange with barely concealed amusement. He bit his lip to suppress a smile. The urge to tease was strong, but he wisely decided against it, at least in front of this audience.

But the twinkle in his eye spoke volumes; he was definitely saving this moment for future teasing.

Another figure lingered in the back, watching with a carefully neutral expression. Easton's eyes clouded with an emotion he kept well-hidden. The sight of Iyana fussing over Vyan—something she never did with him—seemed to twist a knife in his heart, but his face remained impassive as ever.

He had always known who Iyana would run to as soon as he cut off their engagement. It wasn't that he was surprised. It still wasn't easier to accept it.

Iyana remained oblivious to everyone's reaction and broke out of the moment to get the latest update from one of the knights.

Understanding the situation, Iyana nodded and turned back to Vyan, her expression softening again. "Come on, let's get you to the doctor as soon as possible. You are riding with me, by the way."

Vyan raised an eyebrow, glancing at her horse. "With the speed you ride? I will fall off before we even get halfway there."

Iyana's expression turned serious, her eyes locking with his. "I would never let you fall."

The sincerity in her voice caught Vyan off guard, his usual witty retort dying on his lips. Instead, he simply nodded. "Okay."

He mounted her horse, settling himself behind the saddle. Iyana swung up in front of him and took the reins. The horse stirred, ready to gallop.

"Hold on tight," she instructed, her voice a mix of authority and care.

Vyan didn't need to be told twice. He was about to hold her when he frowned. "Can't you take your upper armor off? It will be uncomfortable to hold you."

She gave him a flat look over her shoulder, and he rolled his eyes.

"If you are that worried about our safety, I will cast an invisible protective shield around us," he whispered and shot her an annoying tight-lipped smile. "Happy now?"

"Okay," she conceded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips, and started peeling off the upper layer of her knight armor.

Once she handed over the metallic piece to one of her subordinates, she asked Vyan, "You happy now?"

In response, Vyan swiftly wrapped his good arm around her waist. "Yep." He could feel the warmth of her body now, so obviously, he was happy.

"Idiot," she muttered fondly under her breath as the horse began to move.

They set off at a quick pace, the wind picking up as they headed toward the nearest teleportation portal.

Iyana soon spoke up, "By the way, you are going to need to give a victim report on the incident at the military quarters, and I would like to be the leading officer in-charge. So, can you make some time for me around evening? I will be busy during the day with our search for Princess Maria."

Vyan sighed, the thought of formalities being the least bit of appealing. "Evening is fine. Not like I can avoid it."

As they rode on, the rhythmic sound of hooves and the warm glow of the setting sun began to lull Vyan into a sense of calm, the adrenaline from earlier slowly ebbing away and now all he was left with was mental exhaustion.

He leaned forward slightly, his voice softer now as he spoke to Iyana. "Hey… can I just rest for a bit? I feel so, I don't know, mentally drained."

Her expression softened with understanding. "Yes, of course," she softly replied, tugging at the reins to slow the pace of her horse.

Taking her words as permission, Vyan let out a tired sigh and rested his head on her shoulder. The tension in his body and mind gradually eased as he closed his eyes. The warmth of her presence was a welcome comfort after the day's ordeal.

Iyana adjusted her posture slightly, allowing him to settle more comfortably against her. The feel of his head resting on her shoulder stirred a protective instinct within her.

The world around them seemed to blur into a serene backdrop as they continued toward the teleportation portal. The sky above transitioned into deeper shades of twilight, stars beginning to twinkle faintly as night approached.

Vyan's breathing gradually evened out, and Iyana could feel the subtle rise and fall of his chest against her back. She couldn't help but smile at how easy it was for him to fall asleep with her, especially knowing he was usually unable to sleep with lavender incense.

"Seriously, how can you sleep on a horseback?" she chuckled softly, and he garbled something in response, totally talking in his sleep. It made her chuckle more.

"You are so cute," she whispered, "I love you."

———

The next time Vyan opened his eyes, he found himself in his bedroom.

"Huh? How did I get back home?" he muttered, sitting up. "Wait, my shoulder…" He rolled his previously injured shoulder, only to find it being able to move with ease.

Just then, the door to his room creaked open and Iyana walked in, dressed in a light gown. "Oh, you are finally awake, Lord Sleeps-like-a-dead-person."

"Why are you here?" he questioned, confused.

Iyana casually sat beside him on the edge of his bed, grinning. "Why else? You told me you were mentally drained, and I am here to stay for the night so that I can…" her eyebrows scrunched up. "un-drain you?"

"What?" Vyan exclaimed. "You are staying the night?"

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