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Chapter 172: Chapter 172 Dangerous lure
Damon sighed and closed the door, shaking his head in disbelief. He turned to find Kyra standing at the top of the stairs, a curious look on her face.
"What was that about?" she asked.
"Some nonsense about a beauty contest," Damon grumbled, walking back toward her. "Apparently, it’s next week in the town center."
Kyra raised an eyebrow. "A beauty contest?"
"Yeah," Damon said, his frustration melting a bit as he looked at her. "Not that it matters. You’re the most beautiful to me, little thing."
Kyra blushed at his words, feeling a warmth spread through her. "Thank you, Damon."
He walked back up the stairs and took her hand, his thumb gently brushing over her knuckles. "Now, where were we?" he asked with a teasing smile.
However, suddenly he remembered something. Sandra always cared deeply about the annual beauty contest. Every year, her males would prepare the perfect dress, jewelry, and everything else for her. A sharp light flashed in Damon’s eyes as he had an idea.
He held Kyra’s waist, making her gasp. "Damon..." she whispered.
He leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. "How about participating in the beauty contest, little thing? My designs will get recognition, and maybe your males who are looking for you will hear about you when you become famous because of the contest."
Kyra’s eyes lit up with excitement. "Do you think that will work?" she hesitated.
"Why not?" Damon said confidently. "This beauty contest isn’t just for town females. Many different females from various places participate. With your beauty, you can easily earn the first spot."
"Then I’m in," Kyra agreed, her excitement growing.
A small smirk appeared on Damon’s face as he hugged her, his smirk widening with satisfaction. "Perfect. We’ll start planning immediately." 𝑛𝘰𝘷𝑝𝘶𝑏.𝑐𝘰𝘮
Kyra felt a surge of determination and excitement. She would do her best in the contest, not just for herself, but also for Damon, who believed in her so much. And maybe, just maybe, this would be the way to reunite with her mates.
***
At the same time, Lucas looked around the cave, frowning as he saw different types of bottles filled with fern-like plants and weeds. Vincent lay nearby, bandages on his cheeks, his eyes closed, still not awake after the treatment.
"What are those? They don’t look like healing plants." Lucas asked, his voice filled with suspicion.
Oceanus chuckled softly, and Lucas shivered at how melodic and enchanting his laughter was. "They are not," Oceanus said, and Lucas looked at him intently.
This male’s laughter could make anyone’s heart race, the way he walked gracefully and sensually, the allure his words carried. It was almost too much to handle.
"What are they for, then?" Lucas pressed, unable to tear his eyes away from the alluring healer.
Oceanus moved closer, his movements smooth and fluid. "These plants are used for a variety of purposes, some medicinal, some... Just for experiment," he explained, his voice dripping with seductive charm.
Lucas felt a strange mix of unease and fascination. "Experiment?" he repeated, trying to keep his composure.
"Yes," Oceanus said with a sly smile. "As a healer, I have to see every plant if they have any medicinal use. Just relying on the same plants wasn’t going to work."
Lucas took a step back, still wary but curious. "And what about Vincent? Will he be okay?"
Oceanus nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Yes, he just needs time to rest and recover. The treatment was intense, but it will work. Your friend will be fine."
Relieved but still on edge, Lucas glanced at Vincent, then back at Oceanus. "Thank you for helping him."
Oceanus bowed his head slightly, his turquoise eyes sparkling. "It’s my duty as a healer. And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll find yourself in need of my... services."
Lucas swallowed hard, feeling a chill run down his spine. He wasn’t sure if it was fear or something else entirely. "We’ll see," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Oceanus smiled, a knowing glint in his eyes, as he turned away to tend to his plants.
Lucas didn’t know what was happening to him. He felt like he was losing his usual thoughts and control when this male was around. Especially his voice—it was as if he wanted to keep hearing him.
Trying to shake off the strange feelings, Lucas turned back to Vincent, focusing on his recovery.
But Oceanus’s presence lingered in his mind, the allure of his words and the grace of his movements creating a Chaos within him that he couldn’t quite understand.
The more he tried to ignore it, the stronger the sensation grew, pulling him toward the unknown healer despite his efforts to resist.
Oceanus glanced back at Lucas with a smirk, his hands never stopping as he crushed some plants. Lucas was still entranced, trying to piece together his thoughts.
Just then, Oceanus’s helper, Simon, walked into the cave carrying a bowl of warm water and a clean rag. He noticed Lucas staring blankly at the healer and shook his head helplessly. It wasn’t the first time a beast had fallen for his boss’s charms.
Simon knew Oceanus well; his boss never let go of an opportunity to help someone. It wasn’t just kindness—it was the satisfaction of knowing others owed him, a favor he could call upon when needed. With his low rank, Oceanus didn’t rely on strength but on something far more powerful.
"I got a clean rag and warm water," Simon said, handing them to Lucas.
"Thanks," Lucas muttered, managing a small smile. He walked over to Vincent, sitting on the edge of the bed as he began gently wiping his face, neck, and hands.
Simon watched Lucas tend to Vincent and thought, ’Once this treatment is over, the boss will certainly enjoy watching these beasts ensnared in his web.’
Oceanus, sensing the shift in the room, turned his attention back to Lucas and Vincent. "He’s in good hands with you," he remarked, his voice alluring and soothing. "Just make sure he gets plenty of rest."
Lucas nodded, his focus on Vincent. "I will. Thank you again."
Simon watched the interaction, a knowing smile playing on his lips. He thought to himself, ’After all, who can escape the lure of a siren?’
