The Last Step Chapter 113: Dark Lover

Celia’s Perspective:

1/1/2018 - 8:52 AM

I made my way across the labyrinth toward the park.

Crownless, this is the right path, correct?

"Yes, my queen," he replied, his tone oddly formal. "Take a left here."

I followed his voice, turning left around the street lamp that shimred with glowing fireflies. Lucas’s little "mini sun" still hung in the sky, giving the air a soft gold hue that flowed across the cobblestones.

The faint hum of laughter drifted through the air — fairies closing their stalls, children chasing each other between lanterns. My heart lightened. Just the sound of life felt comforting.

Then I saw the park gates ahead. My smile grew wide.

Without thinking, I started running, my arms pressed to my chest as excitent filled every step.

"My queen, you should proceed with caution," Crownless warned in my mind.

"Wha—"

But I barely heard him.

I slipped through the gate, the world ahead unfolding like a painted dream.

Tiny fairies fluttered through the trees, their wings scattering trails of blue dust that shimred like falling stars. Petals drifted from the branches — silver, violet, and lilac. The air slled of honey and wild grass.

For a mont, I forgot everything else. It felt like walking through a mory.

My hand rested on my other arm as my eyes scanned the open space. Then I saw him.

Kaiser.

My smile widened before freezing in place. My breath hitched.

"I warned you," Crownless muttered faintly in my mind, but I couldn’t even respond.

He was there, beneath a tall blue tree that glowed faintly from its roots to its crown. The trunk pulsed with soft azure light, and the lilac scent around it was delicate, almost divine.

And there he was — effortlessly balanced, his hand gripping a low branch, body rising and lowering in steady rhythm. He was doing one-arm pullups, his movents fluid, precise.

His expression... calm.

I hid myself behind one of the playground slides, peeking just enough to see him again.

My lips parted slightly, breath uneven. The morning light slid down the curve of his back, tracing every shape of muscle. His form wasn’t bulky — it was honed. Sharp shoulders, lean lines, and a symtry that felt... unfairly perfect.

He looks so strong... and yet, so hot.

My heartbeat wouldn’t stop racing. I pressed a hand to my chest, feeling the rhythm quicken. A warmth rose inside — maybe desire, but sothing deeper, heavier.

"You’re mine... right?"

I whispered it without realizing, my eyes trembling between awe and anxiety.

The faint glisten of sweat on his skin caught the light, turning him into sothing almost ethereal. My throat felt dry; even blinking felt wrong — like I’d miss sothing if I looked away.

He exhaled slowly, shifting his weight to the other arm. The movent made the veins on his forearm stand out. My lips curved unconsciously.

"Hot..." I muttered under my breath, the word escaping before I could stop it.

I can still recall. He once told his routine was like:

200 Pushups, 200 Pullups, 200 squats, 200 situps and then a 15 KM run... He does it daily so it makes sense but...

Then I leaned forward a bit too far — and thud!

I bumped my head against the slide I was hiding behind.

"Ow..." I whispered, rubbing my forehead.

Crownless’s voice filled my head instantly, half concerned, half amused.

"My queen, are you alright? I heard an impact."

"Shut up, Crownless," I hissed under my breath, crouching lower as Kaiser paused his motion for a second.

He didn’t notice . Thank heavens.

Still rubbing my forehead, I peeked again. And sohow, the ache faded instantly. Because all I could see was him — the man who could silence the world with a breath.

My world.

I was feeling lightheaded, my cheeks growing warr by the second, my heart hamring in my chest. I wanted so badly to care for him, to wrap him in my arms and make sure he was safe and fine.

"My hubby..." I muttered softly, almost like a whisper to myself.

I couldn’t stop picturing us together. Our marriage, just the two of us. I imagined him hugging , his warm shirt pressed against my chest, holding tightly. My hands clutched my sides, shaking slightly as I caught myself lost in the thought. A soft giggle escaped , and I slapped my cheeks lightly, feeling my blush deepen.

He ca down from the pull-up, muscles shifting with every movent, and my eyes widened again, drawn to the perfect V-taper of his back, the strength of his arms. Then he lowered himself to do push-ups, and I noticed how much more muscular he had beco. My knees felt weak, my skin flushed, and I swallowed nervously, my throat tightening like I couldn’t breathe properly.

What’s wrong with ?!

「My queen, are you lusting?」 Crownless suddenly piped up in my mind.

"SHUT UP!" I muttered too loudly. My sudden shout made Kaiser freeze mid-push-up.

He looked over, smirking with a teasing glint in his eyes.

"Oh, Ceeeeeelia!"

"Y...YES!" I stamred imdiately, my voice way too high and excited.

"Co here now." His tone was gentle, commanding, and I found myself moving toward him, my legs wobbling slightly. I raised my hands to try to hide my flushed face.

"Uh-huh? Spying on again?" he said teasingly.

"I-I wasn’t spying! OKAY?!" I stamred, flustered, hands fidgeting with my sleeves. My words tumbled out in a jumble as I tried to explain myself.

Finally, I reached him, standing across from him. Shirtless. Strong. Calm. Dangerous, in the most ridiculous way that made my heart beat faster.

I couldn’t et his eyes. My chest caved inward, my spine bent slightly, and I looked at the ground, fidgeting with the sleeves of my own shirt.

"You—" he began, but I quickly hid my face behind my white hair, cutting him off.

My heartbeat was loud in my ears, and I could feel every little tremor in my hands.

This was... terrifying and wonderful all at once. And I couldn’t help it—I loved him like this, strong and perfect, yet he was mine.

He then slowly leaned down, moving a strand of my hair aside, his gaze locking onto mine. I froze, my heartbeat skipping wildly.

"Hi, my stalker!" he said, that lazy, teasing smile curling his lips.

:)

"I... I... um... I wasn’t stalking you!" I stamred, my words tripping over themselves.

He tilted his head, smirk deepening. "Then what were you doing here? How did you find ?"

"I uhhh... ummm..." I muttered, fumbling, cheeks heating up with every second.

"Oh, look at those ears." He reached up, gently pinching them. "Red too... like an elf. How cute."

I gasped, pulling back slightly, my face burning hotter than ever. "K-Kaiser! Stop that, it’s embarrassing!"

He leaned a little closer, voice soft but dripping with teasing sarcasm. "Embarrassing, hmm? You ca all this way just to... watch shirtless?"

"I-I didn’t!" I protested, hands twisting my sleeves. "I just... I wanted to make sure you were—"

"Safe? Or just to stare at my perfect physique?" he interrupted, eyebrow raised.

"M-Maybe both! I an—ugh!" I covered my face with my hands, trying to hide the blush threatening to swallow whole.

He chuckled, that low, teasing sound that made my knees weak. "Hmm... and here I thought you were mature and serious. Turns out my little queen is... flustered and adorable."

"Stop calling that!" I snapped, though my voice was shaky, betraying my nerves. "I’m... I’m not—"

"Not what?" he pressed, leaning just close enough that I could feel his warmth. "Not in love with ? Not thinking about constantly?"

I froze, my words caught in my throat, heat radiating through . "I-I’m not thinking... I an, I—"

"Oh, really?" he said, tilting his head with that teasing smirk. "Because your eyes, your ears... they’re telling otherwise. You’ve been imagining all sorts of... things, haven’t you?"

I flushed harder, my fingers tightening around my sleeves. "K-Kaiser! I... I—"

He grinned wickedly, leaning even closer, his hand gently lifting my chin, turning my face toward his.

"Now tell ... you were fantasizing about , weren’t you?"

I let out a sharp, flustered breath, tilting my head away slightly. "You... bad boy!" I muttered, trying to sound scolding but failing completely.

He just chuckled, persistent, leaning in just enough to capture my gaze. "Hm? Co on... own up. You like seeing like this, don’t you?"

I huffed, turning my head once more, cheeks burning as I tried to maintain so dignity. Then, gathering courage.

"I was... searching for you," I said, voice shaking slightly.

"Why? Missed hugging on the bed?" he said, that teasing lilt in his voice.

I stomped my foot on the ground, cheeks blazing. "You should’ve shut up long ago! Stop saying things like that!"

"Ahahahahhah... cutie," he said, that smirk never leaving his face.

"I AM NOT!" I yelled, flustered, my hands waving uselessly in front of .

"Ahahahahahhahahahaha!!!" he laughed again, that low, teasing chuckle that made my stomach flutter uncontrollably.

I started pouting, little tears forming at the corners of my eyes, my legs shaking from how weak they suddenly felt. My heart was racing so fast I was sure he could hear it.

He leaned closer, and I imdiately looked down, unable to et his eyes. His tone softened, playful but cutting straight to my heart. "Is my voice... too hot?"

My eyes widened, my mouth parting slightly, heat blooming across my chest. I stamred, words tripping over themselves.

"I-I... I was just here to... search for you! I thought... you might be in trouble... because I care for you! I... I can’t stay normal... at ease... without knowing where you are! That’s why I ca to search! Do... do you get it now?!"

He tilted his head, hand resting on his chin, eyes sparkling with amusent.

"Hmm... you even sll fantastic. You’re a cutie, Lia, worrying about like that."

My jaw literally dropped. That was it. That was my breaking point.

I jabbed my fists lightly at his chest. "Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!"

He imdiately took a step back, hands up in mock surrender. "Okie, okie! I’m stopping!"

But as soon as I moved closer, fists still raised, he leaned forward, grinning. "Okie-dokie, fine! No more teasing!"

I jabbed again, more firmly. "Stop it! I an it! You... you’re so annoying!"

He stumbled backward a step, laughing, but not fast enough—my following punches kept landing. "Okie-okay! Jeez, calm down! I surrender, I surrender!"

"I’m... not... calm! You’re impossible, you know that?!" I exclaid, cheeks burning, heart racing, fists still fluttering like I couldn’t help myself.

He shook his head, mock-pouting now. "Im-possible... ? Nah, just irresistibly hot! But fine, fine... no more words that make your cheeks hurt."

I pressed forward again, letting out a little squeak. "I... I don’t care! Just... don’t say things like that again! You’re... you’re so... ughhh!"

He raised a finger at , still smirking, hands behind his back in a playful stance. "Alright, alright... I’ll behave... for now. But Lia..."

I froze, mid-punch, waiting, heart hamring.

"...you looked so flustered... I could practically hear your thoughts from here. Adorable."

I groaned, flustered beyond words, leaning slightly forward, fists lowering but still trembling. "Kai...!"

Finally, I cald down, leaning back against the glowing blue tree as my legs gave out. The cool grass brushed against my knees as my skirt settled softly on it. I sighed, letting the faint scent of lilacs fill my chest. My heart was still racing — not from running, but from him.

Kai moved beside , lowering himself with that lazy, graceful ease he always had. Now wearing a normal black shirt.

"You know," he said, resting his elbows on his knees, "it was my workout ti. Now you made it into another babysitting session."

"I can protect myself, thank you very much," I said, sticking my tongue out for just a second.

He chuckled under his breath. "My lovely stalker, Celia."

"Don’t call that," I said, pouting again, though I could feel the corners of my lips twitching despite myself.

"I can’t believe you really ca all this way," he continued, lying back and looking up at the floating lights above the park. "Just to bring back to bed so you can sleep a little longer... holding ."

"IT’S NOTHING LIKE THAT! Don’t start again!" I shot back imdiately, looking at him, my red eyes locking with his deep blue ones.

For a while, neither of us said anything. The air grew quiet — the kind of silence that doesn’t demand to be broken. Only the faint hum of magic and the whisper of wind between leaves surrounded us.

Then he smirked slightly, the edge of his voice dropping into sothing soft, teasing. "You’re not even blinking... are you lost in my eyes?"

"I am," I said without hesitation.

The words escaped before I could think. My body moved on its own — slow, almost weightless — drawn to him. Each breath felt heavier, my heart beating faster with every inch closer. I could see the faint shimr of sweat on his collarbone, the rise and fall of his chest, the soft glow of blue light painting him like a dream I wasn’t supposed to touch.

Kai leaned back a little, the corner of his lips quirking. "Uh... what is this?"

I didn’t answer. My hands pressed against the grass, then to his shoulder, and before I realized it, I had crawled onto his lap, straddling him gently — my skirt brushing against his knees. My fingers trembled slightly as they rested on his shoulder, but I didn’t look away this ti.

"You’ve been teasing ... saying I wanted you," I whispered, leaning closer, my voice breaking softly, "so I’m proving you right... by holding you."

His blue eyes softened, amused yet oddly sincere. "You know," he murmured, "if soone saw us, they’d definitely get the wrong idea."

"It’s just taking care of you..." I whispered, brushing my thumb lightly against his collarbone. "Just like I want to."

He exhaled, a faint laugh escaping him, but I barely heard it.

In that mont, I lost track of everything — the trees, the air, the light. There was only him. His warmth under my hands, the faint scent of sweat and soap still clinging to him, the steady pulse of his heart against mine.

My thoughts blurred into a single feeling — I wanted him close, always.

He didn’t understand. He never did.

How the smallest distance felt unbearable.

How the thought of soone else standing where I stood made my chest ache.

But even if it was selfish... even if it was wrong...

I didn’t care.

I was his — even if he never asked to be.

"Kai," I whispered softly.

He looked up at , his expression soft yet piercing. "Celia, your eyes... they’re glowing even redder than before."

I leaned closer, moving up just enough so he had to tilt his head back to et my gaze. Still straddling his lap, I could feel the love between us — the closeness, the danger, the tenderness.

His blue eyes sharpened slightly, curiosity glinting within them.

"Don’t try to move away," I murmured, my voice sweet yet warning. "I can always bring you back... using my cursed chains if I have to."

My fingers traced lightly along his collar, coiling behind his neck as my lips curved. I drew in a shaky breath, my tongue slipping out to wet my lips — the air between us tightening.

"Uh huh?" he said, that familiar teasing tone returning. "And what do you plan to do with ... if you catch again?"

I smiled faintly — it wasn’t playful this ti, but soft and trembling. "I just want to look at you," I said. "Because you’re mine."

He blinked slowly — not surprised, not rejecting — just quietly listening.

"I love this world," I whispered. "Because you’re in it. I love the light that lets see you. I’m grateful... just to be able to look at you, Kai."

The words left before I could stop them, each one raw and honest. My heart was hamring so fast it almost hurt.

"I’m growing impatient now," I murmured, my voice trembling slightly.

He tilted his head, still smiling faintly. "And what do you want to do?"

My lips parted, my breath catching. "Kiss . Now."

His eyes softened. "Oh? Is that a demand?" He grinned faintly. "I just kissed you last night."

"I want another one," I said, leaning closer until our foreheads nearly touched. My voice lowered to a whisper. "Please."

I leaned into him, my arms tightening around his shoulders as if I could fuse us together. "Kai... don’t even think about moving," I murmured, my voice low, possessive, trembling slightly.

"I... I’m better than everyone else, you know. I can take care of you. I will take care of you."

He tilted his head, that playful smirk curling his lips. "Better than everyone, huh? That’s a bold claim. Should I be scared or flattered?"

I pressed closer, hiding my face against his chest for a mont before looking up into his eyes, my red gaze glinting with intensity. "Both," I said softly.

"But mostly... you’ll have to let . You’ve always taken care of when I was weak. Now... now I’m stronger. I can handle you. I can handle everything for you."

His smirk softened, and he lifted a hand to my cheek, brushing it lightly. "Celia... what changed? You were always strong, even when you tried not to be."

I leaned into his touch, my lips twitching into a small, teasing smile. "I’m stronger now because of you. My determination to be useful to you... and because I wanted to be the one who cares for you. You’ve done so much for ... now it’s my turn."

He let out a soft, amused chuckle. "You sound like a very determined little... wife," he teased, his thumb brushing over my cheek. "Are you sure you can handle ?"

I tilted my head, my hands sliding to grip his arms, holding him firmly. "I don’t just think I can, Kai. I know I can. You even called your wife before, rember? So you better stick to it," I said, leaning closer, almost pressing my forehead against his, my voice soft but commanding.

His eyes sparkled, half amused, half tender. "Oh... so now I’m a husband in your eyes? I suppose I better behave then, huh?"

I giggled softly, pressing a finger lightly to his chin to tilt his head toward . "Now... kiss . I want one," I whispered, my cheeks warming as I stared into his blue eyes, my heartbeat hamring.

"And don’t you dare tease . I’ve been dreaming of this mont all day, especially after... seeing you like that."

"Seeing shirtless, huh? So that’s what’s causing all this intensity," he teased gently. "You’re a little obsessed, you know that?"

I blushed even harder, my hands gripping his shoulders tighter. "It’s your fault, Kai. You... just standing there... made feel this way! Now you can’t leave alone!"

"Careful, you might make too arrogant."

"I don’t care," I whispered, my lips almost touching his, my arms tightening around him. "I just want to hold you. Take care of you. Pamper you. Make sure no one else can, because... because I love you too much."

"Celia... you’re oddly romantic," he murmured, brushing his hands down my arms. "And... I think I know why."

"I don’t care... be a good boy, Kai. Kiss . I want one."

He smirked, that perfect mixture of mischief and adoration. "I think I can manage that... for my stubborn, possessive little wife."

I giggled softly, still flushed, pressing my hands to his chest. "It’s a start," I murmured. "But you’re going to have to kiss again. And again. I don’t care how many tis it takes."

"I... I want a kiss now," I whispered, leaning in, voice trembling but bold.

Kaiser sighed, brushing a thumb under my chin. "Okay, little possessive wife," he murmured, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Ti to wake up, though."

"Huh?"

Before I could blink, his figure blurred. The next instant, my cursed chains lashed out instinctively, wrapping through the air toward him—

—but he moved faster.

He grabbed one of my chains mid-flight, twisting it effortlessly. His other arm slipped behind , lifting clean off the ground like I weighed nothing.

"Wha— how did you—"

He didn’t answer. His hand caught my wrist midair, pinning it against the rough bark of the tree. I froze, breath catching.

"W-what the—"

"Shhh." His voice was low, close, almost brushing my ear. "Look... I know you aren’t Celia."

My body stiffened. "W-what...?"

He leaned closer, his breath warm against my skin. "Miss Split-Personality. I’d appreciate it if you brought the real one back."

My mouth opened, then closed again, heat crawling up my neck. "I... um... I don’t—"

My thoughts snapped back in a panic.

WAIT. WHAT WAS I DOING?!

Without realizing it, I’d been on top of him. I’d leaned in. Tried to... kiss him?

"What the hell is wrong with ?!" I scread internally. My face turned scarlet as the realization hit like a truck.

Kaiser chuckled softly, stepping back with that maddening smirk of his. "There. You’re back now, Lia."

He released my hand, and the weight of embarrassnt crushed . I dropped to my knees, burying my face in the grass. My fists punched the ground weakly as I groaned.

"NO, NO, NO! HOW COULD I— WHAT DID I JUST— UGHHH!"

He crouched down beside , still laughing. "You know," he teased, "I figured it wasn’t you the mont you started acting all seductive without turning into a blushing ss."

I slamd my fist into the dirt again. "STOP LAUGHING!"

He tried to stop, but failed miserably, his shoulders shaking. "You’re soooo adorable," he said between chuckles.

Inside my head, another voice stirred.

OBSESSION.

—That darker, silkier tone. Mine, but not mine.

"I wanted another kiss," she purred.

THAT’S NO WAY TO FORCE HIM! NOW I’M— UGH— I’M SO EMBARRASSED!

"I’m sorry..." she humd, smug. "But it was worth it."

NO, IT WASN’T—! I paused. ...Maybe a little.

Exactly. Now fix the situation, good luck, nice day.

YOU— CO BACK HERE!

Her voice faded, leaving only the sound of Kaiser’s soft chuckle breaking through my mortification.

"Mhmmm... hellooooo~" he drawled teasingly.

I peeked up from the grass, my face still redder than blood.

"There she is," he said with that smug grin. "My little possessive wife is finally back."

I let out an incoherent squeak that sounded sowhere between a scream and a dying rabbit. "AAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Kaiser completely lost it then— his laughter echoing through the clearing as I covered my face, sinking further into the grass.

Kaiser leaned back against the blue tree again, exhaling a long sigh.

"You know..." he said, turning his head slightly toward , "you were truly sothing else earlier."

He gave a little wink. That teasing grin again.

I covered my face with both hands. "I’m sorry..." I muttered through my palms.

He chuckled — low and calm. "Don’t be. It was rather enjoyable, actually."

My face grew hotter. "Enjoyable?" I repeated softly, lowering my hands.

"I’ve had worse ways to almost die," he said lightly, then added with a smirk, "besides, it’s good to know you care that much."

I wanted to disappear. Or maybe just lt into the grass beneath .

Oh my gosh... I can’t believe I just did that to him. I was on his lap. I literally tried to— no no no no no.

What does he even think of now? He must think I’m insane. Maybe I am.

But... I just wanted a kiss. Just one. Because I love him so much it.

Wait, no, no, I can’t let that thought take over again. Not after what just happened.

Does he... find annoying? For always following him? For wanting him too much? For loving him in ways I can’t even say aloud?

My hands clenched slightly against my skirt.

No. I can’t let those fears push him away.If I’m to be soone who stands beside him... I have to control this.

I stole a small glance at him.

He was leaning against the tree, arms crossed, eyes drifting between the distance and the city ahead.

Then — as if sensing my gaze — he turned his head just enough to catch my eyes, giving that knowing side-eye wink again.

My heart flipped.

I bit my lip, forcing myself to speak before my nerves ran away again.

"Hey... Kai," I murmured.

"Mhm?" he replied without looking away.

"Can we... talk?" I said quietly.