The Owner Of My Chains

Nao and Raviel walked side by side into the grand breakfast hall. Nao looked pale and slightly disoriented, with a stiffness in his steps that didn't go unnoticed. Raviel, ever watchful, scanned the room carefully. His crimson eyes lingered on Isadora just a second too long. He had seen the truth—he knew who had tried to poison Nao.

They took their seats at the long table. Isadora was already there, sipping tea. Her expression shifted for the briefest moment when she saw Nao, but she quickly masked it with a warm smile.

"Oh my dear, you look a little tired. Are you alright, my son?" she asked sweetly, though Raviel could see the tension behind her eyes.

Nao nodded, forcing a calm smile. "Yes, I'm fine. Just didn't sleep well."

Raviel didn't speak. His gaze remained sharp and unreadable, fixed on Isadora with suspicion curling like smoke behind his calm demeanor.

Suddenly, Adrian looked up from his plate, eyes narrowing on Nao's neck. "What's that on your neck?"

Nao stiffened, his hand instinctively brushing the faint, reddish mark near his collarbone. "Oh, that? Just some mosquitoes. I was in the garden last night," he mumbled quickly.

Adrian raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Mosquitoes? Really... they've gotten bold."

Nao lowered his gaze and focused on his food. His heart beat faster, not from the teasing—but from the memory of Raviel's lips on his skin. The heat, the taste, the way his body responded. He couldn't stop thinking about it. What had gotten into him? He had done more than just kiss Raviel—he'd surrendered completely. And now, facing the morning light, he didn't know how to feel.

Raviel sat silently beside him, hands folded, expression unreadable—but Nao could feel his presence, steady and grounding. And yet, something heavy loomed between them... not guilt, but a strange, new awareness.

The breakfast continued, but the atmosphere was tight—sweet smiles hiding sharp daggers, secrets thick in the air.

Adrian stood from his seat, stretching slightly. "I need to head out. Later, Nao."

Nao gave a small nod. "Yeah, I have an important meeting today too. I'm done here." He pushed back his chair and stood—only to sway dangerously.

Before anyone could react, Nao's eyes fluttered shut and his body went limp.

"Nao!" Raviel shot up and caught him just in time, holding him gently but firmly in his arms.

Isadora stood, feigning panic. "Oh my son! What's happening to you?!"

Amara, quick on her feet, rushed toward the hallway. "I'll call the doctor!"

Raviel didn't wait. He carried Nao effortlessly out of the dining room and into his bedroom, laying him softly on the bed.

Isadora stood by the door, her hand pressed against her chest. Her expression was that of a concerned mother—but the flicker of a smirk at the corner of her lips didn't go unnoticed by Raviel.

Wick silently followed her as she left the room, like a shadow trailing behind its master.

Moments later, the doctor arrived. He checked Nao carefully, then pulled back with a calm nod. "He's alright—just a bit of weakness. Nothing serious. I'll give him an injection and prescribe some vitamins to help."

The doctor gave Nao the shot and handed the prescription to Amara. Isadora stepped forward again, her voice sickly sweet.

"Rest well, my son," she said, placing a light hand on Nao's arm before turning and leaving the room.

Raviel stayed seated beside the bed, his expression calm, but his mind was already working. He didn't miss the way Isadora had smiled when Nao collapsed. She was behind this—he was sure. And now, he had to act fast before she tried something worse.

In the quiet of the study room, Isadora sat on her elegant chair, legs crossed, fingers tracing the edge of her teacup.

"Wick," she said softly, "how much of it did you mix into his drink?"

Wick, standing by the fireplace, gave a small smirk. "Just the amount you instructed, my lady."

Isadora's lips curled into a cold smile. "Good. He won't die immediately... just slowly, bit by bit. Like a candle flickering out."

Meanwhile, back in Nao's room, Raviel gently held his hand, brushing his thumb across the back of it. "Are you feeling better now?"

Nao gave a slight nod. "A little better..."

Raviel leaned closer, his voice low and calming. "Don't worry. I'm always here, Nao."

Just then, a knock sounded at the door, and before Raviel could respond, Elias and Adrian stepped inside.

Elias rushed to Nao's bedside, his expression full of worry. He sat down quickly and took Nao's hand. "Are you alright? I was so scared..."

Nao smiled gently. "Why are you so worried? I'm okay."

Elias's eyes brimmed with tears. "You always neglect your health..."

Nao's heart softened. He reached up and wiped the tears from Elias's cheeks. "I'm alright now, really..."

Adrian, standing nearby, suddenly reached for Elias's wrist. "He's fine. Come with me."

Elias hesitated but stood up with a last glance at Nao.

Raviel, still seated by the bed, looked at Nao seriously. "You need to rest. And from now on... don't eat or drink anything unless I check it first. Understood?"

Nao looked into his eyes and nodded slowly, realizing just how dangerous things were becoming.

Night settled over the castle, quiet and heavy. In the warm glow of the kitchen, Amara carefully prepared a healthy meal for Nao—soft vegetables, light soup, and warm herbal tea. She placed everything gently on a tray, her expression filled with care.

Just as she was about to take the tray upstairs, Wick stepped into the kitchen, his voice smooth.

"I'll take it to the young master's room," he offered with a polite smile.

Amara hesitated, unsure. Before she could respond, a shadow fell across the doorway.

Raviel entered, his presence cold and commanding.

"That won't be necessary," Raviel said, his voice firm. "I'll take it."

Wick's expression twitched, a flicker of annoyance flashing in his eyes. "I was just trying to help—"

"I said I'll take it," Raviel repeated, stepping forward to pick up the tray himself. His eyes locked with Wick's for a moment, calm but dangerous.

Wick took a slow step back, masking his frustration with a forced smile. "Of course. As you wish."

As Raviel walked away with the tray, Amara watched silently, her heart uneasy. Something was wrong—and both she and Raviel could feel it.