Sorry for the mass posting! I'm trying to get as much content out for you all lovely people before I travel on the 11th June and won't be back until 21st June. So, you should have lots of lovely stuff to read while I'm gone <3
I have 3 more requests in my inbox and I should be able to get these done before the Thursday.
Sad news is, those following my long fic, you'll have to wait until I come back for a new chapter! I'll make sure it's worth the wait, I'll make it nice and spicy <3
Kat was completely exhausted. Ever since she had started dating Erwin, Levi’s towering, brilliantly cunning right-hand underboss, her life had been a whirlwind. Between adjusting to the sheer scale of the syndicate and her own heavy work week, she desperately needed a break. And since you were a fiercely loyal friend who happened to be dating the man who owned half the luxury real estate in the city, you knew exactly how to spoil her.
Levi’s empire wasn't just built on concrete and turf wars; he owned a massive chain of five-star hotels and high-end casinos. He used them to bleed the city's corrupt, wealthy elite dry, taking their millions and quietly funnelling them back into underfunded communities and local charities.
Naturally, you decided to take Kat to The Citadel, Levi’s crown jewel, a breathtaking, ultra-exclusive hotel and luxury spa in the heart of the city.
The catch? Because Levi and Erwin were fiercely obsessive and intensely protective, they kept you and Kat completely shielded from the public eye. The staff at the hotel knew that the Underboss and his Right Hand both had women they worshipped, and the rule was absolute: never cross them. But because no one had ever actually seen your faces, you were entirely anonymous.
You and Kat strolled into the glistening marble lobby of the hotel. You were dressed casually, both of you in comfy, high-end loungewear and sunglasses, totally relaxed. Kat was holding a coffee, looking around wide-eyed. "Are you sure we can just walk in here? This place looks like it charges a grand just to breathe the air."
"Relax, it's totally fine," you giggled, pulling your sunglasses down your nose. "Levi told me to use the VIP penthouse spa. We have the whole place to ourselves."
You approached the sleek, gold-accented concierge desk. Standing behind it was a woman in a sharp designer suit, her hair pulled back into a tight, severe bun. Her nametag read Victoria, General Manager. She was currently fawning over a wealthy couple dripping in diamonds, but when she saw you and Kat approach, her polite smile instantly vanished, replaced by a cold, snobbish sneer.
"Can I help you?" Victoria asked, her voice condescending as she looked at your casual clothes. "The public cafe is down the street. This lobby is strictly for registered guests."
"We're here for the penthouse spa," you said smoothly, leaning against the marble desk. "Under Ackerman."
Victoria froze. Her eyes went wide for a split second, a flash of pure panic crossing her face. The staff had been warned this morning that the Boss's woman and the Commander's woman might be stopping by. But as Victoria looked you and Kat up and down, noticing your lack of flashing diamonds or security entourages, a dark, arrogant assumption took over her mind.
There's no way these two ordinary girls are the legendary queens of the Ackerman syndicate, she thought. They're clout-chasers. Posers trying to get a free luxury treatment.
Victoria let out a mocking scoff, crossing her arms. "Ackerman? Nice try, sweetie. Do you think I'm stupid? Look at you. You think you can just walk into a five-star establishment, drop the owner's name, and get a free pass? I know exactly who the Boss is, and he wouldn't be caught dead with clout-chasers like you."
Kat’s jaw dropped, her eyes flashing with a dangerous spark. "Excuse me? Clout-chasers? Who the hell do you think you're talking to?"
"I'm talking to two girls who need to leave before I call security," Victoria snapped, leaning over the desk, her voice sharp and incredibly rude. "People like you come in here all the time trying to play games. You don't belong here. Now, get out of my lobby."
Oh, she had picked the wrong day to be an elitist brat.
You let out an amused laugh, stepping right into Victoria's space. "Listen to me, Victoria. You have exactly three seconds to fix that ugly attitude of yours before you find out exactly how much we 'belong' here. I suggest you check the private registry before you ruin your entire career."
"My career is perfectly safe, you little poser," Victoria hissed, completely losing her professional facade. "Security! Get these two out of—"
The heavy, glass double doors of the lobby suddenly flew open.
The entire atmosphere in the room plummeted into a suffocating, terrifying silence. The wealthy guests gasped, backing away as a dozen heavily armed men in sharp, tailored black suits flooded into the lobby, quickly securing the perimeter with military precision.
And walking right through the centre of the formation were Levi and Erwin.
They looked absolutely magnificent and lethal. Erwin was a towering, imposing figure in a crisp grey suit, his blonde hair immaculate, his presence radiating the cold, calculating intelligence of a mastermind. Beside him was Levi, looking like a god of the underworld in a black suit, his tie slightly loosened, and his eyes scanning the room like a hawk looking for prey.
Victoria's face turned white. She instantly smoothed down her suit, trembling as she scrambled out from behind the desk. "Mr Ackerman! Mr Smith! Welcome! I am so sorry for the commotion. I was just handling two intruders who—"
Levi didn't even look at her. He didn't even acknowledge her existence.
The moment his eyes locked onto you, the cold, murderous mob boss completely vanished. He broke into long strides, crossing the lobby in seconds. Erwin was right behind him, his blue eyes instantly locking onto Kat with a sudden, intense protectiveness.
"Sweetheart," Levi murmured, his deep voice echoing in the quiet lobby as his large, calloused hands locked around your waist, pulling you against him. He scanned your face frantically. "What happened? I got a text from the exterior security saying there was a dispute."
Erwin stepped up beside Kat, his massive frame completely towering over her as he wrapped a heavy, possessive arm around her shoulders, his blue eyes narrowing at the staff. "Are you alright, Kat? Did someone trouble you?"
Kat smirked, leaning into Erwin's side. "Oh, we're fine, Erwin. But the manager here had some really interesting words for us."
You looked up at Levi, a wicked, teasing smile on your lips as you patted his chest. "Yeah, Levi. Apparently, we're 'posers' and 'clout-chasers' who don't belong here. She was incredibly rude to us. She was actually just about to have security throw your girlfriend and Erwin's girl out into the street."
The entire lobby went so cold you could practically see your breath.
Levi’s hands on your waist went stiff. He slowly turned his head, his eyes locking onto Victoria. The lazy, affectionate warmth in his face vanished, replaced by that terrifying Italian fury. The aura of death radiating from him was so heavy that Victoria actually stumbled backwards, her knees knocking together in sheer terror.
"Che cazzo hai detto?" Levi snarled, his voice dropping into that broad, smooth Italian accent that meant someone was about to disappear. He stepped away from you, looming over the trembling manager like an executioner. "You dare speak to my woman like that? In my own house? Sei un'imbecille!"
"B-Boss, please! I didn't know!" Victoria sobbed as she dropped to her knees. "I thought they were lying! I was just protecting the hotel!"
Erwin let out a cold, dark chuckle, his hand gently stroking Kat’s hair. "Protecting the hotel? By insulting the woman who technically owns the deed to it? Brilliant business strategy, Victoria. You're fired. Get your things and clear out before I let the Boss handle this personally."
"Get her out of my sight before I bury her in the foundation," Levi growled to his men, his jaw clenching. Two massive guards instantly grabbed Victoria by her arms, dragging the wailing, apologising woman out of the lobby.
Levi let out an irritated click of his tongue, turning back to you. The fury melted right out of him, replaced by that obsessive, yandere sweetness. He stepped right back into your space, wrapping his arms around you and burying his face in your neck, letting out a soft sigh. "I'm sorry, cara. I'll fire the entire hiring board for letting a piece of garbage like that work here. Did she upset you? Tell me what you want. I'll buy you a whole new spa."
You laughed softly, wrapping your arms around his neck, looking over at Kat, who was happily whispering with a fiercely smiling Erwin.
"I'm perfectly fine, Levi," you smiled, leaning up to press a sweet kiss to his lips. "But I think you owe Kat and me the VIP treatment after all that."
Levi's lips tugged into a dark smirk against yours, his grip tightening on your hips. "Anything you want, principessa. The whole palace is yours."
Levi was still holding you tightly against his chest, his fingers lightly tracing patterns on your waist through your clothes, his jaw tight as he glared at the spot where the manager had just been dragged away.
"Come to the VIP area with us," you murmured, leaning back to look up at his beautiful eyes. "You and Erwin need to relax. Come to the pool."
Levi clicked his tongue, adjusting his cuffs. "I can't, cara. I have a meeting with the dock union leaders in twenty minutes, and Erwin has to review the casino laundered sheets. Go with Kat, my men will guard the doors."
You blinked, immediately letting out a soft, dramatic sigh. You puffed your bottom lip out into a perfect, devastating pout, crossing your arms over your chest. "Oh... alright. I guess since you're both too busy, Kat and I will just have to go up there all alone. Maybe if we get lonely, I'll just have to find some nice, handsome man in the lobby to look after us instead..."
Erwin’s eyebrows shot up.
Beside him, Levi went still. The air in the lobby froze all over again. Levi’s silver eyes darkened into pitch-black slits of pure, obsessive panic. The thought of another man looking in your direction, let alone looking after you, made a vein throb in his temple.
"Che cazzo hai detto?!" Levi growled, his hands instantly snapping back onto your hips, pulling you so close against his belt that you could feel his heart hammering. "You won't look at another man, principessa. You won't even think about it. Erwin, cancel the dock meeting. Cancel the casino sheets. We're going to the penthouse."
Erwin let out an amused chuckle, already pulling out his phone to text his captains. He glanced down at a smugly grinning Kat. "Consider it done, Boss. I value my life too much to let the Commander’s woman wander around a resort unescorted."
Ten minutes later, the four of you were inside the ultra-exclusive, glass-domed VIP penthouse spa. The entire floor was a tropical paradise high above the city skyline, featuring a massive heated infinity pool, private hot tubs, and lush green palms, all completely blocked off from the rest of the world.
You and Kat slipped into the luxury changing rooms, emerging in your favourite bikinis. You walked out onto the warm stone tiles, your bare feet slapping softly, showing off your beautiful curves. Kat was laughing, looking completely relaxed.
When you walked out to the edge of the pool, Levi and Erwin were already waiting in their swimsuits.
Seeing Levi out of his sharp, tailored suits was a religious experience. The underboss was built like a brick wall, lean, intensely muscular, with thick, tatted forearms and a broad chest covered in faint, pale battle scars that only made him look hotter. Beside him, Erwin looked like a literal Viking, his massive, towering frame covered in intricate sleeve tattoos that stretched across his broad shoulders.
The second Levi’s eyes locked onto you in your bikini, his breath hitched. His silver gaze was dark and completely feral as it raked over your hips and bust, his possessive instincts flaring to life.
"Look at you," Levi rasped, stepping forward and immediately wrapping his tatted arms around your bare, warm waist. He lifted you easily, ignoring your giggles as he stepped right into the heated crystalline water of the infinity pool. "Bringing me up here in a suit just to drive me insane in this bikini, brat."
"You love it," you teased, wrapping your legs around his hips as the warm water swirled around you both.
Across the pool, Erwin let out a deep, rumbling laugh as he easily scooped Kat up into his arms, carrying her into the water while she screamed with laughter, splashing him playfully. The terrifying, brutal Commander of the syndicate was completely soft, letting Kat splash his face while he smiled down at her with pure adoration.
For the next few hours, the concrete jungle and the brutal politics of the mafia completely vanished. It was just the four of you, playing, splashing, and having the absolute best time in your own private sanctuary. You floated on Levi’s chest, tracing the tattoos on his shoulders while he quietly murmured sweet, possessive Italian praise into your ear, his hands never leaving your skin.
Kat and Erwin were practically in their own world, racing across the pool and laughing so loudly the sound echoed off the glass dome.
As the sun began to set over the city, painting the sky in deep shades of gold and violet, you leaned your head against Levi’s wet shoulder, completely content. The terrifying underboss kissed the crown of your head, his arms holding you securely against his heart. You had successfully helped your friend, humbled an elitist manager, and gotten your obsessive mob boss all to yourself. It was a perfect day.
Hi! I was the one who asked for the yumeship one-- i was thinking we would be fictional! How Levi is fictional to our world. But please, do whatever you please hehe
Across the Pages
Levi x fem reader
For Levi, the corporate world was something he conquered with a cold, ruthless efficiency. As the CEO of a multi-million dollar security empire, he was used to absolute control. But in the privacy of his massive, modern penthouse, he had a secret that none of his board members would ever guess.
He was completely, utterly devoted to an anime character.
You were the protagonist of the world's most popular dark-fantasy manga, Attack on Titan. You were humanity’s strongest soldier, a fierce, brilliant warrior who carried the weight of the world on your shoulders. Levi was a massive fan, no, a massive self-shipper. His private study was lined with custom-made glass cabinets showcasing every single piece of merchandise of you, from limited-edition figures to intricate, high-quality replicas of your Scout uniform. He spent his late nights reading reader-insert stories on his tablet, quietly wishing he could have been there to protect you from the horrors of your universe.
Tonight, the final manga chapter has officially dropped.
Levi sat at his desk, staring at the digital pages. His heart was in his throat as he read the conclusion. You had survived the final battle, standing victorious amidst the ruins, but you had lost so much. The story was over. There would be no more updates. No more new panels of your beautiful, fierce face.
A sadness settled deep into Levi's chest. He locked his tablet, running a hand through his dark hair. "At least you're alive, brat," he muttered to the empty room, looking up at his favourite scale figure of you. "No more pain. I guess I'll just have to wait for the new anime season and the video game to see you again."
With a weary sigh, the CEO turned off the lights and went to bed, the quiet grief of a dedicated fan lingering in his mind as he drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, the bright city sunlight filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of his bedroom. Levi stirred, rolling over onto his side, expecting to find empty sheets.
Instead, his arm brushed against something solid, warm, and textured.
Levi's eyes snapped wide open. Sitting up abruptly, the breath was completely knocked out of him.
Lying right beside him on his sheets was a woman. She was fast asleep, her breathing deep and even. She didn't have a scratch on her, but she was clad in a perfectly tailored, pristine green Scout regiment cloak, white trousers, and the unmistakable brown leather straps of the Omni-Directional Mobility gear.
It was you. The real, living, breathing you.
"What the fuck..." Levi breathed, his heart hammering against his ribs. He froze, wondering if he was having the most vivid, lucid dream of his entire life.
Your eyes fluttered open at the sound of his voice. You blinked against the bright sunlight, your survival instincts instantly kicking in. You bolted upright, your hand instinctively dropping to your hip where your blades usually rested, only to find your scabbards empty. You scrambled backwards against the headboard, taking in the massive, luxurious bedroom, the high-tech appliances, and the sharp-eyed man staring at you in utter shock.
"Where... where am I?" you gasped, your voice trembling as you looked at your hands. The scars, the dirt, the lingering ache of a lifetime of war, it was all gone. You felt light. Whole. "Who are you? Is this Marley?"
Levi swallowed hard, slowly holding up his hands to show he wasn't a threat. For a man who ran a corporate empire, he was completely at a loss for words. "You're... you're in my home. You're safe. Nobody is going to hurt you here."
You frowned, your eyes scanning the room for an exit, but then they caught on the open door leading into his adjacent study.
Your jaw dropped.
Through the glass doors, you could see rows upon rows of... yourself. There were paintings of your face on the wall. Small, perfectly sculpted plastic statues of you swinging from wires. Cushions with your face printed on them. Even a replica of your green cloak hung on a mannequin in the corner.
You slowly climbed out of the bed, your bare feet sinking into the carpet as you walked into the study, entirely bewildered. Levi scrambled out of bed, hovering a distance behind you, his face burning a bright red.
"Is this... me?" you whispered, picking up a small chibi figure of yourself. You turned around to face him, your eyes wide with confusion. "What is this place? How do you know what I look like? How do you know about the Scouts?"
Levi rubbed the back of his neck, looking anywhere but at your piercing gaze. The powerful CEO was completely flustered, his ears turning crimson. "Your world... your life. Here, it's a story. A manga. Millions of people read it. I'm... a big fan of yours. I collect your things."
You stared at him, the weight of his words sinking in. Your entire life, the titans, the blood, the friends you watched die, the agonising choices you had to make, it was all just a fictional tale created by someone in this strange, peaceful world. For a moment, a wave of profound shock washed over you.
But as you looked around the room, seeing the sheer care and love put into his collection, and then looked back at Levi, who was currently soaking in embarrassment, looking like a tough guy who had just been caught reading a romance novel, the shock melted into something entirely different.
You let out a soft, breathy laugh, tears pricking the corners of your eyes. "So... it's over? Is the war done? I don't have to fight anymore?"
"Yeah," Levi said softly, his eyes melting as he stepped a little closer, his protective instincts overriding his embarrassment. "It's completely over. You survived. You're free."
A smile broke across your face, the first real smile you had worn in an eternity. You set the little figure down and looked at him teasingly, crossing your arms over your Scout jacket. "A big fan, huh? You even have a giant blanket with my face on it over there. That's pretty cute."
Levi's jaw tightened as his blush deepened all the way to his collarbone. He let out a quiet click of his tongue, crossing his arms to try to regain his composure. "Tch. Don't get cocky, brat. I just appreciate a good soldier."
You giggled, stepping closer to him, the gap between your worlds completely vanishing. You looked around the beautiful, high-tech penthouse, then looked up at his handsome, flustered face. "Well, humanity's strongest doesn't have a home, money, or any idea how to live in this world. What am I supposed to do now?"
Levi stopped looking away. He met your eyes, his gaze turning incredibly serious, intense, and filled with the deep, unshakeable devotion he had harboured for you across the pages for years.
He stepped right into your space, his hand coming up to gently tuck a strand of hair behind your ear.
"You don't have to worry about a damn thing," Levi murmured, as he placed his hand over his chest, mimicking the salute of your world but making it entirely personal. "I have more than enough to give you everything you could ever want. From now on... I'll dedicate my heart to looking after you."
Can you make a NSFW modern era when the reader is in a trip with her family for two weeks but levi can't stand and missing his girlfriend so much as they never be apart for long time like that so he surprises her at their trip and they have reunion passionate lovemaking session ✨️
Two-week itch
Levi x fem reader
Two weeks. It had been fourteen days since you boarded a flight with your parents and siblings for a massive family reunion trip, and it had been fourteen days of absolute torture. You and Levi lived together, worked around each other's schedules, and rarely spent more than a single night apart.
Your phone was practically burning a hole in your pocket from the sheer volume of text messages. Levi was miserable. Every photo you sent him of the beach or the family dinners was met with a blunt, desperate text: Come home. The bed is too big. I hate this.
On the tenth afternoon of the trip, your family had all gone down to the hotel lobby to book a boat excursion, giving you a precious two-hour window of total quiet to just lie on the king-sized bed and miss your boyfriend in peace.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
You frowned, sitting up. Your family had their own key cards. Assuming it was room service or a confused hotel guest, you padded across the carpet barefoot, pulling open the door.
The breath was instantly knocked out of your lungs.
Standing in the hallway was Levi. He looked completely out of place in the tropical resort hotel, wearing his signature dark jeans, a crisp black t-shirt, and a leather jacket slung over one shoulder. His dark hair was slightly messy from travel, and his silver eyes were wide, intense, and absolutely feral the second they locked onto you.
"L-Levi?" you gasped, your eyes widening in pure shock. "What are you—"
He didn't let you finish. Levi dropped his leather jacket to the floor, stepped into the room, and slammed the door shut behind him, the lock clicking into place.
He didn't say a single word. He didn't explain. He was entirely consumed by a manic, impatient need to have you in his space. His large, warm hands instantly locked around your waist, his grip tight as he lifted you off your feet and drove your back hard against the solid, painted wall beside the door.
A breathless cry tore from your throat, and your legs wrapped around his hips to lock yourself to his frame.
"Levi, oh my god," you sobbed into his neck, your arms wrapping tightly around his shoulders as his scent flooded your senses.
"Shut up," he rasped, his voice a broken whisper against your skin. "Don't talk. Just let me look at you."
He pulled back just an inch, his silver eyes dark and blown out with a beautiful intensity. He scanned your face, your flushed cheeks, your bare shoulders, as if ensuring you were actually real and not a hallucination. "Fourteen days," he growled, his jaw clenching. "I almost lost my mind. Never again."
His mouth crashed down onto yours with a consuming passion.
It was a desperate, starved reunion. Levi’s tongue parted your lips with a demanding swipe, driving deep into your mouth and swallowing your soft, needy whimpers. His lips were against yours with a ruthless hunger that made your head spin. His hands slid down from your waist to cup the undersides of your thighs, holding your legs securely around his waist as he pressed his entire, heavy, muscular chest flat against your breasts, trapping you against the wall.
You could feel the hard, rigid length of his cock pressing aggressively through his jeans right against your aching, soaked entrance. You were already dripping, your body reacting instantly.
"Levi... please," you whined into his mouth, your fingers clawing at the fabric of his shirt. "Right here. Please, I need you inside me."
"I'm not waiting," he growled against your lips.
With impatient movements, Levi let go of one of your thighs, keeping his other arm locked like a vice under your knee to keep you pinned to the wall. He reached down, hooking his fingers into the waistband of your shorts and underwear, pulling them down your legs in one ruthless tug until they fell to the floor. He didn't even bother taking off his own pants; he just unzipped his jeans, his thick, fully erect shaft springing free, pulsing with a heavy urgency.
He guided his broad, hot tip to your slick, weeping centre.
"Look at me," Levi commanded.
You blinked through a haze of tears, meeting his fierce, devoted gaze. With a sudden, heavy drive of his hips, Levi buried his full length into you in one deep thrust.
A loud, shattered wail escaped your lips, the sound echoing off the hotel walls as his thick shaft filled your tight hole. The sheer fullness of him stretched your walls, your tight internal muscles instantly clamping down around him in a desperate, soaking embrace.
"Fuck... you're so tight, sweetheart," he groaned, his eyes closing as he began to fuck you right there against the wall.
His pace was frantic and heavy. Because he was supporting your weight, every driving thrust was incredibly deep, hitting your G-spot with a devastating, breathtaking accuracy. He buried his face in the crook of your neck, his mouth pressing hot, messy kisses to your collarbone, his chest grinding against yours with every single stroke. He wanted no air between your bodies. He was fusing you back to him, erasing every single second of the last two weeks.
The friction was blinding. Your pussy was so sensitive from the weeks of aching for him that the ruthless, steady rhythm immediately began to pull you toward a shattering climax.
"Levi, I'm going... I'm going to come," you sobbed, your fingers digging into the muscles of his back as your hips instinctively rose and fell against the wall to meet his thrusts.
"Come for me," he growled, his pace turning rough as he felt your tight walls begin to twitch and clamp down on his shaft.
With a sharp, breathless cry, your body shattered, your internal walls convulsing around him in massive waves. The crushing tightness of your release broke Levi's control completely. With a guttural groan, he drove his hips forward a few times with terrifying force, locking himself deeply inside your core as his own release ripped through him. He came deep inside you, his hot seed bursting into your core in heavy, thick pulses that seemed to go on forever.
He held you there against the wall for a long, quiet minute, both of your chests heaving as your breathing gradually slowed together. Levi’s spent cock was still resting deep inside your twitching, soaking body, keeping you completely plugged.
Slowly, carefully, Levi eased his hips back, letting your feet touch the carpet. Your knees immediately buckled, but he caught you instantly, sweeping you up into his arms before you could fall.
He carried you away from the door, walking over to the massive king-sized bed. He lay you down gently on the white sheets, immediately climbing over you to press his body back down against yours. He slipped off his shoes and trousers, tossing them carelessly to the floor, before pulling the heavy duvet over both of your naked, sweat-slicked bodies.
The frantic, impatient urgency was gone, replaced now by a deep, lingering tenderness.
"Now," Levi murmured as he tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. His eyes were completely soft now, filled with adoration. He leaned down, his lips brushing yours in a slow, sweet kiss. "We have the rest of the afternoon. And I am going to make love to you until you forget what it feels like to be away from me."
He slid his hands down your waist, his thumbs caressing your hips as he slowly guided his thick shaft back toward your wet, sensitive entrance, prepared to spend hours worshipping every single inch of your body in the quiet, sunlit room.
Hi! I love your works so much 💖 I request something of course only if you want to 💕
A oneshot. About witch reader who was sent to God levi to actually harm/kill him because his enemies told her/mind wash that he's a bad person but when she knows him she discoveres how sweet and gentle he's and falls so deeply in love with him so instead of hurting him she decides to protect him. Also levi fell in love with her from the first time he saw her.
Maybe can you add a scene from the first time levi confesses to her when she cries and tells him about everything thinking that he might kill her but instead he kisses her.
You belong to the mountain
God Levi x fem reader
The air inside the great timber sanctuary smelled of dry moss, burning ash logs, and the clean scent of crushed juniper berries. For weeks, your bare feet had trodden softly across the heavy stone floors, the dark runes and protective sigils inked along your ankles and the tops of your hands occasionally humming with a faint, anxious magic.
You were a witch of the ancient woods. You had been sent here by the elders of the rival clans, men who had bound your mind with dark, twisting spells, whispering that the old god of the mountain, Lord Levi, was a ruthless monster who demanded blood and ruin. They had given you a dagger carved from the bone of a winter wolf, enchanted to pierce an immortal’s heart.
But from the very first moment you had stepped into his grove, a shivering, brainwashed assassin, everything had gone entirely wrong.
Levi hadn't struck you down. He hadn't unleashed the biting winter winds to freeze your blood. The moment his sharp, silver eyes had landed on your trembling form, something had shifted in his gaze. He had fallen in love with you instantly, a silent, absolute claim that defied the laws of the realm.
Instead of a tyrant, you found a god who was gentle. Levi, clothed in heavy furs and dark tunics, spent his days quietly tending to the ancient forest. He would sit with you by the hearth for hours, his large, calloused hands carefully sorting through your dried herbs, helping you grind sage and rowan bark for your potions. He spoiled you with the rarest mountain flowers, and whenever the frost grew too biting, he would pull you directly into his lap, wrapping his massive fur cloak around your bare shoulders to keep you warm against his chest.
The contrast was tearing you apart. The brainwashing was cracking under the weight of his pure, protective adoration.
Tonight, the guilt finally shattered you.
You were standing in the centre of his private solar, desperately trying to sort a bundle of dried lavender to calm your racing heart. Levi entered the room quietly, his heavy boots making no sound on the furs covering the floor. He stepped up right behind you, his presence instantly radiating a deep, comforting heat that chased away the mountain chill.
"You're pressing too hard, brat," his voice rumbled near your ear. "You're crushing the flowers into dust."
You froze as his large, warm hands slid around your waist from behind, his thumbs gently rubbing circles through the linen of your tunic, right over the protective runes inked onto your hips. He leaned down, burying his face in the crook of your neck, letting out a soft, contented sigh.
"I've been thinking," Levi murmured, his grip tightening just a fraction, pulling you completely against his solid frame. "The spring thaw is coming. I want to properly bind you to this grove. I want you to stay with me for eternity. As my mate. My queen."
A sharp, ragged gasp tore from your throat. The final thread of the clan's brainwashing snapped entirely under the pure, unconditional love in his voice. You couldn't do it. You would never hurt him; you would tear the world apart before you let anyone touch a single hair on his head.
You spun around in his arms, the bundle of lavender slipping from your fingers and scattering across the floor.
"Levi, no, stop, please," you sobbed, hot tears finally bursting past your lashes, tracking down your cheeks. Your whole body was shaking so violently that your knees began to give out, but Levi caught you instantly, his strong arms hooking under your thighs to hold you up.
"Hey. What is it?" Levi’s silver eyes widened with a rare, sudden panic. His brow furrowed, his hands coming up to cup your face, his thumbs frantically wiping at your tears. "What's wrong? Are you hurt? Tell me who did this."
"I lied to you!" you wailed, burying your face in your hands, the guilt pouring out of you like an open wound. "They brainwashed me, Levi! The elders... they told me you were a monster. They sent me here to assassinate you! I have a wolf-bone dagger hidden beneath the floorboards. I was supposed to kill you!"
You braced yourself for his wrath. You pulled back, your bare feet hitting the floor as you shrank away, waiting for his eyes to glow with divine fury, waiting for him to destroy the witch who had smuggled treason into his sacred home.
"I'm sorry," you whispered, choking on your tears, your hands covering your face. "I'm so sorry. I love you so much... I'll leave, I'll protect you from them from the outside, just please don't hate me—"
Levi didn't move an inch away from you.
He stood perfectly still among the scattered lavender, his expression calm, almost soft. He didn't look at the floorboards where the dagger was hidden. He only looked at you, your tear-stained face, your bare, trembling feet, and the fierce, protective love blazing in your eyes through your panic.
With a low, slow sigh, Levi stepped forward, completely closing the distance between you.
He didn't raise his hand in anger. Instead, his fingers tangled gently into your hair, tilting your face up, and he brought his mouth down onto yours in a deep, crushing, and incredibly sweet kiss.
You let out a muffled, startled sob into his mouth, your hands instinctively clutching at his heavy tunic. The kiss was thick with an unshakeable assurance. He swallowed your tears, his tongue parting your lips with a slow, possessive stroke that effectively silenced all your fears, anchoring your frantic soul back to the earth.
When he finally pulled back just a fraction, his forehead rested against yours, his breath hot against your lips.
"You think I didn't know?" Levi murmured, his gravelly voice soft, a knowing, wicked glint in his silver eyes. "I am a god of these mountains, brat. I knew what was in your heart the moment you crossed my border. I saw the dark magic your elders bound you with."
You blinked through your tears, completely stunned. "You... you knew?"
"Tch. Of course, I knew," he muttered, his thumb tracing your bottom lip. "But I also saw how hard you were fighting it. I saw how you looked at me when you thought I wasn't watching. You think I care about a bone dagger? Let them come. Let the whole world come to this grove."
Levi leaned down, pressing another fierce, lingering kiss to your lips before sliding his hands down to grip your waist, lifting you slightly so you had to look him in the eyes.
"You chose to protect me," he growled softly, a deep purr vibrating in his chest. "That means the covenant is sealed. You belong to the mountain now, sweetheart. And tomorrow, we're going to go hunt down those elders who dared to touch your mind."
Can you make a oneshot about demon levi accidentally rescuing the reader as she was in danger and after that they fell in love with each other despite she knows he's a demon ? Maybe the stages of their relationship how they met and fell in love.
Also can you add something spicy/ smut in it ? ☺️❤️
Soul Capture
Demon Levi x fem reader
Had to cut and edit a lot, otherwise this would have become a long fic.
In the deepest palaces of the Underworld, where the air was scented with incense and the cold glow of spirit fire, the right hand of the Death God was known for his absolute, merciless precision. Lord Levi Ackerman wore heavy, midnight-black silk robes embroidered with silver dragons, his dark hair held back by a sharp jade crown. He was the warden of souls, the executioner of the damned.
Yet, in his private chambers, his hands were gentler than a summer breeze as he slid a magnificent, gold-plated crane hairpin into your hair.
You sat before his bronze mirror, dressed in flowing crimson robes. The room was filled with exquisite treasures, silk tapestries, pearl-inlaid chests, and a small army of ghost maids who had just left after bathing you in scented waters. Levi had spoiled you rotten, surrounding you with every luxury the spiritual realm could offer.
"Beautiful," Levi murmured, his deep voice against your ear as he leaned down, his hands resting on your shoulders.
You looked at his reflection in the glass, your heart swelling. Even knowing his true nature, knowing the terrifying demonic power that slept beneath his pale skin, the sharp fangs that hid behind his lips when his hunger flared, you felt safe.
"You give me too many of these," you teased softly, touching the heavy gold hairpin. "I only have one head, Levi. I can't wear a hundred pins at once."
"Tch. Quiet," he muttered, though the corners of his lips twitched upward. He bent his head, pressing a warm, lingering kiss to the side of your neck, his thumbs rubbing soothing circles into your collarbone. "If I want to deck my woman out in the finest gold in the three realms, no one is going to stop me."
Looking at his dark, fiercely devoted eyes, your mind drifted back to the night your eternity began.
It had been a mistake of the heavens. A sudden accident in the mortal realm had severed your thread of life too early, sending your confused, fragile soul tumbling down into the underworld. You had found yourself wandering the misty bank of the river, freezing and terrified, surrounded by weeping ghosts waiting to cross the bridge to reincarnation.
Levi had been there, inspecting the souls. He was a terrifying sight, eyes glowing a dangerous, piercing silver, an aura of absolute death radiating from his frame. The ghosts had shrunk away from him in horror.
But when his eyes fell upon you, he stopped dead in his tracks. He saw immediately that your fate had been miscalculated; you didn't belong in the ledger of the dead yet. But instead of sending you back to a broken, empty mortal shell, something ancient and possessive had snapped inside the demon lord. He had walked right through the mist, swept you up into his heavy silk robes, and carried you away from the bridge, defying the laws of heaven and hell just to keep you.
At first, you had been terrified of him. He was a creature of darkness, and the physical distance between you was vast. You stayed confined to his palace, hiding beneath the blankets. But Levi had been patient. He didn't force himself on you; instead, he brought you hot tea, ordered the maids to weave you the softest silks, and spent hours sitting by your bed in the quiet dark, letting you adjust to his heavy, overwhelming presence.
Gradually, the fear had melted into curiosity, and curiosity into an agonisingly deep love. You realised his demonic nature was just a shield; to you, he was a protector, a saviour, a man who worshipped the very ground you walked on.
"What are you thinking about, brat?" Levi's gravelly voice broke your reminiscing.
You turned around in his lap, wrapping your arms around his neck, your crimson robes parting slightly to reveal the smooth curve of your collarbone and the swell of your breasts. "Just remembering how you stole me from the reincarnation bridge."
Levi’s silver eyes darkened instantly, a heavy, hungry warmth flooding his gaze as he looked down at your parted lips. His hands slid down your waist, his grip tightening as he pulled your hips against his thighs.
"I didn't steal you," he growled softly, his thumb tracing your bottom lip. "I claimed what was mine. Heaven made a mistake, and I corrected it. You belong in my palace, in my bed, under my body."
He didn't give you a chance to reply. Levi leaned down and captured your mouth in a deep, burning kiss that tasted of sweet wine and dark obsession. His tongue parted your lips with a heavy, possessive stroke, drowning your soft sigh as his hand moved to the sash of your robes, untying it with a single tug.
The cold air of the underworld hit your bare skin, but it was instantly scorched away by the intense, otherworldly heat of Levi's body as he lifted you in his arms, carrying you toward the silk-draped bed to finally show you exactly how much he adored his stolen soul.
Levi laid you down gently onto the sea of black silk sheets, the heavy crimson fabric of your robes spilling outward like a blooming lotus. He hovered over you, the midnight-black silk of his own robes sliding off his broad shoulders as he bared his chest to you.
As his arousal flared, his demonic nature began to bleed beautifully to the surface. From beneath his dark hair, two sleek, polished obsidian horns curved elegantly upward, catching the dim, ethereal glow of the spirit fires. His strong hands shifted, his nails extending into sharp, beautiful black claws that gleamed like polished jade.
You didn't shrink away. Instead, you let out a soft sigh and reached up, your fingers delicately brushing against the smooth, cool base of his horns before your palms slid down to cup his jawline.
Levi let out a low, guttural purr at your touch, his silver eyes turning dark, blown out with a heavy, lazy lust. "You aren't afraid of me," he murmured, his fangs catching the light as he spoke. "My beautiful, brave brat."
"Never," you whispered, leaning up to press a soft, lingering kiss to his lips. "Show me all of you, Levi."
He didn't need to be told twice. With agonising patience, Levi used his sharp black claws to carefully part the rest of your robes, his touch lighter than a feather despite the lethal sharpness of his hands. He ran the smooth backs of his black fingers down the inside of your thighs, a delicious, tingling shiver rippling through your core as your body instantly began to weep for him.
He moved between your legs, his heavy weight a comforting, solid warmth over your body. When he freed his cock, your breath hitched in your throat. It was thick, dark, and uniquely demonic, ridged with soft, intricate pleasure bumps and a velvety texture that was explicitly designed to drive a partner to absolute madness.
"Look at me," Levi rasped, his voice dropping into a deep vibration that resonated in your chest. He hooked his large, clawed hands under your hips, lifting you slightly. "Tell me you're ready."
"Please, Levi," you begged softly, your fingers reaching up to grip the base of his horns for grounding. "I want to feel you."
With a slow push, Levi sank into you.
A gasp tore from your lips, your head falling back into the silk pillows as his textured length slid smoothly inside your tight, slick heat. The sensation was overwhelming; the soft pleasure bumps along his shaft rubbed ruthlessly against your internal walls, stimulating every single nerve ending with a devastating, breathtaking accuracy. Your internal muscles instantly clench around him in a desperate, tight hug as soon as he presses every inch inside you.
Levi let out a dark, ragged groan, his eyes closing as he buried his face in the crook of your neck. He stayed entirely still for a long moment, allowing your body to stretch and adjust to the otherworldly fullness of him.
"Fuck, you feel so good," he growled into your skin, his breath scorching hot. "So warm. I stole you from death just to have you wrap around me like this."
He began to move, his hips rolling in a slow, deep, and incredibly romantic rhythm. He was so gentle with you, keeping his sharp claws carefully braced on the mattress beside your head so he wouldn't scratch your skin, while his body delivered a steady, relentless wave of pleasure. Every upward thrust hit your G-spot perfectly, the unique texture of his demon cock turning the slow pace into an agonisingly beautiful torment.
You sobbed his name into the quiet room, your hands tightening around his obsidian horns, using them to pull him down into a deep, messy kiss. Levi swamped your mouth, his tongue tangling with yours in a lazy, possessive dance that perfectly mirrored the friction of his hips.
The double stimulation of his deep, textured penetration and his intense emotional devotion was too much to bear. A heavy, coiled heat snapped in your lower stomach, and your body shattered into your first explosive climax, your walls pulsing around him.
Levi let out a dark, guttural moan as your tight release milked him ruthlessly. The primal, demonic instinct took over, and his pace turned slightly faster, his thrusts driving deeper and heavier into your soaking core, pursuing his own release.
"Come with me again, sweetheart," he panted, his silver eyes flashing in the dark as he looked down at your flushed, undone face. "Let me fill your soul up."
You bucked against his hips, caught in the residual waves of your orgasm as he drove you right back over the edge. With three more heavy, deep plunges, Levi’s entire body went rigid. He locked his hips tightly against yours, fangs bared as he ejaculated deep inside you, his hot demonic seed bursting into your core in thick, heavy pulses that seemed to vibrate through your very soul.
He collapsed gently over you, his horns brushing against your cheek as he buried his face in your hair. His black claws shrank back into regular, pale fingers as the demonic energy subsided, leaving him entirely soft and spent against your chest.
He didn't pull out; he stayed plugged deep inside your twitching, soaking heat, his arms wrapping around your waist to hold you close.
"Mine," Levi murmured into the dark, his voice a warm, protective shield that would lock out the rest of the three realms for eternity. "Always mine."
In this chapter - you visit Erwin's land for a little honeymoon with your husband. You meet a woman from Levi's past.
Ao3
Part 5
The crisp breeze of the southern coast carried the lively chatter of the busy docks, where the gentle waves of the ocean rolled softly against the shore. The port town was bursting with life, a vibrant spot where humans and elegant elves worked and mingled under the sunlight.
For Count Levi Ackerman, however, it was a test of absolute patience.
Stepping out of the luxurious carriage, Levi huffed, his brow furrowing beneath his dark sunglasses. He adjusted his leather gloves and popped open a large black sun umbrella, casting himself in a protective layer of shade. There was entirely too much sun, far too much noise, and the sheer volume of people crowding the bustling docks was already grating on his nerves.
But just as a scowl began to form on his lips, a voice like soothing silk drifted from the carriage cabin.
"Oh, wow! Levi, look at this place! It's the ocean!"
Hearing your joy instantly shattered Levi's irritation. He turned his head, his eyes softening completely behind his dark lenses as he watched you lean out of the carriage. You looked radiant in your lightweight summer dress, wearing the wide-brimmed sun hat he had fiercely insisted you wear to protect your delicate skin. Levi fell in love with you all over again right then and there. You were his shining star, completely illuminating the dreary world around him. Beneath the thin fabric of your dress, the brilliant Blossoming Vessel markings caught the sunlight, pulsing with a faint, silvery-flower glow, a gorgeous testament to the many days and nights of deep, passionate lovemaking you had shared since sealing your bond.
Consumed by your beauty and unable to resist your pull for even a second longer, Levi closed the distance between you. Dropping his umbrella, shocking his butler and causing your maid, Luna, to gasp in surprise, Levi reached up, wrapped his powerful hands around your curvy waist, and effortlessly hoisted you out of the carriage.
You let out a delightful laugh, your hands catching his broad shoulders as he lowered you down into his arms. Right there, in full view of the passing sailors, merchants, and noble travellers, Levi leaned in and kissed you deeply. He didn't care about decorum or the eyes of the public; his yandere-tinted instincts demanded that he claim his beautiful wife the moment she stepped onto new soil.
"Kitten?" you giggled.
Levi focused on your face, his dark aura melting away. "Mmm?"
"Can you put me down?" you teased softly, gesturing to the floor. "And you need your umbrella so you can stay big and strong."
He reluctantly placed your feet back on the ground, though his hands lingered possessively on your hips. "I don't want to let you go. Not in a crowd like this."
You picked up his fallen umbrella, holding it high above his raven hair. "I know, my darling kitten, but I worry about your health in this heat."
"I have a massive amount of your sweet blood humming in my veins, little star," Levi murmured, his gloved hand rising to tenderly caress your cheek. "I am strong because of you. The sun means nothing compared to what you give me."
Leaning up on your tiptoes, you pressed another sweet kiss against his lips, whispering playfully against his mouth, "I wanna eat you." Before he could respond to that deliciously teasing invitation, you giggled and walked over to where your maid was waiting with the luggage. "Luna! Let's make sure we find something incredibly tasty to eat right after Duke Erwin arrives!"
Luna giggled, bowing her head warmly. "Yes, Countess. I hear the seafood in the southern territories is unparalleled."
Before your conversation could continue, the rhythmic thud of hooves drew the attention of the crowd. Pushing through the bustling streets on a magnificent steed came Duke Erwin Smith. Dressed in light, flowing elven silks perfectly suited for the warm southern climate, the Duke looked absolutely godly. Born to a pure-blood vampire father and an elven mother who possessed the rare Blooming Vessel markings, Erwin inherited the finest traits of both worlds, including the slightly pointed ears that gave him an ethereal, aristocratic edge. He was a man of terrifying intelligence and possessed an iron, yet beloved, grip on the southern lands. He was also one of the very few people Levi genuinely considered a true friend.
Erwin smoothly slipped off his horse, handing the reins to a waiting attendant. He approached your small group, a bright, charming smile breaking across his handsome features as he bowed deeply to you.
"What an absolute honour it is to finally meet my dear friend's legendary wife," Erwin said, his deep, resonant voice carrying the smooth grace of his elven heritage.
You giggled softly as Erwin gently took your hand, lifting it with practised nobility to press a respectful, lingering kiss against your knuckles. "Charmed to meet you, Duke," you replied.
"Erwin, please," he corrected smoothly, his blue eyes crinkling with warmth as he looked down at you. "Titles make things entirely too stuffy down here in the south."
Before the Duke could even straighten his posture, a cold, oppressive shadow suddenly fell over the interaction. Levi stepped forward, grabbing your wrist and pulling you firmly behind his broad shoulders, completely breaking Erwin's hold on your hand. His eyes flashed with a dangerous, territorial glint.
"That's my wife's hand, Erwin," Levi rumbled.
Erwin didn't flinch. Instead, he raised his hands in a calm, amused gesture, a knowing smile playing on his lips as he looked at his possessive friend. "I am merely offering a proper southern welcome, Levi. I know the two of you are bonded for life; your scents are entirely intertwined. Don't worry, I have no intention of stealing your wife."
Erwin chuckled warmly at Levi’s display of territorial aggression, his brilliant blue eyes dancing with an amused spark. With a graceful sweep of his arm, the half-elf Duke gestured toward a path that wound away from the chaotic docks and led upward along a breathtaking coastal cliffside.
"Come," Erwin said smoothly, his flowing elven silks catching the sea breeze. "My carriage can bring your luggage, but the walk to the estate is short, and the views of the sapphire bay are truly unparalleled. I believe the Countess would thoroughly enjoy the fresh air after such a long journey."
"I would love a walk!" you chirped happily, stepping out from behind Levi's shoulder and offering your husband a sweet, pleading look. "Please, Kitten? Just a short walk?"
Levi let out a heavy, defeated sigh, his jaw clenching as he adjusted his dark sunglasses. He couldn't say no to you, especially not when you called him that secret, adoring nickname in front of his oldest friend. "Fine," he grumbled. "But you stay right next to me."
As the three of you began the trek up the stone pathway, Erwin immediately began to live up to his reputation as a charming host and a shameless instigator. Walking on your open side, just close enough to keep the conversation intimate, the Duke tilted his handsome head toward you, a bright smile on his face.
"You know, Countess, the southern coast is famous for its exotic flora," Erwin noted, pointing toward a cluster of vibrant, glowing orange lilies growing along the rock face. "Those are Sun-Drop Lilies. They only bloom in places touching the ocean. Their petals are actually used by elven bakers to create a syrup that tastes like pure starlight honey. Given your legendary talent in the kitchen, I imagine you could make something truly transcendent with them."
Your eyes went wide with excitement. "Oh, really? Starlight honey? I would absolutely love to try baking with those!"
Before you could even finish your sentence, a grip suddenly locked around your waist.
Levi stepped in closer, his powerful arm wrapping so tightly around your waist that your hips were pulled against his broad thigh. He yanked you away from the cliffside edge. His gloved hand spread wide over your hip, his fingers digging possessively into your summer dress as he forced you to walk in lockstep with him.
"She doesn't need southern weeds to bake," Levi hissed, his eyes glaring absolute daggers at the Duke through his dark lenses. "My wife makes the finest pastries in the entire empire using traditional ingredients. Keep your elven flowers to yourself, Smith."
Erwin didn't seem bothered by the lethal aura rolling off the Count. In fact, his smile only widened, his slightly pointed ears twitching with hidden delight. "Of course, Levi. I merely thought the Countess might appreciate the local culture. For instance..." Erwin leaned in just a fraction closer, his deep voice carrying a playful undertone. "...just over that ridge is the Whispering Cove. Legend says that if a couple visits the shore at sunset, the ocean magic will grant them eternal passion. Though looking at the breathtaking tint of your wife's Vessel markings, it seems you two don't need any help in the passion department. You've been keeping her quite busy, haven't you, Levi?"
You choked on your breath. You tried to turn your head to hide your blushing cheeks beneath your sun hat, but Levi’s grip on your waist only tightened to a near-bruising level of possessive desperation.
A low purr rumbled deep inside Levi's chest, vibrating right through your own body.
"One more word about my wife's markings, Erwin," Levi growled, his fangs visibly lengthening behind his lips as his possessive beast threatened to tear through his civilised mask, "and I will show you exactly how unyielding Ackerman passion can be by throwing you off this cliff."
Erwin raised his hands in a mocking surrender, his eyes crinkling with absolute triumph. He had successfully rattled the untouchable Count Ackerman. "My apologies, my friend. Look, we have arrived."
As you rounded the final bend of the cliff, the Duke's grand coastal estate finally came into view. It was a magnificent structure carved directly into the white stone cliffs, blending elegant elven arches with grand, sweeping vampire architecture. Massive terraces overlooked the crashing waves below, and the entire property was surrounded by lush, tropical gardens.
It was absolutely stunning, but as you glanced up at your husband, you noticed his jaw was completely locked, his chest heaving as he kept his arm entirely glued to your waist. Levi was completely on edge, his overprotective instincts screaming under the southern sun, and you just knew this trip was going to be filled with some seriously delicious drama.
Feeling the tension in Levi’s muscular frame, you gently slid your hand up to press against his broad chest. You rubbed soft, soothing circles over his heart, your starlight-silver markings pulsing a warm, grounding rhythm.
"Relax, my love," you whispered softly. "Erwin is just teasing you. He would never go near me like that, and you know it." You leaned up on your tiptoes, pressing a few sweet, lingering kisses against his sharp jawline and his pale cheek. "Be nice, Kitten."
Turning your head slightly, you playfully narrowed your eyes at the half-elf Duke. "Erwin, you too. Stop riling him up."
Erwin raised his hands in an elegant, defensive gesture, his brilliant blue eyes crinkling with a charming, apologetic smile. "Forgive me, my friends. I simply couldn't resist. Can you truly blame me, though? You haven't come to visit me, your dearest friend, in over a year, Levi. I had to ensure your reflexes hadn't grown dull in your domestic bliss."
Levi released a long, slow sigh, his shoulders finally dropping as the crimson completely melted out of his eyes, leaving them a calm, cool silver-blue. He kept his arm tucked securely around your waist, but the dangerous edge in his aura vanished. "Forgiven," Levi grumbled, though his tone was significantly lighter. "I'll make an effort to visit more often."
"Thank you," Erwin said, genuinely pleased. "Now, after such a long journey, shall we have some tea?"
Your eyes instantly lit up, your inner baker practically bursting with curiosity. "Do you have snacks?"
Erwin chuckled warmly. "I have plenty of delicious things waiting for you, Countess. We have a wealth of honey-based delicacies here in the south."
The Duke led your group through the grand arches of the estate into an outdoor dining pavilion. The area was breathtaking, heavily draped in flowing, sheer white fabrics that billowed gently in the sea breeze, supported by grand marble pillars. It felt exactly like stepping into an ancient, sun-drenched Greek villa, completely private and beautifully serene.
You happily hurried over to your seat, sitting down with an excited bounce as a small army of elven servants began bringing out tiers of exquisite pastries, glistening honey tarts, and pots of fragrant floral tea. Naturally, you waved Luna over, completely ignoring high-society rules to share the food and tea with your sweet maid, who giggled happily at your side.
As you and Luna eagerly sampled the southern treats, the two powerful men across the table shifted into a completely different demeanour. Levi and Erwin spoke in their native vampiric language. a deep, melodic, and ancient tongue filled with sharp, low clicks and smooth, velvety vowels. Even without understanding the words, you could read their expressions. A lot of it clearly had to do with high-stakes trading routes, but from the sudden, dark scowl on Levi's face, you strongly believed some of the conversation was centred around the frustrating, plotting Dupré family.
"Little star," Levi's deep, velvety voice suddenly broke through the low murmur of their business talk.
He leaned across the table toward you, his silver-blue eyes incredibly soft. Reaching out with a slow, deliberate movement, his gloved thumb gently swiped across the corner of your lip. "You had a little cream right there, love."
Your cheeks instantly burned. "Oh... how terribly improper of me."
Instead of using a napkin, Levi brought his thumb to his own lips, slowly and deliberately licking the sweet cream off the dark leather of his glove while keeping his intense, adoring gaze locked directly onto yours. "It's adorable," he murmured, his voice sending a delicious shiver down your spine. "Don't worry. Erwin doesn't mind one bit."
Erwin shook his head with an amused sigh, taking a sip from a crystal goblet filled with dark red blood-tea. "Not one bit, Countess. Please, keep enjoying the food."
The peaceful atmosphere was shattered just a moment later when the heavy wooden doors of the pavilion opened. Erwin’s head butler entered, bowing low, his expression noticeably tight and nervous.
Erwin set his goblet down, his brow furrowing. "Everything okay?"
"Your Grace..." the butler stammered slightly. "Lady Elara is at the front gates. She insists on a meeting with you regarding her charity linked to the local temple. She refuses to take no for an answer."
Erwin let out a heavy, exhausted sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I have already told her no three separate times this month..."
As the name left the butler's mouth, you felt the air in the pavilion instantly drop several degrees. You turned to look at your husband and realised Levi had gone completely rigid, his jaw locked tight, his eyes staring blankly ahead as his posture turned stiff.
"Levi?" you asked softly, reaching over to touch his arm. "Everything okay?"
Erwin rose to his feet, smoothing down his elven silks. He cast a brief, heavily meaningful glance at Levi before giving you a reassuring smile. "She is Levi's ex-fiancée, Countess. Please, continue your tea. I will go down to the gates and see to her myself."
The moment the heavy doors closed behind Erwin and the butler, a heavy silence fell over the outdoor pavilion. You slowly turned your head, setting your teacup down into its saucer with a soft click as you looked over at your incredibly tense vampire husband.
"Ex-fiancée?" you repeated, your voice neutral but laced with curiosity.
Levi let out a long, ragged sigh, finally relaxing his shoulders as he turned his face toward you. He reached across the table, gently covering your hand with his gloved palm. "Yes. It happened about one hundred years ago... though, I know to you, that was probably kind of recent."
You stared at him, your lips parting in utter disbelief. "Recent? Levi, one hundred years ago is an age! That's literally an entire human lifetime!"
Levi blinked, his eyes widening just a fraction in genuine confusion as he processed your reaction. "Oh... right... human," he murmured softly to himself, a sheepish endearing look crossing his face as he realised the massive gap in your perceptions of time.
You couldn't help but let out a soft, hummed laugh, your heart swelling at how cute he looked when he was rattled. You squeezed his hand tightly. "It's fine, Kitten. So, an ex, huh? You were actually going to marry her?"
Levi shifted slightly in his chair, a rare look of discomfort crossing his handsome features as he tried to find the right words to explain his past to the woman who currently held his entire soul.
"She is an elven Blooming Vessel," Levi explained quietly, his voice deeply sincere. "Years ago, before I met you, the high council was desperate to find me a compatible match to secure the Ackerman lineage. Elara and I... we got on well enough. She was nice, and the arrangement was... just okay. But there was absolutely no passion, little star. It was a completely settled relationship. I admit, she probably loved me more than I loved her, but I don't think I ever truly loved her. It was merely a duty organised mostly by the council, and I simply went along with it because I hadn't yet realised what true love felt like."
He paused, his thumb gently caressing the back of your hand, his eyes burning with an intense devotion. "I quickly realised I couldn't go through with a hollow marriage, and I wanted to end it. My parents, who, as you know, absolutely adore you, were entirely supportive of me calling off the wedding. But the final nail in the coffin... the event that completely ended our arrangement permanently... was discovering that she had been having multiple affairs behind my back."
Your eyes widened slightly, a sudden, fiercely protective instinct flaring up in your chest on behalf of your husband. "Multiple affairs?"
Levi nodded, his jaw tightening slightly at the memory, though the warmth of your hand in his kept him completely grounded. "She had three men on the side. When I finally confronted her, she wasn't embarrassed or apologetic at all. Instead, she boldly told me that she wanted to have me as her husband for my status and power, while keeping the other three men in a harem as her private concubines."
He let out a low, mocking scoff, his eyes darkening. "It is absolutely not normal for elves to want this. It was the moment the facade cracked, and I saw a completely new side to her. To this day, she projects this public character that is cute, sweet, kind, caring, and deeply loving, someone who is entirely devoted to her charity and the temple. But behind closed doors, she is nothing like that at all. She is calculating, manipulative, and incredibly selfish."
Your heart ached for him, realising the quiet burden he had carried for a century while the rest of the world remained blind. Gently, you reached over and placed your hand firmly on Levi's thigh, squeezing it in a gesture of solidarity. "She deceived many, didn't she?"
"She did," Levi murmured, leaning into your touch. "Erwin, my parents, and my personal staff believed me the moment I told them everything, but everyone else in high society still believes her sweet act. They think I was the cold, unfeeling monster who broke a gentle elf's heart."
Suddenly, Levi shifted, pulling his chair closer to yours. He reached up, gently cradling your face in both of his large, cool hands, his thumbs caressing your cheeks. He forced you to look directly into his eyes, which were now burning with a desperate, all-consuming devotion.
"I love you, forever and always, my darling star," Levi rasped, his voice cracking with emotion. "Please, no matter what happens, no matter what lies are told... remember that. You are my entire universe. I am telling you this now because she is a creature of malice, and she will try to cause issues for us while we are here."
A protective warmth bloomed inside your chest, your Vessel markings pulsing brightly beneath your summer dress in response to his love. You offered him a bright smile, leaning into his palms.
"I will do my best, Kitten," you promised him softly. "I trust you completely."
Hearing your faith in him, Levi released a long sigh, the deep-seated tension finally draining out of his posture as his forehead came forward to rest gently against yours. "Good. Thank you, my love."
Desperate to erase the lingering phantom of his past, you shifted right up to Levi, closing every single inch of distance between your bodies. Wanting to offer him a deeply intimate comfort, you slid your hand further up his thigh, but in your haste, your fingers accidentally brushed over and firmly gripped his hardened length through his trousers.
You saw Levi instantly clench up, his entire body going completely rigid as a heavy, dark crimson flare bled back into his silver-blue eyes.
Missing the sudden shift in his arousal, you pouted a bit, looking up at him through your lashes. "Levi, you still look upset. Please cheer up."
The Count gulped hard, his gloved hand coming down to firmly trap your wrist, keeping your hand exactly where it was but preventing you from moving. His breath was suddenly incredibly shallow, his jaw locked. "I'm only holding back, little star, because you are currently grabbing my dick while there are staff about, and my best friend is just in the other room."
Your eyes went wide. You looked down at exactly where your fingers were wrapped, your heart racing a mile a minute as the scandalous reality of the situation hit you. You frantically pulled your hand back. "S-Sorry, Levi!"
Levi let out a low growl at the loss of your touch. Before you could slide away in your embarrassment, he wrapped his powerful arm around your waist and aggressively hauled your body right onto his lap, trapping you against his chest.
"You can do that later," Levi murmured, his deep voice dropping into a lovesick rasp against your ear. He hugged you close against him, his large hand spreading possessively across your hip. "You know I'm always happy to eat you up whenever you ask."
You gripped the fabric of his shirt, your face burning as you hid your face against his broad, solid chest. "Mmm..." you whimpered softly, completely overwhelmed by his shameless, yandere-tinted devotion.
"You are so damn cute," Levi chuckled fondly, his thumb caressing your hip through your summer dress as his chest rumbled with a deeply satisfied purr.
The heavy doors of the pavilion suddenly creaked open, and Erwin returned to you with a soft, relaxed smile. "Hello, both. My apologies for the delay. She is finally gone now."
The half-elf Duke smoothly stepped back into the shaded, Greek-style dining area and sat down in his grand chair. He immediately noticed that Levi had you completely cuddled up against his chest, holding you like a precious treasure he refused to let anyone else see. Erwin's brilliant blue eyes crinkled with a knowing, gentle warmth. "I assume you two talked it out the moment I dropped that bit of information?"
You nodded softly, peeking out from the safety of Levi's chest, your markings pulsing a steady, grounded rhythm. "Yes. Elara seems like a truly bad person."
Erwin let out a soft sigh, taking a sip of his blood-tea. "She is pretty terrible, Countess. A master of manipulation. To be quite frank, I am incredibly glad my friend got away from her before it was too late."
Levi didn't say a word, his arm only tightening around your waist as he buried his face deeper into your soft hair. He had his true star now, and no shadow from his past was ever going to take your warmth away from him.
The next morning, the southern port city came alive with the vibrant colours and thumping rhythms of the annual Sun-Drop Festival. The cobblestone streets were practically buried under a sea of exotic tropical flowers, and the air was thick with the intoxicating scents of roasting seafood, sweet honeyed pastries, and the lively plucking of elven lutes.
Walking through the crowded market stalls with Luna, you felt a sudden, flustered wave of self-consciousness wash over you. To respect the local culture, you had allowed Luna to dress you in traditional southern attire, a stunning, lightweight garment that wrapped intricately around the body like a Greek toga. The problem was that these flowing southern silks were traditionally designed for the tall, slender, and flat-chested elven women of the region.
The wrapping of the dress dipped dangerously low, completely exposing a breathtaking amount of sideboob whenever you moved. Poor Luna had spent nearly an hour pinning and tucking the fabric, working tirelessly to ensure your full breasts stayed perky and secure so you wouldn't accidentally pop out in the middle of the crowd.
"You look absolutely magnificent, Countess," Luna reassured you with a supportive smile, holding up a matching parasol. "Every man in this market is staring at you in absolute awe."
"I just feel so exposed," you murmured, your cheeks burning as you lightly adjusted the silk over your side, trying to ignore the way your Vessel markings peeked through the gaps in the fabric, shimmering softly in the sunlight.
To take your mind off your exposed skin, you focused entirely on shopping. You and Luna lightly browsed the stalls, picking out a few local spices, but your main priority was finding a gift for your fiercely devoted husband. After a few minutes of searching, a beautiful, handcrafted bracelet caught your eye. It was braided with subtle elven runes meant to bring peace and tranquillity, something your grumpy, overprotective Count desperately needed. Smiling happily, you bought it on the spot.
"Oh, the Count is going to absolutely cherish that," Luna praised your choice, her eyes crinkling. "He'll probably never take it off."
Before you could reply, a massive commotion broke out near the centre of the square. The crowd began to cheer frantically, pushing forward to form a tight circle around a massive, stone fountain. Intrigued, you and Luna moved closer, peering over the shoulders of the gathered townsfolk to see what the fuss was about.
Someone was dancing.
The first thing you noticed was a wild fountain of blonde, curly hair tossing through the air. As she twirled, you saw that her skin was golden, beautifully kissed by the southern sun. She was tall, slender, and possessed a muscular frame that defined a few graceful curves. Her eyes shone a brilliant, mesmerising blue, exactly like the sea. Across her collarbone and arms, her Blooming Vessel markings travelled in the shape of rolling ocean waves.
A local human man standing nearby let out a soft, dazed sigh. "Isn't she absolutely brilliant? Lady Elara is just a divine creature. I can't believe a pure-blood vampire could ever be foolish enough to leave her."
You watched Elara closely, your sharp Vessel instincts instantly picking up on the reality behind the performance. The ocean waves of her markings didn't look right at all; the silver light was dull, almost as if she had corrupted her Blooming Vessel magic through sheer malice and greed. As she danced, the heavy sweat glistening on her skin was ruining the thick cake of makeup on her face, revealing the hollow, desperate expression underneath. Something was deeply, fundamentally wrong with her.
Luna leaned over, her expression instantly turning cold and protective. "Countess? Shall we head out?"
You nodded, offering your maid a knowing smile. "Yeah. I need to buy some ingredients anyway. I want to bake something special for Levi when we get back to the estate... and I think I'm going to use a few drops of my own blood this time."
Luna’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Will the Count be okay with that?"
You began to walk away, a playful, confident hum leaving your lips. "I think Levi will be more than okay with it. He'll probably devour the whole batch."
"Levi?"
The sudden, sharp gasp caused both you and Luna to freeze in your tracks. You turned around slowly, the crowd parting as the golden-skinned elf stepped away from the fountain. Elara’s smile was wide, charming, and alluring, like a dangerous siren pulling sailors to their doom. She closed the distance between you, her eyes scanning your face with a predatory curiosity. "You know Levi? Is he back in the south?"
You glanced at Luna, who immediately straightened her posture, and then turned back to look directly into Elara's caked face. You didn't flinch. You didn't back down.
"Yes, I know Levi," you replied smoothly, your voice calm and elegant. "I know him very well. He is my husband."
Elara’s brilliant blue eyes widened, the charming siren mask instantly shattering into a look of shock. "He... he married?" she stammered, her voice cracking as her golden skin turned pale. "No. That's impossible. He said... he told the council he wouldn't marry anyone. He said he couldn't love..."
"We met, he became completely obsessed with me, and we've been together ever since," you stated with a sweet, calm smile. "And trust me, he's still very much obsessed."
To drive the point home, you lightly ran a finger over the markings on your chest, deliberately pulling back the draped silk dress to fully show off your sideboob and the heavy, custom wedding ring fused to your finger, a sacred piece of Ackerman magic that only Levi himself could ever remove. "How exactly do you know him?"
Elara's gaze locked onto your wedding ring, her teeth grinding together so hard you could hear it. "He... he didn't tell you about me?"
You hummed thoughtfully, tilting your head to the side. "Oh, let me think... he did mention something very briefly yesterday when you were making a scene at Erwin's front gates. But that's the only time. I guess he just didn't think you were important enough to bring up before then. Who were you again?"
Elara clenched her fists, her manicured nails digging into her palms. "I am Lady Elara," she hissed, her voice dripping with venom. "I was going to marry him. I was his fiancée!"
You didn't look bothered in the slightest. Instead, you casually looked over at Luna, who had a wicked, highly amused spark in her eyes. She had caught onto your little game perfectly. "Luna, help me out here?"
Luna hummed in mock thought, tapping her chin with a theatrical sigh. "Yes, Countess... now that I think about it, I'm sure there was some minor, insignificant detail in the Count's distant past. Truly nothing for us to worry about, my lady. It was just a tiny, irrelevant bump in the road. Shall we head back to the Duke's estate, Countess? I believe we have some very important baking to do for your husband."
You offered Elara one last sweet smile, turning on your heel as the blonde elf stood frozen in the middle of the market square, completely humiliated and burning with a dangerous, vengeful rage.
As you and Luna turned on your heels to leave a thoroughly humiliated Elara behind, you didn't even notice the two figures standing at the edge of the market square.
Levi and Erwin had decided to venture down into the festival to find you, flanked by a few elite guards. They had arrived just in time to witness the entire exchange. Levi had stood completely frozen, his eyes wide behind his sunglasses as he watched his normally gentle, sweet baker wife completely dominate his ex-fiancée with effortless, confident shade.
Seeing you claim him so boldly, showing off your wedding ring and your brilliant imperial markings, had sent a violent shockwave of arousal straight through the Count's veins.
The moment you twirled around to walk away, turning in all your glory, looking impossibly sexy, radiant, and entirely his in that daring southern silk, Levi completely lost his grip.
Clatter.
The large black sun-umbrella slipped from his gloved hand, clattering loudly against the cobblestones as he dropped it in absolute, breathless shock. He didn't even care that the harsh southern sun was hitting his pale skin. He was completely mesmerised. The traditional dress hugged your beautiful body in all the right places, and the sheer amount of perky sideboob on display had the pure-blood vampire's heart hammering like a frantic drum.
Giggling at his stunned expression, you smoothly approached your frozen husband, tilting your head. "Are you okay, Kitten?"
Levi’s gaze frantically darted down to the exposed curve of your breast, then up to your flushed face, his jaw completely slack. For the first time in his centuries-old life, the untouchable Sovereign was entirely flustered. "I... well... uh..." he stammered, his throat bobbing as he swallowed hard. "I don't even know where to look or touch right now, little star."
You smiled, stepping right into his space. Completely ignoring the lingering crowd, you ran your hands slowly up his broad chest, your fingers tracing his collarbone. "You can touch and look anywhere you want, Kitten. I'm all yours."
A deep, shaky breath escaped his lips, his powerful hands instantly coming down to hover over your exposed waist, desperate to pull you against him. "I am the luckiest damn man in the entire empire," he whispered roughly.
You leaned in closer, a low, playful sound vibrating in your throat as you purred at him, "I could just eat you right up, you absolute cutie."
Levi let out a soft moan at your words, his crimson eyes flaring to life behind his dark lenses as the heavy bond between your souls flared with a sudden, intoxicating heat. "God... I can't wait for the day I finally turn you into a vampire, love," he rasped, his voice dropping into a dark, possessive whisper. "I want you to bite me all the time. I want your fangs in my skin."
You giggled softly against his chest, your heart swelling at his devotion. "I promise I will, Levi."
"What on earth do you think you are doing?!" Elara’s shrill, furious voice shattered the romantic bubble. She marched over, her sea-blue eyes burning with a manic, jealous rage as she gestured wildly at the two of you. "Levi doesn't tolerate public displays of affection! He despises being touched in crowds! You don't know him at all, you common—"
Before she could finish her insult, Levi’s adoring expression instantly vanished, replaced by an icy, lethal glare that made the surrounding guards draw their breath. He stepped forward, wrapping his powerful arm around your waist and hauling your curvy body tightly against his side, completely shielding your exposed skin from the market's eyes.
"It's Count," Levi rumbled, his voice dropping into a terrifying, predatory growl that echoed through the square. "Count Levi to you. And you don't know a damn thing about me, Elara. The adoration and affection I show to my wife..." He gently caught your chin with his gloved fingers, lifting your head so the entire square could see the love in his eyes. "...comes from a place of deep, passionate, and eternal love. Something you are entirely incapable of understanding."
Elara took a step back, looking as though his words had physically struck her.
Erwin smoothly stepped into the tension, letting out an amused chuckle as he picked up Levi’s fallen umbrella and popped it back open, casting his friend in shade once more. "Well, now that the declarations of eternal love are finished... shall we head back to the estate? You can fawn over your beautiful wife as much as you want in private, Levi."
A wicked, eager smirk broke across Levi's handsome face. Without a single second of hesitation, he bent down. He effortlessly scooped you up into his arms in a grand bridal carry, making you let out a delighted giggle as you wrapped your arms securely around his neck.
"Yes!" Levi barked out happily, already turning on his heel to carry his prize away from the market.
Luna quickly trotted up behind you, holding up the colourful parcels with a triumphant grin. "Worry not, Countess! I have all of your shopping secured!"
Erwin laughed warmly, reaching out to take the heaviest bags from the sweet maid's hands. "Let me help you with those, Luna. It seems the Count is a bit preoccupied with his Queen."
As Levi carried you back up the coastal path, his eyes never left your face, completely consumed by the confident, beautiful baker who had completely rewritten his destiny.
You kicked your legs a little in mid-air, your lightweight southern silks fluttering in the coastal breeze as Levi carried you effortlessly up the winding stone path. The sheer strength in his arms was intoxicating, but your mind was buzzing with inspiration, and you couldn't stop talking. You happily babbled away, telling him all about the vibrant colours of the market, the sweet scent of the exotic flowers, and your brilliant new ideas for baking later.
"I bought this incredible spice, Kitten, and Luna told me the local honey tastes like starlight!" you chirped, your arms wrapped securely around his neck. "I'm going to make you something so delicious. I'm even going to put a secret ingredient in it just for you."
Levi didn't care about the steep incline of the cliff or the heavy heat of the afternoon sun. He just admired you, his silver-blue eyes drinking in the sight of your flushed, beautiful face and the spectacular view of your sideboob every time you shifted in his grip. A soft, hopelessly whipped smile rested on his lips.
"Is that so?" he murmured back, his deep voice incredibly gentle as he adjusted his hold to keep your curvy frame perfectly secure against his chest. "Whatever you bake, little star, I’ll eat every single crumb. Though you don't need exotic spices to impress me. Your hands already make everything taste like heaven."
You let out a soft, giggling hum, entirely melted by his rare, sweet words. You leaned the side of your head against his solid shoulder, closing your eyes as you listened to the steady, comforting thud of his heart. But as the image of the market square flashed behind your eyelids, the playful warmth in your chest suddenly gave way to a lingering sense of unease.
You opened your eyes and sighed softly. "Levi... I'm sorry to bring her up again, but there's something genuinely not right about Elara's markings."
Levi’s footsteps didn't falter, but his brow instantly furrowed, a sharp frown pulling at his lips. "What do you mean, love?"
"They just seem off," you explained. "Like they've been... tainted somehow. As a Vessel myself, I could feel the magic rolling off her while she was dancing, and it didn't feel pure. It felt heavy. Corrupted."
He hummed in deep thought, his eyes darkening as his protective instincts immediately went on high alert. "You mean the pattern is off? The physical flow of her magic?"
You nodded firmly against his shoulder. "Exactly. Like she's deeply sick, or doing something she shouldn't be. The blue ocean waves of her Blooming Vessel mark look wrong, almost stagnant. And she’s covered them up a bit with thick cake makeup, but the sweat from her dancing was washing it away. Something is very wrong with her, Levi. Her magic feels toxic."
Levi stalled his steps for just a fraction of a second, a chilling aura of calculated concern settling over him. He looked down at you, his thumb caressing your waist with a fiercely protective squeeze.
"A Vessel's markings are a direct reflection of their soul and the bonds they form," Levi murmured, his voice dropping into a low rumble. "If her waves are turning stagnant and corrupted, it means she is forcing her magic to do something unnatural. Elara has always been desperate for power and status. If she has tainted her own gift..." He glanced ahead toward Erwin's grand estate, his jaw locking tight. "I'll have Erwin look into her charity and her connections to the southern temples immediately. I won't allow a corrupted creature to breathe the same air as my pure, perfect star."
The moment Levi carried you through the grand marble archways of the estate, he bypassed the parlour entirely and marched straight into the Duke's sprawling, airy kitchen. He gently set you down onto the pristine white stone countertop, though his hands lingered on your waist.
Now that you were out of the sun and in the privacy of the cool indoor air, your traditional wrapped dress shifted slightly. In the soft light of the kitchen, your gorgeous markings practically gleamed. The intricate, winding vines were a brilliant, shimmering starlight-silver, painting your skin in a heavenly glow that proved you were his star. But the delicate flowers blooming along your chest, stomach, and down your body were flushed with that deep, radiant imperialcrimson, practically vibrating with the life and love you shared with your Count.
Levi stared at you, his throat bobbing as his fingers dug into the silk at your hips. "You are breathtaking," he whispered, completely transfixed by the contrast of the silver and crimson against your skin.
You giggled softly, bopping his nose. "I have baking to do, Count Ackerman. Let me up."
Reluctantly, Levi stepped back just enough to let you hop down, though he refused to leave your side. Luna soon hurried in, setting down the parcels of fresh southern flour, the exotic spices, and the heavy jar of starlight-honey you had purchased at the market. With a knowing, respectful bow to you both, Luna quietly slipped out of the room to give her master and mistress some well-deserved privacy.
You washed your hands and immediately got to work, your voluptuous body moving with practised grace around the unfamiliar kitchen. You decided to make a traditional sweet bun, using the local honey and the fragrant spices. As you leaned over the counter to vigorously knead the dough, the flowing southern silk draped precariously, offering Levi an absolute, uninterrupted view of your full, perky sideboob.
Levi stood directly behind you, his dark sunglasses discarded. His intense silver-blue eyes were dark with an overwhelming, protective hunger as he watched the silver and crimson flowers on your chest swell and shift with every movement of your arms. Unable to contain himself, he leaned down, burying his face in the crook of your neck, his lips brushing against a shimmering silver vine.
"You're distracting me, Kitten," you teased, a soft gasp escaping your lips as his hot breath fanned over your sensitive skin.
"Good," Levi rumbled possessively, his large hands sliding up from your waist to rest right against the exposed skin of your ribcage, just inches away from the swell of your breasts. "I want you distracted by me. Always."
You smiled, your heart racing with that familiar, thrilling rush of his devotion. "Well, you won't be distracted for long. It's time for the secret ingredient."
Reaching over to the spice rack, you grabbed a small, sterilised silver pin. Levi’s eyes narrowed slightly in confusion as you held your left hand over the bowl of beautifully kneaded sweet dough. Without a single second of hesitation, you gently pricked the tip of your ring finger.
A single, thick drop of your precious Vessel blood welled up, shimmering with a faint, magical silver-pink aura.
Before Levi could even process what you were doing, you let the drop of blood fall directly into the centre of the dough, quickly folding it in and kneading it thoroughly so your magic completely infused the pastry.
Levi went rigid behind you, his chest heaving as the intoxicating, legendary scent of your blood instantly filled the warm kitchen air. His fangs involuntarily lengthened, aching with a sudden, desperate urge to devour whatever you were making.
"Little star..." Levi rasped, his voice incredibly deep, rough, and dripping with a primal, possessive need. He gripped your hips, pulling your back tightly against his chest. "What did you just do?"
You turned your head, a naughty, confident smirk gracing your lips as you looked at your rattled husband. "I told you I was going to make something special just for you, Levi. I wanted my love and my magic to be baked directly into it. Do you mind?"
Levi let out a moan against your skin, his eyes burning a dangerous, territorial crimson as he realised just how fiercely, unashamedly devoted his sweet human baker had become. He leaned down, aggressively biting the soft skin of your shoulder in a fierce, loving nip that made you cry out in delight.
"Mind?" Levi growled adoringly, his hands sliding up to cup the undersides of your full breasts through the loose silk. "I am going to devour every single piece of it, and then I am going to devour you right on this counter."
You let out a breathless laugh, your heart hammering against your ribs as Levi's large hands warmly cupped your full chest. The possessive heat rolling off him was incredibly tempting, but a sudden flash of reality hit you; this wasn't your private manor, and the Duke's servants could walk in at any moment.
Reaching up, you firmly grabbed his hands, pulling them down from your breasts and turning around in his embrace to face him. You gave him a playful, stern look, your hands resting on your hips as the traditional southern dress swished against your thick thighs.
"Levi, absolutely not," you told him off softly, though a confident, naughty smirk tugged at the corner of your lips. "We are guests in Erwin’s home. We have to behave ourselves at least a little bit. Imagine if the Duke or the butler walked in on us defiling the royal countertops?"
Levi let out a defeated whine deep in his throat, a sound so needy it made your chest swell with pride. His crimson-tinted eyes darted from your lips down to the breathtaking view of your perky sideboob, his chest heaving as he tried to rein in the feral beast roaring inside his veins. He was completely whipped, desperately trying to be a good boy for his beloved queen.
"Fine," Levi rasped, swallowing hard as he deliberately forced his fangs to recede and his eyes to settle back into a calm, silver-blue. He took a slow, grounding breath of the sweet, blood-infused scent in the kitchen. "But if I am going to stay in this room without pinning you down, you need to give me a distraction."
You tilted your head, your starlight-silver markings shimmering beautifully. "Oh? And what kind of distraction does my Count want?"
Levi reached out, his gloved fingers gently tracing the edge of the silver-and-crimson flowers on your collarbone before dropping down to touch the wooden rolling pin on the counter. "Teach me," he murmured softly. "Teach me some of your baking skills. If my hands are busy working the dough, I might actually manage to keep my arousal down."
Your eyes lit up with absolute delight, your inner baker practically squealing at the thought of teaching the terrifying, untouchable Count Ackerman how to make pastries.
"I would love to, Kitten!" you chirped happily, your previous self-consciousness completely evaporating.
You grabbed a spare linen apron from the hook and turned him around, stepping close to wrap the ties securely around his broad, muscular waist. Levi stood perfectly still, looking incredibly out of place but entirely content as you patted his stomach.
"Alright, apprentice," you teased dynamically, grabbing his gloved hands and pulling them over to a fresh mound of flour. "First rule of the kitchen: we need to get these gloves off, wash your hands, and I'll show you exactly how to shape the dough without ruining the fluffiness. Pay attention, because my secret ingredient requires a very gentle touch."
Levi let out a soft, amused hum, his silver-blue eyes locked entirely on your face as he complied, completely captivated by the beautiful, confident woman ruling over his heart and the kitchen.
Summary: As you anxiously wait for Prince Kaylen's return, the king summons you.
Relevant tags: Sylus x Fem!Reader, Fluff, Royal AU, Secret Relationships, Knights, Princes and Princesses, First Love
Chapter 1
AO3 Link
Tag list: @souppooppie @valiantchaosvalkyrie @imdeadinsidelolexe @babygirl-panda19 @thirsty-btch @ariqinonychinus
You paced in your room counting down the minutes until Kaylen would show up. Erin hadn’t been able to find Kaylen that night; however, Luke had assured her that as soon as his prince returned, he would come find you. Prince Kaylen wasn’t one to lay idle as he waited for Sylus and you. Instead of trade envoys, the crown prince of Onychinus himself was in your home, and every noble of certain standing was eager to meet with him. Each time that he returned, he carried a stack of papers in his hands: contracts, agreements, and the Gods knew what else. But that also meant that he was quite difficult to get a hold of.
A knock on your door brought you back to the present, and you hurried to answer it. You came face-to-face with a butler.
“Did Prince Kaylen return?” You asked, eager to meet with him.
“No, my lady,” the butler bowed. “His Majesty requests your presence.”
“Oh,” you mumbled. You hadn’t expected to hear from your parents. “Did he say what for?”
The butler simply shook his head.
You followed the butler down the hallway, and shot a confused look back at Sylus as he fell into step behind you. He only shrugged, his brow furrowed.
The walk down to the council room felt endless, every step echoing across the stone walls. When you arrived at your destination, the butler opened the double doors with a bow, and you stepped into the room.
“I’m sorry, Sir,” you heard the butler’s voice behind you. You turned to find him standing in Sylus’s way. “His Majesty has requested that the princess attends alone.”
Sylus looked taken aback, and he scowled down at the butler, but he didn’t argue. You smiled at him, trying not to show your own concern that your knight was barred from joining you. Sylus backed away from the entrance, and the butler shut the door from the outside.
You turned to look at your father. He was sitting at his council table, accompanied by your mother.
“What did you need me for, Father?” You tried to keep your tone light as you approached him.
“Come. Sit.” Your mother gestured vaguely at the empty seats.
You took a few steps closer, but the look on their faces made you hesitate.
Their faces looked stony, serious, as if they were about to deliver some terrible news to you.
“Why?” You asked apprehensively. “Is it war again?” Your stomach lurched at the thought of your brothers riding south again.
“No, child.” Your father shook his head. “Some… concerning stories have come to our attention.”
You felt the blood drain away from your face. “What kind of stories?”
Your parents shared a look, then your mother turned to you, and clasped her hands on top of the smooth table. “Has your knight…” She started, and looked at you, brows scrunched up with concern. “Done something to you?”
“P-pardon?” You stammered out weakly, and your eyes widened. “No. Why would you ask me this?”
Your mother sighed. “Then, you must answer, and you must tell us the truth.” She paused, and you felt panic jolt through your body. “Are you having an inappropriate relationship with that man?”
They know.
The thought hit you like a physical blow.
No. No. No. Not now.
How could they find out just as you’d finally resolved to reveal Sylus? You scrambled to remember what you had planned to say. You had imagined getting caught so many times, rehearsing what you would say in so many different ways.
Deny it.
Tell them it’s all nonsense and lies. Bored maids with nothing to do. You could never do something like this. You were their innocent daughter. They’d believe you.
But as your parents gazed back at you, waiting for an answer, you couldn’t bring yourself to lie.
Beg forgiveness.
You thought about sinking to your knees. You’d apologise. Promise that you’ll never do it again. Say it was a mistake, it was all your fault. You were young and stupid. And beg that they spare his life.
You realised that you couldn’t bring yourself to do that either.
Your mouth went dry. You felt like you were sinking.
“Well?” Your mother’s impatient voice cut through your panicked thoughts. “Answer me.”
Your gaze flickered between them, and you realised you’d been holding in your breath. You opened your mouth to speak, then hesitated again.
Then a different feeling washed over you. Anger, or defiance, you couldn’t tell which. Why should I have to grovel and apologise?
You crossed your arms, hiding your shaking hands. Your heart pounded so hard, you could feel it in your throat.
“Yes. And?” The words came out before you could stop them, much calmer and steadier than you felt. You forced your chin higher, despite your nerves.
The room fell silent. For a heartbeat, you couldn’t believe that you had said that. You weren’t entirely sure what came over you, but there was no going back now.
The king and queen stared at you, struggling to comprehend. “You were meant to deny it,” your father muttered, dumbfounded.
“No.” You repeated, clenching your jaw. “He’s my lover.”
“Lover?!” Your mother shrieked as she slammed her hands on the table, making her chair squeak across the floor as she rose from her seat. The sound made you flinch, but you somehow stood your ground. “What have you done?” Her voice echoed through the room.
“I took what I wanted!” You shouted back, not knowing where the courage had come from. “My brothers can do what they want, why can’t I?” Your hands fell away from your chest, and you clenched your fists.
“They do not keep common lovers. They take wives!” Your mother’s voice grew even louder.
“Dear…” your father placed his hand on hers, and she slowly lowered herself back down into her seat.
“And I would end up in a convent before you allowed me to find a husband,” you shot back.
Your mother’s jaw dropped all over again.
Before the king could intervene, your mother spat out, “What is that supposed to mean?”
“You won’t allow anyone to court me!” You argued, your voice desperate now, pouring all of your pent-up frustration. “You won’t allow any prince, lord, or peasant to even approach me! No one is ever good enough!” Your breath came ragged as your nails dug deeper into your palms. “The common folk are saying I’m barren.” You felt yourself beginning to tremble, and took another sharp breath. You hadn’t planned to say that, but you couldn’t stop yourself any more. “They’re saying there’s something wrong with me!”
Your parents stared at you in stunned silence.
“Darling,” your father said tentatively. “You’ve only just come of age. You’re so young. Why are you in such a rush?”
“Because… b-because…” Your words stuttered with your uneven breaths. You took a moment to steady yourself. “Because I also want to go out. I wish to meet people. Do things. I’m sick of being locked up in this palace like an ornament!”
Your mother rested her elbows on the table, both hands covering her face. “This is our fault…” she muttered, her voice muffled behind her palms.
“My dear child,” your father looked at you, with a pained expression. “It is not the same. In this world…”
“Why not?” You demanded, taking a step towards them. “How am I any different from them?”
Your mother sighed heavily. “Do you think every princess lives her life getting stroked with a feather like you?” She massaged her temples, her voice much steadier than before.
“W-well,” you began, but she cut you off.
“Do you want us to sell you to the highest bidder, then?” She asked, her tone bitter. “And give you to some prince, who’ll keep you locked up in a different palace? To breed you for heirs, only to discard you when he finds something younger?”
Both you and your father winced at her words.
“Do you think every prince out there is the same as your brothers?” She gritted her teeth.
“What your mother means to say,” your father interjected, rubbing a hand over his face. “Is that we wouldn’t be able to protect you if you left. You don’t know what kind of people these powerful men are. The more gallant they seem, the more wicked they may be.”
“But…” Despite your shock, you felt the urge to defend yourself. “I'm not concerned with powerful men. I love Sir Skye!”
They didn’t look convinced.
“Couldn’t you just be patient?” Your mother asked. “You have your whole life ahead of you.”
“Madeleine wants to travel to Lemuria,” your father offered, and you fought the urge to roll your eyes. “Why don’t you go with her? Experience the world.”
“Then I’ll take Sir Skye with me,” you crossed your arms again. You were aware of how petulant you sounded, but you couldn’t afford to back down.
Your mother scoffed. “And what will you do with this Sir Skye, then?” She sneered. “Move up north and grow turnips together?”
You bristled. You didn’t appreciate that look on her face. “Yes, we will!”
Her scowl deepened. “You’re not going anywhere with him.” She turned sharply to your father, “We must call the guards. He can’t be allowed to ruin her reputation any further.”
Your stomach dropped.
No.
Not that.
“No!” You shouted, before the king could respond. “You can’t! He’s mine. Only I can send him away!”
The king frowned, “Not when he breaks his vows. He must be punished.”
“N-no!” Your stomach twisted as fear surged through you. “If you send him away, I’ll leave and never come back!”
“Now, wait–” your father began to speak.
Your thoughts raced desperately. You needed them to understand. You squeezed your eyes shut.
“I’ll throw myself on the moat spikes!” You shouted, your voice echoing through the room. When you opened your eyes, both of your parents looked on in horror. Did I take things too far, you wondered.
“Over some boy…” your mother whispered, in disbelief. You didn’t think she meant to say it aloud.
Your father was the first to recover, shaking his head. “You cannot continue this foolishness.”
You felt cornered. You didn’t know what else to threaten, but you couldn’t let them imprison Sylus before they knew his true identity.
Then you blurted out the first thing that came to your mind.
“Then let me marry the Qin prince!”
Your parents blinked at you, completely and utterly bewildered.
“Him, too?” Your mother gasped. “Are you dallying with a married man?”
You recoiled.
“Not him! Prince Sylus.” You rushed to clarify. “I will only set aside Sir Skye for Prince Sylus.”
Your parents paused.
“Why him?” Your father looked genuinely lost. “That man is missing.” He looked to your mother, as if she had an answer, but she seemed equally confused.
“Prince Kaylen said he’ll arrive soon,” you tried to justify your seemingly random choice.
Your mother narrowed her eyes at you with suspicion. “Did that prince put you up to this?”
“He did not!” You argued, and gathered yourself again. “I wish to marry a prince of Onychinus.” You repeated, with more conviction this time.
If you had to be honest with yourself, you had no clue where you were going with this. But you had your parents’ attention, and they were no longer speaking of imprisoning your knight. That was good enough for you.
“And you will forget about this knight?” Your father asked, though he looked dubious.
“Yes.” Your voice was firm.
“What makes you think Prince Sylus will have you now, once word gets around that you have lovers?” Your mother chewed her lip.
Anger sparked in your chest all over again, but you held back. You had antagonised them enough.
“His brother is here for a reason.” You answered. “You can convince him.”
Your parents slumped back into their chairs, looking defeated. You held your breath as you watched them in silence, clinging to a sliver of hope.
“Fine.” Your father sighed heavily. “We will speak to the prince.”
You opened your mouth to speak, but he put his hand up, silencing you.
“However,” he began, his firm voice bringing another wave of anxiety. “Until then, I will hear no more talk of running away. Or moat spikes.”
“Yes.” You nodded immediately.
“You will watch your behaviour.”
“Yes.”
“And you will be the epitome of propriety. You will not be the reason for any more rumours.”
“Yes.”
You were ready to promise anything.
“You will cease your relationship with this knight.”
“Yes.”
No.
Your father looked at you long and hard. You stood waiting, your hands feeling clammy with cold sweat.
“Go, then.” He concluded with resignation.
You turned stiffly on your heel and hurried toward the door, before your father could change his mind. As you reached for the door, you heard a small sob behind you, and your mother’s quiet voice, “…this is our doing.”
You glanced back through the crack of the door before it closed. Your mother had her head in her hands, and your father stared down at the table as if it held the answers for him. Your hand froze on the door and your anger faltered. You felt the urge to run back to them, but you thought better of it.
The moment the door shut behind you, your knees nearly gave out. The butler was long gone, and only Sylus remained. He gazed at you, worry etched all over his handsome face, waiting for you to speak.
Despite your promises mere seconds ago, you ran at him and took his hand, then pulled him into the first room you saw.
He followed you quietly, clicking the door shut behind him. You stood in the middle of the study with your back to him, taking deep breaths, and trying to calm your racing mind. Sylus approached you wordlessly and placed his hands on your shoulders, squeezing gently.
“Did you hear?” You croaked out. You suddenly realised how sore your throat was.
“Yes,” He enveloped you in his embrace. “It was hard not to.”
You placed your hand on his arm across your chest, not daring to look at him.
“What about the end?” You asked, uncertainty washing over you.
“No.” He rested his cheek on your head. “Tell me.”
You squirmed a little and turned in his arms. You balled your fists on his breastplate and looked up at him. “I promised them to end our relationship.”
Sylus’s face dropped, and he stepped back, withdrawing his hands from you like he’d been burned. “Why?” He looked genuinely wounded, the expression on his face sending another wave of panic through your chest.
“I told them that I wish to marry the real Sylus!” Your words tumbled out in a rush to explain.
His eyes widened, and he stared at you as you wrung your hands with worry. For a long moment, he didn’t move — didn’t even blink. Then he looked away, and covered his face with the back of his hand.
“Sylus?” You called his name and looked at him, trying to peer behind his hand. You saw a deep red flush spread along his cheek and ear. “Wait… are you blushing?”
He looked at you from behind his hand, then away again. “You asked to marry me,” he mumbled.
This is what he took away from everything?
For some unknown reason, his embarrassment flustered you as well. “We’ve talked about it before!”
“You’ve never said it yourself,” he lowered his hand and smiled at you.
“W-well…” You crossed your arms, and tilted your chin up proudly. You looked away, feeling heat rise to your own cheeks. “If you don’t want to, now is the time to run!”
“Of course I do,” he smiled down at you as he pulled you into another embrace. “After everything I’ve done, I’m not going to change my mind now.”
“Good,” you said with a small, shy smile, and wrapped your arms around his waist, holding him close. He rested his chin on the top of your head as you finally allowed yourself to wind down.
“I can’t believe I did that,” you muttered, gripping his armour tight. All the fear, anger, and frustration escaped your body, leaving you drained. It felt cathartic to say those things to your parents, but at the same time you felt embarrassed at your outburst. Maybe I shouldn’t have, you thought for a split second, but then you realised: it felt like a weight had been lifted from your shoulders. Your eyes prickled with tears.
“My brave, brave girl,” Sylus said softly, as he cradled you in his arms.
“You know…” He called your name. “We’re a lot more similar than you realise.”
You looked up to see him smirking down at you. “How so?”
“It seems like when you want something, neither king nor queen can stop you.” He playfully tapped the tip of your nose.
You huffed and tried to hide your face again. “You must have corrupted me.”
Sylus cupped your cheek and gave your lips a sweet peck. “Maybe so,” he said with a smile.
“What do we do now?” You asked once he pulled away.
“We stay the course.” He brushed a strand of hair away from your face. “We will meet my brother as planned. We’ve hit a snag, but it’s not the end.”
“You’re right,” you nodded. “We must not waver now,” you reminded yourself more than him.
This is so exciting! I really felt the frustration of the princess. The moment you looked back and saw your parents look human was amazing. Plus Sylus blushing??? Yes thank you 💕
The office of the Ackerman estate was a fortress of dark mahogany, plush leather, and bulletproof glass. Behind the massive desk sat Levi, an underboss who ruled the city’s concrete jungle with a terrifying, calculated cruelty. He was wearing a crisp white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, revealing his muscular, tatted forearms as he aggressively reviewed a ledger of shipping manifests.
And right across from him, tucked comfortably into a matching leather armchair with your legs draped over the armrest, was you.
Levi was obsessive. To call him a yandere was a massive understatement. The man couldn't function if you weren't in his immediate line of sight. If you left the room for more than ten minutes, his men were mobilised, tracking your phone, and securing a perimeter around you. But you didn't mind. Honestly, you loved his company just as much, and being spoiled rotten by an incredibly handsome, dangerously powerful mobster had some serious perks.
Your phone buzzed in your hand. It was your best friend, and you were currently giving her the weekly update.
Bestie: Girl, I still cannot believe you are dating a literal godfather. Is it scary??
You: not at all lmao. He's literally a giant romantic teddy bear to me. He bought me a diamond tennis bracelet yesterday just because I said the word 'shiny.' He spoils me way too much.
Bestie: omg stop 😩 meanwhile my ex texted me to ask for half the price of a McDonald's meal. ugh. Hey... does Levi have any single friends? asking for a friend (the friend is me).
You giggled softly, the sound cutting through the quiet scratches of Levi's fountain pen.
At the sound of your laugh, Levi’s head immediately snapped up. His sharp silver eyes locked onto your face, his protective radar instantly pinging. "What's funny, cara?"
"Oh, nothing," you smiled, looking up from your screen. "Just texting my best friend."
Levi's phone on the desk suddenly rang. He clicked his tongue, answering it with a sharp, irritated sigh. "Yeah. What?" He listened for a second, and your friend's text about single men crossed your mind. You actually didn't know much about his inner circle; he kept his work very quiet to protect you.
On the phone, Levi's face suddenly contorted into fury. The guy from the docks had clearly messed up a shipment.
"Che cazzo fai?!" Levi suddenly snarled into the receiver, his voice dropping into that smooth Italian accent that always made a shiver of pure lust go straight up your spine. "Ti ho detto cento volte come fare! Sei un imbecille! Fixed it by tonight, or I will personally make sure you become fish bait. Capisce?"
He slammed the phone down on the cradle, muttering a string of colourful Italian curses under his breath as he pinched the bridge of his nose. God, it was incredibly sexy when he got angry.
You cleared your throat, decided to seize the moment. "Hey, Levi?"
He instantly softened, his mob-boss persona melting away as he looked at you. "Yeah, sweetheart? You need something? You want me to buy you that car we saw online? I can call the dealership right now."
"No, no, I'm fine," you laughed. "I was just wondering... do you have any single friends?"
The office went dead silent.
The pen in Levi’s hand froze. His face went blank, his eyes widening slightly as the words processed in his brain. The terrifying underboss suddenly looked like a kicked puppy. He slowly set the pen down, his chest heaving as a full-blown yandere spiral began to take root in his mind.
"Single friends?" Levi repeated, his voice dropping into a quiet, dramatic register. "Why are you asking me that? Why do you want to know about single men?"
"Levi, I was just—"
"Non è abbastanza?" he burst out, leaning over his desk, his hands gripping the mahogany so hard his knuckles turned white. "Am I not good enough for you anymore? Have I not been spoiling you? Tell me what I did wrong! Did I buy the wrong bracelet? Did the chef mess up your breakfast? Tell me what you want, principessa, I will buy the whole damn city for you! I need you to feel loved and adored, you can't leave me—"
You burst out into a loud, uncontrollable fit of laughter, clutching your stomach as you watched this ruthless criminal mastermind completely lose his mind over a simple question. "Levi! Oh my god, stop, shut up for a second!"
Levi froze, looking bewildered and a little offended by your laughter. "Why are you laughing? I'm having a crisis here."
"I'm asking for my friend!" you gasped out, wiping a tear from your eye. "My friend is single, and she wanted to know if you had anyone available!"
Levi’s dramatic aura instantly shifted. The panicked boyfriend vanished, replaced instantly by the dark, protective, terrifying mobster. His eyes narrowed into icy slits. "What friend? What's his name?"
"Levi—"
"I don't care who he is," Levi growled, reaching into his desk drawer where his Glock was tucked away. "If some bastard is trying to use your friend to get close to you, or if he's even looked in your direction, he's a dead man. I know places in the pine barrens where nobody will ever find him. I can make him disappear by dinner time."
"Levi, it's a girl!" you yelled, laughing so hard your ribs ached. "It's a girl! My best friend! She's a girl!"
Levi stopped dead in his tracks, his hand freezing on the handle of his firearm.
He blinked once. Twice.
Slowly, he let go of the gun and slid the drawer shut. He cleared his throat, sitting back in his leather chair. A faint, dark pink blush crept up his neck and flooded his cheeks as he realised how completely ridiculous he had just been. He adjusted his collar, looking anywhere but at you.
"Tch," he muttered, crossing his arms and looking out the window to hide his red face. "You should have specified that from the beginning, brat. Don't play with my heart like that."
You smirked, leaning forward. "So... do you have anyone for her?"
Levi rolled his shoulders, finally looking back at you, the blush still faintly dusting his cheeks. "Yeah. Actually, I do. Erwin's been keeping tabs on her social media for a month now. He's too chicken to make a move. Tell your little friend to expect a very expensive delivery at her apartment tomorrow morning."
You grinned, your fingers flying across the screen to deliver the unbelievable news.
You: Good news, girl. Levi didn't murder anyone, and he actually has the perfect guy for you. His right-hand man, Erwin.
Bestie: omg wait, the blonde guy you mentioned before?? The one who looks like a literal commander but handles the syndicate's legal fronts?!
You: yep! big, blonde, cunning as hell, and he's covered in tattoos under his button-downs. Apparently, he's already been quietly checking you out.
Bestie: IM SCREAMING 😭😭 tell Levi I will literally bake him a tray of cannoli. Tell Erwin to call me right now!!
You let out a soft laugh, completely absorbed in the screen as you typed back a teasing reply. "Thank you, Levi. You really are wonderful when you aren't threatening to bury people in the woods."
Silence answered you.
You looked up from your screen, only to find Levi’s chair empty. Before you could even register where he had gone, a shadow fell over your armchair. Levi stood right at the edge of your seat, his crisp shirt slightly unbuttoned, his silver eyes dark and intensely focused on you. The embarrassment from earlier was completely gone, replaced by a sudden heat.
"You're paying too much attention to that plastic piece of shit," he murmured, his voice dropping into a low, possessive growl.
Without waiting for an invitation, Levi stepped closer, parting your knees and sliding his hands firmly up your bare legs. His warm, calloused palms smoothed over your thighs, the friction sending a sudden, delicious shiver straight up your spine. He leaned down, his mouth instantly captured yours.
He didn't give you a chance to object. While his lips swamped yours in a deep, burning kiss, his hand reached down, his fingers locking around your wrist and smoothly prying the phone from your grip.
With a careless flick of his wrist, he tossed the phone backwards. It skittered loudly across the polished mahogany of his desk, completely forgotten.
"Levi—" you gasped into his mouth, but the word was cut short as his fingers glided up to wrap lightly around the front of your neck. He didn't squeeze, but the firm, warm pressure of his palm against your throat was incredibly grounding, tilting your head back at the perfect angle.
"Mia," he growled against your lips, his deep Italian accent bleeding back into his voice as he deepened the kiss.
His tongue parted your lips with a greedy stroke, completely claiming your mouth and swallowing your soft, needy sighs. His body shifted to crowd you completely into the leather chair, reminding you exactly who you belonged to. Your friend’s dating life was officially a problem for tomorrow; right now, the underboss demanded your full, undivided attention.
Summary: Time is running out and you're forced to make a difficult decision.
Relevant tags: Sylus x Fem!Reader, Fluff, Royal AU, Secret Relationships, Knights, Princes and Princesses, First Love
Chapter 1
AO3 Link
Tag list: @souppooppie @valiantchaosvalkyrie @imdeadinsidelolexe @babygirl-panda19 @thirsty-btch @ariqinonychinus
(pls let me know if I forgot to tag you, I'm a dumb-dumb!)
You made your way down to the dining hall, your footsteps quick against the polished stone floors. A butler had come to you earlier that day to inform you that your father had invited important guests to dinner and required the whole family to attend. Running late, you hurried down the hallway with Sylus on your tail. When the butlers opened the doors for you, you drew a breath to offer your apologies, but the words died on your tongue.
To your shock, your entire family sat along a long table, with Prince Kaylen and Prince Xavier sitting across from your brothers. You hadn’t known which guests to expect, but it certainly wasn’t them.
You stammered an apology and shuffled toward a seat that had been pulled out for you, beside your brother Sebastian. Sylus quietly took his post near the doors. From the corner of your eye, you noticed he situated himself next to Prince Xavier’s curly-haired knight, deliberately away from Kaylen’s black-armoured guards.
At the head of the table, your father beamed at you.
“I am so pleased to see a new generation of future rulers, gathered at my table!” He announced as you took your seat, heart hammering with anxiety.
You stared down at your plate as the king launched into a speech about peace and friendship across the continent. Your father was no doubt proud that the crown princes of the two most powerful kingdoms had decided to grace your little land with a prolonged visit. They both have ulterior motives, though, you thought, forcing yourself to focus on your food.
The scent of roasted meat and warm bread distracted you, and you tuned out his words as you dug into your plate.
“...And I look forward to welcoming Prince Sylus at my table.”
Your father’s words made you inhale sharply. You choked on your food.
“That’s how most ladies react,” Prince Kaylen said smoothly. Laughter rippled around the table as you coughed and spluttered, while Sebastian rubbed your back and pressed a handkerchief into your hand.
“I received a message today that my little brother’s ship has finally docked,” Prince Kaylen continued. “He will be joining us shortly.” He shot a look across the table, directly at you.
He’s doing this on purpose, you thought, your chest tightening as you dabbed the handkerchief to your lips. What is he trying to say?
“He can’t be that little anymore. How old is he now?” Your father asked.
As everyone at the table tucked into their food and began to chatter among themselves, you strained to listen to your father’s conversation.
“He’ll be twenty one next Spring,” Kaylen answered politely.
“Ah, he’s a man grown now.” Your father rubbed his chin. “I remember your father at that age. A mountain of a man - broad like you, but twice as brash.”
“His age is catching up to him now,” Kaylen smiled, and paused for a moment. “But the one who truly takes after Father is Sylus. The resemblance is uncanny, in looks and spirit.”
You tapped your foot anxiously on the floor. It felt as if he was prompting your father to notice. You forced yourself to take a sip of water, but your hands trembled around the glass.
The king hummed thoughtfully. “He sounds like he would be hard to miss.”
You caught Prince Xavier looking away, eyebrows raised in disbelief as he took a long swig from his cup. Heat flooded your face, and you nervously shoved food in your mouth with shaking hands, eager to finish your meal and leave. You prayed to all gods who would listen, that nobody noticed the state of you.
“I see a great deal of the queen in you.” Your mother swirled her wine glass. “You will make a fine ruler.”
Prince Kaylen bowed his head humbly. “You are too kind, Your Majesty.”
“It’s a shame King Aylus didn’t visit this time,” your mother continued. “He always did love a good feast.”
“He regrets that he couldn’t come,” Kaylen smiled apologetically. “But he promises not to miss the next one.”
Your mother frowned, but before she could question him, your father laughed. “He’d best not, or I’ll be offended!”
You couldn’t sit and listen any longer. You were terrified that as the evening went on and the wine flowed, with Sylus standing there in plain sight, something would slip. That some careless word would make all the pieces click into place for your parents. You decided not to tempt fate any further and wolfed the rest of your food down as quickly as you could.
“Please excuse me.” You stood abruptly from your chair. “The chef never fails to put me to sleep with his cooking.” You laughed, patting your stomach.
Once you had wished everyone good night, you fled into the hallway, where you finally felt you could breathe again.
You thought about that dinner again as you lay on your lounge chair, basking in the peace and quiet of the afternoon. You had felt so uncomfortable, listening to your family discuss Sylus as if he weren’t standing just a few feet away.
At the very least, everyone’s efforts seemed to be paying off. Your parents were now looking forward to meeting Sylus, a far cry from their earlier apprehension. To your astonishment, stories about Prince Sylus’s chivalry, good deeds and impressive feats had spread like wildfire. Just as Sylus had promised. On occasion, servants would steal glances at you as they whispered his name. It was almost frightening how quickly reputations could change when the right people were telling the stories.
You stretched on your lounger, eyes closed, enjoying the bit of afternoon sun streaming through the window. An open book lay across your stomach and soft music played from the other end of the room. Erin sat across from you, fully focused on her embroidery, while Sylus had seated himself into an armchair nearby, one foot propped over his knee. He held his sword in one hand, gliding an oiled cloth along the freshly sharpened blade as he hummed along with the music.
As much as you enjoyed the peaceful moment, you found that lazy days were when your mind raced with anxiety the most.
Prince Xavier hadn’t bothered you again, but you had come across him at court several times, closely followed, and monitored, by his knight. To your relief, he seemed unharmed. You had asked Doctor Zayne about this “Hedgwick” character, and he had described him as a “talented herbalist, with a penchant for quackery”. You weren’t sure if that was meant to be praise, but you were relieved to learn that at least you hadn’t been poisoned. After a quick examination of you and your knight, Doctor Zayne concluded that both of you were fit and healthy. Then, with a short lecture to never attempt something like that again, he sent you on your way.
You had tried to bring up your strange dream to Sylus once more, and he had brushed it off as nonsense. “It’s not worth thinking about,” he had said. “Even your physician called him a quack.” So you decided to try and forget about it. After all, you didn’t want to catch Prince Xavier’s obsession with dreams.
However, every encounter left you with the same unsettling realisation. The number of people who knew about Sylus was growing every day.
Prince Xavier knew.
Prince Kaylen and his men knew.
Doctor Zayne knew.
Your cousin knew.
Rafayel, the Lemurian artist, surely knew.
The servants whispered about your relationship with Sir Skye.
You thought back to when you were blissfully unaware of Sylus’s identity, and you wondered how many times he must have narrowly avoided being exposed. You had become careless with your affections for him, too. You sometimes wondered if you purposely pushed the boundaries and tempted fate. You feared that your grasp on your secret was loosening, slipping through your fingers no matter how hard you tried to hold on. Things were starting to develop beyond your control.
Your thoughts were interrupted by the click of the door, and a chipper voice greeting you. You cracked an eye open to see one of your favoured maids, Jennie, approaching with a tray. She placed it on your table and began preparing your tea.
“You always appear at the right moment,” you said lazily. “I sometimes worry that you’re a mind reader.”
Jennie giggled. “Oh I wouldn’t say so, Your Highness.” She stirred your tea. “If anyone can read your mind, it’s Erin.”
“Have the fish merchants visited yet?” Erin asked, looking up from her embroidery.
“Could you smell them?” Jennie laughed.
“Mmm. I adore fresh seafood,” you muttered dreamily.
“Seafood is not all they bring,” Jennie said with a sly smile as she wiped her hands on her apron.
“Oh?” She had your full attention then.
“One merchant said that the fishermen have been talking about that missing prince,” she said.
“Did they catch him in their nets?” You asked, making both maids chuckle.
“They said they’ve seen him!” Jennie leaned in. “And apparently he got lost at sea while hunting a kraken!”
You let out an interested hum. “He could feed the entire castle with one squid.”
“Krakens don’t even exist.” Erin shook her head. “Who is coming up with those tall tales?”
You caught a slight smirk on Sylus’s face as he continued to shine his blade.
“Well, the Lemurian merchants claim it to be real!” Jennie placed her hands on her hips. “Besides, everyone knows that’s not why he’s late.”
As soon as the words left her mouth, her face froze, as if she’d seen a ghost. “I-I should get back to the kitchen!” She stammered with a short curtsy.
Erin pursed her lips and reached into her basket of threads, suddenly very interested in her work.
“What do you mean?” You sat up in your seat, snapping your book shut. “What does everyone know?” You caught Sylus’s movements freezing, his hand stopping mid-stroke on the blade. He didn’t look up, but you could feel that he was also waiting to hear what she had to say.
“Nothing, my lady.” Jennie muttered, her eyes fixed on the floor. “Please forgive me, it’s nonsense.”
“Jennie,” you called her name, your voice firm. “Look at me.”
Jennie looked up, nervously chewing the inside of her cheek.
“Tell me what the folk are saying.”
“Well…” She squirmed under your gaze. “They say that… he’s late on purpose. So that, um…” She clasped her hands over her apron. “So that he doesn’t take attention away from the royal wedding.”
“That doesn’t make any sense,” your brow furrowed in confusion. “Why would he take away from the wedding?”
“Because, they say that you’re going to…” she glanced towards Sylus, then dropped her voice to a whisper. “Get engaged to him.”
“Oh?” You kept your voice light. “And what’s wrong with that?”
“Well, you know…” She couldn’t help glancing in your knight’s direction again. Sylus pretended not to listen, holding his blade up to inspect its shine. “No reason,” she muttered.
“I see.” You smiled to reassure her that she wasn’t in trouble. “Thank you, Jennie. You may go.”
She dropped into a clumsy curtsy and made her escape.
For a long moment, the three of you sat in thick silence. You sucked in a breath through your teeth. “Everyone knows,” you repeated slowly, pursing your lips in a thin line.
“My lady.” Erin rubbed the bridge of her nose with an exasperated sigh. “I tried to warn you, but…” She took a steadying breath. “What do you expect people to think, when your guard is lounging in your room, rubbing his sword!”
She threw her hands in the air, and both you and Sylus snorted in unison. Erin stared at you incredulous, failing to see the humour.
“I’m sorry.” You pressed your fingers over your mouth, your shoulders shaking. “You’re right, Erin.”
“These stories are my brother’s doing,” Sylus said, sheathing his sword back in its scabbard. “He told the king, right in front of you, that I’ve arrived. He’s getting impatient and wants us to get moving.”
“But how?” All your previous worries came flooding back. “How do we introduce you? No matter what I think of, no matter what story I imagine, I can’t come up with any scenario where my parents don’t find out that you were my knight all along.”
Sylus placed the sword across his lap and tapped his fingers against the scabbard. “We could say I lost my memories from an injury. That I started a new life, became a mercenary, and my reunion with my brother brought everything back.”
“We could take you to Hedgwick again and say he cured you,” you offered.
“These are just more lies, my lady,” Erin shot you a disapproving look. You pouted, but you had to agree. More lies would only bring more problems.
“What if we celebrated your arrival with a masked ball?” You suggested. “You could arrive already wearing a mask.” That one seemed actually thrilling. You had fancied a masked ball anyway.
Sylus looked as if he were considering your idea. “Yes. We ease them in.” He paused, and a doubtful expression crossed his face. “But after that, we’re back to the same issue.”
“And we can’t swap you in and out of disguises forever.” You brushed your fingers through your hair and leaned your head back, staring at the ceiling.
The silence stretched between you, heavy and thick. You could feel the weight of the truth you were both dancing around.
Finally, Sylus set his sword aside. “There’s only one way forward then,” he said quietly.
You met his gaze, and you both seemed to come to the same conclusion. “We’ll have to confess the whole truth.” You were the first to say it aloud.
“We can send word to my brother,” he suggested. “He will announce that I’m a day away. Then, at the agreed time, I will present myself to them.”
His words hung in the air.
“Two days would be better,” you said. “So I can arrange your welcome. It would be best if only my family received you. If it’s public, it will humiliate my parents.”
“While a small audience would force them not to act too rashly,” Sylus leaned his chin on his hand.
“Yes.” You let out a heavy sigh. “We’re in a better position now. You seem more respectable, and your brother is building relationships as well.” You tried to reassure yourself more than him, but your voice wavered. You were terrified of your parents’ reaction.
You didn’t know what the consequences would be for a foreign prince to take the kingsguard vows under a false identity. You had never heard of such a thing happening in your kingdom.
You had been relieved that Kaylen wasn’t out for blood, but what if your family took it as an act of aggression? What if they thought Sylus was spying on them, or trying to undermine your kingdom? You couldn’t help but worry that they would do something to him, and cause his family to retaliate. They could burn your entire kingdom to the ground if they wished. Your stomach twisted painfully, and you balled your fists, gripping the fabric of your dress as your thoughts spiralled.
Sylus rose from his seat and walked over to you, sinking to one knee. “I have spent a long time thinking about what to say to the king and queen.” He took your hand. “I only have one chance to convince them. I promise I won’t waste it.”
You scooted over to make room for him beside you and took his hand in both of yours, squeezing it tightly.
“Erin.” Your throat felt tight, your voice strained. “Would you please find Prince Kaylen and request a meeting?” You muttered, looking down at your hands.
“Yes, my lady.” She placed her things down and jumped up from her seat, likely eager to give you privacy.
“If not him, then look for one of the twins.” Sylus looked up at Erin. “They’ll make sure he gets the message.”
Erin nodded and dashed out of the room, the door clicking shut behind her. Once you were alone, Sylus settled onto the lounger beside you and pulled you into his arms.
“I’m scared.” The words came out quieter than you intended. “I want to go back to how things were.” Your voice cracked, and you sniffled, suddenly aware of how childish you sounded.
“I know, my love,” Sylus’s voice was low and gentle. “I would love nothing else.” He rubbed soothing circles on your back.
“Can we just run away?” You whined. “You could fish and I’ll weave baskets or something. Somewhere far away.”
He couldn’t help the soft laugh that escaped him. “Look at me.”
He pulled back slightly and you looked up at him, your brows scrunched with worry. He brushed your hair away from your face, tucking it behind your ear.
“If they forbid us to marry and send me away,” he muttered, looking down at you, his ruby red eyes full of adoration. “I will take you with me.”
“You won’t leave me behind?” To suffer the consequences alone, you wanted to say, but you couldn’t bring yourself to say the words. Your eyes filled with tears, your vision blurring.
“Never.” The finality in his voice comforted you. “I will snatch you away and lock you high up in a tower if I must.”
His words cracked a small smile onto your face, despite everything.
“No matter how many men, how many armies they send,” he continued. “I will never let them take you back.”
“Promise me.” You wiped a tear from your cheek with the back of your hand. “Like I promised you.”
He held your face gently, clearing the tears away from your cheeks with his thumbs. “I swear to you.”
He leaned down and pressed a kiss to your forehead, his lips lingering on your skin.
“A few more days,” he murmured. “And I’ll never have to wear this damned armour again.”
“Stay by my side until then.” You wrapped your arms around him tight, the grooves of his armour digging into your skin.
I've got an idea I couldn't help but thinking about you writing it 🤭💕 a modern AU for teacher levi × teacher reader they're dating but thinking that no one knows while everyone suspects them because of levi's overprotective worried nature towards her and one day the 104th cadets corps *as the students* spot them kissing passionately somewhere 😍 and thank you so much you're an amazing writer
Hidden curriculum
Levi x fem reader
It was near the end of the afternoon lecture, and the lecture hall was alive with the hum of the 104th squad happily debating a complex ethical dilemma. It was all going beautifully; you leaned against the podium with a proud smile, watching Eren aggressively argue a point while Armin calmly dismantled it with pure logic.
The door at the back of the hall clicked open, and a sudden, collective hush fell over the front rows.
Professor Levi Ackerman walked down the tiered steps, his hands tucked into the pockets of his trousers, a leather folder under his arm. He looked exactly like what he was, the university’s most brilliant and terrifying criminology professor. He didn't spare a glance at the students, his sharp eyes locking instantly onto you.
The students tried to keep their conversations going, but the volume dropped significantly. The 104th prided themselves on being amateur detectives, and whenever Professor Ackerman crossed the hall to the ethics department, their collective radar went off.
Levi stopped right beside your podium, his scent instantly wrapping around you.
"How are they doing?" he asked, his voice a low rumble that was meant for your ears only, though a few students in the front row definitely leaned in.
You smiled up at him, keeping your posture completely professional. "Great. A few questionable things have been mentioned during the debate. I'd like to hope they were said in a jokey way."
Levi’s eyes narrowed slightly as he scanned the room, his gaze lingering on Eren, who suddenly looked very interested in his notebook. "If any of these brats are showing sociopathic tendencies, let me know. I'll drop them from my criminal profiling seminar."
"They're just passionate, Levi," you chuckled softly, keeping your voice low. "No need to build a case file on them yet."
"Tch. I'm keeping an eye on them," he muttered. Then, his sharp gaze softened as his eyes swept over your face. He took a subtle step closer, his shoulder almost brushing yours behind the safety of the podium. "You look pale. Did you skip lunch to grade those midterms?"
"I had an apple," you whispered defensively.
Levi let out a quiet, irritated click of his tongue. "An apple isn't a meal. Your lecture ends in five minutes. Pack up your things. I'm driving you to that café down the street, and you’re going to sit there and eat a proper sandwich while I finish my syllabus."
From the third row, Sasha nudged Connie hard in the ribs, pointing a subtle finger at the way Professor Ackerman was hovering over your desk, practically shielding you from the rest of the room. Jean leaned over to whisper to Marco, "Look at him. He looks like a guard dog. They are definitely sleeping together."
Unaware of the silent gossip circle in the tier above, you gave Levi a reassuring look. "Alright, alright. Just let me dismiss them first."
Levi gave a single nod, stepping back just a fraction to let you take the podium, though his hand briefly brushed against the small of your back. "Don't take too long. The car is already warmed up."
"Alright, that’s all for today," you announced, raising your voice over the chatter. "Make sure to read chapter four before Thursday's lecture, and please, keep your ethical dilemmas strictly theoretical until then."
A wave of groans and rustling backpacks filled the room as the students began to filter out. Sasha practically sprinted out the door, likely heading straight for the cafeteria, while Armin, Eren, and Mikasa trailed out near the back of the pack, still quietly whispering among themselves.
Levi stood near the door, arms crossed, watching them leave like a warden checking cells. The moment the door finally clicked shut behind the last student, the rigid, professional tension completely melted out of his shoulders.
"Finally," he muttered, turning the lock on the inside of the door with a sharp click.
You laughed, stacking your lecture notes. "Levi, we're still on campus. Anyone could—"
Before you could finish your sentence, Levi crossed the distance between you in three long strides. He didn't say a word. He simply gripped your waist, his large hands anchoring into your hips, and lifted you back until your spine met the cool, solid brick wall beside the chalkboard.
A soft, breathless gasp escaped your lips as his heavy, warm body pressed completely against yours, trapping you between his frame and the wall.
"You talk too much, Professor," Levi growled.
His mouth crashed onto yours before you could reply.
It wasn't a gentle, polite colleague kiss. It was deep, desperate, and intensely passionate, the culmination of having to pretend he didn't want to bend you over his desk for the last two hours. Levi’s tongue parted your lips with a possessive swipe, driving deep into your mouth as he swallowed your soft, muffled whimpers. His fingers tangled into your hair, tilting your head back to give him better access, while his other hand slid down to grip your thigh, pulling it up around his hip to bring your core flush against his rigid erection.
You were entirely consumed by him, your hands clawing at the fabric of his sharp dress shirt, completely forgetting where you were.
Meanwhile, out in the hallway, Jean stopped dead in his tracks, slapping his pockets. "Shit. I left my laptop charger under the desk."
"Are you an idiot?" Eren scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Just grab it tomorrow."
"No way, I need it for the criminology paper due at midnight," Jean groaned, turning on his heel. "Come on, come back with me."
Eren, Armin, and Mikasa begrudgingly followed Jean back down the corridor. Jean grabbed the handle of the lecture hall door and gave it a firm push. Because the lock was old and the door hadn't fully latched when Levi turned it, the mechanism gave way with a loud, echoing creak.
"Hey, Professor, sorry to bother you, but I left my—" Jean’s voice died in his throat.
The four students froze in the doorway, their jaws dropping in unison.
Right there, against the classroom wall, Professor Levi Ackerman had the Ethics professor pinned so hard her heels were barely touching the floor. Levi's shirt was wrinkled, his tie was completely askew, and his hand was buried deep in your hair as your mouths were fused together.
At the sound of the door, you both snapped your heads around. Your face flushed, your hands freezing on Levi's chest as you tried to smooth down your skirt in pure panic.
Levi, however, didn't drop his arm from your waist. He slowly turned his head, his eyes narrowing into an icy, murderous glare that could have stopped a man's heart. The lazy, passionate heat in his expression vanished, replaced by the terrifying aura of a man who knew exactly how to make a body disappear.
The silence in the lecture hall was absolutely deafening.
Jean looked like he was about to faint. Eren’s eyes were wide as saucers, Armin was blushing furiously and looking at the floor, and Mikasa just blinked, entirely unsurprised.
"Did I... hear someone say they wanted a failing grade on their midterms?" Levi asked.
"N-No, sir!" Jean squeaked, his voice cracking horribly. He didn't even look for his charger. He grabbed Eren and Armin by their collars and began frantically backing out of the room. "Wrong room! So sorry! We saw nothing!"
With a frantic scramble, the students slammed the door shut, their running footsteps echoing down the hallway like a stampede.
You buried your flaming face into Levi's chest, letting out a weak, panicked groan. "Oh my god. Levi. They saw us. Everyone is going to know by tomorrow morning."
Levi let out a low, irritated click of his tongue, but his arms only tightened around your waist, pulling you back against his chest. A dark, wicked smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he leaned down to press a hot kiss right beneath your ear.
"Let them talk," he murmured against your skin, his thumb caressing your hip. "At least now the whole department knows exactly who you belong to. Now, where were we?"
Can I request a smut/comforting oneshot where levi and reader were friends for a while before dating and the reader kept a physical distance at first but levi didn't understand why I mean they didn't kiss or have sex yet because she has serious eczema and she was afraid that he'll find her body ugly but one day he came from work to find her scratching her arms and bleeding because of that and she tried to hide from him but he comforts her and they end up having sweet sex together 🤍
Beneath the Surface
Levi x fem reader
For the first six months of your relationship, you had kept Levi at arm's length.
It hadn't been easy, especially since you had been close friends for over a year before he finally pulled you into his space and told you that he was done waiting for you to realise you belonged with him. You loved him fiercely. But every time his fingers lingered near the hem of your long-sleeved shirts, or whenever the room temperature rose and made your skin prickle, you would gently pull away, offering a tight smile or changing the subject.
You hadn’t kissed properly yet. You hadn’t spent the night. Levi, who prided himself on reading people instantly, was baffled by the wall you had built. He knew you loved him; he could see it in the way you took care of him, the way you looked at him, but the physical distance was driving a quiet, frustrating wedge between you.
He didn't understand that you were terrified.
You had suffered from eczema your entire life. During a bad flare-up, your skin turned raw, bright red, and angry, covered in rough patches that made you feel ugly. Because Levi was meticulous about cleanliness and order, your anxiety had convinced you that the moment he saw the scaling, damaged skin on your torso, thighs, and arms, he would find you repulsive.
Tonight, the summer heat had triggered the worst flare-up you’d had in years.
You were sitting on the bathroom floor of his apartment, the door locked, clad only in a loose tank top and shorts. The itch was a living, breathing monster beneath your skin. It was maddening. Your fingernails had worked at the soft skin of your inner elbows and forearms, scratching until the angry red patches split open.
Click.
The sound of the front door unlocking sent a jolt of pure panic straight through your chest. Levi was home early.
"Hey," his deep, gravelly voice echoed through the quiet apartment. Footsteps followed, heavy and deliberate, heading straight for the bathroom light. "You in there?"
"L-Levi, don't come in!" you gasped, your voice cracking with emotion as you frantically pulled your knees to your chest, trying to wrap your arms around yourself to hide the bleeding tracks on your skin. "Just give me a minute, please."
The doorknob rattled. Levi didn't listen. He never did when he detected a note of distress in your voice. The lock clicked open. He always kept the emergency key on his ring, and the door swung wide.
Levi stood with his jacket slung over one arm, his tie loosened. His eyes took in the scene in a fraction of a second: the tear-stained track on your cheeks, the bloody scratches lining your arms, and the raw, inflamed patches of skin you were desperately trying to cover up.
"Get away from me," you sobbed, burying your face in your knees, your shoulders shaking. "Please, Levi, just look away. Don't look at me. I'm ugly, it's disgusting, just leave me alone."
The room went silent, save for the sound of your ragged breathing. You braced yourself for the rejection, for the quiet sigh of disappointment.
Instead, the heavy leather of his jacket hit the floor.
Levi dropped to his knees right in front of you. He didn't hesitate. His large, warm hands reached out, his fingers gentle as they wrapped around your wrists, slowly pulling your arms away from your body so you couldn't scratch anymore.
"Look at me," he commanded softly.
You kept your eyes tightly shut, hot tears leaking past your lashes. "Levi, please—"
"I said, look at me."
Slowly, you forced your eyes open. Levi wasn't looking at your skin with disgust. There was only a deep, aching pool of concern and a quiet, simmering anger directed entirely at the pain you were in.
"Is this why?" he asked, his voice dropping into a gentle rumble. He carefully turned your forearms over, his eyes tracking the raw, bleeding lines. His thumb brushed the untouched skin just millimetres away from the flare-up, his touch lighter than a feather. "Is this why you've been keeping me away from you? Why you won't let me touch you?"
You nodded. "Look at it. It's horrible. You like everything so clean, and my body is just... it's broken, Levi. I didn't want you to think I was deformed."
Levi let out a heavy breath, his jaw tightening. "You stupid, stubborn brat," he murmured, but there was no heat in the words. He reached up, his palm cupping your tear-stained cheek, wiping a stray tear with his thumb. "You think I give a shit about a medical flare-up? I've seen the worst things this world has to offer. You think some irritated skin is going to make me walk away from the only woman I've ever wanted?"
He stood up smoothly, reaching into his medicine cabinet. He grabbed a clean, damp washcloth and a bottle of specialised, unscented healing cream, something you realised, with a shock of realisation, he must have bought weeks ago, having noticed your quiet scratching in the past.
He knelt back down, taking your arm in his lap. Levi used the damp cloth to gently dab away the blood from your scratches, his movements steadier and more careful than a surgeon's. He blew softly on the raw skin as he worked, his cool breath soothing the burning heat of the inflammation.
"It's not disgusting," he muttered, his eyes locking onto yours as he unscrewed the cream. "It's just skin. And it hurts you, which means I hate it. But I don't hate you. You're the most beautiful thing in this entire miserable city, and if you think a few red marks change that, you're losing your mind."
He squeezed a dollop of the thick cream onto his palms, rubbing his hands together to warm it before he applied it to your skin. He didn't flinch. He smoothed the ointment over your arms, your collarbone, and the raw patches on your thighs with long, slow, worshipful strokes. The cool cream instantly began to dull the maddening itch, but it was the steady, grounding weight of his hands that truly calmed the storm inside you.
When he was done, he didn't pull away. He leaned forward, his lips finally meeting yours in a deep, slow, and incredibly sweet kiss. It was everything you had been depriving yourself of, warm, possessive, and thick with a year's worth of built-up devotion.
You let out a soft hum into his mouth, your hands gently coming up to rest on his shoulders, careful not to get grease on his shirt.
Levi pulled back just an inch, his dark hair falling into his eyes, his breathing a little heavier now. "I want you," he whispered, his thumb tracing your bottom lip. "All of you. Let me show you exactly how beautiful you are."
He carefully lifted you off the floor, carrying you into the dimly lit bedroom. He lay you down on the soft sheets, slipping off his shoes and shirt before joining you. He didn't rush. He knew your skin was sensitive, so every movement was deliberate and protective.
Levi slowly removed your shorts and tank top, exposing the rest of your body to his gaze. You braced yourself to shrink away, but Levi immediately came down over you, his heavy body aligning with yours, his hands sliding under your lower back to pull you against him.
"Perfect," he growled against your neck, his lips pressing a hot, lingering kiss, making a shiver of pure pleasure ripple down your spine. "Every single inch of you is mine."
He freed his cock from his trousers, thick and fully erect, pulsing with a lazy, heavy urgency. He guided his broad tip to your wet, aching entrance. He sank into you with a slow, agonisingly deep plunge, his silver eyes locked entirely on yours as his full length pushed inside your tight, slick heat.
A loud, breathless gasp tore from your throat, your fingers curling into the muscles of his upper arms as the sheer, overwhelming fullness of him stretched your walls.
"Levi... oh god," you whimpered, your hips lifting instinctively to take him deeper.
"I've got you," he rasped, his jaw clenching as your tight pussy clenched around him in a desperate embrace. He began to move, his hips rolling at a slow pace. He kept his chest pressed flat against yours, his hands threading through your fingers, pinning your hands to the mattress so you couldn't scratch yourself.
The intimacy was intoxicating. With every slow, heavy thrust, Levi hit your G-spot, his mouth on yours to catch your soft, high-pitched moans. He made love to you with a sweet, possessive intensity, his tongue tangling with yours while his hips delivered a steady, relentless pleasure that gradually wiped every single insecurity from your mind.
You weren't thinking about your skin anymore. You were only thinking about the heat of his body, the deep, gravelly sounds leaving his chest, and the friction of your bodies fusing together.
"You're so beautiful," Levi muttered obsessively between kisses, his pace gradually quickening as the friction built toward a boiling point. "So tight... fuck, look at me, sweetheart."
You blinked through a haze of tears, meeting his fierce, devoted gaze. The pleasure coiled tightly in your lower stomach, snapping just a second later. With a sharp cry, your body shattered, your internal walls convulsing around his thick shaft in waves.
Watching your face completely unravel beneath him was the final straw for Levi’s control. He let out a low, guttural groan, driving himself deep into your core a few more times before his entire body went rigid. He ejaculated deep inside your womb, his hot seed bursting into you in heavy, thick pulses that made your thighs tremble.
He didn't pull out when it was over. Levi collapsed gently over your chest, keeping his weight supported on his elbows so he didn't crush you, but keeping his body as close as humanly possible. He buried his face in your hair, his chest heaving as his breathing gradually slowed.
He reached down, his fingers gently smoothing the cream over your forearms once more, his touch filled with a quiet, lifetime promise.
"Don't ever hide from me again," he murmured against your temple, his voice a warm, protective shield in the dark. "I love you. Every fucking part of you."
Gonna be temporarily closing my requests. This is because I'm off to Finland for a week and a bit at the end of next week. While away I won't be able to write anything there, I'm going to enjoy a break with my brother!
This also means no long fic chapter updates for next weekend. I won't leave it on a cliffhanger, don't worry!
In this chapter - you go to a tea party and stand your ground. You and Levi are intimate for the first time.
Ao3
Part 4 Part 6
A few days had passed since that emotional afternoon in the western wing, and the gloomy, gothic Ackerman mansion had completely transformed. Thanks to your touch, drafty corridors were now softened with rugs, fresh bouquets of wildflowers lined the windows, and the entire estate smelled faintly of vanilla and lavender. You were fully healed, your strength completely restored, and your protective husband had barely left your side for a single second.
But today was a massive step into a completely different world.
Sitting inside the luxurious carriage, you gripped the fabric of your stunning new custom dress tightly, your heart racing. You were on your way to an afternoon tea party hosted by Princess Aleea. You and Levi had been invited as a couple; it was a grand opportunity for him to handle high-court business, and a crucial chance for you to socialise and make allies as the new Countess. It was terrifying, mainly because you were used to chatting with friendly village folks over a bakery counter, not navigating the shark-infested waters of high society.
Levi, sitting across from you with a stack of estate papers, noticed the sudden tension in your shoulders. He set his documents aside, his eyes softening completely. "Darling star? Do you miss your bakery?"
You looked up, locking eyes with your handsome husband. "A little," you confessed with a soft smile. "It was a lot of fun, and the rhythm of it kept me grounded. I truly miss Mei, too. She has been writing to me regularly. She mentioned in her last letter that you’ve been incredibly generous, looking after her and personally ensuring my bakery is still running perfectly in my absence."
Levi’s pale cheeks flushed a faint, adorable shade of pink. He looked away for a fraction of a second, clearing his throat. "Well... I had to keep it running. It would be a crime to let such a place close. After all... it was the exact place that made me fall entirely for you."
You blinked, your brow furrowing in surprise. "Really? But we only officially met at the arrangement ball."
A fond, slightly guilty smile broke across his lips. Levi slid off his seat and moved across the carriage, sitting right beside you. He cuddled up close, wrapping a possessive arm around your waist as he softly confessed the truth, how he had secretly visited your shop weeks before the ball, how he went in and bought a treat that you recommended. "Are you mad at me for keeping it a secret?" he murmured against your temple.
You shook your head quickly, your heart swelling with a profound warmth. "No, no... absolutely not. I... wow. I never knew. I'm just so sorry I didn't recognise you back then."
"It is perfectly fine, little star," he whispered, his grip tightening. "Because I have you entirely to myself now."
Feeling a sudden rush of playful bravery, you placed your hand firmly on his upper thigh, causing his muscular frame to stiffen up under your touch. Leaning closer, you pressed a sweet, lingering kiss against his lips before pulling back just an inch. "How was the bun you bought that day, Count Ackerman?"
Levi gulped hard, his eyes darkening with desire. "Incredible. The sweetest thing I've ever tasted."
"I'll bake a fresh batch of them just for you the moment we get home," you promised softly.
"I can't wait," he rasped. His cool fingers lightly traced the intricate wildflower markings on your collarbone. They were completely healed now, sparkling with a flawless, brilliant silver light that perfectly matched the stars and the bright glow in your eyes. He leaned down, burying his face in your neck as he peppered the glowing vines with soft, adoring kisses. "My pretty, perfect wife."
You pushed your fingers into his silky raven hair, playfully messing up his styling just a little bit. "Levi..."
Levi leaned up and captured your mouth, nipping lightly at your bottom lip before pushing his tongue deep into your mouth, kissing you with a surge of passion, love, and desperate yearning. He drank you in until you both were breathless, finally pulling back to rest his forehead against yours. "Don't worry about a single thing today, okay? I will be right by your side for the grand entrance. Luna will be supporting you the entire time during the ladies' tea. If anyone dares to make you uncomfortable, or if you simply need me... call for me, and I will cross the room in a heartbeat."
"I promise," you whispered, smiling at his fierce protectiveness.
Levi suddenly pulled back, lifting his hand and biting down on his own thumb, his sharp fang easily puncturing the pale skin to draw a bead of thick, crimson blood. "I know you already carry my blood from our wedding ceremony, little star, but I need to give you more today. I want to be able to feel your soul and know exactly where you are at all times." He stared at you, his pupils dilating slightly as a faint, possessive yandere edge crept into his eyes. "Uh... purely for your own... safety, of course."
You let out a soft, hummed laugh. "Sure, Kitten. Whatever you say."
Choosing to spoil him, you took his large hand in yours and gently guided his bleeding thumb straight into your mouth. You lightly wrapped your lips around it, slowly sucking the rich, divine blood from his skin.
Levi let out a sudden, deep moan of absolute delight, his head snapping back against the carriage cushions as a shiver ran through his entire body. To your baker's palate, his ancient pure-blood was a divine, intoxicating mix; it tasted intensely of a rich lemon meringue pie blended with fine, bergamot tea.
After a moment, you pulled back, a tiny smirk on your face as you daintily licked a stray drop of crimson from your bottom lip. "Is that better, my love?"
Levi nodded frantically, his chest heaving as his heart raced a mile a minute. The invisible spiritual thread connecting your souls had tightened, lighting up his senses. "I can... I can feel you so much clearer now. Your warmth is entirely inside my mind."
You leaned in, your eyes teasing. "Does it feel good?"
A low, feral growl rumbled deep in the Count's chest as he stared at your lips, his hands twitching with the desperate urge to pull you back into his lap. "So good... It's completely agonising, little star."
Just then, the carriage slowed to a smooth halt, and the voice of the driver echoed from outside. "Your Excellency, Countess... we have officially arrived at Princess Aleea's royal estate."
The carriage door swung open, and Levi stepped out first, offering his now-gloved hand to assist you down onto the pristine cobblestones of Princess Aleea’s royal estate. Together, hand-in-hand, you walked toward the towering gilded doors of the grand palace. The sheer scale of the estate was intimidating. Still, as you crossed the threshold, the head herald's voice boomed through the echoing foyer, announcing your arrivals: "Presenting Count and Countess Ackerman!"
Instantly, dozens of heads turned. The grand entrance hall was buzzing with high-born guests, including a staggering number of exceptionally attractive noblewomen, all of whom immediately cast lingering, hungry glances at your dark, handsome husband.
A sudden, fierce wave of possessiveness flared to life within you. You didn't want these vultures looking at him. You wanted every single person in this room to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that this dangerous pure-blood belonged entirely to you.
Stepping directly into his path, you boldly grabbed Levi’s cravat, twisting the fabric into your knuckles, and forcefully pulled the Count down to your level. Before the shocked eyes of the entire high-court aristocracy, the royal guards, and the waiting attendants, you crashed your lips straight against his. It was a fierce, possessive kiss, a public claim on his soul that left the entire foyer in a breathless, stunned silence.
Pulling back slowly, you smoothed down his ruffled cravat with a tiny, satisfied smirk. "Don't work too hard with all those boring old businessmen of different races, Count Ackerman," you murmured, running your hands slowly down the broad expanse of his chest. "Remember... you have a wife waiting eagerly for you."
Levi let out a deep, rumbling purr that vibrated right against your palms, his crimson eyes flaring with a sudden, intoxicating heat. "Love..." he rasped out, completely dazed and hopelessly whipped by your sudden boldness.
Turning to your fiercely loyal maid, you smiled. "Luna? Let's head to the ladies' tea party. I am going to need all of your amazing help today."
Luna bowed gracefully, a proud, knowing glint in her eyes. "I will absolutely not leave your side, Your Ladyship!" She turned and smiled brightly at Levi before he could even utter a single overprotective command. "Don't worry, Your Excellency! I will keep an exceptionally close eye on her and help her navigate everything!"
In a rare display of deep respect, Levi actually bowed his head a little to your maid, causing Luna’s cheeks to flush a bright pink in utter shock instantly. "Thank you, Luna. But before you both go..."
Levi suddenly snaked his powerful arm around your waist, aggressively tugging your body against his frame. "Don't think you can simply get away with a surprise kiss like that before running away from me, little star." He leaned down, capturing your mouth once more, but this time he kissed you with a deep, passionate intensity that left your knees weak. Pulling back just enough to look into your eyes, he whispered, "Call for me the very second you need me, okay? Our bond is so much stronger now. I will hear your heart."
"I promise," you whispered. You gave his lips one final, sweet little peck before turning away to walk down the eastern corridor with Luna and the royal attendant.
As the heavy double doors leading to the grand conservatory drew closer, the sudden reality of the high-society event began to settle in, and a knot of nervous tension tightened in your stomach.
"Luna?" you whispered.
Luna leaned in close, whispering back with confidence. "You are going to do absolutely great, my lady. Remember who you are; you are the Countess Ackerman. I am right behind you, and I will make sure you are perfectly safe."
The royal attendant threw open the glass-panelled doors, revealing a breathtaking, sprawling sunroom filled with exotic blooming orchids, towering marble fountains, and long white tables laden with tiered trays of delicate pastries and fine porcelain. Dozens of high-born noblewomen, dressed in the finest fabrics of the capital, were already laughing and gossiping. At the centre sat Princess Aleea, the other high-level Blooming Vessel of the empire, looking radiant.
The moment you stepped into the room, a heavy hush fell over the crowd.
Princess Aleea rose, a warm, genuine smile breaking across her face as she hurried over to welcome you. "Countess Ackerman! I am so deeply honoured you could make it," she greeted sweetly, taking your hands. "Please, come sit with us."
You smiled, curtsying gracefully. "The honour is entirely mine, Your Highness."
You took a seat at the main table, with Luna standing tall and vigilant just a step behind your chair. At first, the conversation was polite, but as Princess Aleea stepped away to greet a newly arrived duchess, the mood at your table shifted. A group of wealthy, high-born ladies, led by a particularly snide baroness who had long coveted Levi’s title, crowded around you, their sharp eyes locked directly onto your low neckline.
"Oh, look at those silver markings," the baroness hummed. "They are certainly... bright. But tell me, Countess... why are they a pure, virgin white?"
You blinked, your brow furrowing. "Pardon me?"
Another noblewoman scoffed behind her fan, her eyes gleaming maliciously. "Surely you know. When a Vessel is fully claimed and mated, the markings darken into a deep, rich crimson from the Master's blood. Your markings lack any trace of the Count's essence."
The baroness leaned in, a cruel, mocking smirk on her lips. "Is it true, then? The rumours that Count Levi is thoroughly disgusted by your common, working-class background? He marries you for show, yet refuses to fully touch your body or feed from you behind closed doors. You are barely a wife at all... just a temporary little pet."
The harsh, mocking whispers erupted around the table, burning your ears. Your heart began to race in distress, and behind your chair, Luna’s eyes flashed with rage as she stepped forward, her hands clenching into fists, ready to completely tear these noblewomen apart for daring to insult you.
Before Luna could speak, a commanding voice cut through the conservatory like a cracking whip.
"I suggest you shut your pathetic mouths before I have every single one of your families stripped of their noble titles for high treason."
The gossiping ladies instantly froze, turning utterly pale as they looked toward the entrance of the garden.
Walking into the sunroom with an aura of immense, suffocating royal authority was Prince Alcide. He looked breathtakingly handsome in his formal royal blue military attire, his eyes blazing with a fierce, protective fury. He was your older brother’s closest friend, and the prince who had harboured deep, unrequited romantic feelings for you long before your marriage arrangement.
Prince Alcide strode across the marble floor, completely ignoring the bowing noblewomen as he walked straight to your side. He gently placed his hand on the back of your chair, shielding your body from the vultures with his royal presence. He glared down at the shivering baroness.
"The Countess Ackerman is a treasured guest of the royal family, and a dear personal friend of mine and my sister," Alcide rumbled, his voice dark and lethal. "If I hear a single one of you whispering another vile rumour about her or her marriage, I will personally ensure your houses are banished to the frozen borders. Am I understood?"
"Y-Yes, Your Highness!" the baroness squeaked, scrambling backwards in absolute terror along with the other ladies.
Prince Alcide let out a soft huff, his fierce expression instantly melting into a concerned warmth as he looked down at your face. He offered his hand to you. "Are you alright? Come... let me escort you away from these wretched snakes."
The cruel, mocking giggles of the noblewomen hung in the air, but the expected tears never came. Instead, a profound, steady calm washed over you. You looked at the baroness and the sneering ladies around the table, and the nervous knot in your stomach completely untied itself. You were a Blooming Vessel, yes, but you were also the woman who had just brought the most terrifying, untouchable Count in the empire to his knees in a cold hallway. You were the woman he begged for forgiveness.
Before Prince Alcide could even take your hand to escort you away, you gently sat up straighter in your chair, resting your hand elegantly on the white lace tablecloth. The brilliant silver wildflower markings on your collarbone flared with a sudden, fiercely defiant light, casting a radiant glow across your face.
"Just because traditional Vessels in the past have changed colour, Baroness, does not mean it is a universal law written in stone," you said, your voice ringing out crystal clear and remarkably steady through the quiet conservatory. "Every Vessel is unique. Mine happens to bloom in a brilliant, pure starlight silver. Its colour, its flowers, and the way the magic spreads across my skin belong solely to me."
The gossiping ladies blinked, utterly stunned by your sudden, unyielding composure.
You let out a soft, pitying hum, looking directly into the baroness's eyes. "If I recall, my father-in-law, Count Sebastian, possesses a magnificent Vessel whose markings spread beautifully across his entire body, yet they never once changed from their original hue. So please, spare me your outdated high-society superstitions."
A few of the ladies gasped, completely trapped by your knowledge. But you weren't finished yet.
"Furthermore," you continued, a confident smile gracing your lips as you gestured toward the room, "unlike many of the marriages in this capital, where husbands sleep around, maintain villas for their numerous mistresses, and treat their wives as mere background decorations... my husband utterly adores and worships the very ground I walk on. Count Levi does not treat me like a pet. He respects me so deeply that I am the one who sets the absolute pace of our love, our bond, and our intimacy."
Behind your chair, Luna beamed with pride, her chest puffing out as she threw a fiercely smug glare at the silenced vultures. Even Prince Alcide paused, his hand still hovering in the air, a mixture of profound respect and lingering, wistful sorrow softening his eyes as he realised just how deeply you loved your husband.
Princess Aleea walked over, clapping her hands together with a delighted, ringing laugh.
"Well said, Countess Ackerman!" Aleea chimed in, her own high-level Vessel markings glowing in beautiful solidarity. She walked over, placing a supportive hand on your shoulder. "As a fellow marked Vessel, I can assure you all that the Countess speaks the absolute truth. The magic of the bond cannot be defined by shallow gossip. And as a dear friend of her older sister, I will not tolerate such small-minded insults at my table. Baroness, I suggest you and your friends leave the conservatory immediately. Your presence has grown entirely tedious."
The baroness’s face turned a shade of purple. Humiliated, thoroughly defeated, and terrified of both the Princess's banishment and Prince Alcide's lingering threat, she and her followers hurriedly curtsied and scurried out of the room like frightened mice.
With the snakes cleared out, the tension in the beautiful room finally broke. Princess Aleea smiled warmly down at you. "You handled that like a true queen, my dear. Your sister would be so proud."
You turned your head to look up at the handsome prince still standing protectively by your side. "Thank you for stepping in to defend me, Prince Alcide. Your kindness means a great deal to me."
Alcide let out a soft sigh, his fierce military demeanour melting into a gentle, fond warmth. "You never need to thank me," Prince Alcide murmured, his voice softening. "I would dismantle the gates of the capital before I ever let anyone bring a tear to your eyes. I am just... profoundly glad to hear that the Count treats you with the reverence you have always deserved. His father, Sebastian, has always worshipped his mother, Kuchel, with that same terrifying, unyielding devotion, so I suppose it runs directly in the Ackerman bloodline."
Alcide extended his arm once more, offering you a gentle, respectful smile. "But now that the snakes have been thoroughly cleared out... would you allow an old friend the honour of escorting you to the private tea gardens for some actual fresh air?"
You glanced over at Princess Aleea, who gave you an encouraging, warm nod, and then back at Luna, who offered a supportive smile.
"I would like that, Prince Alcide," you replied softly, adjusting your dress as you rose from your chair. You slid your hand lightly over his forearm, allowing the handsome royal to guide you away from the tables and out through the arched glass doors leading to the secluded, maze-like rose gardens.
As the cool, crisp afternoon air hit your face, the lingering tension from the confrontation fully evaporated. Walking down the stone path lined with towering white rosebushes, Alcide kept a respectful distance, but his eyes remained completely fixated on your profile.
"Your brother speaks of you constantly in his letters, you know," Alcide said softly, a gentle chuckle escaping his lips. "He misses your sweet pastries terribly, but he misses his little sister more. He was worried high society would change you... But seeing you back there? You completely commanded the room. You have the true grace of a Countess."
You let out a soft, hummed laugh. "I only spoke the truth, Your Highness. I may be a baker, but I know my worth, and I know how deeply my husband values me."
Alcide stopped walking, turning his body to face you near a large, cascading marble fountain. The silver markings on your chest caught the sunlight, pulsing with that beautiful starlight glow. Alcide looked down at your hand on his arm, a bittersweet wave of lingering affection softening his handsome features. "Levi is an incredibly fortunate man," the Prince whispered, his voice thick with yearning. "If the stars had aligned differently... if I had been the one chosen for you... I would have given you the entire world on a silver platter."
Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the palace, the heavy doors of the high-court business hall burst open with a deafening thud.
The wealthy businessmen and elder lords inside scrambled backwards in sheer terror as Count Levi Ackerman strode out into the corridor. The cold, pristine mask he had worn during the meeting had shattered. His gloved hands were clenched into iron fists, and his silver-blue eyes had violently bled into a piercing, luminous vampire crimson that practically glowed in the dim hallway.
Through the freshly strengthened blood-bond, spurred by the blood you had so sweetly sucked from his thumb in the carriage, Levi’s supernatural senses had picked up the spike of distress in your heartbeat a few minutes ago. He had felt the precise moment your heart raced from the noblewomen's insults.
His fiercely possessive instincts had instantly detonated.
He didn't care about contracts. He didn't care about politics. The only thing that mattered in his centuries-old life was his little star.
Someone dared to distress my wife, Levi thought, a lethal, suffocating aura rolling off his broad shoulders as he stalked down the palace corridors. Someone made her heart race in fear. I will tear them to pieces.
He expanded his senses, locking onto your unique, intoxicating scent of warm vanilla, sugar, and fine tea. But as he drew closer to the eastern conservatory, his tracking suddenly stalled. His jaw clenched so hard the bone popped.
Mingled with your sweet, perfect scent was the distinct, unmistakable aroma of royal blue cedar and ozone.
The scent of royalty. The scent of Prince Alcide. And it was lingering too close to his bride.
Levi's blood began to boil. The possessive beast inside his chest roared in pure, unbridled jealousy. His silent footsteps turned into a supernatural blur as he shifted direction, tracking your combined scents straight out into the private rose gardens.
Back by the marble fountain, you were just about to politely reply to Prince Alcide's sudden, intense confession when the temperature in the garden plummeted to below freezing.
Luna’s eyes widened, and she instantly took three steps back, a knowing, slightly panicked grin breaking across her face.
From the shadows of the arched stone gateway, Levi materialised. His raven hair was windblown, his cravat slightly loosened, and his crimson eyes were burning with a wild, volatile, and dangerously obsessive wrath as he locked his gaze directly onto Prince Alcide’s hand near your waist.
"Step away from my wife, Your Highness," Levi rumbled, his voice low. "Before I forget your royal status and take your hand off myself."
The sheer, suffocating pressure radiating from Levi was enough to freeze the blood in your veins. His silver-blue eyes had completely vanished behind a terrifying, luminous vampire crimson, his jaw rigid, his fangs visibly extended as he took a lethal step forward.
Before he could close the distance or unleash the dark, possessive beast tearing at his chest, you moved.
Stepping directly out of Prince Alcide’s shadow, you placed your frame squarely in front of the royal, completely cutting off Levi's line of sight. You raised your hands, pressing your palm right against the crisp linen of Levi's chest, feeling the frantic hammering of his heart underneath.
"Levi, stop it right now," you commanded softly but firmly, your starlight-silver markings pulsing a calm, grounding rhythm against his skin. "Look at me. Look into my eyes, Kitten."
The sound of that secret, adoring nickname acted like a bucket of ice water over his burning rage. Levi froze mid-step, his chest heaving as his wild crimson gaze snapped down to lock onto your face.
"Alcide is a human, Levi," you reminded him gently, keeping your hand steady against his chest. "He cannot go into a fight with a pure-blood vampire like you. More importantly, he is a close family friend to my brother, and he just stepped in to fiercely protect my honour when a group of snide noblewomen tried to tear me down in the conservatory. He was only escorting me out here for some fresh air."
Levi’s crimson eyes blinked, the red slowly receding into his brilliant silver-blue as your words penetrated his jealous haze. Through the blood-bond, he could feel the absolute sincerity and safety radiating from your soul. He wasn't being replaced. His little star wasn't pulling away.
Letting out a long, ragged breath, the Count forced his rigid shoulders to drop. He closed his eyes for a brief second to fully master the roaring predator inside him, before opening them and turning his gaze over your head to Prince Alcide.
The dangerous, territorial beast vanished, replaced instantly by the cold, impeccable mask of a high-society Count. Levi bowed his head just a fraction, a rare gesture of genuine respect. "Forgive my sudden intrusion, Your Highness. My protective instincts got the better of me. Thank you for shielding my Countess in my absence. Your house's kindness will not be forgotten by the Ackerman clan."
Prince Alcide looked at your hand resting so comfortably on Levi's chest, noting how effortlessly you had tamed the most feared vampire. A soft smile touched his lips, and he bowed back gracefully. "Think nothing of it, Count. I am only glad to see she is well-guarded. I shall leave her in your capable hands." With a final, gentle nod to you, the Prince turned and walked back toward the palace.
Levi wasted no time. The second the Prince was out of sight, he snaked his arm securely around your waist, pulling you flush against his side. "We are going back inside, little star," he murmured against your hair, his voice holding a trace of that lingering, sweet desperation. "I am not leaving your side for the rest of this wretched day."
When you and Levi re-entered the grand conservatory hand-in-hand, with Luna walking proudly behind you, the entire room shifted. The news of how you had completely dismantled the baroness had already spread like wildfire, but seeing the pristine, untouchable Count Ackerman actually joining the ladies' afternoon tea? It was completely unprecedented.
Levi pulled out a chair for you, ensuring you were seated comfortably, before taking the seat directly beside you. He didn't care about the fine china or the elven tea; his eyes were completely, single-mindedly fixated on you, his hand resting possessively over yours on the white tablecloth.
Seeing the handsome, notoriously distant Count sitting in their midst, the remaining high-born noblewomen instantly became flustered. They fluttered their fans, their eyes gleaming as they tried to draw his attention away from your side.
"Oh, Count Ackerman, what an unexpected delight!" a wealthy duchess cooed, leaning across the table with a flirtatious smile. "We never imagined the grand Sovereign of trading would grace a ladies' tea party. Tell us... did you decide to abandon your boring business meetings because you simply couldn't resist coming to see all the pretty women gathered in the palace today?"
The surrounding ladies giggled behind their fans, leaning in eagerly to hear his answer, desperate for a shred of charm.
Levi didn't even blink. His expression remained cold, almost bored, as he slowly turned his head away from them to look at your radiant profile. His eyes softened into a look of such profound, intense adoration that it made the surrounding women choke on their breath.
"I have absolutely no interest in the women of this court," Levi stated, his deep, velvety voice ringing out clearly across the silent tables. He lifted your hand, bringing your knuckles to his lips to press a slow, deeply loving kiss against your skin. "The only reason I am here is that I desperately wanted to be close to my beautiful wife. I find that I simply cannot bear to be away from her for a single moment."
The entire conservatory erupted into a stunned, breathless silence. The flustered noblewomen froze, their fans dropping as their faces turned bright red with envy and awe.
You let out a soft, hummed laugh as your silver wildflower markings flared with a brilliant, triumphant starlight glow. You squeezed his hand tightly, completely revelling in the intoxicating, lovesick devotion of your overprotective husband. You had officially conquered high society, and the entire empire now knew that the ruthless Count Ackerman was completely, utterly whipped by his baker Countess.
A few days had passed since the afternoon tea party at the palace, and the entire capital was still whispering about the devotion Count Ackerman had displayed for his human bride. But within the quiet, sun-warmed walls of the Ackerman manor, the high-society court felt a million miles away.
The estate was peaceful, smelling heavily of the fresh lavender buns you had baked that morning. Yet, beneath the cosy atmosphere, a heavy, intoxicating tension had taken root.
You sat on the sofa in the private morning room, a book resting forgotten in your lap. Your eyes were completely fixed on your husband, and your heart was pounding, filled with a sudden, overwhelming wave of longing.
Levi was completely, unapologetically all over you.
He was practically hovering over your entire existence. The Count had discarded his formal jacket and cravat, wearing only his fine shirt with the sleeves rolled up, exposing his pale, muscular forearms. He was kneeling on the cushion right next to your thighs, one powerful hand resting firmly on the back of the sofa behind your head, effectively caging your body beneath his dark shadow.
"You're drifting away from me, little star," Levi murmured, his deep, velvety voice holding a trace of that possessive, lovesick growl. He extended his cool fingers, gently cupping your jawline and tilting your face up. His eyes were dark, his pupils dilated as he drank in the sight of you. "Where is your mind? Tell me."
You swallowed hard, your breath hitching. The sheer proximity of him, the masculine scent of cedar, tea, and the subtle, dangerous edge of his vampire nature, was making your chest ache with a dizzying desire. Looking down, you saw your silver wildflower markings pulsing with a rapid, blindingly bright starlight glow, completely reacting to your internal hunger for him.
"I'm right here, Levi," you whispered breathlessly, your fingers instinctively reaching up to clutch the fabric of his shirt right over his heart. "I'm just... thinking about you."
A low purr rumbled deep inside Levi's chest at your confession. He leaned down further, burying his face directly into the crook of your neck. His soft raven hair tickled your skin as he began pressing hot, lingering kisses along your collarbone, right over the sparkling silver vines. Every touch of his lips sent a shiver straight down your spine. His hands slid down to grip your hips, his strong fingers squeezing your thick thighs through the fabric of your dress with a sudden, desperate possessiveness.
He was a mess for you. He was a centuries-old vampire, yet he was completely acting like a starving creature, desperately needing your attention, your touch, your everything.
"I can feel your heart racing, love," Levi rasped against your skin, his fangs lightly grazing your pulse point, making you gasp softly. "It's so loud. So warm. It's driving me entirely insane. I spend every second of the day wanting to pull you into my lap and never let you go."
You pushed your fingers deep into his soft hair, pulling him closer against you as the longing inside your soul reached a fever pitch. You didn't want him to just hover anymore. You wanted him to fully take you. You wanted to feel his fangs. You wanted to be fully, completely bonded to your lovesick vampire.
"Levi..." you whimpered softly, tilting your head back to give him more access, your body aching for him. "Then don't let me go. Hold me... please."
Levi’s breath hitched completely, his muscular frame tensing against your curves as he realised just how desperately his pretty wife was yearning for him.
The simmering tension that had been building between you for weeks finally snapped like a frayed silk cord. Hearing your breathless plea, the absolute surrender in your voice as you whimpered his name, completely dismantled the last of Levi’s hard-fought restraint.
"Levi..." you gasped, your fingers tightening in his raven hair, pulling his face up so you could look directly into his eyes. "Bite me. Please... I want it. I need it."
A visible tremor ran straight down the Count's spine. His silver-blue eyes instantly bled into a blinding, predatory crimson, burning with a wild, ravenous hunger that was fixated on you. A low, feral growl tore from the depths of his chest.
"You have no idea what you are asking for, little star," he rasped, his voice deep and dripping with a yandere-tinted obsession. "If I sink my fangs into you now, I am never letting you go. You will be mine for eternity."
"Do it," you whispered fiercely.
With a breathless, desperate huff, Levi grabbed your waist and effortlessly hoisted you up, pulling you directly onto his lap. You straddled his muscular thighs, your hips naturally rolling against him as a wave of intoxicating heat flooded your core. The sudden, intimate friction made Levi let out a strangled, ecstatic moan against your skin. He didn't wait another second. His large hands moved to the back of your dress, his supernatural strength flexing as he violently ripped the fabric open, pulling it over your shoulders and exposing the lush, soft curve of your breasts to the warm morning air.
Your silver wildflower markings flared with a dazzling, almost blinding starlight glow, pulsing in frantic, desperate anticipation.
Levi leaned over you, his heavy chest pressing you back against the plush cushions of the sofa. His hot breath fanned across your skin before his sharp fangs finally pierced the soft, vulnerable junction where your neck met your shoulder.
You let out a loud, breathless gasp, your toes curling as a sharp, piercing sting morphed instantly into the most intense, pleasurable warmth you had ever experienced. His ancient pure-blood venom flooded your veins like liquid fire, melting away every ounce of inhibition. You arched your back, your hips rolling helplessly against his lap as you pushed yourself deeper into his embrace.
Levi drank from you with a desperate, frantic hunger, his strong arms wrapping around your waist to lock you against his frame. He was completely out of his mind with lovesick ecstasy, his chest rumbling with a continuous, possessive purr that vibrated directly against your skin. After a few heavy, intoxicating moments, he pulled his fangs back, trailing a wet, burning path of kisses down your collarbone, worshipping every inch of your flesh.
He moved lower, his hands cupping and lifting your full breasts as his mouth descended upon your chest. He nipped and bit at the sensitive skin, marking his territory with obsessive devotion. Every single place his fangs grazed, the brilliant silver vines of your Vessel markings instantly began to grow and descend your body. The true, unbreakable mating bond was finally locking into place.
"You are mine," Levi growled against your chest, his lips stained with a drop of your sweet blood as he looked up at you with adoring eyes. "My beautiful, perfect bride... I have finally claimed you."
The thick, metallic sweetness of your blood on Levi’s lips seemed to push his obsessive devotion past the point of no return. He stared up at you from his place between your thighs, his chest heaving under his ruined shirt, his crimson eyes completely wild with an unhinged, lovesick ecstasy.
With a low, desperate growl, Levi deliberately slid a sharp fang across his own tongue, drawing a sudden rush of his ancient pure-blood. He cupped your jaw and crashed his mouth back against yours.
The kiss was deep, hot, and consuming. Levi pushed his tongue into your mouth, sharing his rich blood with you in a fierce, territorial claim. The divine mix of his blood, tasting intensely of sweet lemon pie and bergamot tea, mingled with yours, creating an intoxicating cocktail that made your head spin. The excess liquid was too much to swallow, trickling slowly down the side of your chin in a dark crimson streak, but Levi didn't care, sucking at your lips and drinking your breathless gasps.
Pulling back just an inch, his lips were stained red. "Can I eat you, little star?" he rasped. "Tell me I can consume every single part of you."
You let out a soft, dazed laugh, your hips rolling helplessly against his lap. "You already have, Kitten," you whimpered against his lips.
That sweet surrender completely shattered what was left of the Count's restraint.
Before you could even draw another breath, Levi hooked his arms under your knees and back, lifting your body effortlessly into his chest. The room warped into a dizzying, supernatural blur. In less than a heartbeat, the morning room vanished, and you landed softly on your back against the sheets of your grand bed in the master bedroom, the heavy curtains casting the room into a sultry, private shadow.
Levi hovered over you, his hands instantly working to tear away the rest of his shirt and trousers, his pale, heavily muscled chest gleaming in the dim light. He looked down at you, a wicked, intensely possessive smirk breaking through his lovesick gaze as he aggressively pulled the remaining fabric of your ruined dress down past your hips, leaving your curvy figure completely bare beneath him.
"Not that kind of eating, my beautiful wife," Levi growled softly, his voice thick with a raw, primal hunger.
He slid down your body, his hot breath trailing a burning path down your stomach, over your hips, until he was kneeling between your legs. He gripped your thick, soft thighs, pushing them wide apart to fully expose your centre to his burning crimson gaze. Levi leaned down, his sharp fangs grazing the sensitive, tender flesh of your inner thigh. With a sudden, desperate nip, he bit into your skin, drawing a small bead of blood that he quickly licked clean, marking the entrance to your most private, sacred place.
You arched off the mattress with a loud gasp, your fingers clutching the sheets as a wave of pure electricity shot straight to your core.
Levi didn't let you recover. He pressed his face directly into the heat of your centre, his tongue swirling and lapping against you with a fierce passion. He ate you out as his entire immortal life depended on it, his tongue working with a devastating, masterfully wicked pace that made your hips roll frantically against his mouth. Every time you tried to pull back from the sheer intensity of the pleasure, his large, powerful hands tightened their grip on your thighs, locking you firmly in place as he drank you in.
A low possessive purr rumbled from his throat against your sensitive flesh, vibrating straight through your entire body as he drove you higher and higher into a never-ending, passionate bliss.
The sheer intensity of the pleasure was like nothing you had ever experienced in your entire life. You desperately shifted up the bed, trying to escape the overwhelming waves of heat, but Levi’s possessive instincts wouldn't let you slip away. He leaned forward, his powerful hands anchoring your hips as he dragged your curvy body right back down to him, his mouth pressing even deeper against your divine centre. Your thick thighs instinctively tightened, squeezing Levi’s head as you rode his mouth, and the Count let out a muffled, ecstatic groan, completely trapped in pure heaven.
Suddenly, you cried out in absolute bliss as your walls came crashing down completely. The climax burned through every single inch of your body. "Levi!" You lifted your hips frantically, pressing yourself flush against his face as the ripples tore through you. "Oh gods... oh fuck..." Your entire frame shook under him, but he didn't stop, his tongue continuing to lap greedily at your release. "Levi, please..."
Finally, he pulled back, his handsome face completely flushed, his raven hair thoroughly dishevelled, and his crimson eyes blown wide. He was panting like an animal in heat. "What do you need, little star? Tell me."
You looked away from him, your chest heaving. He looked too devastatingly handsome, covered in your slickness, looking like a god who had completely abandoned his throne just to worship you. "I umm... I... ah..."
Levi crawled up the bed, his heavily muscled chest pressing down over you as your legs continued to shake weakly under him. He peppered hot, adoring kisses up your naked body, treating every single inch of your flesh as something precious, soft, warm, and utterly delicious. He moved all the way up to your neck, his deep, rumbling purr vibrating against your skin. "Darling star, are you too shy to use your words?" The tip of his thick, rigid length lightly tapped against your sensitive entrance, making you gasp. "Do you want me inside you? You can say yes... or just nod if you struggle to talk."
Your heart raced a mile a minute, your starlight-silver markings pulsing. You nodded frantically. "Y-Yes."
He aligned himself and pressed in slowly, but through the bond, he could instantly feel your core clench up tightly. He paused, his hands gently framing your face. "It's okay. Relax, my darling star. I will never, ever hurt you like this."
Your breath hitched. "I know... it's just... this is... my um..."
Levi’s gaze softened with a profound, staggering revelation. He ran his hand slowly down your thigh to the curve of your bum, lifting your leg high and wrapping it securely around his waist to give himself a better angle. "Your first time?"
You nodded shyly, your cheeks burning. "Y-Yes. Is it... is it yours?"
"No," Levi whispered roughly, his crimson eyes burning with a sudden, fiercely protective vow. "But I swear to you, I don't want anyone but you for the rest of eternity. You are my last."
With a deep, guttural moan, he pressed in further, sinking his length into your tight, melting heat. "God, you are so hot... so wet... so tight," he growled, his white-knuckled grip denting the mattress. "It's like tasting heaven itself."
You arched your back, crying out as the sheer, massive fullness of him completely stretched and filled you. Your pelvis pressed tightly against his. Finding that there was absolutely nothing more he could give you, he fitted your body so perfectly that it felt as though you had been custom-carved for him. "D-Do I feel good?" you whimpered.
"Yes," he growled fiercely, his self-control hanging by a single thread. He gripped your thigh and the sheets tightly. "I'll be gentle, love. I don't want to hurt you. I'll do anything for you... You're my perfect wife."
He began to move slowly, pulling back and pushing in with a shallow, agonisingly sweet rhythm to let your body adjust to his size. "Let me help you feel good, little star."
Determined to erase any lingering discomfort, Levi suddenly cut his tongue against his sharp fang once more. He leaned down, capturing your mouth in a deep, consuming kiss and forcefully pushing his rich pure-blood into your mouth. The very second your tongue tasted his lemon-and-tea essence, the vampire blood acted like a powerful aphrodisiac in your veins, making your body instantly burn with an explosive, soaring wave of pure pleasure. Your walls relaxed, gripping him in a vice-like pulse.
Levi pulled back just an inch, his chest heaving as he watched you pant and moan beneath him. "Does it feel good now? Do you like it, my queen?"
In a trance of absolute ecstasy, you dragged your fingernails sharply across Levi's broad, muscular back, leaving faint red marks. "Yes," you threw your head back against the pillows, your toes curling. "Yes!"
A possessive smirk broke across Levi’s face. He knew his supernatural pure-blood stamina meant he could keep making love to you for hours on end without a single break. He was just going to break the news to his sweet baker wife a little later, perhaps when she was riding out her fifth explosive orgasm of the night, and he was still completely ready to keep going.
"Good, my little star," he murmured adoringly, burying his face back into your neck and covering your skin in hot, lingering bites and kisses. "Just let your husband take care of you all night long."
The sheer, intoxicating power of your bond was completely taking over the room, turning the master bedroom into a cocoon of pure passion.
You dragged your nails sharply down his broad, pale back, leaving deep red scratches in your wake, but Levi’s supernatural pure-blood healing factor had the minor wounds closing up right away, leaving his skin flawless and ready for your touch all over again.
"Levi..." you gasped out, your voice breathless.
Hearing his name on your lips made him shift his weight, his thrusts moving a little faster, a little deeper into your melting heat. "I want to give you exactly what you want and need, little star," he rasped, his crimson eyes burning with lovesick intensity. "I want you to feel completely adored and loved by me."
He paused for a fraction of a second, propping himself up on his forearms to look down and admire your beautiful, bare form beneath him. Your hair was a gorgeous, tangled halo against the pillows, your cheeks were flushed, and your beautiful breasts bounced with every powerful thrust of his hips.
"Look at you," Levi groaned, his voice completely undone as he stared at your face. "You are so incredibly addictive, love." His gaze drifted down to your collarbone, watching the starlight vines sparkle and shine with a beautiful energy. "Are you going to cum for me again?"
You whimpered, your head rolling back as the tension in your core coiled impossibly tight. "Y-Yes..."
"Let go, darling star," he whispered against your mouth, a dark, possessive smirk playing on his lips. "Let go. We have a long, beautiful night ahead of us, my love."
You threw your head back and let out a loud cry of absolute bliss as your second climax hit you hard, your thick legs shaking uncontrollably around your man's waist. As the explosive waves of pleasure rippled through your body, the silver wildflower markings on your chest suddenly flared with a dazzling, blinding light. The vines began to bloom rapidly, growing right down your chest and beautifully curving to cover the soft fullness of your breasts.
"A-Ah..." you panted, completely spent.
Levi let out a deep, guttural grunt as your pulsing walls tightly massaged his rigid length. He looked down, his breath hitching as he witnessed the sheer beauty in your face, along with the vines and flowers travelling further down your curvy figure. "Tch... fuck, you look absolutely incredible, Countess," he swore roughly.
You weakly pressed your hands against his muscular chest, mewling his name in a dazed plea for mercy. "Levi..."
Instead of slowing down, the Count's protective and dominant instincts flared. He easily hooked his large hands under your knees, pushing both of your legs high up toward your chest and putting you into a deep, incredibly intimate press, the perfect, ancient position for a full mating. He shifted his powerful legs between yours, his chest rumbling with a deeply satisfied purr that vibrated right through your bones. "You're doing so well for me, little star."
You gripped Levi's waist tightly as he rolled his hips with a slow, devastatingly masterful rhythm, ensuring you felt every single inch of his massive size, and you felt all of him filling you to the absolute brim. "Mmm..."
A wave of intense, flustered shyness washed over your baker's soul. Looking up at this incredibly handsome pure-blood Count who was currently hovering over you, moving inside you like he was worshipping a holy goddess, was almost too much for your heart to handle. Out of all the high-born ladies in the empire, he had chosen you, and he was treating your body like a sacred temple. Overwhelmed by the sheer depth of his adoration, you turned your head to the side, trying to hide your face in the pillows. "Levi..." you whispered.
Levi let out a soft chuckle above you, his heart racing against your palms. He leaned down, his soft raven hair brushing your cheek as he gently nipped at your earlobe.
"Hearing you say my name like that feels so incredibly good, my pretty wife," he murmured adoringly, his lips trailing down your jawline to force you to look back at him. "Don't hide from me. Let me see those beautiful eyes while I love you."
You turned your head back to face him, the sudden movement exactly what he wanted. Levi captured your lips in a deep, possessive kiss, his lower body shifting to drive a little harder, a little deeper against your melting core. You gripped his waist with all the strength left in your hands, your nails sinking into his skin as the pleasure burned brighter and hotter through your veins. You whimpered helplessly against his mouth, tears of sheer ecstasy prickling your eyes. "I-I can't... Levi..."
Levi pulled back just an inch, a devastatingly handsome, adoring smile breaking across his flushed face. "Can't, little star?"
You could barely form a thought, your head thrashing against the pillows as your thick legs shook violently against his sides. "It's... ah..." Your brows knitted together in an agonisingly sweet torment as the overwhelming waves of a third climax consumed your entire being. "A-Again!" you cried out, your voice echoing through the shadowy bedroom. "Levi!"
He let out a grunt. Shifting your legs higher up, he knelt up completely over you, his pale, muscular chest heaving as he stared down at your undone form. "Good girl. Look at you... Look at what I do to you."
You locked eyes with your lovesick Count, your gaze completely dazed, pleading, and dripping with an intense yearning. "Please, Levi..."
Levi knew exactly what you wanted. He could feel the desperate ache in your soul through the pulsing blood-bond; you wanted to hear the ultimate confirmation, the words that would officially seal your fate and prove that you were undeniably his for the rest of time.
Leaning down with a breathless huff, he wrapped his powerful arms securely around your trembling body, pulling your chest flush against his as he rolled his hips one final, devastating time, leaving absolutely no space left between your bodies. He buried his face in your hair, his voice cracking with a centuries-old, desperate devotion as he breathed your name against your ear:
"I love you. God, I love you so much, my pretty wife."
Hearing those words explode from his lips caused a magnificent reaction within your Blooming Vessel magic.
With a blinding flare of light, your starlight markings erupted, blooming rapidly all the way down your stomach, past your hips, and straight down toward the heat of your centre where you and Levi were so deeply connected. It was as if the vines had a possessive mind of their own; they surged forward, wanting to physically wrap around his thick length and trap him inside you, locking his pelvis against yours so he could never, ever pull away from your warmth.
Levi let out a sudden, strangled gasp, his eyes flying wide as he felt your core pulse and tighten around him in a vice-like, magical grip. He was completely trapped inside his beautiful wife, tangled in the eternal vines of your love, and he had never felt a greater sense of absolute heaven.
The magical vines of your Blooming Vessel markings held Levi tightly against you, pulsing with a deep, radiant heat that locked your bodies together in an unbreakable, cosmic grip. But as the clock drifted into the late hours of the night, the sheer, overwhelming intensity of your very first time began to take its toll on your body. Your frame was thoroughly spent, your skin flushed, and every muscle trembled with a beautiful, heavy exhaustion. You were filled to the brim with his love, hovering on the edge of a wonderful but sensory overload. You simply couldn't take much more.
Gasping for air against his neck, you weakly wrapped your arms around his broad shoulders, your fingers clutching at the damp raven hair at the nape of his neck. Your voice dropped to a breathless, desperate whisper, a gentle plea for mercy. "Levi... please... I'm so tired, Kitten. My body can't... please, cum inside me. I need you to finish. I want all of you."
Levi’s movements instantly stalled. Through the profound, unbreakable blood-bond connecting your souls, his protective pure-blood senses picked up on the sudden, fragile dip in your energy. He felt how delicately your heart was fluttering against his chest, and how sweetly exhausted your soft body had become under his supernatural endurance.
His fierce, yandere-tinted dominance instantly melted into a wave of tender, deeply loving care. He would never, ever push his little star past her limits or cause her true distress. He was your protector, your husband, and your absolute worshipper.
"I've got you, love," Levi rasped out, his voice incredibly deep and sweet. "Shh, just relax against me. I'm going to take care of you right now."
Shifting your weight with immense gentleness so as not to jar your sensitive frame, he slowly eased you onto your side, curling his powerful, heavily muscled body around you in a protective, warm spoon position. He reached down, his large, cool hand sliding along your skin to lift your top leg, carefully draping it over his broad hip to keep you perfectly, effortlessly open for him.
He slipped back into your tight, melting heat from behind, moving with a slow, agonisingly deep and tender friction that made you let out a long, shuddering sigh of pure, blissful relief. The change in pace was exactly what your body needed. You leaned back into his solid chest, your head resting right beneath his chin as he rocked against you with a steady rhythm.
Hovering over your shoulder, Levi’s crimson eyes burned with a final, explosive wave of pure adoration. He could see the beautiful vines covering your full breasts and stomach, pulsing in sync with his own heartbeat. "You did so well for me, my perfect queen," he murmured, his hot breath fanning across your damp neck. "Let me release it all for you. Let me seal this bond completely."
He leaned down, parting his lips, and gently pressed his sharp fangs back into the glowing marking on your neck, carefully drinking a few sweet, intoxicating drops of your blood. The moment his tongue tasted your pure essence, the sheer, overwhelming pleasure of your flavour completely shattered the last of his iron-clad control.
Levi let out a deep, guttural moan against your skin as his entire muscular body went completely rigid. He gripped your hips with a vice-like hold, anchoring your pelvis tightly against his as he drove himself as deeply as humanly possible inside you, burying his length to the absolute root. With a massive, trembling shudder, he released his warm, heavy seed, completely flooding your core with his life.
You arched your back into his chest with a soft, breathless cry, your eyes fluttering shut as your pulsing walls tightly, frantically clamped around him, riding out the final, blissful ripples of his release.
Levi panted heavily against your skin, his forehead resting against your shoulder as the crimson slowly receded from his silver-blue eyes. He slowly withdrew his fangs and tenderly licked the tiny puncture wounds clean, his chest rumbling with a low, possessive purr. He could feel how weak, heavy, and delightfully sore your body was from the beautiful trial of the night, and he refused to let you stay in a single ounce of discomfort.
Shifting slightly, he bit down on his own bottom lip, his sharp fang easily drawing a fresh, thick bead of his ancient pure-blood.
Gently cupping your chin, he turned your head back toward him and pressed his blood-stained lips firmly against yours, sharing his rich essence with you in a deep, slow, and lingering kiss. The moment the divine taste of his blood flooded your mouth, you swallowed it down hungrily. The magical vampire blood instantly worked its wonders through your bloodstream. A soothing, incredibly cosy warmth spread from your chest down your spine, melting away the deep ache in your muscles, restoring your energy, and perfectly healing your sensitive body from the inside out.
Completely satisfied and permanently bonded, Levi wrapped his large, powerful arms securely around your waist, pulling your curvy back flush against his chest. He tangled his fingers with yours, pressing a soft kiss to the crown of your head as you both drifted off into a deep, peaceful sleep. High society had been thoroughly conquered, the bond was sealed, and you were officially safe in the arms of your lovesick Count forever.
The soft, golden light of the early morning sun filtered gently through the heavy velvet curtains of the master bedroom, casting a warm, peaceful glow across the sprawling bed. The wild, intoxicating storm of the previous night had completely settled, leaving behind a heavy stillness that felt sacred.
You stirred softly against the sheets, letting out a tiny, content hum as your eyes fluttered open. The very first thing you noticed was the beautiful, rich imperial vines of your Blooming Vessel markings. They were no longer flashing with a frantic, desperate heat; instead, they cast a soft, steady, and comforting glow across your chest and stomach, completely settled and satisfied now that the mating bond was permanently sealed.
But before you could even fully stretch your legs, you realised you couldn't move.
Levi was completely wrapped around you like a protective cocoon. Even in his deep sleep, his arms were securely locked around your waist, pulling your back against his muscular chest. His legs were tangled tightly with yours, and his face was buried deep into the crook of your neck, his soft raven hair brushing against your cheek. A deeply contented purr was vibrating continuously from his chest, a soothing rumble that went straight through your bones.
As if sensing the slight shift in your breathing, the purring stuttered for a fraction of a second. Levi’s grip on your waist tightened possessively, and he let out a low, rough groan as his eyes slowly blinked open. The brilliant silver-blue of his gaze was incredibly soft.
"Don't move, little star," Levi murmured, his morning voice deep, gravelly, and dripping with a lovesick tenderness. He pressed a warm, lingering kiss right against your shoulder blade. "Just stay right here against me."
You smiled softly, turning your head as much as his grip would allow to look at his handsome profile. "Good morning, Kitten. Did you sleep well?"
"Mmm," Levi hummed against your skin, a cute smile touching his lips. He shifted smoothly, loosening his grip just enough to roll you onto your back so he could look down at your face. He propped himself up on his forearms, completely framing your body beneath him. "I have never slept better in my entire immortal life. How does your body feel, my love? Are you in any pain? Tell me the truth."
"I feel amazing," you whispered. "The blood you gave me last night... it completely took away the soreness. I just feel incredibly warm and cosy."
Levi let out a long, ragged breath of pure relief, his shoulders visibly dropping. He leaned down and pressed a slow, deep kiss straight against your lips, tasting of the lingering sweetness of your bond. "Good. God, you have no idea how terrified I was of hurting you. You felt so small, so incredibly fragile in my arms near the end... I would never forgive myself if I caused my beautiful wife true distress."
You reached your hands up, gently cupping his pale face and running your thumbs over his cheekbones. "You didn't hurt me, Levi. You listened to me, and you took such perfect care of me. It was everything I wanted."
Hearing your reassurance, Levi’s silver-blue eyes shone with a sudden, thick wave of intense emotion. He leaned down and buried his face in your neck, peppering your collarbone, your jaw, and your chest with hundreds of soft, adoring little pecks. He was worshipping you all over again.
"I love you," he rasped against your skin, his chest rumbling with that adoring purr. "I love you so much, my pretty wife. I am completely, utterly at your mercy for the rest of eternity."
He pulled back slightly, his gaze drifting down to your full, bare breasts and stomach, tracing the intricate wildflowers that now permanently marked you as his. A look of fierce pride crossed his features.
"Look at how beautifully you bloomed for me," Levi whispered, his large, cool hand gently tracing the path of the vines along your skin. "The whole empire already knew you belonged to me... but now, your very magic reflects my soul. You are officially the Countess Ackerman, in every single way."
You let out a soft, giggling hum, pulling his head back down to give his lips a sweet little peck. "And you are officially stuck with a human baker for the rest of your life, Count Ackerman."
"There is nowhere else in this universe I would rather be," Levi growled softly, a wicked, adoring smirk breaking through his soft expression. He aggressively pulled the duvet up over both of your shoulders, tucking you in so tightly against his chest that not a single breath of cool air could reach you. "In fact, I am officially declaring today a day of absolute rest. You are not leaving this bed, you are not baking a single pastry, and you are going to let your husband pamper and hold you until the sun goes down."
You smiled against his chest, wrapping your arms securely around his neck as you drifted back into a state of pure, blissful comfort. High society had been conquered, the bond was sealed, and you were wrapped in the sweetest, most loving aftercare in the arms of your fiercely devoted vampire husband.
In this chapter - Things get emotional while you're giving Levi a fashion show. Levi learns about how fragile Blooming Vessels are. You learn how dangerous and exciting Levi's love is.
Ao3
Part 3 Part 5
Over the next few days, you went against Levi’s suggestions to sit back and relax. Instead, you rolled up your sleeves and dove headfirst into the massive mountain of paperwork, estate ledger balancing, and charity requests that came with being the Countess Ackerman. At first, it was an overwhelming tidal wave of noble terminology and complex numbers; there were moments where you felt like you were genuinely fighting to avoid drowning in it all.
But as the days bled into one another, you noticed the workload was miraculously getting lighter and easier. While you were certainly getting used to running a grand estate, your instincts strongly suspected that your husband was secretly siphoning away the heaviest tasks when you weren't looking. It made you feel a little guilty, worrying that Levi was overworking himself to shield you.
What you didn't know, however, was that Levi was absolutely over the moon with the work you were doing. You had taken to the role of Countess with such a natural grace and fierce intelligence that he was impressed. He had watched you catch up on months of backlogged community requests in mere days. To ensure you didn't burn yourself out, he had simply handed the remaining minor administrative tasks over to two trusted family secretaries, and his parents, Kuchel and Sebastian, had happily taken over a few regional files. Levi didn't think you were incapable; he simply wanted his beautiful bride to have as much precious time to herself as humanly possible.
Stepping into his magnificent, sunlit study, you clutched a leather-bound ledger to your chest. "Your... I mean... Levi?"
You cleared your throat, a sudden wave of shy affection hitting you as Levi looked up from behind his desk, his sharp eyes instantly locking onto you. You leaned in a bit, lowering your voice to a sweet whisper. "K-Kitten."
A smile instantly broke across Levi's handsome face at the sound of his secret nickname. He pushed his fountain pen aside. "Yes, my brilliant little star?"
"Are... are you deliberately giving me less work because you think I can't handle it?" you asked, nibbling your lower lip.
The moment the insecure words left your mouth, Levi was out from behind his desk. Moving with that effortless, graceful vampire speed, he materialised right in front of you and gently took both of your hands in his.
"No, no, absolutely not, my darling wife," he rushed out, his voice thick with reassuring warmth. "You have done exceptionally well! Far better than any traditional noblewoman ever could. You have made such staggering progress and changed the management of our lands for the absolute good. You've caught up on so much work that there simply isn't much left for you to do today." He lowered his head, showering the palms of your hands with sweet, adoring kisses. "My sweet, cute wife... You deserve to rest. You have spent many years working yourself to the bone at the bakery. You deserve to enjoy your peace now."
You looked up at him, your heart fluttering. "So... it's truly not because you think I'm bad at being a Countess?"
He shook his head firmly, his eyes burning with pride. "You are incredible, little star. You really, truly are."
You nervously nibbled your bottom lip again, searching his face. "You're... you're not just saying that to be nice, are you?"
"No," he murmured, his thumb gently smoothing over your lip to stop you from biting it. "I mean it from the absolute depths of my soul."
You let out a long, relieved sigh, the heavy weight lifting from your chest. "Okay. I promise I'll keep working hard for you and the people."
Levi let out a soft huff, wrapping his strong arms securely around your waist and pulling your body against his chest. "Relax, my little star... please. Just breathe." He gently cupped your face with both hands, angling your head up so he could look directly down into your eyes. "I only ever want what is absolutely best for you, okay? Please understand my heart."
Looking up at his protective, adoring face, a wave of emotion washed over you. You cupped his jaw with your hands, leaning up on your tiptoes to press a deep, loving, and lingering kiss straight against his lips.
"I understand," you whispered against his mouth, your heart racing frantically as his fangs lightly grazed your lip in response. "You care for me so much more than I even fully comprehend right now. It's so moving, Levi... I am incredibly blessed to be married to you."
Hearing those words roll off your lips sent a jolt of pure, euphoric joy straight through Levi's chest. With a sudden laugh, he hooked his hands under your thighs, effortlessly picking your curvy form up into the air and spinning you around in circles right in the middle of the grand study.
You gasped, letting out a series of bright, joyful giggles as you clung tightly to his shoulders.
"The sheer depth of my feelings for you is entirely impossible to put into words," Levi rumbled happily, finally slowing down but refusing to let you go. He carefully guided your hips back down, sitting you right on the edge of his massive desk so he was standing perfectly between your legs. "I just want you to live a long, beautiful, and happy life by my side. I want you to rest as much as possible. You deserve every single good thing this world has to offer." He leaned in close, his hands gently massaging your waist. "Please... just let your husband spoil you."
A beautiful, radiant smile lit up your face as you looked at your hopelessly whipped Count. "Okay... I promise I'll try to relax more. I'm just... I'm just so used to working every single second of every day."
Levi placed both of his large hands flat on the desk on either side of your thighs, leaning his upper body incredibly close until his cool breath fanned across your lips. "I want to kiss you so badly right now, little star," he growled, his eyes darkening.
You gripped the fine fabric of his black shirt, your heart racing. You gulped a little, a sudden wave of primal desire overtaking your usual shyness. You looked away from his intense gaze, your cheeks burning hot as you whispered your confession. "I... I would really like something passionate, Levi... like..." You squeezed his shirt tighter. "Like how you kissed me in the carriage."
Levi’s breath hitched. That was the ultimate green light his possessive vampire beast had been begging for.
Without a single second of hesitation, Levi grabbed your hips, yanked your curvy body roughly off the desk and right against his hard chest, and captured your mouth with a terrifying, beautiful hunger. He ran his large hands frantically up your body, one palm sliding up to firmly cup the back of your neck, tilting your head back to deepen the assault. He nipped possessively at your bottom lip, a low rumble echoing in his throat as his tongue pushed deep into your mouth, hungrily devouring your sweetness.
He let out a ragged sigh through his nose, humming in delight as your pure primordial essence set his senses entirely ablaze. The raw passion and ancient desire inside Levi were completely taking over; his sharp fangs lengthened against your tongue, desperately craving a taste of your sweet blood. He wanted to take things so much further. He wanted to strip away the high-necked cotton dress and claim every single inch of you right there on his desk.
Desperate to maintain a shred of restraint so he wouldn't scare his sweet bride, Levi slammed one hand flat against the heavy wood of his desk to anchor himself. But the sheer wall of emotion and lust he felt for you was entirely too much. His nails were dragging deeply over the polished mahogany, making the solid wood groan and splinter under his immense supernatural strength.
He was slipping deeper and deeper into his dark vampire hunger, entirely consumed by you, when a light knock suddenly echoed at the study door, shattering the heavy spell.
Levi pulled back abruptly, his chest heaving as he panted for air. His pupils were completely dilated, his lips stained a deep, bruised crimson from the intensity of the kiss. Forcing his fangs to retract, he smoothed down his black shirt, walked over to the towering double doors, and pulled one open.
"Luna... hello," he rumbled, his voice still raspy from passion.
Luna, entirely oblivious to the fact that she had just interrupted a fiercely scandalous moment, bowed gracefully. "A very good afternoon, Your Excellency! All of the custom-ordered dresses have finally arrived at the manor, along with the elite high-court designer you personally chose! We have everything beautifully prepared in the grand fitting room. We just require you and the Countess so we can begin the fashion show, seeing what fits perfectly and what needs a few final changes!"
The moment the words left Luna's mouth, the last of the tension in Levi’s face vanished, replaced by a look of excitement. The thought of seeing his beautiful, curvy wife draped in the finest fabrics in the empire completely thrilled him.
His eyes lit up. "Perfect!"
Levi quickly escorted you down the grand corridor to the estate's fitting room. He took a seat in an armchair, crossing one long leg over the other, while Luna eagerly guided you behind a tall, gold-leaf privacy screen. The entire atmosphere was buzzing; the designer's young assistants seemed thrilled to be dressing a new Countess, and the passing maids and butlers kept peeking through the cracked doors, dying to see their new lady in her royal garments. However, as you looked toward the master designer standing near the window, something about his overly rigid posture and darting eyes felt off.
Behind the screen, Luna carefully helped you undress until you were standing in just your delicate lace corset and white cotton bloomers, your lovely, thick thighs and soft curves fully on display. "Right, Your Ladyship," Luna beamed, clapping her hands. "Let's get this grand fashion show on the road!"
You admired the dazzling array of gowns hanging on the racks just outside the screen. "I am genuinely looking forward to this, Luna."
Luna reached for the first gown, a beautiful, deep-lavender day dress, and gently guided your arms through the sleeves. But as she pulled the fabric up over your hips, it came to a grinding halt. Luna frowned, tugging at the zipper, but the material was too narrow. It wouldn't do up at all. "How odd... we personally sent your exact measurements to the capital days ago." She shook her head, pulling it off. "Never mind, let's try this emerald one."
She tried the second dress. Then a third. But each time, the fabrics pinched painfully against your bust and wouldn't even clear your wide, shapely hips. It became overwhelmingly clear that someone had purposefully, maliciously messed with your order to make you feel inadequate. Luna's face turned a violent shade of red, and she was just about to unleash a string of unladylike curses at the wardrobe when a sniffle broke from your lips, completely breaking her heart. "Countess..." she whispered.
Feeling a heavy wave of shame, you instinctively hugged your arms tightly around your exposed middle. Seeking comfort, you walked a few timid steps forward, peering around the edge of the gold screen to look at your husband.
"Cou... I mean... Levi?" you whispered, your voice trembling slightly. "None of them fit me. They're all too small."
Levi shot to his feet so fast his armchair nearly tipped over. "None of them? What on earth do you mean they don't fit? I personally ensured your exact measurements were verified and sent by express courier! He hurried across the room toward the screen. "My love—"
You looked up at him as he stepped into the private alcove. In your distressed state, you didn't even care that he was seeing you entirely in your undergarments. "Maybe I'm just... too big for high-society fashion..."
The moment Levi’s eyes locked onto your form, his brain completely short-circuited. Seeing your voluptuous, breathtaking figure fully on display in a tight corset, your generous bust, thick legs, and smooth hips looking entirely delicious, sent a violent jolt of pure, raw lust straight through his veins.
His pale face flushed crimson. "Fuck..." he choked out, instantly clapping a hand over his mouth as his eyes widened. He forced himself to look up at the ceiling, his chest heaving. "No... I have to stay in control. I need to remain a gentleman right now."
You blinked, momentarily distracted from your tears. "Control?"
Levi took a deep, steadying breath, forcing his gaze back down to your face as he gently took hold of your soft upper arms. "Little star, look at me," he commanded softly. "You are a walking, breathing goddess. You are absolutely flawless, and you are everything I adore and crave in this world. This is not a problem with your gorgeous body. This is the designer's doing. I highly suspect someone has deliberately tampered with these dresses."
Right then, Luna hurried back over, followed by two of the young design assistants who looked terrified and incredibly apologetic.
"Luna? Explain this. Now," Levi ordered.
Luna held a completely separate rack of magnificent, heavy garment bags in her arms, her eyes blazing with fury. "Your Excellency, the assistants just secretly confessed to me. They brought these extra trunks from the carriage. They said they have no idea why the master designer forced them to present those tiny dresses to the Countess. They said these are the correct, custom-made gowns matching Her Ladyship's true measurements."
Levi narrowed his eyes into deadly slits, a terrifying vampire aura bleeding into the room. "So... if those correct dresses were hidden in the trunks, who exactly do these tiny, botched garments belong to?"
Luna looked absolutely furious, practically spitting the name out. "Lady Prescilla, My Lord. It seems she bribed the master designer this morning to swap the orders, deliberately trying to humiliate the Countess!"
Hearing that the wretched woman had dared to try to make his beautiful bride cry, a wave of pure, murderous rage washed over the Count. His fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. "Tch. That miserable, pathetic little..."
Before he could unleash his terrifying supernatural wrath and tear the room apart, you stepped forward and gently placed both of your hands flat against his tense chest.
"Kitten?" you called out softly, looking up at him with sweet, pleading eyes. "Please don't be angry. Look, I'll try on the new dresses now. Let's just enjoy our afternoon."
The moment your gentle hands touched his chest and that sweet nickname left your lips, the murderous tension instantly drained from Levi’s body. He let out a long, ragged breath, melting completely under your touch. "Okay, my darling star," he murmured, his voice softening as he leaned down to press a sweet, lingering kiss against your forehead. "Go ahead and try them on. I am going to have a very quiet, private conversation with our master designer. I look forward to seeing you step out in your true first dress."
Releasing your arms, he turned around, his expression instantly shifting into a mask of pure, terrifying aristocratic ice. He fixated his cold, deadly glare onto the smug, subtly sweating master designer standing by the window.
Levi walked over, his footsteps silent. "A word in the corridor, if you please?"
The designer’s smug smile faltered slightly under the weight of the Count's terrifying aura, but he quickly bowed, trying to maintain his composure. "Of course, Your Excellency. Lead the way."
The corrupt master designer glanced back over his shoulder at your form behind the screen, an arrogant scoff leaving his lips as he began to walk toward the door. "Honestly, Your Excellency, it is entirely her own fault for being the size she is. The Countess would easily fit into high-society fashion if she simply stopped eating so much."
The moment those vile, insulting words left the man's mouth, a heavy, suffocating silence fell over the corridor.
Levi calmly escorted the designer out into the grand hallway. The second the heavy doors clicked shut behind them, cutting you off from view, a terrifying darkness washed over the Count’s handsome features. It was a monstrous, hidden side of him he had fiercely tried to keep hidden from you, a side that was deeply possessive, dangerously obsessive, with heavy, chilling hints of a true yandere. His eyes bled into a piercing, supernatural crimson in the shadows. He wanted to break this pathetic mortal piece by piece for daring to make his sweet bride feel bad. No one, absolutely no one, inflicted pain on his little star wife and lived to boast about it.
The designer opened his mouth to proudly defend his actions, but the words died in his throat. His body turned to absolute ice as he felt the crushing weight of the silent, murderous rage radiating from the Count.
"A-Ah... Your Excellency!" The man laughed nervously, his face turning pale as he began frantically backing up into the dark, shadowed corner of the grand hallway. "P-Please, forgive me! I... I know not wh-what I have done wrong!" His back violently banged against the wall, trapping him. "Please, just let me explain!"
Levi didn't utter a single word. He kept stalking forward like an elite predator in the night, a suffocating, lethal aura rolling off his broad shoulders. He knew with certainty that this cowardly man was going to sing; he was going to reveal every single detail of the plot.
The designer was paralysed with fear as Levi seemed to blend with the dark shadows wrapping around them, the temperature in the corridor plunging to below freezing. "It was Lady Prescilla! I swear it!" the man shrieked, dropping to his knees and pressing his forehead against the stone floor. "She paid me a fortune to swap the garments! She wanted to humiliate the new Countess! Please, I beg of you! Have mercy on my life!"
Meanwhile, behind the safety of the gold privacy screen, Luna was happily guiding a magnificent new gown over your curves. The fabric was a breathtaking, delicate pale pink that perfectly complemented the silver-vine markings on your collarbone. It was designed to sit elegantly off your shoulders, hugging your waist and flowing beautifully over your hips, accentuating your gorgeous figure in all the right places.
Luna stepped back, clapping her hands in sheer awe. "Oh, Countess! You look absolutely ravishing!"
You turned to admire yourself in the full-length mirror, your heart fluttering wildly at how lovely you looked. For the first time, you felt truly beautiful in noble garments. "I adore it, Luna. It's so simple, yet it has so many delicate, romantic features."
Suddenly, a faint, muffled screaming echoed from the hallway, followed by a series of heavy, echoing bangs against the walls. You blinked, turning your eyes toward the door. "Levi...?"
Luna smiled, entirely unbothered as she adjusted your train. "Oh, I am sure His Excellency is perfectly fine, My Lady! He is merely out there dealing with an annoying rat."
"A rat?" A sudden realisation clicked in your mind, and you let out a soft hum. "Oh... well... I just hope he doesn't get any stains on his nice shirt, and I hope nothing expensive got broken out there."
Luna paused, surprised by your relaxed, confident response. A proud grin spread across her face. "I am entirely certain everything is under control, Your Ladyship."
"Will he come back soon?" you asked eagerly, your eyes lighting up with excitement. "I really want to show him how pretty this dress is."
Right on cue, the heavy door swung open, and Levi stepped back into the fitting room. His raven hair was perfectly in place, and his expression was calm, though his chest was still heaving slightly.
"Kitten!" you chimed happily, hurrying over to him.
Levi’s head perked up instantly at the sound of his secret nickname, his crimson eyes shifting back into a warm, silver-blue. "My little star..." He suddenly gasped, his breath catching in his throat as you stopped right in front of him. "You..."
You paused, giving him a playful, graceful twirl, letting the pale pink fabric billow around your legs. "What do you think? I love it so much!"
Levi covered his mouth with his hand, his eyes burning with a fierce, ravenous desire as he took in your soft, exposed shoulders and glowing markings. "Fuck..." he growled softly, his voice thick and husky. "You are... You are absolutely delicious looking, little star."
You let out a joyful laugh. "Thank you!" Turning on your heel, you hurried back toward the gold screen. "Luna, quick! Another one! He clearly loves this style! I want to show him all of them!"
For the next hour, you treated your husband to a magnificent, private fashion show. You showed Levi dress after dress, deep crimson velvets, emerald satins, and midnight blue silks. Every single gown looked utterly spectacular on your voluptuous body. With every single outfit you tried on, Levi’s core temperature soared, his body burning with an intense supernatural desire and a desperate need to hold you. He knew, with absolute, terrifying certainty, that he was hopelessly lovesick and entirely obsessed with you. You were a walking goddess, and he had you all to himself. For the first time in his centuries of life, the dark Count felt thoroughly spoiled.
Finally, you chose a sweet, lightweight day dress to wear for the rest of the afternoon. It was crafted from fine ivory linen, beautifully embroidered with delicate cascading wildflowers across the low neckline and hem. Standing before him, you felt like a vision from the Garden of Eden.
"What do you think, Levi?" you asked, smoothing the linen over your hips. "Should I wear this one for the rest of the day?"
Levi let out a low, ragged growl in his throat, his knuckles gripping the armrests of his chair. "We... we might genuinely have to go back to your old high-necked bakery dresses, little star."
You frowned slightly and pouted. "Why on earth is that?"
Behind you, Luna let out a delighted giggle, exchanging a knowing look with the younger maids. "I believe the Count finds you so utterly intoxicatingly beautiful in these new clothes, My Lady, that he is going to severely struggle to hold back his feelings if you walk around the manor looking like that."
Hearing the truth, a sudden wave of playful bravery washed over you. You walked, stopping right between Levi’s knees. Slowly, deliberately, you knelt on the rug before his chair, looking up into his face.
Levi’s face flushed as you looked up at him so submissively. His breath hitched when you gently slid your small, soft hand onto his upper thigh.
"Is that truly the case, Kitten?" you whispered, your heart hammering. "Tell me... tell me what I can do to help you."
Levi let out a low, trembling moan, his eyes darkening instantly as your hand pressed against his muscle. "Saying things like that to a man like me... is exceptionally dangerous, my sweet bride."
Standing near the door, the head butler discreetly cleared his throat, a knowing smile on his face. "Excellent work today, ladies. Let us move the Countess's new wardrobe to her master suite immediately. Come along... let us leave our masters to their privacy."
Luna and the young assistants quickly gathered the garment bags, practically racing out of the room with giggles, pulling the heavy double doors firmly shut behind them.
Once the room fell into a deep, heavy silence, you smiled beautifully up at your protective Count. You leaned your body upward, bringing your lips close to his as your hand travelled just a fraction higher up his thigh.
"I want to know you, Levi," you vowed softly, your silver markings pulsing with a brilliant silver light against his chest. "All of you. The light parts and the dark shadows. You are my husband, and I am your wife. From this day forward... we need to reveal absolutely everything to one another."
The moment the final vow of total vulnerability left your lips, Levi’s ironclad restraint shattered entirely.
With a low, almost desperate growl, he gripped your wrist and pulled your body up from the rug, slamming you against his chest as his other large hand fiercely gripped the curve of your hip. He lunged blindly at your exposed shoulder, burying his face in the crook of your neck. The razor-sharp tips of his extended fangs grazed against your sensitive skin, the terrifying, exhilarating pressure causing a breathless, trembling moan to escape you.
But right on the absolute edge of piercing your skin and drinking your sweet, primordial blood, Levi suddenly winced. A violent wave of self-loathing crashed over him, and he forcefully stopped himself.
He heard you let out a soft, confused whimper as he abruptly pulled his face away. Your hands reached up to touch your neck, noticing that his sharp teeth had already shallowly punctured your skin, leaving two tiny, bleeding pinpricks. Down below, the delicate skin of your wrist was already blooming into a deep, angry purple bruise from where he had gripped you so tightly with his supernatural strength.
"Levi...?" you mewled breathlessly, your heart hammering wildly against your ribs, desperately hoping he would just keep going and take all of you.
Instead, Levi stumbled backwards out of his chair, completely horrified by his own dark, monstrous hunger. He left you sitting frozen on the floor in your stunning, flower-stitched dress, your lips parted, your chest heaving, and your silver markings glowing a brilliant, frantic white. He wanted to just eat you up right then and there, and the sheer power of that desire terrified him.
Desperate to comfort him, you shifted your weight on the rug and tried to crawl closer to his trembling form. "Kitten...?"
Levi instantly covered his nose and mouth with his hand, his silver-blue eyes wide with a frantic, wild panic as the intoxicating scent of your spilt blood filled the room. "I... I have to go," he rasped out, his voice shaking.
You frowned, your chest tightening with a sudden, heavy dread. "Huh? Levi, wait—"
"I have to go!" he roared softly, a desperate plea for his own sanity.
Before you could even stretch your hand out to touch him, Levi became a blur. The massive double doors of the fitting room flew open and slammed shut with a deafening crash that echoed through the walls.
You were left alone in the sudden, suffocating silence.
Clutching your hands tightly over your chest, you looked down at your bruised wrist, a hot, agonising wave of insecurity washing over you. Was there something fundamentally wrong with you? Was he disgusted by the way your body looked up close? You sat frozen on the floor for what felt like hours, drowning in your own dark thoughts, until a gentle, horrified gasp snapped you completely out of your daze.
Luna stood in the doorway, her face pale. Moving quickly, she rushed over and knelt beside you, opening a small silver medical kit filled with soothing ointments and white linen bandages. She looked up at you, her eyes filled with sympathy. "Your Ladyship?"
You blinked a few times, your vision thoroughly blurred by unshed tears. "Yes, Luna?"
"I need you to offer me your arm, My Lady. The Count... he arrived in the kitchens looking like a ghost and frantically commanded me to come tend to your wounds immediately."
Slowly, you offered her your trembling arm. You both looked down, seeing that his powerful grip had left a severe, dark bruise that had already spread painfully up your forearm. "Oh..." you whispered.
Luna gently began massaging a cool, fragrant herbal ointment into your bruised wrist and forearm, her touch incredibly tender before she carefully wrapped the skin in soft white linen. She then moved up to your neck, gently cleaning the tiny, beaded drops of blood from the slight bite mark and patching it up with a small dressing.
Suddenly, Luna gasped, her hands shaking. "Your Ladyship... please, I beg of you, don't cry. If you are in pain, I can run to the apothecary right now and get you a strong draught for the swelling."
You lifted your uninjured hand, quickly rubbing away a hot tear that had spilt over your cheek, though your shoulders still shook. "I don't think the apothecary has any medicine for a painfully broken heart, Luna."
Luna’s heart completely sank. She dropped her bandages, reaching out to tightly hold both of your hands in hers. "Please, talk to me. Tell me what is wrong."
A soft sob broke from your throat, and through your tears, you hurriedly confessed exactly what had happened. You let out a heavy sigh, looking down at your lap. "Was it truly something I did wrong? Is this marriage genuinely just a cold, loveless arranged contract to him? Is my blood not good enough for him? Am I... am I just not good enough to be desired?"
"Oh, my sweet lady... no! Absolutely not!" Luna cried out, her voice thick with emotion as she squeezed your fingers. "You are completely perfect. Count Levi... he adores you more than life itself! The entire staff can see it!"
"Then why won't he truly touch me?" you sobbed, your voice cracking. "Why does he always run away from me?"
Luna felt her chest tighten with an immense, painful sorrow. She knew with certainty that Levi was only running because he was desperately trying to protect his sweet human bride from his own lethal, predatory nature. He was trying to shield you from his race, but he was too stupid to see the damage his distance was causing.
Suddenly, Luna’s eyes widened in sheer horror.
She looked down at the low neckline of your ivory linen dress. The magnificent silver wildflower markings across your chest, which had been pulsing so brightly and beautifully just moments ago, filled with your deep emotions, were suddenly beginning to lose their light. Right before Luna's eyes, the glowing silver vines were turning into a dull, ash-grey, the edges of the magic curling inward like dying autumn leaves.
Your intense heartbreak and his apparent rejection were starting to damage your Blooming Vessel core from the inside out.
As the agonising weight of rejection pressed down on your chest, the ash-grey darkness continued to aggressively bleed through the silver veins of your markings. It felt as though a freezing winter frost was suddenly sweeping through your veins, chasing away all the warmth you had felt just moments prior.
"My Lady... your markings..." Luna whispered, her voice trembling as she stared at your collarbone.
You tried to look down, tried to swallow the thick lump of sorrow in your throat, but a sudden, overwhelming dizziness crashed over your mind. The beautifully decorated fitting room began to spin in a blur of velvet and gold. A heavy, suffocating exhaustion pulled at your limbs, making your body feel as heavy as stone. The magical core of the Blooming Vessel, fuelled by the deep, spiritual bond with its chosen mate, was reacting to the heartbreak; it was shutting down, straining under the agonising belief that it was unloved.
"Luna... I feel... so cold..." you mumbled breathlessly, your vision going dark.
Before Luna could even stretch her arms out to catch you, your eyes rolled back, and your body went limp, collapsing onto the rug of the fitting room.
"Countess! My Lady!" Luna shrieked in absolute terror.
She lunged forward, catching your head just before it struck the floor, frantically gathering your unconscious form into her arms. Your face was devoid of colour, your lips parted as your breath came in shallow, faint gasps. Looking down at your chest, Luna let out a horrified sob. The once-dazzling silver wildflowers embroidered into your very skin had completely stopped glowing; they were now a sickening, bruised colour, looking like dead charcoal beneath your skin.
Panicking, Luna frantically pressed her fingers against your uninjured wrist. Your pulse was dangerously sluggish, fluttering like a dying bird.
"Guards! Someone help us! Quickly!" Luna roared at the top of her lungs, her typical polite maid demeanour shattering into sheer hysteria.
The heavy doors were thrown wide open, and two elite Ackerman house guards rushed into the room with their swords drawn, their vampire senses picking up the thick scent of distress. They stopped dead in their tracks at the sight of their new mistress unconscious on the floor.
"Go fetch the estate doctor right this instant! Tell him the Countess has collapsed from a severe magical core failure!" Luna ordered fiercely, tears streaming down her face as she rocked your limp body. "We need to move her to the master bedroom immediately!"
As the guards scrambled out of the room, their heavy boots echoing frantically down the corridors, the entire mansion erupted into a state of absolute chaos. Servants were running, medical kits were being dragged out, and whispered prayers were breathed in the dark.
Yet, down the eastern wing of the mansion, behind the heavily reinforced, soundproofed doors of his private study, Count Levi Ackerman sat in total, agonising isolation.
The room was pitch black, the curtains drawn tightly to block out any remnant of the afternoon sun. Levi sat slumped on the floor against the wall, his head buried in his hands, his knuckles white as he fought against the roaring, possessive beast inside his own chest. His suit jacket was discarded on the floor, and his hands were still trembling from the lingering, intoxicating memory of your sweet scent.
He could still feel the soft press of your curves against his body. He could still hear your breathless, adoring mewl as his fangs grazed your neck.
I almost drained her, Levi thought, a bitter wave of self-loathing crashing over his mind as he stared down at his hand. I gripped her so tightly I bruised her perfect skin. I am a monster. A lethal, dangerous monster who will only ever bring her harm if I draw too close.
He squeezed his eyes shut, letting out a ragged, tortured sigh into the empty room. He believed that by fleeing, by locking himself away in the dark and allowing you to live a peaceful, unbothered life as his Countess, he was performing the ultimate act of love and protection.
He had no idea that his noble, stupid sacrifice had just sent his darling little star slipping straight into the jaws of death.
The elite estate doctor, an elderly vampire who had served the Ackerman clan for centuries, carefully pulled his hands away from your chest, letting out a long, grave sigh. He had administered a rare, highly potent elixir specifically synthesised for Blooming Vessels, a shimmering silver liquid that slowly forced its way into your system, providing just enough synthetic spiritual energy to jumpstart your failing core.
Slowly, your eyelids fluttered open. The dark gothic ceiling came into focus, and the bone-chilling cold that had gripped your body began to recede, leaving you feeling incredibly weak, hollow, and exhausted.
Looking down at your chest, you saw the ash-grey colour had halted its spread, though the silver lines of your markings remained dull and faint, lacking all their usual vibrant brilliance.
"You are incredibly lucky, Your Ladyship," the doctor murmured, packing away his glass vials. "Your core suffered a severe emotional shock. The elixir will stabilise you for now, but medicine can only heal the physical body. A Blooming Vessel requires the spiritual warmth of her mate to truly thrive. Without it, the symptoms will return."
As soon as the doctor bowed and exited the room, Luna stepped up to the bedside. Her face was flushed with a mixture of deep sorrow and fury. She clutched a fresh basin of water.
"This is entirely unbefitting of him," Luna whispered, her voice shaking. "To leave you like this... to bruise your beautiful skin and then flee like a coward while your very soul withers in the dark? I don't care if he is the Count. I don't care if he is my master. I am going straight to his private study right this second, and I am going to scream the truth directly into his face until he realises what a fool he is being!"
"Luna... no... please..." you croaked out, your voice barely a breathless whisper as you weakly reached out your uninjured hand to catch the hem of her apron.
Luna stopped, looking down at you with wide, tearful eyes. "My Lady, why? He needs to know what he did to you!"
You slowly shook your head against the pillows, a lone tear slipping from your eye and soaking into the pillow. "Please, I beg of you... Do not shout at him. Do not tell him about the markings or the heartbreak. Just... just tell him that I suddenly took ill from the exhaustion of the past few days, and leave it at that."
Luna let out a frustrated breath, her chest heaving. "But Countess—"
"Luna, please," you whimpered softly, your heart aching. "If he only held me out of obligation or guilt, it would kill me. I cannot force him to want me. If he wants to stay away... I must let him." You lowered your gaze, staring at the bandage wrapping your bruised wrist. "Actually... I want to be moved. Please, have the servants move my things to one of the guest chambers in the western wing. I want a different room... so I can get better in peace, and so I won't disturb Levi with my illness."
Luna felt her heart shatter for you. She was annoyed with Levi, furious that his stupid, dense pride was causing you to retreat into a shell. She desperately wanted to drag the Count down the hall by his raven hair, but looking at your fragile, pale face, she knew she had to respect your wishes.
Letting out a heavy sigh, she knelt by the bed and gently squeezed your uninjured hand. "I... I do not agree with this, My Lady. It breaks my heart to see you pull away. But... because I love and respect you, I will fulfil your request."
Within an hour, moving with silence, Luna, maids and butlers carefully assisted you out of the grand master suite. They carried your small trunks down the winding corridors to a quiet, secluded guest bedroom in the far western wing of the mansion. It was a beautiful room, but it felt cold, isolated, and lonely. You crawled beneath the heavy blankets, curling into a small ball as you stared blankly at the windowpane.
Shortly after, a hesitant knock echoed against the reinforced doors of Levi's pitch-black study.
Levi didn't move from his spot on the floor. "I said I am not to be disturbed," he rasped, his voice dead and hollow.
The head butler's sombre voice bleeds through the thick wood. "Forgive me, Your Excellency, but I am required to deliver an urgent report regarding the Countess."
Hearing your title, Levi’s eyes instantly snapped open in the dark. He shot to his feet, throwing the door open. "What is it? Is she alright? Did Luna tend to her wrist?"
The butler lowered his head, refusing to meet the Count's gaze. His voice was stiff, carrying the exact, cold message you had instructed. "The Countess has suddenly taken severely ill from the immense exhaustion of the palace wedding and the transition to the manor. Per her explicit request, she has been officially moved to a private guest suite in the far western wing to recover in total isolation."
Levi froze, the air leaving his lungs as if he had been struck in the chest. "Moved...? To a different room?"
"Yes, My Lord," the butler concluded quietly, his tone holding a subtle, biting disapproval that Levi was too stunned to register. "Her Ladyship has strictly requested that you remain away from her quarters. She wishes to recover alone and has requested that you not disturb her."
Before Levi could even utter a single word, the butler bowed deeply and walked away, leaving the dangerous, powerful Count standing entirely alone in the dark corridor, his heart shattering into a million icy pieces as the devastating realisation hit him.
He had run away to protect you, but in doing so, he had completely broken his sweet bride's heart, and now she was shutting him out of her life entirely.
The night descended upon the western wing like a suffocating shroud. Inside your new, isolated guest quarters, the fire crackled low in the hearth, casting long, dancing shadows across the heavy drapes. You lay curled beneath the thick blankets, your bandaged wrist pressed against your chest, staring blankly at the dark canopy above. The doctor’s elixir had eased the physical trembling, but your soul felt hollow. Every time you closed your eyes, you felt the memory of Levi’s terrifyingly beautiful crimson gaze, the sharp graze of his fangs, and the agonising sting of him throwing himself backwards to escape your touch.
You believed you were a burden to him, a plain, fragile human baker thrust into the grand, dangerous world of a pure-blood vampire who couldn't bear the sight of you.
What you didn't know, however, was that just beyond the thick oak of your closed bedroom door, a silent, heartbreaking vigil was being kept.
Levi had not returned to his dark study. The second the butler had delivered your message, the Count's mind had fractured with a suffocating panic. He had moved through the corridors like a ghost, his silent footsteps bringing him straight to the cold hallway of the western wing.
He stood there for hours. He didn't dare touch the brass handle, respecting your desperate plea for him to stay away, but he was physically, biologically incapable of leaving his sick wife's side. The dangerous, untouchable Sovereign of the night spent the entire evening leaning his forehead against the cold wood of your door, his eyes closed as he focused every single one of his heightened vampire senses on the faint, sluggish sound of your heartbeat inside the room.
Thump... thump... thump...
It was so weak. It lacked the vibrant warmth it usually possessed when you were laughing or baking. Levi’s chest heaved with a silent, ragged sob, his hands clenching into tight fists against the wall. He had thought he was saving you. He had thought that by locking away his monstrous, ravenous desires, he was keeping his little star safe from his fangs. Instead, he had driven his sweet, gentle bride into a sickbed, forcing her to flee to a cold guest room just to escape his presence. The sheer wave of self-loathing that washed over him was paralysing. He stayed there all through the freezing night, an unmoving shadow guarding your door, drowning in his own lovesick guilt.
The next morning, a pale, watery sunlight filtered through the frost on your windowpanes. You shifted weakly in the large bed as Luna quietly stepped into the room, carrying a fresh basin of water and a warm porcelain teapot.
"Good morning, Countess," Luna murmured, her voice soft and laced with a deep, lingering sorrow as she looked at your pale face. She poured a steaming cup of chamomile tea, handing it to you carefully. "How is your chest feeling today? Are the markings still causing you pain?"
You sat up, pulling the blankets tightly around you, and glanced down beneath your nightgown. The charcoal colour had faded slightly, but the silver vines were still dim and sleeping. "I am just... very tired, Luna," you whispered, swirling the amber tea. "But the coldness in my veins has passed. Thank you."
Suddenly, a soft, hesitant knock rattled against the bedroom door.
Luna’s expression hardened into a fierce, protective glare. She set the teapot down with a sharp clack, turning on her heel. "If that is the Count, I swear to—"
"Luna, please," you begged softly, your heart tightening.
Luna let out a sharp breath, marching over and pulling the heavy door open. She froze, the angry words dying in her throat as she took in the sight before her.
Standing in the doorway was the head butler, holding a silver tray laden with a beautifully wrapped parchment note and a small, delicate box wrapped in baker's twine. But what made Luna’s eyes widen in sheer shock was the figure standing just a few paces behind the butler, half-hidden in the dim shadows of the corridor.
It was Levi.
Your heart stopped as you caught sight of him over Luna’s shoulder. The pristine, untouchable Count looked ruined. He had discarded his cravat, his collar was slightly undone, and his usually immaculate raven hair was messy and unkempt. His face was devoid of colour, and dark, hollow shadows bruised the skin beneath his silver-blue eyes. He looked as though he hadn't slept a single second, because he hadn't. He looked desperately, heartbreakingly lovesick. The moment your eyes met his across the distance of the room, a visible tremor ran through Levi’s entire body. His lips parted slightly, his gaze dropping to the white bandage on your wrist, and a look of pure, agonising torment washed over his features. He looked like a man standing on the edge of a precipice, desperately wanting to run to your bedside, yet completely paralysing himself to respect your boundary.
The butler discreetly cleared his throat, stepping into the room to present the silver tray to Luna, though his eyes remained sympathetic. "A delivery for the Countess. Sent from the capital's finest elven pastry chefs early this morning... though I believe a certain someone personally supervised the exact recipe."
Luna took the tray, still glaring subtly at the Count in the hallway, before closing the door halfway to give you privacy.
With trembling fingers, you reached out and took the small box and the note. Untying the twine, you opened the lid, and the sweet, comforting scent of vanilla, cinnamon, and warm sugar instantly filled the cold room. Inside were your absolute favourite sweet pastries, the exact, delicate sugar-dusted buns you used to bake every single morning in your small village shop. He had gone to the ends of the earth to replicate the one thing that brought you comfort.
Slowly, you unfolded the parchment note. Levi’s usually elegant, perfect cursive script was noticeably shaky, written with a trembling hand:
To my darling little star,
There are no words in this mortal tongue, nor in my ancient existence, that can excuse the harm I have caused you. I am a monster who let his dark hunger terrify the only light in his world. I saw the bruise I left upon your skin, and the horror of my own strength drove me to flight. I thought I was protecting you from my darkness. I never realised my cowardice would make you fall ill.
Please, eat something sweet. Please, recover your warmth. I am staying away as you have commanded, for your peace is my only law. But know this, my sweet bride... my heart remains locked outside your door, entirely yours, if you should ever find it in yourself to forgive me.
Your devoted servant, Levi
You clutched the note tightly against your chest, a hot tear spilling over your cheek and smudging the ink. You looked back up at the door, your heart swelling with a painful, chaotic mix of sorrow and profound love. He hadn't rejected your body. He had run away because he was terrified of his own monstrous strength hurting you.
Luna watched you closely, her expression softening as she saw your silver markings suddenly let out a faint, stuttering pulse of bright white light. "Countess...?" she whispered. "He is still standing out there in the hall. He hasn't moved an inch all morning. What do you wish to do?"
The sweet, nostalgic aroma of vanilla and caramelised sugar rising from the delicate box felt like a warm blanket draped over your shivering soul. Clutching Levi’s shaky, tear-stained letter against your chest, you looked down at the perfectly dusted sugar buns. They looked identical to the ones you used to pull from the brick ovens back at the village bakery, back when your life was simple, and your heart didn't ache with the heavy, complex weight of a vampire's ancient devotion.
Slowly, you lifted one of the pastries to your lips and took a small, hesitant bite.
The moment the rich, comforting sweetness hit your tongue, something incredible happened. It wasn't just food; it was a physical manifestation of Levi's desperate care, baked into existence under his strict, panicked supervision. As you chewed and swallowed, a wave of genuine warmth flooded your core. The icy winter frost that had locked up your veins began to rapidly melt away.
Luna gasped softly, dropping her basin cloth as she pointed a trembling finger at your chest. "My Lady! Look!"
Beneath the collar of your nightdress, the dull, lifeless charcoal colour was receding. Like spring reclaiming a frozen forest, the intricate wildflower markings flared to life, pulsing with a sudden, radiant, and incredibly vibrant silver-white light. The sheer relief of knowing he hadn't rejected your body, that he was simply terrified of his own monstrous strength hurting you, acted as the perfect catalyst. Your magical core greedily drank in his devotion, sending a rush of vitality and strength surging right back into your limbs. Your cheeks flushed a healthy colour, and the dull ache in your chest vanished entirely.
You set the pastry down, feeling stronger and more grounded than you had in days. You looked up at the door, knowing that your exhausted, lovesick Count was still standing just on the other side, drowning in a sea of his own making.
A soft smile graced your lips. "Luna," you called out, your voice steady and clear.
Luna blinked, surprised by the sudden, radiant energy practically radiating from your skin. "Yes, Your Ladyship?"
"Open the door."
Luna hesitated for a fraction of a second, her lingering annoyance at Levi fighting against her fierce loyalty to you. But seeing the brilliant, undeniable glow of your markings, she knew exactly what her mistress needed. With a soft, accepting sigh, she nodded. "Right away, My Lady."
Luna marched over to the heavy double doors, gripped the brass handles, and pulled them wide open.
The bright light from your bedroom spilt out into the dim, shadowy corridor of the western wing. There, slumped heavily against the wall right beside the frame, was Levi. The moment the doors creaked open, his head snapped up. His silver-blue eyes were completely bloodshot, his face haggard and pale from a night of torturous guilt. When he saw Luna standing there with a stern expression, his body tensed, expecting to be formally banished from the wing entirely.
But Luna simply stepped aside, leaving the doorway completely clear.
From your place in the grand bed, wrapped in the blankets with the morning sun illuminating your face, you locked your eyes onto his devastated, trembling form. Your heart hammered a frantic, loving rhythm against your ribs.
You leaned forward slightly, extending your uninjured hand toward him, and let out a soft, tender call that echoed beautifully into the quiet hallway.
"Kitten... come here."
Hearing that sacred, secret nickname roll off your lips, hearing the gentle, forgiving warmth in your voice, completely shattered the untouchable Count. A visible tremor ran through Levi's entire body. His breath hitched in a gasp, his eyes widening in absolute, disbelieving awe as he saw your radiant face and the brilliant, beautiful silver glow of the markings on your chest.
The heavy, paralysing chains of his guilt broke into a thousand pieces. Without a single care for his noble dignity, Levi stumbled forward, practically throwing himself through the doorway as he rushed toward the side of your bed, desperate to reach his beautiful wife.
Levi fell across the distance of the room. The moment he reached the edge of your mattress, the absolute ruler of the Ackerman empire completely collapsed.
With a heavy gasp, the powerful Count dropped onto his knees on the rug beside your bed. He buried his face directly into your lap, his strong upper body slamming against the edge of the mattress as he desperately hid his face in the soft folds of your nightdress. His broad shoulders were trembling, his chest heaving with a silent, breathless hysteria that shook his frame.
Luna, seeing her terrifying master brought to such an incredibly raw, broken state of absolute submission, quietly stepped backwards and closed the heavy doors, leaving the two of you in privacy.
"Forgive me... please, god, please forgive me, little star..." Levi choked out, his deep voice fractured, stripped of all his usual cold, aristocratic dignity. He sounded ruined, his words muffled against your thighs as he clung to the sheets. "I am a fool. A pathetic, wretched coward. I thought I was keeping you safe by locking myself away... but I almost killed the only light in my miserable life. I cannot lose you. If you cast me out, if you leave me, I will burn this entire empire to ash. I need you. I need your heart, your breath, your everything... please..."
The depth of his obsessive, possessive yearning was staggering. The most feared vampire in the kingdom was a mess, completely brought to his knees by a gentle, human baker. He was a starving man, and your love was his only salvation.
Your heart swelled to bursting point, filled with a consuming warmth. Slowly, deliberately, you reached out with your uninjured hand and brought it to the back of his head. Your small fingers gently sank into his messy, unkempt raven hair, softly stroking the silky strands and massaging his scalp.
The very instant your warm skin made contact with him, a violent shudder ran straight down Levi’s spine. A low, trembling moan escaped his throat, a sound of pure, ecstatic relief that vibrated against your legs.
"Kitten..." you murmured, your voice dripping with an unconditional, adoring tenderness as you kept running your fingers through his dark hair. "Look at me. Lift your head, my love."
Driven by a desperate, instinctual need to obey your every command, Levi slowly lifted his head from your lap.
You caught your breath at the sight of his face. The Count looked completely unhinged with lovesick adoration. His eyes had fully bled into a striking, luminous vampire crimson, burning with a raw hunger that was completely fixated on you. Yet, despite the dangerous glow of his eyes, his handsome face was twisted in an expression of vulnerable agony. A single, bloody vampire tear slipped down his pale cheek, tracing a path down to his sharp jawline. He stared up at you from his knees like a devotee worshipping a goddess, his chest heaving as his eyes darted from your face down to the brilliant, dazzling silver light pulsing vibrantly across your chest.
"You're glowing..." Levi whispered breathlessly, his hand trembling as he carefully hovered his palm over your markings, not daring to touch you without permission. "Your beautiful magic... it has returned. Tell me I didn't destroy it. Tell me I haven't lost you."
You smiled beautifully, the silver vine markings flaring with an even greater, blinding intensity in response to his proximity. Slowly, you took his trembling hand in yours, lifting it and pressing his bare palm directly over your beating heart, letting him feel the rhythm of your love for him.
"You could never lose me, Levi," you whispered, leaning down toward his kneeling form until your breath fanned across his lips. "I am your wife. My heart belongs to you. Now, get off the floor... and come hold me properly."
Levi looked down at your hand, his crimson eyes locking onto the wrapping around your wrist. A look of remorse twisted his handsome features. Slowly, with a reverence that bordered on religious, he reached out and cradled your injured arm in his large palms, lifting it as if it were the most fragile porcelain in the world.
He lowered his head, pressing his lips firmly against the white bandages. He covered the linen in a slow, lingering cascade of desperate, adoring kisses, his hot breath soaking through the fabric to the bruised skin beneath.
"I swear it to you, little star," Levi whispered roughly against your wrist. "By the ancient blood in my veins, and by whatever shattered piece of a soul I possess... I am entirely yours. My heart, my life, my strength, they exist only to serve you. I will dismantle anyone who dares to bring a shadow to your face, even if that person is myself. You are my absolute sovereign."
Your heart melted completely at the intoxicating depth of his yearning. He was so hopelessly whipped, so intensely consumed by you. You slid your uninjured hand down his cheek, gently tilting his face up.
"I know, Kitten," you murmured, a beautiful smile gracing your lips. "Now... please, come closer. Get onto the bed with me."
Levi’s crimson eyes flared with a desperate, wild longing, but to your surprise, he tensed, remaining firmly on his knees. He let out a low, pained huff, his knuckles gripping the mattress. "No... I am not worthy, little star. Not yet."
You blinked, pouting slightly. "Levi..."
"I have harmed you," he rasped, his thumb lightly brushing the edge of your bandage. "My monstrous nature left a mark on your beautiful skin and drove you to a sickbed. I cannot simply slide into your bed and act as if I am deserving of your warmth. I want to earn my spot next to you. I want to prove to you, and to myself, that I can handle your fragile, precious life without breaking it."
The sheer, stubborn nobility of your lovesick vampire husband made you want to shake him. You didn't want a distant guardian; you wanted him.
"You are too stubborn," you huffed playfully.
Determined to get your way, you hooked your fingers firmly into the collar of his undone shirt and gave a hard, sudden yank, trying to forcefully pull his heavy, muscular body up onto the mattress with you. But your core was still recovering from the magical strain, and your limbs were still a bit weak. Instead of pulling him up, your grip slipped, and you let out a soft gasp.
Levi’s protective instincts instantly overrode his stubborn pride. Seeing you stumble, an amused chuckle rumbled deep in his chest, a sound so rich and fond it made your heart flutter wildly.
"You are a remarkably stubborn little creature yourself, aren't you?" he murmured with a playful smirk.
Giving up his self-inflicted exile, Levi finally rose from his knees and slid gracefully onto the mattress beside you. He didn't hesitate for another second. He snaked his powerful, muscular arms around your waist and pulled your figure against his hard chest, enveloping you entirely in his cool, comforting embrace.
You let out a soft, blissful sigh, burying your face in the crook of his neck as his raven hair tickled your cheek. Levi wrapped the heavy blankets securely around both of you, holding you so tightly it felt as though he were trying to fuse your souls.
"I have you," he whispered into your hair, his possessive grip tightening just a fraction as his chest rumbled with a deep, soothing purr. "Rest now, my little star. Your husband isn't going anywhere, and when you wake up, you’ll be back where you belong, in our room."
Summary: As promised, you accompany Prince Xavier on an unusual late-night errand. Sylus decides that he is done sharing your attention.
Relevant tags: Sylus x Fem!Reader, Fluff, Royal AU, Secret Relationships, Knights, Princes and Princesses, First Love, SMUT, MDNI!!
Chapter 1
AO3 Link
Tag list: @souppooppie @valiantchaosvalkyrie @imdeadinsidelolexe @babygirl-panda19 @thirsty-btch
Later that night, you stood beside Sylus in a dark corner of your courtyard, both of you wearing disguises similar to your night out to the fair. As promised, you waited for Prince Xavier to appear so that you would escort him into the capital. You were apprehensive about helping him, and you felt vulnerable knowing that this man recognised your lover. Still, you held onto the hope that assisting him would pay off in the end.
Sylus pulled your hood over your head and fastened it under your chin.
“It’s not that cold,” you whined, blowing away the stray furs from the hood’s lining. “It’s all over my face.”
“But you look so adorable.” Sylus cradled your face in his hands, squishing your cheeks. “I can’t wait to wrap you up in Onychinus and see you waddle through the snow.”
You huffed and tried to swat his hands away, but he leaned in and rubbed his nose against yours, then pressed a few quick pecks to your pouting lips. Before you could protest further, someone cleared their throat behind you. You turned to find Prince Xavier, wearing a disguise that Sylus had supplied him earlier, his hood hiding most of his face.
“Here.” He handed you a piece of paper. “This is where I must go.”
Sylus stepped away from you and took the paper, unfolding it. He moved into the moonlight and squinted at the writing. “This address is in the scholars’ district.”
“I suppose so. I’m not familiar with your city,” Xavier shrugged.
“What’s at this address? You can find scholars at the palace.” You asked, growing anxious. You hoped you weren’t stepping into some dangerous plot.
“A somnomancer,” the prince answered.
“Pardon?” You pulled your hood down, thinking you hadn’t heard him right.
“A somnomancer. They study dreams.” Xavier repeated in full confidence, as if it were something completely normal. You looked to Sylus for help.
“Sounds like a fortune teller,” Sylus tucked the address in his pocket with a sigh. “Let’s get this over with.”
You gasped as Sylus took your hand and led you along the courtyard, the other prince following close behind. “Wait – how can you gloss this over?” You whispered. “He sounds like a fraud!”
“I have been having strange, bizarre dreams for over a year now,” Xavier said in a hushed tone as you snuck around the palace grounds. “They say that this man can induce forgotten memories through dreams.”
“You cannot be serious!” You hissed. “You blackmailed me and dragged us out in the middle of the night so you can meet some quack?”
“He is not a quack,” Xavier explained calmly. “He is a sleep scholar. Unorthodox, but a scholar nonetheless.”
“There is no such thing as a sleep scholar!” You argued. Before you could continue, Sylus hushed you. All three of you pressed yourselves against a wall as you waited for the guards above you to walk away.
After navigating out of the palace and sneaking through the dark, empty alleys in silence, you finally reached the streets where your kingdom’s most notable scholars lived and congregated. Sylus checked the note again, and after some wandering, you found the address. It was a small, unremarkable house, tucked away at the end of a dead-end street.
Sylus knocked on the door, but despite the faint light coming through the windows, there was no answer. He knocked again, louder. “We’re looking for–” he called out, then paused.
“Master Hedgwick,” Xavier prompted.
“Master Hedgwick!” Sylus shouted. You watched him, in awe at his ability to take anything in stride.
The door creaked open slightly. Sylus put his hand up, signalling for you to wait, then pushed the door open and peered inside. You held your breath as he stepped into the house. He looked around, then motioned for you to follow.
The place looked exactly how you imagined an eccentric scholar’s home to look. Books and bits of parchment were piled in every corner, strewn across the floor, while papers covered in diagrams hung from the walls. Beakers and vials filled with various liquids, as well as powders, herbs, and other unrecognisable ingredients, were arranged over several tables and cabinets. You took in the view in awe, wondering whether this Hedgwick was some sort of wizard.
While you were busy staring at an odd creature inside a jar, something brushed against your leg. You jumped in surprise, letting out a startled squeal. Both princes turned to check on you, reaching for their swords. You looked down to find a small, orange cat rubbing up against your legs.
“Aww, it’s only a kitten.” You cooed and went down to pet it, when a deep voice boomed from above you.
“His name is Bertrand!”
All three of you looked up to find an old, bearded man at the top of the stairs, wearing a long scholar’s robe and holding a lamp.
“I know exactly who you are.” The old man interrupted with an authoritative voice, then pointed at Xavier. “I have been expecting you.”
“Was it magic?” You wondered aloud.
The old man looked at you. “He sent letters.”
“Oh.” You bit your lip, suddenly feeling foolish.
“Come, now.” He beckoned dramatically. “Come.”
You shared a look with Sylus and followed Xavier up the steps. Xavier glanced back at you and whispered, “I have been corresponding with Master Hedgwick for months. He believes I carry suppressed memories.”
Hedgwick led you to a dimly lit room - a desk and bookshelves on one side, and a bed and various cushions thrown haphazardly across the floor. He waved a hand, “Sit wherever you want.” Then pointed to Xavier, “You, on the bed.”
Xavier followed his instructions, and Sylus and you shuffled onto some cushions against a wall. You were astonished at the way this old man ordered all of you around, wondering if he really knew he had royalty in his home. And yet, somehow, you all obeyed his instructions.
“Master Hedgwick,” Xavier addressed the old man as he sat down on the bed. “Do you truly believe this will work?”
“Oh, yes.” The old man answered, rummaging through some drawers. “Dreams are connected to your soul. Through dreams, deep, entrenched memories can be uncovered.”
“My dreams have increased since entering this kingdom,” Xavier said. “I believe that something, or somebody here, may be triggering my lost memories.” You and Sylus exchanged awkward glances. For the first time that night, you felt as though you were intruding on something deeply personal.
“Yes, yes,” Hedgwick muttered, distracted. You couldn’t quite see what he was doing, but you could hear the clinking of glass and the pop of a bottle being opened. “We will uncover every hidden memory in that head of yours.”
You glanced at Sylus, who seemed as confused as you were. “What are they talking about?” You whispered.
Sylus leaned into your ear and muttered, “He seems mad.”
“I want to know everything.” Xavier gazed at Hedgwick, eyes full of hope. “I want to learn what all of my dreams mean. And I need to know if the girl from my dreams exists outside of my imagination.”
The sincere look on his face sent a tiny pang of guilt through your chest. You suddenly regretted getting angry with him. You found yourself more invested in his mission than you should have been.
“Then we must waste no time. Drink this and make yourself comfortable.” The old man approached Xavier, holding a cup filled with a strange liquid. You could hear it fizzing from where you sat.
As Xavier took the cup, you scrambled to get off the floor. “Wait, wait,” you called out. “I don’t think you should drink–”
Before you could finish, the prince had already downed the entire cup and placed it on the little bedside table. You stopped in your tracks, mouth agape, then slowly slumped back down in your seat.
“Now, then.” The old man turned to you. “We will begin soon. You may either leave or stay here. Either way, you must not disturb him.”
“We’ll stay,” Sylus said, and you nodded. You were not about to leave a foreign prince alone with this strange old man.
Hedgwick gave both of you a measuring look, then turned and seated himself in a rocking chair near the bed. Xavier lay down on the bed and rested his hands on his stomach, linking his fingers and taking a few deep breaths. You could tell from where you sat that he was nervous.
Hedgwick took a pipe from a small table beside his chair and began to fill it with some fragrant herbs. “Tell me about the last dream you remember,” he instructed, as he worked his pipe.
“There is always a field of flowers,” Xavier began, his voice already sounding a little dreamy. “Always the same blue…”
The old man lit his pipe and hummed as he listened. Xavier continued to retell parts of his dreams - full stories turned to disjointed snippets and various details from different scenes. Hedgwick sat there quietly in his chair, taking puffs of his pipe, as Xavier’s words became more incoherent. Eventually, the prince mumbled a few unintelligible words, and his breathing grew even.
The little ginger cat jumped onto Sylus’s lap, and he stroked its head gently. You leaned on Sylus and stroked the cat’s chin, making it nestle into a little loaf. You could scarcely believe that you were in a stranger’s house, watching Prince Xavier sleep. You wondered whether anyone would believe you if you told them.
After a while, all you could hear were Xavier’s even breaths, the rocking chair’s quiet creaks, and Bertrand’s content purr on Sylus’s lap. You weren’t sure whether it was the quiet, dim room or the smoke filling the air, but you began to feel drowsy. Tired. Lightheaded.
Until your head hit Sylus’s shoulder like a pillow and the room faded to black.
When you opened your eyes, you were surrounded by a field littered with red flowers. The smoke from Hedgwick’s pipe still lingered, obscuring your vision, leaving you in a daze.
To share your life with a fiend…
A voice echoed around you. It sounded a lot like Sylus.
“Sylus?” You tried to call out for him. “Where are you?” You tried to get up, but you felt slow and heavy, as if you were underwater.
Then you felt a chill - cold rain on your skin. Your surroundings blurred and shifted into stone ruins, moonlight streaming through the gaps.
We must offer half our soul to the other.
Sylus’s voice and strange words seemed to surround you like a warm embrace. You tried feeling your surroundings, but you couldn’t find him.
They’ll be merged…
“Wait… what did you say?” The candlelight had somehow turned to small embers, flying in the wind. The smoke, the embers and the flowers all blended in a blur of red in your consciousness.
You felt something warm coil around you, heavy, protective, familiar, and you squeezed your eyes shut.
When you opened them again, you were back in the dim room, wrapped in Sylus’s arms, your face tucked into his chest. You looked up to find him rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
“I had a very eerie dream,” you muttered, your voice still thick from sleep.
“Hmm, and I as well.” His voice rumbled as he tucked your face further into his chest.
When your mind cleared, you looked up and found Xavier and Hedgwick sitting side by side on the bed. Xavier looked down at his hands as he whispered something to the old man. Hedgwick stroked his beard and nodded along, muttering words you couldn’t hear.
“What did you do to us?” You asked as you pulled away from Sylus. “Did you give us some sort of herb-induced nightmare?”
“I don’t decide what you dream of. I can only help you get there.” His casual tone sparked your anger.
Before you could ask any more questions, Sylus rose to his feet and pulled you up. “We must leave this place.” He declared, then hastily pulled you down the stairs and out of the house, not bothering to check if Prince Xavier followed. You glanced back and only saw the little cat emerge from the house and stretch into the street.
The two of you hurried through the town in silence as the sun rose, rushing to return before the palace woke. Once you finally made your way inside, you walked down the corridors in a daze. As you pulled Sylus into your room, you heard a gasp. You turned to see a maid, holding a laundry basket, staring at you from across the hallway.
Her eyes widened, and you wavered in your steps. Then you slammed the door shut, turning the lock.
“What did that old man do to us?” You tossed your coat onto a chair and kicked off your shoes, still a little shaken from the experience. You worried whether Prince Xavier had made his way back to the palace.
Sylus rubbed his chin. “He must induce visions through that smoke. I don’t know if he influenced us, but…” He approached you and pulled you into his arms. “You’re always on my mind, of course I would dream of you.”
You gazed up at him. “I dreamt of your voice. It sounded… solemn. You said strange things about our souls.”
He tilted his head, smiling down at you. “I did swear my body and soul to you. My oaths didn’t disappear once you learned my true identity.”
You nibbled on your lip, “You truly believe it was herbalist nonsense?”
“I do.” He leaned down and pressed his lips to yours in a gentle kiss. “I belong to you, and you belong to me.” His voice was low, certain. “If any other worlds exist, I will always find my way to you.”
You clung to him, pulling him closer as you deepened the kiss. You realised then how much you had missed the warmth of his body, without a heavy suit of armour separating you. When you pulled back to catch your breath, the question slipped out before you could stop it. “Should we go back and look for Prince Xavier?”
Sylus growled at your question and captured your lips again. “Enough of this Prince Xavier.” His voice was rough against your mouth, your breath mingling together. “We fulfilled his request.” He kissed you again, his hand tangling in your hair. “He’s none of our concern anymore.”
You gasped, and he slid his tongue between your lips. His kisses overwhelmed your senses and took your breath away as he backed you across the room until your shoulders met the cold glass of the window, raising goosebumps on your skin. But his body pressed against yours was so warm it barely mattered.
He pulled away and looked down at you with half-lidded eyes, his chest heaving.
“But we shouldn’t have left him…” You began.
He smiled at you, though the look in his eyes made it clear he was done sharing your attention. Before you could finish, he grabbed your shoulder and turned you away from him, pressing your chest against the cold window. You rested your cheek on it, your breath leaving small clouds of condensation on the surface. His hands travelled down your back, then up to the swell of your breasts as he pressed himself against you from behind.
“Sylus.” You gasped. “Is this what you dreamt of?”
Sylus laughed, low and deep, as he slowly gathered your skirt, then lowered your undergarments. You heard a rustle of fabric, and then he was pressed between your legs, his length gliding over your heat.
“You are all I ever dream about.” His voice was rough, breathless, as he rasped into your ear. You mewled at the feeling.
“And you?” He asked, as he coated himself in your slick. “Do you dream of pretty princes?” He pressed his lips to your ear. “Mmm… no, you don’t.”
He pinned your shoulder to the window with one hand, then his other landed on your backside, a sharp smack echoing in the large bedroom.
“You dream of ruffians. And trouble.”
You let out a squeak and instinctively pressed yourself back against Sylus. The movement made him groan, his hips bucking faster, setting off little sparks of pleasure through your body.
You opened your eyes. Below, in the gardens, guards and maids had begun their morning routines, wandering the paths in the pale dawn light. It sent an unexpected surge of excitement through you.
“Fuck…” Sylus swore under his breath. “You’re so wet.” His voice was strained, barely holding on. “Are you ready?”
“Y-yes…” You whimpered, arching your back and rising onto your tiptoes.
He pulled back, adjusted himself, and began, with agonising slowness, to press his length inside you. A soft, broken sound escaped your lips as he stretched you, your nails scratching against the cold glass. Impatient, you pressed back into him, taking him deeper.
When his body was finally fully flush against yours, he braced one palm on the window above you and wrapped the other arm around your body, holding you close. His shaky breath tickled your ear as he stood still for a heartbeat. Then he pulled back and began to thrust into you. He ground into your sweet spot with each movement, making stars burst behind your eyes. Your broken sobs spurred him on, his pace quickening, strings of curses and gasps falling from his lips.
Your knees faltered. You scrambled for purchase against the window, fingers sliding on the glass, making it rattle against the frame. Sylus’s hands flew to your hips, gripping hard, propping you up as he pumped into you desperately. With every slap of his hips against yours, the window creaked. Your voice rose until you couldn’t hold back any longer.
“Sylus!” You cried out his name, and he bit your ear with a low, quiet moan. “Say it again.” His voice was breathy, desperate, tipping you over the edge. “Say my name.”
You chanted his name like a prayer as your climax crashed over you. Your knees buckled, and Sylus’s firm grip was the only thing keeping you standing. After a few powerful thrusts, he pressed in deep and shuddered, his own release washing over him, as he pulsed inside you. You both panted heavily, chests heaving. Sylus rested his hands on the window, caging you in. He pulled out of you with a soft sigh, his essence dripping down your trembling thighs. After a moment, you turned in his arms, wrapping your arms around his neck and pulling him into a breathless kiss.
“Haven’t you learned that you’re the only prince for me?” You teased and poked his nose, making him smile.
“Hmm, no.” He went to bite your finger, but you quickly withdrew your hand with a giggle.
His hands slid down your body. He scooped you up, crossed the room to your bed, then tossed you on it effortlessly. You bounced on the plush mattress, laughing up at him.
He climbed over you, and you parted your legs, wrapping them around his waist to pull him closer. “You should remind me again,” he murmured, lowering his lips to yours. “And again. So that I don’t ever forget.”
