09 Traces

(Ella's Pov)

When I woke up, I had a terrible headache.

Like someone was taking a small hammer and knocking on my temples one strike at a time.

It was already daytime outside the window. Sunlight shone into the room through the light-colored curtains. I drowsily opened my eyes. My first reaction was—how did I get back last night?

Immediately after, I saw Kyle sleeping while lying on the bedside.

He must have kept watch here all night.

His black hair scattered between his arms. His profile buried in his overlapping hands. His breathing very shallow. During the day, he looked much quieter than at night, without that dangerous and sharp aggressive feeling.

Even a bit... excessively good-looking.

I propped up my body and sat up. My head was still heavy.

Then I saw the marks on Kyle's neck.

Light red kiss marks. Spreading all the way from his collarbone to his chest.

"..."

My brain went blank for two seconds.

Those chaotic scenes from last night resurfaced bit by bit.

I held onto him and wouldn't let go.

I touched him.

I kissed him.

I also—

"Good lord!!!"

I suddenly covered my face and almost rolled off the bed.

I actually forcibly kissed Kyle?!

And more than once!

My cheeks instantly burned. I felt so ashamed I almost wanted to immediately burrow under the bed.

But just then, I suddenly felt my neck also hurt a bit.

I stiffened and slowly reached out to touch it.

...A bit swollen.

I hurriedly grabbed the mirror by the bedside.

The next second, I fell completely silent.

In the mirror, my neck was similarly full of marks.

Even more serious than Kyle's.

There were obvious red marks near my collarbone, while the side of my neck showed clear tooth marks. The surrounding area had a faint reddish tint, like it had been repeatedly kissed.

"..."

I slowly put down the mirror.

My face had completely turned red.

What on earth happened last night...

No, wait.

To be precise, what on earth did I do to him.

I secretly glanced at Kyle by the bedside.

When he sleeps, his eyelashes are very long. His nose bridge is straight. His jawline is also ridiculously beautiful. Sunlight fell on his black hair, making that already handsome face appear much more adorable.

Kyle really is very good-looking.

Extremely good-looking.

Possessed by some strange impulse, I reached out my hand and lightly touched his face.

His skin was a bit cool, different from last night's heat.

Just as I was about to secretly touch him a second time, my wrist was suddenly grabbed.

"What are you doing?" A low voice sounded without warning.

"Ah!" I was so startled I almost cried out.

Kyle had opened his eyes at some point. Those emerald eyes were quietly looking at me.

Caught in the act, I completely froze.

"I, I didn't..."

"Didn't what?" His voice still had a bit of the hoarseness from just waking up.

Inexplicably more dangerous.

I stammered for a long time but couldn't say a single word.

But Kyle suddenly straightened up.

He was already much taller than me. At this moment, leaning close, his shadow completely enveloped me.

I instinctively shrank back. As a result, my back pressed directly against the headboard.

No way to retreat.

Kyle propped one hand beside me and lowered his head to look at me at eye level.

The distance was so close I could almost see his eyelashes clearly.

"Ella."

"...Hmm?"

"Do you still remember what you did last night?"

"..."

My face instantly heated up again.

Of course I remember a bit.

It's precisely because I remember that I want to immediately escape.

"I'm sorry." I said quietly. "I might have lost my head at the time. I didn't mean to—"

Before I could finish speaking, Kyle suddenly lowered his head and kissed me.

I opened my eyes wide. My breathing instantly stopped.

Different from last night's chaotic and blurred sensation, this kiss was very clear.

His breath, temperature, the slight coolness of his lips—all incredibly real.

I originally wanted to push him away, but I don't know why, my body couldn't muster any strength. I even instinctively grabbed his clothes.

Kyle lightly bit my lower lip.

"If you want to apologize," he said in a low voice, "...you have to do it like this."

My brain went completely blank with a "boom."

By the time I finally reacted, he had already pulled back.

And I was completely flushed.

"You, how can you do this..."

Kyle seemed to be in a very good mood. He even rarely curved the corner of his mouth, with a bit of a mischievous smile.

"Weren't you the one who started it?"

"..."

Alright, I can't refute that.

I completely can't out-argue him.

During the day, Kyle could still only stay in the room.

I tried hard to focus on business.

But whether organizing herbs or helping customers package potions, my mind was full of this morning's events.

Especially that kiss.

Every time I think about it, my ears burn.

Too unfair.

And also...

I touched the bite mark on my neck.

Kyle saved me. He's actually not as frivolous as he appears... He's a good person.

I know what happens when you're poisoned by Amorworm, and I guessed what Kyle did to save me.

My blood is both an antidote and poison to him. Under those circumstances last night, he actually controlled himself... This really surprised me.

So I believe the Elven Kingdom's accusations against him aren't true. Being forced to become a dark elf, he must have his difficulties.

There must be another story here.

Since Kyle saved me, then I must also use my own power to help him.

I recalled a potion called Veil Potion that I'd seen before. If I add some herbs to it, maybe I can create a potion that blocks sunlight.

That way, Kyle could move around during the day, greatly reducing the danger of him being exposed!

Unfortunately, I only remember the name. I can't quite remember the specific formula.

It looks like I must make a trip to the Thornhaven library.

Thornhaven is a small city, quite far from Thorn Town. If I rely on a carriage to go back and forth, I might not make it back before dark.

I thought about it and decided to ask my good neighbor, little werewolf Finn, for help.

He has a particularly handsome Grimmane. This kind of magical beast looks like a wolf and runs faster than ordinary horses. Crossing mountain terrain is especially easy for it. Moreover, Finn goes out every day and is very familiar with the roads leading out from Thorn Town. He can serve as my guide perfectly, especially since I rarely leave Thorn Town.

"So, you want me to accompany you to the library?"

In the afternoon, Finn leaned against the shop door, munching on an apple while looking at me.

Sunlight fell on his hair. His fluffy ears twitched twice lightly.

Finn is only 17 years old, still a young wolf. Sometimes he can't control his own form.

"Yes." I nodded. "Aren't you the most familiar with that area? Help me out~"

Finn immediately became proud: "Of course."

"So you're willing to go with me?"

"Very willing." He agreed readily. "You know, Ella, I can't refuse your requests."

"You're such a good friend!" I smiled and patted his hair.

After agreeing to leave in the afternoon, I hurriedly closed the shop early.

As I was preparing to go out, I saw Kyle sitting by the window.

His black hair hung down. His whole person was hidden in shadow.

"I'm going out for a bit." I greeted him.

He looked up at me. He seemed a bit gloomy.

"..."

There was no time. I quickly said: "I'm leaving. Don't wait for me for dinner~"

Finn was calling me outside the door: "Ella! Hurry up!"

"Coming!" I hurriedly ran out.

Grimmane indeed ran incredibly fast. Wind whistled past my ears the whole way.

By the time we arrived at Thornhaven, the sun had already begun to set in the west.

The library was even bigger than I had imagined. Tall bookshelves extended all the way to the dome. The air was full of the smell of old paper and wood.

I almost immediately dove into the potion section.

Unfortunately, after flipping through for two whole hours, I still hadn't found a book recording the Veil Potion formula.

I held the books, worried: "What should I do..."

Just then, Finn suddenly crouched beside me.

"Actually," he lowered his voice, "maybe the top floor has what you're looking for."

I was stunned: "The top floor? You mean the restricted area...?"

Finn winked at me.

I immediately opened my eyes wide.

The top floor of Thornhaven Library has never been open to the public. It's said to preserve many ancient magic and dangerous potion materials inside. Ordinary people can't get in at all.

"But isn't that place a restricted area?"

"That's exactly why there are good things there." Finn smiled mysteriously. "Do you want to go in?"

I nodded frantically: "Yes!"

A restricted area—there must be amazing potion formulas there!

Finn smiled mysteriously: "Then just follow my lead~"

After treating Finn to a big meal, the sky outside had gradually darkened.

I asked Finn: "What exactly is your plan?"

Finn leaned against the window, lazily saying: "Don't rush. Wait until it gets dark~"

"And then?" I asked.

Finn flashed me a brilliant smile: "Then... I'll just carry you on my back and climb up to steal books."

Oh my god, I knew this kid wouldn't have any good ideas!

Although I expressed regret over Finn's terrible idea, I still prepared to break into the top floor with him at night.

After all... there doesn't seem to be any other way.

The night wind was somewhat cool.

I pulled my cloak hood down and followed behind Finn, carefully bypassing the street corner.

All the shops along the street had turned off their lights. Only a few taverns still had dim yellow lights on. Occasionally, the neat footsteps of patrol knights came from the distance, along with the slight collision sound when metal armor rubbed together.

I was so nervous my heart was pounding.

"Finn, we really won't get caught doing this?"

"Relax." Finn lowered his voice and laughed. "I'm very good at this kind of thing."

Oh, look at this bad boy!

We walked forward against the library's outer wall.

The tall stone building was like a silent giant beast in the night. The spire at the top almost pierced into the dark clouds.

Just then, the sound of horse hooves suddenly came from the other end of the street.

Finn's ears immediately moved: "Knights are coming."

I was startled and quickly turned around.

Sure enough, a small team of patrol knights was heading this way.

We can't be discovered. Otherwise, how would we explain why we're still wandering the streets so late? It looks very suspicious!

"Come this way." Finn grabbed my wrist and pulled me into a narrow alley beside us.

The distance between the alley walls was extremely close. Moonlight slanted in. Very dark.

Finn and I squeezed in, facing each other. Our backs pressed against the cold brick walls, trying hard to hold our breath.

The knights' footsteps grew closer and closer.

Closer and closer.

Just when I thought they would pass directly by, one of the knights suddenly spoke: "Was there a shadow just now?"

"Seems like it. Let's go check."

My head went "buzz."

We're done for. Footsteps are walking into the alley!

I anxiously grabbed Finn's sleeve: "What do we do?"

But Finn suddenly looked down at me. At this moment, his human ears were completely red.

"?" I was puzzled. What's this kid going to do now?

He reached out and suddenly supported my waist.

"Ah—!" I let out a low cry. My whole body was instantly lifted up.

The space between us was too small. My legs could only wrap around his waist.

My back hit the wall again.

And Finn was firmly pressed in front of me. We were very close.

I could feel the temperature of his rising and falling chest, and his nervous breathing.

"Finn?" I asked softly.

"Shh." He pressed his finger against my lips.

Then his hand lifted my chin. He lowered his head and leaned over.

I instantly opened my eyes wide.

A soft, warm sensation brushed past my cheek. Our noses crossed. Our breaths tangled together.

This wasn't a real kiss, but an ambiguous illusion deliberately created.

From the outside, I think our current position must look absolutely terrible.

My legs wrapped around his waist. He held one hand under my hips. His other hand propped against the wall, encircling my entire body in his arms.

Every time I breathed, I could smell the wild scent on the young man.

The knights' footsteps had already reached the alley entrance.

"Who's there?"

I was so nervous my breathing became erratic.

But Finn lowered his head and buried it in the side of my neck, completely covering my face.

Warm breath swept across my skin. He made kissing sounds.

My body instantly tensed.

"Ella." He said softly against my ear. "We need to act more convincingly."

After saying that, he actually really lightly bit my earlobe.

I couldn't help but let out a sound.

This bad boy! I punched him once.

Through the thin fabric, I could feel the solid, smooth lines of his waist and abdomen, and the trembling of his muscles when in contact with me.

The knight walked into the alley. The torch light approached bit by bit.

I was so nervous even my eyelashes were trembling. But Finn seemed to completely not care. He even rubbed against the tip of my nose.

The firelight was getting closer and closer!