"Oh… awake?"

Yuri’s fingers, flipping through the pages, paused slightly. Then, she naturally closed the unfinished book.

Maria nodded, a trace of strange expression on her face. "Yes, Lord Akat. This human’s recovery is far better than I expected."

By her estimate, such severe injuries should have kept him unconscious until tomorrow, even with her healing. Yet unexpectedly, the unidentified youth had awakened that afternoon. Judging by his condition, he was clearly fine! Had she not confirmed he was purely human, Maria might have suspected he was one of their kind. When did humans become so resilient?

"Let’s go see."

Rising from her seat, Yuri raised an eyebrow, a rare spark of interest in her eyes. "I wonder what the first guest here will think?"

As if recalling something amusing, the girl’s lips slowly curved into a smile. For a fleeting moment, her eyes shifted to seductive slit pupils—then vanished.

Maria followed respectfully behind her, silent. Soon, they stood before the room door.

Click.

The door slid open automatically. Outside and inside, their gazes locked almost instantly.

"...Doll?" Zuo Yuan murmured unconsciously, staring at the petite golden-haired girl in a black Gothic dress. His voice was soft but carried clearly.

"Doll? How rude."

Yuri didn’t anger. Instead, she chuckled lightly, as if observing something fascinating. She walked to a nearby chair and sat gracefully. Maria produced a steaming cup of black tea from nowhere, handing it to her with reverence.

Taking the jade-white porcelain cup, Yuri gazed at the pale red liquid, her eyes lowering. Desire was already slipping out of control.

"So, young man, why did you collapse at my doorstep?"

Zuo Yuan rubbed his nose. Young man? Did he look that young? Well, not the point. Pushing aside the thought, he re-examined the girl. "Sorry for the intrusion. Thank you for saving me. If possible, I’ll repay you handsomely."

"...Oh?"

Yuri sipped the hot tea, wearing a curious expression. "And how ‘handsome’ would that be?"

Caught off guard, the youth hesitated. The luxurious room suggested money meant nothing to her. Antiques? Divine weapons? Precious texts? His planned words froze as he met her smile—it felt like she was appraising an object.

"Haven’t decided?" Yuri didn’t mind his silence. "Then let me tell you. For saving your life, shouldn’t you repay with your life?"

Zuo Yuan: "..."

"Young man, from the moment you were saved, your life hasn’t belonged to you." Her cute voice carried terrifying words, like a mischievous child’s. "It’s mine now. Whether I dissect you after boredom, or hide you until you rot—it’s all mine."

Yuri’s smile stayed calm, as if chatting with a friend. But her words made Zuo Yuan swallow hard. He’d escaped the wolf’s den only to fall into the tiger’s cave. This docile, cute girl radiated unprecedented pressure.

"You’re... joking, right?"

"Heh..." Yuri smiled faintly, silent. Her crimson eyes fixed on the flustered youth. After a tense pause—

"I never joke. Choose, young man." She raised two fingers, something unknown brewing in her gaze. "Two options: first, become my slave until you’re broken. Second, become my toy until you’re... broken."

What’s the difference? Zuo Yuan’s lips twitched. Slave or toy—neither sounded good. And what was this "broken"? Though his mind raged, his face stayed calm.

"Miss, I don’t know why you’re saying this, but I must refuse. I don’t believe in arranged marriages; I value love freedom. Even if you like me, please—"

Yuri’s smile froze. What nonsense was this?

"—though you’re incredibly cute, especially with those dark lines earlier. Amazing! But if you fancy me, give me time—"

"Stop!"

Yuri snapped her fingers coldly. Maria’s hand flickered, and the youth froze like a statue.

"You... are you seeking death?" If not for his usefulness, she’d crush him instantly. Arranged marriage? Love freedom? Did he think this was some fairy tale—princess saves prince, they fall in love? She wasn’t a carefree princess. She was the jealous demon king who kidnapped princesses to lure heroes, ending up happily ever after! Wait... something felt off.

Enough jokes. Back to business.

"Young man, you don’t grasp the situation. Let me explain..."

Yuri rose slowly from her seat, sighing. In the next instant, her eyes shifted into an inhuman shape.

"We... are not human."