"No!"

Realizing what was about to happen, Nefu suddenly arched her back and—astonishingly—broke free from Ophelia’s grasp. She yanked the door open, ready to flee.

She no longer cared if she angered Ophelia. All she knew was that something was deeply wrong with her. If left to Ophelia’s whims, even her super regeneration might not save her.

But the moment the door cracked open, a hand seized her wrist. Before she could utter a sound, she was yanked backward into the room.

"Where do you think you're going, little one~?"

Tossed onto the bed, Nefu’s mind went blank for a split second—then snapped sharp. This was life or death. No room for hesitation.

She scrambled backward, but the cold, unyielding wall against her spine confirmed it: no escape. Behind her, stone. Before her, Ophelia’s eerie smile. Trapped, she reached out to push her away—but—

In a motion too swift to follow, the seductive woman pinned Nefu’s wrists above her head, immobilizing her completely. The position forced her chest upward, pressing her soft, curvaceous body unavoidably against Ophelia.

Ophelia leaned down, arm circling the girl’s slender waist. Fabric whispered between skin, a searing heat sparking deep in their bones, stirring an unbearable itch of longing in both.

Nefu gasped, struggling to beg—but her lips and tongue were ruthlessly claimed, ravaged. All that escaped was a muffled, distressed whimper.

Ophelia felt it again: she was growing hopelessly attached to this little one. Bought by accident at first, yet now? The best decision she’d ever made.

She’d only meant to teach the girl discipline, correct bad habits. But somewhere along the way, something shifted. What should’ve been routine punishment flooded her with dizzying pleasure—making her crave more teasing, more torment.

Every time she saw that flicker of fear mixed with reluctant obedience in Nefu’s eyes, joy bloomed unbidden. *Had she awakened some strange kink?* She didn’t dwell on it. Didn’t care. Schemes? The contract bound Nefu tight. And those little tricks? Like seasoning—made the meal sweeter. Watching Nefu’s hope shatter, seeing that dejected pout… pure delight.

To Ophelia, Nefu was a sweet little candy—always sugary, addictive, impossible to quit.

Clearly, she was already hooked.

Just as she leaned in to indulge the little kitten in her arms—

*Knock, knock, knock.*

Ophelia’s brow furrowed. *Who dares disturb me now?* She ignored it at first, focused on the moment. But the visitor was stubborn. Relentless.

*Knock, knock, knock… knock, knock, knock…*

"Is this never ending?" she muttered. Glancing at the still-struggling Nefu, she sighed and released her.

The restraint vanished. Nefu froze less than two seconds before scrambling back. Ophelia faced the door—she dared not approach. Pressed against the headboard, silver hair disheveled, sky-blue eyes glistening with unshed tears. Her lips, swollen yet dewy from rough attention; flushed cheeks bleeding heat to her ears, creeping toward her slender neck. She glared like a cornered creature—but the fierce look only stirred Ophelia’s urge to tease further.

*Later.*

Ophelia offered a faint smile, raising one slender finger.

"Stay quiet in here. Don’t come out, okay~?"

She stepped into the hallway still in her undergarments. A blue flash shimmered from her ring—and in an instant, a sleek combat outfit concealed her alluring frame.

Door open. Face icy. *Let’s see who interrupts me at such a time.*

A tall figure stood there—Urius—flanked by members of the Black Serpent Guild.

"See? Told you she’d be here, Urius," the guild adventurer nudged his companion.

His smugness died fast. A killing intent locked onto him like a blade.

"Wait, Ophelia! What are you doing?"

Urius stepped forward, magic flaring to barely withstand the oppressive aura.

"Speak," Ophelia said coldly. "If it’s unimportant, prepare to be carried home."

"Calm down—we found a clue about the beast."

"Hmm?" Ophelia arched a brow, tone flat. "Oh? Then speak."

Urius blinked, doubting her ears. "Right here?"

*They were on a bustling street, crowds flowing past.*

"Or shall I invite you in for tea?" Ophelia shot her an annoyed glance, arms crossed. "Spit it out. What clue?"

Urius sighed. Power dictated patience. "Days ago, the monster smuggling syndicate’s hideout had a beast uprising. Post-investigation… the managers’ wounds matched the earlier victims’ exactly."

"Oh? And?"

Ophelia wasn’t surprised. She’d long suspected the beast still lurked within Anlina.

"Yesterday, an elf named Serri—possessing innate fire magic—vanished in the city. Witnesses last saw her following a young maid."

Urius expected calm. Instead, Ophelia’s expression shattered.

"Lady Ophelia, you—"

"Tell me, Urius." Ophelia’s voice turned sharp, urgent. "Describe that maid. Her hair… was it silver?!"