Free Web NovelChapter 99: Chapter 99 Concrete and Tears
Elara’s POV
The concrete chunk felt solid in my palm. I tossed it upward, catching it with practiced ease, letting it spin between my fingers.
My playful gesture seemed to both charm and irritate him. I could hear Kaelen’s frustrated exhale from behind the barrier. We were both acting like complete children.
He folded his arms, deliberately turning his back to me. "I’m not begging for your attention."
Something shifted in his posture as he spun back around, his expression turning intense. "Even if you choose him, you need to save room for me too."
"There’s always room for you," I assured him. "Have some faith in yourself. You’re a dragon—magnificent and fierce, yet tender and gentle. Where else could I discover such a perfectly contradictory mythical being?"
"Don’t go looking!" Kaelen whirled completely around, positioning himself to face me directly. "You’ve got me right here already."
"Want some food?"
"You have to feed me."
He was still pouting. A single kiss hadn’t been enough to soothe his wounded pride. Kaelen’s gaze dropped to my crimson lips, though inside he was practically glowing with joy.
——
Kaelen’s POV
I craved nothing more than her undivided attention. My mate was extraordinary; the system would eventually match her with other males. Silas was preferable to some unknown male. At least she cared about me.
——
Elara’s POV
"Open your mouth?"
Just like every time before—I possessed infinite tolerance for adorable things. Especially when the creature before me was far more than simply adorable.
Content at last, Kaelen mellowed after I fed him and returned to his normal demeanor.
I was internally cackling with amusement. Such a wonderful dragon. Had he actually reasoned himself out of his sulk?
So simple to satisfy. I’m definitely going to pamper you even more in the future!
—— freёwebnovel.com
Kaelen’s POV
I was already capable of transforming into human shape. But since all the others in the facility had revealed theirs, I chose to hold back a bit longer. After all, those cunning guys all possessed attractive faces. By going last, she wouldn’t develop unrealistic expectations for me.
So I would be patient. Wait until my release, then astonish her.
——
Elara’s POV
After pacifying Kaelen, I made my way toward Chamber Two. Julian had turned away from me, his displeasure radiating from every line of his body. The moment he spotted me approaching, he retreated deeper into the pool...
He was brooding, creating bubbles, and maintaining his turned back, refusing any conversation.
His blue-violet locks drifted across the water’s surface, utterly stunning. His graceful spine was completely visible. I rapped the concrete piece in my hand several times.
Julian rotated at the noise. A single tear traced down his face and crystallized into a pearl. He gazed at me, eyes brimming with shock and inexplicable sorrow...
"She promised to bring me home. And she’s the one who abandoned me for another."
Julian wasn’t naturally forgiving. He desperately wanted to demand—why not him? She had seemed so delighted upon seeing his human appearance, but then she’d run off with someone else...
"What is it now?" he said icily. "Planning to trade me? Or strike me with that thing?"
He retreated another step while speaking. His eyes, previously tender, had turned frigid and remote. His fingers curled into tight fists beneath the surface.
"Elara... you’re nothing but a deceiver. All you offer are empty words and broken vows."
First Silas, then Kaelen. She didn’t regard him as a partner, not even as a person...
"Is that your opinion of me?" I asked softly. I hadn’t anticipated him being this stubborn.
Julian’s brow furrowed. "What other conclusion should I reach?"
His cheeks inflated with fury, the edges of his eyes turning pink. He glanced downward, finally registering the concrete chunk in my grip.
He released a quiet, surrendering breath. "If striking me would bring you joy, then go ahead." "I’m trapped here. I can’t compete for her affection. I don’t resent her..."
He resembled such a melancholy, brokenhearted creature, like an abandoned animal. I set the concrete down. Seeing him this way, I could never bring myself to harm him.
Even if he were a lizard, I wouldn’t have the heart after hearing those words.
I exhaled deeply.
Watching Julian in this state made my heart constrict. He was imprisoned here, and he’d certainly sensed my initial aversion toward him. Much as I wanted to follow my own selfish desires, it was time for honesty.
This fish was simply too headstrong.
Nothing like the little dragon in Chamber One, who could be appeased with food.
Alistair required no consoling at all. He radiated reliable partner vibes from his enclosure—clearly the kind who wouldn’t create drama.
Sure, he’d gotten upset too, but he would listen to reason. He was understanding, a touch gentle, and manageable.
But none of those approaches would succeed with Julian. On the outside, he appeared fragile and delicate, but internally, his emotions were so complicated they threatened to consume him.
If I didn’t act quickly, my beautiful, radiant fish would spiral into complete emotional chaos.
"Come here. I need to tell you something private."
"What?!" Julian snapped, his expression harsh, his annoyance unmistakable.
"You’re too distant. I can’t reach you to hit you," I said in a monotone voice. "Just help me out and swim a bit closer..."
Julian compressed his lips, his eyebrows drawing together sharply. Despite his burning anger, he eventually glided toward me...
"You actually came?" I taunted. "Not worried I’ll really strike you?"
