In the Nest of the Fallen Serpent - Chapter 44
Chapter 44
Despite this, Hilde couldn’t tear her eyes away from the knot on her shoulder for a long time.
***
They said twins brought misfortune and bad luck. Filthy twins. Devil’s spawn. Being hated, tormented, and abused was only natural. Scornful glances, insults, beatings, and countless acts of discrimination.
She had endured her harsh life because she had her twin sister. Her only friend and family who understood her, the sole source of comfort and warmth.
Then, one day, after enduring another cruel hardship simply for being a twin, a forbidden thought took root in her young heart. If Sasha wasn’t here. If I wasn’t a twin… I wouldn’t have to live like this. I would be in a warm house with a fireplace, sharing happy stories with my parents.
God… why did you make me a twin? Exhausted and tormented, she resented God and resented her only sister. And that day, a terrible accident occurred. As if answering her foolish prayer, God took the life of her innocent sister.
Sasha. They said twins bring misfortune. That they ruin everything. That was me. If she hadn’t been born… if she hadn’t been her twin… Sasha wouldn’t have died so tragically.
I’m sorry… I’m so sorry, Sasha.
***
Benedict looked down at the woman weeping in her sleep. In the moonlight, her tear-soaked, silver eyelashes trembled pitifully. She’s having a nightmare.
She repeatedly apologized to someone, though the name remained unspoken. He easily deduced the identity, however, as the woman lay curled on her side, her hands clasped to her chest, as if clutching something around her neck.
He recalled the object he’d tossed into his desk drawer: a worn wooden necklace, polished smooth from years of handling. It bothered him. He didn’t like it. Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to discard it. So, he’d shoved it in the drawer.
“I’m sorry…”
She seems genuinely remorseful, I wonder what she did wrong. He was curious. Benedict sat down on the edge of the bed, the small frame dipping under his weight.
“What wrong could my slave have committed?”
He needed to know, so he could prevent her from making the same mistake again. He wiped a tear that had trailed down her pale cheek and brought his finger to his tongue.
“Sweet.” Her scent, her blood, her tears—all sweet, like an apple dipped in honey. He savored the taste of a few more tears before tilting his head and murmuring, “Are all humans with divine power like this?”
It would be ideal to have another for comparison, but those possessing divine power were rare, making it impossible.
“Well, I’ll find out eventually.” He’d already instructed his men to gather information related to divine power. He would unravel her secrets one by one. She was his, after all.
Benedict took her small hands in his and softly commanded, “Stop crying.” And stop touching that necklace that isn’t there.
Whether it was due to his words or mere coincidence, the woman’s sobs subsided. She drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep.
“She’s obedient when she’s like this.” He chuckled, then slowly bent down and ran his tongue along her tear-dampened left eyelid. After savoring the lingering sweetness, he did the same to her right eye before lifting his head.
“Definitely…” The scent and taste emanating from her soft skin were to his liking. “No headache yet, either.”
He didn’t know how long the effect would last, but so far, it had been peaceful. Surprisingly, from the moment she’d fallen asleep, his mind had felt remarkably clear.
And so…
“I’m quite lenient with you, though you seem completely unaware.” She feared him greatly, but Benedict was relatively gentle with her. He was aware of this himself. He’d spared her life despite her grave offense. He hadn’t tortured her, nor had he imprisoned her.
“So try to be just as lovely when you’re awake.” His fingertips now rested on her soft cheek. He playfully traced the contours of her face for a moment, his fingers gliding down to her small, rosy lips.
“….”
He had kissed these lips. She hadn’t been breathing, so it had been a necessary measure, but he had pressed his lips to hers and breathed life back into her. In truth, he hadn’t even been aware of his actions until he’d pulled away.
“Was it because of the sweetness?” Benedict gently caressed and pressed her soft lips, lingering for a long moment. Then, abruptly, he lowered his head.
