CHAPTER 116: COMPULSION

Hazel POV

The rounds continued through the night, slow and burning. And honestly? It felt good. Not just physically, but deeply..something about it soothed parts of me I hadn’t realized were hurting.

All the pain I’d clung to, all the hesitation I’d built like walls around myself, it all began to melt away. The moment his tongue touched me. His fingers moved like he already knew every secret of my body. Every little touch, every groan, every whisper—he pulled the fear out of me.

And with every kiss, every stroke, every time he whispered "Mine" into my neck...

Something inside me let go.

I don’t know why. I don’t know how. But I gave in. Completely.

By the time I passed out, spent and sore and trembling, I could feel his arms wrap around me protectively. He held me tight, his body curling around mine like a shield. I didn’t dream. I didn’t even think. I just slept—safe.

It was the sound of crying that pulled me back to the world.

I blinked my eyes open, soft golden light peeking through the curtains. I stirred, and the ache between my legs reminded me that last night wasn’t a dream.

I turned my head—and smiled.

Cyrius was already up, cradling both babies with his messy hair falling over his forehead. One arm held Heather close as he fed her coconut milk. The other tried to rock a fussing Christian, who was turning his face away dramatically.

"Good morning, wife," he said, catching my gaze.

I blinked, still a little dazed from sleep—and him.

Then I smiled. "You’re up already?"

"Yeah," he muttered, gently bouncing Christian. "But your son here doesn’t want coconut milk. I think he’s addicted to his mama’s breast."

He handed Christian toward me. I took him and shifted onto the bed, opening the front of my silk robe to breastfeed.

Christian latched immediately with a satisfied grunt. Heather, on the other hand, was happily drinking from the coconut milk, giggling softly like she was just happy to be fed. Cyrius watched the contrast and scoffed playfully.

"Why can’t you be more like your sister?" he hissed at Christian with mock annoyance.

I chuckled. "Because he’s a mama’s boy. Obviously."

Once they were both full, I gently placed them back in their baskets. I sat up and turned to Cyrius, who was still kneeling by the side of the crib, just watching me. There was something in his gaze...something warm, something grounded, like he was exactly where he wanted to be.

"Hazel..." he said softly. "Thank you. For yesterday."

I blinked, unsure how to respond.

But then he added, "Like I said, I’m going to be taking things very slow with you. You don’t have to rush any feelings or emotions. I’m ready to walk at your pace... every step."

Something inside my chest fluttered.

Then he suddenly perked up. "So—I want to go to the beach today."

His tone was light, almost boyish...I raised a brow. "The beach?"

He grinned and nodded, eyes sparkling with excitement.

I smiled. "Okay."

He jumped. Jumped like an excited kid, laughing as he darted toward the door. Then he paused, peeked back in, and leaned against the frame with a smirk.

"Go take your bath, wife," he said with a wink—and zoomed off before I could throw a pillow at him.

Still grinning, I rose from the bed, grabbed my robe, and headed for the bathroom—feeling something I hadn’t felt in a long, long time. Peace without having anything to worry about despite having a lot to.

I stepped into the bathroom, letting the warm water wash away the whole of yesterday night, and after I was done.

A gentle knock came at the door.

"Your sir, Cyrius, is waiting for you downstairs," a maid’s voice announced politely.

"I know," I murmured, glancing at my babies curled up in their basket.

I picked them up gently and made my way down the stairs. The moment I reached the last step, I saw —Aaliyah—surrounded by her maidens. They were deep in conversation until they spotted me. Her expression immediately soured. She stared at me like I’d stolen something from her.

Maybe I had... Maybe.

I smiled walked right past them without a word.

Outside, a carriage was already waiting. But what truly caught me off guard was Cyrius. He was seated at the front, reins in hand like a proper driver. As soon as he saw me, the horses neighed softly. I stepped in and gasped softly at the sight: a basket filled with colorful fruits, warm bread, and sweet pastries, all carefully arranged.

"Are you trying to impress me?" I teased, amused. "Because it’s already working."

He chuckled, meeting my gaze. "I’m not trying—but I’m glad it is."

He started the carriage, and the ride was surprisingly smooth. The breeze kissed my cheeks as we passed tall trees, open fields, and the fading whispers of the pack. Eventually, the scent of saltwater filled my lungs, and the sound of waves crashing reached my ears.

We had arrived at the beach.

Before I could open the door, Cyrius quickly called out, "Wait! Wait, wait, wait!"

He rushed to my side, opening the door for me like some gentleman straight out of a fairytale. He helped me down carefully, then reached into the carriage and handed me the babies with a tenderness I wasn’t expecting.

"Never get down when you have a gentleman ready to open the door for you," he said, smirking just a little.

I rolled my eyes playfully. "I’m sorry," I whispered, smiling.

He laid out a soft blanket in front of the shore, placing the food basket carefully beside it. I stood still for a moment, holding the twins in my arms as I watched the sea dance beneath the sun. The breeze lifted my gown gently, and I let my eyes close for a breath.

"I’ve always wanted to be somewhere like this," I murmured. "Back when I was locked up in my father’s place... I used to dream of standing by the ocean. Of getting married on a beach just like this."

I didn’t realize I’d said that last part aloud.

Cyrius paused mid-step, his arms freezing as he turned to look at me. Then he walked behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind and resting his chin on my shoulder.

"I’m sorry this isn’t luxurious or classy like you imagined," he said softly. "But I tried my best."

"I love it," I replied without hesitation. "This is peaceful."

He paused, then his voice dipped lower. "Really? You dreamed of getting married in a place like this?"

I nodded, feeling his warmth against my back.

"Well... we can do that," he said. "We can get married. I know I’ve already announced it to everyone that you’re not my wife, but if you want it to be real..official—I could call for a priest and get us married right here."

I turned my head slightly, unsure if I’d heard him correctly.

"I know I promised to walk at your pace," he added, "but didn’t you just say it’s your dream? I’m not forcing you. I just... want to give it to you."

The excitement in his eyes was childlike..genuine and pure. It softened something in me.

I took a breath and slowly nodded.

He gasped like a boy who’d just been given the biggest gift of his life. "I’m coming!" he shouted suddenly, dashing off to the corner where a tiny device sat. He placed something in his ear...one of those little inventions that had started showing up lately.

He returned smiling from ear to ear. "I’ve arranged it already! I’m going to go pick the priest."

Before I could say anything, he stepped closer and cupped my face gently.

"Please... don’t go anywhere while I’m gone. Just wait for me, okay?"

The moment he said it, something strange tickled in my chest. My body reacted involuntarily—like I was compelled to listen, to obey.

"Was that a compulsion?" I asked, furrowing my brows.

"I’ll be gone for a little while," he said quickly, kissing my cheek. "I just really needed to make sure you’d be here when I return. I’m sorry."

And with that, he climbed into the carriage and rode off.

I stood alone by the sea, the waves whispering at my feet, my babies lying peacefully on the mat he had laid out. I could still feel the warmth of his kiss on my cheek.

Then suddenly, I saw Heather’s little cap light pink with a blue ribbon–blown off her head by the breeze.

I darted after the little cap, chasing it as the wind tossed it further and further away.. bouncing across the sand.

Finally, after what felt like forever, I caught it...snagged it right off a tree branch. My heart was pounding, my dress clinging to my skin, and a bead of sweat rolled down my temple. I turned around..

And my breath stopped.

I had wandered so far. The beach was a speck in the distance. The shoreline where my babies lie—barely visible.

Panic surged. I ran—faster than I even thought I could—racing back, I immediately reached them and PHEW

They were still there...Thank the goddess, they were still there.

I dropped to my knees, clutching both of them to my chest, my entire body shaking. Relief flooded me...

Wait a damn minute..

Cyrius had compelled me not to move. Not to leave or go anywhere right? Then how—?..My fingers clenched over the babies’ backs as my eyes widened.

Was the compulsion... gone?

I feel Flora shift inside of No way! Cyrius can’t compulsion can’t work on me again.. I’m finally free?