The Ring of Bondage - Chapter 2.9

Damian’s voice was like that of a whining child, and also like a neat whisper calling to his lover. At the very least, there was no hatred or contempt soaked into that voice, and Serabella swallowed dryly.

Damian was calling her. Her love was calling her. The only thing she could do was open the door and face her broken lover.

And so, in the end, Serabella opened the door very slowly.

“Da—”

“Bella!”

Serabella stiffened at the warmth that suddenly fell upon her. It was because before she could even finish calling Damian’s name, he flung open the half-open door the rest of the way and took Serabella into his arms.

Damian’s arms around her were filled with strength, so much so that Serabella even found it hard to breathe. They hadn’t been apart for even a few hours, yet he welcomed Serabella as if she were a lover he had met after months. At the unfamiliar but fierce welcome, Serabella felt fear and joy together.

“D-Damian, it hurts.”

“I’m sorry, Bella. But, but I waited so long.”

Damian only loosened his arms around her a very little, and he didn’t seem to have any intention of letting her go.

Instead of escaping from his embrace, Serabella hugged his waist in return and asked.

“Damian.”

“Yes, Bella.”

“Do you still love me?”

Still. Even though it was only natural that Damian loved Serabella, she asked it that way. As if he might abandon her someday. Even though that was impossible. But just in case.

“Bella. I love you as surely as the sun rises when morning comes. I love you as surely as new shoots sprout and flowers bloom when spring comes. As naturally as red blood flows from a human heart, forever and always, I will love you and only you, Bella.”

Damian’s voice was endlessly sweet. Seeing Damian whisper love exactly as Serabella wanted, she felt relieved. As expected, there was no way he would turn away from her.

Perhaps she had become sensitive because she had been short on sleep recently. It was only natural she was tired, since every night she shared fierce lovemaking with Damian and returned to her room before the sun rose.

Serabella rested her head against his chest and smiled faintly. At that moment, an unfamiliar mark entered Serabella’s vision.

A muddy footprint. Or was it not? It also looked as if ash had gotten on it. Whatever it was, it was clear that a dark mark had been stamped on the carpet beside the bed. The basement wasn’t bright enough for her to be certain of what it was, but it was definitely a stain she hadn’t seen in the morning.

…Really? Could she be sure?

Serabella asked herself. She didn’t know. This morning had been too urgent, and she had had no time to look around. She wanted to go check the stain on the carpet, but Damian wouldn’t let her go.

“Damian, was that stain always there? It looks like a mark I’ve never seen before.”

In the end, Serabella asked him. Serabella trusted him. Probably. She watched Damian’s expression as he glanced back. He was calm, and he smiled as if a little sorry.

“I spilled some food, and while I was trying to clean it up, I stepped on it. I’m sorry. It looks unpleasant, doesn’t it? I’ll wipe it up soon, so don’t be angry.”

Was that it? Hearing his words, it did seem that way. Serabella loved Damian and trusted him. Because he belonged only to her. But. Still.

“Bella? You look tired.”

“Ah…”

“I want to see your face as you cry and moan right this instant, but if you’re too exhausted, it’s alright to just sleep for a little while before you go. Because you’re beautiful even when you’re asleep.”

Damian said it while gesturing with his eyes toward the bed beside the stained carpet. His calm expression and sweet words. If his words were a lie, could Damian truly lead Serabella to the bed?

She closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them. Damian loved Serabella. He belonged only to Serabella, and she trusted him.

“No, I have to go back. It isn’t night yet. I can’t be away for too long.”

His disappointed and hesitant look. His eyes, as if he wanted to beg her to stay by his side. Serabella carefully examined his expression.

After hesitating, Damian released her with a regretful face.

“When you go back, at least take a nap. Because you have to come see me again at night.”

Serabella nodded. As he said, she needed a good sleep. She had to sleep, even if only so she could stop doubting pointless things and love Damian with all her heart as she had before.

Serabella barely pulled away her reluctant feet and left the basement. Damian’s face, visible through the closing door, was slightly clouded, sorrowful, and beautiful as before.

That fact reassured Serabella.