32. Devotional Victor
After Mia finally drifted into a peaceful, snore-filled sleep, the palace slowly settled into quiet.
One by one, everyone began moving toward their rooms.
Even the Beast Brothers—Alpha, Leo, and Paradus—though each had their own lavish, personal chambers, chose to linger in the hallways, keeping silent watch over the little cub. Their giant forms slinking through the corridors, protective, alert, yet somehow amusing in the way they moved almost theatrically around the bedroom.
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As Marcelline walked down the hall toward her room, Victor slipped beside her with his usual smug grin.
Victor (whispering, teasing):
"So… do you mind if I sleep with you tonight? Your bed looks far more comfortable than… whatever corner I could find."
Marcelline raised an eyebrow, one side of her mouth curling into a devilish smirk.
Marcelline (flirtatious, teasing):
"Hmm… I think the guest room is far more suitable for someone like you. Don't want you stealing all my blankets… or my blood."
Victor leaned in slightly, whispering again, voice low, teasing:
Victor:
"Your warmth seems… tempting. But if the guest room is your suggestion, I will follow your orders… for now."
Marcelline tapped her finger toward the hallway leading to the guest room, eyes glinting.
Marcelline:
"Down there. Don't get lost… or I might come looking."
Victor's grin widened, clearly amused and slightly flustered.
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Amara, who had been walking a few steps behind them, could no longer resist the urge to tease.
Amara (grinning):
"Oh, I see how it is.
Elli flirting with Victor…
Victor following Elli like a lovesick puppy…
How romantic! How adorable! How predictable!"
Marcelline rolled her eyes but could not hide a tiny blush.
Marcelline (muttering, playful):
"Better you stay quiet, Supreme Beast Queen… or I might put you in the guest room instead."
Amara laughed heartily, shaking her head
Amara:
"Oh, please. I would haunt your bed before dawn. Enjoy your poor little vampire puppy, my dear."
Victor, still grinning, bowed slightly toward Amara, mock-offended..
Victor:
"Excuse me, your Highness. I am entirely devoted to my lady tonight. Any suggestions otherwise are irrelevant."
Amara snorted, waving them off, still teasing.
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As they reached the guest room door, Victor gave Marcelline a lingering look, sly and mischievous.
Victor (softly, flirtatious):
"Good night, my unbeatable, unshakeable darling."
Marcelline smirked, tilting her head slightly.
Marcelline:
"Try not to break anything in there. Or I'll personally haunt you."
Victor chuckled, disappearing into the guest room, while Amara continued laughing behind them, clearly amused at their playful dynamic.
The hallways returned to silence, the only sounds the gentle breathing of the sleeping Mia… and the faint, protective growls of the Beast Brothers stationed just outside her room.
The night was quiet—for now—but the tension of something ancient and powerful awakening lingered in the air.
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