SILVER'S POV
Oh my God, who is this hot dude who just saved me?
Fortune must really be on my side. I keep attracting ridiculously good looking guys including a dragon, for heaven's sake.
But this one? This one was on another level.
He was breathtaking about seven feet tall, well-built, with a smooth fair complexion, soft curly hair, and those striking golden eyes that seemed to hold ancient secrets. He was godlike.
Ray was handsome too, but he didn't compare. Unlike Ray's warm and friendly charm, this guy radiated something darker cold, ruthless, and dangerously mysterious.
When he kissed my hand, something stirred inside me. Oh no.
I knew that feeling.
Don't tell me… I'm catching feelings again?
First it was a dragon. Now this guy? Seriously?
"A picture would last longer," he said dryly.
Only then did I realize I'd been staring at him like a starstruck puppy.
Damn it.
"Thanks for saving me," I said, trying to collect myself. "I hope to return the favor someday."
"Actually… I'll use that favor now," he replied coolly.
I blinked. Wait, what?
I didn't really mean it literally. I mean, what favor could I possibly offer him? I couldn't fight. Unless he needed help in a way I wasn't ready to give.
"I need to save someone very dear to me," he said, answering my unspoken question.
His voice was serious. Heavy. And suddenly, I realized… this wasn't just a casual encounter. Something deeper was about to begin.
I was curious. "Who is that?" I found myself asking.
"Violet," he said after a long pause.
To my utter disappointment, that was all he offered. No explanation, no details. Just a name.
Cold and secretive great combination.
Violet? That couldn't be his mother… which left me with only two options: his sister or… his girlfriend.
Someone so dear? Yeah, probably the girlfriend.
"Snap out of it," I muttered to myself. None of this was my business.
"So how do I come into the picture?" I asked, trying to stay composed. "I mean, I have no martial arts skills to offer. I'm just a girl."
He scoffed. "I wasn't talking about combat. You helped me once. I'm sure you can help me again."
Was this guy serious? "Look, you must have mistaken me for someone else. I've never met you in my entire life," I replied, genuinely puzzled.
"Yes, you have," he said calmly, and I frowned. "You just didn't recognize this form of mine."
Excuse me what?
What did he mean by that? Someone tell me I'm not talking to a psycho.
"Yeah, whatever," I muttered under my breath.
"Where can I get Herb B, Herb C, Herb D, and Herb E?" he asked suddenly.
I gave him a look. "What's wrong with you? Who names herbs after letters?"
"If you really need my help," I said, folding my arms, "you have to tell me the actual names. Otherwise, any herb could be Herb B."
He sighed. "I can't reveal the names. But if I see what I'm looking for… I'll know."
I crossed my arms. "Alright then, maybe we should search farms, forests, shrubs, grasses, trees anywhere until we find the herbs."
"Unfortunately," he said, his voice low and flat, "I've done that already with no results. These herbs are rare. People would give anything to get their hands on them. That's why the names can't be shared with the ignorant."
I raised a brow. "If you really need my help, you have to tell me the names."
"I can't," he said again, his tone firm.
"Or maybe… you just don't want to," I challenged, eyes locked on his.
His frown deepened.
Bingo. Hit a nerve.
Damn it. His frown only made him more attractive. As if he wasn't already dangerously handsome. This guy had to be a god. God must have greeted the rest of us on the sixth day and reserved the seventh just for him before taking His rest.
"I won't ask you again," he said, his tone sharp.
But I was still clueless. "I'm sorry… I'm not much help unless I get a clue about Herb B."
"Herb B is a powerful plant used in refining certain drugs," he replied.
"What kind of drugs?" I asked, curiosity piqued.
"Drugs used in treating severe illnesses cancer, leukemia, ulcer... even AIDS."
"AIDS?" I gasped. "Wow, that herb must be really powerful."
No wonder he couldn't find it in public places. Wait public places? If I wasn't mistaken, something that valuable wouldn't just be lying around. People would fight over it. Whoever owned it must only give it to the highest bidder.
"I think I know someone who might know the herb," I said hesitantly.
He raised a brow. "Who?"
"A physician… of a sort. Someone who only believes in fetishism. He heals and cures, but my family and his are sworn enemies. I was told never to have anything to do with him."
His voice softened. "You don't need to be in trouble because of me."
"Tell me where I can find him."
I rolled my eyes. "Quite the hero. You really think he'll talk to you without me?"
"You saved my life. Permit me to return the favor," I added.
He nodded. "Take me to him." It wasn't a request. It was a command.
"You should be more of a gentleman," I muttered. "Fine. I'll take you… but not today. We've got all the time in the world."
"Unfortunately, I don't. Violet is dying."
"Oh, she can wait one more day. I know you saved my life, but I'm not letting you ruin my date with Ray." I said, turning to leave.
"You're playing with fire," he warned.
"Then water will quench it before it burns me," I smirked. "Bye. I'll be late for my date. Meet me here at the same spot tomorrow."
I sprinted off but stopped mid run. I turned back, walked up to him again.
"What's your name?" I asked.
He answered, low and smooth.
"Your name is as mysterious as you are," I said with a small smile before running off again this time, without looking back.
Even though I knew... he was still standing there, watching me.