The Sinful Young Master

Chapter 100 Leaving the valley

Jolthar blinked, clearly taken aback, before letting out a low laugh. ”Well, Iʼve heard a lot of things, but thatʼs a first. Do you always make declarations like this?” Continue your adventure with empire

Raayani shrugged, her smile never fading. ”When I see something I want, I take it. Lifeʼs too short for hesitation, donʼt you think?”

Belan finally found her voice, muttering under her breath, ”Sheʼs really doing this…”

Lysandra, equally stunned but unwilling to interrupt Raayaniʼs moment.

Jolthar, meanwhile, was recovering his composure, his smirk returning in full force. ”And what makes you think Iʼd agree to that?” he asked, folding his arms.

”You think Iʼm just going to fall in line because youʼre bold enough to say it?”

Raayani chuckled softly, a sound both alluring and dangerous. She stepped even closer, close enough that the heat of her presence seemed to radiate off her.

”Oh, I donʼt think, Jolthar,” she said, her voice dropping slightly, almost conspiratorial. ”I know. Youʼre intrigued by me. I can see it in your eyes. Youʼre curious, and curiosity is a powerful thing.”

Jolthar met her gaze, his silver-grey eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and challenge. ”Youʼre awfully confident, arenʼt you?”

”Confidence is what keeps me alive,” Raayani said with a grin. ”Besides, I donʼt have time to wait for the slow and the unsure. So, what do you say? Be my man, Jolthar. Stand beside me, or stand behind me—your choice.”

The silence that followed was electric, the kind of silence that demanded an answer. Jolthar tilted his head, his smirk softening into something more thoughtful. ”You really donʼt hold back, do you?”

”Never,” Raayani replied, her voice firm. ”And I wonʼt start now.”

For a moment, it seemed as though Jolthar might say something clever to deflect her, but instead, he shook his head with a chuckle. ”Youʼre something else, Lady Raayani. Iʼll give you that.”

Her laughter rang out, rich and full of life. ”Oh, is that how itʼs going to be? Fine, boy. I like a challenge. But donʼt take too long to decide. Iʼm not the patient type.”

She walked to him, standing just an inch away from him, her face closer to him. Then he said, ”No one said to wait. And I heard you have other toys to keep you busy.”

Raayani could sense that he wasnʼt the type to share, and a sly grin spread across her lip. She leaned towards his ear and whispered, ”I will make you mine, sooner than you expect.”

Belan visibly paled seeing her mother; she shouted, ”MOTHER!!”

Raayani then kissed him on the cheek, her soft lips pressed against his skin as he could feel it longer than expected. She moved back, winking at him, ”Until next time, darling.”

With that, she turned on her heel, her dark hair flowing behind her as she walked away. Her steps were confident, her head held high, leaving Jolthar—and everyone else—staring after her. She didnʼt need to look back to know he was watching. She already knew how this game would end.

Jolthar stood motionless for a few moments, his eyes lingering on Raayani as she walked away. Her figure exuded grace and confidence, each step deliberate and poised. He absentmindedly touched his cheek, feeling the faint warmth there—a blush, unbidden and unexpected, had crept across his face.

Damn, that woman could wake even a dead man, he thought to himself, shaking his head as if to clear his mind. A small, wry smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

Belan and Lysandra followed after Raayani, still murmuring among themselves, likely about her bold declaration.

Jolthar watched them disappear into the distance, their figures blending with the shrineʼs shadows. He sighed and ran a hand through his silver-grey hair, his thoughts already shifting back to the matters at hand.

Not long after, Jolthar found himself back inside the shrine, catching up with Eran. His arms crossed and a smirk on his face. ”Took you long enough,” Eran said, though there was no malice in his tone.

Jolthar chuckled. ”Some things take time.”

They walked together to the main chamber, where Daus was seated with a few others from the tribe. The air in the room was lighter now, the once sombre atmosphere replaced by relief and hope. The women who had been rescued from the Nynthralls seemed to be recovering well. They sat in a corner, surrounded by gentle caretakers from the tribe, their faces bearing tentative smiles.

Daus looked up as Jolthar entered, rising to his feet. ”The situation with the women is improving,” he said, his voice steady. ”Theyʼve been through a lot, but theyʼre strong. Your efforts... they saved them.”

Jolthar nodded, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his features. ”Good to hear. They deserve peace after everything.”

Eran added, ”We need to leave soon. The missionʼs done, and it took a lot of time, so we need to report back to Lady Maena.”

Jolthar gave a small nod of agreement, though his expression betrayed a hint of reluctance. He wondered if he would report everything that happened here. Then again, he probably would. Jolthar shook his head, thinking he would deal with it if she asked him. Although Eran was unaware of what exactly happened in the chamber. Only he and the deity knew about it. And seeing how he was unable to tell the difference, it was better for him. He didnʼt want to think that he was growing stronger rapidly and the Maena would find. Jolthar was aware that Maena was certainly trying to manipulate him into becoming the clanʼs dog. For the time being, it was better for him, so he could grow stronger.

-

Before their departure, Jolthar went outside to find the drake. The large creature bounded toward him the moment he stepped into the open, its massive tail wagging like an overenthusiastic pup. Its scales shimmered in the sunlight, a testament to its health despite the time spent apart.

”Maelruth,” Jolthar greeted with a smile as he stood before the creatureʼs eager gaze. Maelruth nudged its pointy edge against Joltharʼs chest, letting out a low rumble that was both affectionate and reproachful.

”You mustʼve missed me, huh?” Jolthar said, patting the drakeʼs head. His tone was soft, almost teasing. The creature let out another rumble, its eyes shining with unspoken emotions.

Eran appeared beside them, his arms crossed as usual. ”Itʼs been restless without you,” he remarked. ”Pacing around, snapping at anyone who got too close. Itʼs like it knew something was up.”

Jolthar laughed lightly, scratching under the drakeʼs chin. ”You were worried?” he murmured, and the drakeʼs rumbling grew louder, his massive tail swaying from side to side.

Jolthar could tell that the drake was very perceptive. Then he turned to Eran and asked, ”Shall we leave then?”

Eran replied, ”Only you are late; we are ready to leave anytime.”

-

Preparations for departure didnʼt take long. Supplies were gathered, the knights gathered up, and final farewells were exchanged. As Jolthar and Eran prepared to leave, Dausʼ young son ran up to them, his feet kicking up a cloud of dust as he hurried to catch them. He stopped before Jolthar, his wide eyes shining with gratitude.

”Thank you,” the boy said, his voice firm despite its youthful pitch. ”For saving my mother.”

Jolthar, his usual smirk softening into something gentler. ”Take care of her, alright?” he said, patting his shoulder. ”Sheʼs lucky to have a brave kid like you.”

The boy nodded solemnly, his small hands balled into fists as if to seal the promise.

Daus approached then, his expression solemn but warm.

”Thank you,” he said, his voice heavy with sincerity. ”For everything. Youʼve done more for us than we could have ever asked for.”

Jolthar turned to him, his smirk returning. ”Just doing what needed to be done.”

Daus said, ”You donʼt forget that this tribe will always be ready to help out if you need one.”

Eran rolled his eyes but said nothing, adjusting the strap on his bag.

With their farewells said, the group began their journey back to the Sandorme. Drake followed closely beside Jolthar, his massive form a comforting presence. As they walked, Jolthar glanced back at the shrine one last time, his thoughts lingering on Raayaniʼs words and her enigmatic smile.

He couldnʼt help but chuckle to himself. What a strange, fascinating woman, he thought, his smirk widening as the desert wind tugged at his hair.

He didnʼt know if he would meet her again, but something told him that she would make sure to meet him.

He climbed the drakeʼs back and settled himself.

At the entrance of the valley, all of the tribe members stood, waving their hands at them, saying their goodbyes.

Eran, noticing how they were so thankful towards Jolthar, said, ”Quite the swordsman you have become. You proved it yet again. Lady Maena will be happy to hear of the successful completion of the mission.”

Jolthar frowned slightly at the mention of Lady Maena, but he didnʼt let it show on his face. He simply smiled as they started moving out of the valley.