Chapter 8 Shaan & Rosaline

The ground was covered in snow and the blood of the wolves Rosaline had eliminated. Even though it was cold, she felt her body burn. Out of all the things, what she hated the most was being looked down on. Her hand didn't hold back from pulling the trigger every single time. She held the gun at whatever or whoever launched at her. The rhythmic sound of each bullet discharge had become a twisted melody to her ears. Now, the air was eerily still, and she stood there, holding the empty gun.

There was no one left-was what she thought until she heard a sound of chomp mixed with a deep snarl from behind.

In a swift motion, she turned her gaze, only to discover Shaan's hand trapped inside the wolf's ferocious jaws. Its teeth dug into his arm, drawing blood as he struggled to maintain his balance.

"Agh.." He winced, his grip tightening on the wolf's head as he tried to free his arm. From his right shoulder, he glanced at Rosaline and uttered, "Kindly be mindful of your behinds."

"...Shaan..?" Her voice trembled with a mix of guilt and worry. Her eyes reflected the emotions swirling within her. Seeing him getting injured in her stead, unexpectedly filled her with concern.

All of a sudden, Ryder appeared from behind and snapped the wolf's neck, freeing Shaan's arm from its mouth.

"It's taken care of. Let's go back now."

He exchanged glances with Ace and the four of them attempted to leave that place...immediately.

Throughout the entire journey, Rosaline remained silent, only exchanging occasional glances with Shaan. As they entered her mansion, they were met by a formidable pair of dark brown eyes, firmly blocking their path.

It was Bianca. Other than Ace, Ryder, and Shaan she was the only member within the mansion who had the audacity to question Rosaline. She was also a powerful Beta that always stayed beside her since she was young, more like an elder sister.

"Young Lady, may I ask where you've been these last two days?" Bianca inquired, concern evident in her voice. "I was so worried. I was about to inform the Boss-"

"Don't tell Dad anything," Rosaline interrupted, cutting her off.

"Okay, look, I'll tell you everything. Just..." Rosaline pointed at Shaan momentarily, annoyance evident in her voice. "Just get him treated or something."

Bianca glanced at Shaan and noticed the wound on his right arm as he simply shrugged it off.

"This is a piece of cake for him-" Ryder's words were blocked as Shaan pinched him from behind, signalling him to remain quiet. Shaan took pleasure in witnessing Rosaline's concern for him. And somehow, the tension of the day eventually faded away.

In the dimly lit training ground, the flickering light cast shadows as Rosaline swung her daggers, the sound of her breath filling the air. She practised her movements, hoping to find clarity amidst the lack of clues about the Phantom Reaper. Perhaps the 'Master' Raven mentioned would possess the knowledge she sought regarding them.

Lost in deep thoughts, she threw her dagger, only to see it land slightly below the target. She let out a sharp exhale with frustration. Suddenly, a voice whispered near her ear, the same voice that never failed to send shivers down her spine.

"Princess," the voice murmured, barely above a whisper. Rosaline recognized it immediately.

"Grab the bottom edge of the knife and throw it like this," Shaan instructed gently. He took her hand slowly, applying light pressure, and together they aimed for a precise throw. The dagger soared through the air, finding its mark at the exact centre of the target.

"That's how you do it," Shaan said, releasing her hand. Rosaline turned to face him, her eyes instinctively scanning his chest and arm, checking for any signs of injury.

"Should I remove them so you can get a better look?" he teased, a chuckle escaping his lips.

Startled by his comment, Rosaline composed herself, her focus returning to her training.

"No need. I'm sure I'll be disappointed," she replied calmly.

"Want to spar?" Shaan suggested, reaching for a gun among the array of weapons decorated by the corner. Rosaline, who rarely turned down a challenge, surprised him by declining.

"How about a talk instead?" she proposed.

The surroundings remained cloaked in darkness; it was midnight, and the atmosphere carried its usual eerie aura. The gentle wind brushed against Rosaline's silver strands, lending her an ethereal quality, like a star on the verge of fading, at least in Shaan's eyes. He hadn't expected to witness this side of her, especially not directed at him.

"Sure," Shaan replied softly.

They found themselves in her usual spot on the roof of her apartment, beneath the familiar moon that she often gazed at alone. But this time, there was another presence beside her that wasn't her father.

"What did you want to talk about?" Shaan broke the silence between them.

"Is it healed?" Rosaline asked, her gaze averted.

"Your wound. You're a wolf, aren't you? Is it healed?" Her concern was evident.

"Worried?" Shaan questioned.

"I don't want to owe anyone," she admitted.

"It's fine," he reassured her.

Though she wasn't looking directly at him, she could hear the faint sound of his chuckle, which faded as she turned her gaze toward him.

"You're surprisingly docile, Princess. You hate people looking down on you, hate being challenged again, worrying about your mere guard who's a beta. Not to mention that was the first time you used my name"

Rosaline was still quiet holding her knees together but he could see her flushed ear.

"I need you to escort me tomorrow," She suddenly locked eyes with him, making him slightly flinch.

"Just you."