CHAPTER 115: SASHA ALLEN?

By the time Rin returned to the brothel, the moon hung high, its silver glow painting the red lanterns in softer shades, casting a gentle light over the courtyard.

Lirien was waiting at the entrance, her pipe in hand, smoke curling around her like a protective veil. The moment she saw Rin step out of the carriage, she rushed forward, worry flashing across her face. "Rin! Why are you so late?"

He forced a small smile, his voice light but tired. "Traffic."

Her brow furrowed, her crimson eyes narrowing as she puffed smoke. "Traffic? What kind of..."

Rin chuckled lightly, brushing past her question as he stepped toward the entrance. "Nothing worth mentioning."

She frowned deeper, her pipe tilting as she studied him, but she let it go, her voice softening. "You’re alright, though? Nothing happened?"

Rin nodded, his crimson eyes meeting hers briefly. "I’m fine, Aunt. Really."

Lirien’s expression softened at the word, but her worry lingered, her smoke curling faster. She was a demon, immune to the pheromones that had filled the carriage, and Rin silently thanked fate for that. If she’d sensed Evan’s dominance, she’d be tearing through the city to find him by now.

"Where are the omegas?" Rin asked, his voice softening as he glanced toward the brothel’s doors.

"Inside," Lirien said, her tone serious now. "They’re resting and washing the filth off their bodies. Some were... forcefully marked during the game. But don’t worry... I’ll help them break those bonds with my power."

Relief flickered through Rin’s chest, a weight lifting slightly. He touched her hand briefly, his voice quiet. "Thank you."

She gave him a pointed look, her crimson smoke swirling around them. "Don’t thank me yet. There’s something else. The Crow Team is back."

Rin froze, his eyes widening, his cheeks flushing faintly. "...What? They’re back?"

Lirien smirked knowingly, tilting her head, her pipe glowing softly. "They’re in their chambers. They also brought home some sick alpha, too. I told them to treat him quickly and send him away. But..." She leaned closer, her voice dropping into a teasing whisper. "Are you really that happy to see him?"

"What? See who? I have no idea what you’re talking about," Rin said quickly, his face burning hotter as he turned sharply, tugging at his robe. "I’m going to my room."

Her laughter followed him down the hall, bright and teasing. "Oh! Rin. I’m happy to see you look happier than your mother was."

Rin’s steps faltered for a moment, his chest tightening at the mention of his mother, but he didn’t turn back. He kept walking, his heart a mix of warmth and unease. The Crow Team’s return meant Sasha was back... Sasha, the one person in this twisted world who made him feel safe. But it also meant complications, especially with Caspian and Evan circling like vultures.

.

Rin slipped into his chamber, the door clicking shut behind him, the familiar scent of incense and polished wood calming his nerves. He sighed, tugging at his robe, stripping layer by layer until only the last item clung to his body, a thin undershirt that felt too tight after the day’s events. He reached for it, ready to change...

A large, strong hand caught him from behind, firm but gentle, pulling him into a warm embrace. Rin’s breath caught, his body tensing, but he wasn’t scared. He knew that touch, that presence.

DING!

[System Alert – A Side Character has Appeared.]

[Name: Sasha Allen]

[Status: Leader of the Crow Team / Spy / Prodigal Son]

[Threat Level: VERY LOW]

[Warning: Target is in a one-sided relationship with the host.]

A wry smile touched Rin’s lips, his heart settling as he recognised the familiar warmth. From behind, Sasha’s voice murmured softly, low and full of emotion. "Rin..."

Rin lifted his hand, touching Sasha’s face gently over his shoulder, his fingers brushing against rough stubble. "It’s been a while. How have you been?"

Instead of answering, Sasha bent his head and kissed the back of Rin’s neck, his lips warm and lingering. Rin flinched, startled, his voice sharp.

"...Why are you kissing me out of nowhere?"

Sasha’s grip tightened, his voice thick with emotion, almost trembling. "Because I don’t want to let you go. I missed you... so much. I want to stay like this forever."

Rin’s lips curved into a rare, genuine smile, his crimson eyes softening. "I missed you too."

Of all the men he’d crossed paths with in this twisted world... Lucien with his quiet torment, Evan with his cruel ambition, Caspian with his predatory charm—Sasha was the only one who made him feel safe, familiar, comfortable.

Rin remembered him from the book: Sasha Allen, the tragic saviour, the man who’d loved Lilienne, protected her, only to die at the hands of the crown prince. Not this time, Rin thought fiercely. I won’t let another side character die for me.

Sasha’s voice pulled him from his thoughts, low and serious. "Rin... I can smell it. Alpha pheromones. On you."

Rin stiffened, pulling away slightly, his voice quick but calm. "It’s nothing. I wasn’t dragged into anything."

Sasha studied him for a moment, his dark eyes searching Rin’s face, then smiled, his expression softening. "I’m back now. I’ll protect you from everything. You don’t have to bear it alone anymore."

Rin’s chest tightened, a mix of gratitude and guilt swirling inside him. "...Thank you, Sasha," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

A comfortable silence passed between them, heavy with unspoken things, the weight of their shared history filling the room. Then Rin spoke, his tone light, almost playful. "Will you go out with me tomorrow?"

Sasha’s eyes widened, his face reddening instantly, tears shimmering at the corners of his eyes as his lips trembled. "...A date? You’re asking me out... on a date?"

"Huh?" Rin blinked, confused, his voice rising slightly. "That’s not what I..."

But Sasha was already beaming, his joy uncontainable, his voice bubbling with excitement. "Yes! Of course! I’ll prepare my best clothes."

He rushed toward the door, nearly tripping in his haste, his voice echoing back. "Tomorrow. Don’t forget!"

The door closed behind him with a soft thud, leaving Rin staring after him, his hand pressed to his face as he broke into laughter, the sound soft but genuine. "...A date, huh?"

He sat down heavily on his bed, his crimson eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and unease. "I was thinking of postponing the date till after I’ve spent the night with the prince, since I gave him the card and I have no idea when he’ll arrive. But he’s an imperial. He won’t rush it. He’ll wait for about a month... maybe more. Nothing bad will happen."

Right?