The Devil's Betrothed-Chapter 666: His Both Sides

Arlan had left for the entire day, leaving Oriana in the company of Evanthe and occasionally Ember, along with the elf servants. She wandered through the palace, spending some time in the north-side garden, where she could see the river encircling the palace. The gentle sound of flowing water, the calm breeze, and the beautiful scenery managed to soothe her heart, but thoughts of Arlan never left her mind.

’Building a place for us? Does that mean he’s building a home? Alone, by himself? Does he have any experience in constructing a house? It will take a long time until it’s finished. Seems like until then, I’ll have to keep waiting for him alone like this.’

"What are you thinking about?" Evanthe asked as she arrived to join Oriana. She sat next to her on the rock, dipping her feet in the cold water as well.

Oriana shared the questions that had been swirling in her mind.

Evanthe chuckled. "Are you underestimating the abilities and power of the most powerful divine beast?"

"No, I mean, building a home doesn’t seem like something that can be done overnight."

"You never know."

"You mean it’s possible?" Oriana asked, her eyes widening with curiosity.

Evanthe nodded. "The house Erebus built for Seren is beautiful. I must say, dragons are incredibly skilled, and they do everything their mate would like, even keeping the tiniest details in mind. They don’t leave anything undone to please their mate."

"Is that so? Then I look forward to what Arlan does," Oriana said, thinking for a moment. "You call King Drayce’s dragon Erebus. Does that mean Arlan’s dragon will have a name as well?"

"Depends," Evanthe replied, "Drayce had separated his dark side and ended up his dark side having an entirely different identity but they are still one soul. Only one of them can show up at one time while other remain hidden. While in Draven’s case, there is no such thing. He is one with his dragon, and there is no separate dark side," she paused for a while before speaking, "Hmm, about Arlan, the situation is totally different. It’s two souls in one body and both can claim their rights over that body while having both of their consciousness awake at the same time."

"I don’t understand," Oriana admitted, confusion evident on her face.

"When Drayce is awake, Erebus isn’t present, and vice versa. In Arlan’s case, even when it’s Arlan with you, his dragon side is also there, watching. The only difference is that Prince Arlan’s human side keeps dominating, so the dragon’s side is restricted, or he chooses to be restricted on his own."

"What would happen if Arlan allowed his dragon side to take over as per King Draven’s instructions?"

"We don’t know for sure yet. It’s something you’ll discover as his mate," Evanthe explained.

Oriana could only nod, uncertain about what would happen when Arlan’s other side emerged.

Late into the night, Oriana lay in bed, unable to sleep as she waited for Arlan to return. Eventually, the mattress sank beside her, and a comforting warmth enveloped her.

"Arlan," she mumbled.

In response, his grip around her tightened, her back pressing against his strong chest.

"Is it you or him?" she asked.

"It’s me," he replied.

Oriana sighed in relief. "I thought from now on he would take over, and I wouldn’t be able to see you for a while."

"I am always here, even if it’s him you see. He and I, though different souls, are one for you. You won’t have to struggle between us."

"What do you mean?" she asked, puzzled.

"He and I were born together in one body, so we’re going to share it equally, with him showing his existence dominantly over me only when needed. We live among humans, so it’s not practical for me to walk around in my original appearance. But when we’re alone, I won’t hide it or shall I say, he won’t be hidden."

As he spoke, Oriana turned around to face him and now understood what he meant. He was in his original appearance, with half of Arlan’s face covered in shining golden scale-like patterns. In the dim light of the night lamps, they shone beautifully. She couldn’t help but trace her fingers over them.

"So, at this moment, he can see and feel exactly what you do?" she asked.

"Yes."

"The way you feel my fingers touching your face, does he feel it the same as you?"

"Yes."

"How will I know how he is feeling?"

"Just as you know how I am feeling at the moment."

Her fingers gently brushed against his lips, her thumb caressing them seductively. "Is he feeling this?"

"Yes."

"Is he liking it?"

"Very much."

She moved closer and kissed him gently, her lips lingering on his. "What does he think when I do this?"

"Just like me, he wants to pounce on you and show what it means to tease a dragon."

"Is he in love with me as well?"

"More than you can imagine."

A delighted smile spread across her lips. "I love the idea. I want to accept both of you as one."

"We both liked it as well."

"So there’s no need for him to have another name?" she asked.

"It’s up to you."

"Hmm, I would like to call him Arlan when we’ve decided to treat him as one with you. But I remember him calling me ’Little flower’ in my previous life. So once in a while, I might call him that, just for fun."

"As you wish."

"You have been born into a handsome young man, my little flower," she chuckled at her words. "Were you busy building a home for us, or shall I say, a dragon’s nest?"

"Hmm. I managed to finish it."

"So quickly?"

"Your mate is not an ordinary human but the most powerful divine beast."

"Will you take me to see our home?"

"After I mark you, you will be staying there."

"And when are you going to do it?"

"Tomorrow."

Her eyes widened, "Tomorrow?"

"We discussed it before coming here, and a message has already been sent to all the clan elders."

Oriana could only nod.

"Are you nervous?" Arlan asked gently.

"Not sure, as it’s the first time I am getting marked."

"There won’t be a second time."

"Of course not. Who wants to be bitten by a beast twice? Ember told me it’s really painful."

"I will try to be careful and make it less painful for you," Arlan promised, his voice filled with tenderness.

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