"Brother, if you truly love her, don’t hesitate. You have to take this step eventually."

"The Evangeline of today really is different from before. Besides..." Rhea paused, lowering her voice. "You’re going to be the Clan Leader of the Mer Clan. Continuing the bloodline is also the Clan Leader’s responsibility."

"Evangeline might only be a One Star Pattern female, but she should be able to have cubs." Recalling the Beast Spirit Flower that had bloomed on Evangeline’s forehead, Rhea added in a whisper, "Brother, you’re already falling behind. You need to hurry."

She had seen Evangeline’s other males, and she had to admit, she was worried for her brother.

Danton froze. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, unsure whether to laugh or cry. "You just came of age. What do you know?"

Rhea blinked, a cunning smile gracing her lips. "But Brother, I already have a Contract."

She cleared her throat, deliberately drawing out her words in feigned surprise. "Didn’t Montague tell you?"

Danton: "..."

As they were speaking, a soft, bewitching call drifted from the direction of the wooden house. "Danton!"

Rhea glanced toward the voice and pouted. Tugging on Danton’s arm, she whispered, "I heard from Coral Cetus that you two had roasted fish and shrimp the other day? I’m your sister, I want some too! Make Montague go catch them."

Danton chuckled and ruffled the top of Rhea’s head. As he turned, his beast skin wrap stirred, releasing a cool, damp scent.

Before the wooden house, Evangeline’s slender form was leaning against the doorframe. Her figure was curvaceous, and her skin was so fair it seemed to glow. Her gaze was soft, and her long, narrow eyes were filled with a gentle light that held only his reflection.

He walked slowly toward her, his heart thudding uncontrollably in his chest. With every step, the beat grew more intense. The feeling was unfamiliar, a throb even more powerful than when he had first formed a Contract.

It was just like last night.

She had looked at him with a smile and said softly, "Danton, welcome home." The few simple words had warmed his entire heart, and he realized with absolute clarity that he was in love with her.

Now, that burning heat flooded his heart again, so wild it was almost painful.

As Danton drew near, Evangeline leaned in. Her arms wrapped gently around his waist, her fingertips brushing lightly against his skin, sending a cool tingle through him in a deeply intimate gesture.

"Are you... all right now?" Danton’s body stiffened for a moment, but he relaxed as he caught her scent. His throat bobbed, and his light-blue eyes fixed on her.

He didn’t embrace her in return, but his gaze traced her form, brimming with concern.

Evangeline’s eyelashes trembled. Her fingers tightened almost imperceptibly, her voice laced with a hint of weakness. "I’m fine. You don’t have to worry about me. What about you? You’re not feeling unwell, are you?"

Rhea followed them, her arms crossed. Her gaze flickered over their entwined figures, and she pursed her lips.

She refrained from saying anything harsh, instead telling Evangeline, "Since you’re all right, let’s head back to the Mer Clan’s territory together. Brother is the Young Clan Leader of the Mer Clan, after all. He should be the Clan Leader."

Evangeline’s gaze shifted. Her long lashes fluttered as she looked at Danton for a moment. Then, the corners of her lips lifted into a delighted smile. "All right," she said, her voice lilting upward at the end.

Seeing her agree, Rhea let out a sigh of relief, and her expression softened.

Her tone became bright. "Coral Cetus told me your roasted fish and shrimp are delicious. Can I try some?"

Evangeline smiled. "Of course."

Rhea tossed her long hair and called out to Coral Cetus, who wasn’t far off. "Let’s go! I’m getting to try roasted fish and shrimp tonight!"

Hearing this, Coral Cetus immediately scampered happily to Rhea’s side, the pink tips of her hair flying. Only a day had passed, but she was already craving it. She had just been thinking about it, not expecting she’d get to have it again so soon.

"Over there! Let’s go into that coral reef! The shrimp there are especially plump, and they have fresh shellfish. They’re so sweet and savory when you roast them. Stellan! Buck! Let’s go, we have to catch a lot today!"

With a shout, Coral Cetus was already pulling Rhea away into the distance.

The moment they were gone, Evangeline pulled Danton back into the wooden house.

She turned to the silent Danton and suddenly leaned forward, her hair brushing against him. Her breath was warm with an ambiguous heat. "Have you thought about what I asked you yesterday?"

Danton’s breath caught, and his light-blue pupils contracted.

Evangeline could feel his body tense up. ’It’s no use,’ she sighed to herself.

The thought had barely formed when she saw his expression unexpectedly soften.

Danton looked up, meeting her long, narrow eyes, and for some reason, his expression softened.

He took her hand in his, his long, slender fingers threading through hers until their hands were clasped. A strange warmth passed between them. His voice was so low it was nearly a sigh. "You’ve always been my female, haven’t you?"

It was only natural for Beastman partners to have cubs.

At his words, Evangeline’s eyes lit up, and the arm around Danton’s waist tightened.

Her stunning features instantly brightened, as if a spring flower had just bloomed. She buried her face in the crook of his neck, her voice filled with unconcealable joy. "Oh, Danton, you’re wonderful!"

’The process of finding Danton’s tail scales had been long and arduous, but the outcome had been worth it.’

’He’s always been the kindest, most soft-hearted one.’

Evangeline gently caressed the base of his spine, and fine scales began to emerge uncontrollably.

"Does it hurt?" she asked suddenly. Danton, who had been tense, froze for a second before chuckling. He placed his palm on the small of her back, his voice as gentle as always. "It stopped hurting a long time ago." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Evangeline felt his hand tighten on her waist, and the corners of her lips curved into a smile.

"I won’t tie you down, nor will I ask anything of you," Evangeline said softly. "Danton, I want you to always be free. And you will be the best Clan Leader the Mer Clan could have."

’His greatest wish was to return to The Deep Sea, to his clan.’

’Besides, he’s about to become the Clan Leader of the Mer Clan. I have no intention of making him abandon everything to be with me. This is good too. Mission complete, have a cub, and I won’t even have to stick around and be responsible every day.’

’All things considered, Danton is definitely my most low-maintenance partner.’

Danton’s chin rested on the crown of her head. His throat bobbed, his emotions churning like an undercurrent in the deep sea.

After a long moment, Danton finally spoke, his voice low and tinged with restraint. "When... will you be leaving?"

He knew her heart was burdened with too many things. She would never stay by his side forever.

He had never asked about The Everwake, Loras, or Lachlan. Her dangerous past was a web that ensnared her heart. She had never been his female, and his alone.

Evangeline blinked, her eyes like intoxicating whirlpools. She tilted her head, pressing her palm against his heart. "Are you going to miss me already?" she asked with a grin.

She rose onto her toes and pressed her lips gently against Danton’s cool ones. "Let’s wait until you become the Clan Leader."

Hearing her soft words, Danton’s eyelashes trembled, and he tightened his embrace.

’Everything that happened in the past... let it go. I have to look forward.’