Just as she was about to pull Danton into the Sea Conch, a massive figure burst through the current, swimming rapidly toward them.

The vortex kicked up by the giant whale churned the surrounding water. As it drew near, the behemoth abruptly shrank, and amidst the scattering spray, it transformed into a tall, powerfully built male.

His skin glistened, and every muscle flexed with each breath.

Coral Cetus frowned and snapped, "Arion Cetus! Don’t bother Evangeline. She needs to rest! She’s helping our Mysticeti Tribe with the Sandwurm problem, and she’s exhausted. She doesn’t have time for you. If you’ve got this much free time, you’d be better off patrolling the territory."

Arion Cetus completely ignored her warning, his scorching gaze landing on Evangeline as if it had physical substance.

Of course he knew what Evangeline was doing in the Mysticeti Tribe. In fact, he had just come from seeing the leader.

’What’s wrong with me liking such a powerful female? Even the leader supports me!’

When his gaze swept over the suggestive red marks on Evangeline’s neck, his expression instantly darkened. His Adam’s apple bobbed a few times before he shot Danton a sidelong glance. His eyes swept over the six-star Pattern on Danton’s forehead with a flash of contempt, then quickly darted away.

"Female, I’m a Seven-star Patterned Beastman now. Have you considered my proposal?" Arion Cetus forcefully flexed his arms, and the Seven-star Pattern on his forehead blazed to life. His face was a mask of pride and confidence.

"I’m certain that if we form a Contract, we will produce the strongest Tideborn young!" Arion Cetus’s gaze burned. As he spoke, his rough fingers traced the grooves of his abdominal muscles, his voice vibrating with the last word as he oozed raw masculine energy.

Evangeline’s lips curled into a mocking smile. "You?"

’Never mind the fact that I can’t stand these arrogant, muscle-bound types. Just remembering how he ran away in terror back at the Demonsea Abyss... No woman in her right mind would ever choose someone like that.’

Before she could say another word, Danton took a sudden step, shielding Evangeline completely with his body.

His long, azure hair drifted in the current. Though he remained silent, a terrifying chill emanated from him, so potent that even schools of passing fish fled in a panic.

Evangeline blinked, her gaze on Danton filled with a flicker of amusement. ’Is he getting jealous?’

This time, Arion Cetus could no longer ignore Danton. His eyes were placid as he looked him up and down.

Then, Arion Cetus crossed his arms over his chest, the Star Pattern on his forehead flickering erratically. He said flatly, "I know you. Clan Leader of the Mer Clan. She went to the Demonsea Abyss to save you. Letting your own female brave the Demonsea Abyss alone... you’ve failed in your duty."

"Forget protecting your female—you couldn’t even protect yourself!"

"Does that mean other males aren’t allowed to court her?"

Arion Cetus’s tone was tinged with mockery. After speaking, he looked at Evangeline, his gaze lingering on her bewitching face as he said softly, "I swear in the name of the Beast God, I will never let you face the slightest danger ever again!"

His words were like a sharp blade, piercing Danton’s chest and striking his most painful weakness.

’Even though there were reasons for it all, he couldn’t deny the truth. It was he who had repeatedly put Evangeline in harm’s way.’

’For his sake, she had faced down the Megalodon Tribe. For his sake, she had ventured deep into the Demonsea Abyss to battle the Sirens. She had even given birth to their child in the midst of that crisis. And for him, she had exhausted her power as a Witch and slept for so long.’

’And now, for the sake of his Mer Clan, she had traveled all the way to the Mysticeti Tribe to develop a remedy for the Sandwurms.’

’Every single time, it was for him.’

’He truly had failed as a mate.’

Danton’s lips thinned into a line, his throat tight and dry. He almost forgot how to breathe.

Coral Cetus frowned at Arion Cetus and sneered, "This is between Evangeline and Clan Leader Danton. What does it have to do with you? Back at the Demonsea Abyss, you ran faster than a swordfish. You have the nerve to come here now and talk about courting her?"

Now that Buck was on the mend, she was no longer so on edge, and her tongue was all the sharper for it.

The crisis facing the tribe wasn’t over yet, but that didn’t stop her from defending Evangeline.

Danton stood silently to the side, his hands clenched into fists. His pallor seemed even more fragile against his azure hair, and even his beautiful, light-blue eyes had dimmed. The sight made Evangeline’s heart soften.

Suddenly, a soft hand slipped into his and squeezed it tightly.

Evangeline took a step forward and naturally linked her arm with Danton’s, her fingers squeezing gently, as if lending him her strength.

Her cool gaze swept over Arion Cetus, a detached smile playing on her lips. Her voice was quiet and even, yet every word cut like a knife. "What nonsense are you spouting? Whether or not my mate has failed in his duty is not your place to say."

Evangeline’s measured tone shattered the tense atmosphere in an instant.

She leaned her head affectionately against Danton’s shoulder, her lips curving into a tender smile that showed her complete trust in him.

"I adore my mate."

"Never mind the Demonsea Abyss; I’d brave even the Triangle Sea for him."

When she finished, Evangeline raised her eyes to Arion Cetus. The smile never left her face, but it was enough to send a chill down one’s spine. "And one more thing. I’m not looking for another mate. So stop being an eyesore. I don’t like it when Danton is unhappy."

With a tug of her fingers, Evangeline led Danton into the Sea Conch House.

SNAP! The Sea Conch closed, its edges sealing seamlessly to block out Arion Cetus’s burning gaze.

"Ha! See? Evangeline’s not interested in you in the slightest. You should give up! Alright, now scram!" Coral Cetus shooed him away with a wave of her hand, looking at Arion Cetus with annoyance. ’This guy, so ugly yet so full of himself.’

’If it were up to me, I’d pick the handsome one too. With looks like Clan Leader Danton’s, what female could possibly resist?’

Arion Cetus’s face fell. He stared at the Sea Conch for a long while before finally turning to leave amid Coral Cetus’s taunts.

"Come on, Stellan. We’re heading back. Let’s get Buck home so he can get some proper sleep." Coral Cetus, loosely holding Buck’s arm, took a few steps, but when she looked back, she saw Stellan still rooted to the spot. His gaze was fixed on the closed Sea Conch with a complicated expression, and she had no idea what was on his mind.

"Stellan?" Coral Cetus looked at him, confused.

Stellan snapped out of it and came to Coral Cetus’s side, saying softly, "Evangeline really has changed."

Coral Cetus frowned and said in a low voice, "She’s a wonderful person now. Let the past go. The present is what matters. Didn’t you see how fiercely she defended Clan Leader Danton? Don’t you dare give her a sour look again, or I swear I’ll stab you with a sea urchin!"

Hearing Coral Cetus’s veiled accusation, Stellan gave a wry smile.

*

A serene blue light suffused the interior of the Sea Conch.

Evangeline put the Sandwurm away and turned to look at Danton, who hadn’t said a word.

He stood silently off to one side, his face still pale. The shifting light traced his slender frame, making his skin appear almost translucent. His eyes were lowered, and all the color had drained from his thin lips.

She moved closer, wrapping her arms around his lean waist. Her fingertips could feel the taut muscles beneath his skin. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Evangeline tilted her head back to look at him. "Still thinking about what that moron said?"

"Danton—" Her voice went soft, a gentle, seductive purr. She nuzzled the tip of her nose against his cool collarbone. "Pay him no mind. We’re mates. Your problems are my problems. Besides, even seeing you frown for a second makes my heart ache."

Specks of light danced in Evangeline’s slender eyes, which clearly reflected Danton’s image.

"Every single word I just said was true."

"Danton, I really do adore you."