Mated To The Cruel Prince-Chapter 861: Heart Of The City

It was obvious that something had shifted between Gabbi and Azrael. Since their heated encounter that morning, an unspoken bond had formed, settling between them like a comfortable tension.

Azrael had kept to his word, arriving at her door precisely as the servants finished dressing her for the sightseeing excursion. Gabbi had expected something simple, but the servants, working under the king’s orders, had other ideas. Despite her protests, they had meticulously dressed her in something far grander than she’d ever imagined.

The dress was a striking white gown with a draped, one-shoulder design. However, the most stunning feature was the bold, black feathered collar that draped dramatically over one side of her shoulder. The feathers were dense, layered intricately to contrast with the sleek, smooth fabric of the dress. The combination made Gabbi appear both ethereal and edgy, a mixture of grace and danger.

But there was something more to the shoulder piece than its daring design. The feathers were raven feathers, symbolic in Azrael’s culture. He was slowly incorporating her into their world, a gesture that didn’t escape Gabbi’s notice. As a human, full of curiosity, the opportunity to learn about this hidden culture fascinated her.

To think there was an entire race living beneath her nose thrilled her in ways nothing else could. Well, almost nothing else. The sex part definitely topped the list. If you know what she’s talking about.

When Azrael finally appeared, his reaction was priceless. For someone who had personally selected the dress, he stood frozen when his eyes met hers.

Gabbi caught sight of him in the mirror and grinned. "Whoever designed this ensemble deserves to be worshipped," she mused aloud, twirling a little as she admired herself. "But it unsettles me. A ravenkind must have been killed for this piece, right? So please, no more. I wouldn’t want to be responsible for genocide."

Azrael, who had been flustered by her beauty, burst out laughing. His booming laugh echoed through the room, and Gabbi’s frown deepened.

"What’s so funny?" she asked, tilting her head.

"The fact that you think we’d kill one of our own to make a dress."

"Humans kill to make theirs," she pointed out, tugging at the feathered piece. "I wouldn’t be surprised if your kind does the same. I can’t shake this vision of one of your subjects being sacrificed just for their feathers."

Azrael laughed harder, wiping away tears from his eyes. "Gods help me, you’re the best mate I could ever ask for."

Gabbi flushed at his words, feeling heat rise in her cheeks. Then she took him in for the first time. Azrael looked regal in his fur-lined attire, exuding power and authority, yet still managing to be utterly handsome. He was dangerous and magnetic all at once.

"Don’t worry," he said, breaking her thoughts. "No one died to make your shoulder piece. We have plenty of feathers for clothing. You can relax."

"If you say so." Gabbi relaxed slightly, but her eyes couldn’t help roaming over him once more. "You look good."

Azrael’s lips quirked into a smirk, his eyes darkening. "Trust me, Gabbi, you look better." His voice lowered, growing sultry. "You look completely edible."

His wings flexed slightly behind him, and Gabbi’s mind immediately wandered to what they had done that morning. She could still feel the ghost of his touch, the weight of his body against hers. Her face flushed deeply.

Clearing her throat, Gabbi fought to regain control. "So...time to go?"

"Sure." Azrael grinned, clearly amused by her attempt to change the subject.

He offered his hand, and Gabbi slipped her own into his. Together, they left the room, passing several guards who spared them glances before returning to their duties. Gabbi tried to ignore their piercing eyes, reminding herself that these were Azrael’s people — and soon, they would be her people too.

It was hard to believe they were deep within a mountain. The hallways were bright, so alive with light, that it almost felt like they were in the outside world.

"How is this possible?" she asked, looking around in awe. "You said we’re deep in the mountain, yet it’s so bright, like we’re outside. And I can’t even see where the light is coming from."

Azrael chuckled, the sound reverberating through her. "You’re right. We’re far enough inside that no natural sunlight could reach here. But this has been our home for hundreds of years. We’ve developed our own technology, mixed with magic, to make it livable. I could explain it all, but it would take too long. You’ll learn more as we go."

Gabbi’s heart swelled with excitement. What had once seemed like a forced fate was now turning into an adventure she never wanted to leave. There was so much to explore and understand in this hidden world beneath the surface.

As they walked down the long hallway, they came to a stop in front of a gaping darkness. Gabbi’s breath hitched in her throat when she realized this was the same hole she had fallen through when she first arrived in Azrael’s kingdom. He had told her it was a transportation system of sorts, and she hadn’t liked the idea then—and she liked it even less now.

"Do you trust me?" Azrael asked, turning to her, his expression serious. freeωebnovēl.c૦m

Gabbi swallowed hard, her pulse quickening. She could feel her heart hammering in her chest, but she nodded. Trust him? She wasn’t sure, but the thought of backing down now seemed impossible.

Without another word, Azrael pulled her close and stepped into the void, dragging her with him. Gabbi’s scream caught in her throat as they plunged into the darkness, the sensation of falling making her stomach lurch. But this time, she wasn’t alone. Azrael’s presence beside her kept the terror at bay.

The fall seemed endless, the wind whipping around them. But just when Gabbi thought she couldn’t take it any longer, the descent slowed. The darkness receded, replaced by a soft, glowing light, and she blinked as her eyes adjusted to their new surroundings.

They had arrived at a stunning location of a cavernous city spread out before them, with diverse buildings, glowing crystals embedded in the walls, and bustling activity everywhere. It was breathtaking, like something out of a dream.

"Welcome to the heart of my kingdom," Azrael said, his voice filled with pride.