"Well then," I began, inquiring from the reaper. "Since you know so much about love, tell me what to do to win Ravenswood's heart!"
A strange, twisted feeling knotted in my gut as I said it.
Embarrassment, perhaps?
She stared at me for a moment, a smirk playing on her lips. "For starters, ditch the whole 'monstrous terror of the sea' look."
Eh?
"You have to appear more... approachable. Otherwise, he—or anyone, really—will bolt before you even say hello."
Ah. That made sense.
My size alone would indeed complicate mating.
And considering the reaper was barely a speck compared to me, a change was in order.
Drawing from the giants who once hunted me, I let a warm violet light envelop my form. My massive silhouette shrank and reshaped, bones and flesh folding into a more... accommodating figure.
"So now, I simply need to show him my resolve, yes?" I asked, anticipation thrumming through my veins.
"Yeah, go show him who's boss! Go all out, and he just might like you back."
Yes.
Yes!
I felt so much better!
A rush of euphoria flooded me. So this was what encouragement felt like—simple, yet profound.
(Note: Dearth had absolutely no idea Leviathan planned to beat Ruben into submission. At all.)
"Thank you, Reaper." My gratitude was genuine. "I never thought you'd be so supportive."
"Ah, well… I don't want to be eaten." She cleared her throat, her pale cheeks flushing slightly. "And I'm a death god now, not a reaper, okay? Also... one more thing."
She shifted uncomfortably, eyes darting to the side. "Don't tell Ru… uh, don't tell him I helped you, alright?"
"Truly?" I tilted my head, sensing a delicious opportunity. "Wouldn't you be pleased for him to know of your good deed? You love him too, don't you?"
Her face went crimson red. "Hold up! Who said I love that mutt?! I just think he'd make a nice pet, that's all."
Hm.
The lie was sweet on her lips, but her body language betrayed her.
No matter.
The fewer rivals, the better.
"Very well. Farewell, then!" I said, gathering myself to swim. "I'll craft a story for him—rest easy."
With a powerful thrust of my tentacles, I shot through the waters, each stroke bringing me closer to my beloved Ravenswood.
Those spirits were swift—Ravenswood and the human girl were already ashore.
A…human girl?
A companion, perhaps?
If she becomes an obstacle, I won't hesitate. I'll tear her apart.
With those thoughts curling through my mind, I sped off closer.
*
When I reached the coast, the sight nearly unhinged me.
Ravenswood was... canoodling with the human girl!
(Note: He was not)
My chest tightened.
So I truly need to eliminate her so soon?
I only want him to canoodle with me!
The moment I arrived, Ravenswood's head snapped in my direction, his entire being brimming with caution.
His wariness hurt more than I expected—being feared by the one I love was a wound I hadn't prepared for.
But it was only a matter of time. Once I (nearly) beat the life out of him, all would be well.
The ultimate battle for love!
(Note: Seriously, ladies, do not try this in real life. The guy will hate you, and you'll probably end up in jail.)
He addressed me, his tone guarded.
I responded calmly, and a sliver of his tension eased.
When I asked if he was truly Ravenswood, I wanted to confirm he wasn't hiding behind another name. But he tried to deceive me, claiming he wasn't Ravenswood at all.
'Oh, my dearest, lying to your wife is not a good start.'
But even with his dishonesty, just talking to him filled me with happiness, and a warmth I hadn't known before.
Happiness.
Such a strange, wonderful thing.
I'd stolen it from others countless times, though.
A flicker of remorse surfaced within me—regret for my past victims, even that stubborn god-man, Job Uz.
No more hesitation. I'll go all out.
I want to keep feeling this way, to smile and savor this joy for the rest of my absurdly long life.
So, I would use every fragment of my millennia of battle experience.
Every part of me, become a weapon!
My claws slashed with deadly precision, and my tentacles—capable of shattering divine relics—lashed out like living whips.
Each blow bore the weight of my ancient strength, pressure rippling through the air, distorting reality itself.
But my husband—
(Note: They are not married)
—met my assault with remarkable skill.
Not only did he evade and parry with force equal to mine, but he also entered a divine state. His aura blazed with brilliance, and his snowy white hair mirrored my own.
Oh, how delightful!
We matched in something.
My heart fluttered.
Alright, husband of mine—
(Note: They are not even dating)
—I'll respond in kind!
I released the restraints on my power, allowing my strength to surge.
But I held back, just enough to avoid killing him.
Though, maybe my caution was unnecessary—this man was nearly as strong as me, I, who had existed since the birth of the heavenly plane.
He vanished, moving so swiftly I almost couldn't track him.
In an instant, he was behind me. His hand grasped my tentacle, yanking me toward him.
An attack shot toward my abdomen, and I blocked it with my arm.
But it was a feint.
His arm cut for my chest.
I hardened my skin just in time, feeling the sting of his holy energy—a burn like salt on an open wound.
Pain flared, and I gritted my teeth.
If I didn't push harder, I would lose. And if I lost... I wouldn't get to be with him.
I cannot allow that!
Leaping into the sky, I initiated a technique—Envious Corrosion.
The air crackled as I drew upon a deep well of envious energy from across the world, creating a corrosive force that devoured anything it touched.
But he feared nothing.
Instead, he followed, launching himself into the sky, his divine aura blazing against my dark, corrosive mist.
Good.
Now, let's see how my husband would…
Strange.
Instead of deflecting or unleashing an ability of his own, Ravenswood withdrew into a more slender form. His divine markings faded, and his radiant white hair dulled.
He completely abandoned his offense.
My attack struck him with the force of a blue whale crashing into the sea.
The earth crumbled beneath him, the impact sending shockwaves through the ground.
I spread my senses, holding my breath—relief washed over me when I felt the faint but steady thrum of his life force.
Barely alive, but alive nonetheless.
(Note: Say no to attempted murder in the name of love.)
I had no idea what had transpired, but there was no doubt.
This was my victory!
My love... My love had finally reached him!
A wave of giddy relief filled me, a sensation so foreign I almost couldn't name it.
One moment, I'd feared I would lose to him.
Hehe, my husband is strong.
Given time, he would even surpass me.
Now then...
Since he was resting so sweetly, perhaps it was time for my reward.
A victory kiss?
A victory lick-all-over reward?
Or maybe... SLURP! —maybe more...Ehehe, ehehe!
"Back off, you debauched serpent!"
What?
A human girl, barely a flicker of life compared to me, stood between me and my mate— I mean, my trophy.
Unforgivable!
"It's my turn to protect Ruby!"
Ruby?!
How dare she call him that!
I want to call him a pet name too!!