The Shadow Angel came within three steps of Iver.
Iver was 1.82 meters tall, and with his antlers included, he stood over two meters. But when they were both standing, his head was only level with the Shadow Angel's waist.
The Shadow Angel curiously stroked Iver's antlers, then grabbed him by the collar at the back of his neck and lifted him up like a little cat. She then openly cradled him in her arms, like a mother holding her child.
She had Iver sit on her forearm. Though it was an awkward position that put no weight on it, her arm was harder than steel and did not tremble in the slightest. Even so, Iver felt none of the hardness of tensed muscles. Instead, he felt only the softness and warmth of her skin.
Iver's first reaction was that the Shadow Angel was extraordinarily hot. The temperature of her skin alone exceeded fifty degrees, scorching him like a steamer.
"I've heard about you for a long time, Iver."
The Shadow Angel looked at Iver with a gaze that was half affectionate and half yearning.
She greeted him enthusiastically. "Would you like to stay and play for a while? My warriors are all very hospitable! You can leave whenever you like—there are plenty of beautiful fairies and witches here, too. Shall I introduce you to them?"
...There's no way I'd dare stay here.
"—No need, Your Majesty."
Iver was about to refuse tactfully, but Viennes's cold voice had already sounded. "We're only passing through, and we have important business to attend to. I'm afraid we don't have much time to stay."
The Shadow Angel raised her head and looked at Viennes.
The smile on her face became cold and dignified the moment her gaze left Iver. A fierce, murderous aura