The Devil's Betrothed-Chapter 735: What Did You Feel?

"Where is my brother?" Rina asked as she sat down for lunch around the table.

Everyone became aware of Lucian’s long absence.

"It’s been a few hours since Lucian left. Where could he have gone?" Arthur wondered aloud.

"Did he say anything before he left?" Aaron asked, his voice tinged with concern.

"He had nothing left to say. That’s probably why he left," Rowan remarked, clearly understanding Lucian’s reasons for going.

Aaron stood abruptly. "I’ll go look for him."

Rowan shot him a glance. "He’s not a child for you to chase after. Lucian has been to dangerous places alone long before any of us even knew he existed."

Nathaniel leaned back and offered a reassuring smile. "He must have something important to take care of. Don’t worry, he’ll be back. You know Lucian isn’t reckless."

Aaron reluctantly sat down as Nathaniel turned to the butler. "Did you see him leave?"

"Lord Lucian took his horse and rode out of the estate," the butler replied.

Rafal glanced at Rowan, who sat calmly, unbothered by Lucian’s absence. However, Rafal felt uneasy. Rowan’s recent behavior might be the reason Lucian had left, and if Lucian was in any trouble, Rafal was ready to give Rowan an earful.

Erin, though composed on the outside, couldn’t hide her worry. Did Lucian leave to meet the woman he likes, the one he’s keeping secret? she wondered. I hope that’s the case, and he isn’t in any trouble.

"I want my brother," Rina whimpered, her eyes filling with tears. "He never leaves like this."

Erin gently patted her head. "Calm down, Rina. You told me yourself—your brother is the strongest man you know, right? He must have something important to do, but he’ll be back."

"Will he?" Rina sniffled, wiping her eyes.

"Yes," Erin reassured her with a warm smile. "Stop crying. He wouldn’t like it if he found out you were upset—he might even think we bullied you."

Rina gave a small nod, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"Rina, come here," Aaron said, patting the seat beside him.

She stood and shuffled over to sit next to Aaron. "What do you want to eat? I remember you like this sweet treat," he said, offering her a bite.

Rina nodded, and Aaron gently fed her.

Everyone watched in surprise. The stoic man, usually as solid as a rock, was now patiently tending to a little girl. When did he become like this? they wondered.

"Looks like leaving a cat to his door, sure made wonders," Arthur chuckled.

"So this was your idea?" Nathaniel asked in a low voice.

Arthur smirked mischievously. "You can thank me with a few bottles from your wine collection."

"The very first day, her cries scared the hell out of us," Nathaniel spoke.

"Seems like, I have to leave one cat at your door as well to see you changed juts like Aaron," Arthur chuckled.

Nathaniel offered him a bored look. "I had my fair share with Erin."

"I am not talking about a sister like cat, but a lady like cat, which can melt your heart and turn you into a man who is capable for loving a woman," Arthur replied, looking back at his friend with a serious gaze.

Nathaniel rolled his eyes as if Arthur was saying nonsense.

-----

The entire day had passed, and darkness blanketed the sky, yet Lucian had not returned. Rina couldn’t stop worrying, but Erin continued to comfort her. After some coaxing, she finally put her to sleep.

As Erin returned to her own room, feeling worried over Lucian’s long absence.

Meanwhile, the men gathered in one of the rooms, enjoying fine wine and engaging in conversation.

"Lucian hasn’t returned yet," Aaron said, his concern evident. "I think it’s time we start looking for him."

"If he isn’t back by morning, I won’t stop you," Rowan replied. "But right now, I think you’re worrying over nothing."

"What if he really is in trouble?" Rafal snapped, glaring at Rowan. "I’m going to look for him."

"Alright, if he won’t return till past midnight, I will personally come with you to look for him, but till then stay put," Rowan said. "If he won’t return, then more reason for him to look for him and kick his butt."

Arthur chuckled. "You sound like you have some unresolved beef with him. The way you two lock eyes—it’s like watching rivals, not friends."

Rowan shrugged. "Whether we’re friends or enemies will be clear at whether he returns tonight or not," he said, emptying his wine glass. "In the meantime, let me tell you all am intrestng story to pass the time until midnight."

Meanwhile, Erin tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep as worry gnawed at her thoughts.

Where could he have gone? If he left to meet the woman he likes, there’s no reason for him to vanish like this and make everyone worry. Should I go check if he’s back?

She opened her eyes and sat up, ready to leave, but—

"Ahhh! You... What are you...?"

Her breath hitched, and she clutched her chest, startled by the sight of a familiar figure standing silently by her window. Under the pale moonlight, the man’s tall frame remained still, his arms folded across his chest. His sharp, handsome features seemed even more striking in the dim glow.

Lucian stood quietly, watching her without moving closer, allowing her to collect herself.

"Where were you all day?" she finally asked, frustration lacing her voice. "You had everyone worried."

"Were you worried about me?" he asked calmly, his tone composed but probing.

"You left without saying a word. Of course, everyone was worried—"

"I asked if you were worried about me," he interrupted, his voice low but commanding.

Erin blinked, taken aback by the forceful directness in his tone. "Rina was crying..." she muttered, trying to deflect his question.

"And you?" Lucian murmured as he took a deliberate step toward her. "What did you feel?"

Erin stepped back, feeling the intensity in his tone and demeanour, no words leaving her mouth.

"I asked something. Is it that difficult to answer?" He asked, standing facing her.

"Of...course...I felt worried just like others..." she muttered.

"Keep others out of our talk," once more another demand, "I wish to know only about you."

It startled her. ’What’s wrong with him?’