Chapter 99 Desire and Decision (2)

Ethan's POVShe looked like an otherworldly angel but with cat features and with her she instinctively radiated a noble but wild and undeniably captivating presence,

I couldn't help but stare in fascination. This wasn't the typical transformation I had seen among beast folk.

She was... different. Exotic and Unique.

Her struggles intensified as she tried to slip her arms out of my bind and I could see the craving to slash at the chains inside her with her newly-formed claws.

Its sharp edges glinted with every swipe but my magic held firm. With another flick of my wrist, I tightened the chains and subdued her completely.

She glared at me with pure hatred as her glowing eyes burned with defiance.

Despite her ferocity, I couldn't suppress the wave of nostalgia that swept over me. In my previous life, I had always loved cats.

They had been my companions during my last years when I was utterly alone. There were many strays in the base compounds situated in the hinterlands that I had taken in and cared for their well-being.

The thought of them being abandoned now and without me brought a pang of sadness in my heart. My chest tightened briefly but I shook my head and pushed those feelings aside.

Still, the memory softened me. Almost unconsciously, I loosened the chains slightly though they remained firmly in place. Sёarch* The Novelƒire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Her growls deepened, and she bared her sharp teeth at me. She resembled more like an enraged kitten than a genuine threat.

But her angry eyes and bared teeth looked cute to me. She will definitely become a great beauty in a few years.

I trained my eyes on the small protrusions on her chest and I assumed her age to be around twelve or thirteen.

A dastardly plan began to form in my mind and a sly smile formed on the corner of my mouth.

Well, she is not that younger than me so I don't have to feel bad. It's not like I am thinking something bad or taking advantage of her.

This is what I had promised to myself at the beginning of this life of mine. I wouldn't hesitate this time and will do what my heart desires.

Heh, this girl just had to come into my hands. I willed with my magic power and the fog obscuring my figure vanished.

Her glowing eyes widened into full circles and her struggles paused for just a moment.

I met her gaze with a calm and calculated expression with the smirk still lingering on my lips.

"Well," I said, my voice echoing softly in the cavern. "You're certainly full of surprises, aren't you?"

She didn't seem to hear my question.

Her wide, astonished eyes were fixed on me and her struggles along with the fierce defiance that had burned in her gaze earlier seemed to have vanished altogether.

I frowned and a spark of irritation crept into my thoughts at her lack of reply but realization struck before I could voice my frustration.

"Do you know me? Have you seen me before?" I asked, my voice steady but edged with curiosity.

Yet again, my words seemed to pass right through her as if she were lost in a world of her own and she continued to stare at me with wide eyes.

Her silence grated on me and I let out a soft sigh of annoyance.

A single chain that was still binding her arm loosened slightly before darting forward to lightly tap her on the head.

"Oww!" she yelped and clutched her head as the sudden motion and hit seemed to jolt her out of whatever trance she'd been in.

She looked up at me and her wide beautiful eyes were filled with tears making her appear far more vulnerable than the snarling and feral creature I had seen moments ago who seemed intent on ripping me to shreds if she got the chance.

My heart softened at her inadvertent display of innocence.

That small cry which was coupled with her teary-eyed expression reminded me of the kittens I used to care for in my past life who were fragile, easily startled, and utterly helpless.

My earlier irritation faded as I decided there was no point in keeping her bound.

I unraveled the chains with a flick of my wrist and watched as they dissipated into the surrounding mist. Her feet hit the stone floor lightly as she landed, and I guided her to the edge of the bath to set her down on the shore. Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire

My earlier actions had been more about intimidation and establishing dominance than any real need for restraint. Now that the moment and need for it had passed, I found no joy in prolonging her discomfort.

I wasn't some sadist who thrived on the suffering of others.

She sat there quietly with her gaze fixed downward as she crossed her arms over her chest. Her toes were curled slightly and she displayed a nervous gesture that only added to her uneasy demeanor.

I noticed her white fluffy tail swishing in quick and erratic motions behind her, and her ears twitched and flattened as if mirroring her anxiety.

Suddenly, the desire to touch and caress them crossed my mind.

I shook my head and smiled inwardly at her cute and innocent actions though I kept my outside expression otherwise neutral and stoic.

"Answer my questions, girl," I said, my tone firm but not unkind.

She flinched slightly at the sound of my voice and hesitantly raised her eyes to meet mine. Her gaze flickered nervously as it darted between my face and my bare torso as I leaned casually against the bath's edge.

I could feel the heat of her blush even from where I sat. Her tail swished faster, and her ears flattened further against her head.

I couldn't help but feel amused by her reaction which appeared too cute in my eyes. The contrast between her current state and the snarling feral creature she had been earlier was stark.