Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill Chapter 495: Kassandra Inner Feelings

Kassandra's existence underwent a profound transformation. The once ice-cold and deadly demoness assassin now inhabited a reality that felt almost dreamlike. The sharp, ever-present tension that had defined her life had gradually dissolved, giving way to a gentler, more serene atmosphere.

Her days typically commenced with the early morning light. She would awaken before the estate was abuzz with activity, quietly undertaking the task of tidying the halls and chambers. Her movements, honed by years of rigorous discipline, remained fluid and effective, yet they were devoid of their former lethal intent. Instead, a deep sense of tranquility permeated her actions.

Following the completion of her duties, she would frequently encounter Ethan's wives. Sophia might offer gentle guidance or a simple nod of recognition. Diana occasionally engaged her in brief conversations about trivial matters, while Lia and Mira extended casual greetings, as if her presence had always been a fixture of the estate.

What most perplexed Kassandra was their demeanor. She had, after all, attempted to end her husband's life. Yet, not a single one of them treated her with animosity. There was no trace of hatred or hostility, only ordinary, almost welcoming interactions. Initially, she struggled to comprehend it, but over time, she ceased to question it.

Then came the portion of her day she had never anticipated enjoying: the children. They would frolic freely throughout the estate, their joyous peals of laughter echoing through the corridors. For reasons unknown, they had developed a particular fondness for her.

"Mother Kassandra! Carry me!"

"Me too!"

Before she could even voice a reply, several of them would eagerly clamber onto her. Some grasped her hands, while others perched on her back. A few, particularly mischievous ones, would even tug at her horns with gleeful abandon.

"Don't pull…" she would admonish them, though a strange sense of pleasure accompanied the scolding.

One of the younger children sat perched on her shoulders, gripping her horns as if they were reins. "Faster!" the child exclaimed with delight.

Kassandra paused momentarily, then slowly began to move, her steps steady enough to elicit more laughter. For one who had once navigated the shadows to extinguish lives, this felt peculiar, yet undeniably pleasant.

In stark contrast to her former life within the Church of Darkness, this current existence felt like a different world entirely. There, brutality reigned supreme: training regimens that pushed her far beyond her limits, missions steeped in bloodshed, and endless, unquestioning obedience. Warmth and rest were nonexistent; only hatred and the desperate struggle for survival prevailed.

But here, there was peace. And somewhere along the winding path, without her even realizing it, her heart began to undergo a subtle transformation.

At the very core of this change stood Ethan. Initially, he was merely her master – the one who had subdued her, the one who held dominion over her through the slave mark. However, as the days unfolded, her perspective began to subtly shift.

She observed him closely: the calm manner in which he addressed everyone, the unpretentious way he carried himself, and the consistent treatment he afforded all individuals, regardless of their strength or social standing. Whether addressing powerful warriors or humble servants, there was no discernible difference in his interactions. Even when issuing directives, his voice remained steady and firm, yet never oppressive.

To Kassandra, who had spent her entire life subjected to strict commands and harsh punishments, this comportment felt… novel. Peculiar. And gradually… alluring.

His gentle disposition, his steady gaze, and the quiet confidence he exuded, coupled with the natural way people gravitated towards him – all of it began to leave a lasting impression.

One afternoon, as she walked alone through a corridor, lost in contemplation—

She heard a voice call out.

"Kassandra."

She halted instantly, her body reacting before her mind could fully process. Turning, she hurried towards the source of the voice.

Ethan stood a short distance away. She stopped before him and lowered her head.

"Yes, my Lord," she responded.

Ethan regarded her for a moment before reaching into his storage, without uttering further words. He produced a necklace.

It gleamed softly in the ambient light, its design exquisitely delicate and elegant. A small gem was nestled at its center, emitting a faint glow of magical energy.

He extended his hand towards her. "This is for you."

Kassandra froze, her breath catching. "For… me?" she inquired, her voice tinged with a slight tremor.

Her gaze remained riveted to the necklace. It was not an adornment befitting a servant, certainly not something someone like her would ever receive.

"You will look good in it," Ethan remarked, a subtle smile gracing his lips.

Kassandra's fingers trembled almost imperceptibly as she looked at the offering. "But… I am just a servant," she murmured softly, her voice laced with profound hesitation.

Her fingers, still quivering, gently held the necklace. Though her eyes were fixed upon it, her vision had begun to blur. A tightness constricted her chest, and before she could exert control, a single tear traced a path down her cheek.

Ethan noticed it immediately, his expression shifting subtly. "…Kassandra?" he asked, a hint of surprise in his tone. But she could not immediately respond. Instead, her shoulders began to heave, another tear followed by more, and her breathing grew ragged. She lowered her head, attempting to regain her composure, but her efforts proved futile.

"Why…" her voice emerged, fractured.

Ethan's brow furrowed subtly, clearly taken aback.

"Why are you showing me such kindness…" she inquired, her voice quivering.

More tears began to stream down her face, and she gradually lifted her gaze to meet his. Her eyes were reddened, brimming with emotions she could no longer contain.

"You imprisoned me… turned me into your slave…" she continued, her voice cracking with each word.

"Yet, you spared my life…"

Her hands clutched the necklace tightly, as though clinging to something invaluable.

"You never treated me like one, either…"

Her statements came out in broken phrases, yet each carried significant weight.

"You… you've ensnared me with your kindness…"

Ethan's eyes widened slightly upon hearing her confession.

Kassandra took a hesitant step forward, her entire body trembling.

"And now… my heart…" she placed a hand over her chest.

"…it longs for you."

The final words shattered the last vestiges of her composure. She began to weep openly, tears flowing freely as she stood before him.

"I… I cannot comprehend it…" she whispered.

"But I cannot stop these feelings…"

Ethan remained motionless for a moment, evidently flustered. This was entirely unexpected. He slowly let out a breath, trying to process the unfolding situation.

"Kassandra…" he began, but his voice lacked its usual firm tone.

Before another word could escape his lips, she moved with suddenness. Her hands grasped his clothing as she advanced, diminishing the space between them.

Instinctively, Ethan raised his hands, uncertain whether to halt her advance or offer solace, but he hesitated.

In that precise instant, Kassandra lifted herself slightly and kissed him.

It was a soft yet resolute kiss.

Her lips met his, conveying the full spectrum of emotions she had suppressed. Her hands shook as she held him, as if fearing his imminent disappearance.

Ethan froze.

For a fleeting second, his mind went completely blank.

He had confronted numerous battles, formidable enemies, and countless perilous situations without a flicker of hesitation, yet this moment had blindsided him entirely.

Kassandra did not immediately break the kiss. Her kiss was not demanding; rather, it was desperate, tender, and permeated with a longing she could no longer conceal.

After a short while, she slowly drew back.

Her forehead gently rested against his chest, her breathing ragged, and her tears still cascaded down her cheeks.

"I… I don't care what I am to you…" she murmured softly.

"A servant… a slave… anything at all…"

Her fingers tightened their grip slightly on his clothes, seeking a sense of security.

"But please…"

"Do not reject me…"

Her voice quivered further as she spoke again.

"Please don't keep me distant any longer; I wish to be a part of your life, your family… I yearn for love too…"

She struggled to articulate her words clearly, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her.

"So… please… allow me to be part of your life…"

Ethan remained still.

His expression gradually softened as he looked down at her. His hand, which had been suspended mid-air, finally shifted, hovering near her shoulder as he watched her weep against him.