Witch's Daughter And The Devil's Son Chapter 783: Mate Bond Mark

Evanthe stepped into the vast and magnificent bedroom, drawing close to the unconscious Seren. Erebus climbed onto the bed beside her, his protective urges still surging strongly.

Yet before acting, she glanced towards Erebus. 'May I examine her pulse?'

Receiving no objection from him, Evanthe grasped Seren's hand, releasing it shortly after. 'Her condition is truly frail, battling Hellfire already and now these mate bonds too. Waking up could take some time—possibly over two days.'

A vial suddenly appeared in her grasp, which she offered to him. 'This will sustain her body in her unconscious state. Unable to consume food or drink, she'll require nourishment.'

Erebus took the vial, uncorking it with caution. He tested a single drop on his tongue first to ensure its safety before feeding it to Seren.

Evanthe took no offense, merely offering a faint smile. Beast or not, his mother status aside, he trusted no one regarding his mate. She felt thankful already that he permitted even a touch to his mate right then.

'Stay by her side constantly if you wish, but prepare yourself for her awakening. Have you arranged everything needed?' Evanthe inquired. Without pausing for reply, she exited the bedroom and quickly located the kitchen.

The kitchen stood fully prepared, with every setup in place; he had gathered all ingredients to cook Seren's favorite dishes right on schedule.

'Such a thoughtful son, and such a skilled planner. My concerns were needless.'

Sensing Erebus's arrival, she turned to face him. 'Do you know how to cook?' Evanthe questioned. 'When she awakens, she'll devour food like a ravenous beast and consume vast amounts. Prepare plenty, and ensure it's flavorful, or... umm... your mate might feel let down.'

That final remark was mere teasing on her part, yet Erebus treated it with utmost seriousness.

To counter her skepticism, he approached the stored ingredients, selecting a handful at random and beginning preparation. Evanthe observed in silence. She noticed no distinction between Drayce's and Erebus's cooking techniques.

'I'd forgotten—whenever Drayce works on something, Erebus is always nearby. He grasps and masters everything Drayce performs.'

Before long, a tantalizing aroma wafted through the kitchen, tempting the senses from the simmering dish.

Erebus ladled soup into a wooden bowl while pulling a small table nearer with his other hand. He positioned it before his mother, then set the bowl atop and regarded her steadily.

'For me?' she queried. 'Shouldn't your mate be the first to taste what you've cooked?'

In reply, he nudged the bowl even closer to her. He insisted on proving his culinary abilities to his mother, guaranteeing Seren would never hunger with him beside her.

Evanthe lifted the bowl for a taste. 'Mmm... it's delicious!' she exclaimed, sipping directly from it while setting the spoon aside. Placing the emptied bowl down, she added, 'Seren is truly blessed with a mate as capable as you, and I am blessed to have you as my son.'

Erebus lingered there, his expression remaining emotionless.

'Fine then, assured that you and she are all set, I'll depart now. Expect me tomorrow.'

She vanished without awaiting his response. Dwelling long in a dragon's lair wasn't wise, even as his mother. A particular dragon, absent though he was, might resent detecting another adult dragon near his mate—even if that dragon was his own son.

Erebus returned to Seren's side, reclining beside her as his dark eyes fixed upon her face. His fingers gently traced her soft cheek; his gaze shifted to her lips, and he pressed a light kiss upon them. He yearned desperately for her to awaken, to reveal how vital he was to her and the depth of her love.

He eagerly anticipated sealing that bond too, binding them eternally. Nothing could ever part them thereafter—only death itself.

For the next two days, Evanthe made brief visits to Seren before departing each time.

Midday on the third day arrived, and Seren finally began stirring from her slumber. Erebus, who had been standing by the window silently gazing at the snow-covered mountains, felt it instantly and turned swiftly toward the bed.

Seren struggled to open her eyes, her head swirling with dizziness. A warm touch grazed her cheek, and she looked toward the figure. Even through the haze, she recognized him without delay.

Erebus granted her that moment, suppressing his impulse to rush into her embrace.

'Er...bus...' A faint, hoarse whisper escaped her lips.

Silently, he kept stroking her cheek before sliding his hand to her neck, brushing her hair aside, as she watched him through heavy-lidded eyes.

A mate bond mark gleamed there—a purple blossom entwined with a red dragon.

His fingers lightly traced the stunning mark, akin to its beautiful bearer, as he leaned in closer with quickening breaths.

Though her body remained feeble, Seren felt that mere touch's fierce intensity surge through her clouded senses, awakening a familiar craving: the desire to be near him.

He buried his face in the curve of her neck, drawing in her alluring scent as his lips grazed the mark; his tongue darted out to lick it.

'Uhm...' A soft, feeble moan rose from her throat, her heart abruptly pounding faster.

Through their bond, Erebus sensed her feelings clearly—she shared his burning urge to draw closer.

He pulled back slightly, his dark gaze intensifying as he peered into her lovely eyes, then down to her delicate lips, pale and somewhat dry in that instant.

Yet he paid it no heed. Leaning forward, he claimed her lips tenderly, restraining himself to avoid harming her.

Weak though she was, Seren welcomed the kiss more intensely than ever before, allowing it fully despite her inability to respond. Deep down, she simply craved it.