The next few days, I acted like everything was alright. But deep inside, the night I had a deal with Lucretius still lingered on my mind. Or rather, I must say the kiss we shared that had been witnessed by the moon etched and never had once left on my mind.

The effect on me lasted for days and even bestowed me with sleepless nights. I had kept replaying how Lucretius could make my body on fire, which I had never once felt for Redmund.

"Sir Marlin, can I just become Ms. Euphyllia's assistant?"

I got distracted when frail, feminine hands wrapped around my waist, lowering my head to see Cerys tighten her hold on me while she was frowning at Marlin after having a strategic meeting with all my comrades.

Marlin dragged his hand down on his face, sighing. "Cerys, how many times do I have to tell you—"

"But I want Ms. Euphyllia here in the records hall! Why would Commander Lucretius want her? I want Ms. Euphyllia, too!" she whined.

Our other comrades were chuckling at her childish attitude. They had already learned about my promotion, which would make me an assistant to a commander. Only our department was aware of this, and it hadn't been announced yet, but it would be soon.

Ernest chuckled, dragging the chair by facing the back in our direction and straddling it. "Looks like you are going to have a hard time leaving here, Euphyllia."

I chuckled and gently patted Cerys' head while she was pouting at Marlin. "Indeed," I replied to him, turning to Cerys. "There, there, Cerys. I will visit you when I have spare time."

Since Cerys learned about my promotion, she was unhappy that I would be leaving the records hall. Of all the tactical keepers working here, I was the one who was closest to her, which was why I understood she was acting this way.

I also didn't want to be apart from my comrades here, but it was time for me to grow.

When Cerys finally calmed down, she looked at the time and gasped. "It's snack time! I will arrange all your snacks!" She stormed out without even saying goodbye to us.

Marlin sighed in relief. "Finally. Silence." He leaned on his seat, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Scoot, you two. Cerys is such a headache sometimes." He was talking to Ernest and me.

"It's because you are taking away her Euphyllia, Marlin. It's your fault," Ernest teased.

Marlin shot him a glare as Ernest ran away before he could hear a full scolding from him. Then, he turned to me.

"Also, go to Commander Lucretius' study room, Euphyllia. There's something he wishes to speak with you about right now."

I almost jumped out of my feet from what he said. "C-Certainly." I nodded and left the meeting room.

As I was walking in the hallway to the headquarters, I couldn't help but think that Lucretius must have finished our contract. It could mean that it was time for me to check and sign it. I would make sure that it met my demand.

My foot set on the corridor of the headquarters before gawking up upon hearing some chitchat and laughter in the courtyard. My hand clenched upon seeing Redmund and Lilith from afar, who were sitting next to each other while laughing with some of their comrades from other squadrons. Their closeness was so evident that Redmund even draped his arm over Lilith's shoulders.

"My, my! Get a room!"

"When's the wedding?"

The people around them were teasing them while Redmund's lips stretched out a grin, and Lilith flirtatiously snaked her arms around him.

"So, they really made their relationship official, huh?" I murmured bitterly, peeking in their direction.

The hatred I felt for them burned into my chest as my wolf, who was once howling in pain, was now howling in rage. The immense pain of Redmund's rejection that night tasted bitter in my tongue. Even Lilith, who even told me that she was being generous for her to lend Redmund, would make me want to slap her at this moment.

Drawing my gaze back, I fixated my attention on the hallway and proceeded to go to Lucretius' study room. Upon reaching there, my hands suddenly felt clammy, and the fury I felt had melted away and was replaced with nervousness and excitement.

I hadn't seen Lucretius again after our deal. And my heart wasn't prepared if in case he was going to seduce us using his words and touch.

I must stay away from his enticing. That was what I should do.

Taking a deep breath, I raised my hand to form it into a fist to knock three times.

"Come in."

My heart leaped out of my ribcage upon hearing his low, baritone voice from behind the door. I gripped the hem of my tunic when his voice struck the core in between my legs for some reason.

Damn it! I just heard his voice and I felt affected already?! What the hell is wrong with me?

I pinched myself, calming and composing myself before twisting the doorknob and slowly opening it. "C-Commander Lucretius...? It's Euphyllia..." I said, peeking at the door before welcoming myself.

My eyes darted at the tall figure sitting behind the desk. And I could have sworn I felt the urge to run away when his intense gaze felt like penetrating my soul.

A small smirk plastered on his lips, his hazel eyes dancing in amusement. "Close the door," he instructed and gestured his head on the couch. "See the contract over there and let me know what you think." Then, his eyes were engrossed in the documents in front of him.

Relief washed over me. I thought he would do something to seduce me as soon as I entered. But it turned out that his attitude was quite different when work was calling.

Good. At least, I learned something that he was earnest in his position.

Nodding, I followed his instructions. But as soon as I sat on the couch, I caught a red chrysanthemum flower on top of the document, resting on the tea table, making me still. Then, I saw a note tied to it again, making me glance at Lucretius suspiciously, who was still busy with his paperwork.

Why would he need to bestow me this and act like a stalker again?

Curious, I unfolded the note, and I couldn't help but anticipate what he had written.

'Did you sleep well that night, Lady Euphyllia? I caught you being distracted the other day.'

I could have sworn my cheeks were as bright as a tomato right now before my eyes seethed in his direction.

How the hell did this man know about it? Did he have eyes on the record hall, which was why he always knew my movements?

I caught his lips drawing out a small smile, didn't intend to even steal a glance at me.

But I could tell that he was amused by my reaction.

Sneering, I reached for the flower. Its crimson petals were bold and seductive. It looked like a reminder or a promise that Lucretius was always watching me.

I swallowed hard and set it aside to lift the parchment beneath. I was surprised that it was only one page, only a few lines written in the same elegant penmanship as the cryptic notes he sent to me along with the chrysanthemum.

'Between The Binder, Lucretius Xior Franciosa, and The Oathsworn, Euphyllia Ivara Ruinart.

1. The Oathsworn shall be bound in body, soul, and name to The Binder, surrendering her loyalty, companionship, and all rights of intimacy.

2. The Binder shall, in return, grant the Oathsworn his protection, authority, and the means to enact her vengeance upon those who have wronged her.

3. This union shall remain unbroken until vengeance is fulfilled or until The Binder alone releases the Oathsworn from her vows.

4. Any breach of this contract by The Oathsworn shall result in forfeiture of all rights granted herein and bind her irrevocably to The Binder's will.'

At the bottom, his name was signed along with the insignia of the House of Franciosa. 

My lips parted as I reread all the lines, my stomach twisting. The lines might be short, but the words were too sharp for my own good. I had chills run down my spine, sensing the danger and feeling terrified all the way.

This was the price of making a deal with a devil. I would be bound in body, soul, and name. It was as if surrendering everything to him.

"Your contract... sounds as though I am shackled to you forever, no matter if I don't breach this," I said, unable to keep the bitterness out of my voice. 

Finally, Lucretius lifted his head. His eyes caught mine, and the dangerous stare of a predator was enough to shake my whole being.

"That depends on you, my little soldier," he replied smoothly. "There's still clause 3. You may cut the chain once your vengeance is complete."

I carefully placed the parchment on the tea table. "I do not think I alone would be enough payment for your offer. Who knows that you secretly want my pack?" 

As much as I wanted to sign the contract, there were things that I needed to clarify with him. I didn't want to misunderstand him as someone who had a hidden motive, but it wouldn't hurt if I cared for the people around me.

He leaned on his seat, his elbow resting on the armchair. A lopsided smile was plastered on his lips. "Oh, trust me, Euphyllia. I don't really need your pack since it's considered pretty useless for me, but you..." he paused, scrutinizing me. His hazel eyes gleamed with hunger. "...you alone were enough to satisfy me." He cocked his head from side to side before he proceeded, "You should feel lucky that I've noticed you, as you truly are a fascinating person. And I am the perfect person you need to perform your miracles on my nephew."

His arrogant tone irked me. But it didn't escape me that his words brought truth.

I snorted. "You'll soon get tired of me. I am not even an interesting person. You must have taken me an interest because I am the only virgin you had bedded with," I pointed out the facts of what I remembered he said that night. "Am I right?" I looked intently into his eyes. 

Lucretius' smirk deepened. His smile was the kind that sent shivers down my spine and made my knees threaten to buckle. I felt like I was digging my own grave right there when he slowly rose from his chair.

My wolf was teasing me with danger and excitement looming over me. But I ignored her, waiting for him to answer me.

"Do you really think I would bind myself to a woman solely because she is untouched?" His voice lowered, each word he spouted felt like a venom that had no antidote. "No, Euphyllia. That night only proved what I already suspected—that you burn brighter than any woman I've ever known. Do you really think I'd jeopardize my reputation, my name, and my influence over something so insignificant?"

I held my breath. Suddenly, I felt belittled by his words. Him treating my pack as if it was a trivial matter pained me. I understood what he meant because my pack was so small that you couldn't gain any resources.

Lucretius rounded the desk, his boots creaking on the floor until he stood before me, exuding his dangerous, commanding presence. 

"You are mine because I chose you," he whispered, leaning closer, his gaze locked with mine. "Not your pack. Not your wolf. You. Only you."

I tried not to be affected by his closeness, but my body knew well how to betray me. I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks and pooling in between my legs. 

Oh, Moon Goddess! Please save me! This man was really dangerous!

How did I allow myself to be in this position? Having him so close was already suffocating!

And why did he sound like I was so special to him? What did I ever do for him to notice me and want me so badly?

"You'll get tired of me soon," I repeated my words earlier, unable to form a rebuttal as my voice was faint and trembling as of this moment. 

His fierce presence felt like I was in a lion's den, and I could never be freed again. It was hard to outsmart him, or was it because I wasn't thinking straight?

He chuckled darkly, lowering his head until his lips brushed dangerously and sensually close to my ear. "No, my little soldier. I'm afraid I cannot see myself getting tired of you at all. The thought of you has kept me restless for nights. The kisses we shared still remain on my mind." His breath fanned against my skin, making me shiver. "Do you know how badly I wanted to taste you again? As in... right now?"

I gasped at his words while my heart was racing rapidly. I knew that I should push him as the warning bell was ringing loudly in my head but I couldn't find myself to do so.

"Right here, in this very couch, I can imagine you whimpering from my touch, begging me for more while your legs are pressed on your chest as I fuck you so hard and so deep until your legs don't work anymore," he whispered huskily, licking the crook of my neck. "Yes, Euphyllia. I want you so bad that I can even lock us here and make certain that I satisfy you. Do you understand me, my little soldier?"

My hands unconsciously clung to the lapels of his uniform while my thighs pressed together. He was just whispering what he wanted to do to me, yet I could feel myself wet already.

How much more if he was truly doing it to me right now and did what he promised?

My breath became uneven from his carnal thoughts as I licked my lips from wanting him. 

Lucretius slowly pulled away, gently taking my hands off him as he planted a sensual kiss on the back of them. His eyes were burning with need and hunger. "Sign the contract, Euphyllia. Bind yourself to me. Then, you'll learn just how badly I crave what is already mine."

I stared at him, my body couldn't be ignited down. "You're such an evil person..." I couldn't help but mutter at what he was doing to me.

His lips parted, his upper lip curling up into a smirk. "Fret not, my little soldier. I will keep my word not to touch you yet unless you provoke me." He erotically licked my wrist, making my breath hitch at how seductive it was. "I can even promise you that you will eventually forget my nephew once you are with me."

With that, he retracted from his steps, and my eyes thoughtlessly darted at his bulging groin, making me gulp seeing it before he faced his desk.

I averted my gaze and tried to focus on the parchment that was laid in front of me. But that lump that was concealed by his pants had reminded me what 'it' looked like, how long and big it was, kept replaying, which was hard for me to concentrate.

My body needed to be tamed right now. This wasn't good.

His cock saluting was on my mind as of this moment! 

My hand reached for the fountain pen while on my peripheral vision, Lucretius returned to his seat, his eyes keenly observing what I was going to do next.

Heaving out a deep breath, I reread the clauses and refused to look away from the sins of the people who betrayed me.

Redmund... Lilith... I would never forgive the two of you...

If being entirely owned by a devil would make me exact my vengeance against them, then it wasn't so bad that I offered myself to him.

As my hand started to write my name, I knew that there was no turning back now.

'Euphyllia Ivara Ruinart'

As I gawked at Lucretius, his smile widened as he uttered, "Good girl, my little soldier. Good girl..."