As Zoey disappeared into the distance, a voice suddenly echoed through the now quiet forest.
"What’s with that smile?"
Atticus blinked.
"What smile?" he asked innocently, despite the huge grin stretching across his face.
Ozeroth scoffed.
"That one! Right there! Did her confession give you a concussion or something?! Tsk, tsk. You still have a lot to learn, bond."
Ozeroth shook his head.
"You’re actually happy just because some pretty girl confessed? How pitiful! You still need to be taught in the ways of my greatness."
Atticus turned to face him, scoffing.
And then, his smirk widened.
"At least someone confessed to me."
Ozeroth froze. His entire body stiffened.
His mouth opened.
Then closed.
Then opened again. But no words came out.
Atticus’s smirk deepened.
"What? Did I lie?" His tone was far too smug.
Ozeroth’s face twitched.
For the first time in his entire existence, he had been caught off guard. To think this bastard would use this against him.
His eyes narrowed, and his mouth opened again.
Then, he shut it, unable to utter even a single comeback. Because he knew Atticus could see everything about his life. He had always boasted about the women fawning over him, and yet, he hadn’t received even a single confession.
A heavy silence stretched between them.
Atticus folded his arms as he gazed at the quiet Ozeroth, utterly amused.
"Oh? Cat got your tongue?"
He grinned.
"Is the great Ozeroth upset?"
Ozeroth’s intense eyes focused on Atticus for a moment before mumbling something incomprehensible, his usual bravado completely gone.
Then—
POOF.
He disappeared into Atticus’s chest, retreating into the depths of their bond.
Instantly, Atticus burst into laughter.
He laughed so hard his shoulders shook.
His smug grin only grew wider.
"There’s nothing to feel ashamed about, Ozzy." He wiped a fake tear from his eye.
"I’m sure someone of your magnificence could get a confession… someday."
His laughter only grew louder.
Then, he felt it. A surge of pure, seething anger radiating from within him.
Ozeroth’s rage. Which, of course, only made Atticus laugh even harder.
After thoroughly enjoying himself making fun of Ozeroth, Atticus finally stopped.
’Serves you right,’ he said inwardly, and although he received no response from the still-fuming spirit, he paid it no heed. After everything Ozeroth had put him through these past few months, it was well deserved.
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