The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 551

Chapter 551: Can’t Afford To Wait

Oriana was taken aback by what Arlan said all of a sudden. Her heart? Baffled she looked into his eyes, his hold around her keeping her steady, his eyes still gazing into hers.

"H-How does one give their heart?" she stammered, her voice barely audible.

"You know how," he repeated softly, his tone gentle yet insistent.

Her brows furrowed in confusion, and then her expression shifted, a hint of discomfort creeping in. "My heart..." she began, her voice trailing off.

"Hmm?" Arlan prompted, noticing the change in her demeanor.

"It... hurts..." she admitted, her voice tinged with pain.

Arlan’s playful demeanor vanished, replaced by concern. "Hurts?"

Weakly nodding, Oriana felt her strength waning, but Arlan supported her, lifting her gently into his arms. "Hold on, alright?" he reassured her as he carried her to their chamber.

Once there, Oriana curled into a ball on the bed, sweat glistening on her forehead as waves of pain washed over her.

Arlan retrieved a small, hollow metal ornament from his pocket, blowing into it, but no sound emerged. He placed it back and closed his eyes, sending a magical message to seek assistance from others who could help.

Arlan turned towards Oriana, intending to offer her comfort, but she was in too much agony to bear even his touch. Just then, Snowflake entered through the majestic double-sided door of the chamber, her keen ears catching the sound of the whistle Arlan had used. With determination, she rushed to her master’s side, and no one dared impede her path.

"She needs you," Arlan informed Snowflake, but she was already making her way to the bed. With a graceful movement, she climbed onto the bed, claiming a vast portion of it and enfolding Oriana within the protective arch of her majestic body. One paw gently held Oriana closer, ensuring that her paw wouldn’t burden Oriana’s delicate frame.

Helpless, Arlan could only watch as Snowflake’s magical healing abilities brought some relief to Oriana, her pain gradually easing under the comforting presence of the wolf.

Yorian arrived, observing the scene unfold before him. "It happened again?" he inquired, concern etched on his features.

Arlan tore his gaze away from Oriana, his attention momentarily diverted. "She’s in pain. We must help her."

Approaching the bed, Yorian hesitated when he saw Snowflake, who seemed unwilling to let anyone near Oriana. "I need to examine her. I’m as concerned as you are," he addressed Snowflake.

In response, Snowflake shifted her paw slightly, allowing Yorian to reach Oriana’s hand. Though unconscious, Oriana’s heartbeat remained erratic, her body weakening as if being drained by some unseen force. Yet, simultaneously, Snowflake’s magical energy worked tirelessly to heal her and restore her life force. Slowly, Oriana’s heartbeat began to stabilize, a sign that she was on the path to recovery.

Yorian released Oriana’s hand, and Snowflake resumed her vigilant position, her paw gently resting as Oriana nestled against her fluffy neck.

"Let your pet take care of her for now," Yorian suggested, observing Arlan’s unusually calm demeanor, though his eyes betrayed a sense of helplessness. "She’s returning to normal, but she may sleep longer until her body heals sufficiently," Yorian reassured.

Arlan closed his eyes briefly, letting out a weary sigh as he ran his hand through his hair. After a moment of silence, he turned to Yorian with a determined expression. "What can we do to ensure she doesn’t suffer like this again?"

"I’ve given you the solution before, but you’ve yet to act on it," Yorian reminded him. "Snowflake can provide temporary relief, but to fully heal her, Oriana needs the darkness that Snowflake cannot provide. It’s your essence of darkness that can truly help her, her demoness form and core, which is currently unstable and draining her life force to maintain it’s own stability."

"I didn’t expect it to happen so soon again. I was... I was trying to... Seems like I can’t afford to wait any longer," Arlan admitted, exhaling deeply. "Once Snowflake heals her enough, I’ll do as you’ve told."

"I had not expected it either," Yorian commented as he understood Arlan’s hesitation but urged him, "She loves you, and you know it. Don’t wait for her to say it. One day, she’ll admit it for sure. Know that, you can’t delay it any longer."

Arlan nodded in understanding as he listened to Yorian’s advice once more.

"Have you healed entirely?" Yorian inquired.

"Almost," Arlan replied, acknowledging the remaining healing needed.

"Before you proceed with the plan, you must ensure you’re fully healed yourself," Yorian cautioned. "Demons’ bodies are inherently drawn to absorb powers and essences. Even unintentionally, Oriana’s influence might affect you."