Chapter 301: Shooting Star.

Chapter 301: 301: Shooting Star.

Silence lingered between them for a while as Ayra stared at him. Nyx kept his eyes on the shimmering water before finally continuing.

"I’m a monster to everyone... Even to my own people..." He bit his lower lip, staring at his scarred palms and claws. "Maybe these special abilities were a curse after all..."

"Because they made me a monster in everyone’s eyes. When I was young and still living in my tribe, everyone was scared of me. No one wanted to get too close. Even my parents..." He scoffed before adding, "I guess I can’t blame them. No one would want to get too close to danger..."

He sighed, his gaze fixed on the water. "Back then, I couldn’t even control myself the way I somewhat can now, so it was even worse..." A faint smile crossed his face. "Probably why I ended up leaving my tribe..."

Ayra sat quietly, listening attentively to his words.

"Certainly, no female was crazy enough to say she wanted to make me her mate. I understood them, though. I was a monster who scared everyone away..."

He sighed and turned to Ayra. "So you don’t have to lie just to make me feel better. You can agree that I’m a monster with no good attributes, too. I’m already used to it."

Their eyes met, and Ayra let out a soft, gentle smile.

"What? Why are you laughing...?"

Ayra shook her head and rose to her feet. She walked over to stand beside Nyx, turning her gaze toward the water as well. For a moment, neither of them spoke.

"I believe my reputation has been even worse," she said with a smile. "The infamous villainess of the land who did everything wrong..." She turned to look at him. "So maybe we’re a match made in heaven, then."

"...."

Nyx stared at her, unsure of what to say, as she continued.

"I don’t see any reason to lie if that’s genuinely what I think." She smiled warmly at him. "It’s not your fault, so that shouldn’t define you. And you shouldn’t define yourself that way, either."

"In my eyes, you’re just a big, warm cat with a big heart. I can’t see a monster at all. So neither should you. Don’t let other people’s opinions define you, okay?"

Her smile was contagious, enough to make Nyx’s heart flutter as he stared at her. He couldn’t believe her words, yet they were the most genuine and moving things he’d heard in a very long time.

"So..." Ayra smiled as she gazed at the water. "I don’t care what anyone else says. As long as I see you as a big, kind cat, that’s all that matters. And I’ll stick to that."

Watching her, Nyx couldn’t help smiling at her words and expression.

"Oh, you’re smiling..." Ayra pointed out, making him instantly turn away.

"No, I’m not..." he denied.

Ayra smiled. "You should smile more. It really looks good on you. Just like Lynn."

Nyx turned back toward her, and their eyes lingered on each other for a while.

As they sat there gazing at one another, Ayra suddenly heard the system beep.

[Ding! Congratulations, Host! Nyx’s Affection Level has increased immensely!]

[Wild Cat: +30 = 90%]

[Host, Nyx is growing deeply attracted to and comfortable with you. You have made Nyx feel extremely safe and deeply moved!]

[Congratulations, Host! Your genuine kindness is winning him over!]

Ayra raised an eyebrow, impressed by the sudden spike. She had almost completely forgotten about the task she’d come here for in the first place, having been too busy feeling sorry for this big cat.

Still, she was happy that her words had at least made him feel better.

"I think..." Nyx looked away, trying to keep his heart from beating so fast. "We should head back now..."

But Ayra wasn’t ready to leave just yet.

"Already? Let’s stay a little longer. I want to spend more time with you," she said directly.

Nyx stared at her. "With me...? Why...?"

Ayra smiled. "Why not?" she teased, taking his hand. "The night sky is beautiful, and I feel like we might get to see a shooting star. So why not sit here and watch?"

"That..." Nyx hesitated as Ayra held his arms.

"Oh... You don’t want to spend time with me?" Ayra pouted slightly before letting go of his arms. "It’s okay... I understand..."

"Oh, no! That’s not what I mean... I want to spend time with you, too..."

"...."

Ayra blinked, tilting her head.

"That’s..." Nyx hadn’t expected the words to come out so directly. Feeling awkward, he scratched his head. "I mean... Don’t you want to go to sleep or something...?"

Ayra smiled and shook her head. "No, at least I’m not sleepy yet. So... let’s go see some stars!"

She grabbed his arms again, and this time, he didn’t protest. Instead, he simply followed her.

---

Ayra led him all the way to their destination.

They arrived at an elevated patch of land near the tribe, where a huge tree stood. They settled beneath it, leaning against its trunk as they gazed into the distance.

From their vantage point, they could see the tribe below, with the men pacing around while others sat by the fire, eating and drinking.

The bustling scene stretched out beneath them, while the vast night sky spread overhead. As they looked up, they became engrossed in the sight of the stars glimmering and dancing around the full moon.

Ayra sat with her knees hugged to her chest, staring intently at the sky as she waited for the shooting star. A smile played on her lips as she watched with eager anticipation.

Nyx, on the other hand, sat beside her, occasionally stealing glances at her before turning his attention back to the sky.

They sat quietly, waiting for the shooting star to appear. And Nyx was waiting for something else, too, though he wasn’t quite sure what it was.

"What are we waiting for...?" Nyx finally asked.

"Shuu! It’s coming!"