novelraw Chapter 218: The bait
Chapter 218: The bait
Nina looked at Zena, a trace of scrutiny entering her eyes.
The moment they heard her words, Sal and Aviel grew wary. Something about Zena felt off, as though she were lying.
The female in that cave had clearly been Nina.
Unless they had experienced the same thing at roughly the same time, which seemed unlikely. The numbers did not match. There had been more than just two males that day.
Despite Zena’s claim, Yanai still had his doubts. "How did you attract those two males that day?" he asked.
At that question, Sal and Aviel immediately sensed something suspicious.
Why would that wolf suddenly care about such matters between males and females? There had to be something going on.
Could he have been involved with this Zena?
If that were true, then he could be removed from the list of rivals. A male like that was not worthy of their Nina.
Their thoughts drifted back to what had happened at the hot spring. That wolf had clearly been with Nina that night...
Yet the next day, he had suddenly left on his own. Could it be because of this?
If so, they should have thrown him out back then.
They turned toward Yanai, their gazes turning cold.
Nina also found it strange. Yanai did not seem like the type to concern himself with such things. Did he want to help Zena find those two males, or did he know something?
Curiosity stirred within her as she waited to hear Zena’s answer.
Setan, on the other hand, felt his nerves tighten. He, too, wanted to hear what Zena would say.
A faint hope rose within him. What if it was not her? What if there had been some mistake?
If that were the case, he would not have to force himself to take another female as his mate.
Perhaps, given enough time, that uncontrollable flutter in his heart would fade. Perhaps he could forget her.
"My scent is...special," Zena said calmly. "It can lure males. Especially after being drugged into an induced heat, its effect becomes overwhelmingly strong."
She had prepared this explanation long ago.
Raising a brow slightly, she looked at Yanai. "You should know that, shouldn’t you?"
Had he not just experienced it yesterday? Even if he had not been fully affected, he must have felt something.
All eyes turned toward Yanai.
Sal and Aviel exchanged a look. So the wolf really did have something going on with her. Otherwise, how would he know?
From now on, they would not let him get anywhere near Nina. He did not deserve it.
Nina, too, was startled. What did Zena mean by that? Did they know each other?
Yet doubt lingered in her mind. Why did Zena’s situation sound so similar to her own? Could there really be such a coincidence?
Even if coincidences did happen, she could not help but remain on guard.
The other males watched with keen interest. Who would have thought that Yanai had been involved with such a beautiful female in secret?
Recalling how he had treated Nina before, irritation quickly rose within them.
He already had another female, yet he still pursued Nina. What a fickle, shameless male.
The light in Setan’s eyes dimmed completely. Everything Zena described matched what had happened that day.
So it really was her.
He glanced at Yanai. She had said there were two males. Did that mean he was one of them as well?
Yanai felt the weight of everyone’s gaze and instinctively looked away, his fingers tightening against the fabric of his clothes.
He could not deny it. Yet he did not know how to deny it either.
Because it was possible that he really had been with this female...
His thoughts churned in turmoil. Everything she said matched that night perfectly. Could it truly have been her?
What should he do now? Admit that he was one of those males?
He stole a careful glance at Nina.
No. He could not say it.
If he did, Nina would never allow him to remain by her side.
He could not leave her. Nor could he bear the thought of her looking at him with disdain.
A trace of cold resolve flickered in Yanai’s eyes.
This female...he would have to find a way to deal with her.
Zena watched Yanai’s and Setan’s reactions with quiet amusement.
So, the two of them believed her.
Yanai’s silence only convinced the others further, and one by one, the males began to sneer inwardly at him.
That shameless male. From now on, he would not be allowed within half a step of Nina.
At this moment, Yanai had no idea he had already been collectively pushed out.
He was still preoccupied with how to deal with Zena.
The little ones were sensitive to emotional shifts. They looked around in confusion. Why did it feel like Sal and the others suddenly disliked Uncle Yanai?
The atmosphere turned subtly tense.
Just then, the communicator on Nina’s wrist vibrated. She answered it right away.
"Nina, where are you? We’ve reached the eastern side," Odian’s voice came through.
"I’m at..."
Nina gave her location, and they quickly made their way over.
When Odian and the others arrived at the entrance, Nina stood and said her goodbyes.
"My mates are here. I’ll be going now," Nina said to Zena.
"Alright. Be careful on your way."
Zena hesitated, then could not help but add, "Nina, it’s best not to go near the city lord’s residence. It’s very dangerous. There’s something...terrifying there."
"You mean Yosan? Your great shaman?" Nina asked.
She had the feeling Zena knew more than she let on. And strangely, there was a trace of goodwill in her attitude.
Zena bit her lip, hesitating before replying, "No. Something far more terrifying than him. You should leave this place as soon as possible, or you may be in danger."
She did not know everything, but she knew enough. Compared to that existence, Yosan was insignificant.
That being was terrifyingly powerful.
"Alright. I understand. Thank you," Nina said.
This encounter likely had not been a coincidence. But she did not feel Zena was truly malicious. Perhaps she, too, had her own reasons.
Zena smiled faintly, hoping Nina would leave safely.
After saying goodbye, Nina left with Odian and the others.
Setan stayed behind.
Yanai hesitated, then deliberately lagged behind as well.
He needed to make things clear with Zena.
Seeing both Setan and Yanai remain, Zena’s lips curved slightly.
So they had taken the bait.
"Why haven’t you left?" she asked, though she already knew the answer.
"Zena, I was one of the males in that cave," Yanai said directly. "I stayed to ask what compensation you want."
"Compensation?" Zena echoed, intrigued.
"Yes. What happened that day was an accident, but you were still affected. I’ll compensate you. Beast crystals, spirit stones, anything you want," Yanai replied.
"I don’t want any of that. I want you," Zena smiled.
Yanai’s expression turned cold. "I already have someone I love. I will only stay by her side in this lifetime. There will never be anything between us. You should think of something else."
"But I want you to take responsibility," Zena insisted.
"Responsibility?" Yanai’s voice grew sharper. "You were not willing that day, but neither was I. There is no obligation between us. Still, because you are a female, I will compensate you. If you won’t choose, I will decide for you."
"You really are heartless," Zena said with a soft laugh.
Yanai, sensing her intent was fixed on him, said nothing more. He left behind a pile of beast crystals and spirit stones before turning away.
It was enough for her to live comfortably in Barbarian City for a long time. He owed her nothing now.
Zena watched his departing figure and let out a quiet scoff, then turned her gaze to Setan.
"And you?"