Chapter 681

Alexander deliberately exaggerated his viciousness, pulling Lily closer. He pressed his forehead to hers, murmuring, "Since I'm such a terrifying man, aren't you afraid of facing me every day?" Lily laughed louder at his playful expression, her sullen heart lightening. "Why should I be afraid? Should I worry that you'll eat me?"

"So you're not afraid?" Alexander snorted, holding her chin.

"Nope!" Lily shook her head, quickly kissing his lips and whispering, "It's not like you've never tried that before!"

Alexander didn't reply, noticing her flushed cheeks and the provocative undercurrent in her words. He did want to eat her, right then and there. Suppressing the impulse, he kissed her forehead. "It's easy to let a person die," he said. "Sometimes, living is more painful."

Lily fell silent at his words. He was right. If Henry were imprisoned in Sapphine, unable to leave, his suffering would be immense—a torment of proximity without attainment.

"Okay. You must be tired. Rest early and take care of yourself. We'll go back to Brown City after your grandfather's burial." After tidying the bedding, Alexander supported Lily, laying her down gently.

"Okay."

The Lodge family affairs were largely settled. With Justin in charge, Henry had no choice but to accept the situation. Jonathan had vanished and hadn't returned. Lily had nothing further to do there.

However, she harbored lingering fears about the two assassins she'd fought that day. Although she'd won, she worried about revenge. She knew they were Light-Shadow Killers, employed by the family, but she was unsure if their actions were personal or on behalf of the Riggs family.

She wondered why she'd spoken so freely to them—it had been reckless. And why had the Riggs family resurfaced after so many years? She could ask Justin if he knew anything.

Noticing Lily's wakefulness, Alexander covered her eyes, his voice half-threatening. "Don't think about it anymore."

Lily didn't tell him about the fight at the Lodge residence, nor did she plan to, at least not yet. Alexander probably didn't know; only the Lodge family had been present, and she didn't want to worry him.