Talent Awakening: Draconic Overlord Of The Apocalypse

384  A Night Spent Outing

The mall was expansive. Shoppers wandered from store to store, their conversations blending into the background. Warm lights bathed the polished floors, and the faint aroma of coffee from a nearby café filled the air.

Alister stood near a sleek glass railing overlooking the lower floor. His presence was impossible to ignore.

He wore a fitted black turtleneck that emphasized his broad shoulders, paired with dark jeans and simple leather boots.

A silver watch rested on his wrist, its surface catching the light as he folded his arms. His expression was calm, almost disinterested, though his golden eyes carried a peaceful look within them.

Women passing by couldn't help but glance at him, some whispering to one another. A few braver souls paused to talk about him.

"Is that really the Dragon Lord?"

"Even better-looking in person…"

"Do you think I could maybe ask for his number?"

"No, don't you know he has a dragon girlfriend? Do you want to get eaten?"

"There was a bunch of talk about it online too."

"Wait, really?"

"Really!"

"Woah… so he's into monster girls?"

"Who knows… Some say it's because she has a killer human body."

"I heard it was because she can't refuse his orders, so he can do whatever he wants with her…"

"I mean, with a man like that, I'm sure any woman would be happy to let him have his way."

They giggled.

Alister sighed. Even though they were fairly far away, he could still hear everything they said.

'Sometimes the kinds of thoughts that run through the heads of women scare me,' he thought, with an exasperated look on his face.

His gaze wandered to a nearby clock. Noticing it was nearly past midnight, he muttered to himself, "Women always take their time dressing, in every era."

Suddenly, a voice piped up beside him. "Done waiting, big brother?"

Miyu stepped into view, her grin smug. She wore a cropped burgundy jacket over a simple white blouse, paired with ripped jeans and ankle boots. Her silver hair was tied into a casual ponytail, a playful sparkle in her golden eyes.

"I just finished dressing up your girlfriends," she teased, crossing her arms with a triumphant look. "Trust me, your mind's about to be blown."

Alister flicked her forehead, causing her to wince and grab her head.

"Stop teasing me," he said, sounding more exasperated than serious.

"My Lord… is this… okay?"

The soft voice pulled his attention. He turned, his arms dropping to his sides, and his eyes widened slightly.

Standing before him was Cinder, her appearance stunning. She wore a white turtleneck sweater that hugged her curvy figure perfectly, paired with a black skirt and leggings.

Her outfit was completed with red shoes that matched her crimson eyes and the faint blush on her cheeks. Her silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, complementing the white of her sweater beautifully.

For a moment, Alister said nothing, his golden gaze locked on her.

Cinder shifted nervously, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. Alister's silence, paired with the way he was staring, made her blush deepen. She glanced down, avoiding his gaze.

"If… you don't like it, my lord," she said softly, her voice trembling, "I'm willing to change…"

Alister's lips curved into a gentle smile.

"You look beautiful. I wouldn't have you change anything."

Her head lifted slightly, her shy expression softening into a smile. "Then… thank you, my lord."

Alister chuckled lightly. "Also, it's Alister while we're outside."

Cinder stiffened at his words, her eyes widening in shock. "But… my lord, I would never—"

"That's an order," Alister said firmly, though his tone remained calm.

Cinder hesitated, then nodded slowly. "…Alright… Alister."

The moment the word left her lips, the world seemed to slow around her. Her blush deepened, spreading across her cheeks as her crimson eyes met his golden ones. The weight of his gaze held her captive, and for a fleeting moment, it felt like nothing else existed.

Miyu chuckled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Who knew you were such a smooth talker, brother? So, when am I becoming an aunt? 'Cause I doubt that tongue of yours is only good for making women blush."

Alister sighed and flicked her head again, earning a sharp yelp from her. "Who's teaching you to talk like that?"

Miyu winced, rubbing the sore spot with both hands. "Ow, ow, owwww! You know you could really damage my brain if you keep hitting me that hard! Big brothers are supposed to protect their defenseless little sisters, not flick them to death."

Alister gave her a blank, slightly disappointed expression. "You're anything but defenseless."

Miyu clasped her hands over her chest dramatically, her head tilting back as if mourning some great loss.

"The big brother I knew, who always bought me macaroons and told me all sorts of stories, would never say that. Tell me, where did that loving big brother go? Oh, how I miss him."

Alister sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair as he gave her an exhausted look. "Now you're just being overdramatic."

"You used to be annoying, but this… this is something else."

Miyu planted her hands on her hips, puffing out her chest proudly. "That's because I've grown, big bro." She gave him a sly grin. "In fact, one of these days, these feminine wiles of mine will score me a boyfriend."

Alister's arms dropped to his sides as his expression changed, calm and eerily composed. He took a slow step forward, fixing her with a steady gaze. "I don't doubt it, but those who try will have to prove themselves."

Miyu blinked, momentarily stunned. Her hands dropped to her sides as she tilted her head at him. "What?"

Alister's tone was as steady as his gaze. "Simple."

"Anyone who wants to be your boyfriend will have to beat me in a spar."

Miyu's lips twitched into an amused, almost cat-like smile. She folded her arms and leaned slightly toward him.

"Ohhh, what's this?" She took a step closer, tilting her head to meet his gaze, her grin widening.

"I never knew my brother doted on me like this." Her tone grew more playful as she placed a finger on his chest and poked lightly.

"How do you manage to keep all this love away from me? Aren't doting big brothers supposed to be more open with their feelings?"

Alister sighed again, shaking his head as he reached up to flick her forehead lightly once more.

Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me!

Zurbluris