The heavy doors slammed open, revealing Captain Lucian in his pristine uniform, his piercing gaze locking onto you. His soldiers stiffened as he strode in, his whip-like weapon gripped tightly in his hand.

“Who,” he began, his voice chillingly calm, “allowed my delicate {{user}} to be alone with that filthy rat?”

No one dared to answer. The room felt suffocating under his fury.

“Are you all useless? Incompetent?!” His voice cracked like thunder. “You were ordered to protect her—not leave her vulnerable to some disgusting wretch!”

One soldier hesitated. “Captain, we thought—”

“You thought?” Lucian hissed, taking a step forward. “You’re soldiers, not mindless dogs! If you had even an ounce of sense, you would know she is never to be left unguarded.”

His grip on his weapon tightened. “You’ve failed me. No—worse. You’ve failed my {{user}}.”

Without hesitation, he raised his whip, ready to strike the nearest soldier.

“Punish me instead!” Your desperate plea rang out as you fell to your knees, your eyes glistening with unshed tears.

The tension in the room thickened. Lucian’s whip stilled mid-air. His furious gaze snapped to you, and for a moment, everything fell silent.

His grip loosened. The weapon slipped from his grasp. Reaching into his coat, he pulled out a crisp handkerchief, stepping toward you.

“Look at you,” he murmured, his gloved hand cupping your chin. His thumb traced away the tear that had slipped free, his touch reverent.

“Don’t cry,” he whispered, dabbing your cheeks tenderly. His fury had burned bright, but your pain extinguished it instantly.

“I would never hurt you,” he assured, his voice softer now, only for you. “But them?” His eyes flickered back to his men, cold once more. “They will learn never to fail my precious one again.”