Chapter 16: The King Who Went Mad Over Human Girl

Valex watched Odesse as she danced, smirking at the sight of her graceful smile. Suddenly, a man approached from behind Valex’s seat; it was Kael, who leaned in to whisper something. Valex nodded and stood up gracefully. While the crowd was distracted by the dancers, Valex turned to a soldier nearby and instructed him, "Watch over Odesse. Do not let her out of your sight." The soldier nodded in response, saying, "Yes, sir."

Valex returned his gaze to Odesse, who was still dancing, and smiled. Kael noticed this and Valex turned to him with a malicious smirk. "Let’s go," he said, walking ahead while Kael followed closely behind. They ventured into the darkening forest, where the moon began to rise.

In the shadows, they found a man, beaten and tied up, looking as though he were on the verge of death, surrounded by four soldiers. Valex approached him, kneeling to examine his face. "So, you are the spy who has been infiltrating my kingdom without fear these past few days," Valex remarked. He took a glove from Kael and wore it on his right hand, then lifted the man’s chin to inspect the damage. "You guys really beat him to a pulp," he chastised his soldiers. "I don’t think he looks human anymore, but I am disappointed" The soldiers appeared surprised, and Valex added, "You didn’t break any of his fingers." Their eyes widened in fear.

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