Samuel stood still as shock took hold of him, and his heartbeat slammed against his chest. He never thought he would hear something like that.

Instead of being used or mistreated by Lillian, he found himself in a position he couldn't even begin to process. She didn't treat him like an object. She regarded him as the only male for her.

Did that really mean he was the only one she chose?

That moved him more than anything else ever had. It sounded almost too good to be real. Still, doubt lingered in his mind, because he knew better than to trust a female easily.

However, at this moment, all he could do was comply.

"I understand," he replied as he lowered himself and pressed a soft kiss against her hand.

Without wasting time, Lillian ordered a set of clothes for Samuel online. After that, she told him to head into the bathroom and wash up. She planned to deal with his injuries once he was done.

While he stayed in the shower, she moved around the kitchen, putting together something to eat while also checking her emails.

She received a list showing the new males assigned to her. This time, the number caught her off guard. There were three.

"Name: Erik Harvey. Species: Succubine. Level: Unknown."

"Name: Nikolas Dixon. Species: Merman. Level: Unknown."

"Name: Darren Lloyd. Species: Vampire. Level: Unknown."

Lillian's brows pulled together as she read through it again. Something didn't add up. Based on what she knew, each bonded male should have a visible level. Yet none of these entries showed one. On top of that, their species were far from ordinary.

She studied the names more closely, and one of them made her pause.

Nikolas Dixon. That name wasn't unfamiliar. It was the name of the heir to B32 Planet, the son of Leviathan.

Lillian's eyes widened as the realization hit, though she quickly tried to dismiss it. The male probably just had the same name as Leviathan's son.

No matter how she looked at it, the situation made no sense to her. With her weak spiritual power and her barely useful F-level esper ability, she had always depended on raw strength to kill aberrant beasts. Someone like her shouldn't even be considered for a bond with Leviathan's son.

There was no way the Yggdrasil assigned someone like that as her fated mate, right?

A heavy weight settled over Lillian as the thought sank in. If "unknown" meant their level had already surpassed S-level and the system had locked it, then dealing with any of the three males would be far beyond what she could handle.

After thinking about the matter for a while, she finally reached out to the bonding center. She explained her situation clearly, stating that her weak ability and F-level spiritual power made it impossible for her to properly soothe any male. She requested that the bonds this time be canceled.

However, her request was denied.

"Yggdrasil's decisions are final when it comes to bond assignments, and there is no reversing them. You have already canceled your bonds once. If you wish to apply again, you'll have to wait three months. Until then, you are expected to get along with any males assigned to you. Who knows, things might work in your favor."

Letting out a quiet sigh, Lillian tried to steady herself and look at the situation from a different angle. If those men truly came from such powerful backgrounds, then they probably wouldn't take any interest in her at all.

There was a chance they would request to cancel the bonds themselves, and that would solve everything for her.

At that same time, the system's allocation reached the males.

In the depths of Ember Planet, an endless stretch of darkness swallowed everything within Rapture City. Chaos ruled the underground as Succubine factions clashed, leaving the streets soaked in blood.

Seated on his throne, Erik, the King of Succubine, found himself surrounded as the uprising unfolded. The rebellion had been set in motion long before, leaving him with no chance to arrange his guards to fight back. Before he could react, Alice Campbell's attack struck, driving a weapon straight into his heart.

With his guards holding the line behind him, Erik forced open a tear in space and threw himself through it, escaping into the vast emptiness beyond.

He eventually landed in the Aberrant Thicket on Azure Planet. Blood soaked through his body, and his silver hair clung to him in tangled strands, streaked with dirt. It took effort just to move, and he had to brace himself against a tree to stay upright while he struggled to steady his breathing. His strength had been drained, and his body reacted by slipping into rut. At that exact moment, Yggdrasil's bond assignment reached him.

He opened his communicator and glanced at the screen, and the haze in his eyes cleared at once.

"Bond with a domina?"

Being the King of Succubine, he had never once needed anyone to soothe him, so this sudden arrangement made no sense to him.

A cough tore from his throat as he tried to gather his power, yet nothing responded the way it should. No matter how he pushed, he couldn't control his own energy.

The attack he had taken earlier wasn't ordinary. Alice had struck him with a Soulreaper Bolt, a weapon meant to drain life force, and it was designed to work against the Succubine bloodline. The wound wouldn't kill him outright, but it would continue to consume his life force, just like a slow and steady bleed.

At this rate, he wouldn't last longer than three months, unless he found a way to replenish his strength with a strong external source.

His eyes dropped back to the communicator as he read the details again. "Bonded Domina: Lillian Clark. Spiritual Power Level: F. Esper Ability Level: F. Residence: No. 17 Rosary Lane, District 3, Azure Planet."

F-level?

Erik went still for a moment before a harsh laugh broke out of him. The sound came low and dry, edged with anger.

"Yggdrasil," he called out, lifting his gaze toward the broken canopy above, "are you trying to help me, or is this some kind of joke?"

He was the King of Succubine. His kind excelled at wielding the power of enticement and using it to bend wills. He could command an army with his spiritual power, but now, he had to rely on an F-level female to soothe him?

Could she even manage that?

No matter how he looked at it, the situation sounded ridiculous.

Even so, the truth remained unchanged. He didn't have the option to refuse. If he wanted to survive, he would have to go find Lillian.

Far away, in Leviathan's Deep on B32 Planet.

Nikolas sat on a throne carved from crystal. A rare diamond spun between his fingers as his eyes drifted toward the figure kneeling before him.

"A domina? I'm being assigned to a domina?" he said.

Kneeling with one knee pressed to the floor, his subordinate could feel the surface beneath him cracking under the pressure in the air. Even so, he forced himself to respond.

"Yes. Yggdrasil has paired you with a domina from Azure Planet."

At the mention of that place, something in Nikolas shifted. His gaze sharpened, and a name slipped from his lips without thought. "Is it Justine Clark?"

If it turned out to be that S-level female, then the matter would be somewhat acceptable.

The subordinate hesitated for a moment before answering, his unease growing, "No, that's not the case. Based on what we found, your domina only has an F-level spiritual power. She's Ms. Justine Clark's older sister. Her name is Lillian Clark."

Nikolas tightened his grip ever so slightly at that. The pink diamond between his fingers shattered into dust in an instant.

"How could that be? Yggdrasil is giving me a useless domina?" Anger flashed across Nikolas' face as his expression darkened.

Silence spread through the hall, thick and suffocating. No one dared to respond. They all understood Nikolas' temper, especially when it came to females. Over the years, the only one he had ever tolerated near him was Justine.

Lucas Hampton, Nikolas' advisor, was the only one who stepped forward, breaking the silence. "Mr. Dixon, I know your preference lies with Ms. Justine Clark, but Yggdrasil's decisions aren't something we can ignore. You'll have to make a trip to Azure Planet and meet the domina assigned to you."

A cold edge crept into Nikolas' voice as he responded, "And if I choose not to?"

Carefully choosing his words, Lucas replied, "Your esper ability has just advanced, and that has pushed you into rut. You need someone to soothe you. An F-level female won't be able to handle that. You could approach Justine directly. Offer Lillian a sufficient amount of beast cores and convince her to give up the bond on her own. That would settle everything."

Nikolas fell quiet for a brief moment before speaking again. "You think she'd actually agree to sever the bond with me?"

From his perspective, females at that level usually reacted the same way. Once they learned who he was, they would cling to the bond Yggdrasil had given them and refuse to let go.

Confidence showed in Lucas' tone. "I've already looked into her situation. Lillian doesn't hold any real standing in her family. Even as a female, she lives under poor conditions. If you present the right offer, she won't hesitate to accept."

If possible, he would prefer to simply bring Lillian here for negotiation. But in this era, females were too rare, and Yggdrasil ensured their protection. No male had the authority to force anything on them. Their status stood above all.

A faint chill settled in Nikolas' tone as he made his decision. "Then she'd better accept. If she refuses, I'll find another way around Yggdrasil and force her to sever the bond."

He wasn't planning to kill her or anything. Instead, he would push her further into hardship, tightening the pressure until she had no choice but to give in and end the bond.

When Lillian set the dishes on the table, Samuel stepped out of the bathroom after his shower.

The black shirt Lillian had ordered for him clung to his frame the moment he put it on. Even though she had picked the largest size available, it was still a bit small for him. The fabric stretched across his chest and arms, tracing the shape of his muscles.

Lillian's eyes paused on him for a brief second before she pulled her attention away. She motioned toward the table and spoke. "I made a steak salad. Do you want to try it, or would you rather have nutri-fluid?"

"Steak salad?" Curiosity showed on Samuel's face as he walked closer and looked at the meal in front of him. His gaze fixed on the delicious food. He swallowed before continuing, "I don't usually see anyone around me eating something like this."

Most people he knew relied on simple substitutes like nutri-fluid or tablets. Cooking felt unnecessary when food could be replaced so easily.

A faint smile appeared on Lillian's lips. "It's just something I'm used to. Go ahead and try it if you want."

Taking a seat, Samuel picked up the utensils with a bit of hesitation. He cut a small piece of steak and brought it to his mouth. The moment he tasted it, his expression shifted, and a low sound came from his stomach without warning.

He didn't stop after that. Within moments, the entire plate was gone, and he clearly wanted more.

"I've never had anything so delicious before," he remarked, turning toward Lillian with admiration in his eyes.

Under the soft light, his sapphire-blue eyes caught a faint glow. They no longer carried the wild, blood-stained intensity she had seen back in the underground arena.

No one had ever looked at her like that before. In his gaze, Lillian saw something she wasn't used to, like he truly saw her as someone worth noticing.

A quiet warmth colored her voice as she spoke. "If it suits your taste, I can prepare it for you again next time."

"You're being too good to me. Tell me what you need from me," Samuel said, his tone low and steady, as gratitude showed in his eyes while he reached for her hand and held it carefully. "Whatever it is, I'll do it."

Lillian understood her own intentions clearly, yet putting them into words would ruin the moment and break the fragile connection they had.

After taking a moment, she finally answered, "I feel lonely in this world. If you stay by my side, I'd be content. Still, if you ever decide to leave me, I won't stop you."

"That won't happen. I'm not going anywhere. I promise with my life that I will not leave you, my lady," Samuel replied without hesitation, his eyes fixed on hers as he stepped closer and put her hand on his chest.

"My name is Lillian Clark." A faint smile touched Lillian's lips as she spoke. "You can call me Lily. From now on, we'll rely on each other."

For someone in his position, being allowed to call a female her nickname was unthinkable. It was something only a bonded male would be granted. The weight of it left Samuel frozen, unsure how to respond for a moment. Part of him couldn't help but wonder if everything he had endured before led to this. Had fate finally pitied him, placing someone like Lillian in his path?

Yet that thought didn't fully ease his mind. Maybe Lillian was just putting on an act.

Something about this felt too perfect, and he couldn't decide whether to accept it or keep his guard up.

After the meal, Lillian applied the ointment she had prepared to the wounds on Samuel's body that hadn't been treated yet. When it came to his broken bones, he reassured her without hesitation, explaining that his werewolf recovery far exceeded that of others. After he took the medicine from her, the healing wouldn't take long, so there was no need for concern.

Hearing that allowed Lillian to relax a little. She gathered the herbs she had collected from the Aberrant Thicket and put them away. Her plan was simple. She would trade them at a nearby apothecary for more medical supplies.

When everything was in order, she headed out with Samuel toward the shop.

The moment they stepped out, she picked up on his discomfort.

Every movement around him seemed to set him on edge. His body stayed tense, and his expression remained hostile as people passed by. The way he carried himself gave off a sharp, unwelcoming presence, and it didn't go unnoticed. A child who happened to look his way broke into tears, frightened by the sight of him.

With no other option, Lillian crouched down and handed the child a piece of candy to comfort him. After that, she reached for Samuel's hand and held it firmly, trying to steady him as she spoke. "Have you ever been to a place like this before?"

Samuel shook his head. "Slaves weren't allowed to go anywhere. I've only known life underground."

Everything around him felt unfamiliar, and the conditions he had endured before made it difficult for him to loosen up.

Lillian unwrapped another piece of candy and brought it close to his lips. "Samuel, this area is safe. No one's going to hurt you here. If it starts to feel like too much, just let me know. I'll soothe you."

Back in the underground arena, Samuel had seen more than enough of arrogant females.

They would sit high above the fights in private boxes, holding glasses of wine, dressed in fine clothes with perfect makeup.

Whenever they looked at him, their eyes held the same cold indifference. To them, he was no different from an aberrant beast being torn apart for entertainment.

But none of that ever appeared in Lillian's gaze. When she looked at him, her eyes were gentle. It seemed like she didn't look down on him at all.

He couldn't tell if she was playing some kind of game or if she truly meant it when she treated him like this.

Lowering himself slightly, Samuel let his eyes meet hers, steady and searching. "How about soothing me right now?" he asked without warning.

Lillian's breath hitched as his presence drew closer. There was something about him that pulled at her, but she snapped back from her daze quickly. They were still in public.

"I'm sorry," Samuel said when he noticed her reaction. "I didn't mean to—"

Before he could finish speaking, Lillian reached up and looped her arms around his neck. A quick kiss landed on his cheek.

A faint flush spread across her face as she spoke in a low voice. "I don't want to lose my composure out here. Can you wait until we're home?"

She knew if she went any further, she might not be able to hold herself together.

Samuel's heartbeat sped up. His gaze stayed on Lillian's face, and his breathing grew uneven.

He caught her finger gently between his teeth and took the candy from her with his mouth. "Alright."

At that same moment, Waylon and Jaycob passed by and caught sight of them. The scene stopped them where they stood. Anger crept in, followed closely by jealousy.

Only then did they realize how striking Lillian was. And neither of them had ever seen her act like that before. She had never shown them that kind of closeness. So why did she give it so easily to this male? Was it because he was taller and stronger than them?

Inside the shop, Declan Carter, the owner, examined the herbs Lillian had brought. After checking their quality, he handed her the correct amount of medical supplies based on the current value of the herbs.

He and Lillian were already quite familiar with each other, so when he saw a new male standing beside her, he asked with curiosity, "So, is he your new fated mate?"

"No, he's my friend." Lillian gave a faint smile. "Why are there so many people outside today?"

"Vornia Academy is hosting the Bloom Festival," Declan said. "Have you ever thought about enrolling there? Their lead medical professor is a vampire who has been studying medicine since he was human. He's got over a thousand years of experience. You might even discover ways to enhance your spiritual power there."

Samuel caught a brief flicker of something dark in Lillian's eyes before she replied, "I don't have the time for school, and the tuition is too high."

Vornia Academy was known as the best school on Azure Planet, offering top-tier resources reserved exclusively for females. But getting in wasn't just about meeting academic requirements; it also demanded extensive knowledge and significant financial backing.

Justine was currently studying there, already in her second year, receiving a premium level of education.

Lillian, on the other hand, had always been labeled a failure by her family. She was barely managing to survive on her own, let alone pursue her studies. Even though she had four million stellar coins along with some savings, they still weren't enough to pay the tuition.

"Didn't you see the announcement? They revised their policy this year. If you're outstanding enough, you can qualify for a grant and attend without paying," Declan said, passing Lillian a registration form. "Today's the deadline. Do you want to give it a try? I can help you submit your application."

Lillian paused for a moment, a spark of excitement flashing across her eyes. "Yes, I've been so caught up hunting aberrant beasts that I completely missed this!"

Just as she started filling out the form, a familiar, mocking voice came from behind her.

It was Waylon. Having overheard her intention to apply to Vornia Academy, he couldn't resist mocking her, saying, "Lillian, you should be more realistic about your goals."

Samuel noticed Lillian's expression darken slightly and immediately turned toward the two men nearby, his guard up.

Standing next to Waylon, Jaycob, who was holding a bouquet meant for Justine, looked at Samuel and said, "Man, don't you know your female only has an F-level spiritual power? She's basically useless! She can't even soothe a sparrow, yet she thinks she can get into Vornia Academy. She must be dreaming."

By now, Lillian had learned to let their scornful words pass over her like wind. She stayed focused on filling out the form, ignoring them completely and missing the growing coldness in Samuel's eyes.

Waylon looked Samuel up and down, his eyes settling on the gray wolf ears that refused to retract. He smirked at Lillian.

"So this is the werewolf you ended up with? He can't even hide his ears. Must be some low-grade stray from Rogue Planet. Just look at him. Pathetic. I bet he can't even afford basic nutri-fluid. With such a useless female by his side, I'm sure he'll starve to death soon."

Samuel's ears flattened abruptly, not because of the insults thrown at him but because he saw Lillian's hand pause mid-writing.

It lasted only a second, but it told him everything about the kind of hurt this seemingly gentle, angel-like female had gone through in the past.

"Let's leave," Lillian said to Samuel. She set the pen down, folded the registration form, and slipped it into her bag, her voice steady as though none of it had affected her. "I have the form now. I'll complete it later."

She turned and started to walk away.

Samuel reached out and lightly took her hand, his voice low as he said, "I won't stand by and let anyone treat you like that."

Waylon moved quickly, stepping in front of them to block their path. "Lillian, I'm telling you, a failure like you should stay at home instead of coming out here to embarrass Justine—"

He didn't get the chance to finish his words.

Samuel's fist slammed into his face with a heavy thud.

It happened so quickly that even Lillian didn't have time to react before Waylon was sent flying, his body crashing hard into two trash cans by the roadside.

"Samuel!" Lillian cried out, stunned.

Jaycob froze for a brief second, then immediately assumed a fighting stance and charged at Samuel.

Samuel didn't even bother to look at him.

He simply flicked his hand, and Jaycob was pushed away, his body tracing a clean arc through the air before landing hard in the middle of the street.

Jaycob and Waylon were both A-level males, yet they couldn't withstand even a single move from Samuel!

Lillian stood there in shock.

There was no doubt about it; Samuel had to be an S-level male.

Not far away, Justine stood with a composed smile, speaking gracefully with Darren. Suddenly, Jaycob dropped from above and hit the ground right in front of her, sending dust flying into the air.

Dirt splashed onto Justine's dress. Jaycob looked up at her, his face twisted in pain, and called her name weakly.

The smile on Justine's face froze.

People passing by began to slow down, turning their attention to the scene and whispering among themselves.

Justine drew a steady breath, forcing down her irritation, and asked in a soft tone, "What happened?"

Jaycob struggled to his feet, wincing. "Lillian's male attacked Waylon and me."

Justine's expression changed at once.

She had always taken pride in standing above Lillian, gaining admiration by keeping her suppressed. Yet now, the two males she had deliberately taken from Lillian, both A-level, had been injured by Lillian's new male?

Could it be that Lillian had somehow bonded with an S-level male?

As Justine looked up, searching for Lillian, she found that Lillian had already left with Samuel.

Waylon, still burning with humiliation, walked over and said, "Lillian was talking about enrolling in Vornia Academy earlier. I just told her to be realistic, and her male immediately attacked us."

Justine instinctively glanced at Darren and noticed that his attention was fixed in the direction Lillian had gone.

Her chest tightened. Quickly, she dismissed Waylon and Jaycob, then turned back to Darren. "I'm sorry you had to see that. I didn't handle my family matters well."

"Lillian is your sister?" Darren asked.

Justine gave a small nod, putting on a helpless expression. "She only has an F-level spiritual power, is quite lazy, and has never made any effort to improve. On top of that, she has a terrible temper and often mistreats the males bonded to her. Waylon and Jaycob are ones I took in after rescuing them from Lillian's side."

Some nearby students overheard her words and quickly said, "We've heard about Justine's sister, Mr. Lloyd. Her reputation is awful; she's always bullying Justine. If someone like her were admitted, it would bring shame to Vornia Academy."