Chapter 188
Nina blinked at the line of males kneeling before her, utterly puzzled.
Aviel lowered his head, guilt written all over him.
“Nina, I’ve committed a grave wrong. Use the ghost-cry vines—whip me as hard as you like. Maybe it’ll ease your anger p>
His voice trembled with restraint.
“And… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have broken off the engagement. I shouldn’t have said those things about you p>
He hesitated, careful, almost afraid.
“I know my mistakes are serious. This punishment is far from enough—you can add anything you want. But… could you forgive me? Just once p>
With dragonkind’s powerful defenses, ordinary punishment barely hurt.
He knew that. And that only made him feel worse.
He could only hope… that for the sake of Linny, she might give him one chance.
“Nina, me too.” Finch lifted his head, eyes full of pleading. “You can punish me as well—hit me harder if you want. I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have broken the engagement… I shouldn’t have said those things p>
“You can punish me however you wish. I’m begging you… just forgive me once. Don’t send me away p>
He didn’t want to leave her. He just wanted to stay by her side.
“Nina… me too.” Lex’s eyes were filled with remorse. “Punish me for as many days as you want. I’m sorry. I’ve done so many terrible things to you. I’ll accept any punishment—anything at all. I just… hope you’ll still let me stay p>
He no longer dared to hope for the position of a mate. Being allowed to remain near her would already be enough.
Yanai stepped forward, his expression hollow, his eyes filled with despair.
“Nina… just kill me.” His voice was steady—too steady. “I don’t deserve to stay by your side. Instead of leaving… I’d rather die and atone. Maybe then… you won’t hate me anymore p>
The words fell like a thunderclap.
Everyone froze.
Aviel and the others stared at him in shock.
Wait—what p>
This wolf had gone that far p>
Sure, they had all made unforgivable mistakes, and yes, they weren’t afraid of death, but they still wanted to stay with Nina!
If he went this far, what were they supposed to do?
If they didn’t match that level of sincerity, would Nina think they weren’t serious enough?
But if they died, they’d never see her again.
This is quite a dilemma!
Odian raised a brow slightly.
Is this wolf serious?
Sal smirked faintly.
Regretting it now, huh? Serves you right.
Mino sighed softly.
I understand… brother. Farewell.
Aron let out a long, tragic sigh.
Was his useless son… really done for? Did that mean he had to go back and ask his mate for another child?
Otherwise… wouldn’t his bloodline end here?
Taru and the others were stunned.
Wow… that kid from Aron’s family really has guts.
Ming patted his chest in relief.
Thank goodness Nina had already forgiven his son—otherwise, he might have ended up childless too.
Taru glanced at Finch.
Wait… am I about to lose a son as well?
Lani looked toward Lex.
Seems like I’ll have to count on Dian to step up p>
Well, at least he already had five children.
Rosen hugged Mimi, completely unfazed.
It’s fine. I have plenty of children. Losing one isn’t the end of the world.
Dian quietly swallowed the clever, flattering words he had been about to say.
Ridan and the others turned their faces away.
Brother… you’ve got some guts.
They wouldn’t be seeing him off.
Setan and his group stood there, mouths slightly open.
How deep does love have to run for this?
Just breaking off an engagement—and he was ready to die to atone?
The lion clan males instinctively glanced at their leader.
Would he… end up like this one day?
Setan shot them a cold look. “What are you staring at? There’s no way I’d act like that. I didn’t break off an engagement with my female—I only got rid of a bad one. My future mate will definitely understand me p>
The lion clan males exchanged subtle looks.
Why did they suddenly feel a strange sense of anticipation?
They turned their gazes back to Nina.
This female… her charm was undeniable. To make so many powerful males act like this—it was almost unbelievable.
And yet, after spending even a short time with her, they couldn’t deny it. She was beautiful, gentle, polite, and kind. It was only natural for males to be drawn to her.
For a fleeting moment, they even allowed themselves to imagine her as their lord’s mate. But seeing the powerful males already at her side, they knew their chances were slim.
Still… if their city lord didn’t have that mysterious “dream female maybe—
Well.
He might just be good enough.
Nina, meanwhile, was momentarily stunned.
“Yanai… you p>
She let out a soft sigh. “It’s not that serious. I don’t blame you anymore p>
Along the journey, he had taken care of her in every way possible. She had already let go of the past.
Yanai’s eyes reddened, filled with regret.
“But I blame myself,” he said hoarsely. “I hate myself. How could I have said those things to you? I deserve to die. Nina… you should still kill me. I’m not worthy to stay by your side p>
Tears gathered in his eyes. The fact that she could forgive him only made him feel more undeserving.
Nina stepped forward and gently wiped the tears from the corner of his eyes.
“Don’t blame yourself anymore,” she said softly. “I really don’t mind. And you never actually hurt me, so it’s alright now. Get up p>
Yanai’s gaze trembled, his emotions fragile and uncertain.
His voice was quiet—almost pleading. Nina… can I still stay by your side p>
Let me be selfish… just this once.
Yanai no longer dared to hope for Nina’s love.
All he wished for was this: to remain by her side, to protect her, to care for her… and to see her, even if only once a day.
Nina looked at him, a quiet sigh stirring in her heart. You can p>
Relief and emotion flooded his eyes, tears shimmering as he smiled. “Thank you, Nina p>
Thank you… for letting me stay.
For the rest of my life—everything I am belongs to you.
“Get up first,” Nina said, reaching out to help him.
Then she glanced at Aviel and the others. “You all can get up too. There’s no need to kneel—I’m not angry anymore p>
But Yanai didn’t move. “Nina… let me kneel. At least this way, I can atone a little p>
Aviel and the others immediately followed. “Nina, we should kneel. Don’t worry about us p>
Even if she said she didn’t blame them, they didn’t feel worthy of standing. They would kneel through every last durian.
Nina hesitated, then gave up trying to persuade them.
Once Ridan and the others finished cleaning the cave, Odian led Nina and the children inside to rest.
Outside, Aviel and the others remained kneeling in a neat row.
Aron and the others let out a collective breath of relief.
Thankfully, Nina was magnanimous. Their sons… had barely escaped sure death.
They could atone slowly, simply waiting for her forgiveness.
Aron then thought grimly: Still… my grandson is probably a lost cause. I’d better go back and ask my mate for another child.
Taru sighed inwardly: Looks like a second grandson isn’t happening… good thing I still have Didi.
Lani shook his head: That brat is lucky to have met someone like Nina.
Ridan and the others returned to their usual tasks, and the group gradually settled back into a familiar rhythm.
Before long, the rich aroma of food drifted out from the cave.
The lion clan males sniffed the air, their noses twitching as they swallowed repeatedly.
“My lord… their food smells incredible! I’ve never smelled anything this good before p>
Setan clicked his tongue, clearly annoyed.
“That’s all it takes to impress you p>
It really did smell good.