The soft light of the lanterns flickered in the spacious room, casting dancing shadows across the silk curtains. The sweet scent of Amazon Lily's flowers mingled with the faint aroma of wine served during dinner. The air still carried the warmth of the banquet, but within the chamber, a different kind of heat filled the space.
Riser leaned back against the large dark wood armchair, a glass of wine in hand, his golden eyes fixed on the woman before him. Hancock sat on the edge of the bed, her long hair cascading like silk over her shoulders, her blue eyes gleaming with barely concealed contentment.
"So that was your plan all along?"
She brought a hand to her chest, her smile delicate but triumphant.
"I would never dare manipulate you, Riser-sama. I just… hoped you'd enjoy the night a bit more."
His eyes glinted, a trace of amusement flickering across his expression.
"You've become one of the few people to make me change my mind. That's worth recognizing."
Hancock lowered her face slightly, her cheeks warming at the words. A small gesture, but rare for her.
"Then… I'm glad you stayed."
Silence lingered for a moment.
She slid closer, her eyes tracing every detail of his face. Her fingers lightly brushed his arm, her cool skin contrasting with the warmth that seemed to radiate from his presence.
"If you had left, I would've hated this night."
His golden eyes didn't waver, catching every nuance of her confession.
"You've really fallen for me."
Hancock smiled faintly, but there was a determined glint in her eyes.
"I belong to you, Riser-sama."
The statement was simple but carried an absolute weight. For her, it was as unquestionable as her own existence.
Riser raised his glass, swirling the wine slowly before taking a sip.
"Then enjoy this night. Tomorrow, I leave."
Her fingers tightened slightly on the fabric of his sleeve.
"Don't rush. Skypiea will always be there. But you here… maybe not."
Her golden gaze shimmered, filled with desire, with a love shaped by her transformation into a vampire. A hunger different from the usual.
She wanted more time.
And for the first time, Riser allowed it.
The breeze blew softly through the open window, and the night closed around them, slow, lingering, unhurried.
---
The rising sun painted Amazon Lily's skies with golden and orange hues, reflecting on the calm waters surrounding the island. The morning breeze was gentle, but inside the palace, a certain tension hung in the air.
At the main entrance, Alvida and Robin waited. The dark-haired vampire leaned against one of the stone columns, arms crossed, a bored look on her face. Robin, on the other hand, observed the scene with her serene, calculating expression, in no rush to intervene.
"I swear, Robin, I thought you were the most insufferable person I knew. But it looks like I've found someone worse."
Robin tilted her head, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Is that a compliment or a complaint?"
Alvida sighed, glancing at the scene before them.
"It's a fact."
At the center of the commotion, Boa Hancock clung to Riser's arm, her eyes shining with a mix of indignation and sadness.
"It's unacceptable! You've only just arrived, and you already want to leave. That's not fair, Riser-sama!"
His gaze remained calm, showing no real emotion.
"Hancock, I already told you. I'll be back soon."
The words should've been enough. But they weren't.
Boa Sandersonia and Boa Marigold exchanged glances nearby, clearly accustomed to their older sister's dramatics. Merlin watched it all with mild interest, while Alvida still grappled with the fact that someone could outdo Robin in stubbornness.
Hancock tightened her grip on his arm, her eyes glistening.
"Soon for you could be an eternity for me!"
The silence was broken by a sigh.
Riser stood motionless, his golden eyes assessing the situation.
"You want me to stay another day?"
A spark of hope lit up the empress's face.
"Yes!"
"No."
The shock was immediate.
Hancock's lips trembled slightly.
Alvida let out a low chuckle, covering her mouth.
"That was harsh."
Robin merely observed, her eyes analyzing every detail.
Hancock crossed her arms, dramatically turning her face to the side.
"Then go. But know that my pain will be unbearable!"
Riser remained unfazed.
"Then deal with it."
The impact of his words made Marigold and Sandersonia flinch slightly.
Alvida blinked.
"Okay, I take it back. You're way worse than Robin."
Robin raised an eyebrow.
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that."
Merlin smirked faintly, her amused gaze settling on Hancock.
"Empress, do you not want him to go… or do you want him to come back soon?"
Hancock averted her eyes.
"Both."
Riser let out a faint sigh.
"Then stop the drama and just wait."
The breeze carried her silent response.
Finally, Hancock stepped back, her blue eyes still locked on him.
"I'll wait. But don't take too long."
He gave the island one last look before turning away, with Robin and Alvida following at his side.
The Empress of the Seas stayed behind, watching until his silhouette vanished on the horizon.
And for the first time, Hancock realized that waiting wouldn't be a burden—but a promise.
---
"This is unbelievable."
Alvida crossed her arms, a mocking smile curving her lips as she looked at Riser. Her sharp eyes glinted with mischief, as if she'd just found a new toy.
"You actually did it. You tamed the pirate empress."
Riser kept his gaze fixed on the horizon, his expression unchanged.
"She came to me on her own."
"Oh, sure, sure. You had absolutely nothing to do with it. It was all her idea."
Robin, walking beside them, tilted her head slightly.
"It's fascinating. What surprises me more, your powers or the fact that Boa Hancock bowed to someone?"
Silence hung for a moment before the corner of Riser's lips lifted faintly.
"I prefer you two as rivals. It's more entertaining."
Alvida snorted.
"I'd never be friends with that walking encyclopedia."
Robin laughed softly, unfazed.
"I like you too, Alvida."
The glint in the vampire's eyes sharpened for a moment, but she ignored it, turning to Riser.
"So, where are we going now, oh great tamer of empresses?"
His golden gaze swept over them, assessing for a moment.
"Come closer."
Robin raised an eyebrow.
"What are you planning?"
Riser extended his hands.
"I'm going to teleport."
Alvida narrowed her eyes, hesitant for a moment, but then sighed.
"If this ends up making me puke, you're paying for it."
Robin stepped forward, calmly adjusting her gloves.
"Don't worry. If it's bad, you can take it out on him later."
Alvida laughed.
"Now you're speaking my language."
They stepped closer, the momentary tension dissolving into the air.
"FWOOSH."
The space around them warped.
And in the blink of an eye, Amazon Lily was left behind.
Bonus Chapter Available!
Enjoying my work on "Between Curses and Secrets," "DXD: The Awakening of Phenex," or "Reincarnation in Smallville"?
Then I have a surprise for you!
By supporting me on Patreon, you'll gain access to exclusive bonus chapters, behind-the-scenes content, and much more.
Your support means the world to me and helps me keep writing the stories you love.
Support here: patreon.com/22Mirko22
Thank you so much for reading — see you in the next chapter!