Vampire's Veil Of Obsession
Chapter 179: Mountain Climb

Chapter 179: Mountain Climb

Zethan fell silent, simply watching her. Lilia pressed her lips together and turned her face to the side, her face flushing scarlet. Her lips trembled slightly before Zethan gently held her chin, leaning in to speak quietly.

"Do you still want to go to the mountain?"

She nodded, offering a weak smile. He returned the nod.

"Then let’s go."

Lilia bit her lip softly as he held her hands in his. Then they both turned and began walking along the clear path that led toward the mountain. On either side, patches of grass, scattered stones, and tiny, cute pebbles decorated the trail.

As they climbed the clear stones carved into stairs, Lilia realized he had quietly avoided answering her question. For some unknown reason, her heart ached.

’Why did he avoid it?’ He was so caring toward her—and that was more than enough. But still, she felt that ache, like she just wanted to hear those words from his lips.

They continued walking in silence. Minutes passed before Zethan noticed her pace had slowed. Then she stopped quietly, inhaling and exhaling deeply, as if it would calm her nerves.

"Are you tired already?" he asked, turning to face her.

Lilia shook her head and replied softly, "No... let’s keep going."

Zethan’s eyes narrowed slightly with concern. His voice came out softer, though still gentle. "My wife, tell me—do your legs hurt?"

Again, Lilia shook her head stubbornly. "No, they don’t. Let’s go, Zethan."

Zethan’s lips curved into a smirk—as expected of his stubborn little wife.

But before she could say anything more, Zethan moved.

In one swift motion, he scooped her into his arms.

Lilia’s eyes widened in surprise, darting around as she quickly noticed other people making their way up the path below. Embarrassment flared in her cheeks as she whispered urgently, "Zethan, put me down..."

"Nope," Zethan said calmly, his voice low and unwavering. "Your legs hurt—even if you won’t admit it. And it’s my duty to make sure my wife is perfectly fine."

’Was this man serious right now?’ she whispered to herself in disbelief.

Lilia opened her mouth, but no words came out. She didn’t even know what to say at this point.

The couples further down the path saw them and smiled, some even giggling softly at the sight. A small group of hikers descending from the mountain caught a glimpse too—smiles spreading across their faces, a few of them already blushing faintly.

Lilia pressed her lips together, cheeks warm with embarrassment. She shot Zethan a glare—though it lacked any real heat.

"You..."

"Yes, me," Zethan replied smoothly, his grin widening without even looking down at her.

His eyes glinted mischievously, and no one dared to tell her just how much joy he was taking in all of this. Lilia bit her lip again, glaring at him once more—but it still lacked bite.

Instead, Zethan’s grin deepened as he gave her a slow, deliberate wink.

"Oh my God, they’re so cute!" someone whispered as they passed.

Others coming down the mountain chuckled, murmuring things like, "Ah, husband and wife goals," and, "See that? That’s love."

Lilia then heard a couple say, "If only you were as tall and strong as him, you would’ve carried me. But no—I wouldn’t risk it. We’d probably roll down the mountain together."

She almost laughed out loud at how ridiculous that sounded.

Zethan caught her soft reaction and smirked. "See? You’re enjoying it. You’re just too shy and stubborn to admit it," he said quietly, tilting his head toward the onlookers.

"Oh please, give me a break. You’re the one who’s stubborn here," she said, rolling her eyes, trying to maintain a neutral expression—but her giggle gave her away.

For some reason, despite the embarrassment, Lilia began to enjoy it too. As he carried her higher, the mountain breeze brushed through her hair, sweeping it back. The cool wind on her face, the steady rise with every step—everything felt strangely perfect. The higher he climbed, the more her heart raced—not from fear, but excitement.

After a few more steps, Lilia finally spoke, her voice tinged with worry. "You’ve carried me for so long... I’m quite heavy, and—I can walk now."

Zethan’s lips curled into a smirk.

"Oh sweetheart, you really underestimate your husband, don’t you think?"

Just before she could respond, Zethan finally came to a stop. Her eyes widened as she shifted her gaze from his face to the space around them—and then it hit her.

They had already arrived.

She gasped softly, stunned.

Zethan looked at her with a small, knowing smile. "See? We’re already here. You enjoyed it so much, you didn’t even realize we’d reached. Not to mention, you were just staring at this handsome face." He pointed to his face, his eyes drifting to her lips. Lilia’s heart thudded in her chest.

Lilia pressed her lips together, unable to come up with a response. She had no words for this man.

He chuckled as he gently set her down, as if he had known this would happen. His hands lightly steadied her by the shoulders and waist, and Lilia realized—her legs had gone a little weak.

Her eyes widened further. She couldn’t believe it—her body had grown so used to being in his arms that, for a few seconds, she had forgotten how to walk or even stand.

Zethan chuckled again, amused by her silent glare.

He tilted his head slightly as the soft breeze brushed through Lilia’s hair, strands gently slapping her face. She pushed some away with a shrug, eyes widening again as her mouth parted in awe.

Zethan watched his wife in silence, still in awe of her ethereal beauty.

There they stood, right in the center of it all. People moved about, tents were pitched in every direction—each one different, marked by unique symbols and filled with various items. It was vibrant, alive.

The scent of food filled the air—fried meals, roasted delights, and spices that made her mouth water. And the sky... it stretched above them like a perfect painting—an underrated masterpiece.

Lilia turned to look back down the mountain path. She hadn’t realized how far they’d come—Zethan had moved surprisingly fast. It had been a long walk, but the result? Absolutely worth it.

She gasped softly. "It’s beautiful."

Zethan nodded as he spoke.

"You are more beautiful."

Lilia turned to him, her lips twitching into a smile at his words.

"Let’s go check for the roasted meat," she said with a gleam in her eyes. "I’ve always wanted to try them."

Zethan nodded, and she added, "And after that, let’s get some ramen."

He nodded again, taking her hand gently in his.

As they turned to walk, murmurs rose from nearby.

"Oh my God, she’s so pretty!"

"Wow, look at him—he’s even more handsome than the prince!"

"Are you sure he’s not royalty?"

Different voices echoed around them. Zethan heard them all—but chose to remain silent.

Zethan kept his focus on Lilia as they walked toward one of the tents where the scent of roasted fish and chicken filled the air. The aroma was mouthwatering, drawing people in with ease.

A man stood behind the stall, wearing a white apron and matching cap. He smiled softly at first, his gaze lingering on Lilia with quiet admiration.

But then his eyes shifted—to Zethan.

And instantly, his smile faltered.

The aura Zethan emitted was intense, almost suffocating. The man’s face paled slightly, and his posture stiffened. There was no mistaking it—Zethan’s displeasure was clear. His eyes had darkened, sharp and unreadable, as though silently warning the man not to look too long.

Zethan’s aura pulsed so strongly that some of the people who had intended to approach the stall quietly backed away, unsure of what they’d just walked into.

The vendor, swallowing nervously, forced a smile as he spoke. "Good evening... Welcome to Meat and Fish Roast. What would you like to have?"

That was all Lilia needed.

She leaned slightly toward Zethan, whispering, "Would you prefer fish or meat?"

Zethan gave her a gentle smile. "Whatever you want... I’ll have the same."

Lilia nodded thoughtfully, then turned back to the vendor. "Two fried fish kebabs, one sliced meat kebab. Please wrap them in foil. Also, two grape juices and a bottle of water with two glasses."

She glanced at the loosely hanging menu by the side—since it was a street market, there were no printed menus, only handwritten boards dangling in plain view.

The man quickly nodded. "Very well, please wait a moment," he said, gesturing to a nearby bench and small table set aside for customers.

Zethan’s gaze, however, hadn’t left the man. His expression had darkened slightly—just enough to make the vendor’s hands tremble as he pointed.

"Your order will arrive shortly," the man added quickly, retreating to the grill.

Zethan and Lilia walked over and sat down. Lilia took a quiet breath, looking around. Life was buzzing all around them—people walking, chatting, grilling, laughing. The breeze danced across her skin and through her hair, and for a moment, everything felt beautifully alive.

Zethan’s lips curled up as he spoke teasingly. "My wife... it seems you’ve forgotten that these too"—he glanced toward the vendor and his assistant—"may need payment. Do you have money?"

Lilia smiled, leaning her chin in her hand as she replied softly, "Oh, honey. I didn’t tell you? Eating here is free."

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