Noah stood in front of a door—the room of Elizabeth.

Behind him were Yuki and a very reluctant Eric, who looked like he’d rather die than be here.

“Why do you even need me?” Eric muttered. “If it’s just about shadow affinity, you literally have your own shadow.”

He glanced down at Noah’s shadow. As someone attuned to shadows, Eric could tell—Noah’s shadow was… different. It felt alive, yet not. Human, yet shadow. Intriguing, sure. But Noah was trouble, and Eric knew better than to get too curious.

Still, here he was. Dragged out of his room under the threat of having all his stuff frozen.

‘First my father burns my books, and now this lunatic is threatening my possessions. What’s wrong with this world?’ he thought bitterly.

Noah, overhearing him, answered casually, “Yeah, my shadow’s special. You’ll understand more during the mission.”

He then turned to face Elizabeth’s door.

“Now be quiet. This one’s harder than yours.”

Eric raised a brow. “You’re even going to blackmail the Saintess into joining? You’re insane.”

“Maybe,” Noah replied with a shrug.

He didn’t bother knocking. Elizabeth already knew he was here.

With Ester’s help, Noah entered the room through the shadow.

He turned to the others. “Stay here. And Yuki—don’t do anything crazy. Just wait for me.”

He disappeared.

Yuki frowned. “Why’s he talking to me like I’m a problematic child?”

Eric, deadpan: “Because you are, psycho.”

Silence.

Eric’s eyes widened. “I didn’t say that out loud, right?”

Yuki’s eyes glowed with a dangerous glint. She took a sword stance.

“FUCK! Noah!! DAMN IT—!”

…

Inside the room, Noah found Elizabeth.

The room was a mess—papers, books, shattered glass scattered everywhere, like a storm had passed through.

Elizabeth sat on the ground, clutching her head tightly as if trying to block out some internal noise.

In her head she was hearing whisper.

They lie to you. They hate you. You were born to kill them all.

That’s all she was hearing in her mind lately. And she was about so snap.

Noah stood calmly. No pity. He’d warned her.

“I was going to ask if you’d had a nice month, but I guess I’ve got my answer,” he said, voice light and sweet. As if he had nothing to do with her condition.

Elizabeth raised her head. Her blindfold was gone, revealing those haunting, mesmerizing eyes.

“So… Leona listened to you,” she said with a bitter laugh.

“I knew something was wrong when I couldn’t influence her with my gaze. I wanted to warn Elijah, but it’s like that witch charmed him.”

Her voice trembled—anger, betrayal, despair—all tangled together.

Strangely, she didn’t seem too angry at Noah. Not anymore. Not after everything.

Because after a month of torment… she finally understood.

Elijah wasn’t a viable option. He could be taken away at any time—by the church, by other women, by forces she couldn’t control. She couldn’t afford to rely on someone like that.

Noah stepped forward, face inches from hers. Unflinching.

Waiting for her to accept her situation.

“I accept your offer,” Elizabeth whispered, desperation in her voice. “Help me. I’m going mad. These whispers… make them stop, and I’ll obey you. I’ll tell you everything I know about the goddess.”

Noah’s sweet smile turned sharper. “Sorry, but I’m changing the terms.”

Elizabeth stiffened.

“Like Leona,” he said, voice commanding, “I want your everything. Your loyalty. Your soul. You will obey me in all things. You’ll betray the church, tell me everything—about it, the current Saintess, everything.”

“In return, I’ll erase the whispers. And I’ll protect you from them, from the church and the world itself if needed.”

His [Aura of Ruler] activated, his presence wrapping around her like an unshakable truth. It made submission feel natural. Right.

He can’t afford to go gently.

Too many unpredictable factors. Too many unknowns. Noah needed her loyal.

Elizabeth’s heart raced. This would change everything. Either stay with the church and go mad… or betray them and regain her sanity, but be hunted.

She laughed hollowly. Noah smiled sweetly—like he hadn’t just given her two impossible options.

But the choice was made.

She was an orphan, taken by the church only because of her eyes. After accidentally awakening her talent, she’d killed her whole village at just twelve. The church had come immediately, as if they’d been waiting.

‘I believed in you, goddess. I believed you’d help me. But all you did was chain me.’

‘Why were you afraid of me?’

She bitterly thought.

She looked at Noah.

‘I’ll take the devil’s offer.’

Then—

“I accept,” she said, voice trembling. “I’ll be yours. I’ll betray them. I’ll tell you everything.”

Noah smiled. “Good choice. Because honestly, I was going to kill you if you didn’t.”

Elizabeth flinched.

“But… you chose well.”

He placed his palm on her forehead, letting his aura flow through her. Instantly—

She collapsed, breathing hard. Her eyes teared up.

“Finally…” she whispered.

Silence. No more whispers. No more screams, laughter, or curses. No more madness.

Just peace.

And for that alone, she didn’t regret her decision.

“But to ensure your loyalty,” Noah said, “we’re going somewhere.”

He grabbed her hand, smiling. “You should feel honored, Saintess.”

They vanished.

…

They reappeared in the white realm.

Elira was sipping tea, humming peacefully.

She looked up at them. She fixed her gaze on Elizabeth for a moment before shifting towards Noah and smiled warmly.

“My dear disciple… have you done something insane again?”

Elizabeth froze. “Disciple?”

She turned to Noah in shock. “You’re the Dean’s disciple?!”

Noah smiled and said nothing. Instead, he approached Elira and hugged her. She welcomed him eagerly, not minding Elizabeth’s shocked stare.

Elizabeth instinctively stepped back, her whole body trembling.

“What… is this?”

“What’s happening?”

“Are you blind?” Noah said.

“But never mind. We’re not here for that.”

He turned to Elira. “My queen of souls, would you bind her soul to mine? That way, I’ll know if she ever tries to betray me.”

Elira nodded, appearing before Elizabeth in an instant.

She touched Elizabeth’s chest.

In less than five seconds, Noah and Elizabeth felt it—a connection. A binding.

Elira then looked her in the eyes. Her white eyes glowing ominously.

“If you betray him, or do anything that risks his safety or happiness,” she whispered, “I’ll take your soul… and make you wish for death.”

Elizabeth’s whole body trembled.

“Yes, madam,” she whispered.

Elira turned back to Noah, smiling brightly and hugging him again.

The contrast between her warmth and earlier threat was terrifying.

“Thank you,” Noah said. “But we have to go. The mission awaits.”

“I’ll try to return quickly.”

He kissed her softly before vanishing, taking Elizabeth with him.

Elira stood alone, smiling.

This time, she didn’t flinch at the kiss.

‘This guy’s a player. He’s already chasing another girl.’

‘Right? Total player.’

‘How dare he—’

“Stop,” Elira said aloud. “I already knew he’d have other wives. I’m fine with that.”

She smiled serenely.

“Great men are always loved by many. I’m just happy to be one of the first. Our bond is special too—we’re master and disciple before lovers.”

“And I’m content with that.”

She sipped her tea again, smirking.

“I’ll even help him get more girls.”

‘You obsessive pedo—’

‘GODDAMN IT, SHUT UP, NICOLE!!’

—End of Chapter 61—

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Madara Web Novel