He smiled.
"Hmm…" he murmured, tapping his fingers on the table. "That's a tough one."
He let the silence stretch, deliberately drawing out her anxiety.
"I have no idea," he finally said. "Surprise me… Heavenly Moon."
Her heart skipped a beat.
That name, spoken so casually from his lips, sounded nothing like how others used it. No awe, no fear. Just teasing familiarity, as if he was speaking to a girl he had grown up with.
She tensed slightly.
Surprise him?
How was she supposed to surprise someone like him? A man who could breach her domain, crush her pride, and toy with Saints like they were mere chess pieces? Someone who had tasted power, beauty, and luxury that few even dared to dream of?
Every possible name she considered felt inadequate. Every disciple, noble daughter, sect princess—he had probably had dozens just like them.
