After Giving Birth, All My Beast Ex-Husbands Suddenly Want Me Back

Chapter 352: Burden

The moment Yian learned that Nina had left the city, a sense of dread settled heavily in his chest.

Something was wrong. Very wrong.

Without wasting a second, he rushed straight to the Sacred Grounds. The guards stationed there greeted him with troubled expressions.

"City Lord Setan already removed the sacred artifact," one of them explained. "The Sacred Grounds will remain closed for the next few days."

Yian staggered backward as though struck.

His face drained of color.

It was over. Everything was over.

He had never imagined that foolish son of his would act so quickly.

Not only had Setan managed to evade everyone’s attention, but he had also somehow succeeded in taking the sacred artifact itself.

The elders would never have willingly surrendered something so important. If Setan had obtained it, then he must have deceived them somehow, using excuses or half-truths to gain their approval.

Panic clawed at Yian’s chest.

What now? How was he supposed to protect his son?

Without hesitation, he hurried toward the City Lord’s Manor.

This time, the guards did not stop him. He entered without resistance and made his way directly to the main hall.

Inside, Setan sat upon the raised platform while several subordinates delivered reports regarding city affairs.

"Setan, I need to speak with you."

The urgency in Yian’s voice immediately drew everyone’s attention.

Setan already knew why his father had come.

Turning toward the officials, he said calmly, "You may leave."

"Yes, City Lord."

The group quickly withdrew. Once the hall was empty, silence settled between father and son.

Setan spoke first. "So you’ve heard."

Yian stared at him in disbelief. "Have you lost your mind?"

Anger and anguish mingled in his voice. "How could you actually do something like this?"

Setan lowered his gaze slightly.

"I’m sorry, Father."

His tone remained steady. "No matter what consequences follow, I will bear them myself."

"Sorry?" Yian let out a bitter laugh.

"Those are not words you should be saying to me. You should be saying them to every citizen of Blaze City."

Disappointment filled his eyes.

"Setan, you are the City Lord."

His voice grew heavier with every word.

"How could you throw aside the interests of an entire city for the sake of a single female? What happened to your sense of responsibility? Have you forgotten what it means to lead?"

The son standing before him had once been everything a ruler should be. The citizens trusted him without question.

They admired him. They followed him willingly.

Yet now... Yian never thought he would see the day when a female could change him so completely.

Setan lowered his head.

"I haven’t forgotten." His voice was quiet. "I will give the people an explanation."

Deep down, he knew his father was right.

As City Lord, he had failed in his duty.

But even now, he could not regret what he had done.

Yian’s chest tightened painfully.

"How are you going to explain it? By sacrificing your life?"

His voice cracked.

"Do you even understand what punishment awaits you?"

Setan’s expression remained calm.

"Whatever punishment comes, I will accept it."

The moment he chose this path, he had already accepted the cost.

Yian stared at him for a long time before releasing a weary sigh.

The years seemed to settle onto his shoulders all at once.

"Then leave."

Setan looked up.

Yian’s voice softened.

"Leave Blaze City. Go far away and never come back."

A faint tremor ran through his words. "I’ll take responsibility in your place."

Setan froze. He had expected anger. He had expected condemnation. He had not expected this.

"What?"

Yian looked away. "I’ve already lost one son."

His voice was barely above a whisper. "I don’t want to lose another."

Setan’s eyes widened. "No."

He shook his head immediately. "Father, you can’t do that."

"What choice do I have?" Yian replied bitterly. "Your mother only has one mate. If something happens to me, she’ll survive."

"I’ll tell her to choose another mate. She’s wonderful. There will always be males willing to stand beside her."

Setan’s chest tightened.

"You know that’s impossible."

He took a step forward.

"If something happened to you, Mother would be devastated."

Of all people, he knew how deeply his father loved his mother. The devotion between them had always been unwavering.

The thought of his father willingly giving up everything for him filled him with guilt.

"Father..." His voice grew hoarse. "I made this choice. The consequences belong to me. How can I let you pay for it instead?"

Yian gazed at him quietly.

The anger had faded, only affection remained.

"Setan."

His eyes softened.

"You’ve always been the most sensible child. The most responsible. The son I was proudest of."

A faint smile touched his lips.

"I don’t understand what is so special about that female."

His expression turned helpless.

"I don’t understand what could make you give up everything for her. But you’ve already made your choice."

His voice carried both resignation and acceptance.

"There’s no point in saying more. All I can do now is protect you as best I can."

Setan lowered his eyes. A wave of sorrow surged through him.

"Father... I’m sorry." His voice was filled with remorse. "I disappointed you."

He paused before continuing.

"Everything I did was my own decision. It has nothing to do with Nina. She is a good female."

Yian shook his head.

His foolish son. Even now, when disaster was already looming overhead, he was still trying to shield her.

If that female were truly as wonderful as Setan believed, would she have left him behind so easily?

Would she have ridden away while he remained here alone to face the consequences?

Yian could not understand it. And perhaps he never would.

"You need to leave now," Yian urged. "I’ll handle the aftermath for you."

Setan shook his head immediately.

"Father, go home."

His voice was firm and unwavering.

"You know me better than anyone. How could I run away and leave you to bear responsibility for my actions?"

There was no hesitation in his eyes. No fear. No regret. Only determination.

Then his expression softened slightly.

"But there is one thing I want to ask of you."

Yian frowned.

"What is it?"

Setan looked toward the distant horizon.

"I need you to keep this secret a little longer."

He wanted to buy Nina more time.

Every extra day mattered.

Once Odian completed another teleportation array, the distance between Nina and Blaze City would become impossible to close. By then, even if the elders discovered everything, they would never be able to catch up to her.

Yian immediately understood. His son was still thinking about her. Even now.

A long sigh escaped him.

"Fine." His shoulders sagged with exhaustion. "I understand."

In truth, he had already known what the answer would be. Setan had always been stubborn when it came to matters he believed in.

Yian could not persuade him. Nor could he forcefully drag him away. The only thing left was to search desperately for another solution.

After one last glance at his son, Yian turned and left the City Lord’s Manor.

Setan watched him disappear into the distance.

Then his fingers drifted to the crystal hanging against his chest.

The gift Nina had given him.

His gaze softened as memories surfaced.

Longing flickered quietly in his eyes.

Meanwhile, Yian returned home beneath a cloud of worry. He never told Yuna what had happened.

He knew her too well. The moment she learned the truth, she would spend every waking moment consumed by fear.

No. He would carry this burden alone. He had to find a way to save that foolish son of his.

Otherwise, Yuna would be devastated. She had already endured the pain of losing one child. It had taken years for her heart to heal. He could not allow her to suffer through that agony again.

Massaging his temples, Yian sat alone and searched desperately for a way out.

***

Days passed.

Two more sunrises came and went.

Far from Blaze City, Nina and her companions had stopped to rest in a broad valley surrounded by rocky hills.

After examining the terrain, Odian approached her.

"Nina, this location is perfect for establishing another teleportation array."

He glanced around with satisfaction.

"Would it be all right if we stayed here for a couple of days?"

Nina surveyed the area before nodding.

"Of course."

A warm smile touched her lips.

"Looks like you’ll be working hard again."

Odian leaned close enough for his breath to brush against her ear.

"That’s fine."

His voice dropped into a teasing murmur.

"As long as Nina remembers to compensate me afterward."

He had no intention of missing any opportunity to secure a little extra affection for himself.

These days there were far too many males competing for Nina’s attention.

If he didn’t fight for his share, someone else certainly would.

Heat crept up Nina’s neck.

"I know."

Satisfied, Odian pressed a quick kiss to her cheek before heading off to begin preparations.

Not far away, Idir stood silently, staring toward the distant lands where Serpent City lay.

His dark eyes were unreadable.

Their next destination would be Serpent City.

The place he had once called home.

Nina noticed his expression and walked over.

"Are you all right?" Her voice was gentle. "We’re heading to Serpent City next."

Idir turned toward her and smiled.

"I’m fine."

A colder glimmer appeared beneath the smile.

"In fact, it’s the perfect opportunity. There are a few people there who deserve revenge."

The debt owed for his father’s death had remained unpaid for far too long.

It was time to collect.

Turning fully toward Nina, he wrapped an arm around her waist.

"If I can’t win..." His eyes sparkled with amusement. "You’ll help me, won’t you?"

Nina laughed softly. "Of course."

She looked up at him, smiling.

"You’re my mate. I’ll protect you."

Something warm settled inside Idir’s chest. Lowering his head, he brushed a kiss across her lips.

"Thank you, my lady."

His smile deepened.

"Being protected by my female feels surprisingly wonderful."

A faint blush appeared on Nina’s face.

"All right." She nudged him lightly. "You should go prepare dinner."

Seeing her flustered expression only encouraged him further.

Unable to resist, Idir stole another kiss.

"As you command." His tone turned mischievous. "I’ll get started right away."

Then he leaned closer and added in a lower voice, "But make sure you eat plenty tonight."

Nina arched her brows. "Why?"

His smile widened. "You’ll need the extra energy."

A playful gleam flashed in his eyes.

"Otherwise, you might not have enough stamina for tonight."

Nina immediately shoved him away.

"Go. Now."

Her face burned.

What had happened to the quiet, shy Idir she once knew?

These days, every other sentence that came out of his mouth sounded like a deliberate attempt to tease her.

Where had that reserved male disappeared to?

Idir laughed, clearly pleased with himself.

Deciding he had tormented her enough for one day, he finally headed toward the cooking area.

Nina watched him leave before shaking her head helplessly.

Then she turned and walked back toward the cave, the faint smile lingering on her lips long after he was gone.