"I could do it without, but it usually involves exerting force on a person's mind. The effects are not...pleasant." He winces. "Permission is the preferred method if you are not an enemy I need to extract information from," he explains, and for the first time I find myself truly without words.

Ze asking for permission? That is something novel. One would think he'd just do it without caring for the consequences. But the fact that he is asking for my consent beforehand makes me gain a new respect for him.

Perhaps not all hope is lost for him.

"Does that mean you will be able to read my thoughts?"

That is nonnegotiable. I would hate to think that someone could prey on my thoughts and hear all my intimate musings.

"I can only hear what you choose to share with me."

I bite my lip as I think this through. I did promise him a boon, and I'm not one to break my word.

"All right. Permission granted."

He cups the sides of my face as he leans forward. My lashes flutter in confusion as he brings his lips to my forehead, brushing them lightly against my skin. He then presses a firm kiss right at the top of my head.

I freeze, completely taken aback by this sudden gesture.

He doesn't move either.

His soft lips are tightly pressed against my skin, and a deep flush envelops me. The place of contact vibrates and a low hum travels down my body.

I swallow hard, my arms placid by my side.

An eternity passes in the span of a few seconds, yet this proximity messes with my mind. My thoughts are blank save for this unnatural awareness that echoes through my brain.

He leans back, his eyes a deep purple.

"Hello, little human," he purrs into my mind.

The sound of his voice inside my head startles me, the echo sending shivers down my back. It's different than I would have imagined—more intimate, more...

"Uhm." I clear my throat. "Is a kiss always required to gain permission?"

"You are the only one I have asked for permission from," he replies casually.

"Oh." I blink, once more surprised. "Thank you... I guess?"

"Consider yourself lucky, human," he starts in his supercilious voice. "You are also the only one who has had the privilege to be touched by these lips. You are welcome." He nods to me, satisfaction blooming in his features.

To say I'm flabbergasted would be an understatement. Yet to my greatest surprise, I find that I'm not mad. Perhaps I have finally gotten used to this odd manner of his.

"I'm deeply honored, Sir Sparkles," I murmur, leaning forward in a half-bow. At any other time, he would have asked me if I was mocking him. Now, his lips quirk up as he watches me indulgently, almost...tenderly.

A flush climbs up my cheeks.