Talent Awakening: Draconic Overlord Of The Apocalypse - Chapter 436

Chapter 436: • Her Game, His Rules
Mar’Garet’s grin widened, tilting her head as if she had all the power in this conversation.

“Don’t tell me you’re embarrassed… Papi,” she teased just enough to make his eye twitch.

Then, without shame or hesitation—without a single ounce of restraint—

She leaned in, lips brushing against his ear.

“You do know I’m going to make you a father any day now… Since that crystal egg you left in my loving care will be hatching… really… really soon. Don’t you think it’s your responsibility to come up with a name for our little one, Papi?”

The way she breathed the words—low, sweet—sent a slow, inevitable wave of heat creeping up Alister’s neck.

He cleared his throat. Firmly.

“Let’s focus on why I called you.”

Mar’Garet pouted.

But then—just as quickly—her amusement shifted, sharpened. Her gaze flicked past him to the gaping red portal, still oozing that wretched mist.

Her expression immediately became serious.

She studied the portal, tilting her head slightly, as if listening to something only she could hear.

Alister followed her gaze.

“I want you to use space manipulation to close it.”

Mar’Garet didn’t answer immediately.

Instead, she smirked.

She extended her hand, fingers curling slowly as reddish-black ether coiled around them, pulsing in response to her will.

Her crest—sharp and fang-like—glowed brightly above her chest, reacting to the sheer concentration of ether she was channeling.

“You know,” she drawled, stretching her arms above her head, her back arching just enough to emphasize certain assets—completely intentional, no doubt. “If I do this for you, I should get a reward.”

Alister exhaled slowly, tilting his head back slightly. “You always want a reward for everything these days.”

Mar’Garet placed a hand on her hip, her tail flicking playfully behind her. “Of course, I do. Why wouldn’t I? Nothing beats the feeling of getting a gift from the one I love.”

Mar’Garet cupped her cheeks with both hands, pressing her fingers against her heated skin as if trying to contain the warmth spreading across her face.

Her crimson eyes flared as she swayed slightly from side to side, her tail curling behind her as she tilted her head just enough to let her silky hair slide over her shoulder.

“And since I’m now yours… don’t you think it’s your responsibility to show me some physical affection?”

Alister let out a slow chuckle, his shoulders shifting as he turned away. He rubbed the back of his neck, shaking his head with a look of amusement and exasperation before approaching the union officers nearby.

“Close the portal, Mar’Garet,” he said, waving a dismissive hand as he stepped forward, putting some space between them. “Requests like that ought to be made only in private.”

A delighted giggle escaped her throat, her tail swaying in excitement. “If you say so, Pa~pi.”

Alister exhaled, his fingers pinching the bridge of his nose. “I think it’d be far sweeter if you went back to calling me darling.”

It was a small line, but it carried a lot of weight in their relationship. While he resisted Mar’Garet’s aggressive flirting, he wasn’t completely opposed to her affection—he just wanted it in a way that felt more his. He wasn’t hers to tease and toy with; if anything, she was his. And if she insisted on showering him with attention, then she could do it on his terms.

Mar’Garet grinned, her lips parting as her tongue flicked out to wet them. “Anything for you, my dear.”

With a satisfied sigh, she turned toward the still-gaping portal, rolling her neck as if preparing for a fight. Dark ether crackled around her fingertips, wrapping around her hands like living tendrils, pulsing in rhythm with her breath.

Her fingers twitched, and the space around the portal seemed to groan in protest, the mist recoiling.

She extended both hands forward, fingers curling, tugging at invisible threads as reality itself bent under her control. The portal shuddered, shrinking inch by inch as red mist screeched in resistance.

Mar’Garet clicked her tongue, shaking her head as if scolding a stubborn child. “Oh, don’t be difficult. It’s over for you.”

Alister’s gaze remained steady, arms still crossed. He knew that if he let her, she would toy with the portal for longer than necessary, drawing a strange sense of excitement from its struggle.

“Mar’Garet, stop wasting time.” His pupils narrowed into slits, his eyes shimmering—only for a moment.

She sighed, dramatically rolling her eyes. “Fiiiine,” she said, letting her shoulders slump exaggeratedly before curling her fingers into tight claws.

With a final pulse of her ether, the portal collapsed inward, folding into itself before vanishing completely. The red mist evaporated instantly, leaving behind only the scorched, bloodstained ruins of the battlefield.

Mar’Garet dusted off her hands with an exaggerated flourish, spinning on her heel as her tail flicked behind her.

“There. All done,” she said, lifting her chin with pride. Then, with a slow, deliberate step toward him, she lidded her eyes. “Now, about my reward—”

Alister cut her off with a raised hand, turning slightly as if refusing to acknowledge the glint in her gaze. “Not now. We need to check on the civilians.”

She huffed, puffing her cheeks out in an exaggerated pout before crossing her arms beneath her chest. “You know… you always prioritize other things over me,” she whined, but her lips curled into a knowing smirk. “But I guess that just makes it so much more satisfying when I do get your full attention.”

Alister shook his head, already moving ahead. “Come on.”

Mar’Garet took a few quick steps to catch up, her tail playfully flicking at his side.

“Oh, darling,” she said, looping her arms around one of his as she leaned against him. “If you keep making me wait like this, I just might have to pin you down the next chance I get.”

Alister sighed. “I’d really rather you didn’t.”

Mar’Garet only grinned, flashing sharp canines as she squeezed his arm a little tighter.

“No promises.”

He simply smiled back at her.