Aqualina sat down, her face contorted with deep frustration as she muttered under her breath, “So you’re telling me… he’s the last hope of the Phoenix bloodline, and that’s why you want to ‘buy’ him and free him from his life as a servant?”
Raven, seemingly unbothered, took another calm sip of tea, leaning back in her chair. She nodded. “Yes, exactly.”
Aqualina’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “And you believe that by freeing him, there’s something in it for both you and him, something that could help you achieve your goals?”
Raven nodded once more, her expression unreadable.
Aqualina exhaled sharply, her gaze shifting to Aether, the concern now flickering across her face. “I can’t just leave him alone after finding out he has the Phoenix bloodline… who knows what those shitty lizards would do to him!” Her voice was laced with anxiety as she thought of the consequences.
“Pfft—” Aether stifled a laugh, his lips twitching. ‘Shitty lizards, huh? Classic,’ he mused.
Raven’s expression grew serious. “Don’t worry, his bloodline hasn’t fully awakened yet. We have time to figure out a solution to protect him. What do you think?” She glanced at Aether.
Aether nodded, his usual mischievous smile slightly.
Aqualina pinched the bridge of her nose in deep thought, weighing the situation. ‘It’s clear Aether’s life is at stake here… I have to protect him.’ After a moment, she nodded. “Alright… I’ll cooperate with you.” Her eyes then narrowed fiercely at Raven, “But don’t forget—he’s mine.” The possessiveness in her voice was unmistakable.
Raven raised an eyebrow. “A-Are you two…?” she began, trying to piece together what she was witnessing.
Aqualina didn’t hesitate. “Yes, he’s my lover.” Her voice was firm and absolute, catching both Raven and Aether off guard.
Aether’s lips curled into an amused smile. ‘Heh, there she goes, marking her territory… How cute….. Oh, I do love a challenge!’ He turned his gaze eagerly to Raven, curious to see her reaction.
For a moment, Raven didn’t say anything. She seemed to be processing the revelation, but Aether noticed the faint trembling of the teacup in her hand. That was enough confirmation for him—he was getting to her, inch by inch, digging his way into her heart. ‘Just a little more…’ he thought, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
But then, much to his surprise, Raven simply shrugged, “Good for you, then.”
Both Aqualina and Aether blinked, taken aback by her nonchalant response.
Aqualina let out a quiet sigh of relief, extending her hand toward Raven, “Glad we could come to an understanding.”
Raven shook her hand, though her face remained unreadable. Meanwhile, Aether was inwardly impressed, ‘She’s hiding her emotions well… better than I expected.’
The conversation soon turned back to the plan, with Aqualina and Raven discussing the details of how they would proceed. They agreed to meet again soon, with Raven finally standing to leave.
Just before she stepped out the door, she cast a lingering glance at Aether from behind her sunglasses, her expression unreadable as always.
As soon as the door clicked shut, Aqualina wasted no time. She grabbed Aether by the collar and shoved him onto the bed, straddling him with a mixture of frustration and curiosity in her eyes.
“Now, my beloved…” Aqualina’s voice dropped to a low, dangerous whisper. “Tell me—when exactly did you seduce Helena?”
Aether grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he gently touched her cheek. “Ah, my dear Aqua, let me tell you a little story…” he began, weaving a careful mix of truth and well-placed lies.
Aqualina listened intently, nodding occasionally as she absorbed his words, but one question still burned in her mind, “So… do you love her?”
The question hung heavily in the air. Aqualina’s fierce gaze softened slightly, revealing the vulnerability she tried so hard to hide. She didn’t know what she’d do if his answer was yes. After all, this had all started with her wild, reckless plan, and now it was coming back to bite her.
Aether hesitated for a moment, his expression unreadable. “I… I don’t know.”
Aqualina’s brow furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean you don’t know? Does that mean you do love her? Tell me the truth, Aether!” Her voice wavered, and before she could stop herself, tears began to well in her eyes.
Aether watched her closely, feeling… strangely detached. He expected to feel guilty, but he didn’t.
Not really!
He had been through so much and suffered so many losses, that guilt no longer stung the way it used to… Still, seeing her tears tugged at something deep within him.
Reaching up, he gently wiped the corner of her eyes, his voice soft. “I told you before… I have many secrets.”
“Yeah…” Aqualina whispered, biting her lip.
“And one of those secrets is…” He paused, searching her eyes, “No matter what happens, I truly love you. I would give my life for you, without hesitation.”
Aqualina’s breath caught in her throat. His words, genuine and filled with raw emotion, resonated deeply within her. She placed her hand over her chest, feeling the familiar itch of the tattoo that connected them, binding them in ways she still didn’t fully understand.
She took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure. “Hmph, I don’t need your life, idiot!” she huffed, though her voice wavered with emotion. “I can protect myself just fine!”
Aether chuckled softly, his arms wrapping around her waist. “I know… you’re the most talented one I know.”
Aqualina rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. It soothed her, grounding her in the moment as she allowed herself a rare moment of vulnerability.
Yet, even in this moment of intimacy, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, calculating and planning. She couldn’t stop thinking about Helena and the secrets Aether might be keeping.
The image of Helena glancing at her Aether with that veiled look of desire gnawed at her.
‘That deceitful saintess has seduced my beloved!’ Aqualina clenched her teeth, her anger bubbling beneath the surface.
Meanwhile, Aether could sense the wheels turning in her mind. He smirked knowingly but kept silent….. This tension, this jealousy—it’s exactly what he wanted.
Suddenly, Aqualina’s cheeks flushed crimson as she felt something hard pressing against her stomach. Her eyes widened in shock. “H-Hey, you pervert! Why are you turning on?!”
Aether had the decency to look sheepish, “Well… you smell nice,” he replied with a playful grin, gently pushing her to the side.
Aqualina let out an involuntary gasp as she was caught off guard, “~Ahh~” escaped her lips
…
…..
After teasing Aqualina….
On top of the castle, Victor stood at the edge, peering down at the base of the mountain. The people below moved like ants, oblivious to the storm brewing within him. His fingers absently traced the tube he was holding—a fragile container of precious liquid.
‘What should I do with this?’ Victor mused. He was itching to test it, but the thought of wasting even a drop without the proper tools or equipment made him hesitate.
And for the bringing Aether to Arkanis, ‘Well, I didn’t expect him to have something like the system… now I cannot lie Aether has an origin blood….’ Victor thought with a frown.
‘Tsk. This complicates everything… What am I supposed to do now?’ Victor’s frown deepened as his original plan.
A soft, feminine voice broke through his thoughts. “Hmm? What is that?”
Victor turned, his gaze hardening as he saw Lia, who had been avoiding Aether since that kiss, staring at the tube in his hand.
“Nothing,” he said curtly, redirecting his focus to the surroundings.
“Hmm…” She hesitated, biting her lip before nervously calling out, “V-Victor?” Stay connected with empire
He sighed, “What is it?”
Lia’s voice trembled. “I-I heard you’re friends with Aether, right?”
Victor narrowed his eyes, already impatient. “You know that already. I told you before.”
“Y-Yeah, you did…” she muttered, clearly flustered.
“Then….” Lia hesitated even more.
“Spit it out!” Victor snapped. “I don’t have time for this.” He turned on his heel, ready to leave when—
“I-I kissed Aether!!”
Victor stopped in his tracks, slowly turning to face her. Lia’s face was beet red, her eyes cast downward as she mumbled, “I-I kissed him… without his permission. And now… I don’t know how to face him… especially since I know he loves Selene.”
Victor smirked inwardly, amused by her confession. ‘So, that’s why she’s been avoiding me…’ he thought. Outwardly, however, his expression was stern. “I don’t see how I’m involved in your affairs,” he said flatly, turning to walk away once more.
But then, Lia’s voice rang out again, urgency lacing her words. “I think I know what that golden liquid is! It’s… it’s blood!”
Victor froze, his heart skipping a beat. He turned back to her, “What did you say?”