Aqualina, Raven, Thalia, and Aether stood in a tense circle within Aqualina’s chamber, voices barely above a whisper as they discussed their plan for the coming day.
Aether listened carefully, nodding to himself as he observed the trio, ‘She’s really got this all under control,’ he mused, his gaze fixed on the orb Aqualina, Raven, and Thalia held between them.
It was no ordinary object; it was a signal orb capable of bypassing the constraints of time and space—a critical tool for the last, perilous step in their game.
“So, once you enter through the final door,” Aqualina explained, “all you’ll need to do is pour in energy and activate the orb,” she continued, demonstrating by placing her hand on the glowing surface. Instantly, the orb in her hand lit up, casting a warm light that resonated with the orbs Raven and Thalia held, illuminating each in turn.
“See? After this, we’ll synchronize and activate the system at the same time. That way, we’ll be able to bypass its defences together” she said, her voice unwavering and commanding. Raven and Thalia both exchanged glances, nodding in agreement.
But Aether’s brow furrowed as he absorbed her words. Despite his confidence in her abilities, he couldn’t shake his unease.
He possessed the heart, but it remained whole, not shattered or whatever that required for the trial and since his Card did not take the heart as it did with the flower…. Aether wasn’t certain what trial was.
Aqualina’s gaze sharpened, “Remember,” she said in a low, firm voice, “the three of us are the only ones who know about this plan. So, whatever happens—don’t mess it up.” She paused, her tone darkening. “And if anyone even thinks about betraying us… I guarantee you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”
Raven raised an amused eyebrow, while Thalia smirked, clearly entertained by Aqualina’s deadly seriousness.
Finally, Aether broke the silence, “Hmm… I’ve been thinking.”
Aqualina’s gaze darted toward him, “Yes? What is it?”
He hesitated, then proposed, “What about….. adding Helena to your group?”
Aqualina’s expression tightened, her lips twitching with irritation. “Helena? You’re suggesting we bring another chosen one into this?” Her voice held a note of disbelief.
Aether maintained his calm demeanour, “Her healing and purifying abilities could help you guys. With her, you might have a stronger chance against anything unknown we might face.”
Raven and Thalia exchanged contemplative glances, giving serious thought to the suggestion.
Meanwhile, Aqualina seethed inwardly, suspecting Aether’s motives, ‘So he wants that bitch involved in this?’ she thought, her teeth clenching as she fought back a grimace, “Hell n—”
“It’s actually a good idea,” Raven interrupted, a soft smile playing on his lips. “With her abilities to cure and purify, she’d be an invaluable addition.”
Thalia nodded too.
Aqualina felt the weight of their agreement press down on her. Forcing herself to remain composed, she managed to say, “Why not? If she’ll be useful… I-I suppose I don’t mind.”
“Should I go and bring her in?” Aether asked, a soft smile gracing his lips.
Aqualina shot him a sharp glare, “I’ll talk to her personally,” she replied curtly before motioning to Raven and Thalia to leave.
As soon as they exited, Aqualina turned to Aether, her expression darkening as she pushed him back against the bed, straddling him in one swift motion. Her voice was low and laced with frustration, “You have some nerve, Aether. Bringing that woman into this? Do you like her that much?” Her fingers traced over his lips, lingering.
Aether responded by biting her fingers playfully before speaking in a calm, measured tone. “It’s not about her. I’m only thinking of what lies ahead. With Helena in your group, you’ll be covered against wounds, curses…anything unexpected.” He paused, letting his sincerity shine through. “I just want us to be ready for whatever comes.”
Aqualina searched his eyes, probing for any trace of deceit. But his gaze was soft, warm, and utterly genuine, leaving her little room for doubt.
Finally, her expression softened, though a hint of bashfulness coloured her voice, “I want… a k-kiss, then” She mumbled the words, her cheeks warming with embarrassment.
Aether chuckled, his gaze filled with affection, “Anything for you, my princess.” He pinched her ass teasingly before adding, “And maybe a little more than a kiss~”
Aqualina’s heart skipped a beat. She coughed to cover her reaction, her face flushed as she attempted to regain her composure, “T-Then I’ll talk to her and bring her with us,” she stammered, trying to rise from his lap. But before she could, Aether caught her by the waist, pulling her back down to sit across his legs. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as he whispered softly into her ear.
“It’s been a few days… How have you been holding up? Any more nightmares?” His warm breath tickled her skin, making her shiver.
Aqualina squirmed, feeling the warmth radiate from his closeness, “I’ve been…fine,” she replied, her voice laced with a soft chuckle, “No nightmares since that night,” she murmured, a blush creeping up her cheeks as her mind drifted to the memory, a familiar warmth blooming in her womb
Aether smiled and leaned in, brushing his lips softly against her cheek. “Just… be careful, okay? Don’t lose yourself out there, and no matter what happens, promise me you’ll keep our promise, right?.”
Aqualina chuckled, playfully rolling her eyes. “Okay, Mom~” she teased.
Aether grinned, and before she could react, he tilted her head slightly, lowering his face to hers to kiss her. But just as his lips neared hers—
“W-Wait, I should brush my teet—mmfff!”
Aether ignored her half-hearted protest and captured her lips in a firm, passionate kiss. Aqualina’s initial resistance faded quickly, her strength melting away as she gave in, her hands sliding up his chest as the kiss deepened. The quiet room soon filled with the soft sounds of their embrace, as Aether’s fingers drifted over her hair, exploring gently as the kiss lingered, pulling them further into each other.
….
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…
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the Pyra Fulgur Empire…
In a grand, darkly lit mansion, an older man with a bulky frame and countless scars across his body sat at a heavy wooden table, his eyes fixed intently on the woman before him…. Aria.
“So… eliminating the generals before usurping the throne, hm? Not a bad strategy,” he muttered, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
He let out a dry laugh, “But why us?” He gestured to himself with a rugged hand. “We’re nothing but old, long ago shoved to the border by the Dragon Emperor himself. They wanted us far from the Empire’s core, to keep us out of sight—and out of trouble. We’re cut off from the capital; the Empire practically forgot we even exist.” His face tightened as he spoke.
Aria’s lips curved in a sly smile. She crossed one leg over the other, leaning back comfortably on the plush couch opposite him, “Precisely. And as for why I came to you…” She leaned forward, her smile widening as she continued,
“Because you’re old and, let’s be honest, a bit… senile. But that’s exactly why you’re the most dangerous ones. You know the Empire inside and out, and the people trust you. If word spreads that the Dragon Emperor is dead, you could unite the border forces, and the people would rally to your side against any ‘new’ face on the throne. It’s a coup waiting to happen,” she finished with a smug smile.
The old man gave a slow nod, his expression shifting from annoyance to intrigue, “Hmph. Not a bad perspective,” he muttered. But then—
“Actually, it’s a brilliant plan,” a cool voice interrupted from the shadows behind him. Celestia, dressed in a sleek black suit, stepped forward from the shadows.
The old man barely flinched.
Celestia’s voice was measured and unwavering, “Because you’ve been isolated from the Empire, no one would expect an attack from your side. We could eliminate you quietly without alerting the ‘Lizard Emperor’,” she added with a smirk.
The old man raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting to one of amusement, “You’ve got quite the nerve, young lady. If you’d uttered those words in front of the Emperor himself, even your ashes would—” He stopped mid-sentence as Aria broke in with a grin.
“And yet, my husband’s said much worse to that ‘lizard’ and is still very much alive and walking,” she said with a wicked gleam in her eyes.
The old man’s brows lifted as he studied her for a long moment, then finally nodded, his tone laced with interest, “Interesting… very interesting indeed.”