" Hmm." Reus gave a nod.
...
Back to the present.
Leon took a long breath, letting his consciousness drift into slumber...
But back at Dian's place, a shadow made it's way towards his room
...
Skyster Family's Castle, Arbor Flat Town
Knock, knock.
Two soft knocks echoed at Dian's door. His eyes fluttered open. Who could it be at this hour? he wondered, turning to look out the window.
It was well past midnight. The castle lay silent under the moon's embrace, its pale light cascading across stone walls. A gentle breeze swayed the curtains, bringing with it the scent of dew and stillness of the blue-hued night.
Dian stood, walking toward the door. A sheer robe clung to his body, barely concealing his toned form beneath. If someone looked closely, they'd see everything.
Click.
The door opened with a soft click, revealing a shy figure outside.
"Ermm… You okay, Gianna? Is something bothering you?" Dian asked, his tone soft.
Gianna stood there, a faint blush tinting her cheeks. She wore a light green nightgown that matched her eyes. Its silky fabric flowed over her form—her curves more pronounced in the moonlight, the outline of her nipples subtly visible.
W-wow... Dian blinked. If she appeared like this on Earth… wars would be waged. She looks… ethereal.
"I-I..." Gianna started, voice barely above a whisper. "I can't sleep… alone. So I was wondering—" she glanced away, her voice smaller now, "can I sleep with you?"
Aaaahh! I said it! Gianna's heart raced. Her fingers fidgeted as she tried to maintain composure. Every time I close my eyes, he's all I can think about. That warmth… his voice… his scent…
Almost instinctively, she leaned in closer—just slightly. The soft scent of Dian's skin filled her senses.
And Dian… he was not the kind of man to let a woman he cared for feel lonely. Especially not when their feelings were mutual. He never understood those protagonists from Earth's novels—so timid, so clueless. Why let go of someone so beautiful, someone reaching out?
"I want to be the strongest," he'd once said. And with strength… comes the power to hold onto what you love.
"Of course," Dian said with a gentle smile, reaching for her hand. "Come in."
He pulled her gently inside and shut the door with a quiet click, leading her toward the bed.
They lay side by side beneath the soft sheets, the silky fabric brushing against their skin. Gianna's ears twitched slightly, her eyes lowered. She glanced up—
And her breath caught.
He's… he's so handsome. Her gaze traced the lines of his chest, her hand moving on its own until it rested gently against his heart.
Moonlight spilled into the room, highlighting Dian's figure like a sculpture of a sleeping god—broad shoulders, chiseled abs, flawless skin, and hair kissed with moonlight. Everything about him felt… divine.
Gianna's hand stilled, her fingers trembling as they hovered over his chest.
"Like what you see?" Dian asked, looking at her with a playful smile.
Her eyes widened, face blooming crimson. But before she could stammer a response—
"Come closer," he whispered.
His voice—soft, rich, like velvet—sent shivers down her spine.
Gianna nodded wordlessly. Her body moved on instinct, drawn to his warmth. As she closed the distance, their skin brushed—and something changed.
The moment their bodies touched, her heart steadied. That racing pulse calmed.
It feels… safe. Warm. Like home. Her hand rested against his chest, rising and falling gently.
Then she felt it—warm breath against her ear.
"Hm?" she murmured, startled.
"Wanna know a secret?" Dian's whisper was barely audible, but it sent her heart racing again.
Instead of answering, she tilted her head up, eyes locking with his.
So that's a 'yes'. Dian thought, smiling.
He turned to face her fully, lifting her hand and placing it over his heart.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Gianna's breath hitched again. His heart… it's racing. She looked at him in surprise.
"You know why it's beating like this?" Dian asked, gaze unwavering.
His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her against him until there was no space between them—only warmth.
Gianna shook her head softly, a strand of hair falling across her face.
Dian tucked it gently behind her ear, his fingers lingering for a moment. "Because of you," he said, his voice deeper now, laced with emotion.
"You know what that means… don't you?"
Gianna could feel every inch of him—his warmth, his heartbeat, even the subtle trembling in his breath.
Her heart surged again, and with a tiny squeak, she buried her face in his chest.
"Y-Yes…" she whispered, voice muffled but certain.
Dian smiled, holding her tighter.
Maybe it's going fast… Gianna thought. But… I don't want to stop. He's the only one. My only one.
Wrapped in each other's arms, the world outside faded. Their breathing slowed, and the gentle rhythm of their hearts lulled them into peaceful sleep.
Morning came quickly.
The sun rose from the north, casting golden rays over the land. Birds sang softly in the distance, their melody filtering through the open window.
Gianna stirred.
Her eyes fluttered open. A small sound escaped her lips. "Mmm…"
She was still wrapped around Dian. Her head on his shoulder, hand on his chest, their legs tangled beneath the sheets.
Dian's breathing was soft and steady. His face peaceful, hair tousled and glowing in the early sunlight.
A radiant smile bloomed on her lips.
She nestled closer, soaking in the warmth of his body. Last night… was perfect. The memory made her cheeks glow.
As she shifted slightly, the movement stirred Dian.
"Mmm… good morning," he murmured, stretching slowly.
Their bodies brushed again, heat rising between them.
"G-Good morning," Gianna replied, voice shy, breath a little quickened.
Dian chuckled softly and leaned in to place a soft kiss on her forehead.
Gianna squeaked, hiding her face in his chest.
"Heheh…" Dian laughed gently. "You're so cute, you know that?"
After a moment of silence, Gianna's voice broke through, so soft it was almost a whisper.
"You… won't forget, right?"
"Hm?" Dian tilted his head toward her, trying to catch her words.
She lifted her face slightly, green eyes meeting his.
"You won't forget what you said last night… right?"
Dian looked at her, his smile gentle. His hand cupped her cheek.
"I won't forget," he said. "Not now. Not ever."
.
.