Chapter 145: First Act 16: Night Punishments End

Adrian stood there for a moment, gazing at Elena's peaceful slumber.

Clapping his hands, the room's lights faded.

'I'm glad it has the same function as my room'

The dim moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on her serene face.

Despite his initial intentions, the connection they shared had taken an unexpected turn, leaving Adrian feeling a mix of emotions.

He sighed, reflecting on the events that led to this moment.

What started as a supposed punishment transformed into a shared experience of love and intimacy.

'Am I spoiling her too much, or am I just that weak when it comes to Elena?'

The lines between discipline and desire blurred, and Adrian found solace in the tender moments they had just shared.

'Still, it wasn't too bad'

As he observed Elena's rhythmic breathing, the weight of something forgotten nagged at the back of Adrian's mind.

He dismissed the lingering thought for a moment.

As chose to revel in the tranquility of the present.

Tenderly, he covered her with a cozy blanket, tucking her in with care.

Elena's body, still tingling with the remnants of pleasure, twitched intermittently.

The aftermath of their passionate intercourse left an indelible mark, their love still leaving its mark.

The room seemed to resonate with a lingering warmth, a testament to the intensity of their union.

Adrian stood by the bed, admiring the peaceful expression on Elena's face as she slept.

He couldn't resist the urge to gently run his fingers through her silvery white hair, marveling at its smooth, silk-like texture.

A soft smile graced his lips as he lightly touched her cheek.

"Sweet dreams, Elena" he whispered, a genuine warmth in his voice.

As he surveyed the aftermath of their passionate encounter, the disheveled bed bore witness to the intensity of their connection.

Chuckling at the sight, Adrian couldn't help but find amusement in the delightful chaos they had created.

Despite the mess, Adrian hesitated to disturb Elena's peaceful slumber.

Glancing at the clock, he reasoned that she could address it later when she woke up.

He decided to tidy up a few things discreetly, minimizing any evidence of their shared intimacy.

It wouldn't do for Elena's attendants or guards to discover the aftermath of their escapade.

As Adrian moved to leave, he noticed the looming presence of the door and the realization hit him – Beca, one of Elena's templar guards and a trusted ally.

'Did she realize what we did?'

He couldn't shake the feeling that their secrets might be unveiled, but there was little he could do now.

'Especially with the way Elena's moans were running out loud'

Accepting the unpredictable turn of events, he opened the door, prepared for whatever awaited him beyond it.

"Templar Beca, right?"

"Y-you, how did you know that? Do you know me?"

"Well, Elena has told me a lot of good things about you."

"R-really?"

Adrian felt a bit perplexed by Beca's reaction as she suddenly averted her eyes, no longer making direct eye contact.

"So, I'm sorry... but our relationship can't go public yet."

That was the last thing Beca heard before darkness enveloped her vision.

Adrian gazed at the unconscious Beca sprawled on the ground, a pang of guilt echoing within him. He hesitated, reluctant to use his authority on someone close to his future wives, but the potential dangers surrounding Elena and himself made the decision inevitable. Placing his hand on Beca's forehead, Adrian carefully erased any memories she might have of the compromising situation and the revelations she had heard.

While the challenges they faced could be swiftly resolved by Adrian revealing his identity as a hero, he refrained from such a drastic measure.

Activating the Sword of Light in public would certainly draw attention, and even remove all the troubles their relationship faced.

But Adrian mustn't for now, he knew that a hero's arrival must be grand, with the timing and circumstances carefully orchestrated.

Despite the temptation, he held back, reserving this powerful display for a more opportune moment.

Though a tinge of sadness lingered within him for using Elena as bait in the upcoming incidents at the academy.

With one last look on Elena, he closed the door.

.....

Returning to his room, Adrian encountered a scene that sent shivers down his spine—a moment that he never thought possible.

The air thickened with tension, and an uneasy feeling settled in the pit of his stomach.

"Where were you?"

Aria's question hung in the room, seemingly innocuous, yet Adrian sensed the gravity behind it.

The weight of the gazes from Louise and Analise mirrored Aria's scrutiny.

However, what caught Adrian off guard was the presence of Meralda, the floating lady, just behind Aria.

Her green eyes bore an intensity that hinted at a looming threat, and she held a black chain in her hands.

'Meralda? And why does that black chain seem awfully familiar?'

Adrian's mind raced with confusion and recognition, but the impending trouble overshadowed any attempt to make sense of the situation.

In a panic, Adrian quickly covered his neck, aware that the mark left behind by Elena could incite further fury from the girls.

.... The atmosphere in the room grew even colder as Aria, with deliberate steps, began to approach him.

Adrian's heart raced, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he felt the weight of impending doom.

Aria, sensing the tension, moved closer and, with a decisive gesture, reached for Adrian's hands covering his neck.

The air seemed to thicken as she held his hands firmly, and a palpable silence enveloped the room.

"What are you hiding...?"

Aria's voice was calm, but an underlying intensity hinted at the storm brewing within her.

The question lingered, demanding an answer.

Slowly, she started to lift Adrian's hand.