Akira studied Adams, her mind racing with questions about who—or what—he truly was. Ever since his arrival, he had exuded an air of calm indifference, even in the face of the Aether Titans that roamed the Forbidden Zone.
She herself was a force to be reckoned with, but she knew her limits. The Aether Titans were creatures of unimaginable power, entities that even the most formidable beings in the True Immortal Realm feared. To venture into the depths of the Forbidden Zone was to invite death; even the bravest warriors would feel a chill of terror upon entering.
Yet Adams moved through it all without the slightest trace of fear or concern, as if the very concept of danger was foreign to him.
It baffled her. How could someone walk among such monstrous beings without the slightest hint of trepidation? She had seen legends crumble in the face of the Titans, their power so overwhelming that it made even the strongest feel insignificant. But Adams... he seemed above it all, untouchable.
"Before I even consider your proposal, you have to tell me who you truly are," Inara demanded, her voice trembling but firm. The small spark of courage she'd found was growing, fueled by the realization that Adams might not be here to harm her. "Otherwise, you can forget about making me your wife. I'd rather die here than live in the dark."
Adams chuckled softly at her words, a sound both amused and slightly menacing. "You could try to end your life," he replied, his tone light but with an underlying seriousness. "But I doubt the king of the underworld would be eager to accept your soul—especially if he values keeping his title."
Both Inara and Akira exchanged puzzled glances, clearly thrown off by his cryptic remark. What kind of being could make such a bold statement? They were beginning to realize that Adams was far more than he seemed, and the mystery only deepened their apprehension.
Adams smiled as Inara's demand hung in the air, her defiance rekindling some of her lost spirit. He took a step back, his presence growing more intense as the air around them seemed to thicken with power. The sky darkened, and a low rumble of thunder echoed in the distance, as if the very world was responding to his words.
"But since you truly want to know," Adams began, his voice deep and resonant, "then who am I to keep you in suspense?"
The air crackled with energy as he spoke, a flash of lightning illuminating his face, casting long shadows that seemed to dance around him.
"I am Adams Albert," he continued, his voice causing the ground beneath them to tremble slightly. "The new family head of the Albert Family." The earth shook as if acknowledging the weight of his first title, the trees in the Forbidden Forest swaying violently in response.
"If I say yes," Inara began slowly, her voice trembling with the gravity of her decision, "what will become of me? Will I be free? Will I... will I have a choice in this new life you're offering me?"
Adams' golden eyes softened as he listened to her, the faintest hint of a smile touching his lips. "Inara," he said gently, "I am offering you more than just survival. I am offering you a place by my side, a life where you will have the freedom to choose your path. No one will control you, no one will use you.
If you accept, you will stand as my equal more or less since I am an incomprehensible being, not as a possession."
Inara's heart skipped a beat. Could it really be true? After everything she had been through, could she finally have a life of her own?
She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "And Akira?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Adams glanced at Akira, his expression unchanging. "The offer stands for her as well. I have no intention of forcing either of you into something you do not wish. But know this: my proposal is sincere. I see what I need in my women in both of you."
Akira, who had remained silent, narrowed her eyes, clearly suspicious of his motives. But Inara could see the conflict in her. Akira was a warrior, but she was also someone who had faced her own battles, her own struggles. The idea of being valued for her strength, rather than merely as a tool, was something that undoubtedly resonated with her.
Inara turned back to Adams, her mind made up. She could see the path before her, uncertain and filled with challenges, but it was a path she would walk of her own volition. The thought gave her strength.
"I accept," Inara said, her voice steady. "If what you say is true, if you truly mean to give me a choice, then I will stand by your side."
A quiet sense of resolution settled over her, the first flicker of hope she had felt in a long time. She knew this was just the beginning, and there would be much to face ahead. But for the first time, she felt she could face it on her own terms.
Adams nodded, a pleased smile on his face. "Then it is settled," he said, his tone final. He turned to Akira, who was still weighing her options, and simply waited, giving her the time she needed.