The embers in the fireplace glowed faintly, painting the chamber in shades of gold and crimson. Andy stood before it, his body still tense from the storm that Kayla's illusion had unleashed upon him. The warmth of the flames could not drive out the chill in his chest.
Behind him, Nia approached in silence, her presence steady, grounding. She wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her cheek against his back.
"You're still trembling," she whispered, her breath warm against his skin.
Andy covered her hands with his, his voice ragged. "I keep seeing it… her meadow, her willow tree. It felt so real, Nia. I hate that a part of me wanted it to be real."
Nia turned him gently, her silver eyes blazing. "Then let me remind you of what is real."
Their lips met, first soft, then desperate, as though trying to erase every shadow with fire. They stumbled back together onto the velvet sofa, laughter mingling with breathless kisses. Her fingers threaded into his hair, pulling him closer, while his arms locked around her as if she were the only anchor left in the world.
The System stirred, resonating with their union:
> [Bond Progression: 144% → 150%]
Milestone reached: Resonance Beyond Flesh.
Reward: Bond Fusion – Complete synchronization of body, heart, and spirit.
The fire flared higher for a moment, as though bearing witness to their vow.
But the night did not end there. They moved from the sofa to the tall windows that overlooked the moonlit gardens. Andy pressed her against the glass, the silver light of the moon spilling over them, their reflections merging as one. Her laughter echoed softly, her breath fogging the pane, as though even the stars wished to see the truth of their bond.
> [Bond Progression: 150% → 152%]
Milestone: Lunar Resonance Achieved.
Reward: Passive Aura – Moonlit Blessing.
Later still, steam curled around them in the bathing chamber. Water cascaded from above, mist rising as their forms pressed together in the haze. The sound of water mingled with their voices, soft gasps and whispered promises, as though they were being purified, washed clean of every doubt.
> [Bond Progression: 152% → 155%]
Milestone: Purification Bond.
Reward: Mental Clarity – Illusion Resistance Enhanced.
They laughed breathlessly, clinging to one another, and when exhaustion finally overtook them, they collapsed into each other's arms, falling asleep not in bed but still tangled in warmth, as though they feared the distance of even a breath.
Sunlight spilled through the curtains, gilding the chamber in soft gold. Andy stirred first, his eyes blinking open to find Nia sprawled across him, her silver hair wild and untamed.
He smiled, brushing a strand from her cheek. "You're heavy."
Her eyes snapped open, narrowing. "Excuse me?"
"I think you cracked my ribs," he teased.
She smacked his chest, cheeks flushing. "Idiot."
The System chimed softly, amused:
> [Bond Progression: 155% → 156%]
Domestic intimacy reinforced.
As they dressed, Andy's hair stood in every direction. Nia smirked, arms crossed. "You look like you fought a pillow beast and lost."
"Oh? And you look terrifyingly regal for someone who drooled on me," he countered.
Her face turned crimson. "I did not!"
His laughter rang out, dodging the cushion she hurled at him.
But as he fastened his shirt, he caught her gaze lingering on him, softer now. Her lips parted, hesitant. "Andy…"
He stepped close, cupping her cheek. "What is it?"
Her voice trembled, but her eyes were steady. "I want to feel it again. Before the day begins, before the council tears us apart. I want us—just us—one more time."
He smiled, pulling her into his arms. "As many times as you want. Always."
And so, in the golden light of dawn, they embraced once more—not out of desperation, not to banish illusions, but to celebrate the truth they had chosen together.
> [Bond Progression: 156% → 160%]
Milestone: Dawn's Oath.
Reward: Passive Buff – Shared Vitality (Stats boosted when together).
When they finally emerged from their chamber, the servants lowered their eyes quickly, pretending not to notice the glow about them, as though the bond itself now radiated visibly.
Hand in hand, Andy and Nia stepped into the day, their hearts fortified. Whatever awaited them in the Great Hall, they knew their truth was unshakable.
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