Enigma of Darkness ✨

A hidden threat

Araki wakes to the persistent ringing of his phone. His eyes feel heavy and gritty; he and Lucian had struggled to sleep the night before. Lucian had insisted on staying up to keep watch, but Araki wasn't about to let him do it alone.

If Lucian was determined to stay up, then so would he. Araki spent the night working on his office tasks while Lucian glared stubbornly at him, playing the role of a watchdog. Eventually, halfway through the night, Lucian succumbed to exhaustion and fell asleep on the bed. Only then did Araki allow himself to rest.

Now, the urgent call from Mr. Han had pulled Araki back to consciousness. As the phone continued to ring, he glanced at Lucian, who was stirring in his sleep. Araki gently patted him back to sleep before answering the call.

"I can't fulfill the request right now. Lucian is still unwell," Araki explained, glancing at Lucian, who, though not opening his eyes, perked up his ears at the conversation.

Lucian's phone chimed with a message from an anonymous sender: "The target has moved. One of the minions was spotted near Oak High Secondary School." The brief message sent a shiver down Lucian's spine. He looked back at Araki and said, "I want to go out."

Araki, still on the phone with his assistant, turned to Lucian in surprise. Mr. Han continued speaking, mentioning that Madame had reminded them of the promise Araki made to his brother.

Lucian's eyes brightened with determination. "Let's pick up your brother together," he suggested.

Araki was stunned by the sudden proposal, and he wasn't the only one; Mr. Han, on the other end of the line, was equally taken aback.

Araki stares at his mate for a few moments, then asks, "Are you sure about that? Won't it stress you out?" His concern was valid. Alpha in a rut becomes more territorial, and expanding the area he had to protect could increase Lucian's stress. Lucian had already insisted on staying awake the night before and now wanted to go out.

Lucian nodded resolutely. "I'll be fine. I just want to get some fresh air."

Mr. Han, who had been silent up to this point, cleared his throat and asked, "So, sir, is it confirmed then? Should I make the arrangements?"

Araki glanced at Lucian, who seemed lost in thought, then replied to his assistant, "Yes, just bring the car. I'll drive. Have the team on alert; if anything happens, I want them to be there." Araki wasn't entirely sure why he felt the need to have his team prepared, but looking at Lucian filled him with unease.

After disconnecting the call, Araki looked at the clock. It was already quite late. He turned to Lucian and said, "Get up and get ready. I'll make breakfast. We can have lunch after picking up my brother."

Lucian nodded obediently and left to prepare.

After an hour or so in the car, Araki chuckles as he glances at Lucian, who is busy fastening his seatbelt. Lucian had once again borrowed some of Araki's finest clothes. He chose a shirt and trousers that went well with the color of his eye, leaving the top button undone to let the shirt drape loosely over his shoulders. The azure color of the shirt enhances the pale skin of his neck. He neatly tucked the shirt into his pants and rolled the sleeves up to his elbows.

Despite the meticulous attire, Lucian exuded a casual, effortlessly cool aura. He added sunglasses, a spritz of Araki's cologne, and his own sporty shoes to complete the look.

Lucian's presence was commanding without needing to try hard. Araki found himself amused by how dressed up his mate was just to meet his brother. He couldn't help but think they were bound to attract a lot of attention today.