Enigma of Darkness ✨

The unveiling of the Moon-blessed mates

Watching Azrail fall slowly and painfully, Lucian found his thoughts drifting to Araki. The true-blood alpha had immersed himself in work, drafting policies, coordinating plans, and setting up new rules for Wolford's administration and its many departments. The committee had decided to prepare everything in advance, aiming to implement the changes the moment the formal announcement was made to ensure stability and control.

As the designated mates who would lead Wolford, Lucian, and Araki both wanted transformative changes in the laws and policies, envisioning a system that would better serve the people. But these ambitions had taken a toll—especially on Araki.

For the past three days, every time Lucian woke up, the space beside him in bed was cold and empty, as if Araki hadn't even considered resting. Dark circles shadowed the eyes of everyone working with him, but they were all relentlessly focused, working tirelessly and without a single complaint. Still, the sight gnawed at Lucian's heart. He sighed, unable to take it any longer, and slipped out of their room, making his way to the meeting hall.

As he entered, the space was thick with the scents of exhaustion—intense pheromones lingering from those too tired to control them. The officers went silent upon his arrival, their gazes quickly falling as if recognizing Lucian's silent command. He let his sharp, amethyst eyes settle on each of them, his voice calm yet unyielding.

"Get some sleep. We have an important day tomorrow. Don't overwork yourselves," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Leave the room within a minute, without question."

The officers exchanged quick glances before they rose in unison, their expressions almost hypnotized by the command. Araki's brow furrowed, a protest rising in his throat, but Lucian cut him off with a firm look. "You too."

With a small sigh, Araki closed his mouth, knowing better than to argue. Within moments, the room emptied, leaving just the two of them alone in the quiet. Ivis patted Lucian's shoulder on his way out, wishing him a good night, while Kell and the others followed, Mr. Han shutting the door gently behind them.

The silence that remained felt like a calming wave after a storm. Lucian stepped closer, reaching out to grab Araki's collar, and tugging him upright with unexpected strength. "If I wake up and find the bed empty one more time," Lucian whispered, voice low, "I'm leaving for my own residence."

A faint smile pulled at Araki's lips. "But isn't this your residence?"

Lucian huffed, his eyes narrowing with unspoken frustration. "If I have to be without you, then it's not home. I'd rather go back."

Araki's expression softened, and he pulled Lucian close, pressing a kiss to the mark on his neck, letting his lips linger as if to reassure them both. "Don't even think about leaving my side," he murmured. His lips trailed slowly down Lucian's skin, each kiss infused with a promise, a silent vow to make up for all the moments missed.

"Should we take a bath together?" he suggested, his voice thick with unspoken affection.

A faint smile tugged at Lucian's lips as he finally gave in, nodding. "Alright. But you'll need to convince me why I should stay."

Without another word, Araki swept Lucian into his arms, holding him close as he carried him back to their room. As they crossed the threshold, the world outside melted away, leaving only the warmth of each other's presence and the promise of a quiet, uninterrupted night.