After dinner, as they headed toward their rooms, Drake and Yona finally asked the questions they had been holding back.
“Sister, you haven’t told us where you two are going alone?” Drake asked.
“Yes, Lady, where are you going?” Yona echoed.
Aria and Aengus’s footsteps didn’t falter.
“We’re going deeper into the Darkwood Forest,” Aria replied calmly.
“Darkwood Forest? Just the two of you?” Drake and Yona shuddered at the thought of spending another night in that dangerous place. Their previous experience there had been terrifying. But it had also made them stronger.
“Why go back to that dangerous place? And what about us?” Drake pressed, earning a nod of agreement from Yona.
This time, Aengus spoke up. “Drake, Yona, it’s my plan. We’re heading there for a hunt, but only for a short time. We’ll be back soon.”
He decided to postpone the matter about the ancient dwarves’ release after thinking about powerful Ranks hiding nearby.
While they were still confused, Aria elaborated. “Yes, this plan could change the fate of the kingdom—or perhaps the entire world,” she said with confidence.
As promised, Aria kept Aengus’s power a secret, something she knew she would have to conceal for the rest of her life.
“Don’t ask anything else for now,” Aria continued. “You can stay here or join the military drill to prepare. The war will never end, and eventually, we’ll all have to fight.”
Drake and Yona exchanged glances but nodded, sensing the weight of her secrecy. Despite the uncertainty, their trust in Aria and Aengus gave them hope that all was not lost.
After Drake and Yona went to their respective rooms, Aengus found himself in Aria’s room.
Aria’s room was tidy, filled with the natural fragrance of flowers mixed with her own personal touches. She was shy, not as bold as Bella, but this small step was an indication of their growing relationship.
“Aria, if you’re uncomfortable, I can find another room to spend the night. We can take things slow,” Aengus suggested, noticing her tension.
“No, I want to spend the night with you. Who knows what awaits tomorrow,” Aria replied softly. “It’s just… I’m not good with these things. My mom passed away before she could teach me these.”
Aengus sighed gently and sat down on the bed, pulling her into his lap.
Aria’s heart raced as she fell into his embrace, her hair brushing across his face. Aengus fixed it gently, his scent mingling with hers. Her heart pounded as she felt his breath against her neck.
“Look, Aria, how beautiful you are,” Aengus said softly, wrapping his arms around her waist.
Aria smiled, starting to relax. “More beautiful than her?” she asked, glancing back at him with her shining eyes.
“Well, yes, in your own way. You both have your own charm,” Aengus answered, careful not to cause any discord between them before they could meet.
Aria let out a satisfied smile.
Knowing she might have to share him in the future, she decided to cherish her own little time with him. His soft embrace made her feel like the happiest woman in the world.
Like that, they spent the night sleeping peacefully in each other’s embrace. They refrained from anything excessive, considering it was Aria’s first time and the important task ahead.
—
The next morning, Aengus and Aria were ready to depart toward their goal.
General Leon personally arranged a wyvern for their journey. Although Aengus didn’t need it, he accepted the gesture as a sign of goodwill.
General Leon, Claire, Drake, and Yona came to see them off at the gates.
“Ethan, be a man and don’t let anything happen to Aria,” Leon reminded him sternly.
“I will, General. We’ll be back soon,” Aengus reassured as he mounted the wyvern.
“Take care, Sister!”
“Be safe, Lady Aria!”
Drake and Yona called out from behind as Aria followed Aengus.
He held her hand gently, guiding her to the front of the wyvern to sit on the saddle. Sitting behind her, Aengus glanced down at General Leon and the others before gripping the straps to command the wyvern to take flight.
It was a new experience for him, and it took some time to adjust, earning soft giggles from Claire and the rest.
Aria looked back at him with a smile…
Though Aengus could have easily influenced the wyvern with his Darkness abilities, he refrained from doing so, feeling awkward under General Leon’s watchful gaze.
After several attempts, the blue wyvern finally leapt into the air with a powerful thrust of its wings.
Aria and Aengus stabilized themselves, her back resting against his chest.
Her hair was tied up, and she was dressed in her combat outfit, ready for the journey ahead. Aengus, back in his usual hunter gear, looked relaxed, yet focused.
As they sped up, from down below Claire whispered, “Leon, go see them off to a safe distance!”
General Leon gave a small nod before vanishing from spot.
“Yona, Drake, let’s go and train your skills. You can’t fall behind too much right?” Claire advised like a battle hardened hunter she is.
Drake and Yona smiled, “Sure, Aunty!”
—
Aengus sensed General Leon’s presence nearby, most likely following them discreetly to ensure their safety. Rather than feeling uneasy, Aengus found himself respecting the man’s dedication, allowing him to continue without objection.
As they crossed the Capital City, a few seasoned hunters—referred to as “old wolves”—took notice of the unusual sight. However, upon sensing the powerful aura of General Leon, they remained in their places, wary of intervening.
After they had flown over a hundred kilometers, Aengus realized Leon’s presence had faded, indicating that the general had returned to the city. Grateful for the protection and guidance, Aengus silently promised himself to repay the favor when the time came.
Now, with the skies clear and their path ahead open, Aengus and Aria focused on their mission, flying toward the dangerous depths of the Darkwood Forest.
Aria pointed the way, while enjoying the moment. There’s still thousands of kilometres before they reach their destination.
Aengus could have used Greater Space Teleporter to reach if only had the location installed on the map.
But, he had other options: he decided to used Space Law for the first time to increase the speed further.
