Lilith’s fingers moved into his hair and continued to comb through it while he stared up at the dark reflective ceiling above.

"At first, I thought he would quit the competition after his first loss against me but it seems his pride was hurt by it," he chuckled," it’s stupid, something I would never do after a loss. He came back for another fight," he paused, " and that was the final battle you saw happen. "

Even now his eyes darkened as he remembered it. He could already estimate the damage it would have caused when the two powers collided.

"I was really surprised when he conjured so many flaming spears in the sky," Atheline said his tone excited," it showed how uncreative I had been with the power I have."

Lilith blinked once.

"You’re perfect my love, do not compare yourself with those below you."

At those words, genuine amusement crossed his face.

"Okay, let’s forget that," he quietly said, " Did you know that the forest lord was a plant?"

Lilith was quiet for a moment then shook her head." I remember it was a beast the last time I visited. It must have killed it and taken over as the forest lord."

Atheline nodded. She didn’t seem that concerned. He turned around and wrapped his hands around her waist and lay his head in the inside of her thighs while he knelt in the water.

"I met someone new, but I find him suspicious," he quietly said.

Her hands cupped his cheeks and lifted his face. He met her gaze. She couldn’t resist and leaned in for a small kiss.

"Who is it?"

"Cassian Renault, Councillor Renault’s son. He approached me while I was heading to the centre which in itself was weird. His attention seemed to be fully focused on me."

Lilith was silent for a moment before she spoke.

"Councillor Renault rarely speaks and keeps his family affairs a secret. It’s actually hard to decipher what he is thinking unlike the others. He is one of the few councillors who hold no interest in the Moon crystals we have."

"Do you think his son approached me because of that. They probably want to establish a rapport before he can request it."

That was what Atheline wanted to believe but he couldn’t shake off this weird feeling whenever they were together. The man had been staring at him from start to finish.

It gave him the creeps.

He just knew in his subconscious that something was wrong with the man but he couldn’t fully place it.

Lilith picked up the cloth and gently wiped his face calling to his attention back to her.

"If you think he’s suspicious, I’ll do a thorough investigation of the household. "

Atheline nodded.

"I’ll continue to keep him close," he said, " it’s better to keep the enemy closer."

Atheline closed his right eye as her thumb rubbed the corner of it.

"I can find an excuse to execute the whole household if it worries you too much," she calmly said.

Atheline shook his head." No, if they have a motivate we might be able to find this Protector through them."

She found herself staring. Three days apart felt like years and now here he was, tired and smiling while talking about his problems. It made her heart warm.

It felt strangely ordinary. A wonderful feeling she had not had growing up with. This felt like the kind of peace that came before a storm but that didn’t bother her, she would destroy the storm before it touched her peace.

"You didn’t meet Cassian alone didn’t you?" She said, her eyes narrowing.

He went silent briefly, then smiled faintly.

"No, I didn’t," he playfully said.

"Okay, who were you with?"

"It’s the only answer you’re getting today. You’ve asked too many questions."

She narrowed her eyes slightly before splashing water on his shoulder.

Atheline looked genuinely offended at that.

"How could you attack a wounded man?"

"You’re alive enough to complain."

"Cruel woman."

"Yet you continue returning home to me."

This time, he gazed up at her property. The candlelight reflected the softness in his eyes and smile.

"... Of course I do. There is no one better than you."

The answer came so naturally that she forgot to breathe for half a second. The familiar feeling of fullness came. Something inside her chest tightened unexpectedly.

Lilith was the first to look away.

"... Flatterer."

"Hm."

"You should at least pretend to think before saying things like that."

"But they’re true. "

"Tell me more then."

A quiet silence settled over them again afterwards. She absentmindedly rubbed his shoulder while Atheline burnt a hole into her face.

The stillness on the water’s surface broke as he lifted himself from it until he was kneeling between her legs. He rested his head slightly on her shoulders. His wet hair brushed against her neck, tickling her.

She felt his wet lips on her neck. She leaned back to give him better access. Slowly, her hand resumed combing his hair while his hands started to slowly open the zip of her dress.

"Is it okay," he mummbled against her skin," I missed you so much."

Lilith stared at him for a moment before a smile graced her lips.

"Aren’t you tired?" She inquired, tilting her head to the side like a curious cat with a mischievous smile on her lips.

"No."

He bit into her neck.

"I missed you too."

Unable to hold himself, Atheline pulled her into the water. The temperature change surprised her a little. He instantly embraced her again pulling her flush against him.

She could feel his arousal rubbing against her. His lips captured hers into a sensual kiss. His hand snaked under her dress and started to pull it down her shoulders.

Her hands fell from his shoulders giving him convenience. The dress, now wet, bunched around her waist. His hands immediately went to her twin weights and caressed them slowly.

When they separated for air, they smiled at each other as their forehead touched.

"You’re all I’ll ever need in this life, Lilith..." he whispered closing his eyes again as he felt Lilith’s fingers play with the hair at the back of his head.

"So do I, my love, so do I..." Lilith responded sweetly and arced into his touch," I don’t ever want to lose you. Not now, not ever. Please..."

That made Atheline smile as his hands left her breasts and moved down to her waist. He stood up from the water with her in his arms.

"I’m all yours and you’re all mine," he smiled up at her," shall we go to bed, it’s awfully messy doing it in the water."

"Yes."