Chapter 17

It was Damien. He sat quietly beside Elara, his gaze soft as he watched her sleep. Her chest rose and fell in a peaceful rhythm, her face serene, untouched by the chaos that had surrounded them for so long. The dim glow of the moon bathed her delicate features, accentuating the gentle curve of her lips and the way her eyelashes fluttered slightly as if lost in a dream. Unable to resist, he reached out and brushed his fingers lightly against her cheek.

Elara stirred at the warm touch, her brows furrowing slightly before her eyes fluttered open. The sight before her startled her, she had been expecting Shadow. Her heart pounded as she sat up abruptly. "What are…"

Before she could finish, Damien pressed a finger against her lips, his voice a mere whisper. "Sushh… You’ll wake up that kid."

Elara blinked, struggling to process the moment. "D-Damien… is it really you?" she asked hesitantly.

He pouted slightly. "What… you can’t recognize me now?"

A chuckle escaped her lips. "Well, I must admit, I was a bit confused."

Damien scratched the back of his head, hesitating before he asked, "Elara, can I sleep next to you?"

Her heart skipped a beat. "Uh… Yeah. O-Okay." She moved slightly to make space, though it was a single bed, leaving only a sliver of distance between them.

Facing each other, her cheeks flushed. "S-So, what happened? How did you manage to break Shadow’s control?"

Damien exhaled deeply. "I didn’t… I don’t know myself. When I woke up, I saw broken glass and a piece stuck in my palm. I felt the usual pain when he takes over… but this time, it was less severe. Before I knew it, I was me again. I think the injury somehow snapped me back." He turned to look at her, his gaze serious. "But I’m sure…"

"What?! You're telling me you were yourself all this time and didn’t say anything?" Elara pouted, whispering in mock annoyance.

Damien chuckled. "Well, well. I wanted to see if you’d recognize me. But I’m disappointed."

"Come on! I was a bit scared… You should have told me!" she huffed.

She reached for his hand. "Show me the one that got cut." Her voice was gentle. He extended his hand, and she held it delicately, blowing softly on the wound. "Does it hurt? You should have applied some medicine. Wait, I’ll…"

Before she could move, Damien clasped her hand, their fingers interlocking. His silent plea made her cheeks warm.

"Elara," he murmured, his voice imbued with warmth. "Before I met you, my life was dull… no friends, no family close by, no one to share my passions with. No one cared the way you do. You changed everything. Even though we’re facing danger, even though you could get hurt… I can’t push you away. You’re in my thoughts, in my heart."

Elara's heart pounded, their eyes locking. He continued, "I haven’t truly laughed since I was a child. But with you, I can. I can be carefree. I don’t want that to end. I don’t want to lose you."

Tears welled in her eyes, the sincerity of his words hitting her deeply.

Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, Damien said, "Elara… I like you. Will you… date me?"

His lips brushed against her hand with a delicate kiss, his gaze burning with intensity. Elara’s breath hitched, her mind reeling. He had finally spoken the words he had buried for so long.

"I understand if you need time…" Damien began, but she tightened her grip before he could let go.

"No…" she whispered.

His expression faltered. "So, it’s a no…?"

"No… I mean yes!" she rushed, her voice shaky. "I-I like you back." Gathering her courage, she kissed his hand in return. "I like you too, Damien."

Damien’s eyes widened, stunned into silence.

"Hey! Did you hear what I just said?" Elara teased, flustered.

"Y-Yeah," he stammered, still processing.

"Then say something! Don’t just stay quiet!" she huffed, unable to meet his gaze.

In a swift motion, he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. "I won’t let you down… I love you, Elara."

Her heart melted. "Me too. I love you."

A moment passed before Damien hesitated. "Elara…?"

"Hmmm?"

"Can… Can I kiss you?"

Her face burned, but she buried herself against his chest and whispered, "Yes…"

Damien lifted her chin, drinking in her beauty, cheeks tinged with crimson, lips trembling. As their eyes met, he leaned in, their lips meeting in a delicate yet passionate kiss. His hands rested gently on her waist, hers on his shoulder. It was soft, tender, an unspoken promise of the love between them. He knew he needed to be patient, to cherish her at her own pace.

When their lips parted, they remained close, his forehead resting against hers. He pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead before they curled into each other, drifting into slumber.

Morning came too soon. The sunlight streamed in, illuminating Elara’s face, waking her up. She touched her lips, blushing as memories of the night before flooded her mind. Turning, she found Damien still asleep, his hair tousled, breathing even. The sunlight played on his skin, and she sat up slightly, shielding his face from the rays.

His eyes slowly opened, locking onto hers. Without warning, he pulled her into his embrace. "Woah!" she gasped.

"Good morning," he murmured, voice husky from sleep.

"G-Good morning," she whispered back.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, and you?"

"Not much. I was too excited sleeping next to you for the first time."

Elara stiffened. "Wait… but you’ve slept here before…" Then realization struck, back then, it had been Shadow. Damien knew but chose not to let it ruin their moment. Instead, he hugged her tighter. "Come on, let’s get into shower before that kid wakes up. I’ll make breakfast."

"S-Sh-Shower?? … T-Toget—" she stammered, mortified.

He smirked. "I was going to my room… but if you insist…"

"D-Damien! Stop!" she shrieked, hiding under the blanket. He chuckled, pulling it down to steal a quick kiss. "Get ready. I’ll be waiting downstairs."

As soon as he left, she buried her face, kicking the bed in embarrassment.

Outside, Damien ran into Aron. "What were you doing in her room?" Aron demanded.

Damien smirked. "And what’s that got to do with you?"

"Tch…" Aron scowled.

"Go take a shower, kid. You stink." Damien walked off, leaving Aron fuming. "Grr… YOU’RE the one who stinks, old man!" he yelled.

Downstairs, Damien prepared breakfast while Elara and Aron chatted. "Are you going to work today?" Aron asked.

"I think I can manage," Elara replied.

"Elara, it's best to rest another day," Damien called from the kitchen.

"I’ll be fine."

"Okay, but be careful. And kid, look after her."

"Yeah, I know. You don’t have to tell me that," Aron muttered.

Elara giggled at their bickering. Damien later dropped them off at the café. As soon as, Aron got off the car, Damien kissed Elara on her forehead and she surprised him with a kiss on the cheek. He smiled, a promise glinting in his eyes.

♡♡♡

They are finally dating.! Don't forget to follow me, like and comment if you like my work. Bubyee.!

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