Chapter 18

At the quaint little café, Elara found herself impatiently glancing at the clock, willing time to accelerate so she could finally meet Damien. The anticipation coiled within her like a taut spring.

“Hey, Elara... Are you really dating that old man?” Aron inquired hesitantly, his voice laced with curiosity and disbelief.

A crimson flush spread across her cheeks as she stammered, “Uh... Yes!”

Never in her wildest dreams had she envisioned herself falling for someone, not after the tragedy that had stolen her parents when she was but six years old. She had barely begun to comprehend her own abilities, let alone master the art of concealing them. Yet, fate had granted her an anomaly, Damien. A man who knew of her supernatural gifts and yet did not shrink away in fear or revulsion. Instead, he embraced her for who she was, as though their souls had been intertwined for centuries.

Aron’s brow furrowed, his worry evident. “Are you certain you can trust him so implicitly?” His voice dipped into a lower register, apprehension thickening his tone.

“Elara... I don’t know how to say this, but last night, when you were speaking to him near the staircase... he didn’t seem like himself. Something about him was off, and you… you looked terrified.” His pleading eyes searched hers. “Please, tell me what’s going on.”

Elara averted her gaze, guilt gnawing at her insides. She longed to confide in him but hesitated. “How could I burden him with the truth about the mansion or the ominous entity known as Shadow?” she thought. But then, Isabella’s words echoed in her mind: “Strength in unity.”

She swallowed hard. “What should I do? Can I tell him? Will he even believe me? More importantly, will he be willing to help?” Her mind spun in a whirlwind of doubt until Aron’s gentle yet firm grip on her shoulder anchored her. He turned her to face him, his gaze brimming with sincerity.

“Elara, you know you can trust me, right?” His voice was resolute. “Let me help. Not as an outsider, but as your friend. Please.”

She exhaled, a soft smile breaking through her conflicted expression. “Okay. I’ll tell you everything after work.”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of amber and crimson, Damien made his way to pick up Elara. A rare sense of nervous excitement fluttered within him. On impulse, he pulled over at a florist’s shop. A celebration as a token for the beginning of their relationship.

“Welcome,” a warm voice greeted him as he stepped inside. “How can I assist you?”

He hesitated before speaking, his voice softer than usual. “I’m looking for roses... something unique. Something that would suit someone extraordinary.”

The florist’s eyes twinkled knowingly. “Oh my, is it for your girlfriend?” she teased, an amused smile playing on her lips.

The word struck him unexpectedly. “Girlfriend?” he repeated internally, his heart lurching. A slight blush tinged his pale complexion as he finally nodded. “Y-Yes. For my girlfriend.”

“Then you must choose wisely,” the florist said, leading him to a selection of rare roses. “These are the finest seven: Blue Moon, Black Baccara, Rainbow Rose, Green Rose, Osiria Rose, Juliet Rose, and Dyed Blue Rose. Pick the one that embodies her best.”

Damien’s gaze lingered on the Osiria Rose, drawn to its striking contrast.

“Ah, an excellent choice!” the florist praised. “This bi-colored beauty boasts rich red petals within and pure white edges, a breath-taking juxtaposition of passion and innocence. The name ‘Osiria’ originates from a mythical sunken empire, adding to its enigmatic allure. A symbol of deep love and duality.” she explained.

He mused over the description. “A mythical name, contrast, passion, purity, and mystery. The perfect embodiment of Elara.” His lips curved into a rare smile. “I’ll take it. Can you include a note as well?”

“Of course! Here you go. Write from your heart,” she encouraged, handing him a small card.

He grabbed the roses and bid her farewell. As he left, the florist sighed dreamily. “What a gentleman. That girl is truly fortunate.”

Meanwhile, Elara and Aron had just finished work. She frowned slightly. “Damien is late today...”

“So, are you going to tell me what’s going on in that eerie house?” Aron pressed, his curiosity piqued.

“Yes, yes. But let’s go somewhere more private,” she insisted.

“There’s a park nearby. Let’s go there,” he said, grasping her hand and dragging her along in his eagerness.

Once settled on the swings, she sent Damien a quick message, informing him of her location and decision to confide in Aron. Before she could utter another word, Aron leaned forward, eyes ablaze with anticipation.

“Alright, no more stalling. Spill it. I need to know what’s happening!”

Just as she began explaining, Damien arrived, his car screeching to a halt. His eyes swept over the scene, instantly detecting the stunned expression on Aron’s face and the solemnity in Elara’s demeanor.

“Oh, you’re here,” Elara greeted, her smile unfazed by the tension crackling in the air.

Damien’s gaze hardened. “You told this kid everything. Why?”

“He said he wanted to know. Besides, Isabella said we needed allies. Aron is our first,” she responded lightly.

Aron, still shell-shocked, pointed accusingly at Damien. “This man is possessed!” he blurted out.

Damien simply stared at him, expression unreadable.

“But I’m not afraid,” Aron added in a whisper, lowering his hand.

Elara struggled to suppress her giggles.

“Elara, stop laughing. What he did to you was not okay. What if he hurts you again?” Aron argued.

The air thickened with tension.

“It wasn’t his fault, Aron. Don’t blame him. Besides, Damien is the one who needs help. Will you stand with us?” she implored.

Aron met her gaze and sighed. “Of course, I will. I can’t let this geezer harm you.”

Damien scoffed. “Tch... What an unbearable kid. Now, leave.”

“Not a chance,” Aron shot back.

Elara sighed. “Aron, it’s late. Please, go home. We’ll meet tomorrow, alright?”

Aron hesitated but relented. “Fine. But be careful, and stay away from him,” he warned before leaving.

Damien sat on the swing next to her, chatting when he noticed an ice cream truck.

“Want some ice cream?” he asked.

“Hmmm… Chocolate!” she chirped.

When he returned with two cones, she noticed his was plain vanilla.

“Why so dull?” she teased.

“I prefer vanilla,” he shrugged.

She extended her cone toward him, the ice cream dripping on her fingers. “Wanna try mine?”

He looked at her smiling face and smirked. Instead of taking a bite, he grasped her wrist and languidly licked the melted ice cream from her fingers.

Elara stilled, her breath caught in her throat. Smirking, he murmured, “I think I like chocolate more now.”

Elara froze, her cheeks reddened. “Come on, eat it quickly now. It’s melting… though I don’t mind licking it from your hand again.” He said, wiping the remnant from his lips.

Elara startled her heart, beating fast. “D-Damien, we’re outside…” she stammered, flushing. “Oops… then how about we continue at home?” he asked, in a teasing tone.

“S-Stop..!” she said, flustered as she devoured her ice cream in a desperate attempt to escape the tension. Damien merely laughed, reveling in her reaction.

That night, as they drove home, he handed her the Osiria Roses with a heartfelt note, leaving her teary-eyed and speechless:

To the person who changed my life, Elara,

Just like these Osiria Roses, you are a beautiful blend of passion and purity. Your unique spirit and the way you see the world through your art make you truly one-of-a-kind. Every moment with you feels like a dream, and I am endlessly captivated by your presence. Thank you for loving me back.

With all my love, Damien.

“Thank you, Damien, I love them.” she whispered, looking at him passionately with an angelic smile.

Damien’s eyes widened as a surge of emotion washed over him. His grip tightened on the steering wheel, battling the overwhelming urge to pull her into a kiss. Yet, he held himself back, savoring the moment. Instead, he offered a gentle smile and whispered, “I’m glad you like them,” his fingers tenderly traced the curve of her cheek.

Little did they know, a storm loomed on the horizon.

♡♡♡

Comment if you want some spicy scenes.! Enjoy.!

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