The heavy iron gates of the estate groaned as Aiden pushed them open, their creak echoing faintly in the cool night air. The moon hung low, casting a silver sheen across the sprawling grounds, its light catching the delicate curves of Akidna's figure as she stood waiting.
Her silhouette was almost ethereal, her flawless, luscious form glowing under the lunar glow, her dark hair cascading in soft waves that shimmered like dark copper.
The faint scent of jasmine clung to her, mingling with the crisp night breeze.
"Aiden!" Her voice cut through the stillness, sharp with a mix of relief and worry. "Where were you? I've been looking everywhere!" Her raven eyes searched his, a faint crease forming on her brow, betraying the anxiety she tried to mask.
Aiden's hand found her shoulder, his touch firm yet gentle, grounding her. His demeanor was calm, almost unnervingly so, but beneath that composed exterior, he felt it—a pulsing, electric surge of mana radiating from the mansion ahead.
