Silence filled the carriage as Adrian gave her time to process everything and come to a decision.

Ariana had always hated Acolytes. She became a Warden not for fame or gold, but to clean up the society they corrupted.

Her master had been a respected figure in the Warden Society—someone who inspired thousands with his courage and accomplishments.

Naturally, training under someone like that, his values must have shaped her deeply. That's why this decision couldn't have been easy for her.

But Adrian had no plans to convince her. This choice had to come from her.

He had already told her everything—even his past.

What she chose now could put her at odds with the entire society. If his secret got out, many would come after him. So he needed her to think carefully about which side she wanted to stand on.

Ariana sighed and leaned back in her seat.

"This is seriously messed up," she muttered. "A genius Runesmith who can change the world... and you can actually use independent magic? Aren't you a little too overpowered?"

Adrian scratched the back of his head. "Not really. My control is terrible. I burn through all my magic in a second. So no, I'm still pretty weak."

Ariana raised her brows. "But you've got potential to grow."

Adrian didn't respond.

She gave him a look. "Why do you look so tense?"

He blinked. "I—I'm just waiting for your answer."

Ariana looked puzzled. "Answer to what?"

Adrian tilted his head. "Aria… you just learned something huge about me. Don't you have anything to say? Aren't you even a little upset?"

"Why would I be upset?" she replied calmly. "Having magic isn't a crime. Being part of that twisted cult is. And as far as I know, you're not someone who could ever be evil."

Adrian let out a breath of relief. "...Honestly, I was scared. I thought maybe you'd report me."

Ariana gave a small, crooked smile. "Even if you were part of an evil god's cult, I doubt I could bring myself to report you."

Adrian lifted his brows. "What happened to the oath you took as a Warden?"

She reached out and took his hand, her voice warm. "Nothing comes before you, Adrian. Wherever you walk, that's the path I'll follow."

Adrian blinked in surprise. "...That's a lot to put on my shoulders."

She tilted her head, amused. "What, you don't want that responsibility?"

"I do," he said softly, pulling her into his arms. "...With both my arms."

The rest of the journey passed in calm silence.

Ariana didn't seem too troubled by what she had learned. What truly upset her wasn't the magic or the secrets—it was that he had stolen the staff and lied to her.

That part had hurt.

"I'm ready for any punishment you think I deserve," Adrian said quietly. He didn't try to explain himself or make excuses.

He knew he had broken her trust—and he was willing to take responsibility for it.

Ariana narrowed her eyes, her tone turning sharp but playful, "Oh, don't worry. I will punish you—for making me worry for so long."

Her voice dropped to a whisper as she leaned in close, lips brushing his ear.

"I'll make you beg for mercy."

A sharp shiver ran down Adrian's spine as she bit his ear.

The carriage rolled to a gentle stop, and the two stepped outside.

By now, the sun had climbed high—it was already afternoon.

As they approached the entrance, Adrian glanced at the announcement board and the decorated greeting card beside it.

He let out a slow sigh.

"It's finally happening."

.....

"You'll dehydrate yourself," Ruby sighed as she gently wiped her friend's tear-stained cheeks.

Annabelle had been crying since morning. She hadn't eaten, hadn't drunk a single drop of water—just sat curled up in the corner, knees tucked close to her chest, lost in her sorrow.

The reason?

Her darling—Adrian—was getting engaged.

Ruby felt a sting too. Adrian had been her first crush, after all. But compared to Annabelle, her own heartache felt mild.

For Annabelle, it was as if her entire world had crumbled—and all she could do was sit and watch it fall apart.

Ruby understood. She knew exactly how much Annabelle loved him.

Still, she had to speak the truth.

"Anna," she said softly, "Ariana is his love. You have to understand—Adrian isn't the same person you once knew. He's the same but not at the same time… and when you weren't there, it was Ariana who stayed by his side, supported him through everything."

"I know that!" Annabelle snapped, her voice shaky as fresh tears welled in her eyes. "But does that mean I should just… accept her as his first wife?"

Ruby let out a long sigh. "Look, you can still be with him, can't you? Isn't that more important than being first?"

Annabelle slowly lifted her head. Her nose was red and runny, and Ruby gently wiped it for her.

"But he doesn't even see me as a woman," Annabelle said quietly. "Would he ever… even consider making me his bride?"

Ruby lowered herself to the floor and sat across from her. Taking Annabelle's hand, she looked her in the eyes.

"Have you ever done anything—anything at all-to make him see you that way?"

Annabelle blinked, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Ruby spoke gently, as if explaining something basic yet important. "There are things a woman does to be seen not just as a friend or comrade—but as someone he could love. Someone who makes his heart skip."

Annabelle scoffed. "And you're telling me that? Someone who has zero experience in romance?"

Ruby flushed pink at the jab and gave her hand a playful slap. "I've read books! And I've heard plenty of stories from my friends, okay? So don't look down on my knowledge."

All those novels she read and she has heard plenty of stories to be a good advisor.

Annabelle took a deep breath before urging her, "Okay, tell me."

°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. Drop a comment and leave a review for the future readers.