"I don't have to take orders from you!"
Mark exchanged a puzzled glance with Ria. What the hell is going on? A knot of unease tightened in his stomach. He picked up on the strain in his aunt's voice as they got closer, and his protective instincts kicked in.
He burst through the front door, Ria close behind, and was met with chaos. Lida stood in the middle of the living room, her face flushed, eyes brimming with unshed tears, locked in a heated argument with a tall, imposing man.
The stranger, catching sight of them, snapped his mouth shut and bowed towards Ria. Mark frowned, even more confused now. Who the hell is this guy?
"What's going on here?" Mark asked, stepping towards his aunt.
Lida quickly brushed away a stray tear, forcing a smile. "It's nothing, Mark."
Mark didn't buy it. He studied the stranger, a man in his late fifties, with neatly slicked-back salt-and-pepper hair, sharp, intelligent eyes, and an expensive-looking suit. This isn't just a friendly visit.
"Who are you?"
"I'm Vizi," the man replied, his voice a deep baritone. "And I'm here on behalf of—"
"You need to leave," Lida interrupted, her voice cold and dismissive.
Vizi, however, refused to be dismissed. "The Crescent Association has uncovered a traitor in their midst," he said, his gaze shifted to Ria. "Council requests your presence, Lady. Immediately."
Mark's eyes widened. Association? Council? What the hell is he talking about? He looked at Lida, hoping for an explanation, but she remained silent, her gaze fixed on the floor. Why is Ria being summoned? What's going on?
His mind raced, trying to piece it all together. He glanced at Ria, who seemed strangely calm, her expression unreadable.
"Why are they asking for Ria?"
"The investigation into the attack a few weeks ago has yielded… unexpected results," Vizi explained. "We've uncovered evidence of a traitor within the association. It seems their target was Lady Ria."
"That attack wasn't aimed at Ria," Lida countered sharply. "It was Mark they were after."
"Is that so?" Vizi's brow arched slightly. "Regardless, the Crescent feels it's imperative that we safeguard her. The council has agreed that she should remain at headquarters, under protection, until we can identify and neutralize the threat."
"Right," Lida scoffed. "They just want her away from Mark."
Vizi shrugged, his expression carefully neutral. "Perhaps. But wouldn't this be the best course of action? If they know it was Mark, they were after, the questions will never end. This way, at least your boy stays out of it."
Just how much does this guy know? Mark wondered, his unease growing.
"It's not that simple," Lida argued, her voice rising in frustration. "Ria is bonded to Mark. You can't just separate them."
"Come now, Lida. Don't make this more complicated than it needs to be. Surely you understand the situation. The association is concerned, the Council is demanding action. This is the simplest solution, for everyone involved."
"Easy for you to say," Lida retorted. "It might be simple for you, but what about Ria? What about her feelings?"
"The council feels her judgment is… clouded by the bond. They believe she's not thinking clearly and I also…"
"Enough!" Ria stepped forward, her voice sharp. "You've been talking long enough, Vizi."
"My apologies, Lady," Vizi said, bowing his head slightly. "I merely express the concerns of the Council. They are deeply worried for your safety."
"That doesn't give anyone to right to make decisions for me, does it?"
Vizi opened his mouth to argue, but Lida interrupted. "Ria, would you be willing to stay here, with us? At least for a while, until things settle down?"
What? Mark stared at Lida, stunned by her sudden offer. What is she doing? He could see the surprise flickering in Ria's eyes, mirroring his own. This is happening fast, too fast.
"I… I wouldn't mind," Ria said hesitantly, glancing at Mark, then back at Lida. "But my parents…."
"I'll deal with them," She turned to Mark. "Why don't you go with Ria and get her things?"
"But—"
"Mark, please," she pleaded. "Just trust me on this. Go."
He hesitated, his gaze flickering between Lida and Vizi. He didn't want to leave her alone.
"Go on, Mark," Lida said, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. "I'll be fine. Just go."
He nodded, still unsure. "Come on, Ria."
She followed him out of the house, a puzzled frown on her face. As they walked towards his car, Mark couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in his gut. He glanced back at the house, the windows dark and silent.
Mark still had a million questions swirling in his mind. Who was Vizi? What was his connection to his aunt? How much did he know? Why was the Crescent Association so interested in Ria? He still wasn't sure about anything but decided to trust Lida's judgment. I hope she knows what she's doing.
He glanced at Ria, who seemed lost in thought, her brow furrowed, her usual vibrant energy dimmed. He could tell that she had questions of her own. The night, which had started with such promise, had taken a sharp turn into unsettling territory.
* * *
The drive was tense and silent. Despite his aunt's reassurances, Mark couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. He gripped the steering wheel, his mind replaying the scene at the house.
That guy, Vizi…
"You, okay?" Ria's voice broke through his thoughts.
"I'm fine, just a bit overwhelmed."
"You don't have to pretend with me. I can tell you're worried about her."
"I am. I've never seen her so…. rattled."
"I understand," Ria said, squeezing his hand. "But she seems strong, Mark. She can handle herself."
"She is but I can't help but worry. Something's not right."
"I get it, trust me, I do," Ria said, her voice soft. "But sometimes, the best thing you can do for someone is just be there for them. Let them know you support them. Give them the time and space they need to process things."
Mark considered her words, "Yeah, maybe you're right. It's just…. that guy… he gave me the creeps."
"Just give it time. Don't push her. She'll tell you when she's ready."
Her words cleared his mind a bit, loosening the tight knot in his chest. Yeah, she's got a point. Badgering Lida won't do any good. He just had to have faith in her, knowing she'd confide when she was ready.
They drove in silence for a few more minutes, the city lights blurring past, each lost in their own thoughts.
Mark started to turn towards Ria's neighborhood, but she stopped him. "Not that way. My stuff's at the dorm."
"Right…" he frowned, changing direction. "But I thought your parents lived nearby. Why not stay with them?"
"I like it better there," she shrugged. "My parents can be a bit… too much."
Mark nodded, understanding the need for space. He kinda wanted to dig into her past, her family, all that coven stuff before they hooked up, but decided against it. Something told him it would only lead to more questions than answers, and honestly… tonight had been eventful enough.
"Are you really okay with this?" Ria asked after a while, breaking the comfortable silence.
"With what?"
"With all this," she vaguely gestured between them. "Me moving in. It's happening fast."
Mark chuckled. "Honestly, with everything going on, it hadn't hit me until now."
"Well, now that it has…" she prompted, her eyes searching his. "What do you think?"
"What about you?" he volleyed back. "How do you feel about it?"
"I don't know. It's all happening so fast," she admitted, her brow furrowing slightly. "It's crazy, right? We met just few days back, and yet…" She paused, her eyes searching his. "It feels right. Natural, somehow."
He thought about the past few weeks with Ria – the laughter, the passion, the whirlwind of emotions, the easy companionship, the way she made him feel.
"You know what?" he said, a smile spreading across his face. "I feel the same way."
"Are you sure? You don't have to say that just to make me feel better."
"I'm sure," he insisted, meeting her gaze. "I still have doubts, about the bond, about everything. But… it feels good, Ria. Being with you. It feels right."
"I'm glad," she said, a soft smile gracing her lips.
"So, does this make us a dysfunctional Brady Bunch? You, me, and my crazy aunt?"
Ria swatted his arm playfully. "You're such a dork."
* * *
Mark followed Ria into her dorm room, surprised by how… normal it looked. It was small but cozy, with a brightly colored rug on the floor and posters plastered across the walls. As he'd expected, the room was tidy, everything in its place, a stark contrast to his own messy den. Just as I pictured it.
"Make yourself comfortable," Ria said, dropping her bag onto the floor. "Give me ten minutes to pack, and I'll be ready."
Mark nodded, his gaze drawn to the posters on the wall. He recognized them from his visit to her parents' house.
"These look cool," he commented, walking closer to get a better look. "Who are they?"
"Just some of my favorite bands," she replied, pulling clothes from her closet and stuffing them into a duffel bag.
"Never heard of them."
"They're classic rock. From the sixties, seventies… the good stuff."
"The old stuff," he corrected, grinning. "Your music taste is ancient."
"Hey, there's a reason they call it classic rock," she retorted. "These guys made some epic music. Timeless hits. They are legends."
"Yeah, legends who are six feet under. Along with their fans. Except for you, apparently."
She threw a T-shirt at him. "You have no taste."
"Ouch," Mark said, clutching his chest dramatically. "That hurts. At least I can understand the lyrics without needing a hearing aid."
"You're impossible," she shook her head, grinning. "Now, are you going to help me pack, or are you just going to stand there making fun of my music?"
"Both?" Mark grinned, but he moved to help her fold clothes and pack them neatly into her bag. As he worked, his gaze fell on a framed photograph on her dresser.
"Whoa, look at you," he chuckled, holding up the picture.
It's a family picture of a younger Ria, standing between her parents, all three smiling broadly. Ria was barely recognizable, her hair styled in pigtails, her smile bright and innocent.
"Oh my god, put that away."
"When was this taken?"
"High school graduation," Ria mumbled, trying to snatch the picture from his hand.
"You look so cute," he teased. "I bet you were a real troublemaker back then."
"I'll have you know I was a straight-A student."
"Sure, you were. And I'm the King of England."
"Just pack, Mark," Ria said, snatching the photo back and placing it on the dresser. "Let's just finish packing and get out of here."
But Mark wasn't ready to let go just yet. He sneaked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, nuzzling his face into her hair.
"I bet you miss wearing that school uniform."
"Not really."
"Come on," he teased, his fingers tracing the curve of her hip. "Short skirt, tight blouse, knee-high socks…"
"It was itchy and uncomfortable. And the skirt was way too short. I was always worried about flashing someone."
"That's the best part," Mark said, his grin widening.
"You're shameless," Ria laughed, shaking her head. "I'll wear whatever you want. Just let me pack."
"Promise?"
"Promise," Ria replied, turning to face him. "Now, get out. You're distracting me."
"I can help…"
"You'll just end up distracting me," she said, rolling her eyes. "And then we'll never get out of here. Go wait outside. Five minutes."
He gave her one last squeeze, his lips brushing against her ear. "Hurry up," he whispered. "I've got plans for you."
Ria giggled, pushing him away playfully. "Go! Pervert"
Mark stepped out into the hallway, a smile playing on his lips. Mark leaned against the wall, his mind a jumble of thoughts. Someone else living in the house. It's been just me and Lida for so long. It was exciting, yeah, but also a little terrifying. This whole relationship with Ria was moving at warp speed. He was falling for her, falling hard and fast, but sometimes he felt like he was barely keeping up. Moving in together. That's a big step. What if it didn't work out? What if the bond faded, and they were left with nothing but awkward silences and broken promises?
He could already picture the potential chaos.
"Hey, Romeo."
Mark looked up to see Sarah standing in the hallway, her arms crossed, a playful smirk on her lips. "What are you doing lurking out here?"
"Just getting back from class," she replied. "What about you? Waiting for your princess?"
"Something like that."
"Aw, how sweet. Can't bear to be away from each other for five minutes?"
"It's not like that," he said. "She's just getting ready, and I offered to…"
"To stand guard outside her door like a lovesick puppy?"
"Shut up, Sarah."
"Just messing with you," she laughed. "But seriously, you two seem really happy. It's kinda cute, actually." She glanced at Ria's door, then back at Mark. "So, when's the wedding?"
"We just started dating, Sarah."
"Details, details," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "Just give me a heads-up so I can start shopping for bridesmaid dresses."
"And why do you assume you'll be the bridesmaid?" Mark teased.
"She better pick me, or I'll kill her."
"Seriously?"
"Of course. It's a matter of principle."
"You're a terrible friend."
"Priorities, Mark, priorities." Then, leaning closer, she lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Hey, if you ever get tired of Miss Perfect, you know where to find me."
Just then, Ria emerged from her room, a duffel bag slung over one shoulder, a backpack on the other. "Sarah, will you stop trying to steal my boyfriend for five seconds?"
"But I can't help it!" Sarah said, throwing her hands up in mock despair. "He's so cute, why don't you lend him to me—"
"Oh, shut it," Ria laughed.
Sarah's gaze fell on the luggage. "Whoa, what's with all the bags?"
"I'm moving in with Mark."
"You're what?!"
"Yeah, we're going to my place," Mark confirmed, grabbing one of her bags.
"Didn't you guys, like, just start dating?"
"Details, details," he said, waving his hand dismissively.
"Whoa, moving in? That's a big step. You guys move fast."
Ria shrugged. "It just… happened. It feels right."
Yeah, I get it," Sarah said, her voice softening. "You guys seem really good together. Just… try not to break her heart, okay, Mark? She's one of my best friends."
"Wouldn't dream of it."
"Good," Sarah said, her voice laced with mock menace. "Because I know where you live."
"Alright, enough threats," Ria laughed. "We should go. Lida's probably wondering where we are."
"Right," Mark said, picking up her duffel bag.
"Have fun, kids!" Sarah called out as they headed down the hallway. "And don't do anything I wouldn't do… which is pretty much everything!"
He followed Ria out of the dorm, her suitcase bumping against his legs with every step. He had a feeling life was about to get a whole lot more… chaotic. And he couldn't wait. This is going to be interesting.
The easy flow of traffic they'd enjoyed on the way to dorm had vanished. They hit the road, only to find themselves ensnared in a snarl of rush-hour traffic.
Ria groaned, drumming her fingers impatiently on the dashboard. "Seriously? Of all the times…"
"Just relax…It's rush hour. It'll clear up soon."
"Ugh, I hate traffic. It's such a waste of time."
As they inched forward, Ria connected her phone to the car's stereo. A blast of music filled the car, a mix of electric guitars and powerful vocals that made Mark wince.
"What is this?" he asked, wrinkling his nose.
"Just introducing you to some real music," Ria said with a grin. "Get ready to have your mind blown."
"More of your grandpa's rock band? You're going to torture me with this dinosaur rock all the way home?"
"Keep making those jokes. You'll be singing along before you know it. This stuff is infectious."
"Highly doubt it. I prefer my music without so much… screaming."
"What kind of music do you like, anyway?" She asked, turning down the volume slightly.
"I don't know. There's no particular genre I stick to, but I'm mostly into R&B and stuff."
"R&B, huh? Interesting taste."
"It's way better than your ancient rock anthems."
"Ancient? This is classic! Timeless! It's real music, music with soul, with passion, with—"
"With a lot of noise?"
Ria just shook her head. "One day, Mark, you'll see the light."
As they drove, the traffic began to thin out, and they arrived at Mark's house in no time. Mark parked the car, grabbed Ria's luggage, and followed her to the front door.
He reached for the doorknob but then stopped, a playful smile spreading across his face. He held the door open for her, gesturing with a flourish. "Welcome, my lady, to our humble abode."
"Why, thank you, kind sir," she chuckled, stepping inside with a playful smile.
"Go unpack," Mark said, gesturing upstairs as they entered the house. "I'll be up in a few minutes."
She nodded and headed upstairs while Mark walked down the hallway towards Lida's room.
He rapped lightly on the door, hearing the sound of running water from within.
"Just a minute!"
A moment later, the door opened, he could see the redness around her eyes, the puffiness that betrayed recent tears.
"How was the drive?" she asked, forcing a smile.
"It went well. We got stuck in traffic for a bit, but the rest was smooth."
"And how's Ria?"
"She's upstairs, unpacking," he said. "She's excited to be here."
"That's wonderful," Lida said, her smile becoming more genuine. "I'm looking forward to getting to know her better."
"I'm sure she is, too."
"You two must be tired."
"Yeah, a little."
"Don't let me keep you. Go on, spend some time with her. Get some rest."
Mark sensed she was trying to deflect, to avoid talking about whatever had upset her earlier. He stepped forward, pulling her into a hug.
"I'm not going to ask what's wrong, Lida. Not tonight. But I want you to know I'm here for you. If you need anything, anything at all, just say the word."
"Oh, don't you go acting all grown up now," she replied, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm fine."
"I know you are," he said, squeezing her gently. "But I'm here if you need me."
"Thank you, Mark," she said, her voice softening. "It's nothing, really. Just some old memories resurfacing."
He didn't push her, sensing she wasn't ready to talk. "Just promise me one thing."
"What's that?"
"Please don't snore tonight."
She laughed, the tension easing slightly. "I don't snore!"
"Don't even try to deny it. I've heard you. It's like a chainsaw."
"Stop exaggerating."
"Exaggerating?" Mark scoffed. "Remember that camping trip."
"It wasn't that bad."
"It was bad, Lida. Bad. Like, epicly bad."
"You're being dramatic," she huffed, but a smile played on her lips.
"Dramatic? I'm traumatized, Lida. Scarred for life."
"Okay, okay, enough. Go on. Get out of here. Go bother Ria."
Mark turned to leave, but then stopped, a thought striking him. "Hey, before I forget, how about we hit up that breakfast buffet place tomorrow morning? The one with the waffle bar?"
"I'm really not sure. I am really not in the—"
"We don't have to stay long."
"I don't know, Mark…"
"Come on, it'll be fun. A little celebration. For Ria joining us."
"Alright," her expression softened. "Sounds nice."
"Fantastic," he grinned. "Ria and I will be ready bright and early."
"Just go get some rest, Mark," she replied, shaking her head.
"Yes, ma'am," Mark said, saluting playfully. He saw the smile return to her face, and it eased the knot of worry in his chest.
He knew he was being a bit overprotective, but he couldn't help it. Maybe this is how she feels all the time. Lida was his family, and he would do anything to keep her safe. He decided to take Ria's advice. I'll give her space.
While he was still frustrated about being in the dark about so many things, he hoped that things would sort out sooner rather than later. He had to trust her, to trust that she would tell him what he needed to know when she was ready.
* * *
Pushing open his bedroom door, a grin lit up his face at the sight of his familiar space, now sprinkled with Ria's touch.
He glanced around the room, noticing the subtle signs of her stay– her books casually stacked on his nightstand, a colorful scarf carelessly thrown over his chair, their clothes mixing in the closet, adding a burst of color to his typically plain wardrobe. Her suitcase lay open on the floor, its contents now mingling with his belongings.
The sound of running water drifted from the bathroom. He knocked gently. "Ria?"
"Almost done," her muffled voice called out. "Be out in a sec."
Mark strolled to the window, propping himself against the frame, his eyes skimming the familiar view of his neighborhood. The streetlights stretched shadows, houses cloaked in darkness, the outside world hushed and motionless.
It's crazy how much things have changed.
The past few weeks had been a whirlwind - the attack, the bond, Ria, the fight with Elia. And I'm still so damn clueless. The unanswered questions still lingered like a shadow over his newfound happiness.
He was head over heels for Ria, falling fast and hard, but he was stumbling around blindfolded, lost in a maze of mysteries. With powers he barely grasped, a heritage just starting to unfold, and a past that wouldn't let go of him.
The uncertainties spun in his mind, a frustrating whirlwind of what-ifs and maybes. No closer to answers than he was a month ago. He took a deep breath, trying to quiet the storm inside him.
Memories of the showdown with Elia and Vora flashed back. They were lucky to make it out alive. And deep down, he knew they owed most of it to Ria – her quick thinking, her fierce abilities honed over years of training.
She'd been incredible, a force of nature.
He knew he was good. But he was still learning, still struggling to control the volatile magic that flowed through his veins. He wished he knew more, that he could have done more. I hate this feeling. This helplessness. I need to get stronger. He needed to learn more about his abilities, to master the power. I can't keep relying on others. I need to be able to stand on my own feet.
But how? Lida was clearly holding back, her secrets and warnings a constant barrier between him and the knowledge he craved.
The bathroom door clicked open, and Ria stepped out, looking refreshed and relaxed. She wore a grey Pikachu t-shirt, the oversized fabric reaching past her ass, her damp hair piled into a messy bun.
"Sorry for the wait," she chirped, her cheeks flushed pink. "Just needed to freshen up."
"No worries. Got everything unpacked?"
"Mostly. Just a few books and toiletries left. Why don't you jump in while I finish up?"
Mark grabbed clean clothes and headed for the shower as her sweet vanilla scent lingered in the air. Stepping under the hot spray, he let out a sigh as the water eased his tired muscles, grateful for this moment of peace amidst the chaos.
He closed his eyes, letting the steam fill his lungs. Should I tell her? The question had been nagging at him ever since Lida had revealed the truth about his mother, about Void energy. He trusted Ria, he knew she wouldn't judge him, but Lida's warnings echoed in his mind: 'It's dangerous, Mark. People will fear you. They'll try to control you.'
He lathered up, his mind racing. What if telling her pushed her away? What if it put her in danger?
She deserves to know.
He couldn't keep it a secret forever, not if he wanted their relationship to work, to grow. But he just wasn't sure how to tell her, how to explain the darkness that was a part of him, a legacy he had yet to fully understand. He needed time, needed to figure out how to explain it, how to make her understand.
I'll tell her soon, he promised himself. When the time is right.
Stepping out of the shower, he hastily wrapped a towel around his waist. With a swipe, he cleared the fog on the mirror and stared at his reflection. "Seriously, what am I even doing?" he muttered to himself, locking eyes with his own reflection. The whole supernatural gig, the crazy bond, the constant danger – it was all too….
Don't screw up, Mark.
He yanked on his boxers and a worn-out band t-shirt. This puzzle was his to crack, no doubt about it.
Mark went out, eyes drawn to Ria as she pampered her legs with lotion.
The way she applied it, taking her sweet time, was almost hypnotic.
"How was the shower?"
"Refreshing."
Settling onto the bed, he sprawled out lazily, melting into the plush pillows. He watched Ria slather on more lotion. She lifted a leg, propping her heel on the bed frame. Her tee rode up, giving him a flash of smooth, bronzed thigh. Damn.
"Oh, I almost forgot. I was thinking we could go out for breakfast tomorrow. You know, a little welcome-to-the-family celebration."
"Really? That sounds amazing! What time?"
"Nine-ish? That place opens kinda late."
"Perfect," she repeated, turning back to her lotion ritual, fingers resuming their slow, sensual massage.
He couldn't look away. The baggy tee, the messy hair, the glowing skin under the lamplight… Those legs could start a war.
"You gonna stare all night?" she asked, amused.
"Can't help it," he admitted, propping himself up on an elbow. "They're distractingly sexy."
"Oh really? And what exactly makes them so distracting?" She was definitely enjoying this.
"Let's see…" he said, his eyes tracing the lines of her legs, "Long, lean, toned… The holy trinity. My kryptonite."
"I thought my ass held that title."
"Oh, it is. Your ass is amazing. Like, seriously out-of-this-world amazing. But those legs…" He trailed off, his gaze glued to her thighs. "They're just… wow."
"Wow, huh?" She grinned, flexing her calf muscles. "These babies don't just happen, you know. Hard work."
"I can tell. Worth every rep."
"So… you're changing your answer? Legs over ass?"
"It's a tough one," he admitted, pretending to think hard. "But yeah, legs win. For now."
"For now, huh?" She chuckled. "I'll just have to work harder on my ass-et game."
"I think enough work is already put in."
"You think you are such a charmer, don't you?" Ria laughed.
"Just stating facts, babe."
"Alright," Ria said, capping the lotion bottle. "I'm all set. Ready to crash."
She climbed onto the bed, settling beside him, her head resting on his chest.
"I could definitely get used to this," he murmured, his arms wrapping around her.
"Me too."
Mark couldn't resist. He reached down, cupping her ass, squeezing gently. "On second thought. It's definitely your ass. It's the best. Like, ever."
Ria giggled, lifting her head to peck him on the lips. "So indecisive."
"Just thorough. Need more data."
"Plenty of time for research," she whispered, kissing him again. "Now sleep. Big breakfast date tomorrow. Right?"
Mark nodded, pulling her close, feeling her warmth grounding him. With a content sigh, he dozed off, lulled by Ria's soft breathing in his ear.
I could definitely get used to this.