Chapter 166 – The Crimson Empress
After breakfast, they each went their separate ways.
Noah watched them go—some excited, some determined, all with a purpose. Each woman had something to accomplish. Not just for him, but for the family they were building together. And that was enough to light a fire in anyone.
As for Noah, he had his own plans.
Starting with Aphasia.
He’d made a strong first impression. But that wasn’t enough. Not for what he wanted. He needed loyalty, trust—the kind that wouldn’t break even if she saw his deepest secrets. Especially his realm.
Because if the wrong people found out, things could get ugly.
He stood just outside her training hall, exhaling softly.
"This time, I’ll be a proper gentleman. No sudden entrances."
He smiled.
Then, with perfect hypocrisy—
Knock. Knock.
And before she could answer, he walked in anyway.
"Hey, Aphasia. Miss me?"
...
Inside, Aphasia was mid-session with her shadow spirits, trying to improve their combat synch. It was going well—until she heard the voice.
"Hey, Aphasia. Miss me?"
She turned fast, already annoyed. That damn voice again.
"You—don’t you know how to knock prope—"
But she stopped.
Eyes wide. Mouth open. Words dead on her tongue.
"...Am I dreaming?" she muttered, stunned.
Noah’s smile deepened. "Lucky you. It’s not a dream."
She stared at him like he was some divine vision—and who could blame her? Silver hair that shimmered like starlight. Runic eyes that pulsed with quiet power. A face sculpted like it didn’t belong to this world. A body that made you question the fairness of the universe.
"How can you be this beautiful?" she blurted, zero shame.
Noah chuckled. "I ask myself that sometimes. But let’s not get distracted. I’m here for your answer."
That pulled her back.
She looked down at the bracelet he gave her. His gift. His message.
’I want you.’ That was what Noah said to her.
She’d thought about it—again and again. She knew his intentions weren’t just romance, but strategy. He was building something. A future. A dominion.
But even knowing that...
Even knowing she was another piece on the board...
She couldn’t stop the warmth that spread in her chest when she looked at him.
Hell, she didn’t want to stop it.
Because wasn’t this what every girl dreamed of? A man so beautiful, so powerful, that just choosing you felt like a blessing?
And more than that—he came back. She had made him wait and he did without complaining. He let her choose without pressing her.
And for that—
[Aphasia’s feelings have reached 75%.]
She smiled, soft and sweet.
’He’s a manipulator, a player... but damn, he’s good at it.’
And maybe... maybe she didn’t care anymore about this aspect of him.
"I accept," she said, locking eyes with him.
Noah stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her gently.
She flinched. It was... new. No man had ever hugged her. Not even her father.
But there was something about the way Noah held her. It was firm, protective, warm.
Safe.
And without realizing, her head leaned against his chest, sinking deeper into the embrace.
"Welcome to the family, Aphasia," Noah whispered.
She smiled. And for the first time in years, her heart felt... light.
...
Elsewhere, Elizabeth, Sophie, and Emily stood across from Solaris.
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