Became a Demon with Pregnancy System-Chapter 153: Hazel is in trouble
Lenora’s expression was mildly impatient. "Somewhere more private. I’m on assignment tomorrow, so my time’s limited. If we’re together, we might as well do it properly." She shot him a daring look, then glided from the tea parlor, expecting him to follow.
Nearby, Luke lounged on a wooden balcony overlooking the tranquil central isle in West Lake. He was in no hurry, recalling the day’s earlier triumphs in personal bonding—one with Hazel Ross and one with Lenora Quinn. His limbs still felt that pleasant ache.
He closed his eyes to sense the swirl of new energies inside him. Indeed, the system’s messages had brought stunning news. His Natal Demon Methods—the Cursed Demon Pool and Curse Demon Pupil—were upgraded to a second stage, a leap that expanded his capabilities.
He also unlocked Dark Ripples, a fresh technique that heightened his control over curses. On top of that, from bonding with Lenora Quinn, all his elemental energies had soared to the sub-monarch level.
"What a day," he thought, smiling. "Lenora’s presence advanced my magic." He couldn’t help but chuckle. If someone asked how to cultivate so efficiently, how could he explain—all was tied to the system’s bizarre reward structure, fueled by forging deeper bonds.
Yet Luke did not linger in daydreams. Because tonight—Tanya Reed was waiting. He had joined her not long ago on that island in the lake, but they were interrupted...A few hours earlier, Tanya Reed had been resting in a hammock between two ancient trees.
The island was ordinarily off-limits to tourists, used by guardians of the Totem Serpent—but with the serpent no longer needing exclusive keepers, it was more relaxed now. Tanya allowed only Luke, though, stepping lightly off her hammock to greet him."
Luke, you’re here." She sounded delighted, beckoning him closer. As he approached, Tanya’s gaze sparkled with affection. She had changed her usual sexy attire for something simpler—a cotton-linen dress, a stark contrast to her official mage garb.
Luke hopped onto the hammock’s edge, next to her. He eyed her outfit curiously. "Teacher Tanya, you look so different."
She gave him a warm smile, explaining, "Since the Totem Serpent was officially declared Arcadia’s protector, the old Guardian role disbanded. My job is basically done, at least in that capacity." A faint sadness mingled with relief in her tone. "I’m free again—but what’s next for me?"
Luke nodded sympathetically. "Guess you can do what you truly want. That was always your dream, right? To live without carrying the guardian’s heavy responsibilities."
Tanya nodded. "But I’m not sure I ever decided what my dream is. The serpent was my guiding star for so long... Now I can chase normalcy." She gave him a sidelong glance, lips curving mischievously. "Maybe that means more time with you, hmm?"
Luke let out a small laugh. "I’d like that." He recalled the phone call that had set them up for a later rendezvous. He felt a pang of guilt, recalling how jam-packed his personal life was. Yet he was determined not to let her sense that.
Tanya tossed her hair, half-lidding her eyes. "Come on in the hammock, you’re always standing so stiffly."
Luke complied, nestling into the hammock beside her. They lay back, drifting in companionable silence, swaying gently. Warm breezes swept across the small island. Tanya placed her hand over his heart, smiling softly. "You smell faintly of someone else’s perfume," she teased.
Luke froze for a second, cursing his luck: she had noticed. "That... might be from my morning errands," he murmured vaguely.
Tanya gave a playful sniff and pinched his arm. "You scoundrel. Well, I guess I’ll forgive you today, because I have plans." Her gaze sparkled. Before Luke could inquire, her phone chimed. She glanced at the screen. "It’s from the city council. Let me handle this quick." She answered, stepping away to talk in hushed tones.
Luke exhaled, relieved he’d avoided deeper questioning. He strolled around the island’s edge, noticing how colorful the city looked from afar.
He saw the crowds along West Lake’s shore. "They’re all waiting for the serpent..." he mused. A mild wave of regret rose, recalling how he might soon part from Tanya to handle other matters.
But just when Luke thought he’d enjoy a quiet afternoon with Tanya, her phone rang again—a more urgent tone. Tanya returned from her call, face annoyed. "Zack Reed wants me to finalize some leftover Guardian forms. I have to hurry off." She let out an exasperated sigh, then brightened slightly, leaning over to Luke. "Wait for me tonight, okay?"
Luke offered a sympathetic smile. "Of course.
"She gave him a swift peck on the cheek and vanished in a swirl of wind magic, leaving him alone on the island. So he ended up wandering the place alone, later returning to the city to catch some rest.
After a partial rest at his apartment, Luke was on the move again for dinner with Tanya. Dressed in a crisp shirt, he checked his phone: 7:00 p.m. Perfect.
Enough time to meet her at the chosen spot. He was heading out when suddenly his phone screen lit, buzzing with an unexpected call from an old contact: Nate Dawson.
Luke’s brow rose. "Nate... now?" he muttered, recalling Hazel Ross had texted Nate that morning. Possibly he was responding. Mustering his composure, Luke pressed "Accept."
"Luke!" came Nate’s urgent voice, crackling with tension. "Hazel is in trouble—she’s at Arcadia Academy. I’m on my way, but I need help now!"
Luke’s eyes went wide. "W-What? Hazel’s in danger?"
Nate’s speech was rushed, almost frantic. "I only got partial info, something about a kidnapping attempt or a siege on the campus. Teacher Tanya’s phone is off, so I’m calling you directly. Hurry! I can’t get there instantly."
Luke’s heart thundered. The next dinner plan with Tanya vanished from his mind, replaced by raw concern for Hazel. He recalled how Hazel had parted from him earlier, exhausted but presumably safe in her dorm. What could’ve happened so suddenly?
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End of the Chapter.
Thanks for reading
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