Return of the Legendary Runesmith-Chapter 106 - 105- Scared

"You’re going?" Ariana asked softly, a furrow of concern forming on her brow.

Adrian gave a quiet nod. "I have to. I owe her. She helped me when I needed it most." He picked up a prawn from the plate and placed it in his mouth, chewing slowly.

Tonight’s dinner had been prepared by Adrian himself. He’d invited Ariana over, and he wanted it to be special—something thoughtful, delicious, and tailored to her tastes.

The prawns were rich with butter and kissed with roasted garlic, filling the room with a warm, comforting aroma. Freshly baked bread sat beside a bottle of wine, completing the meal. For a while, the Headmistress had eaten in silence, each bite stirring unspoken feelings—until Adrian mentioned Ruby.

"That’s true," Ariana said, voice quiet, "but why is she bringing you to Grimvale? What does she want to show you that can’t wait?" Her tone wasn’t sharp, but it carried unease. Ruby had insisted on Adrian visiting her workshop—her reasons vague, her intentions unreadable. Ariana’s instincts were twitching. And if things went sideways in Grimvale, there could be political fallout.

"I think it has something to do with a new invention," Adrian replied, dabbing his mouth with a napkin. "She sounded excited like she couldn’t wait to show me."

He paused, studying her. "Is something bothering you?"

He could’ve delayed Ruby. Lied, even. But a part of him hesitated. Refusing her outright felt like betraying the trust they’d built. Besides, having someone as capable as her on his side might be important in the days to come.

Ariana leaned back in her chair, idly poking at a piece of carrot with her fork. "She gives me a strange feeling," she murmured. "That sudden interest in you... her strength, her beauty... it’s like she’s everything a man could ever want."

Adrian’s expression softened. He understood now—her silence, her guarded tone. She was feeling insecure. And honestly, who wouldn’t?

But he leaned in just a little, voice calm and sure. "You know me. You should know I don’t chase after beauty or power. What draws me to someone is their personality, their heart—who they are inside."

Ariana raised a brow, a touch of sarcasm creeping into her voice. "So... with me, it’s because of my charming personality?"

He smiled, eyes steady. "That... and because I’ve never met a woman more hot than you."

A beat of silence. Ariana blinked.

"..."

She hadn’t expected him to say it so bluntly—and somehow, that made it all the more genuine.

She leaned forward and resumed eating. Forget it, she thought, this man is far too dangerous for a maiden’s heart.

The rest of dinner unfolded with light conversation, laughter sprinkled between bites. It ended on a soft, satisfying note—like a gentle sigh after a long day.

Later, as they stood shoulder to shoulder at the sink, rinsing the dishes under warm water, Adrian glanced at her with a quiet smile.

"Do you want me to make breakfast for you tomorrow?"

Ariana took the plate from his hands, drying it with deliberate care. "Don’t," she replied, her voice low but steady. "I don’t want to get addicted to this... princess-like treatment."

Adrian raised a brow, intrigued. "Why not? What’s holding you back?" He turned off the tap and faced her fully.

She sighed, setting the plate aside. Her back came to rest against the kitchen slab, and her fingers lightly brushed the countertop as if grounding herself.

"I’m afraid," she said at last, eyes fixed somewhere in the space between them. "Afraid I’ll get used to this... to you. Depending on someone for the little things... letting myself fall too deep." She struggled to find the right words. "I don’t know how to explain it."

Adrian stepped closer, gaze gentle but unwavering. "You’re scared of getting addicted to me," he said softly. "That one day, if I’m gone, all these small, precious things will haunt you."

She shook her head slowly. "It’s not your loyalty I question. I trust you. But the world we live in... it’s unforgiving. Any day could take one of us away. There’s a chance that tomorrow, I might be having dinner alone again. We can’t stroll through a market hand in hand, or sit in a park calling it a date. Moments like these—quiet, warm, and real—they scare me... because I want more of them."

She looked up, eyes searching his. "Do I sound... like a burden?"

He didn’t answer with words.

Instead, he reached for her and pulled her into his arms, holding her with a firm tenderness—as if he could shield her from the uncertainty of the world just by being there.

And for once, she didn’t hold back. Her arms wrapped around him, clinging quietly, her ear pressed to his chest where his steady heartbeat echoed against her own.

This felt safe...felt like there was no one but them in the world. She wanted nothing more than this moment to stop for once.

After a brief pause, he softly said, "I know it would be unrealistic to say that we will always be together and I will not let anything happen to you...but can you trust me for one thing?"

Ariana hummed, urging him to continue.

With his hold around her turning firm, he whispered, "Whatever happens, regardless of the enemy, even if the world stands against you...you will always find me by your side."

Ariana parted from him and looked into his eyes, "You aren’t lying right? I can’t read people’s eyes or tell by their heartbeat and stuff."

Adrian chuckled, "Kill me if I ever betray you." He told her.

Ariana shook her head, "Hurting you would be betraying myself...I will just...slap you. Two slaps."

She has long promised to herself that whatever happens she would protect him from harm. So surely, she couldn’t break the vow she has taken.

Adrian grinned as he hugged her again, and hmm-ed in assent.

Whatever makes her feel assured is fine by him.

If she couldn’t get used to this sudden affection then he would take slow steps.

If she is reluctant to depend on him, then he will slowly become a part of her life, but he won’t give up.

And if she feels scared of the future, then he will change the future and eliminate every threat that could disturb their peaceful life.

His primary goal in this world was to survive.

But now, he has another.

A very strong reason to change the future.

He wants to make a peaceful world for her.

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A/N:- Protect your wife. Thanks for reading.