Chapter 399: A Paradise On Borrowed Time

[Music recommendation: Eyes Shut - Liam Mairi Theme Song | Alex Heart & Phase Shift]

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After settling their bill with the elderly vendor, they crossed to the other side of the canal and searched the area.

Yet even after fifteen minutes, there was no sign of the woman Aliana had seen.

Unwilling to let the strange encounter ruin their outing, they eventually made their way to a small eatery and took a seat on its quaint balcony, which overlooked the canal and the vibrant market below.

Once their food and drinks were ordered, Gavriel fixed his attention on her. "Are you certain you are feeling alright?"

"Yes," Aliana replied with a reassuring nod. "Even though the whole thing was bizarre, I don’t feel anything unusual."

"Do you remember any other details about that woman?" Gavriel inquired.

"Only that her lips were moving, which made me curious about what she was saying. When I watched her mouth, it seemed like she was mouthing the words, ’Come to me, child.’ Though I could be wrong, given that I am not an expert at reading lips."

Gavriel narrowed his eyes at Aliana’s words, wondering if this was the same mystery woman Edith had warned them about.

But why would she expose herself so openly in a crowded market when she had taken such extreme measures to wipe people’s memories and place a silencing curse on Edith?

When they had reached the exact place Aliana had pointed out, he had tried to pick up any traces of magic, yet he had detected nothing.

The thought that the woman might be trying to harm his wife troubled him, especially since Aliana had come mere seconds away from falling into the canal.

Just then, he felt a gentle warmth spread over his hand.

Looking down, he saw Aliana giving his fingers a light squeeze. "Please do not let this weigh on you, Gav. Perhaps my mind was simply playing tricks on me. It was my fault for letting it get to my head. Let’s not ruin our outing because of it."

He studied her face, noticing the faint cloud of guilt in her eyes.

Wordlessly, he took the hand resting over his and brought it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss against her knuckles. "Alright."

Aliana smiled at his affectionate gesture. "Thank you," she whispered.

After finishing their late lunch, they spent the rest of the day exploring the floating market, visiting unique stalls, and choosing souvenirs for their people back home.

By nightfall, Aliana leaned comfortably against Gavriel’s chest as he held her close from behind. They stood near the bank, watching local performers on wooden boats put on a spectacular show as they danced and spun fire beneath the darkening sky, accompanied by live music and the rhythmic beat of drums.

The entire market was alive with celebration, and for a little while, both Aliana and Gavriel forgot their worries and simply allowed themselves to enjoy the moment.

By the time they returned to their private estate, the clock had already passed eleven at night.

Dressed in a night gown after a warm bath, an exhausted Aliana was about to head toward the bed when Gavriel stopped her.

"What is it?" she asked softly.

Instead of answering, Gavriel stepped behind her and slipped something cool around her neck.

Aliana’s fingers gently caressed the delicate chain.

Turning toward the mirror, her light grey eyes fell on a beautiful rose-shaped pendant in a warm rose-gold finish, suspended from a fine matching chain.

"So pretty..." she murmured, admiring the piece before turning to face him. "When did you get this?"

As far as she recalled, she had been doing most of the shopping while Gavriel simply offered quiet nods whenever she asked his opinion.

?Gavriel gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "When I went to get the change. It’s a little rose for my little rose. Do you like it?"

Aliana chuckled softly, her heart melting as she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. "I love it. Thank you, darling." ℓ.

She pressed her lips to his in a sweet kiss. Smiling into the touch, Gavriel leaned down and scooped her effortlessly into his arms and carried her toward the bed. They surrendered to each other, lost in a flurry of passion and tangled sheets until the soft golden light of late morning filtered through the sheer curtains.

For the next few days, they enjoyed complete tranquillity like any young newlyweds.

They spent their time swimming in the private pool, taking a yacht out to explore Luma Island, and hiking through the lush forest toward a nearby waterfall.

They truly lived like a young, carefree couple who simply couldn’t keep their hands off each other.

They made love like wild beasts in every nook they could find in their quiet mansion, whether on the kitchen counter, against the glass wall overlooking the breathtaking landscape or in the privacy of their pool. Whenever they craved a little more adventure, they ventured outdoors to secluded spots, letting themselves go without a care for the world beyond their little paradise.

For them, the rest of the world ceased to exist, so much so that Gavriel was tempted to set their phones on fire if anyone dared to disturb their time together.

Aliana had finally returned to being herself, sleeping peacefully in his arms and eating to her heart’s content. Her vibrant smile had become a constant presence, making his heart react every single time.

In all his long, aimless existence, spent wandering with an empty purpose, he had finally discovered his reason to live... her.

With her, and for her.

She was a fiery, beautiful storm that breathed vivid colour into his once-dull world, making him want to burn the rest of the world to ashes just to preserve this quiet peace forever.

Aliana felt no differently.

A part of her wanted to leave everything behind, escape with Gavriel and live a quiet life away from all her problems.

Sadly, reality was not so simple.

No matter how desperately they wished to preserve their newfound peace, they still had very real problems to deal with, problems that could have catastrophic consequences for their loved ones if left unresolved.

So on their final day, just as they had planned, they made their way to Cora Island. It was the exact location Edith had mentioned, where she had spotted the mystery woman.

Neither of them realised that this final destination would mark the beginning of a relentless chain reaction, setting events in motion that would change everything.

.....

"Ana!"

"Aliana!"

"I will fucking kill you!" Gavriel’s lethal roar tore through the air, shaking the very ground beneath him as his composure shattered completely and his eyes blazing a terrifying, demonic blood red.

Author’s Note: Buckle up, my lovely readers! It’s about to get bumpy! Stay tuned!