The Eclipse Pavilion's private room, with its smoked crystal walls and panoramic views of the Stygian Kingdom's towering spires, suddenly felt a lot smaller.
The air, once thick with the intoxicating scent of Leyina's perfume mixed with the magical aromas of their meal, now carried a hint of tension.
Nyx sat frozen for a split second, his hand still hovering where it had been on Leyina's hip.
The sharp feminine voice that had cut through their intimate moment belonged to a girl with fiery red hair cascading down her back like living flames.
Her sparkling red eyes gleamed with a mix of recognition and playful amusement as she stood in the doorway, arms crossed, a smirk tugging at her lips.
"I knew it was you here, Leynie," the girl said, her tone light and teasing, like she had just stumbled upon an old friend at a casual gathering.
Leyina, who had been practically melting into Nyx's side, let out a soft "tch" under her breath.
It was a small sound, barely audible, but Nyx caught it —the subtle sign of her annoyance bubbling up.
She wasn't one to let interruptions ruin her mood easily, though.
Quick as a shadow shifting in the light, she hid her displeasure behind a small, polite smile.
Her amber eyes flickered with a brief flash of irritation before softening into something more neutral.
Slowly, she untangled herself from Nyx's lap, where she had been perched so comfortably during their meal.
The warmth of her body left him feeling a sudden chill, and he had to fight the urge to pull her back.
As Leyina stood up, smoothing out her dress with graceful hands, another voice echoed from behind the red-haired girl.
This one was deeper, calmer, and carried an elegant poise that demanded attention without raising its volume.
"Elara, you shouldn't barge in randomly like this, especially when people are alone. It's rude."
Nyx's eyes shifted to the source of the voice.
Stepping into view was a woman with sleek black hair that fell straight like a curtain of midnight silk.
Her face was stoic and calm, almost emotionless, with sharp features that gave her an air of quiet authority.
Her red eyes, similar to Elara's but colder and more piercing, scanned the room briefly before landing on Nyx.
He recognized her immediately.
It was Morwen Stygian.
The Crown Princess of Stygian.
Back in the game he had played in his previous life, she had been the queen of the demonic fairies, a major antagonist woven into the story's dark threads.
Due to her curse and losing her father before the 3rd Cataclysm, she lost herself to it.
Ruthless, calculating, and powerful, she had commanded legions with a single glance.
But ironically, Elara, the fiery-haired girl, had been the the one to oppose, awakening her latent powers and ultimately taking her sister's life in a climactic battle.
Siblings turned enemies, their tragedy had driven much of the plot.
But that was the game.
This was reality now, or at least Nyx's new reality in this world.
Those events wouldn't unfold the same way —not if he had anything to say about it.
He had a plan for Elara, one that involved guiding her path differently, preventing the bloodshed.
It would have to wait, though, until he enrolled in Mooncrest Academy, where she would be his senior.
For now, he kept his expression neutral, his midnight blue eyes hidden behind the illusion of Noah, the unassuming newcomer.
Elara didn't seem fazed by Morwen's scolding.
She flashed a mischievous smile, her red eyes twinkling like embers in a fire.
"Oh, come on, sis. It's not like I planned to interrupt. But it's Leynie! How could I not say hi?"
She stepped further into the room, her movements light and energetic, like a spark jumping from one flame to another.
Turning her attention fully to Leyina, Elara's smile widened.
"Leyina, how have you been? I haven't seen you since that vacation last summer."
Leyina, now fully composed, returned the smile, though Nyx could see the tightness around her eyes.
She wasn't thrilled about the company, but she played along.
"I've been good, Elara. Just a bit busy with family matters. You know how it is —duties piling up, never enough time for fun."
Elara nodded enthusiastically, her red hair bouncing with the motion.
"Totally get it. Family stuff can be such a drag. But hey, you look great! That dress is killer —suits your body perfectly."
Leyina chuckled softly, a genuine sound this time, though laced with a hint of wariness.
"Thanks. You're looking energetic as always."
Then, Elara's gaze shifted mischievously to Nyx.
She tilted her head, her sparkling eyes narrowing in curiosity as she studied him.
"And who's this? He looks... Younge."
Leyina's smile turned a touch possessive.
She glanced at Nyx with a fond expression, her hand reaching out to rest lightly on his shoulder.
"Oh, him? He's my little boy."
Elara blinked, confusion etching across her features. "Your... little boy? Like.... Wait what?"
Nyx decided it was time to step in before things got awkward.
He stood up slowly, offering a polite nod to both newcomers.
His voice was calm and steady, fitting the role of Noah perfectly.
"I'm Noah, Lady Elysiana's new disciple. Nice to meet you."
Morwen, who had been standing quietly behind her sister, raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Her stoic face cracked just a fraction, showing a glimmer of interest.
"Wow, you are Lady Elysiana's disciple? That's impressive. She's not one to take on just anyone."
But even as she spoke, Morwen's red eyes lingered on Nyx with a hint of confusion.
There was something off in her gaze, like she was trying to place him but couldn't quite figure it out.
Nyx felt a twinge of unease —did she sense something through his disguise?
Elysiana's illusion was strong, but Morwen was no ordinary fairy.
As the queen in the game, she had keen senses for magic and deception.
Elara, on the other hand, seemed more intrigued than suspicious.
She crossed her arms again, leaning against the doorway with a grin.
"Noah, huh? Lady Elysiana's disciple... that's cool. So, what's your relationship with Leyina, exactly? She called you her 'little boy' —sounds kinda weird."
Leyina's eyes flashed with irritation, but she kept her tone light and teasing.
She stepped closer to Nyx, linking her arm with his possessively.
"He's my husband, Elara. So, keep your distance, okay? I don't want your influence to rub him off in the bad way."
Elara's eyes widened in mock surprise, her mouth forming a perfect 'O'.
"Husband? Whoa, Leyina, you move fast! I didn't even know you were seeing anyone seriously."
Leyina huffed softly, her smile straining.
"Thanks. Now, if you don't mind—"
But Elara was already moving.
She sauntered into the room without waiting for an invitation, plopping down on the plush divan across from them.
"Mind if we join? I'm starving, and this place has the best phoenix eggs. Waiter!"
She waved at the vampire server lingering outside the door, who nodded and hurried over with menus.
Morwen followed her sister reluctantly, her elegant steps measured and graceful.
She shot Elara a disapproving look.
"Elara, we shouldn't disturb them. They were clearly in the middle of something private."
Elara waved her hand dismissively, her mischievous smile never fading.
"Oh, come on, Morwen. If they don't mind, what's the harm? Right, Leyina? Noah?"
She turned her sparkling eyes toward Nyx, waiting expectantly.
Nyx, sensing the tension from Leyina, weighed his options.
He didn't want to escalate things, especially with Morwen watching him so closely. Shaking his head slightly, he said,
"I don't mind."
Elara clasped her hands together excitedly, her grin widening.
"See? That's great! Thanks, Noah. You're a sport."
Leyina, however, wasn't having it. Her irritation finally bubbled over, though she kept her voice sweet.
"Well, I mind, Elara. This was supposed to be a private date. Just the two of us."
Elara ignored her completely, her eyes locking onto Nyx with genuine curiosity.
She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands.
"So, Noah, tell me more about yourself. Which year are you in at the academy? You look like you could be a second-year or something."
Nyx sat back down, Leyina reluctantly joining him, though she shot Elara a pointed glare.
He kept his answers simple, sticking to his cover.
"I'm joining this year. So will be a First-year student."
Elara's eyes sparkled even brighter, like stars igniting in a night sky.
"Really? So you'll be our junior! That's awesome. Mooncrest Academy is the best—tons of magic classes, duels, and all sorts of adventures. You'll love it. We're a third-year. We can show you around if you want."
Morwen, who had taken a seat beside her sister, nodded politely but her unease was palpable.
She kept glancing at Nyx, her red eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to unravel a puzzle.
"Yes, the academy is... rigorous. Being Lady Elysiana's disciple will give you an edge, though."
As the waiter brought in more platters —fresh phoenix eggs for Elara and a chilled salad for Morwen —the conversation flowed, albeit awkwardly.
Leyina picked at her remaining food, her earlier flirtatious mood soured.
She leaned into Nyx occasionally, whispering things like,
"We should've booked a more private spot," but loud enough for Elara to hear.
Elara, oblivious or perhaps deliberately ignoring the hints, chattered on.
"So, Noah, how did you snag a spot as Elysiana's disciple? She's super selective. Did you impress her with some unique abilities or something?"