Chapter 277: Consoling Seraphina

Adrian held Seraphina's gaze, his thumb lightly brushing against her cheek before he pulled her into a firm embrace. She stiffened for a brief moment before melting into his warmth, her fingers gripping the back of his coat.

"You're not alone," he murmured against her hair. "You never were, and you never will be."

Seraphina exhaled, letting her forehead rest against his shoulder. The weight of the illusion still lingered at the edges of her mind, but Adrian's presence—his warmth, his certainty—grounded her in reality.

"I know," she whispered, though there was still a hint of vulnerability in her voice. "But… it felt so real. Their voices, the way you looked at me…" She clenched her fists, her nails digging into his coat. "For a moment, I truly thought—"

"Stop," Adrian said firmly, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes. "Don't let that thing's lies poison your mind. I could never do that to you."

Seraphina searched his face, looking for any trace of doubt, but all she found was unwavering determination. Slowly, a small, wry smile formed on her lips. "You're always so sure of yourself."

Adrian smirked. "That's because I don't let stupid things like abyssal nightmares mess with my head."

She huffed a laugh, shaking her head. "Arrogant brat."

Before he could respond, Isabella's voice interrupted them. "Are you two done flirting?"

Adrian turned to see Isabella, Sophia, and Eve standing nearby, their expressions ranging from amused to concerned.

Seraphina straightened, her confidence returning. "We weren't flirting."

"Sure," Sophia drawled, crossing her arms. "That's why you were practically clinging to him just now?"

Seraphina scoffed, but Adrian simply smirked. "Jealous?"

Sophia rolled her eyes. "Please. If I wanted to cling to you, I wouldn't need an excuse."

Eve smirked. "And here I thought we were in a dangerous cult hideout, not a romantic drama."

Isabella, despite her teasing, gave Seraphina a once-over. "Are you alright?"

Seraphina hesitated before nodding. "I will be."

"Good," Isabella said, her gaze flickering between the two of them. "This just proves we can't underestimate what's lurking around here. If even Seraphina was caught off guard, then we need to be extra careful."

Adrian nodded. "Agreed. We should search this place thoroughly. The cultists were hiding something here, and I don't want to leave until we find out what."

"We should split up," Sophia suggested. "Cover more ground."

Isabella crossed her arms. "Are you sure? We don't know if there are more creatures like the Harbinger lurking around."

"That's why we'll stay in pairs," Adrian said. "No one goes alone."

Sophia smirked. "Let me guess—you're pairing up with Seraphina?"

Adrian didn't even hesitate. "Obviously."

Seraphina raised an eyebrow but didn't object.

Isabella nodded. "Alright. Sophia and I will take the western passage."

Eve cracked her knuckles. "I'll check out the lower levels."

Adrian shot her a warning look.

Eve sighed dramatically. "Fine. I'll stick close."

With that settled, they each headed in different directions, the search for answers beginning.

As they parted ways, Adrian and Seraphina moved down a dimly lit corridor, the scent of damp stone and something faintly metallic lingering in the air. The torches lining the walls flickered weakly, casting long shadows across the cracked floors. The deeper they ventured, the quieter it became—almost unnervingly so.

Seraphina’s fingers twitched at her sides before she finally gave in, slipping her arm through Adrian’s and leaning against him. She let out a soft sigh, the tension from earlier still coiling around her muscles. Adrian, without hesitation, tightened his grip on her hand and pulled her even closer, his warmth wrapping around her like a protective cocoon.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice gentler now that they were alone.

Seraphina didn't answer immediately. Instead, she nuzzled her cheek against his shoulder, sighing. "No," she admitted, her voice quieter than before. "But I will be."

Adrian paused their steps, turning to face her. He reached up, his fingers brushing against the side of her face with a tenderness that sent a shiver down her spine. "You don’t have to act strong around me, you know," he murmured.

Seraphina let out a soft huff, her lips curving into a small, almost self-deprecating smile. "I know. But it’s a hard habit to break."

Adrian smirked. "Then let me spoil you until it becomes natural."

Before she could protest, he cupped her cheek and leaned down, pressing a soft kiss against her forehead. Seraphina’s breath hitched, her fingers instinctively gripping the fabric of his coat. A soft warmth spread through her chest, melting away the lingering fear and doubt left by the illusion.

"Husband," she murmured under her breath, her voice barely above a whisper.

Adrian's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Hmm? What was that?" he teased.

Seraphina cleared her throat, straightening slightly but still keeping her arm linked with his. "I said… Husband," she repeated, her voice firmer this time, though a faint blush colored her cheeks. "Since you insist on spoiling me, I might as well embrace it."

Adrian chuckled, obviously pleased. "That's my wife," he murmured, letting the word roll off his tongue as if he’d been saying it for years. "If you're going to act spoiled, then I’ll just have to make sure you never want for anything."

Seraphina raised an eyebrow, her usual confidence returning. "Oh? And how exactly do you plan on doing that?"

Adrian smirked, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her flush against him. "Like this," he said before leaning in and placing a soft kiss just below her ear. The sensation sent a pleasant shiver down Seraphina's spine, her fingers clenching against his chest.

"Hmph," she mumbled, tilting her head slightly to the side in a half-hearted attempt to appear unimpressed. But her actions betrayed her, as she made no effort to pull away. Instead, she buried her face against his neck, her warm breath tickling his skin.

"You're warm," she murmured. "I like it."

Adrian chuckled, stroking her back soothingly. "Then stay close, my spoiled wife."

Seraphina huffed but didn't argue. Instead, she clung to him tighter, enjoying the way he held her without hesitation. For a woman who had always relied on her own strength, it felt oddly reassuring to have someone who could bear the weight of her vulnerability without making her feel weak.

For a while, they simply stood there, wrapped in each other's warmth as the eerie silence of the hideout pressed in around them. But neither seemed to care. In that moment, the chaos and danger of the cult’s hideout felt far away.

After a few minutes, Adrian finally spoke. "You sure you want to keep going? We can take a break if you need one."

Seraphina pulled back just enough to look up at him, her piercing blue eyes filled with warmth. "And let the others think I'm slacking off? Please." She smirked before reaching up and flicking his forehead lightly. "Besides, you're here. I have nothing to worry about."

Adrian grinned. "Damn right you don’t. Not when I’m your husband."

Seraphina rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless. "Fine, fine. Just don’t forget—you said you’d spoil me. No takebacks."

Adrian chuckled. "Wouldn't dream of it."

With her arm still linked with his, they continued down the corridor, the tension from earlier replaced by a quiet warmth between them. The dangers ahead were still unknown, but for now, Seraphina allowed herself to enjoy the rare moment of comfort Adrian offered.

After all, she had a husband who had promised to spoil her—who was she to refuse?