CAPITOLO - 132

  Narrator: The bed was placed against the wall, so Selene lay on that side and Dav on the other.

  They lay down with their backs to each other, in silence, eyes closed.

  Dav whispered softly:

  "Night, Sele."

  Selene remained still, her eyes still open, and a thousand thoughts began running through her mind:

  "Maybe I should get closer to him?"

  " Maybe... I should?"

  " What if he thinks I’m just easy?"

  " What if he rejects me forever…?"

  The minutes passed quickly. Dav had already fallen asleep.

  Selene, still tense, searched for an answer that wouldn't come.

  Then suddenly, she relaxed. Dav, in his sleep, embraced her from behind.

  His chin brushed against her head, their legs touched.

  She saw his hand in front of her, and with extreme gentleness, she held it between hers, without waking him.

  Their hips were close so close she could feel even the slightest movement.

  But Selene didn’t think too much of it. She knew Dav was asleep.

  She smiled.

  And she gently tightened her arms around him, hoping that night would never end.

  She felt safe. Wrapped in a pleasant warmth.

  Almost… loved, she thought.

  She decided it would be her little secret.

  No one would ever know.

  After about ten minutes, she slowly turned, bringing her face closer to Dav’s.

  She brushed his nose with hers, lips very close… but didn’t go any further.

  She hugged his chest and buried her face in it, finding refuge in his strong, silent body.

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  Dav, still asleep, held her tighter, resting one leg over hers.

  Muscle memory, perhaps.

  Or maybe not.

  Selene didn’t move.

  She stayed there, a small smile on her lips, and fell asleep with him.

  The next morning, Selene woke up staring at the ceiling.

  Then she turned and saw the other side of the bed empty.

  A sound.

  The smell of frying teased her nose.

  She got up quickly, curious, and walked to the door.

  Dav was there, by the stove, cooking scrambled eggs and bacon.

  Selene leaned on the doorframe, watching him in silence, and smiled to herself:

  "So even the hero cooks for himself, and isn’t just served all the time? Ahaha.."

  Dav, without turning, sensing her presence, said:

  "Sit down. Almost ready."

  Selene stepped closer, smiling.

  "Morning, Dav."

  He turned slightly and gave her a small smile, fork still in hand.

  "Morning, Sele."

  They sat at the small table.

  The plates were still steaming, and the closeness forced them to brush against each other almost involuntarily.

  [Dav, while eating]

  Dav: (Chewing) I’ll be busy in the arena today with Kael and Eldrin. We have some things to take care of.

  (Crunches on bacon.) What about you?

  [Selene, biting into a piece of bacon, answered with a smile]

  Selene: (Looking at Dav) I think I’ll help Margherita and Iris in the kitchen.

  That way they’ll finish earlier.

  Dav: (Nods, looking at his plate) I see.

  If you have time, get some rest.

  Or do some lunges if you're not too tired.

  Selene: (Looked at him gently) Alright.

  Narrator: Where good walks… evil follows.

  The news of the incident in the cave reached unwelcome ears.

  In a dark place, lost somewhere in the world, inside a vast circular hall, hooded figures in long red robes knelt in silence.

  Their faces were covered by bandages.

  In front of them, seated on a black throne with crimson edges, was a man whose face was also bandaged, wearing a dark robe with his hand resting against his cheek.

  He observed them in silence.

  The Oracle of Azraeloth, interpreter of the supreme will, stepped forward.

  He spoke in a calm voice:

  "Supreme Ascendant, our exalted leader... we have received word of two losses."

  "Who?" asked the man on the throne, in a low, piercing tone.

  "Zephirus Maldroth. He served the sect for over fifteen years.

  He was imprisoned in Gozo.

  He was found… torn to pieces.

  The second is Ruggiero De’ Medici, Italian Minister. Adept of the Shadow.

  Killed and hanged in his secret cave.

  No one could have found it without precise intel."

  The sect leader stared at him. His eyes, hidden behind the bandages, barely visible, seemed to pierce through the air.

  "Who committed these acts?"

  The Oracle lowered his gaze.

  "Dav De Lion... and the Guild of Assassins, Supreme Ascendant."

  The leader of the sect began to laugh.

  A low, disturbing laugh.

  "Do not worry.

  Let them play their little games."

  Said the man on the throne, calmly.

  The Oracle, looking into the unwavering confidence of the man on the throne, added:

  "The plan is moving forward well."

  He continued:

  "Soon, everything will be ready.

  But… what do we do about the Guild of Assassins? And Dav De Lion?

  They are an obstacle."

  The Supreme Ascendant didn’t move.

  Then he raised a finger slightly, pointing toward the Oracle:

  "For now, nothing. Continue the plan.

  Instruct everyone to remain on high alert and… not to draw attention.

  Soon… the whole world will see."

  END OF CHAPTER - 132