a gorgeous white by Heather_anare

280: He wants to see you

Moulin kept time tight in his mind as he went and told Hadrian about Jagra's wish to join them in the expedition. It wouldn't actually affect the trip if one more person accompanied them as long as that person is capable of surviving the trip and has a good hand in fighting and facing malibreeds. Moulin's knowledge about Jagra's martial prowess was little. He hadn't seen him train ever since he returned. This fact made him uncertain. But Jagra wouldn't be able to join the Leonile guild if he was weak.

However, Hadrian didn't seem to be too bothered about it. He threw a sentence, "If it's alright with you, then I will make adjustments."

Moulin blinked in surprise. "Oh."

He was expecting something more argumentative, but this was better.

He mulled over Hadrian's quick reply until he arrived at Jagra's place to deliver the news. Jagra broke the glass he was holding and jumped to devour Moulin into a tight hug. Pola shouted when she spotted the drops of red on the floor.

"Thank you," Jagra whispered as he embraced Moulin. "I'm sure it wasn't easy to gain permission for me. I apologize for troubling you, Moulin." Jagra felt guilty inside for involving his friend in his situation. He couldn't help but feel even more indebted to him.

Moulin patted his back with a smile. He furrowed his brows. "On the other hand, it was easier than I thought." He muttered, low enough for anyone not to hear.

Jagra: "...?"

Moulin couldn't stay long, for his brother was still waiting for him, and he didn't want to be late again. He declined Jagra's offer to accompany him, sensing that they would get another earful from Pola if he did agree. In the end, Jagra could only see him off as he departed.

As a few days passed. The barrier grew weaker and weaker-a significant amount of energy dissipating as each day passed. The scent of it attracted malibreeds from several miles away. Unrest arose as more people sensed the weakening of the very thing protecting them from the infectious land beyond the city's walls. The Lords knew they couldn't waste more time anymore.

Under the endless rolling skies, garbed with tight and protective clothing, a young man stood before the balcony's stone railing. His hair tied up against his scalp, the rest of it cascaded down his back, just above the curve of his waist. A heavy sword sheathed, hanging on his belt. He looked like a young man about to explore the dark secrets of the terrifying wilderness. Only, it wasn't a wilderness that he would be venturing but the whole world, eroded and enshrouded by darkness, where beasts lay awake in hunger.

The very thought of it made Moulin fearful, admittedly. However, knew more that to overcome his fears was to face them. At this time, there was no waiting for the weak.

"Are you ready?"

A deep voice spoke behind him. Its sound echoed inside the chambers of Moulin's heart. Turning, Moulin smiled faintly as he yanked his gaze away from the dark horizon. His eyes met those passionate golden pupils, so captivating and magnetic, almost sinful.

"Yes, I'm ready," Moulin said, approaching the man with a smile. "You look dashing."

The lord raised a brow. His hand reached for Moulin. His fingers intertwining with Moulin's. "I was trying not to be."

"Well, I say you look handsome, unfortunately." Moulin sighed. He fixed his leather fingerless gloves with furrowed brows. "Where's Snow and Kier?"

"In the stables. They'll be ready soon."

Moulin nodded. He lifted his head and held Hadrian's cheek. "I should visit my father before I leave."

Moulin realized that during the last few days, he was too busy to visit his father. Moulin was worried. Although the nurse kept him informed, he wanted to see it with his own eyes, to see his father well and awake.