Love, Thrones, and Past Intrigue: A Fantasy Adventure

Chapter 78 - Birthmark's Mystical Awakening

Augustus nodded, his hands trembling as he stepped back to give Serena the space she needed. On the outside, he appeared strong, confident, and authoritative, but inside, no one knew how shy and insecure he felt around the people and things he cared about. "I'm turning away," he murmured, his voice just above a whisper. "When you're ready, just tell me."

Serena's heart raced as she took a deep breath, trying to steady herself for what lay ahead. Her fingers trembled as they fumbled with the knot at the front of her tunic, the fabric slipping slightly as she worked to undo it. She felt the cool air against her skin as she slid the tunic down to her waist, her movements slow and deliberate. Each second felt like an eternity. Once she had bared herself, she quickly draped the cloak over her front, shielding herself from view.

"I... I'm ready," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of her racing heartbeat. Her hands shook as she tightened her grip on the cloak, her knuckles turning white with tension.

Augustus turned back, his gaze fixed on the ground as he approached slowly. He couldn't bring himself to look directly at Serena's bare back; his shyness and the intensity of the moment overwhelmed him. Keeping his eyes lowered, he took a deep breath, trying to gather his emotions. "Now I'll look for the mark," he said softly, his heart hammering in his chest. The weight of the situation pressed down on him, and he hoped his voice didn't betray his nerves.

As he raised his head to examine Serena's bare skin, a wave of heat washed over him, his breath catching in his throat. His eyes widened, his gaze fixed on her smooth skin, and for a moment, he was lost in the depths of her vulnerability.

Serena's voice broke through the haze of his thoughts, her words tinged with nervousness. "Can you see it? Is the mark there?"

Augustus' voice trembled as he replied, "I'm looking." He took a tentative step closer, his eyes searching for the mark. After a moment, he found it. "Yes, it's here," he said softly, his voice filled with relief. "It's on your spine, right between your shoulder blades, in the middle."

Serena inquired, her voice filled with anticipation, "So, what now? How do we proceed with the ritual? What's the process?"

Augustus took a deep breath before replying, "It's straightforward. I need to activate your birthmark. Currently, it's a green leaf, but I must transform it into one with golden veins. To achieve this, my blood is required."

Serena's eyes widened in surprise. "Blood?"

"Yes," he affirmed, his tone unwavering. With a swift and precise motion, he retrieved a knife and sliced his palm without hesitation. Blood began to well up, but Augustus remained composed, his demeanor showcasing both mental and physical strength. "This will be over quickly," he assured her, his focus shifting to the mark on her back as he prepared to commence the ritual.

Serena's curiosity peaked as she asked, "How will you activate the birthmark using your blood?"

Augustus smiled gently. "Rei mentioned she already showed you the magic of my blood," he replied.

Hearing this, Serena's mind raced, recalling how Rei used some dry traces of blood to change the color of her necklace. Could it be that it was Augustus's blood all along?

Lost in thought, Serena barely noticed as Augustus began to drop his blood from his palm onto the birthmark on her back.

Feeling the warmth of his blood on her skin, Serena's realization struck. "So, this procedure requires your blood to be put on the birthmark," she said softly, her voice tinged with concern. "It must be painful for you to have to cut yourself."

Augustus reassured Serena, "No, it's nothing, don't worry." Though the small cut didn't trouble him physically, what truly tested him was the magnetic pull he felt towards her, a force he struggled to contain.