Transcending Fate (Transmigrated to an Otome Game)

10.Unsettling Devotion

The next few days passed peacefully, allowing Alaric a chance to enjoy the tranquility that had been missing from his life.

However, this respite was short-lived. One morning, his father summoned him with news.

"Alaric," the Marquise began, "we are going to the temple today to make donations and receive blessings. I also have some matters to attend to with the high priest."

Alaric nodded, preparing himself for the visit. The temple was a place of reverence and tradition, and while he respected it, the recent events made him wary of any new encounters-especially with Gabriel.

Upon arriving at the grand temple, they were greeted by the serene and solemn atmosphere. Alaric followed his father through the sacred halls, offering prayers and making donations as they went. After the rituals, they were led to a private room where the high priest and Gabriel awaited.

The high priest greeted them warmly, exchanging pleasantries with the Marquise. "Marquise, we have some matters to discuss. Gabriel, could you please stay with young Alaric?"

Gabriel inclined his head respectfully. "Of course, Your Eminence."

As the high priest and Marquise left the room, Alaric found himself alone with Gabriel. The silence that followed was thick with unspoken tension. Gabriel's gaze seemed to pierce through Alaric, making his heart race inexplicably.

"Father-" Alaric began, but Gabriel interrupted him gently.

"Please, Alaric, just call me Gabriel," he said, his voice smooth and reassuring. "How have you been these past few days?"

"Fine," Alaric replied, trying to sound casual. "I've been keeping busy."

Gabriel's eyes never left his, and the intensity of his gaze made Alaric's pulse quicken. "You seem a bit pale. Are you feeling well?"

"I'm alright," Alaric insisted, but Gabriel stepped closer, placing a hand on his forehead to check his temperature. The touch was gentle yet firm, sending an unexpected shiver down Alaric's spine.

"It's fine," Gabriel said after a moment. "You just look a bit weak. Let me give you a blessing."

Before Alaric could protest, Gabriel took his hand, and a soft, warm light enveloped them. The sensation was soothing, a gentle wave of energy washing over him, refreshing him in a way that felt almost magical.

Lost in the blissful feeling, Alaric failed to notice Gabriel's intense gaze and the lingering touch of his hand. When he finally came to, he realized Gabriel was still holding him.

"Thank you," Alaric murmured, trying to pull his hand away, but Gabriel's grip tightened for just a moment longer before he released it.

"You're welcome, Alaric," Gabriel replied, his expression composed but his eyes betraying a hidden depth of emotion. The encounter left Alaric's heart pounding and a strange heat rising within him.

Just as he was about to say something, the door opened, and his father re-entered the room. "Gabriel, the high priest is calling for you."

Gabriel nodded and excused himself, leaving Alaric with a swirl of conflicting emotions. As they made their way home, the events of the day lingered in his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Gabriel than met the eye, and the ambiguous moments they had shared only added to his confusion.

In his thoughts, Alaric reminded himself to stay wary of the male leads, their charms, and the complex dynamics at play. Yet, he couldn't deny the subtle pull he felt towards them, making his resolution all the more difficult to maintain.