Artemis Unveiled:The Descent

Untitled Part 48: Clash of Hearts

Neven's expression immediately grew stern as he turned to Aria and said, "Go back to your tent. Felix is an Aether; it's best if you keep your distance from him."

Aria was stunned and asked again, "What do you plan to do to Felix?"

"What do you think? Kill him?" Neven replied seriously. "Aria, I'm not a monster. I just want him out of the camp. He's been snooping around for information, especially about you. I think he's dangerous and might hurt you."

Aria bit her lip, swallowing the words she was about to say. Neven's hostility towards Felix seemed to have intensified after her attempt to reason with him. She recalled Alexander's warning from the other day: "Don't look at other men. It will anger Neven, and the consequences will be severe."

Neven seemed childish when it came to emotions.

Aria returned to her tent, feeling dejected. Her cloak slipped to the ground, and she noticed a bloodstain on her dress from tending to the wounded with Alexander. She sighed, sat on the bear pelt, and leaned her head against the bed, feeling heavy-hearted.

She pulled out a golden pendant from under her collar. She fiddled with it, and with a click, the golden wings slowly opened, revealing a small, dark obsidian Soul Stone.Since Neven had given it to her, it had never glowed, looking just like an ordinary gem.

She couldn't help but think of the girls at the Moon Tower who often flaunted their glowing Soul Stones because their lovers were using Essence Power far away, causing their stones to light up.

Twin Soul Stones, no matter how far apart, would always resonate with each other.

But Aria's Soul Stone remained perpetually dark.

"Neven..." she whispered, her voice filled with regret and helplessness. She had spoken carelessly, not intending to open his old wounds. Perhaps Neven's reaction stemmed from his insecurity about not having Essence Power. Aria buried her face in the soft fur, feeling an overwhelming sense of loss, as if the weight of the world was pressing down on her shoulders. She resolved to apologize to Neven the moment he returned and clarify that she had no involvement with Felix.

Night fell, and the shadows of patrolling soldiers flickered outside the tent, casting moving silhouettes in the light. Sleep gradually overtook Aria, and she soon drifted off.

A gust of cold wind carrying snowflakes blew into the narrow tent. Footsteps approached, and the fur beneath her sank under the weight of a warm breath. A cold hand gently caressed her cheek. Aria's eyelashes fluttered, but she didn't open her eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..." she murmured, her voice laden with guilt.

Neven's fingers paused as if time had frozen in that moment. His fingertips lightly traced Aria's skin, gently outlining the contours of her face. The air was filled with a faint scent of plum wine, mixed with the chill of the night.

Then, Neven's breath drew closer, his soft whispers in her ear. A kiss, carrying the light scent of wine, gently landed on her cheek, cold yet tender, like snowflakes melting on a warm flame. Aria felt the warmth and tenderness, her heart involuntarily racing.

She slowly opened her eyes, meeting Neven's gaze. His eyes were languid and misty, as if lost in thought, yet with a hint of vulnerability and deep affection. His brown eyes were deep and filled with emotions, hiding countless unsaid secrets and wishes.

"Aria..." he whispered, his voice hoarse and gentle, each word laden with affection and hesitation. "Felix was right today. If we didn't have our engagement, we might really be apart. But I don't want to lose you. I want to be with you forever."

As Neven spoke, he gazed deeply into her eyes, his glimmering gaze conveying his true feelings. His kiss slowly approached again, lightly touching her lips.