Unexpected Bloom [OCs X Highschool DXD]

Chapter 15

The air hung heavy with the scent of salt and the quiet murmur of the night as Marinoah and Aventus stood within the confines of their shared home. A comfortable silence had settled between them, a stark contrast to the chaos of recent events.

"H-hey...." Aventus began, his voice laced with a hesitant awkwardness.

Marinoah, her scales shimmering faintly in the dim light, turned to face him. "Professor? What're you doing up?"

Aventus' gaze, normally bright and full of a gentle curiosity, held a lingering shadow of unease. "Back when the creepy ass exorcist," he muttered, a flicker of anger crossing his features as he referred to Freed, "released bullets on me, you should've run... but you didn't..."

Marinoah's expression softened, a hint of sadness in her emerald eyes. "I'm... I'm not the scared little girl who got lost and ended up on a beach. I ran from my home. I'm not gonna run a second time."

"But..." Aventus started, his words catching in his throat. He understood her sentiment, yet the fear for her safety still lingered.

"No buts, professor," Marinoah stated firmly, her voice gaining a touch of steel. "I need my mentor to live, not to sacrifice himself."

A faint chuckle escaped Aventus' lips. He recalled a similar conversation, a similar sentiment expressed by Marinoah long ago. It was a testament to her unwavering loyalty and determination, qualities that had quickly endeared her to him.

But the tranquility of the moment was shattered by an unexpected intrusion.

"How sweet."

The voice, smooth and laced with a chilling undertone, slithered into the silent room like a venomous serpent. Marinoah and Aventus, startled, whipped around to face the source of the sound.

Standing there, silhouetted against the dim light, was a man with skin as pale as moonlight, short white hair, and eyes that held a disconcerting blend of red and white. He wore a flowing robe and a mask of black and gold, its design intricate and imposing.

"Forgive my intrusion," the man said, his voice maintaining its unnerving composure.

"Who are you!?" Marinoah demanded, her dragon's instincts kicking in, a low growl rumbling in her chest.

A smirk played on the man's lips, hidden behind the mask. "My my, princess. You don't remember me? Well, it has been a long…long time." He paused, allowing the silence to build anticipation. "My name is Silas… and I was to 'marry you'."

The words struck Marinoah like a physical blow. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drumbeat of fear and confusion.

'No…father…you didn’t…', her mind shrieked, a wave of nausea washing over her.

Aventus, witnessing the sudden shift in Marinoah's demeanor, felt a prickle of unease. He couldn't understand the words, but the horror reflected in Marinoah's eyes was palpable.