The Duke's Reluctant Bride

Chapter 25: Beneath the Daylight

The forest was eerily silent, save for the low hum of dark magic radiating from Lucien's body. Adeline dropped to her knees beside him, her pulse hammering as she took in the sight before her. Dark veins, pulsing with an ominous purple glow, snaked up his neck, leeching the life from him.

"He's corrupted," she whispered, her throat tightening. "I have to do something before it's too late."

She pulled his head gently onto her lap, fingers threading shakily through his hair. Panic clawed at her chest as she dug into her pocket.

Her fingers trembled slightly while she drew out the potion—a small glass vial, filled with a shimmering translucent indigo liquid. A delicate gold leaf and pearl-like ornament adorned its neck, a sign of its rarity and potency. The faint glow from within pulsed softly, as if alive.

It's a good thing I brought this 'Sanctum Draught' in case he used Umbra. I had a feeling it would come to this.

"Your Grace, you have to drink this," she urged, uncorking the vial with unsteady hands. Tilting it to his parted lips, she tried to pour the liquid in—but it spilled uselessly down his chin. His body remained unresponsive. His throat never moved.

Adeline's breath hitched. "It's no use, he can't even swallow it." 

She clutched the vial, her mind racing for a solution. The potion was useless if he couldn't drink it. There had to be another way.

Then, a reckless thought struck her.

Her entire body tensed at the idea. A rush of heat bloomed in her cheeks, and she immediately shook her head. 

No. That would be... improper. 

But then her gaze fell upon him—his shallow breaths, his body on the brink of being consumed. Clara's innocent smile flashed through her mind. The little girl still waiting for her uncle.

Adeline clenched her jaw.

This isn't about me. I have to do this. Besides... we already did this once before.

Before she could hesitate any longer, she lifted the vial to her lips, swallowing the bitter potion. Her hand cupped his jaw as she leaned down, sealing her lips over his.

A gentle warmth blossomed in her chest. Gently, she coaxed the liquid into his mouth, pressing lightly against his throat to encourage him to swallow. For a moment, nothing happened. His body was still, his chest barely rising beneath the weight of corruption.

Then—there was a faint shudder.

His lips twitched ever so slightly against hers, and she felt his throat constrict as the potion finally took effect. The dark veins pulsing on his skin began to dull, the sinister glow dimming.

Adeline pulled away, her breath unsteady, her heart racing far beyond reason. She wiped her damp lips with the back of her hand, but the heat in her face refused to fade.

"He should be fine now," she murmured to herself. 

I just don't know when he'll wake up.

Her gaze softened as she brushed a lock of hair from his forehead. A soft glow emanated from her fingertips as she traced them gently over his skin, casting a spell. Warm light shimmered through his forehead, a soothing energy flowing into him.

"Clara still needs you, Your grace" she whispered. "Please... don't die."

════~❄~❖~❄~════

The battle against Darvok was distant now, a blur of chaos fading into darkness. Lucien's body felt weightless as he drifted, sinking deeper into unconsciousness. The cold ground beneath him vanished, replaced by something soft, warm. Slowly, he opened his eyes.