The Deadly Charm

Part 59 : The Mansion of Secrets and Silk Sheets

They thought they were running for safety—but found themselves falling into something far deeper.

The word "home" didn't quite fit what stood before them.

As Akira, Teerathep, and Nattrinee stepped out of the car, their jaws nearly dropped.

"...This isn't a house. Let's call it what it is. A damn mansion,"
Akira muttered, glancing sideways at Kritin, who looked entirely too pleased with himself.

"What are you mumbling about? Come on in."
He strolled toward the massive front doors, completely unfazed.

The estate of the Thewanurak family was more than just extravagant—it was otherworldly. Nestled amidst a serene landscape and towering trees, the mansion exuded an ethereal calm. The Neo-Classical architecture, the grand marble columns, the arched windows framed with silver-touched drapes... it was like stepping into a hidden realm untouched by time.

The carved wooden front doors bore ancient runes passed down through generations—symbols of protection, legacy, and magic. Beyond them lay a world few had seen. One where elegance met the arcane.

Akira's eyes caught a side building.

"Krit, is that a library?"

"Sure is. Come on, I'll show you."

The Thewanurak library stood like a guardian beside the mansion. Ancient and grand, it was a sanctuary of lost knowledge—housing sacred texts, grimoires, and scrolls passed down through centuries of spiritcraft and magical bloodlines.

Inside, books lined towering shelves, some so old their leather bindings had cracked with time. The air smelled of old paper and something arcane. Heavy chandeliers cast golden light across ornate oak tables and plush reading chairs.

"Whoa... this is more like a treasure vault than a library,"
Nattrinee whispered in awe.

"You're not just some heir. You're something else,"
Teerathep added, clearly impressed.

Kritin nodded toward one of the staff in the corner.

"There are a few offices here you can work from. I want you to stay inside as much as possible. This place has a protection barrier—nothing dark gets in."

"I can manage my work from here,"
Teerathep replied thoughtfully.

"I might be able to work remotely too... I'm a designer,"
Nattrinee said.

"...But this one works in finance,"
she added, nudging Akira.

"Yeah... not exactly remote-friendly," Akira muttered.

"Marry me and do the books for me,"
Kritin said with a straight face.

"W-What?!"
Akira flushed instantly.

"That's... not a bad idea,"
Nattrinee teased.

"Nat!! Don't encourage him!"

"Strangest marriage proposal ever,"
Teerathep chuckled.

"I'm just being practical."
Kritin smirked, stepping closer to Akira.

"Give me your answer tonight,"
he whispered, so only she could hear.

Then, as if nothing had happened, he turned.

"Let me show you one more building before we settle in."

They were led to what looked like an art gallery—but was, in fact, the garage. A massive structure made of marble and glass, it housed no fewer than ten luxury vehicles.

Each car wasn't just expensive—they were enchanted.

🖤 Rolls-Royce Phantom: Protected with mind-shielding wards and spiritual barriers.
💎 Bentley Continental GT: Enhanced for high-speed evasion and defensive magic.
🤍 Porsche 911 Turbo S: Designed with spells of stealth and illusion.
💚 Aston Martin DB11: Built with a barrier that absorbs magic attacks.
🖤 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: A mobile fortress, enchanted for defense in any terrain.

"These cars aren't just for show. They've been magically sealed by my ancestors,"
Kritin explained.

"You think your regular cars can handle a magical ambush?"

"...Fair point,"
Teerathep sighed.

"Then we'll use these,"
Kritin said simply.

Finally, Kritin led them into the mansion itself.

Inside, every step echoed softly against polished marble floors. Intricate paintings lined the halls—each one depicting the Thewanurak lineage, legends carved in brushstrokes and gold. When they reached the grand staircase, Kritin pulled Akira gently to his side.

"You three will take the east wing. Those rooms are secured by protection magic. Nothing will get through."

They nodded in silent agreement.

As they explored their guest quarters—lavish rooms filled with warm lighting, plush linens, and a hush of sanctuary—Akira couldn't help but glance at Kritin again. There was a quiet weight to this place... and to him.

Later that night, Kritin opened the door to their room—their room.

It was darker, warmer, more intimate than the rest of the mansion. Rich velvet curtains softened the moonlight pouring through tall windows. A king-sized bed stood in the center, dressed in charcoal-gray sheets. The air was still, scented faintly of cedar and rain.

Once the door shut behind them, Kritin turned.

He reached for her, his touch featherlight.

"Did you tell Aria you'd be staying... indefinitely?"

"...I did, but—ah..."

Before she could finish, his lips captured hers. Soft at first, then deepening, claiming. His tongue teased hers gently, drawing a shiver from her spine. She reached up, circling her arms around his neck.

He lifted her without effort, carrying her to the bed.

Akira gasped as he laid her down, his body pressing over hers, lips trailing across her cheek and jaw. His breath was hot against her skin.

"I told you,"
he whispered, voice husky against her ear,
"...we're not sleeping tonight."

"W-Wait, slow dow—mmnh..."

Her words turned into moans as his hands explored, undressing her with practiced grace. Clothes fell away like petals. His mouth traced every inch of her, igniting sparks of pleasure along her skin.

The heat between them bloomed—wild, uncontainable. Her legs wrapped around his waist instinctively, their bodies moving in perfect rhythm, breathing one another in. The room filled with soft gasps and whispered names. Every touch, every kiss, was a promise sealed in silence.

Tonight wasn't just about passion.
It was about claiming.

And nothing—not darkness, not fate—would come between them again.