After Aiden finished dressing, he went downstairs to join his mother and father in the kitchen."So how do you like my cooking?" Clarissa teased as she glanced over at her son from where she was standing next to the stove."It smells delicious," Aiden replied honestly as he sniffed the air."Well, I hope you like it because I made enough food for all our staff to take home!" Clarissa laughed lightly as she started preparing the ingredients for the meal."Is there anything I can help with?" Aiden offered as he watched his mother work."No, dear. You just sit back and relax while we take care of everything." Clarissa told him as she placed a plate full of steaming hot food on the table.Aiden sat down across from his parents as he dug into the dish of spaghetti with meatballs. The taste of the sauce reminded him of a certain someone's cooking.'This really does taste like mom's cooking!'"This is really good! It tastes exactly like I remembered." Aiden praised as he ate another forkful
After what felt like hours of focusing, he heard a knock on his door."Come in!" Aiden called out as he stood up from his meditation pose.He had been expecting the appearance of the name he had called while speaking to the inn owner.'He finally shows up, huh?' Aiden scoffed and chuckled at the thought.The door creaked open and revealed a girl standing in the doorway. She appeared to be around seventeen years old with long black hair that reached her lower back. Her eyes were large and blue with thick lashes that curled upwards slightly at the ends.She wore a white shirt and brown pants underneath a leather jacket that matched her boots."You finally showed up," she spoke with a sigh as she walked inside and shut the door behind herself.'Shadow King!' Aiden raged internally as he glared at the girl."Did you enjoy the little gift I had given you?" The girl smirked as she leaned against the wall next to the door."You're the one who sent those puppets after me," Aiden growled as he
Draed leaped down from above and landed right in front of the Shadow King. It opened its mouth wide and unleashed a massive blast of lightning at him."I told you not to underestimate me. This is my realm!" The Shadow King sneered as he raised his arms to block the attack.Draed's wings spread out and he shot upward into the sky. He circled and came back down to land on top of the Shadow King.Aiden watched from the sideline for a while before pulling out his weapon, thinking back on his parents' sacrifice, and the family that he intended to return to."There is no way I would abide by being trapped in this realm! Not even for an eternity!" Aiden growled as he charged forward with his sword held high."Just die!!! Then your dragon will be mine!" The Shadow King screamed as he ran at Aiden.The two clashed together in midair as they fought desperately to gain the upper hand. Aiden managed to push him away slightly, but he quickly recovered and slammed his fist into Aiden's stomach.He
Gregg and Risa turned around to see Aiden standing there with a smile on his face."Aiden..." Risa gasped as she stared at him with an unspoken longing, "Are... are you real?""Of course I am." Aiden laughed as he approached them.He placed his hand on Risa's cheek and ran his fingers through her hair, "I'm sorry that I've been gone for so long."Risa trembled under his touch, her heart felt tight in her chest. She didn't want to believe that it was really him until she saw it with her own two eyes."Gregg? Please tell me I'm not hallucinating or some sort of trick being played on us." Risa pleaded as she looked at Gregg with wide-open eyes.Gregg took a step forward and smacked Aiden with a notepad, "What the hell is wrong with you?! How did you even get in here?!""You're welcome." Aiden laughed as he rubbed his side where Gregg hit him, "I figured if I came in during one of your meetings, no one would notice me.""Yeah, because everyone thinks that you're dead." Gregg sighed as he
The next day, Aiden wakes up early in the morning. He stretches and yawns before sitting up on the bed. His eyes darted over to where Risa had been sleeping only moments ago. The blankets were neatly folded at the foot of the bed. There wasn't a trace of her presence left behind.He got dressed quickly and headed downstairs to make them some breakfast."Morning, sleepyhead." Risa greeted as she placed a plate full of pancakes in front of Aiden."Good morning," Aiden replied as he took a sip from his cup of coffee, "How long have you been up?""All through the night," Risa replied as she sat down across from Aiden.Aiden's eyes doubled in size as he stared at Risa while he chewed on a piece of pancake. She still looked beautiful as when he saw her last. Her hair was tied back in a loose and messy ponytail, and she wore a large shirt that he recognized as his own."You're wearing my shirt," Aiden muttered as he pointed to Risa's chest."It's a little big for me, but it makes comfortable
[R-18]That night, Aiden sat on the edge of the bed while Risa brushed her hair out in front of the mirror. He could hear her humming softly as she did so."How do I look?" Risa asked as she spun around and faced him."Beautiful," Aiden replied with a wide grin, "You always look beautiful."Risa let out a soft giggle before she looked back at her reflection. She ran her hand across her forehead and down to her jawline as she studied how she looked."Do you think this is okay?" Risa asked as she grabbed hold of the neckline of her shirt and lifted it slightly.Aiden's heart skipped a beat as he stared at Risa's exposed chest. Her breasts were round and firm, and they jiggled slightly every time she moved. Aiden swallowed hard as he felt his mouth go dry."I think it's perfect." Aiden managed to reply as he cleared his throat, "It looks really good on you."Risa giggled again before she pulled off the shirt and tossed it onto the floor. She reached behind her back and unfastened the cla
As Aiden left the cozy confines of their temporary residence, he was greeted by the morning breeze sweeping down the streets of Draenor. With one last glance at the quaint house he had spent countless nights in, he began the journey toward his inevitable confrontation with Mr. Smith.–––––––––––'This should be the address.' Aiden thought to himself as he looked up at the building in front of him. He found himself standing in front of Mr. Smith's home, a grand and opulent structure that bristled with a sense of elegance and prestige. It stood out from the neighboring buildings, its beige stone facade carved with elaborate designs. Columns flanked the entrance, the intricate patterns on their bases glowing in the morning light. The front porch, wide and welcoming, held an ornate swing, cushioned seats, and pots of vibrant, exotic flowers. The house was eerily reminiscent of his home back in Collow; the same grandeur, the same sense of peaceful solitude, and the same memories etched
"A word, Mr. Smith," Aiden said, his voice barely more than a muted murmur. His question hung in the air like a thin layer of smoke, "When I first set foot in Draenor, why was it that I found myself inhabiting the body of someone who seemed to be my exact double?" Mr. Smith let out a thoughtful sigh, his mind visibly whirring as he carefully gathered his thoughts. His gaze momentarily drifted towards a patch of vibrant lavender, alive and swaying gently just beyond the confines of the quaint garden house. He clasped his hands together, almost as if he were physically bracing himself for the upcoming revelation. A moment of silence lingered before he finally spoke, "It's a bit convoluted, Aiden. Many sleepless nights have I spent, attempting to untangle the intricate mysteries of your very existence."Aiden, understanding the gravity of the situation, simply nodded, his eagerness subtly urging Mr. Smith to continue."Your story, Aiden, has always been marked by its exceptional unique
Raymond didn't miss the nervous look in Aiden's eyes, and he gestured to the waitress, indicating for two more coffees. "Don't look so worried, Aiden," he began, leaning back in his chair. "I'm not here to stir up trouble, quite the opposite, in fact."Aiden gave a small laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "You have a knack for popping up unexpectedly, Raymond," he said, meeting the older man's gaze. Raymond chuckled, a sound that reminded Aiden of crunching autumn leaves. "Guilty as charged," he admitted. "But it's the only way to catch you off guard, isn't it?"The two men shared a smile, the ice of formality finally beginning to thaw. When their coffees arrived, Aiden took a moment to appreciate the smell, the warmth of the cup soothing his nerves.Raymond's knowing smile widened as he caught sight of the green card. "I see you've been putting that to good use," he said, pouring a cup of coffee for Aiden. "Now tell me, how have you been?"Aiden hesitated for a moment, not sure wh
Four months had passed since their wedding, and it had been nothing short of bliss. Aiden recalled, a month after his marriage, he had the privilege of being the best man at Gregg's wedding to Zin. It was another day of joy and friendship, another day of unforgettable memories. As he watched his friend recite his vows, he couldn't help but feel a sense of profound happiness. It was as if life had come full circle, their shared dreams finally coming true.Now, Aiden found himself in the grandeur of his living room, the plush furnishings reflecting his luxurious lifestyle. His gaze lingered on a group photo from his own wedding that hung on the wall, the silver frame capturing the raw, unfiltered happiness of that day. James, the ever-loyal butler, had snapped the photo, capturing a moment of pure joy, their faces alive with laughter and love.A smile tugged at his lips as his eyes scanned the faces in the frame-his radiant wife, Risa, Gregg, Zin, and Mr. Smith. It was a precious mement
From the beautiful ceremony that echoed the purity of their love to the lively reception that followed, everything was truly enchanting. The laughter, the joy, the well-wishes, everything contributed to creating an ambiance of happiness and love.As the guests filled the beautifully decorated hall, the after-party began in earnest. The buffet tables were laden with an array of delicious food, while the bar was stocked with all sorts of drinks, catering to everyone's preference.Zin, in her elegant emerald green gown, was fluttering around Risa like a protective mother hen. She was diligently making sure that Risa was comfortable, frequently asking if she needed anything. Her worry was transparent, her gaze constantly darting to Risa's small belly. Risa, although touched by her friend's concern, found it amusing and gently assured her that she was fine.Amidst the laughter and conversations, Gregg detached himself from the crowd and moved towards Aiden, who was seated at a table with M
A week had passed since that day, the culmination of which was their big day, the day of their wedding. It was a day that echoed the magnificence of their love for one another. The wedding venue was the most eccentric hall in all of Collow. It was an architectural marvel, a symphony of nature and architecture that combined grandeur and simplicity in a harmonious blend. Tall, impressive stone columns held up the lofty, wooden ceiling, creating an ambiance of grandeur. The hall was filled with the beautiful scent of fresh pine, lavender, and honeysuckle, creating an earthy, calming aura that reflected their shared love for nature. The vast windows draped in flowing sheer curtains allowed the sunlight to filter in, casting a warm, ethereal glow over the space.The wedding was filled with countless guests, all eagerly awaiting the arrival of the bride. The air buzzed with anticipation as soft music filled the room. The melodious notes of the violin and piano created a magical, enchantin
The news of their forthcoming child was still fresh in their minds as they sat down to discuss their imminent wedding. The room was filled with a sense of exhilaration, excitement, and anticipation. The huge dining table was strewn with various wedding catalogs, color palettes, floral arrangements, and tentative guest lists. Risa, brimming with an ethereal glow from her pregnancy, was a picture of excited expectancy. Her green eyes sparkled with a mix of joy and anxiety, her fingers fluttering across the catalog pages as she attempted to decide on the most fitting color code for their nuptials."Aiden, what do you think of this one?" She pointed towards a palette that was an array of earthy colors, inspired by nature.Aiden leaned over to see what she was indicating, his gaze falling on the hues of deep forest green, soft brown, and a touch of gold. He studied it for a moment, his blue eyes reflecting the colors she chose."It's perfect, Risa. It truly reflects who we are, connected
[R-18]'When am I never ready?' Gregg replied in his thoughts, but instead of going along that line of thought, he gave her a tender smile as he brushed her hair away from her face and planted soft kisses on her cheeks and along her jawline."You're my dream girl." He whispered softly into her sensitive ears.Zin's breath caught in her throat as she looked at Gregg with a surprised smile. He had said that to her countless times before in different ways and situations, but it felt different coming from him now. He wasn't saying it because it was something he wanted her to do. It was simply how he saw her.With an easy grace, Zin disrobed, letting her clothes fall to the floor until she was wearing nothing but a sheer white slip of lingerie that accentuated her curves and accentuated her light pink nipples that were already hardening beneath the thin fabric. "Must have been the flour and grease on them," Zin teased with a playful smirk, stripping off the remaining clothing as quickly a
"Is everything alright, Risa?" she asked, her tone hinting at her worry. "You've never declined wine before. Is there a reason you're saying no tonight?"Risa glanced at Aiden, an unspoken question flickering in her gaze. Aiden gave her a reassuring smile, a silent signal for her to share their secret. "I'm not feeling unwell or anything," Risa began, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's just that...I... we... are expecting."The room fell silent, as if the words had sucked the air right out of it. Zin blinked, looking between Risa and Aiden, trying to comprehend the gravity of the news. Meanwhile, Gregg stared at Aiden, his eyes wide with shock."Expecting?" Zin repeated, her mind racing to decode Risa's words. But then it clicked, and she let out a startled gasp. "You mean...you're pregnant?"Risa nodded, a shy smile playing on her lips. "Three weeks along."Aiden reached for Risa's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. He looked at her with such warmth, his eyes sparkling with
The shadows began to stretch across the rooms of the quaint duplex that Zin and Gregg called home as the golden tendrils of the afternoon sun began to retreat for the day. In the heart of their dwelling, Zin's culinary skills were on full display in their small but well-equipped kitchen. The tantalizing aroma of a home-cooked meal filled the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. In contrast, Gregg's domain was the dining area, where he was meticulously attending to every detail. He nervously adjusted the tablecloth, smoothed out non-existent creases, and repositioned the silverware for what felt like the hundredth time."Gregg," Zin's voice carried from the kitchen, filled with a lighthearted teasing note, "You're going to wear holes into the tablecloth if you continue fussing over it like that."A sheepish grin spread across Gregg's face at Zin's playful comment. "I just want to ensure everything is perfect, Zin," he replied, his voice shaky. "Aiden's accustomed to high-end,
A smile, brimming with mischief, gradually began to play across the features of Aiden. The playful glint in his eyes danced as he declared in a voice imbued with teasing suspense, "I'm not going to share that with you." Without any further ado, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a small box with intricate detailing, and handed it over to Gregg, who was visibly caught in the throes of anticipation.Gregg accepted the box with a sense of curiosity bordering on fascination. He gingerly opened the lid, and his pupils dilated in astonishment as they beheld the singular object nestled within the folds of velvet that lined the box. Inside lay a shimmering golden card that reflected the soft ambient light in a playful dance of colors, emphasizing the meticulous engraving of a stylized dragon that marked its surface. The card was encased in a pristine white border, upon which bold, black words stood out in striking contrast: 'What you seek is within.'Aiden, struggling to contain his amus