'How long have I known Rufus, Lyris?' Aiden inquires nervously staring at the lady who glares daggers directly into his eyes daring him to make trouble.
[Two years in Azeroth]Answers Lyris, suddenly interrupting his train of thought.'Two goddamn years?! What the hell was my alternative version doing here at the time?!' Aiden exclaims in his thoughts.Rufus notices a change in his demeanor and continues shouting saying, "Don't play dumb with me jerk! We're done playing games together! If you think you got balls showing up here trying to act tough, you have to tell me why you came knocking on my damn doorstep!"'Does she have a name that only both of us know?' Aiden questions wondering how much time will pass before she realizes she's talking to Aiden with little recollection of the major events that led to their current situation.[She goes by the name of Rufus which is her codename. Her real identity is Risa Lan. She's been working undercover in this city for over two years now, but her history before arriving in Draenor isn't clear]As much as Aiden wanted to deny saying hello after all the yells he got from her, he knew it wouldn't help matters.Besides, he didn't want trouble brewing unnecessarily. So, he decided to play along pretending ignorance. Looking directly into the eyes belonging to the lady standing in front of him, he smiles politely, greeting her warmly. "It's been a while, Risa. How are you?"Her brows furrow slightly in suspicion as she studies him closely trying to place him in context. Finally deciding he carried no ill intentions, Rufus relaxes allowing some tension to dissipate, letting go of the pointy ends of the wood shafts still pointed firmly at his chest."That still doesn't justify why you showed up now of all times," Rufus scoffs, shaking her head disapprovingly. "Why did you bother stopping by?""Well… I was hoping I could ask for your assistance." Aiden replies honestly, feeling awkward about asking for anything considering a possible past relationship that might have hurt the friendship between them in one way or another.Risa looks away for a moment thinking hard before turning back toward Aiden and asking bluntly, "you know what happened last time we met, right? What makes you think things would be different this time around? You're not getting any younger and neither am I!"Aiden nods silently agreeing with everything she said then continues speaking calmly explaining the situation without mentioning the names of anyone involved including himself. He explains how the guild had sent him on a week-long assignment to investigate rumors of an ancient dragon being sighted flying high above the clouds somewhere in the north, spreading a plague across the land.The mission required gathering information on where to find such a dangerous dragon so they can capture it alive using magic to study its anatomy, behavior patterns, etcetera, to better understand the species' habits when it comes to interacting with other races living within their territory. But, the only information they were able to gather so far is its possible location.Using the information he had gotten from Lyris, Aiden hopes Risa will help him locate someone who knows more than he does regarding dragons since she has been working here longer than he's been aware of her existence."I'm sorry if my visit seems sudden, but there's no easy way of contacting you unless I see you first," says Aiden apologetically looking down at his feet while shuffling his weight uncomfortably as though expecting punishment for his actions. "This is a bit weird, am I right?"Rufus nods her head slowly, saying, "yeah… pretty much." She pauses for a moment staring into space as memories resurface causing a frown to form upon her face, which quickly disappears once again replaced by anger directed towards herself instead of Aiden present in this conversation.She turns away muttering under her breath something unintelligible before facing back toward him and asking curtly, "what do you want me to tell them? They'll probably send another team to search for me after you're gone."'She knows the dragon information is just a cover story?' thinks Aiden as he stares blankly."I need a gold coin engraved with the image of the dragon flying through the air above two crossed swords." He blurts out excitedly hoping she might be willing to assist in some manner or form considering she was already familiar enough with dragons to know what they look like based on what she told him earlier today.He also hoped she would be interested in helping because she seemed nice, friendly, and helpful, judging from the new flash of memory of the last time they had met, even offering him food when they were both hungry during their journey together.Aiden notices Rufus eyeing him suspiciously wondering how long it took her to realize he wasn't lying when claiming he needed her help finding someone who knew more than himself regarding dragons. After all, he did say he came here seeking assistance not knowing who else could help besides her since he didn't have any other leads."I'll help you find someone who can give you more information than I can," says Risa, finally breaking the silence and speaking softly while still keeping a glare aimed at Aiden's direction as though daring him to make trouble for herself again if he so desired."But I won't go anywhere near that damn place again!" She continues glaring at him as though trying to intimidate him into leaving without further delay. "You don't want anything to do with those people! Trust me, there are better ways of getting your answers." She pauses briefly before adding, "and there will always be a price when it comes to offering my help."'So it finally got to this point, huh?' Aiden wonders silently, feeling his heart rate increase slightly in response to the uncertainty of what could be requested by this lady standing before him."I have what you seek, and I can readily provide the coin in abundance regularly and the details necessary to locate the person you need to complete your mission successfully… but only after you agree to my condition first." Risa says with a smirk, "It is non-negotiable and must be agreed upon the moment I reveal what it is or we're done talking right now."Her eyes narrow menacingly causing a feeling of dread to creep up inside Aiden's chest making him feel uneasy about agreeing or disagreeing with whatever she has planned next.Aiden begins to realize that this must be the reason their friendship ended years ago, there must have been a condition given that he couldn't remember.He decides it would probably be best not to argue against it until he hears it, considering she is willing to help out despite their history.Aiden looks around for something to use as leverage should she decide to take advantage of him. He doesn't see much except for the wooden table in the center surrounded by chairs for sitting.Left with no option, he questions her intentions saying, "what does this condition involve?"Risa has a proud smirk on her face as though expecting him to accept her terms without question which makes him wonder if her request will be reasonable enough.She sways her hips side to side slowly while having a seductive gaze fixated on him, hinting at her intentions. She places a hand on his shoulder, leans over, and asks with an airy tone, "are you willing to hear me out?"Do share your thoughts on the chapters so far
In Collow,"Can I open my eyes? It feels like they've been closed forever," Risa whispers softly, hoping Aiden might answer back right away.They had crossed the dimension and into a lonely alley several miles from where Aiden's home is located.The sun's rays were beginning to set, casting long shadows across the ground and buildings surrounding them, giving the area a gloomy appearance that made it seem more dangerous than it is.'I can see so many things wrong with this situation,' Aiden thinks to himself, 'but I'm too tired to care if there might be consequences.'After all, Risa had helped him get back to Collow, and with her, he could constantly switch between both realms at his convenience.Ding![You may choose between three options: Not interested, Budding friendship, or In Love. You must select within five minutes or lose the option forever. (Choose wisely.)]'You naughty system...' Aiden teases Lyris and shakes his head with a smile before responding immediately, 'budding fr
A few minutes ago,Risa rests her back against her bedroom wall while listening intently for any signs of movement outside her room before finally deciding she will bathe and carry out her plan to seduce her best friend without having to worry about being interrupted by anyone other than herself. Hurriedly bathing under the warm stream of hot water pouring from the faucet and drying off afterward using one of the towels hanging from the rack beside the tub. Risa makes sure to have on nothing but a pair of green lace panties underneath the towel. She then puts on a brown robe overtop, tying its belt tightly around her waist just below where it meets between her breasts making it look more appealing.She takes a deep breath and sighs softly, feeling nervous about what is about to take place, as well as how much courage it will require to do so.After slipping on some black slippers, Risa opens the door and steps into the hallway, closing it behind her with an audible click followed by
[R-18]Risa nods slowly, biting down hard onto his shoulder while closing her eyes, letting out an audible moan, hoping he would take advantage of this moment since they had made such a deal earlier today, but also knowing that he may be hesitant due to this being a condition she had set.Aiden smirks as he removes Risa's panties in a single motion, leaving her completely naked before standing up off the bed and walking toward his music system which is located near the window overlooking the city below.With one tap on the screen, Aiden turns up the volume loud enough to drown out any noise coming from outside the room and then walks back towards where he left her, placing his hand gently against her back as he guides her to lay back against his pillows.He then kneels beside her, placing his hand over her stomach, moving it down until he reaches her inner thigh where he places his palm flat against her skin."Do you want me to stop if you don't like what I'm doing to you?" He asks wit
Risa wakes up early the next morning to find Aiden sleeping soundly beside her.She smiles to herself as she looks around the room.It is a nice place to stay for a few days if she has to say so. It is more comfortable for her than her home and it did not feel cramped, but also spacious enough for her to enjoy some alone time away from everyone else.'Did I miss all this because he was here in this world?' Risa thinks to herself, her mood instantly dropping at the thought of holding a grudge all those months.The only thing that bothered her about it is that it was strange to have Aiden live comfortably in this strange realm.Knock! Knock!Her head shot upward when she hears someone knocking at the door.Tilting her head, she furrows her brows, confused, yet curious as to why anyone would knock on his door at this hour.'Did the person sneak in as we did?' She wonders and tilts her head.She had wanted to get up to check on who it could be since no one should be in Aiden's home, espec
Downtown Ter Danes town is bustling with activity. Kristine arrives at work early that morning at The Drac's Den where most people who visit here tend to come in to drink every night and party until dawn or later depending upon their moods and energy levels at any given moment throughout each day and evening.She pulls off her black silk pajamas and tosses them onto one side table near the entrance while walking through the front doors into the bar area which is filled with loud music, smoke-filled air, dancing bodies, laughing voices, clinking glasses, shouting conversations, and many other sounds of excitement surrounding the place.Some of the customers turn their heads to look in her direction, their lustful stares making it obvious they had been waiting for this very opportunity to see what kind of woman would dare enter this establishment dressed so provocatively in a lingerie outfit like this in public; especially considering what they knew about what went down last week during
[Slightly R-18]He walks around the front of the counter, standing beside her, placing both hands on her shoulders while looking directly at her face."I'm glad you decided to come in today." He tells her with a wicked grin. "I hope we get the chance to talk some more soon. It would be nice having someone new join us for a few rounds of drinks."She nods in agreement, smiling sweetly at him.Drak nods toward Tammy behind the bar and then turns his attention toward another customer waiting patiently for their turn.Confident that the drug he had placed in Risa's drink earlier will take effect quickly enough so he can have his way with her tonight without any interruptions or distractions. Drak offers his hand as Risa stands up straight again; offering her arm as he leads her to one of his lodge rooms where he can have his way with her in private.As they walk past Kristine, she whips back her hair and stares at the duo going into one of the rooms. 'Isn't it that bitch from a few hours
He doesn't respond to her question, instead choosing to remain silent and wait for whatever fate awaits him next.Risa's eyes narrow, looking down at the ground for a moment as she sighs heavily, shaking her head in disappointment. "You're not going anywhere until we get some answers," Risa tells him with an evil grin forming on her lips again. "Now tell me… what do you know?" She asks once more with an even deeper tone in her voice which causes his heart rate to increase rapidly within his chest prompting his breathing to become shallow due to his anxiety over being held captive by someone who seemed far too dangerous to be taken lightly by anyone who stood before them unarmed and defenseless against their attacks."She's just a lady that I was interested in today," He replies."Just a lady?" Risa repeats with raised eyebrows as her green cat-like eyes stare into his own with curiosity written throughout her face."Yes! Just a girl I met earlier this morning!" He yells back in respon
His words come out coldly like before without any emotion whatsoever, which causes Risa's heart rate to increase rapidly within her chest, prompting her breathing to become shallow due to the anxiety which came over her body in response to his question that seemed almost rhetorical rather than asking because he knew what had happened."That bitch doesn't deserve you after what she did when questioning you this morning! I saw her getting it on with another man right in front of the other customers at that bar!" She yells angrily, feeling her anger rising inside her again as she continues to yell, not caring anymore whether anyone heard her or not.Aiden shakes his head slowly in disappointment, not wanting to hear anything else she might have to say after hearing her story and witnessing everything she did just moments ago."I had to miss my meeting because I felt your murderous rage from where I was," He tells her calmly while keeping a stern look on his face showing no signs of remors
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