Page 69 of Semper

There was a quiet pride in his voice, but I could hear the weight of the responsibility he carried, even if he wouldn’t admit it outright. Shifting slightly, I decided to ask something more personal. “What about your mother? You mentioned she taught you how to cook. Are you close?”

His expression softened instantly, a rare vulnerability flickering in his eyes. “I adore my mother,” he said, his voice full of warmth. “I wouldn’t be half the man I am without her—and my father, of course. They’re my foundation. She taught me more than just how to cook. He showed me strength and resilience. She showed me how to lead without losing myself. Everything I am, I owe to them.”

I was surprised by the depth of emotion in his voice. It wasn’t the first time I had wondered about her, the woman who had raised three children of the Isle. “Your mother sounds incredible,” I said softly, touched by the way he spoke about her.

“She is,” he replied, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to the top of my head. “She’s part of why I’m able to lead the Isle—and you—the way I do. I wouldn’t be where I am without her.”

I looked out across the view, combing through everything he’d just revealed.

I knew I hadn’t even scratched the surface when it came to the layers of this man. His words lingered, heavy and final, settling deep into my bones. As he held me closer, the truth became clearer with each passing moment.

Beneath the layers of power and darkness, there was something deeper—a man shaped by an unwavering love for his family, by loyalty that ran through his veins, and by a destiny he had never been given the chance to defy. And now, I was bound to that same fate. Bound to him.

Whether I was ready or not, I had been pulled into his world—a world where love was as much about possession as it was about devotion. A world where there was no escape, onlysubmission to the life we were destined to build together. I wasn’t just standing on the edge anymore. I was already so deep in; I wasn’t sure if I could ever find my way back, or why I should even bother.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

We continued exploring the Isle, wandering through secluded paths that twisted and turned through dense trees, before stopping at ridges that overlooked the sprawling lake. His hand constantly brushed against mine, and sometimes, his lips would find my skin in soft, fleeting kisses that made my breath catch every time. There was an ease between us, a sense of comfort I hadn’t expected, but couldn’t deny.

As the sun began its slow descent toward the horizon, he took me to a place called Ferry Pointe, a restaurant that overlooked the vast lake.

The building itself was modern, with wide glass windows that offered a stunning view of the water, the golden hues of the setting sun reflecting off its surface. Alexander explained that the restaurant was named after the drop-off and pick-up location for tourists—a place he hadn’t shown me, for obvious reasons.

Alexander, ever the gentleman, opened the car door for me again, his hand extended as he helped me out. The sound of the lake’s gentle waves lapping against the shore filled the air,accompanied by the warmth of the late afternoon sun, which bathed the entire scene in a soft, amber light.

“I had them close the restaurant just for us,” he said with a grin as he led me inside, his hand never leaving mine. “Thought we deserved some privacy today.”

I appreciated the gesture more than I could express. The staff greeted us with reverence, their eyes lowered in deep respect as they stepped aside to let us pass.

The atmosphere was intimate, with only the two of us in the space, and as he led me to a table closest to the water, I could feel the calming effect of the lake’s presence. Alexander pulled out a chair for me, his smile warm and inviting as I sat down. Once we settled, a light spread of fresh seafood and drinks was brought out to us, and I couldn’t help but feel relieved when I saw that it was all visibly what it seemed—just seafood.

As we began to eat, Alexander looked across the table at me, his eyes searching mine. “What do you think of the Isle now?” he asked, his voice soft but laced with that ever-present intensity.

I paused, taking in the scenery, the peacefulness of the moment. “It’s… overwhelming,” I admitted. “There’s so much more to it than I thought.”

He nodded, his gaze steady, absorbing my words as he leaned back in his chair.

“Stygian Isle is more than what you’ve experienced so far. It’s an enigmatic gem. The world only sees the surface, but there’s so much more beneath it. The geography of is designed to protect our way of life, to keep our traditions safe.”

I nodded, letting his words settle in as I gazed out at the lake, watching as the sun began to sink lower, its reflection shimmering across the water. We continued talking as the light of the day began to fade, the warm glow of the setting sun casting long shadows over the lake. Our conversation was lighter now, more personal. Alexander had a way of drawing things out ofme, making me feel like I could share anything with him, no matter how small or trivial.

“What’s one thing you’ve always wanted but never got?”

I paused, thinking it over before the answer slipped out naturally. “A dog.”

His brows raised in surprise. “A... dog?”

I laughed softly, a little embarrassed. “I know, it seems silly, but yes. I’ve always wanted one. I just never had the time for one. Between work and… well, you know.”

He watched me for a moment, his expression softening in a way I hadn’t expected. “Yes,deliciae,” he murmured, “I do know, but I still love to sit and listen to you talk.”

His words sent a warm flush through me, and I felt myself smiling, despite everything. It was so simple, the way he said it. I could tell he was content listening to me ramble on about something as mundane as wanting a pet. “I never thought I’d be sitting here, talking about something like that with you,” I admitted.

His smile deepened, his eyes never leaving mine. “You’d be surprised what I enjoy hearing from you, Lolita.”

There was a warmth in his gaze, a mixture of amusement and affection that made me feel... seen.

I realized that no matter how twisted or dark this world was, there was a space carved out for just us. He grew silent after a moment, his gaze drifting out toward the lake as the last of the sun's light danced on the water. The easy conversation between us faded into the quiet sounds of the evening, leaving a stillness that seemed to settle over everything.

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