Silent forgiveness {89}

Aether's heart was heavy as he awoke from a deep slumber that had briefly dulled the ache within his hurting chest. The words Vasha had spoken echoed in his mind, breaking his heart over and over again. Seeking solace, he had sought refuge in his mother's comforting sanctuary. And now, hours later, he returned to their castle, hoping to find some semblance of peace within its familiar walls.

Stepping into the library, Aether inhaled deeply, immersing himself in the aroma of old books that flooded his senses. He couldn't deny his affection for the written word. Running his fingers along the row of books Vasili had loved reading, a wave of nostalgia washed over him, tugging at the corners of his lips with a gentle smile. Aether sighed wearily, his eyes filled with fondness, before leaving the room.

With slow and majestic strides, reminiscent of his regal nature, Aether made his way to the west wing garden. It was a place Vasili had cherished, surrounded by vibrant flowers, luscious fruits, and the tranquil stream that flowed through the heart of the garden. A small smile danced upon Aether's lips as he recalled his mate's playful antics, like the time Vasili had shrieked in fear while fleeing from a group of ducks. It was a humorous and endearing sight indeed.

Leaving the garden behind, Aether found himself in the sunroom. It was within these glass walls that Vasili had gathered the courage to make the first move, breaking through Aether's teasing barriers. A sense of pride overcame Aether, knowing that his mate had desired him and had been unafraid of the prying eyes beyond the sunroom's transparency. Leaving the sunroom, Aether visited every room that held significance for Vasili, except one - the throne room.

The throne room held painful memories for Vasili, a place he despised with all his being. With steady determination, Aether approached the imposing closed doors. Taking a moment to gather himself, he pushed the doors open and found Vasha kneeling at the foot of the thrones. His whole form exuded defeat and sorrow, with his head hung low and shoulders slumped.

Aether's gaze fell upon a small brown pot that sat in front of Vasha, seemingly innocent to the untrained eye. However, Aether's perceptive sight unveiled the truth - wisps of toxic black smoke seeped out from the pot, intertwining with Vasha's being, poisoning his mind and heart. It was a self-inflicted punishment, a torment that only temporarily magnified the anguish within.

Fatigue etched onto his face, Aether understood the magnitude of Vasha's torment. The words that had been spoken had wounded him deeply, almost as much as the loss of Vasili. But upon seeing Vasha punishing himself in the very room where Vasili had shed tears because of him, Aether realized that regret consumed Vasha's heart. He knew that deep down, Vasha did not mean what he had said.

Unable to bear witness to the love of his life torturing himself, Aether took a step forward, crushing the ugly clay pot with a swift movement of his leg. Invisible tendrils of smoke dissipated, disappearing along with the shattered vessel. Gently lifting a trembling Vasha, Aether ascended the steps to the twin thrones, settling himself on the majestic seat. With compassion and tenderness, he cradled Vasha close and ran his fingers soothingly through his hair.

In this silent exchange, words became unnecessary. Both men understood the pain they had inflicted upon each other, Vasha more than Aether, and the journey towards healing that they had embarked upon. The throne room, once a symbol of suffering, became a place where their wounded hearts found solace and forgiveness.

They just needed time.

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Adrian sat slumped down and head bent, his breathing slow and stiff. It had been a while since he was brought here and although the enemy had told him their plans to take over his company and everything he held dear, they hadn't made a move yet and he figured it was most likely that the mastermind behind the whole plan hadn't given the orders yet. He isn't dumb, he knew the cocky blabbermouth wasn't the man pulling the strings from how he literally only spoke about taking over the company, and even though he mentioned Vasili once, he didn't hear his name slip from the annoying gremlin's ugly scared lip after that again. He just had to wait for them to get tired of whatever game of mystery they were playing and grow the balls to talk to him directly.

The room was as plain as any with brown walls, an ugly beige full rug, the chair he was tied to, a small brown table where they served him meals he refused to eat, and no windows at all.

The thought of his personal assistant crossed his mind last night and although he wasn't exactly bothered for his well-being, he was still responsible for him as his boss.

Weeks had passed since that incident, yet Adrian still had no lead on the identity of the mastermind behind it all. The passage of time had only increased his need for answers and a reunion with his PA. Thoughts of how he was coping and whether he was safe consumed him, pushing him to explore every possible avenue of escape.

Just as he pondered his next move, a man dressed entirely in black entered the room with a purposeful stride. Adrian's heart skipped a beat, unsure whether this newcomer would pose a threat or provide some long-awaited answers. Without a word, the man efficiently released Adrian from his restraints, while another figure in identical attire carelessly tossed his unconscious assistant at his feet. Their silence spoke volumes, leaving Adrian to wonder about their intentions.

Though perplexed by the sudden turn of events, Adrian did not allow himself to dwell on it. He swiftly gathered his unconscious associate and made a dash for the exit, his determination strengthening with each passing second. To his surprise, a waiting car stood outside, its engine humming expectantly. Curiosity mingled with caution as he carefully placed his PA on the soft leather seat and settled into the back, ensuring his companion's comfort.

The driver, with a face hidden beneath a stoic expression, efficiently closed the door without uttering a single word. The engine roared to life, and the car set off into the densest forest Adrian had ever laid eyes upon. Even as someone who appreciated the beauty of nature as wolves, this level of lush vegetation seemed unnaturally overwhelming. Yet, Adrian reasoned that even such an extraordinary environment was preferable to the uncertain dangers lurking within his previous confinement.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the car came to a halt in front of Adrian's family's grand hotel. With deftness born of familiarity, he lifted his unconscious PA into his arms and strode purposefully towards the penthouse, the car leaving in haste. Despite the chaotic whirlwind of emotions that engulfed him, his focus remained unyielding on informing his parents, making sure Vasili is safe and ensuring his assistant's well-being.

Meanwhile, deep within the enigmatic forest, a hooded figure stood by a sealed window. A malevolent smirk adorned their face, radiating an unmistakable air of sadistic satisfaction. The sinister aura surrounding them was a stark contrast to Adrian's welcoming and warmth. And with a soft, chilling whisper, the figure spoke, their words dripping with malice, "Let the games begin, Adrian."