Chapter 433: Soulmate
Adam’s eyebrows shot up, a flicker of genuine surprise crossing his face. "The Archivist? What’s he doing here?"
Selena’s hand drifted to her chin, her amber eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "According to my sources, he’s been seen in Wincenth’s company. I don’t know what their arrangement is—whether he’s been hired, coerced, or simply shares a common interest. But the timing is too precise to be coincidence. And the fact that he’s keeping his presence hidden makes me uneasy."
Adam’s eyes narrowed, a cold understanding settling behind his crimson gaze. "So that’s probably how Wincenth knew I was a dragon. The Archivist must have given him that information." A pause, his voice dropping. "I don’t like someone using my past against me without my knowledge."
Selena’s voice was quiet, carrying a note of genuine concern. "That’s what worries me too. And I’m concerned that as long as you’re associated with me, you’ll continue to be dragged into these conflicts. They see you as my ally—and by extension, a threat to their plans." She paused, her amber eyes meeting his. "I don’t want my problems to become your problems."
Adam’s lips curved into a faint, amused smile, his voice carrying a note of playful reproach. "Are you worried about me, Selena? That’s sweet. But I’m not the kind of person who dies easily." His expression softened, a flicker of genuine gratitude passing through his crimson eyes. "Though I appreciate the concern."
Selena’s cheeks flushed faintly, a flicker of warmth passing through her amber eyes before she looked away. "I’m just trying to be a good host."
Adam let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "You’ve been more than a good host. You’ve been a good friend." He paused, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "But you’re right—I do need to be careful. I’ve met the Archivist before, and I remember what he looks like. If I run into him, I’ll try to talk to him first. But..." His smile sharpened, a glint of mischief passing through his crimson eyes. "Only after I punch him once."
Selena’s eyebrows rose, a flicker of amused skepticism crossing her face. "You think one punch will be enough?"
Adam’s grin widened, his voice carrying a note of mock seriousness. "Probably not. But it’ll make me feel better." He paused, his tone shifting to something more genuine. "Don’t worry. I’m not planning to cause any chaos—at least not intentionally." His gaze met hers, steady and certain. "And if anyone tries to cause trouble for you while I’m here, they’ll have to go through me first. I don’t take kindly to people who threaten my friends."
Selena’s expression softened, a flicker of warmth passing through her amber eyes. Her voice was quiet, sincere.
"That’s... reassuring."
She rose from her seat, smoothing the front of her gown with an elegant, practiced motion. Her voice carried a note of quiet resolve as she moved toward the door.
"I’ll be in my office if you need me. And Mr. Dragon..." She paused, glancing back over her shoulder. "Thank you."
Adam’s lips curved into a faint, genuine smile. "Anytime."
The door clicked shut behind her, leaving Adam alone with the fading light and the quiet hum of his own thoughts. His gaze lingered on the closed door for a moment longer, a faint smile tugging at his lips, before he let out a slow breath and leaned back against the worn wooden floorboards.
"Finally," a soft voice drifted from the doorway, carrying a note of playful reproach. "I thought she’d never leave."
Adam’s smile widened, his head tilting slightly without turning. He had sensed her presence the moment Selena rose to leave.
"You could have just come in, you know. Instead of lurking like some kind of gorgon."
Isolde stepped out of the shadows, her pale blue eyes glinting with mock indignation. Her voice carried a sharp, teasing edge as she crossed the room toward him.
"Gorgon? That’s hardly a flattering comparison, Adam. Especially not from someone who’s supposed to be my soul mate."
Adam let out a low chuckle, shaking his head as she drew closer. "Alright, alright. I take it back. You’re far too cute to be a gorgon."
He reached out, his hand catching hers, and with a gentle but insistent tug, he pulled her onto his lap. Isolde let out a startled, adorable squeak as she settled against him, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson.
"Adam—!" Her voice was flustered, her hands pressing against his chest. "What are you doing?!"
Adam’s arms wrapped around her waist, his voice warm and amused. "Why aren’t you asleep yet?"
Isolde’s flush deepened, her gaze dropping to her lap. Her voice came out quieter, almost shy.
"I was going to sleep... but I saw Selena come to visit you. You two have been getting quite close lately." She paused, a hint of something vulnerable flickering in her pale blue eyes. "I never expected that when you first cut off her hand, you’d end up becoming... friends."
Adam’s lips curved into a slow, teasing smile as he studied Isolde’s flushed face. His voice carried a note of playful curiosity.
"Hmm... are you jealous?"
Isolde’s pale blue eyes met his, steady and unflinching. Her voice was quiet, but carried the weight of honest admission.
"Yes. I am."
Adam blinked, his internal voice a sharp, surprised whisper. ’I didn’t expect her to be that honest.’
He cleared his throat, his voice carrying a note of genuine apology as he looked down at her, still settled comfortably on his lap.
"I’m sorry. I haven’t been paying you enough attention. I didn’t realize..."
Isolde’s voice was soft, carrying a note of quiet resignation as she rested her head against his chest. "I’m used to it. You don’t have to apologize."
Adam’s hand came up, cupping her cheek, his thumb brushing across her skin with slow, gentle warmth as he gently squished her cheeks between his fingers. "That’s not true. I’m going to pay more attention to you from now on. So stop pouting."
Isolde’s voice came out slightly muffled from the squishing, but carried a note of stubborn defiance.
"I’m not pouting..."
Adam’s squishing didn’t stop. "You definitely were pouting."
Before Isolde could protest further, Adam reached into his inventory, his fingers closing around the smooth, cool surface of the Fruit of the World Tree.
He held it out to her.
Isolde’s eyes widened, her voice carrying a note of genuine surprise.
"Isn’t this... incredibly rare? I’ve heard stories about this fruit. It’s said to be one of the most powerful healing fruits in existence."
Adam’s voice was calm, but carried a note of quiet certainty. "It is. But I want you to have it. You’ve been with us for a while now, and you haven’t really gotten anything from me. Consider this a gift."
Isolde’s throat tightened, her voice carrying a note of flustered hesitation.
"It’s too valuable—"
Adam shook his head slowly, his voice carrying a note of gentle finality.
"Valuable things are meant to be given to people you care about. And I care about you, Isolde. So take it."
Isolde’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson. Her voice came out sharp, flustered, as she looked away.
"Don’t say things like that with such a serious face, you idiot..."
Adam’s lips curved into a faint, playful pout, his voice carrying a note of mock sorrow.
"If you don’t accept it, I’ll be very sad, you know."
Isolde’s eye twitched, a sharp sigh escaping her lips as she reached out and snatched the fruit from his hand. Her voice carried a note of exasperated surrender.
"Fine! I’ll accept it. So stop making that face—it doesn’t suit you."
Adam’s pout immediately flipped into a warm, satisfied grin. "See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?"
Isolde shot him a flat look, but there was no real heat behind it. She lifted the fruit to her lips and took a bite.
The flesh was soft, almost melting on her tongue, and a wave of warmth spread through her chest—a deep, resonant hum that seemed to echo through her very soul. She could feel the energy flowing through her veins, mending old wounds, strengthening her core. It was like being wrapped in sunlight after centuries of shadow.
She finished the fruit in a few quick, deliberate bites, then let out a slow, steadying breath.
Isolde shifted on Adam’s lap, turning to face him fully. Her pale blue eyes met his crimson gaze, and for a long moment, neither of them spoke. The air between them grew thick, heavy with unspoken words.
Then Isolde’s gaze dropped. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, spreading to the tips of her ears, which were now burning a vivid red. Her voice came out quiet, barely a whisper, carrying a note of vulnerability she rarely let anyone see.
"...I’m not ready yet."
Adam’s expression softened. His hand, which had been resting on her back, stilled. His voice was gentle, carrying no trace of disappointment.
"That’s okay. We don’t have to rush anything."
Isolde’s fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, her voice carrying a note of shy gratitude.
"...Thank you for understanding."
Adam’s lips curved into a warm smile. He leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
"Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere."
Isolde let out a slow, shaky breath, her body relaxing against his as the tension slowly drained from her frame. She rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
Then Isolde’s voice came out in a soft, almost shy murmur.
"...Can we stay like this for a while?"
Adam’s arms tightened around her, his voice warm and steady.
"As long as you want."