Chapter 118: May I?
ADRIAN’S P.O.V.
The moon hung low in the velvet sky, its glow casting soft silver streaks across the stone walls of my castle. Tonight had been a whirlwind of emotions, confessions, some tears, and even arguments. Lucian and Teresa’s ongoing drama also provided enough tension to make even the bravest hearts falter, yet I’d found myself observing it all with a strange sense of detachment. My focus wasn’t on their endless push and pull. No, my focus only her, my Juliette.
She was a vision, bold and fierce as ever, though her eyes betrayed the vulnerability she worked so hard to mask. We had spent the better part of the night in quiet conversation after our return from the crystal cave, her walls were slowly lowering brick by brick. I’d seen glimpses of the softness she hid behind her sharp tongue and quick wit, and every glance, every word, only deepened the connection I felt.
When the night finally began to wind down, I escorted her up the grand staircase to the guest room she was staying in. The air between us felt heavier with every step, charged with something I couldn’t quite describe but didn’t want to let go of.
We stopped at her door, and she turned to face me. "Good night, Adrian," she said softly, her tone uncharacteristically tender.
"Good night, Juliette," I replied, my voice smooth and steady, though my chest tightened at the thought of leaving her.
But I couldn’t move. My feet were rooted in place, my hand still resting on the doorframe. I didn’t want to let her go even for a second. I couldn’t let her go.
She hesitated, her hand on the doorknob, her eyes searching mine as though she could sense my turmoil. "You’re lingering," she said, a teasing lilt to her voice.
"Guilty," I admitted, stepping closer. "I’m not ready to say good night just yet."