Chapter 186: Chapter 186: Invitation!

The room was warm in that quiet, lived-in way that only came after a long day well spent.

Aiden sat back on the wide sofa, shoulders sinking into the cushions as the last of the evening’s tension finally loosened its grip.

The fire across the room crackled softly, painting the walls in slow amber light.

Just peace.

Serica claimed it first.

She slid in from his left without asking, curling against his side like she owned the space—which, judging by her satisfied hum, she absolutely believed she did.

One arm looped around his waist, fingers tracing lazy patterns against his shirt as she rested her head against his chest.

Varra followed more carefully from the right.

She hesitated for half a breath before sitting, cheeks already faintly pink, then leaned in with quiet determination.

Her forehead touched his shoulder, then her cheek, until she finally settled with her head resting against him, her hands folded neatly in her lap.

Both of them pressed close, their warmth surrounding him, grounding him.

Aiden exhaled slowly, smiling down at them.

“Well,” He murmured, voice low and amused, “judging by how exhausted you both look… I’m guessing today was fun?”

Serica snorted, tilting her head just enough to look up at him with one mismatched eye half-lidded in mischief. “Fun?” She repeated. “Oh yes. Absolutely delightful.”

Varra stiffened slightly, fingers curling tighter together.

Serica continued, utterly unbothered. “If you consider arguing with half a dozen proud commanders, correcting formations, and listening to three different people explain why their mistake was actually someone else’s fault… fun.”

Aiden chuckled. “Sounds exhausting.”

“It was,” Serica said with exaggerated drama. “So tiring. I had to deal with all the shoulders.”

She emphasized the word, glancing meaningfully at him.

Aiden raised a brow. “All of them?”

“Every single one,” She replied solemnly. “Nobles, officers, apprentices. Everyone suddenly has shoulders they need to lean on when things go wrong.”

He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Yet you handled it.”

Serica froze for just a fraction of a second—then smirked wider. “Praise and affection? Careful. You’re spoiling me.”

“That’s the idea.”

She hummed contentedly and snuggled closer.

Aiden turned his attention to Varra.

She felt it immediately.

Her shoulders tensed, and she lifted her head just enough to peek at him from beneath her lashes. “Y-Yes…?”

He smiled softly. “What about you? How was your work today?”

Varra’s blush deepened instantly.

“I-It was…” She swallowed, eyes darting away. “…hard.”

Serica grinned, already enjoying this.

Aiden waited patiently.

Varra took a breath. “There were many who were new. Many who makes excuses. And…” Her voice dropped.

His hand rose, resting gently over hers.

“And?”

She squeezed her eyes shut for a second. “But… thinking of you gave me strength.”

The words came out barely above a whisper.

Aiden’s smile softened, something warm and quiet settling in his chest. He leaned in and kissed her temple, lingering just a little longer than necessary.

“You didn’t fail,” He said simply. “You never do.”

Varra made a small, embarrassed sound and leaned fully into him, hiding her face against his chest.

Serica clicked her tongue. “Honestly, Varra, you say things like that and expect him not to kiss you?”

Varra squeaked. “I-I didn’t—!”

Aiden laughed, low and affectionate.

His arms wrapped around both of them, drawing them closer. He pressed a kiss to Serica’s lips—slow, teasing—then turned and did the same to Varra, gentle and unhurried.

Serica responded immediately, fingers curling into his shirt, kissing him back with bold confidence.

Varra hesitated… then melted into it, her breath hitching softly as she followed his lead.

Time stretched.

The fire popped. The world faded.

Aiden’s hands moved in slow, reassuring touches—along their backs, their shoulders—never rushing, never demanding. Just reminding them that they were here, safe, cherished.

Serica broke the kiss first, eyes sparkling. “You know,” She said lightly, “if you keep doing that, I might forget how tired I am.”

Varra nodded faintly, cheeks burning. “M-Me too…”

Aiden smirked. “Then I’m doing my job.”

“Come here,” He murmured.

Serica didn’t need to be told twice. She tilted her head up again, lips brushing his in a slow, deliberate kiss meant to tease more than take. She pulled back just enough to whisper, “Careful. You start something like that, and I won’t behave.”

Aiden chuckled against her mouth. “You ever do?”

“That’s slander,” She replied sweetly, before stealing another kiss—shorter, playful—then resting her forehead against his. “I’m perfectly well-behaved. I just… like being rewarded.”

His hand slid up her back, fingers spreading warmly between her shoulders. “You earned it.”

Serica’s grin turned lazy. “See? You get me.”

On his other side, Varra fidgeted, fingers twisting together. She watched them for a moment, clearly unsure, until Aiden’s gaze returned to her.

“And you,” He said gently. “Don’t think I forgot.”

Her breath hitched. “I-I know…”

He shifted again, just enough that she was closer, her shoulder fully against his chest. His thumb brushed over the back of her hand in a slow, reassuring motion.

Varra stiffened at first—then relaxed, leaning into the touch like she’d been waiting for permission.

“You don’t have to hide,” He said quietly. “Not with me.”

Her voice came out small. “I’m not hiding. I’m just… not used to being held like this.”

He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her hair. Then another, lower, near her temple. Varra’s eyes fluttered shut, her lips parting in a silent breath as she clutched the front of his shirt.

Serica watched with open amusement. “Look at her,” She said fondly. “All brave on the battlefield, and completely undone by a little affection.”

Varra squeaked. “S-Serica…!”

Aiden smiled and kissed Varra again, this time on the cheek, lingering just long enough to make her blush deepen. “She’s allowed to tease. But she’s right—you’re strong. Even when you’re shy.”

Varra nodded, face burning. “I… like this,” She admitted softly. “It’s quiet. And warm.”

“Good,” He said. “That’s what I wanted tonight to be.”

Serica shifted, draping one leg over his lap with deliberate slowness. “Mm. Quiet, warm… and very comfortable.”

He snorted. “You’re incorrigible.”

“And you love it,” She shot back, brushing her nose against his. “Besides, I’m tired. I need somewhere nice to rest.”

Varra hesitated, then carefully mirrored her, curling closer on his other side. She rested her head against his chest again, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

“It’s… calming,” She whispered.

Aiden’s arms tightened around both of them, one hand idly tracing small circles on Serica’s back, the other resting protectively at Varra’s side. Every touch was unhurried, unspoken reassurance.

Serica sighed contentedly. “You know,” She murmured, eyes half-lidded, “days like this almost make me forget how annoying everyone else is.”

Varra let out a tiny laugh before she could stop herself. “I-I don’t think anything could make you forget that.”

Serica gasped in mock offense. “Varra!”

Aiden laughed quietly, the sound rumbling beneath them. “Careful. She’s learning from you.”

Varra hid her face again, but she was smiling.

—

And that was when—

Thud.

Something dropped onto the table in front of them.

All three froze.

Another sound followed—a heavier one—as a big bag landed beside it.

Varra was the first to look up. “A-An owl…!”

They turned just in time to see it—a white owl with striking, intelligent eyes—perched briefly near the window. It released a sharp, echoing hoot before vanishing back into the night.

On the table lay a sealed letter.

Red wax marked its closure.

The emblem pressed into it was unmistakable.

A shield-shaped crest of deep navy velvet, bordered with intricate silver filigree and runic script. At its center sat a white owl perched proudly atop crossed instruments—a wand and a broom—its eyes mismatched, one a vivid blue, the other a deep crimson.

Beneath the owl, two crescent moons mirrored one another.

A ribbon unfurled across the crest bearing the Latin words:

LUX IN TENEBRIS.

Above it, stitched in elegant script:

Albinos School of Wizard and Witchcraft.

Serica picked up the bag, eyes widening. “Ohhh. This feels important.”

Aiden reached for the letter, carefully breaking the wax seal.

“What in the hogwards…”

Inside, the parchment gleamed faintly with enchantment.

He read aloud.

—

To Aiden Nightshade,

By the authority of the Albinos School of Wizard and Witchcraft,

You are formally welcomed as an honored student of our institution. In recognition of your deeds, we extend an invitation for you and your companions to attend our upcoming term.

Enclosed are uniforms befitting your station and those bound to you, prepared in accordance with ancient tradition.

May wisdom guide your steps, and may light endure in darkness.

—Headmistress

Albinos School Of Wizard and Witchcraft

—

Serica had already begun emptying the bag onto the table.

Fabric unfolded across the wood—twelve finely crafted female uniforms and one tailored male set, each bearing the same emblem.

Serica’s grin was wicked. “Well then.”

She turned and raised her voice. “Ladies! You’re all going to school.”

Aiden sighed… smiling.

—

END OF Chapter : 186 : INVITATION!

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