David's mind remained on the source of Anora's visible anxiety, her unease is like a shadow cast long and deep. It wasn't just the thought of Kevin's potential or his unpredictable nature—it was something far greater.
It was the very existence of the Watcher, a being who remained hidden in the shadows yet posses unshakable authority over all. The Watcher is more than just a figure of mystery; they were the hands that kept everything balanced, the invisible strings ensuring that families remained restrained, clashes were avoided, and the country's progress remain stable.
Reflecting on Kevin's character, David couldn't help but see the storm that could arise. Kevin wasn't just smarter, stronger, and more ruthless than the average person—he is prideful, a trait that Anora was unaware of. If she knew, David thought grimly, her fear would be even more profound.
Kevin was a man who refused to be controlled by anyone, whether they were a boss, a teacher, or even a higher authority. His pride demanded equality in every relationship.
David had spent years on understanding Kevin, piecing together the common patterns of his personality. He knew this much: in truly dire situations, Kevin might suppress his pride temporarily, but it would not come without a cost. Such humility would ignite within him a smoldering fire of humiliation, one that would burn until he erased the source of his disgrace completely.
And if Kevin were ever to ascend to the position of Protector, there was no doubt in David's mind that he would protect Melbore family with unwavering ferocity. His loyalty toward David as his best friend alone would ensure that much. But would he stick to the rules set by the Watcher, the one being that demanded submission from even the Protectors? That was where the uncertainty lay. The delicate yet unbreakable balance maintained for centuries, and Anora feared what Kevin's defiance might unleash.
David's thoughts turned to the rare and disasterous events recorded in the continent's history—moments when Protectors had challenged the Watcher's authority. Such occurrences, though incredibly rare, were recorded into the collective memory as warnings.
Each time, without exception, the result had been devastating. The Protector, no matter their strength or skill, had been utterly defeated. And it hadn't stopped there. The family they served had been destroyed—completely.
The Watcher's judgment was absolute and merciless. It didn't matter whether the family had been aware of the Protector's actions, whether they were in league, or whether they had tried to stop them.
In the Watcher's eyes, the mere fact that a family had allowed an environment where such a Protector could rise was enough to seal their fate. Their lands were razed, their lineage extinguished, and their very history erased. Nothing was left—not a trace, not even a whisper to suggest that they had ever existed on that land.
The thought sent a chill down David's spine. Kevin is extraordinary; there was no denying that. But his prideful nature, combined with his intelligence and possible strength that he will get after evolving, made him an unpredictable variable. The presence of such a person at the level of Protector will be a risk, a gamble that could tip the scales of centuries-old stability.
Kevin's potential as a Protector is undeniable, but with it came unsureness—a chance that the very balance holding this nation together could be in danger. And for all the strength and power that his family possessed, none could withstand the wrath of the Watcher.
David took a deep breath, his mind heavy with thoughts of what could unfold. Slowly, he reached out, his hands cupping Anora's face with a gentleness that spoke volumes. Her trembling stilled under his touch. Closing her eyes, she surrendered to the soothing warmth of his caresses, each one a silent reassurance filled with tenderness.
After a few moments, David gave a gentle tug, pulling her closer without force, as if seeking her acceptance before proceeding. The slight hesitation in his gesture reflected his reluctance to hurt her in any way, even unintentionally.
Anora didn't resist. How could she? He was her husband, the love of her life, her partner in everything. Yet, it was the small gestures like these that warmed her heart—simple, thoughtful actions that reminded her of the irreplaceable place she held in his world.
David leaned in, planting a soft kiss on her forehead before resting his own against hers. Their breaths intertwined, their warmth encased them both in a quiet moment of shared intimacy. For a brief time, it felt as though all the uncertainties weighing on their minds had been pushed away, leaving only their connection.
In a gentle, barely audible tone, David finally broke the silence. "This is the first time I'm sharing my thoughts about Kevin. I understand your fears—the outcomes that could shape our future, whether for better or worse. And it's for this exact reason that I've kept my identity a secret from him until now although i am pretty sure he must have already guessed that i have rich background."
He paused, letting the words settle before continuing. "I won't deny it—I admire his ferocity, the way he protects those he considers his own. I've seen it firsthand. Back in my college days, I experienced his protectiveness as my best friend. There was a time when some idiot seniors decided to target me, simply because they couldn't rival the attention I received from their crushes for my looks. Their solution? If they couldn't have a face like mine, then they would destroy mine."
Anora's breath hitched at his confession, her shock noticeable. She could hardly imagine her husband enduring such a thing. Yes, she was well aware of David's charisma—it had been impossible not to notice this during their courtship—but hearing him describe such an incident is almost surreal. She had never known David to face trouble because of his looks, especially not to the point of being a target for violence.
For Anora, admiration and envy had always been concepts that existed beyond her realm of experience. As a family heir, her status shielded her from both admirers and haters. She had never once felt the weight of being wanted—or despised—for superficial traits. And yet, here was the man she had fallen for, revealing a side of his past that felt almost alien to her.
She remembered how their relationship had begun—an unusual dynamic between a boss and an employee. When Anora had taken on the role of CEO to gain leadership experience, David had been appointed as her secretary. She hadn't been looking for a romantic connection at the time, and yet he had pursued her relentlessly for an entire year, keeping his distance from other women while his focus remained solely on her.
It wasn't love at first sight for Anora, but over time, David's unwavering persistence and respect began to wear down the walls she had built around herself. She fell for him—much harder than she had ever thought. Her feelings grew so intense that she was willing to break the traditions of her family and marry into another country's lineage, defying expectations and treaty alike.
Hearing David story now brought a bittersweet amusement to Anora. This man, who had fought for her so earnestly, had once been targeted for the very charm that had eventually won her over. This is a confession that deepened her understanding of him, even as it left her shaken.
David smiled faintly, sensing her reaction as he continued. "It was Kevin who stood by me during that time, who ensured that I walked away unharmed when others tried to tear me down. That's just who he is—a protector to those he values. But it's also what makes him dangerous. If Kevin were to become a Protector for our family, I know he would shield us with all his might. But that pride of his… That unyielding defiance toward anyone trying to control him—it's a wild card.
Anora traced David's jaw and his mind went blank. Their gaze locked and her tension slowly began to fade. Without saying a word, she unhurriedly glided her hands to his shoulders and gently pulled him from behind.
"David," she lowered her voice into a playful whisper, "Let's forget about Kevin." "Tonight is ours, and you're wasting it," she breathed into his ear. "The night is still young," my love," she gently kissed his ear, "You don't plan to sleep so soon, surely."
Those words coursed through him, her mere warmth pulling him from himself. The chuckle that escaped him dissolved the tension from earlier. Raising the volume of his voice just a little, "I'll let you have your way this time but only because you make it impossible to resist," he huskily whispered as she drew him closer.
Anora smiled, her confidence blazing on her face. "I heard your lips got some of the best praises like the beauty of the world…" She murmured in a playfull tone, "Are those eyes welcoming the grace of serenity outside?"
'The outside world no longer existed, it melted away into heat and promised night to come'.