"I like Noel."

Selene's words lingered in the air like frost. The silence that followed was deafening.

Elena stood frozen, lips parted but voiceless. Her calm composure fractured into quiet shock.

Noel, meanwhile, wanted the earth to swallow him whole. 'Not again… this makes four times now, doesn't it? Why does this keep happening to me?'

It wasn't that he disliked Selene—far from it. It would have been strange not to.

Images rushed through his head, memories stacked like cards:

—The early mornings at the academy when he trained with his sword and Selene drilled with her wand. They never planned it, but somehow, they always ended up there together.

—The day he had "stolen" her away from her own house, defying the shadow of her cruel mother.

—The moment Selene, after years of silent suffering, had finally gathered the courage to confront that same woman.

— The way she ate without hesitation, enjoying every bite no matter who stared, as though refusing to let anyone rob her of that simple joy.

— And most recently, the hours spent shoulder to shoulder in Elarin's sanctuary, surviving against impossible odds.

So much in so little time. Barely three years since Noel had arrived in this world, and yet… he had grown close to them all. Elyra, Elena, Charlotte, and now Selene. Each had stood beside him, supported him, respected him in ways he never thought possible.

'Lucky. That's what I am. Unreasonably lucky.'

Elena still hadn't spoken. Her silence pressed like a blade against Noel's back. He shifted, lips parting. "Ele—"

But before he could continue, Elena's eyes flickered, and her voice cut through.

Elena's voice came, quiet but sharp, stopping Noel mid-word.

"What is it you like about Noel?"

Noel blinked, caught off guard. 'Wait—she's really asking that? Here? Now?'

Selene stiffened, her usual icy composure faltering. A faint blush crept across her pale cheeks as her fingers twitched against her wand. For a moment, she almost looked away—but she didn't. Her cyan eyes stayed fixed on Elena.

"…He's attentive," Selene admitted softly. "Even when he tries not to show it, he notices things. He takes care of everyone, even if he pretends not to. He works harder than anyone I know. And when I hesitate… he gives me the courage to act."

Her voice trailed off, but the words lingered.

Elena listened closely, her face unreadable. Then, slowly, a smile spread across her lips.

"You're right," she said warmly. "Isn't Noel just… magnificent?"

Noel turned to her instantly, ears heating at the sheer boldness of her words. 'Magnificent? Really? Why would you say that out loud—'

Elena noticed his stare, and her pointed elven ears flushed pink. "What? Why are you looking at me like that? I only said the truth."

"I'm looking at you normally," Noel muttered, though his voice betrayed his embarrassment.

Selene glanced between them, her blush deepening. "…Then… if that's true…"

Her words trailed, unfinished, leaving the silence to fill the gap. The tension was different now—softer, warmer, yet heavier with meaning.

Noel rubbed at the back of his neck, heart pounding. 'This is getting out of hand fast.'

Elena's smile lingered, but her eyes turned thoughtful. She looked back at Selene, then at Noel, and sighed softly.

"Even if I accept," she said, her tone steady, "there are still two others whose voices matter. Elyra was the first. She's the one who made all of this work in the first place. And Charlotte, too. Until they give their answer, nothing is settled."

Selene's shoulders stiffened, her gaze lowering. For the first time, the hint of defeat shadowed her face.

Noel stepped forward before the silence grew too heavy. "But don't you think Elyra will accept?" His voice was calm, almost pleading. "She knows Selene. She's not a stranger, not someone dangerous—or some girl I just met last night."

Elena's brows rose sharply, and her lips curved into a sly grin. "So what you're saying is… you wouldn't sleep with a one-night stand?"

Noel's eyes widened, blood rushing to his face. "What?! No! Of course not! That's insane—why would I even—" His words tangled as he threw his hands up in protest. "I already have all of you. Doing something like that would be suicide!"

Elena pressed her fingers to her lips, failing to suppress a laugh. "Relax, I was teasing. You're far too easy."

Noel scowled, heat still burning in his cheeks. "That's not funny."

"Actually, it is," Elena countered, her smile gentler now. "But you're right. Elyra would probably accept. And Charlotte… well, I doubt she'd fight it either." She paused, her gaze flickering toward Selene again. "When we return to the academy, I'll talk to them both."

Selene lifted her head slightly, surprise flashing in her eyes. The tightness in her chest eased, though she said nothing.

Noel exhaled, tension loosening in his shoulders. 'That went… better than I expected.'

Elena shifted her weight, her expression softening as she finally turned fully toward Selene. For once, there was no teasing in her smile—only warmth.

"Then it's decided," she said. "Welcome to the group, Selene."

Selene blinked, caught off guard. "…Just like that?"

Elena nodded. "Of course. But remember, Noel has to treat us all well. If he doesn't pamper us properly, we'll just have to replace him."

Noel's jaw dropped. "Wait—what? Replace me? Since when is that an option?!"

Elena giggled, her ears tinting pink. "It's an option if you slack off. Besides…" Her eyes flicked to him, sly and playful. "I like your reactions too much."

Noel groaned, dragging a hand down his face. 'First she's shy, now she's teasing non-stop. When did that shift happen? Too much time with Elyra maybe…'

Selene, though, found herself smiling faintly at the banter—an expression rare for her. It felt foreign on her lips, but… not unpleasant.

Elena reached out, touching her hand briefly. "From now on, you're not alone anymore. Remember that."

The words struck deeper than Selene expected, settling in her chest with quiet weight. For once, she didn't argue. She simply gave a small nod.

Noel watched them both, conflicted. 'Elyra, Elena, Charlotte… now Selene. Four people, and somehow they all chose me. I should feel proud, maybe even happy. But all I can think about is the weight of what's still ahead… saving House Thorne.'

Elena's voice broke his thoughts. "Noel, didn't you say you'd be staying at your family estate for a while longer?"

Noel's throat tightened. He forced a calm nod. "That's right."

She studied his face, her smile dimming slightly. "…It's dangerous, isn't it?"

Noel opened his mouth, but no words came. Silence was all he could give.

Elena let out a soft breath, then smiled again, faint but resolute. "I understand. Just… come back to us. That's all I'll ask."

Selene's eyes lingered on him as well, the unspoken bond between them stronger than ever.

Noel clenched his fists, gaze turning distant. 'Time to return to House Thorne. It's time to do the mission.'

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.