As David approached his chambers, Shay stood at his door, a spark of excitement lighting her eyes the moment she saw him. Without a second thought, she dashed forward, throwing her delicate arms around him. "I missed you so much," she whispered, nestling her head against his chest, inhaling the familiar scent she''d yearned for during his absence. In that embrace, she wished time would halt, allowing her to savor his presence without interruptions. She felt safe, content, andplete.


    David wrapped his arms around her, squeezing gently, sharing in thefort of the moment. With everything spiraling around him, he craved more moments like this with his loved ones, even though he knew it would be a rare luxury in the days ahead. "Aren''t you supposed to be avoiding me?" he teased, a smirk tugging at his lips.


    Shay blushed and tucked her face against his chest,ughter muffled in embarrassment. "It''s not like that," she mumbled, trying to defend herself.


    "Oh, is that so?" David raised an eyebrow in mock disbelief, yfully challenging her. "Then, enlighten me, my little maid."


    She nced up, her fingers brushing lightly over his chest, tracing small circles. Gazing into his eyes with an adorable pout, she finally confessed, "I can''t tell you that, my lord," her voice lilting with a softugh, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Some secrets must be kept." She winked, her cheeky smile making David''s heart skip a beat.


    ''When did she be so bold?'' he wondered, surprised yet enchanted by her yful demeanor.


    "But," Shay continued, her voice dropping to a soft murmur, "I''m here to make it up to you." She bit her lip, a hint of daring in her gaze, and before David could respond, she took hold of his tunic, gently but firmly pulling him into his chamber. She closed the door behind them, her eyes never leaving his.


    Her sudden confidence caught him off guard, leaving him equally flustered and intrigued. ''What''s gotten into her?'' he thought, bemused but undeniably enjoying the shift in her boldness. Shay''s presence was warm and reassuring, a small reminder that despite the chaos surrounding him, there were still moments of connection and light, ones that he couldn''t help but savor.


    Shay and Vivian had been swept up in a whirlwind of training and decision-makingtely, their schedules packed as they sought guidance from both Seraphina and Katrina. Since their recent awakening, Shay and Vivian found themselves facing a pivotal choice: the path of the swordsman or that of the mage. This decision would shape their futures, influencing not only their abilities but also the very core of who they would be. For them, this wasn''t just a role but a calling, something that would define the rest of their lives.


    As awakened individuals, they were encouraged to explore their innate abilities to wield either mana or aura. In most cases, one''s affinity would naturally lean toward one or the other, helping to rify the choice. However, Shay, Vivian, and Katrina had all demonstrated exceptional aptitude in both fields, an unusual blessing that afforded them the freedom to decide their own destinies. It was a rare privilege and a daunting responsibility.


    Katrina, decisive and driven, had alreadymitted herself to the path of a mage. She had always felt a pull toward the arcane, and her innate talent for manipting mana had grown stronger by the day. Observing Katrina''s rapid progress in her magical studies inspired Shay and Vivian, but also left them questioning their own paths. The sisters knew they had to be certain before dedicating themselves fully to one discipline.


    Shay, with a curious mind and a heart that sought bnce, approached her training thoughtfully. She felt the allure of both paths tugging at her in different ways. The mastery of aura—strengthening the body, honing physical prowess, and bing a warrior in her own right—appealed to the part of her that craved action and direct impact. On the other hand, the path of mana, with its promise of wisdom, deeper knowledge, and the ability to bend reality through sheer will, was equally tempting.


    Vivian, simrly, found herself torn. Though she admired Katrina''s dedication to magic, she also recognized the allure of the sword. She had sparred with aura-users before and understood the discipline and control that such a path demanded. Both sisters knew they had to explore their options deeply, testing their limits and finding their true calling before settling into a decision that would define their ce in David''s life and beyond.


    Each day, Shay and Vivian devoted themselves to rigorous practice sessions, often ending up physically and mentally exhausted. They pushed through exercises to gauge their affinity with aura, feeling the power that pulsed within them, yet also dedicating hours to refining their mana control. The duality of their abilities was both exhrating and confounding. They sparred against one another, practiced channeling spells, and consulted Seraphina for advice, always seeking insights that might illuminate their paths.


    Yet, as the days wore on, Shay found herself drawn more deeply into contemtion. Observing Katrina''s intense focus and Seraphina''s guidance stirred something within her—a reminder that, no matter which path she chose, it was crucial to remain true to herself. Shay understood that her decision would affect not only her growth but also her bond with David and her role within the household.


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    For now, she and Vivian hadmitted to taking their time, embracing this period of exploration as they searched for the path that resonated with them most. They knew that this decision could not be rushed, and they were determined to enter their chosen disciplines with unwaveringmitment. Whatevery ahead, Shay was confident that she would emerge stronger, ready to stand by David''s side, not just as a supporter, but as a warrior or mage fully in her own right.


    As Shay gently tugged David along, a subtle smirk ying on her lips, he nced toward the bed. Therey Luna, still deeply asleep, her breathing calm and steady. He couldn''t help but wonder what had happened during his transformation. He vaguely recalled her using her unique shadow skills to conceal them both in secrecy. His focus returned to Shay, who released his tunic, turning to face him with a gleam of mischief in her eyes.


    "My Lord, I believe it would be best if you took a bath," she suggested, her tone light but her intent clear. It was obviously part of her little n, one that promised far more than mere duty.


    Typically, David wouldn''t allow a maid to assist him with such personal tasks, but this was different. If it was Shay, his heart stirred with warmth and something far more intense.


    His resistance melted away as she confidently unfastened the top button of her blouse, a teasing gesture that stirred him even more. Shay walked into his private bathroom with a quick, inviting nce over her shoulder, her footsteps light and graceful. David followed closely, captivated, his heart pounding with anticipation as he stepped into the warm, misty air of the bathroom.


    Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the silence. David''s head snapped up as Shay''s voice echoed, filled with shock and surprise. Rushing forward, he found her standing just inside the doorway, her eyes wide with a mixture of embarrassment and disbelief.


    "What''s wrong?" he asked, concerncing his voice as he ced a steadying hand on her shoulder. His gaze drifted around the steamy room, noting the thick, swirling mist that filled the space. ''Odd… had one of the maids prepared his bath without informing him?'' he wondered. He turned his attention back to Shay, whose gaze was fixed forward, mouth slightly agape.


    Following her gaze, David''s eyes fell upon Vivian, standing before him, d in nothing but a small, hastily clutched towel. Her crimson hair flowed down her bare shoulders, the dampness entuating its vivid color, and her gaze was an equally stunned mix of surprise and silent challenge. Her cheeks flushed as she met David''s eyes, her expression wavering between coyness and amusement.


    A heartbeat passed, the air thick with an electric tension that made David''s pulse quicken. In that suspended moment, he found himself entranced by Vivian''s unexpected presence, his mind racing to process the situation. Shay, who had been trying to help him with his bath, now seemed equally surprised, her earlier confidence flickering in the face of this unexpected guest.


    "Vivian...?" David managed, his voice a hushed murmur, unable to hide the curiosity—and a trace of intrigue—in his tone.


    Vivian''s lips curved into a slight smile, her ruby-red eyes glinting with yful defiance. "I thought I''d surprise you, my Lord," she teased, her voice a soft purr as she tightened the towel around herself. "I didn''t think you woulde in with some."


    David felt a warm flush crawl up his neck, realizing that, despite the unexpected intrusion, he was rather enjoying this twist of events. Shay cleared her throat softly, her earlier embarrassment subsiding as sheposed herself, her eyes flicking between Vivian and David with a hint of amusement.


    As the tension in the room simmered down, Shay folded her arms, her expression turning sharp as she eyed Vivian. "You know, Vivian, I


    was


    here first, intending to help David with his bath," she stated firmly, casting an using nce.


    Vivian''s smirk deepened as she tightened her grip on the towel. "Oh, really? Because


    I


    came here to surprise him first!" she retorted, her voiceced with mock irritation. "I was just upying the bathroom—


    waiting


    —when you barged in."


    Vivian scoffed, feeling her frustration rise. "Didn''t you mention to everyone that you''d be in an


    enclosed training session


    ? If anything, you made it sound like you''d be entirely unavable."


    Shay raised an eyebrow, not backing down. "And didn''t


    you


    tell us that you''d be visiting your guardian at the tavern today? Looks like someone was bending the truth," she added with a yful wink, knowing it would needle Vivian further.


    Vivian bristled at thement, her cheeks flushing. "That''s different! I never said I''d be gone all day."


    Shay rolled her eyes and turned to David, her expression softening as she cast him a look of exaggerated helplessness. "Well, David," she sighed, "since it seems we''re both here to surprise you… who gets to stay?"


    Vivian''s expression shifted, herpetitive spirit sparkling in her eyes as she looked up at David. "Yes, David, please tell us—who should stay and help you with your bath?"


    Caught between the two, David chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. Their rivalry, brimming with warmth and yfulness, left him both amused and ttered. "Ladies," he began, eyeing each of them with a grin.


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!