The Barter Novel Sierra and Xavier

---- everyone? Why are you telling me to run? "T dont know," Damien admitted, his voice thick with frustration.

"You weren't part of the plan.

I wasn't supposed to care.

But your stupidityyour chatter, your irritating voiceit made me care." He didnt say the word love.

She knew he never would.

But care was enough.

Her eyes fluttered shut as their foreheads touched, their breaths mingling "You care about me," she whispered.

His lips brushed her forehead, lingering there as her heart stilled.

"You're my most loyal stalker.

You believed in me when I didnt believe in myself.

Why wouldn't I care?" Tears flowed freely as she nodded.

"Thank you...

thank you..." Damien's smile was faint but warm.

"Can...can I hug you one last time?" Her voice wavered.

"Forget it.noveldrama

That was stupid" ---- Chapter 495, "Come here, Stalker." Her eyes lit up as he opened his arms.

Without hesitation, she threw herself into him, gripping him like her life depended on it.

"Easy, Stalker," Damien murmured, though his own hold on her tightened.

Warmth.

He had almost felt foreign to that feeling.

But this felt good.

He felt like he was home.

Safe.

His arms encircled her, pulling her impossibly closer.

Muffling his mouth into her long tendrils, he inhaled deeply.

Her scent calmed him.

A lighthouse to a sinking ship.

An oasis to the parched.

His fuel To fight.

To not give up till his last breath.

T-I dont want to let go...

---- She whispers in his ear, her voice trembling, and he smiles against her hair.

Neither do 1.

She pulls back slightly, her lips curling into a teasing smile despite the emotion in her eyes.

L will miss my Mr.

Squabbles.

And I'll miss you, Stalker, he quips, his tone lighter now, though his grip remains firm.

They were lost in their moment.

Damien's arms stay tightened around Alexia as if she were his anchor in a storm.

But the storm was already here, its winds howling behind.

Two figures stood behind them, watching them.

When one of them clears their throat from behind.

Alexia freezes.

Her head tilts slightly, enough to catch the shadow looming in the periphery.

Damien sighs and releases her, though reluctantly.

He turns just as Alexia pulls away, the two of them now staring at King Adrian standing nearby.

---- Behind him, a cloaked figure lingers, the presence foreboding despite the lack of movement.

Lordie? Damien asks, brow furrows, his tone dipping with confusion He delves his hands into his pockets, trying to piece together why Adrian looks so...pleased.

The Kings broad smile widens, something unreadable behind his steely gaze.

There is someone you would love to meet.Adrian announces, his voice oddly formal.

Damien's confusion deepens.

His eyes dart to the cloaked figure, who now steps forward as Adrian takes a calculated step back.

Okay, Damien mutters, his tone dismissive.

Who is this? The figure moves closer.

The world itselfseems to hold its breath.

Damien moves closer to the figure, a step farther from Alexia and he suddenly felt strange.

A weird pull to the figure.

His heart starts thudding in his