Yulia’s lips curved in a slow, knowing smile at his words. "Then show me," she whispered, her fingers brushing lightly along his jaw.
Asher didn’t need further encouragement. He pulled her closer, their bodies fitting together like they had been meant to for years. She let out a quiet gasp when his hand slid along her back, drawing her into him fully. The faint scent of her perfume—warm, spiced, and utterly intoxicating—filled his senses.
They moved inside, the balcony doors left half-open, letting in the cool night air. The city lights cast a golden glow across her skin as her jacket slid from her shoulders. Every look she gave him was both an invitation and a challenge.
"Asher..." she breathed, her voice low, almost husky, as his lips found the curve of her neck.
The rest of the night blurred into heat, whispered words, and the sound of laughter between stolen kisses.
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Sunlight streamed through the open balcony doors, a soft breeze stirring the curtains. Yulia stirred first, stretching lazily against the pillows. Her hair was a tousled halo, her expression unguarded and almost peaceful.
Asher was already awake, leaning back against the headboard, quietly watching her.
She opened one eye and smirked. "You really don’t sleep much, do you?"
"Not when I’ve got better things to do," he replied, his tone carrying that same quiet confidence.
Yulia sat up, letting the blanket pool around her waist. "Well... if the Higher Dimension has challenges as good as you, I might actually look forward to it."
Asher chuckled, then swung his legs over the side of the bed. "We’ll see soon enough. But for now... I’ve got business to handle."
She watched him dress, her smirk lingering. "Just remember, Asher... you still owe me round two."
He glanced back at her with a faint grin. "Count on it."
After parting ways with Yulia, Asher made his way back to the Magnus estate. The familiar sight of its towering gates and sweeping courtyards was a quiet reminder of where he belonged—not as a wanderer, but as the heir to a family that had weathered storms for generations.
Arnold, the current head of the Magnus family and Asher’s grandfather, was waiting in the main hall. Even in his later years, the man still carried himself like a ruler—broad-shouldered, eyes sharp as if they could see through a person’s soul. When he spotted Asher, a rare warmth softened his stern features.
"You’ve been away too long," Arnold said, voice calm but with an undercurrent of relief.
"I know," Asher replied, clasping his grandfather’s arm in greeting. "But now... I’m staying for a while. I’ll take care of the family until I move on to the Higher Dimension."
"Higher Dimension?" Arnold raised an eyebrow. Similar to Yulia, he had never heard of such a thing. "So you’re telling me there’s an even greater realm beyond all this?" he asked, a flicker of wonder and disbelief crossing his face.
"Don’t worry, Gramps," Asher said with a calm smile. "I’m planning to take the family there—at least not yet. With the realm I’ve secured, it’s as easy as a walk in the park to take you guys there with me."
Arnold chuckled, shaking his head. "Yes... the cold, stubborn kid really has grown up."
Asher smiled back, but Arnold’s tone grew serious. "Since you’re staying for a while, you should know something—there are other Supreme Families in this galaxy, but it’s the Sulbian Empire that’s becoming a real problem. Those soul cultivators are edging their influence deeper into Volarisa. If they set their sights here, they won’t stop until they’ve claimed everything. If you want a hidden threat wiped out... they should be at the top of your list."
Asher’s eyes narrowed slightly, fingers tapping against the armrest of his chair.
"Sulbian Empire..." he repeated, his voice low. "I’ve heard many things about them."
Arnold leaned forward. "Their strength isn’t in vast armies—it’s in infiltration. Their soul techniques... they’re unlike anything our mana-based cultivators have ever faced."
Arnold added after a pause, "but thanks to the cultivation method you gave us, we’re beginning to hold our ground. This hybrid of mana and soul cultivation has changed everything. We’ve already driven the Sulbians out of several infiltrated cities."
Asher’s gaze remained calm, as he added. "Good. I’ll take care of the rest."
Arnold nodded, but then his expression grew more serious. "There’s something else... you should speak with Your Mother. She’s been growing weaker lately. I’m worried."
That made Asher pause. He rose from his seat without another word, leaving the room behind.
Seeing him Arnold shook his head "both mother and son don’t know to express their feelings" he mumbled as he clearly saw worry on Asher face as he said his mother is sick only to replaced by indifference the next second.
Asher on the other hand was now standing in front of his mother room, he knocked and then entered inside.
When he entered her room, the quiet stillness was almost unnatural. His mother sat by the window, pale sunlight spilling across her figure.
"Asher, my son..." she said softly when she saw him.
He moved to her side, his eyes instantly scanning her face. She was pale, far more than usual, her eyes shadowed and tired. "You look lifeless," he said bluntly. "What’s wrong? What happened?"
She tried to smile, but it was faint, fragile. "You... why are you talking to me normally?" she murmured.
Asher understood what she meant and simply sat across from her.
"How long has it been ?" he asked quietly.
"Why are you concerned about me? I was never a good mother," she said bitterly.
Asher let out a long breath. "Haaah... we can’t change the past. I’ve already let it go. My father’s death... it must have been hard on you, turning you into the heartless woman you became."
She flinched, lowering her head.
"But I’ve already forgiven it," he continued. "It doesn’t matter to me anymore."
Her eyes widened slightly in shock as he stood up. "So stop dwelling on the past... and live on."
He began to walk away—
—but suddenly, there was a loud sound as the blanket shifted and she threw her arms around him from behind. His shoulder grew damp as her tears soaked into his clothes.
"I’m sorry... for being such a monster," she cried softly. "I never showed you... the love you deserved."
Asher stayed still for a moment before turning slightly to look at her. "As long as you understand that now... that’s enough. The rest... we’ll see in the future."
She clung to him, quietly sobbing, while he stood there, letting her hold on as long as she needed.