Aradia knew very well that she'd have to take the burnt for everything in the end. Since that was the case, she had to stop him from sending himself to the Duchess alone. She still wanted to protect the image he had of his mother. So, she wanted to push it back a little.
Although it won't change anything, it will allow her to plan it well.
If they recklessly went to the Duchess and said that they were in love, she could see her own end because the Duchess won't touch her own son but she was dispensable. An orphan like her could be abandoned anytime and anywhere.
Sylvan couldn't see her thoughts but he was happy with her words. It meant she was really willing to stand beside him and face all the challenges. It felt good.
He hugged her in his arms and said, "I'm so happy that you agreed."
Aradia's smile became a lot more real as she placed her hands on his back and told him, "Did you think I'll run away?"
"Even if you want to, I won't let you run away," he said as he looked into her eyes. "And I know you can't bear to leave me behind. You know my feelings for you. I can't live without you. How can you leave me knowing that it will kill me?"
Aradia shook her head at him.
"But I'm still upset that you're leaving tomorrow. We just met after so long and you're leaving again. How am I supposed to feel about this?"
"This is the last time," she assured him.
"Promise?" he asked with expectation palpable in his eyes.
"I promise," she replied.
"That's good to know," said Sylvan. "Because I can't take this separation again and again. That's why I want a rightful status. In that way, you and I won't have to be separated again."
Aradia didn't know what else he said. She seemed to be listening to him but her thoughts were flying around all the time. She felt very restless and uneasy.
Sylvan looked at the moon outside the window and said, "It's very late. We should go and rest now. We have to leave early morning." Aradia nodded in agreement. He held her hand and said, "You take care of yourself there. Don't think about anything. I'm always with you. You know that, right?"
Aradia nodded her head again in response, "I know."
"Let's go," he said as he turned to leave but felt a tug on his hand. He looked back and raised his brow seeing how she was still holding his hand, seemingly not wanting to let go. He was quite surprised since she was the one who always let go first between the two of them. "Why? Don't want to let go?"
Aradia woke up from her daze and looked at the hand she held subconsciously. She couldn't explain to him that she was really unwilling at this moment to let go. There was a fear in her heart that she didn't even voice out.
Finally, taking a deep breath, she let go, "I just wanted to tell you to take care of yourself too. Don't put too much pressure on yourself."
Sylvan felt happy to be cared for by her and caressed her hair, "I'll be waiting for you."
Aradia walked through the dark garden absent-mindedly. She stopped beside the pond and looked at the reflection of the moon in the water. Slowly, she looked up at the sky. The faint moon reflected in her eyes and she didn't realize that a silver light swirled in her orbs but she did feel a suffocating pain in her heart once again.
Just when she thought that she would cough out blood once again, the suffocation turned into a strange warmth that spread through her veins as if blending into her blood. She was startled and crouched down to take a rest.
Aradia took a break and went back to her bed chambers. There was no light in her bed chambers and she didn't light it up either. She went to sit on her bed in the dark and poured herself a glass of water to drink.
"Are you back from your rendezvous?"
Aradia heard that lazy voice in the dark and didn't respond at all. She was already going through complicated feelings and she didn't think she had it in her to have an argument with a 'cat' at this time of the night.
"What? Don't want to tell me anything?" This arrogant cat hmphed in disdain as he went on, "Even if you don't tell me, I know it all. Don't you see who I am? There is nothing hidden from me in this manor."
"Go to sleep, Fluffy," said Aradia in a tired voice. "I'll listen to your boasting tomorrow. Currently, I'm too tired for that."
Oddly enough, Neville didn't respond to her like he usually did. Normally, he'd have not gone silent so easily. Aradia found it odd but she didn't want to think too much about it. As long as this naggy cat was willing to shut up and let her rest.
Once she closed her eyes, she easily fell asleep even though her thoughts were chaotic. It didn't hinder her sleep at all. On the other hand, Neville stood up and shook his snow-white coat before he walked proudly towards her side. He jumped on the bed and looked down at the faint silver light in the middle of her brows.
Neville's ocean-blue eyes sparkled when he saw that energy.
"I was right about you, little girl," he whispered in a small voice. "Don't worry. I'll protect you."
He was very satisfied with his discovery and happily went back to his own bed and curled up to sleep. Before sleeping, he turned to look at the dark night and sighed softly, "I wish I could share this news with Master." Only after lamenting did he close his eyes to sleep once again.