DISCLAIMER: This is a creative creation of the writer. All names, personalities, organizations, settings, events, and scenarios are made up. Any resemblance to real individuals, living or dead, or to actual events is entirely coincidental.
"Leviathan," someone called out to him.
He mumbled, "Mhm?"
"Leviathan, wake up."
Frustrated, he asked, "What?"
"Your body is burning up," the man said.
He checked himself in the mirror, quickly looking away from what he saw.
"Are you alright, sir?" Matthew inquired.
Levi replied in a sarcastic tone, "Do I look like I'm okay?"
"I've prepared your breakfast," Matthew said, placing the meal on the table.
Levi glanced at it, "Leave it there. I have to go to work with Celeste.
"Alright. Just call me if you need anything," Matthew said as he left.
Levi sighed deeply. Something felt very wrong. His body was burning up, and he had no idea what could have triggered it. Was he bewitched by someone?
He finished his breakfast before heading to Celeste's office, where everything seemed to be going smoothly. He spent the whole day with her, and nothing seemed amiss.
"What's been bothering you lately, hmm?" Celeste suddenly stopped walking
Levi halted as well. "Nothing," he replied.
"You're not acting like yourself," Celeste insisted.
Levi reached for her hand. "I'm fine. Stop overthinking."
"Are you sure?" Celeste pressed on.
Levi tightened his grip on her hand. "Watch where you're going, idiot!"
A motorcycle zoomed past them, narrowly missing them as it sped down the road. Levi was furious that someone was trying to harm Celeste.
"Hey, calm down. I'm okay," Celeste reassured him, placing her hand on his face.
He breathed heavily, struggling to control his anger. "I don't want to put you in danger, but whenever you're around me, things seem to go wrong."
"Tell me what's going on," Celeste urged, soothing him.
He looked into her eyes. "I'm not exactly what you think I am."
"I know. You're a demon," Celeste said, gently cupping his face.
"Aren't you scared?"
"I'm not. You just saved me back there," Celeste pointed out.
He sighed, "Listen, I was able to do that because I'm with you. If I weren't here, you could have been seriously hurt."
"What do you mean, Levi?" Celeste inquired.
Levi hesitated, biting his lip. "I don't have full control over my powers ever since that tattoo ended up on you. I'm trying to find a way to get it back, but it's stressing me out."
"And?" Celeste pressed on.
Levi released his grip on her hand, his expression troubled. "It all feels unfamiliar to me."
"You've always been my protector. Ever since you made that deal with me, you've saved me," Celeste reassured him.
Levi shook his head. "Forget about the deal."
"O-okay," she replied.
But deep down, Levi couldn't bear the thought of her leaving. There was an unexplained pull towards her, one that went beyond mere obligation.
AT NIGHT... Celeste invited him to join a family gathering. He greeted them warmly and engaged with the other guests with his usual charm.
"It's good to see you again, Leviathan," Valentino said, extending his hand for a shake.
Levi returned the gesture with a smile. "The pleasure is mine, Mr. Valentino."
"You can order anything you like, it's on me," Valentino offered.
Levi smirked. "Cheers!"
Zeniah approached them and introduced Leviathan to her circle of socialites. They were all impressed by him, considering him an ideal man for any woman.
"How fortunate your older sister is to have him," one of the ladies remarked.
Zeniah nodded. "Indeed. If only it were easy to find someone like him, I'd gladly marry him myself. Unfortunately, my sister got to him first."
"That's a shame. I could use a bodyguard like him," another lady commented, admiring his physique.
Celeste noticed their admiration and decided to join them, taking a sip of wine. "Looks like someone's caught an eye on my man?"
"Your man?" Levi raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
Zeniah interjected, "What are you doing here? Weren't you just chatting with those businessmen?"
"I was. I just wanted to take a break, but it seems like my bodyguard here is keeping busy with someone else instead of me," Celeste teased, grinning.
The lady holding Levi's arm apologized, "My apologies, Lady Celeste. I didn't mean to take him away from you."
"You can have him if you want," Celeste joked, standing up to leave the table.
Spotting an old friend, she decided to strike up a conversation. He appeared to be enjoying the gathering as well.
"Vince, is that you?" Celeste called out.
Vince turned to see her, "Celeste? What a pleasant surprise. It's been too long."
"Indeed. How's your business in the Philippines?" Celeste inquired, smiling.
Vince replied, "It's thriving, thanks to your recommendation."
"I'm glad to hear that," Celeste said, inviting him for a drink.
Vince accepted the drink and they clinked their glasses together. Levi noticed and joined in, drinking from Celeste's glass.
"Who's this?" Vince inquired, looking at Levi.
Levi placed a hand on Celeste's waist, replying, "I'm her bodyguard."
"Oh? I didn't realize you hired one, Celeste," Vince remarked with a smirk.
Sensing the tension, Celeste interjected, "I did. He's quite good at his job."
"Yes, I can see that," Vince replied, eyeing Levi's hand on Celeste's waist.
Levi returned the smirk, asking, "Is there anything you need?"
"I'm just here for a brief chat with her," Vince said, finishing his drink before quietly excusing himself.
Once Vince had left, Celeste turned to Levi with a stern look, "Remove your hand from my waist."
Levi resisted, pushing her gently against the wall.
"Why are you behaving like this?" Celeste groaned.
"He's trying to make a move on you," Levi said angrily.
Celeste shrugged, "So what?"
"He's attempting to take advantage of you. The way he looks at you is like he's undressing you," Levi explained.
She grinned, teasing, "Are you jealous?"
"I'm not. I'm just doing my job," Levi replied, releasing his hold on her.
She raised her eyebrows, "Uh-huh."
"Let your brother take you home today," Levi said before leaving her there.
Celeste chuckled to herself, "He's jealous."
Meanwhile, Leonardo walked into the hallway and spotted his sister nearby.
"Sister, I've been looking for you," Leonardo said.
Celeste smiled, "You're just in time. Can you take me home?"
"I thought Levi was supposed to take you home?" Leonardo asked, looking confused.
Celeste made eye contact with him, "You got it?"
"Ahhh, got it. I'll just let them know we're leaving early then," Leonardo said.
Syron noticed his son walking toward him, "Leonardo, do you need anything?"
"No, Dad. Sister and I are heading home together," Leonardo informed him.
Valentino chimed in, "Why so early? The party's just getting started."
"As you can see, brother, it's something between sister and her bodyguard," Leonardo chuckled.
Valentino glanced at Celeste, "Looks like someone is excited to go home."
"You two like your sister that much? Let her enjoy having a man's company. It will be difficult for her if she grows old alone," Syron said to his sons.
Leonardo nodded, "Yes, Dad. We'll get going then. See you later, brother."
"Be careful both of you on your way home." Valentino waved his hand.