The Night wing sect was a marvel of modern engineering, nestled within a mountainous region that provided both protection and isolation. It's sleek angular buildings were constructed from a combination of steel and reinforced glass, reflecting the natural beauty of their surrounds while also showcasing the advanced technology within.

The sects architecture seamlessly blended into the rocky landscape , giving it an almost futuristic yet organic appearance.

The main compound was the heart of the sect, bustling with activity apt all hours. Researchers and scientists in white lab coats moved between labs,theirs expressions focused and intense . Engineers tinkering with intricate machinery,the hum of advanced tech creating a constant backdrop of sound.

At the center of the compound stood the observation tower,a tall structure that provided a paranormal view of the surrounding terrain. It was from the vantage point that one could the sprawling expanse of the sects territory: training grounds where members honed their combat skills,green houses nurturing rare plants used in experiments and landing pads where sleek black ships were docked.

Ria perched on the edge of the observation tower ,her legs swinging over the abyss. The night air was cool against her skin. Her blonde hair being blown by the wind. She adjusted the straps of her glider device, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.

"Ria! Get down from there this instant!" Tate's voice boomed from below,filled with a mix of exasperation and concern. The sect's leader imposing figure stood at the base of the tower,his arms crossed and a stern expression on his face. Black hair , blue eyes; yeah that was definitely him. Ria thought inwardly.

"Oh,relax Tate!" Ria called down. Her voice light and playful." I'm just testing my newest invention."

"You can't be serious!" Tate shouted,his eyes widening as Ria stood up on the railing.

"Ummm, sir, shouldn't we inform security to stop her from making the jump?" Vilia, Tate's assistant meekly suggests.

Tate let out a sigh of defeat . "There's no need. Nothing will stop her from making the jump, not even me." Vilia looked up at the daring blonde. A force that couldn't even be stopped by the sect leader himself.

" Here goes nothing." Ria leapt off the edge,her laughter echoing through the air. The wind rushed past her as she plummeted ,her heart pounding with exhilaration. She extended her arms, triggering the glider's wings to unfold. The glider caught the air ,and Ria soared up upwards her movements graceful and controlled.

Below, the sect's compound spread out like a miniature model. It's inhabitants mere dots scurrying about. After a few more loops and dives , Ria caught of a group of scouts on horses making their way into the city through the main entrance.

" They're back." She uttered before deciding to land.

Once on solid ground,the glider model reshaped into a wrist watch. She then began her search expectantly. The people were welcoming the scouts. It had been two years since they had left for an important mission to expand their territory by dominating minor non- sects and sects.

Ria had been looking for one scout in particular. A person she had longed to see once more. As she continued searching unsuccessfully her heart dropped. Of course he hadn't there. He had probably taken on another mission. She thought. Just then she felt an arm wrap around her waist and with that she was off the ground and now on the back of a black stallion. Ria then received a tight hug from behind.

" Hey,let go off me! I demand to see to see lawyer."she struggled to free herself without bothering to see the stranger.

" A lawyer? But what if it's the client I want to see instead?"

She stopped struggling left stunned.

"Miss me much?"

That voice,she could recognize it anywhere.

"Will?"

"It's good to see you again princessa."

"But wasn't your troupe supposed to arrive a month later?"

"I thought I'd surprise you this once , and here I am. Searching for someone I see." He teased.

"Of course not. I was just testing out my latest invention. And have you ever heard of consent?"

"Consent? Whatever do you mean?" Will pushed on.

" You know what I mean."

The two had for long been close. The had actually been a team of three: Tate, will and Ria. Team Aka had been their name. Tate,the leader. Will , the strategist and Ria, the brains of the team. Later,they had each gone down a different path. Having been the sect leader's son,Tate had taken the title of sect leader after his father's retirement.

Will had always been the adventurous and daring member of the team. He had later become a general due to his strength, intelligence and leadership qualities earning him many feats. Ria had been the daughter of the prestimed Kazuo family and earned the title of head scientist due to her great intelligence. She was now 20 ,whole Will and Tate were both 24.

The love story between Ria and Will had been well known. Will had actually proposed in the middle of a battle field,3 years . A replica of when he had rescued her over 7 years ago. When he had rescued her from a kidnapping and promised to always protect her. This was later seen in the proposal during a war with another sect,which Ria had insisted attending in order to help the injured. Despite her families stern decline,she still took on the job. During her time there, Will had constantly tried to convince her to leave for her own safety but she had stood form in her answer having wanted to help others .

They had had no other choice than to let her stay. During the climax of the war,the staff had been sent to a nearby fortress for safety precautions while the soldiers fought on. Ria, in an attempt to retrieve the pendant given to her by Will had run back into the battle field and found herself in the middle of the battle field.

Luckily Will had been close by and used all his will power to protect her. He had later won after using his darkness skill , completely destroying the enemy. By then Ria had found the pendant but all broken.

" Why on earth would run back into the field , in the middle of the war!" He scolded but Ria only faced the ground gutted. Will spotted the broken pendant and added it all up.

" Your gift. I'm sorry I -". Her words were cut short by a sudden hug.

"You idiot. If anything had happened to you ,I would never have forgiven myself. Don't run into danger like that again. I'm not ready to lose you." Ria still felt guilty.

"But the necklace -"

"Forget it. You matter more to me than a piece of jewelry , Ria. Which is why-". He got down on one knee.

"Ria Kazuo, you're the silliest,craziest,most caring and the smartest person I know. Not to mention, beautiful. I've for so long hidden my affection for you but not anymore. Though you and I come from two different worlds,I can't deny the fact that I love you , Ria . I've also realized that besides, protecting the sect I have another goal in life; to protect and always love you. To be with you and you only." He pulled out a red ruby ring.

"Let this symbolize my love for you. A love I am ready to die for. Ria Kazuo , so would you do me the honors of becoming my bride ?"

And that's how it went down. The ring had been a war momento as it had previously been worn by the enemies' leader , a bloody tyrant .

The two had later got engaged but not officially.

*. *. *.

They rode on on the stallion's back. Another scout rode closer and whispered something into Will's ear.

" Duty never seems to come to an end,does it?"

"Anything wrong?" Ria asked.

" Just some work to finish off with the board. I'll drop you by the lab first. "

" You really don't have to. It's actually not that far."

"What kind of fiance would I be if I let my lady tire herself with such a walk. Consider it a safety precaution. And besides , there's no way I'm letting you get of this horse. " Will teased and winked.

"Of course you'd say that ". Ria stated.

😜

👘❣️ Manesta.