"Checking for hidden cameras," Linsley replied, his focus never wavering as he continued his methodical search. "Or any other devices they might be using to spy on us."
Seraphina's expression shifted to one of concern. She hadn't even considered that possibility, though it made perfect sense.
In a world where every move was monitored by the Outer God Association, privacy was a luxury that few could afford.
Linsley moved from room to room, his Invisible Providence avatar covering every inch of the villa. He checked behind paintings, inside vents, along the edges of the ceilings, and even behind furniture.
The invisible tentacles probed the walls and examined every object with meticulous care.
But much to both Linsley and Seraphina's surprise, there was nothing. No hidden cameras, no spying devices—nothing that indicated they were being watched.
Linsley paused, furrowing his brow. He had expected to find something, anything, that would confirm his suspicions.
After all, the Outer God Association was known for its invasive surveillance, especially with individuals they considered important or potentially dangerous.
"Nothing," Linsley finally said, the disbelief evident in his voice. "No cameras, no bugs, nothing."
Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? Maybe they're just too well-hidden?"
Linsley hesitated for a brief moment before nodding confidently. "I'm sure. I've done a lot of research on this kind of thing in my free time. No matter how well-hidden they are, I should have been able to find at least one or two. But there's nothing."
It was a convenient lie, one that masked the true extent of his abilities and kept his secret safe. Seraphina seemed to accept his explanation, though a flicker of doubt crossed her face.
"That's surprising," she admitted, her voice thoughtful. "The Outer God Association is usually very thorough."
"Yeah, it doesn't make sense," Linsley agreed, still trying to reconcile the lack of surveillance with the Outer God Association's reputation. "But maybe they're just not as interested in us as we thought. Or they have other ways of monitoring us that we don't know about."
Seraphina nodded slowly, though she still looked unconvinced. "We should still be careful. Just because we didn't find anything doesn't mean we're completely safe."
"Definitely," Linsley said, a touch of relief in his voice as he moved away from the walls. "We'll stay vigilant."
After the tense search, Linsley suggested, "How about we relax a bit? There's a computer room in the villa. We could play some Computer Legends?"
Seraphina's eyes brightened at the idea. "Sure, that sounds fun. I could use a break."
They headed to the computer room, where Linsley took the role of a jungler while Seraphina played as a mage. The game, with its fast-paced action and strategic teamwork, quickly drew them in, allowing them to ease the tension that had been hanging between them.
As they played, their previously stiff relationship began to thaw. Their shared interest in the game helped them bond, turning them from reluctant strangers into something closer to friends—friends who were starting to enjoy each other's company.
Time flew by, and before they knew it, it was already nighttime. Seraphina offered to cook dinner, and Linsley accepted with a grateful smile.
They sat together at the dining table, enjoying a simple but delicious meal. The atmosphere was much lighter than it had been earlier, and their conversation flowed more naturally.
After dinner, they played another hour of games, their teamwork improving with each match. Linsley found himself genuinely enjoying the time they spent together, and Seraphina seemed more relaxed, her earlier wariness fading.
But when it was time to return to the master bedroom to sleep, the reality of their living situation hit them both again.
Seraphina blushed as she realized they would be sharing the same bed. She had never been this close to a man before, and the thought made her heart race.
On the other hand, Linsley appeared calm on the outside, but inside, he was slightly flustered. Despite his composed demeanor, the situation was new and a bit unnerving for him as well.
As they awkwardly got ready for bed, neither of them spoke, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally, they lay down on opposite sides of the bed, the distance between them feeling both comforting and oddly tense.
"Goodnight," Seraphina whispered, her voice soft.
"Goodnight," Linsley replied, staring up at the ceiling.
As they awkwardly settled into bed, neither of them spoke, each lost in their own thoughts.
The bed felt vast and empty, the space between them a silent acknowledgment of the unfamiliar situation they found themselves in.
Eventually, the quiet rustle of sheets and the steady rhythm of their breathing filled the room as they drifted off to sleep.
…
The night passed peacefully, and the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains. Linsley stirred awake, his mind still hazy with sleep.
His eyes remained closed, but he became aware of a soft, warm sensation enveloping his body, accompanied by a sweet, intoxicating scent that filled his senses. It was as if he were wrapped in a cloud of warmth and comfort, the feeling almost too perfect to be real.
For a moment, he allowed himself to savor the heavenly sensation, his mind drifting in the pleasant haze. But curiosity slowly overtook him, and he opened his eyes, blinking away the remnants of sleep.
What he saw next made his breath catch in his throat.
Seraphina was nestled against him, her delicate arms wrapped around his torso in a gentle embrace. Her face, serene and relaxed, rested close to his chest, and her soft, steady breaths brushed against his skin.
She looked like a sleeping beauty, her features as flawless as those of a goddess. Her long, silky pink hair cascaded like a waterfall over the white bedsheet, shimmering in the early morning light.
Linsley's heart skipped a beat as he took in the sight.
There was something incredibly pure and innocent about the way she slept, her usual guarded expression replaced by a look of peaceful vulnerability.
In that moment, she seemed entirely different from the cautious, sharp-witted woman he had come to know.
'She's… beautiful,' Linsley thought, almost as if seeing her for the first time.