The city lights shimmered against the backdrop of the night sky, casting a golden glow over the streets as Victor and Nereus arrived back at the mansion. The tension of the meeting still lingered between them, an invisible weight neither could ignore.
For Nereus, it wasn't just about what was said—it was about the glimpse he'd seen of Victor's world, a world that ran on power and secrets. A world he was slowly being drawn into.
The heavy door to the mansion closed behind them with a soft thud, cutting them off from the outside world. Inside, the silence was almost deafening. Nereus glanced at Victor, who seemed deep in thought, his sharp features cast in shadows by the dim lighting.
"Victor," Nereus said quietly, reaching out to touch his arm.Victor turned, his eyes softening at the sight of Nereus. He sighed, tension visibly easing from his shoulders as he placed a hand on Nereus's back, guiding him toward the living room.
"I know today was... intense. You're probably wondering what all of that was about."Nereus nodded, his gaze searching Victor's face. "I want to understand. I don't want to be in the dark."
Victor sat down on the couch, pulling Nereus beside him. For a long moment, he said nothing, staring at the floor as if trying to find the right words. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and rough around the edges.
"That man—Luca—is someone I used to work with. We built parts of our empires together. But as we grew, our goals started to clash. Luca became more ruthless, more willing to cross lines I wouldn't."Nereus frowned.
"You mean lines even you wouldn't cross?"Victor's lips twitched into a brief, humorless smile.
"Yeah, even me. I've done a lot of things I'm not proud of, but Luca... he's different. He's a predator. And now, he's seeing you as my weakness."
Nereus's heart skipped a beat. "So, I'm a target."Victor's hand tightened on Nereus's, his eyes locking onto his with an intensity that sent a shiver through Nereus's spine. "I won't let anything happen to you. Ever."
Nereus wanted to believe him—he did. But there was no denying the fear gnawing at his stomach. He had been thrown into a world he barely understood, and now it seemed like he was not just a part of it, but a liability in it.
"I don't want to be the reason you're in danger, Victor," Nereus whispered, his voice trembling slightly.Victor shook his head, his expression hardening.
"You're not. Don't think like that. This is my world, Nereus. I've made enemies long before you ever came into it. Luca would've come after me one way or another. But now, I have something worth fighting for."
Nereus's eyes widened at the raw emotion in Victor's words.
There was a vulnerability there that Victor rarely showed, and it made Nereus's heart ache. He didn't want to be Victor's weakness—but maybe, just maybe, he could be his strength.
"I want to help," Nereus said firmly, sitting up straighter.
"I'm not a child, Victor. I can learn, and I can protect myself. Teach me about your world—really teach me."
Victor looked at him, surprise flickering in his eyes. For a long moment, he said nothing, as if weighing the idea. Then, slowly, he nodded.
"You don't know what you're asking for, Nereus. But if this is what you want, I'll teach you. You'll need to know how to defend yourself, how to read people, and how to stay three steps ahead in a game where everyone is waiting to stab you in the back."
Nereus's pulse quickened. It wasn't going to be easy, but he was determined. If this was the price of standing by Victor's side, he was willing to pay it.
"I want to do this. I want to be ready for whatever comes."
Victor's gaze softened again, and he leaned in, pressing a kiss to Nereus's forehead.
"Alright," he murmured against Nereus's skin.
"We'll start tomorrow."
They sat there for a while, the weight of their conversation hanging in the air. Nereus leaned against Victor, taking comfort in the steady beat of his heart beneath his chest. The fear that had gnawed at him earlier hadn't vanished, but with Victor by his side, it felt manageable.
They were in this together now, no matter what the future held.As the hours passed and the night deepened, the world outside seemed to fade away. Victor's arms around him were a protective barrier, a promise that they would face the storm ahead side by side. Nereus's heart swelled with a mixture of love and determination.
He had chosen this life—this man—and he would fight for both.Eventually, they moved to the bedroom, the tension of the day easing with each passing moment. But even as Nereus drifted off to sleep in Victor's arms, his mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead.
Tomorrow, he would begin his training—he would learn to navigate the dangerous world Victor had built his life in.But as the darkness of sleep claimed him, Nereus felt a sense of peace, too.
No matter how treacherous the waters ahead might be, he was no longer swimming alone.
In the quiet stillness of the night, a new chapter of their journey began—a chapter where love and loyalty would be tested in ways neither of them could yet imagine.
And Nereus was ready.