Chapter 77
"Okay, sorry, you're not old. Can I do this now? It'll just take a moment," Lily said, her tone sharp but determined, she considered telling drogen everything, but this wasn't the right time for him to remember.
Drogen didn't budge, his dark eyes narrowing as he studied her. Trust wasn't something he handed out freely. "If you harm her, even for a second, I'll crush your soul into nothingness. And you know I don't make empty promises," he said, his voice low and threatening.
Lily hesitated, her throat bobbing slightly, but she didn't back down. "Relax," she muttered, stepping forward. She placed her hand gently on Natasha's forehead and then, to Drogen's surprise, leaned down, pressing her own forehead against Natasha's.
"What are you doing?" Drogen demanded, his doubt growing.
Lily didn't answer. Her lips moved silently, whispering an incantation in a language Drogen couldn't recognize. The air around them seemed to buzz softly with energy.
"That's not a normal spell," Drogen muttered under his breath, his fists clenching at his sides. Although he had doubts about her, deep down, he trusted her. And for whatever damn reason, he had no idea.
Natasha's fingers twitched suddenly, a slight movement that sent a jolt through Drogen. Her lips parted, and a faint whisper escaped. "Please... don't leave."
Drogen's gaze snapped to Lily. "What's going on? Is she waking up?"
Still ignoring him, Lily's chanting grew softer, almost tender, as if coaxing something from Natasha's subconscious. Tears slipped from Natasha's closed eyes, but Drogen couldn't see them because Lily's position blocked his view.
Finally, Lily pulled away, her face pale, her breath heavy. Whatever she'd done had clearly drained her energy.
"Is that one of your spirit tricks?" Drogen asked, his tone sharp with suspicion. Of all the spirits he'd encountered till now, Lily was one of the highest, so he was yet to discover the full extent of what they could do with their powers.
Lily gave him a tired look. "Maybe. Anyway, I'm done. Tell her I said hi when she wakes up. She'll remember me eventually. We met a long time ago."
"A long time ago?" Drogen frowned, his irritation rising. "What are you talking about?" He was pissed at Why she kept saying things half way and not saying anything to clarify herself.
Lily didn't answer. And just went with the grim reapers who were waiting to take her, in an instant, she disappeared into the void, leaving Drogen standing there, puzzled and annoyed.
"That kid is something" he muttered under his breath. He lowered beside Natasha, watching her closely. Her breathing was even now, her face calm despite the tears still staining her cheeks. He sighed and carefully lifted her into his arms. Whatever Lily had done obviously didn't harm her, so he decided to let it go.
Back at his apartment, Drogen laid Natasha gently on the bed, tucking her under the blankets. He was about to step away when her eyes fluttered open.
"Drogen..." Her faint fragile voice called out to him, his heart skipped a bit as he hurriedly turned around to look at her.
"You're awake," he said, kneeling beside her. "How do you feel?"
Natasha blinked, her gaze locking onto his. For a moment, she just stared, her expression a mix of disbelief and confusion.
"So... it's really you," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
Drogen's brow furrowed "Of course it's me. What's wrong?"
She hesitated, her fingers clutching the edge of the blanket. "Nothing. I just..." She shook her head, her voice dropping to a whisper. "It's nothing."
"About earlier..." Drogen began, his voice unusually soft. "I'm sorry. That was the only way to get her out of you."
Natasha's eyes widened slightly. An apology? From him? She didn't know what to say. Instead, she looked away. "I want to be alone," she murmured.
Drogen didn't move. His gaze locked onto hers as he observed her expression, then, he suddenly leaned closer, surprising her, their faces were so close she could feel his breath against her cheek. "Are you mad at me?" he asked, a teasing smirk tugging his lips.
"I'm not!" she said quickly, her cheeks flushing instantly. Even if she was mad at him, she could never stay mad for long, the effect he had on her was like magic."I just want to be alone." She said softly
His smirk deepened as he leaned even closer. "Liar." He whispered, his warm breath caressed her ear, instantly sending a jolt of warmth through her.
His eyes flicked down to her clothes, stained with blood from earlier when Lily stabbed him. Without warning, he carried her in his arms, cradling her against his chest.
"Drogen!" she yelped, struggling in his arms. "What are you doing? Put me down!"
"You're a mess," Drogen said. "You need a bath. Stop fighting and let me help you."
Natasha's face turned red as she pushed against his chest. "I-I can handle it myself! Put me down!" Even though he'd seen everything about her, it still felt awkward to let him bath her.
"Really?" he asked, He raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a knowing grin. "Because right now, it looks like you can't even stand on your own."
Her gaze dropped to her lap, and her protest came out in a soft mumble. "That's... that's not the point."
Drogen chuckled, the deep sound sending a flutter through her chest. "Oh, I think it's exactly the point."
She glanced up at him, her lips parting to argue, but the warmth in his gaze stopped her words cold. "You're impossible," she whispered, her voice tinged with both frustration and something else, something softer.
He smirked. "I've always been"
Natasha's cheeks burned hotter as she shifted in his arms. "You're really annoying," she muttered, her voice barely audible.
"And yet, you're still here," he replied leaning down just enough that she could feel the heat of his breath.
Her heart raced so hard she was sure he could hear it, she turned her face away, biting her lip. "You're only helping because I can't argue right now. It doesn't mean I... I need you."
"Sure, whatever you say," he said with a grin, kicking the bathroom door open.
He set her down gently on the edge of the tub, but instead of stepping back, he crouched in front of her, his hands resting on her knees. "Now, are you sure you don't want me to help? I'm very thorough."
Her head snapped up, her wide eyes meeting his. "Drogen!" she gasped softly, her voice a mixture of shock and embarrassment.
He laughed, the sound rich and unrestrained. "Relax, Natasha. I was just kidding... unless you're reconsidering."
Her mouth fell open, and for a moment, she was too stunned to speak. Finally, she managed, "You're unbelievable."
He stood, ruffling her hair with a smirk. "I've been called worse."
As he turned to leave, he paused at the door, looking back at her over his shoulder. "Take your time. But if you stay too long in there, I'm coming in, no questions asked."
She groaned, covering her face with her hands as the door clicked shut behind him. "Why is he like this?" she whispered, her voice muffled by her palms.
But even as her embarrassment faded, her face suddenly grew serious. She had recalled everything, everything that happened back then. But she still had questions, and the only person who had the answers were Drake. Another thing that bugged her mind was...now that Drogen knew she was incapable of ending his life, would he finally decide to do away with her?
Her mind raced as she thought of different possibilities.
Outside, Drogen leaned against the wall, arms crossed as he closed his eyes. "You're lucky I like you, Natasha," he muttered to himself, his smirk returning. "Otherwise, I wouldn't bother."