Chapter 383: Chapter 382- Revelation
"Can we sit down and talk?" Adrian asked, letting out an exasperated sigh as he looked at the two women bickering in front of him. "I thought since you’ve already met, this conversation would go smoother."
During his birthday preparations, Elana and Sylvie had run into Ariana and Annabelle at the market while all of them were searching for a gift for him. Later that day, they surprised him together—baking a cake and decorating his room.
Since Elana and Annabelle had already interacted before, Adrian didn’t think twice before calling her over.
Now, he was starting to regret that decision.
"Darling, this girl always makes me feel like I mean nothing to you," Annabelle complained, clinging to his arm with a pitiful look. "Why don’t you tell her what I am to you?"
Elana’s heart skipped a beat at those words. She turned to the professor, her voice small. "Sir Adrian... is she really... your wife?"
Adrian sighed. "No, she isn’t. But she is someone important to me."
Annabelle instantly went from looking depressed to smug. She shot Elana a triumphant look that clearly said, ’You heard him—back off!’
Elana’s shoulders drooped. Someone important... And he didn’t even stop her from clinging to him.
Is every woman more important to him than me? she thought bitterly, as dark clouds seemed to gather over her head.
Adrian rubbed his temple and said, "Let’s get out of here before someone sees us."
Most of the third-year students were still resting after the exhausting Aegis Trials, but others could come out for a walk any time. If someone saw Annabelle here, rumors would spread like wildfire.
He led them to the back of the dormitory, a quiet spot that usually stayed unguarded. Then he turned to Annabelle. "She needs help, Bella. Treat her kindly," he said in a firm, reproachful tone.
Annabelle pouted, clearly reminded that this silver-haired girl was her darling’s favorite student. Huffing, she crossed her arms and asked Elana, "So? What’s the problem? Class bully? Forced engagement?"
Elana scoffed. "Do you really think I’d go to the professor for something that petty?"
Then, turning to Adrian, she asked quietly, "Sir... can she really be trusted? And will she actually be able to help me?"
She was fully aware of the risk she was taking. The fact that she could use independent magic was dangerous—something that could easily be used against her.
For those who didn’t follow the Fallen God, it was a taboo. And even if her magic had awakened naturally, without her falling to the dark side, no one would believe it.
That’s why she hesitated.
Adrian noticed her unease and spoke gently, "Don’t worry, Elana. Bella can be trusted. I called her here because she has the same ability as you."
Annabelle blinked in surprise and turned to him, seeking confirmation.
Adrian nodded. "Intense emotions allow her to use independent magic."
Elana’s eyes widened. "Even Miss Annabelle can?"
He gave a small nod. "Yes. That’s exactly why I brought her here—to see if she can help you learn how to control your powers."
Annabelle frowned and looked closely at the girl before asking, "What triggers your magic? Be a little precise."
Elana sensed the seriousness in her tone, so she didn’t treat the question lightly. "Anger, most of the time," she answered honestly. "And sometimes... when I feel protective toward someone I love."
Annabelle narrowed her eyes. "That better not be my darling."
Elana said nothing—she just stared back silently. Annabelle’s eyes widened, and she quickly turned toward Adrian, but before she could say a word, he cut in sharply, "Bella, focus. Or no pancakes for a week."
Annabelle gasped, pouting like a scolded child before reluctantly turning back to Elana. Crossing her arms, she muttered, "Same emotions make me lose control too..."
She recalled how, just recently, when she heard that her darling had been attacked by the cult, she’d lost herself to rage—unleashing independent magic and slaughtering over three hundred men before even realizing it. Jean had to be the one to tell her afterward.
So yes, she knew exactly what Elana meant.
After a moment of silence, Annabelle asked another question, her expression unreadable. "Which god do you follow? And have you ever served the church before?"
Elana blinked, caught off guard by the question, but she didn’t laugh. "I don’t strictly follow any religion," she replied calmly. "And I’ve never served in any church."
In their world, many people devoted themselves to the church of their chosen god—sometimes for weeks, sometimes for months. Even her father, Duke Nolan, had once worked at a church for three months during his recovery. But he never forced his beliefs on her, unlike her mother, who always held a different opinion on the matter.
Annabelle hummed thoughtfully before stepping back and crouching down.
Adrian raised a brow. "What are you doing, Bella?"
"Just checking something I hope turns out to be wrong," she murmured.
Using her dagger, she began tracing something on the ground—an intricate pattern that resembled a ritual circle.
Adrian immediately recognized it. It was the same type of circle priests drew before their prayers, a sacred mark symbolizing faith and devotion.
Once she finished, Annabelle stood up and turned to Elana. "Drop a few drops of your blood on it."
Elana hesitated, glancing at Adrian. He gave her a silent nod of reassurance.
Trusting him, she took the dagger from Annabelle, pricked her thumb, and let a few crimson droplets fall onto the circle.
Tip... Tip...
As her blood touched the markings, a faint reddish glow began to spread across the circle.
Adrian leaned forward, eyes narrowing with curiosity. But before he could study it further, his expression shifted to surprise. The glowing red began to darken, the light dimming rapidly as the blood vaporized—
—and within seconds, the brilliance vanished completely, leaving behind only faint scorch marks where the circle had been.
Annabelle had a dark expression on her face as she turned toward the two who were waiting for her words.
"Darling...I didn’t tell you something which the Apostle of the Fallen One told me that day." Annabelle confessed, "I recently discerned that he wasn’t spouting nonsense but telling the truth about...about me being its descendent."
Adrian’s lips parted in shock, "Huh?"
Annabelle nodded, "I did some research and only those who are a believer of the Fallen One get rejection from the Gods. And just like me, Elana is also being rejected by them."
Elana’s face turned pale at the realization.
The...two of them are...
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A/N:- No wonder their personality is so alike. Drop a comment.