Chapter 482: Just The Two Of Them
After her first catch, Serah had become far more immersed in fishing than she had been earlier that morning. The thrill of feeling the line tug, the splash of silver beneath the ripples—it sparked something childlike in her. And by some stroke of pure luck, it seemed fate itself was on her side. Fish after fish bit her bait, and before long, her bucket was nearly overflowing. Billy had been watching her with that proud, fatherly smirk, half impressed, half amused at how quickly she’d turned into a fishing prodigy.
By the time the sun reached its zenith, both of them had caught more than enough, though Serah—still burning with excitement—was reluctant to stop. "Just one more," she kept saying, eyes gleaming with determination as she threw the line again. But after several failed attempts and the loud grumble from her stomach, she finally sighed in defeat, deciding that perhaps her miraculous streak had run its course.
As they paddled across the calm lake, Billy explained how he had managed to cloak Tnaji under such a powerful concealment spell despite suffering from Core Decay. Serah listened with fascination as he revealed that it wasn’t solely his magic sustaining it—it was a network of enchanted artifacts he’d crafted himself, each infused with space myst and placed meticulously across the forest’s borders. They worked in unison, forming an invisible barrier that shrouded the entire area from the eyes of the outside world. Serah was genuinely impressed; even with his weakening core, Billy had managed something most mages wouldn’t dare attempt.
As they finally reached the shore, both carried the heavy buckets of fish toward the cabin, chatting casually about how they’d cook them. But before they could even reach the porch, they spotted Marcus approaching from the forest. He was shirtless, his body faintly glistening with sweat, hauling a heavy carrier stacked with neatly chopped logs strapped to his back. His strength looked effortless, his stride steady as always.
"You look rather happy for someone who just went fishing," Marcus remarked, smirking faintly as his eyes landed on Serah’s bright, triumphant expression.
"Well, that’s because I made my first catch today," Serah said proudly, lifting her bucket for him to see. "And not just one—many more after that!"
Marcus blinked in surprise, his brows lifting. Then he turned to his father, who simply chewed on his stick with a smug grin of satisfaction, looking even prouder than Serah herself.
"You’re telling me she caught a fish before I ever did?" Marcus said in mock disbelief.
"Yes, she did," Billy replied, his tone full of mischief. "And it’s all because she’s learned how to practice patience... something someone here still hasn’t mastered."
That last part made Marcus’s brow twitch slightly, though he smirked in return. "Eh, whatever," he said, shrugging. "My way’s still better."
"I think I smell jealousy in the air," Billy teased, nudging Serah with his elbow, eyes sparkling with amusement.
Serah immediately caught on and smirked back. "And I think I know exactly who’s giving off that scent," she said, glancing sideways at Marcus.
"So do I," Billy added, his grin widening.
Marcus rolled his eyes, chuckling under his breath as he set the logs aside. "Unbelievable," he muttered, shaking his head. "My girlfriend and my old man have officially teamed up against me."
***
Later that night, after a hearty dinner and much laughter over Serah’s newfound fishing skills, the cabin fell into a tranquil silence. The moon was high, the stars glittering faintly across the ink-black sky. Serah, feeling the quiet call of the night, stepped outside to stargaze as she always did. The air was cool, and the gentle hum of the forest felt almost like a lullaby.
She tilted her head upward, admiring the heavens, before her gaze caught movement above. There, sitting on the roof of the cabin with a relaxed posture and his gaze fixed toward the lake, was Marcus.
"I’ve been wondering," Serah said softly, her voice carrying through the still night. Marcus turned almost immediately, meeting her curious eyes. "How do you even get up there?"
"Oh, hi, princess," Marcus said, flashing her an easy grin. "I just climb up here."
Serah frowned skeptically, scanning the walls of the cabin. "Climb up where exactly? There’s not even a ladder."
Marcus’s grin grew mischievous. "Looks like you wanna join me," he said casually, and before she could respond, he made a small motion with his fingers.
In an instant, Serah vanished from the ground and reappeared beside him on the roof, sitting cross-legged and wide-eyed, facing the same starry view he’d been admiring.
"By the gods!" she exclaimed, shaking her body slightly as if trying to rid herself of the strange, tingling sensation. "You could’ve at least warned me before doing that!"
"Nah," Marcus said with a teasing smirk, waving her off. "That would’ve ruined the surprise."
Serah muttered a few curses under her breath, but soon her frustration melted into a soft chuckle as she gazed at the starlit sky beside him.
After a while, Serah broke the quiet. "I heard today that you can sing," she said teasingly, her lips curving with amusement.
Marcus side-eyed her, then let out a quiet chuckle. "So, my old man finally was able to answer your remaining questions, huh?"
"You knew I was going to ask him about your past?" Serah asked, genuinely surprised.
"Yeah," Marcus replied simply, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It was obvious. I could’ve told you myself, but I figured he’d tell it better. He’s... good with the hard parts of the story."
Serah’s eyes softened as she realized his intent. He hadn’t avoided the topic—he just wanted her to hear the truth from the one who’d lived it alongside him.
"I see," she said quietly, her voice carrying both understanding and affection.
There was another pause, comfortable and reflective, before she asked, "Then you also know what he planned to talk to me about?"
"Yeah," Marcus said, still gazing at the stars. "He didn’t say it outright, but I can guess. It’s about the risks that come with us... being together."
Serah turned her eyes away from him and looked up at the vast, glittering sky again, her thoughts deep and almost conflicted.
Marcus glanced at her briefly, then leaned back slightly, resting his hands behind him on the wooden roof as his eyes traced the constellations scattered across the dark canvas above. The night was quiet—so still that even the forest seemed to hold its breath. Then, his voice broke through softly, low and steady, yet carrying a weight that made Serah turn toward him.
"I know what this means for you, princess," he began, his tone grave but calm. "What being with me means. I know the risks you’re walking into." He exhaled deeply, his breath misting faintly in the cool air. "It’s not about me. I’ve never cared about what people think of me or what names they call me. But for you..." His gaze shifted to her, the reflection of starlight glimmering faintly in his onyx eyes. "For you, it’s different. You’re a princess of Solara Kingdom—the symbol of grace, light, and honor. And if word ever gets out that you’re involved with someone like me... it won’t just stain your image, princess. It’ll bring the wrath of your father, your court, and maybe even Amthar itself."
Serah stayed quiet, her brows knitting slightly, but Marcus continued before she could speak.
"I wouldn’t want to be the reason your name is dragged through the mud or your crown questioned. You don’t deserve that." His tone softened further, a rare gentleness brushing through his voice. "If you decide that... maybe we shouldn’t continue this, I’ll understand. I’ll respect it completely." His eyes turned down toward the lake’s reflection, the faint ripple of moonlight moving across his face. "Because truth be told, this relationship is more dangerous for you than it’ll ever be for me. I can live with being the outcast, the shadow people whisper about. But I can’t stand the thought of them turning on you because of me."
The sincerity in his voice was enough to make Serah’s heart tighten. But before he could go on any further, she suddenly leaned forward and placed her hand on his arm, firm yet soft.
"Stop," she said gently, but her tone carried authority. Marcus blinked and looked at her, slightly taken aback. "Just stop right there," she repeated, her voice trembling slightly—not from fear, but conviction.
"I’ve already made my decision," she said, her crimson eyes glinting with certainty beneath the moonlight. "And that decision is you, Marcus. It’s been you since the very beginning." She smiled faintly, shaking her head as if scolding him for even thinking otherwise. "You don’t get to decide what’s too much for me to handle. I do. And if it means risking everything—my title, my image, even my place in the Solara Kingdom—then so be it."
Her voice grew softer, filled with emotion. "Because all those things... they’re just masks. Titles given by others, not chosen by me. You, on the other hand..." She touched her chest lightly. "You make me feel like myself. And that’s worth more than any crown could ever give."
Marcus stared at her, caught in a rare moment of speechlessness. The fire in her eyes, the unshakable conviction in her tone—it hit him deeper than any blade could.
"And besides," she added playfully, her lips curving into a teasing smile, "as long as we don’t get caught, we’ll be just fine. Don’t tell me the great Marcus Hunter is worried about something as trivial as being discovered?"
Marcus couldn’t help it—he laughed. It was a deep, genuine laugh, the kind that melted the tension in the air. "You really think I’d ever be that scared?" he said, shaking his head with amusement. "Honestly, I already knew you’d pick me. You’ve always been too stubborn to let anyone tell you what to do."
Serah blinked, a little confused by his tone. "Wait... you knew I’d pick you?"
"Of course," he said, grinning mischievously. "I just wanted to add a bit of drama. You know, to make your declaration sound even sweeter. And, well... it worked perfectly."
Serah’s eyes widened as realization dawned. "You—! You tricked me!" she said, glaring at him in mock anger, her cheeks puffing slightly as if she were about to hit him.
Marcus chuckled, leaning closer. "Guilty," he admitted, utterly unbothered by the mock threat. But then his tone shifted—softened, becoming sincere once again. "But for what it’s worth, princess... I’m really happy you chose me."
His words silenced her anger. Something about the honesty in his voice, the unguarded expression on his face, made her heartbeat slow and heavy in her chest. Her lips parted slightly as she stared at him, the world around them fading until there was only the warmth between them.
"Marcus," she whispered after a moment, her voice delicate, "you’ve never said my name before."
Marcus raised an eyebrow, clearly amused but thoughtful. "Huh," he murmured. "You’re right. I’ve always just called you ’princess,’ haven’t I?"
Serah smiled faintly, her crimson eyes glimmering. "Yes. You have."
He looked at her for a long, quiet moment—really looked at her. Then, slowly, a genuine smile tugged at his lips, and he finally said it, his voice low and full of warmth.
"Serah."
The way he said it—slow, deliberate, almost reverent—made her feel something she couldn’t quite describe. Her chest tightened, her breath hitched, and for a heartbeat, she forgot everything else.
Marcus’s gaze softened as he whispered again, "Thank you, Serah. For choosing me."
Their eyes met—his onyx to her crimson—and neither of them looked away. The air grew still, charged with something electric and tender all at once. Slowly, as if drawn by an invisible pull, they leaned closer. Their breaths mingled, their foreheads brushed, and finally, their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss beneath the silver glow of the moon.
It wasn’t a desperate kiss—it was calm, gentle, and full of unspoken promises. A moment that said everything words couldn’t.
And for that night, beneath the endless sea of stars, Serah Magna and Marcus Hunter forgot about kingdoms, curses, and crowns. There was only them—and the quiet rhythm of two hearts choosing each other against the world.