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“You coming or what?” Adrian shot me a grin over his shoulder, his eyes bright with mischief. The underlying dare in his tone provoked me to push past my fear and take the leap, and I would be damned if I didn’t rise to the challenge.

The helmet felt heavy in my hands as I slipped it on, the cool leather and padding against my scalp reassuring me, even if the nerves in my stomach refused to calm.

I felt his gaze as he waited for me to join him, perched on the bike like a king on his throne.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, my pulse quickening as I neared him.

As I climbed onto the bike behind him, I keenly felt the heat radiating from his body and realized that my dress was not suitable for riding a bike.

“Hold on tight, Princess,” was the only warning I got before the bike roared to life beneath us. The deep rumble vibrated through my entire body, sending a thrill through my veins as Adrian revved the engine and launched us out of the garage into the cool morning air.

The sudden rush of wind stole my breath, tugging at my hair and whipping past my body as I clung to his waist, feeling the powerful muscles of his abdomen under my fingertips.

The city blurred around us, buildings and trees flashing by in streaks of color as he navigated effortlessly through the streets.

His body moved with a practiced ease, leaning into every turn as though the bike extended himself, and I could feel the raw, untamed power of the machine beneath us.

The thrill of speed, of freedom, mixed with the warmth of his presence, and I pressed closer to him, surrendering to the adrenaline of the ride, of him. The world felt distant, insignificant, as though we were the only two beings that existed, cutting through the morning mist.

We passed through a sprawling maze of glass and steel that reflected under the morning sun.

Thalassa was nothing like I remembered. And where Aetheria was all flowing lines, open spaces, and the soft glow of sparkling corals, Thalassa was sharp edges and towering buildings that stretched toward the heavens, casting long shadows over the streets below.

The scent of salt still lingered in the air, but it mixed with something else, something foreign and unsettling.

The tang of metal, the acrid smoke from countless chimneys, and the overwhelming noise of people, machines, and vehicles moving in every direction. It was unsettling and yet so human.

I glanced at Adrian, who drove with a calm confidence. This was his world, a place he knew like the back of his hand, and it showed in every curve and street he took. It was clear he was in his element, and I felt like a fish out of water, literally.

Soon, Adrian pulled up on a quiet cobblestone street lined with charming townhouses.

He stopped in front of a beautiful building, its cream-colored walls glowing softly in the morning light.

The architecture was elegant yet underrated, with arched windows framed by intricate wrought-iron detailing, and ivy winding up the corners like a touch of nature’s own artistry.

I climbed off the bike with trembling legs, adjusting my hair and catching my breath as I took in the building’s beauty.

The peaceful street around us was a welcome contrast to the wild ride we’d just taken, and the faint hum of the city seemed to fade into the background.

The place had a timeless feel, almost like stepping back into a piece of history.

As I tempted a step, my legs gave out, and if it weren’t for Adrian’s grip on my waist, I would’ve fallen onto the concrete.

“Are you alright?” His voice was a soft murmur in my ear, his hand brushing in circles on my back, a subtle touch that sent a spark of warmth through me. “Did you enjoy the ride?”

“I’m fine,” I replied, forcing a smile and pulling apart. “And yes, I did.” My gaze drifted over the quiet street and then back to him. He nodded, his gaze lingering on me before returning to the building before us.

“This neighborhood is called Old Quarter,” Adrian explained, gesturing around us as we started walking past cute shops and cozy cafes.

Delicate trinkets, handmade crafts, and vibrant art filled their windows.

“It’s one of the few places in Thalassa modern developments have not completely taken over.

I come here when I need a break from the chaos. ”

I nodded, soaking in the slower pace and the way the sunlight filtered through the narrow streets, casting everything in a warm, golden glow. It was peaceful here, a stark contrast to the busy energy of the city, and I felt myself relaxing.

Adrian paused in front of a small gallery, its window displaying a mesmerizing collection of abstract paintings. He glanced at me, a small smile on his lips. “I thought you might like this place.”

I followed him inside, the familiar scent of paint and aged wood welcoming us.

The gallery was quiet, with only a few patrons browsing the art.

The paintings were a symphony of bold colors, strokes, and forms that seemed to leap off the canvas, capturing raw emotion rather than precise images.

They were so unlike the serene, flowing art of Aetheria, yet something about them stirred an excitement deep inside me.

“A local artist makes these,” Adrian said softly, standing beside me as we took in a striking piece painted in swirling shades of blue and green. “Her work is well-known here in Thalassa, though not much outside the city. I’ve always found her style… powerful.”

I could see why. The painting pulsed with an almost electric energy, pulling me in with its intensity. It reminded me of the ocean during a storm, untamed and breathtaking in its chaos. It was a side of the sea I rarely experienced in Aetheria, where everything was frantic and unrestrained.

“I like it,” I whispered, transfixed. “It’s… different, but in a good way.”

“I thought you might.” Adrian’s smile widened, and he stepped closer, his hand brushing against mine. “But this isn’t the only thing I wanted to show you.”

“No? ”

“Come with me.” Whispering, he took my hand, guiding us toward the back of the gallery where a double glass door opened to reveal… a hidden garden.

My breath hitched at the sight before me.

The garden opened up like a secret sanctuary, sheltered from the world by towering ivy-clad walls that seemed to hum with age and quiet wisdom.

Sunlight filtered through the overhead trellis, casting dappled patterns across the path, which was framed by a profusion of vibrant blooms, pale roses, deep purple lilacs, and delicate white jasmine.

Each petal seemed to catch the light, creating a breathtaking array of colors that almost felt alive.

The air was thick with the scent of blossoms and earth, mingling with a faint hint of lavender, grounding me at this moment.

A tranquil pond sat at the heart of the garden, its surface reflecting the sky and leaves above in gentle, rippling patterns.

Lily pads floated serenely, while golden koi darted beneath the water, their bright scales catching glimpses of light as they moved.

It was as if this place, untouched by time, had been waiting patiently for someone to discover it again.

Adrian’s hand tightened slightly around mine, and I felt an unexpected surge of emotion, a strange mix of awe and warmth that left me almost vulnerable.

The garden felt like a doorway to another world, one where the noise and chaos of everything beyond these walls melted away.

For a moment, I forgot the burdens I carried and the danger we could never outrun.

Here, in this hidden sanctuary, all that existed was the quiet harmony of the garden and the pleasant presence of Adrian beside me.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” His voice broke through the stillness, low and reverent.

I nodded, words momentarily lost. The garden felt more than beautiful.

I felt as if the garden’s beauty had exposed every hidden part of me.

A place where my heart could be soft and exposed, even if only for a fleeting moment.

We stayed in that garden, wrapped in silence and the quiet peace it offered, as if neither of us dared to break the spell.

The world beyond felt so distant, our worries an afterthought.

Adrian’s hand squeezed mine gently, bringing me back to the present. “Ready for some food?” he asked, his voice warm but laced with a hint of mischief.

“Yes, please.”

As we left the garden and returned to the city, a smile played on my lips, and I knew I wanted to cherish that feeling.

The restaurant he led us to was exquisite, a seamless blend of modern elegance and charm.

White walls and marble-topped tables exuded a sense of sophistication, while wicker chairs and vibrant floral arrangements added warmth and a touch of informality.

The floor tiles adorned intricate patterns reminiscent of traditional Mediterranean designs, enhancing the inviting ambiance.

But the focal point was undeniably the floral ceiling installation, a cascade of pink blossoms hanging in woven baskets, creating an overhead garden that felt like an extension of the sanctuary we’d just left.

Sunlight streamed through the large floor to ceiling windows, illuminating the decor and casting a soft glow over everything.

After a warm welcome, the host guided us to a table with a stunning view of the ocean, waves stretching out to meet the horizon. Adrian pulled out a chair, gesturing for me to sit.

“Thank you,” I murmured, settling in as he took the seat across from me. The view was breathtaking, with the gentle motion of the waves glistening under the sunlight, mirroring the soft hues of the pale blue sky.

Adrian’s gaze lingered on me for a moment before he leaned back in his chair. “You’re welcome,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of affection.