Scent of Secrets

Astra's heart raced as a lump formed in her throat. The thought of facing death once more was unbearable. With the reins of Orion Arch firmly in her grasp, her confidence in her grand scheme had surged, but now it all seemed futile.

Elias took a deliberate step forward, and instinctively, Astra retreated, her pulse quickening. Step by step, he advanced until Astra found herself cornered against the unyielding wall. Her breath caught as he closed in, casting a daunting shadow over her petite figure.

Astra activated Archana. As time around her seemed to stretch, she delved into her innate physical abilities, sifting through them rapidly.

Her mind raced as she explored the pathways of potential actions, desperately seeking a way out of the menacing situation she found herself in. She read the first abilities.

Empowered Strength: Your muscles will surge with newfound might, letting you effortlessly lift enormous weights and obliterate obstacles, leaving adversaries subdued with a single blow.

Enhanced Agility: Your movements will transcend mortal limitations, becoming graceful and precise. You'll glide through even the trickiest terrain with finesse.

Swift Healing: Recovery will be rapid, wounds fading into nothingness as though they never existed. You'll stand firm against the most ferocious foes.

Unyielding Endurance: A wellspring of boundless energy awaits, letting you endure battles that would drain others and persevere through the harshest trials.

Sharper Senses: Your perceptions will sharpen, revealing a world of intricate details. Faint whispers and distant rustlings won't escape your notice any longer.

Adaptive Reflexes: Almost prophetic reactions will shield you from danger, a tool of precision at your command. The thrill of evading projectiles and countering strikes with uncanny accuracy will be yours to wield.

Mastery of Energy: With expertise, you can channel raw power into awe-inspiring assaults. Unleash concussive blasts, raise impenetrable barriers, or infuse your strikes with overwhelming force.

Astra activated all the abilities, deciding not to keep scrolling, lest she spend days sifting through the thousands available. It should suffice for now, giving her a chance to escape if Elias opted to confront her.

Only she would have the ironic fate of being reborn only to face death once more, just days later, at the hands of the most potent figure in the galaxy.

Her initial plan was to try to appease him, and failing that, to make a hasty retreat. Astra bit her lip, her anxiety palpable, and stammered, "I-I'm sorry."

Elias cocked his head, his gaze piercing her as if trying to fathom her very essence. Astra's heart pounded in her chest, the intensity of his scrutiny unnerving.

He queried, "Do you know who I am?"

Astra nodded, her apprehension growing. Elias commanded, "Tell me."

"You're Elias Veritas," Astra replied, her voice wavering.

Elias pressed further, "Is that all?"

Astra glanced up at the camera momentarily. She deactivated it using Archana before locking eyes with Elias again. Gathering her courage, she complied, "You're Liangyi."

A dark shadow crossed Elias' features, and a new level of fear gripped Astra. She cursed herself inwardly for complying.

Elias inquired, his tone laden with an unsettling edge, "How do you know my name? Everyone who once knew it has long perished."

Astra's throat tightened, her words eluding her momentarily. Regaining her composure, she admitted, "My grandmother mentioned you when I was young. I became curious and did some online research."

Her explanation hung in the air, the tension palpable as the weight of Elias' scrutiny intensified.

Elias arched an eyebrow and inquired, "Did you come across my name on any of those websites?"

Astra nibbled her lip, sensing that fibbing would only worsen things. She pleaded, "Can we please just put this aside? Forget about it."

Elias regarded her in silence, his gaze penetrating. Then, he gently lifted her chin, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. Astra held her breath, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

It felt as if Elias was searching for something within her. When he finally released her, she released a relieved breath, her tension easing momentarily. However, that moment was fleeting as Elias unexpectedly buried his head in her neck, his breath warm against her skin.

Astra was caught off guard, her body going rigid, and her face turning scarlet. His soft lips brushed against her neck as he inhaled deeply.

With each intake of breath, Astra's chest rose and fell rapidly. The leader of the shadow guards was scenting her—she couldn't wrap her head around the bizarre situation.

Elias eventually pulled away, his gaze fixed on Astra's flushed countenance. Her eyes remained wide with shock, her bewilderment evident. Elias had merely wanted to gauge the kind of person she was.

He sensed a unique strength emanating from her, setting her apart from ordinary mortals. The fact that she knew his name was a testament to that. Everyone who had ever possessed that knowledge had perished over two and a half millennia ago, yet here was Astra, fully aware.

At least Elias could ascertain that she posed no immediate threat, considering her palpable fear of him. Her sheer terror implied that she had delved into his past and comprehended the extent of his capabilities.

Elias sauntered over to the button, resuming his previous position. Meanwhile, Astra remained rooted in the corner, her shock lingering for a few fleeting moments. Shaking her head, she mustered the will to halt the elevator once again.

Elias shifted his gaze, locking eyes with her. Despite her trepidation and unease, Astra recognized the importance of clarifying her stance with the shadow guards. Were they still her allies, or had they turned into adversaries?

With her heart still racing, Astra gathered her courage and inquired, "Will you continue to protect me, or has my status with the shadow guards changed?"

Elias regarded her with a searching gaze, his response pivotal in dispelling her uncertainties. "My friend Camilla requested a favor, and I obliged. Why would I deploy the shadow guards against you?"

Astra held his gaze, sensing the honesty in his eyes. A wave of relief washed over her, prompting her to take a tentative step forward. "What were you attempting to ascertain when you inhaled me?"

Elias stood firm before her, his presence imposing yet strangely enigmatic. "I aimed to discern what kind of person you are."