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Later on, Regan woke up from thirst, her throat dry and sore. Her mother was sleeping beside her. Regan glanced around but there wasn't any water pitcher. She was terribly parched. Her mother was sleeping so peacefully that she didn't want to wake her. But she needed water.She decided to go and get water herself, but not make any sound. She looked down at herself, she wasn't wearing her leather jacket but she still had on the shirt she had worn beneath and the leather pants. She glanced at her mother again, took a deep breath and silently slipped out of the bed. She was grateful that her mother didn't try to change her into some nightgown or anything.She tiptoed to the door, peeking out to make sure it was clear. The hallway was quiet, no one in sight. The castle was eerily silent at this time of night. She crept down the hallway, feeling her way in the darkness. Her bare feet made no sound against the cold marble floor. She only wanted to drink some water, not stumble upon anyone else.She saw the downstairs and followed their track. She ended up in the first floor and from there, she remembered where the kitchen was. The darkness enveloped the area and she could barely see anything.Eventually, she ended up in the kitchen, grateful that there were no servants around. The torches were faint, but at least she could see. She approached the fridge and opened it, revealing the whole array of food and drinks.There were also sweets and she couldn't help but take some. She closed her eyes, savoring the taste of the sweets as she reached for a bottle of water. As she opened the bottle, she drank greedily. The cold liquid flowing down her throat felt like heaven.She took the bottle with her, not wanting to get thirsty again. Her steps were quick and dull as walked out of the kitchen and back into the hallway. She didn't see much, but she tried to be as quiet as possible, her heart pounding rapidly.But then, just then, she felt a strong pair of arms wrap around her waist, pulling her back against a familiar body. Her heart leapt into her throat as she tried to scream, but a hand was shoved roughly against her mouth, silencing her. She struggled, trying to break free from his grip, but it was no use."Shh, kitten. It's just me. It's just me," his voice whispered in her ear. His touch was gentle, soothing. It was as if he knew she was terrified. "Peeking around in the middle of the night? Looking for trouble?"She didn't really calm down, the least she wanted was to stumble upon him. Why couldn't she just do something without being watched? She tried to wriggle free, to no avail. She growled, a low, menacing sound."I was just getting some water," she managed to say, her voice muffled by his hand. "I was thirsty."He let out a soft chuckle, removing his hand, "You're supposed to sleep at this hour, Princess." His voice was low and dangerous. "But now, I'll take you and I'll show you something.""I'm tired," she retorted, struggling against him. "I just want to sleep."He chuckled again, his warm breath tickling her ear. "Well, I won't take you a lot of time." And with that, he grabbed her hand and began to lead her through the dark hallway. Her heart raced as she tried to keep up with his long strides. She had no idea where they were going, but she couldn't help and fall for her strong curiosity.He led her to the stairs and they climbed up, her breath coming out in short puffs. The castle seemed endless, and she couldn't help but wonder where they were going. The air grew colder as they ascended, and she could see her breath fog in front of her face. They finally stopped in front of a door, its surface carved with runes and symbols. He reached out, pressing a hidden lever, and the door swung open with a loud creak.She stepped inside, her heart racing even faster. The room or hall was large, and its roof wasn't really a roof, but a dome. It was made of glass and intricate, beautiful murals of constellations and stars. She looked down, the floor was wooden but there was a big circle with a pentagram in the center, and symbols surrounding it.The air was colder, and she could feel the magic in the air. She shivered, partly from the cold and partly from fear and excitement. And then, she saw something else, she saw a telescope, a large one, pointing outside through a hole in the roof. The telescope was connected to a table, covered with various books, scrolls and strange, ancient instruments."This is my observatory," he said, as if reading her mind. "This is where I come when I need to think, to see things from a different perspective." He walked over to the telescope, his movements graceful and sure. "Come, Regan. I'll show you something," he said as he took her hand again. She didn't protest, the curiosity in her eyes giving away her interest.He guided her to the telescope, helping her get comfortable on a stool. "Look," he said, his voice almost reverent. "Just point it in the direction you want and adjust the focus."Regan did as he said, but she really didn't have any idea how it worked. She pointed to a celestial object and tried to focus it. It took her a few tries, but she finally managed to see it clearly. The celestial object was a planet with rings. Its color was a mix of green and pink. As she zoomed in further, she could see details she had never seen before. She could see its surface, it was covered in oceans and mountains. It was breathtaking."Wow," she breathed, her heart racing with excitement. "It's incredible."He smiled, looking pleased. "It's the best telescope in the realms," he said with pride. "And I spend all my nights here, looking at the stars." He leaned in closer, his breath tickling her ear. "They're beautiful, aren't they? So many secrets, so many stories to tell."She nodded, still transfixed by the view. The stars seemed to dance in front of her eyes as she zoomed out. They were so bright, so beautiful. She could also see nebulas and galaxies, distant worlds she had only read about. It was awe-inspiring."They are," she whispered. "They truly are." She pulled back, her heart racing with anticipation. She had never used a telescope before and it was fascinating."I'm glad you like it," he said as he pulled her hand in his again. "Now I'll show you something else." He didn't wait for her to reply, and he snapped his fingers, teleporting them to another chamber, the grand library. Regan had been there once but that time, she didn't have time to explore. She wanted to escape.The bookshelves stretched as far as the eye could see, filled with leather-bound tomes and ancient scrolls. The space was illuminated by flickering torches, casting eerie shadows across the walls. A large fireplace crackled in the corner, warming the library."Do you like my library?" He winked. "Because I read a lot and I have thousands and millions of books here." He gestured to the bookshelves, his movements elegant and confident. "I've collected them from all over the realm and other realms as well. I've stolen but mostly I've bargained for them." He smiled mischievously."What else have you stolen?" She asked."Spells, secrets, knowledge and....you," he smirked.She scowled at him, but she couldn't help but feel impressed, "And you think you're the smartest sorcerer now?He shrugged, unperturbed. "Well, I am pretty smart," he admitted with a grin. "But you're smarter than me. You're my firefly after all. If my firefly isn't smarter than me, what's the point?" He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You know, there are also romance books here, you like them, don't you?" He teased, his eyes twinkling mischievously.She rolled her eyes, "Ew, no. I've never been into that kind of stuff." She looked around the library, genuinely interested. "But I like action stories. Do you have any of those?"He laughed, the sound echoing through the library. "Action stories, huh? We don't want you to get too thrilled now, do we? I'm sure you like romance stories more." He winked, but there was a challenge in his eyes.She glared at him, but she couldn't help but feel a bit flattered. "Fine. Maybe just a little bit. But you seem the one who's lovesick," she grinned, unable to contain her amusement."You think I'm lovesick?" He asked, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Why do you think so?"She shrugged. "You just are.... you flirt in everything you say."He laughed again, shaking his head, "Oh, am I a flirt now? But everyone else says I'm a cold, blank, stoic sorcerer. You're the only one who sees through me." His eyes sparkled with mischief, and he took a step closer. "Maybe you're right. Maybe I am lovesick...and maybe I do flirt. But that's only with you. Well, to be honest, I'm a charismatic man now, aren't I? And I won't lie, I've deceived many using my lies.""Of course you have," Regan retorted, trying to keep her voice steady. "You've probably charmed everyone with this silver tongue of yours. But that doesn't mean I'm in that group." She paused, feeling the heat creep up her neck. "I don't really care about your charms.""I didn't say that," he said, stepping even closer. "But you always were intrigued by me, weren't you? I'm mysterious, after all." His voice was low and hypnotic, his eyes boring into hers. "But don't worry," he added with a wink, "I won't force you to admit. You can deny it all you want."Regan cursed under her breath, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks even more. "You're so annoying. Now, do you have any action stories?" she demanded, determined to change the subject. "I've seen enough of your charisma."He smiled, stepping back a bit. "Of course, of course. Let's find you some action stories. We have plenty here." He gestured to a section of the library, the titles ranging from crime themes, daring rescues to political intrigue and espionage. "See, I knew you'd like it.""Well, now I'm tired. I want to sleep," Regan yawned, feeling sleepy. She walked over to the section and browsed through the titles, not really finding anything. Their language wasn't familiar to her. He noticed and then picked some himself and gave them to her."You have a bad taste," Regan sneered, trying to annoy him. The books cover wasn't bad but she just wanted to annoy him."Well, you might like them," he replied, his tone innocent. She expected him to use his obvious dark humor. But he didn't. His eyes were sincere, and his voice was gentle. "They're not as bad as you think. I've read them. And they're cool. I know reading is subjective but you like so many things I like as well, so maybe you'll enjoy them."She looked up at him, her eyebrows furrowing, "And what do I like that you do like as well?"He chuckled. "Well, you like to annoy people, you're stubborn, you're sometimes cold and sometimes hot...you're curious, you're adventurous, and you're not afraid to speak your mind. You have a sharp tongue like me, so you understand sarcasm. And you always get my dark humor, which most don't. You're intelligent and you're extraordinary. You're beautiful, both inside and out and you have a pure, gold heart." He finished, his expression strangely solemn as if he became deadly serious."Well?" Regan said, not really sure how to react to his speech. He had called her so many things and she wondered how he could admire her that much. Even if he could be lying, would he swallow his own pride to compliment her? And if he wasn't lying, she had always been too harsh, too insulting to him, she had called him the worst names she could think of, so why would he say all those nice things about her? And then as she thought about it, why would he do that all along their animosity?He chuckled again. "Well, what?"She yawned again, "Well, I'll have the books. They'll probably be as bad as you are," she said but her tone wasn't mean. It was light and almost teasing."Perfect," Sirius said, before grabbing her arm and pulling her into a long-lasting embrace. Then, his lips met hers into an overwhelmingly lovely kiss that made her heart flutter. He kissed her for so long that it seemed like an eternity. When he finally released her, she was breathless and dizzy. Her mind spun and her heart raced, and she couldn't help but feel a warmth spreading through her chest."There," he said, smirking down at her, "that's what you get for calling me lovesick." He kissed her forehead then and stepped back, watching her carefully. She looked flustered and confused, her cheeks still flushed from the kiss. He couldn't help but smile at the sight."Now, go and sleep, Princess.""You're such a bastard," she sneered.He chuckled. "I know. But I'm your bastard, love." And with that, he snapped his fingers, teleporting her to where the hallway connected to her bedchamber. He was nowhere in sight and she was a bit grateful. His presence was so overwhelming, even when she thought she was immune to it."Oh, God," she muttered to herself, pushing open the door to her bedchamber. "That guy..." She sighed heavily."Stupid, stupid, stupid. I'm stupid," she muttered to herself. She tried to not make sound, since her mother was sleeping. And then, she reminded herself of the bottle she had gotten from the kitchen; she forgot it inside the library.She sighed and opened the wardrobe, trying to change into something more comfortable, since the pants were tight and uncomfortable. She rummaged through the clothes and it seemed as if there was some wardrobe update. Because there weren't only revealing nightgowns but also a couple of long, comfortable pajama sets.She took one with a floral pattern and slipped it on, feeling much more comfortable. Then, she climbed into bed, pulling the covers up to her chin. Her mother was still asleep and she was grateful for that. She knew she had disappointed her mother for what she had done but....to be honest, Regan had expected a more furious approach.She fell asleep, her mind still reeling from the events of the day. She couldn't believe she had fallen for her enemy, when all she had done was hate him, loathe him with all her heart. She wondered how he really felt. She wondered if he really meant what he had said. But since their fight and now, he was too obvious, too sincere. She knew he was manipulative and could easily fake it. But there had always been something different from manipulation in the way he looked at her, the way he kissed her, the way he made her feel.The next morning, she woke up, her mother was watching outside the window. The chamber was bathed in sunlight, and the birds were singing merrily."Good morning, sweetie," Octavia said, smiling warmly as Regan stirred in her bed. "Slept well?""Yeah, mom, I did," Regan said, sitting up and stretching. She felt a pang of guilt as she remembered the previous day's events. She worried if her mother was mad at her but not showing it. She knew she had disappointed her."Regan, don't worry about what happened yesterday," Octavia said, her voice gentle. "I'm not holding some grudge against you. I see that you have feelings for him, and I'm not going to oppress that. Just... be careful, okay? I know you don't trust him either, and I don't want you to get hurt. You have a big heart, my girl, and I want you to protect it."Tears welled up in Regan's eyes as she listened to her mother's words. She didn't know what to say, so she just nodded, feeling a lump forming in her throat. She knew her mother was right, and she didn't want to get hurt either. But there had happened so much between them in such a long time, she couldn't help but feel confused about everything."I'll be careful, mom. I promise," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for understanding."Octavia smiled at her daughter, reaching out to brush a strand of hair behind her ear. "I understand, sweetie. You know that I will always be here for you, no matter what. I love you more than anything in this world, and I want you to be happy.""I love you too, more than anything, mom," Regan said, her voice still shaky but steady.Breakfast was served in their chamber, and they loved to have it together. Regan was more than grateful that she had found her mother again, that they had been reunited. Her life without her had been so empty, so meaningless. But now, with her mother back, she felt complete."So, what are your plans for today, sweetie?" Octavia asked as they ate their breakfast."Well, I was thinking of going to the library to study," Regan replied, taking a bite of her toast. "There are a couple of books I've been meaning to read.""That sounds lovely, dear," Octavia said, sipping her tea. "Why don't you go ahead and do that? And if you're ever feeling lonely or need some company, just give me a shout, okay?""Okay, mom," Regan smiled. "Thanks." She finished her breakfast and got up, going to read.