First Intergalactic Emperor: Starting With The Ancient Goddess

The two of them sat across from each other at the small dining table in the suite's private lounge. Plates of steaming food sat untouched at first, Angel still fussing with her hair, clearly trying to hide her flushed cheeks. Xavier leaned back in his chair, sipping casually on his glass of water, eyes fixed on her with that same amused look he always wore when she got flustered.

"You know," Xavier said, stabbing a piece of meat with his fork, "the more you try to act natural, the more obvious it is you're embarrassed. Might as well accept it that you're cute when you're rattled."

Angel gave him a sharp look. "Eat your food and shut up."

He smirked. "I'll take that as a yes."

She ignored him, focusing instead on her plate. Xavier let her stew for a while, enjoying his meal, before finally asking, "So, about the auction—what time exactly? And will I get a pass or something for entry? How does everything work? I have never been to the underworld, let alone an auction."

Angel glanced up. "Midnight. No pass or anything like that. The underworld will send a car straight to your apartment to pick you up."

"Not you then?" Xavier asked, raising an eyebrow.

Angel shook her head. "No. The auction house would have already sent you everything you need. A suit, a mask, and two extra sets of clothes—male and female sizes. You can bring two people with you."

Xavier leaned back again, chewing slowly as he thought. "Then I'll take Lyra and you. Simple."

Angel frowned. "No, I already have my own invitation. Jason made sure of that."

Xavier tilted his head, eyes narrowing with curiosity. "So I need to think of a third person to bring with me?"

They were just finishing their meal, plates nearly empty, Angel picking at the last bits with her fork while still avoiding Xavier's smug glances. He leaned back, wiping his mouth with a napkin, when the door clicked open and the club manager stepped in.

The man had that polished look again—hair slick, suit sharp, smile courteous but careful. He gave them both a short bow before speaking.

"Mr. Xavier," he said, his tone low and respectful. "Miss Angel. I trust your stay has been comfortable so far? No… inconveniences, I hope?"

Xavier glanced at Angel, then back at the manager with a faint grin tugging at his lips. "Not bad. The room's good, food's good. Though the entertainment downstairs got a little too rowdy."

The manager chuckled nervously, his eyes flickering toward Angel as if checking her reaction. "Yes… I deeply apologize again for that incident. I hope our arrangements were sufficient to make up for it."

Xavier leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "You gave me a suite. I'd say you did more than enough. But I'm curious…" He tapped the table once. "You sure you don't regret kicking those lizards out? They looked like the type to hold grudges."

The manager's smile didn't falter, but his eyes gave him away for a split second. "Some guests aren't worth keeping. Trust me, Mr. Xavier—we know when someone is trouble. If there is any issue in the future, the club will handle it. You need not worry."

Angel finally looked up at the man, her tone softer than usual. "Thank you. The night could've gone much worse if you hadn't stepped in."

The manager inclined his head. "It is my duty to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our most valued guests. If either of you should require anything further, please, you have only to ask."

Xavier smirked, waving him off. "We'll keep that in mind."

The manager bowed again and excused himself, leaving the two of them alone once more.

The door clicked shut behind the manager, leaving the suite in silence again except for the faint hum of the city through the tinted windows. Angel set her fork down and leaned back in her chair, her face still carrying that faint red glow from earlier, but calmer now.

Xavier tilted his glass, staring at the last sip before downing it, then exhaled through his nose with a smirk. "You know…" he said, breaking the quiet, "I'm actually surprised. Didn't expect the manager to be that easy going. Guy could've pinned everything on me if he wanted, made me pay for every broken tile, chair, and lizard jaw."

Angel let out a small laugh. "True. Most managers wouldn't even bother apologizing, let alone give you a free suite."

Xavier cocked an eyebrow at her. "Exactly. Makes me wonder why he didn't. I mean, the man's running a place where every drink is a paycheck, every step costs money. Someone like me wrecking the floor? That's a prime opportunity to squeeze me dry."

Angel propped her chin on her hand, studying him. "Maybe he knew better."

"Hmm?" Xavier raised a brow. "What do you mean?"

"Why don't you use your logic?"

"Alright. Enough of this hospitality," he said, flashing Angel a grin. "Time we get moving before that manager starts regretting being so generous."

Angel gave him a look but didn't argue. "Fine. Let's go before you start another fight just by breathing too loud."

Xavier stood, slipping his hands into his pockets, and strolled toward the door like he owned the place. Angel followed, still a little flushed but steady, her heels clicking softly on the polished floor.

The hallway outside was quiet, velvet carpet muffling their steps as they made their way toward the elevator. Inside, the air was cooler, tinted with that faint cologne-and-metal smell most luxury places carried.

"Car's still with valet," Angel said as the elevator doors slid open. "I'll drop you at your apartment before heading back."

Xavier stepped in beside her, leaning lazily against the wall. "Sounds good. You get some rest too. You'll need it for tonight."

Angel smirked faintly. "Rest? You really think I'll be able to sleep after everything that happened?"

Xavier tilted his head, eyes narrowing playfully. "Then don't sleep. You'll pass out eventually. Either way, you'll manage."

The doors slid open again, and the two walked out into the cool night air. The Galaxy Club's neon signage glowed above them, casting sharp colors across the pavement. Their car pulled up smoothly, valet stepping aside as Angel tossed him a nod.

She slid into the driver's seat, Xavier taking his usual spot beside her. The engine purred alive, and with a smooth rise, the car lifted into the air, city lights spreading beneath them like a sea of stars.

Xavier reclined in his seat, closing his eyes. "Let's go home."

Angel flicked him a sideways glance, her lips curving faintly, and pushed the throttle. The car cut through the evening sky toward his apartment.