Return of the Legendary Runesmith

Adrian was sitting inside the Time Chamber, working on an artifact he had received from Forgelet.

Lately, he had noticed his skills in crafting were improving. Shaping the pieces, fitting the parts, trimming the extras—he could even carve a structure straight out of raw material now.

The artifact he was building this time was meant to create a soundless dome around him.

Of course, he would need the help of someone with wind affinity to properly tune it, but that could wait.

For the runes, he needed something heavy, flat, and with enough space to hold them. Still, it would be better if the artifact wasn't easily visible. If others noticed it, they might break it or move it, ruining the silence.

All he wanted was to study in peace without being disturbed. He needed to finish his research on the fifth thread and then move on to experimentation.

It wasn't because the system had set a deadline—it was because he wanted his memories back.

After his last battle with the Acolytes, he realized how important it was to grow stronger as quickly as possible.

Forgelet's weapons were powerful, yes, but he couldn't depend on them forever. If he wanted to counter them, he had to become complete.

'System, let me be clear. Once I finish the fifth thread, you're guiding me to the artifact that will return my memories.'

[Yes, host. But remember, you must tune all five threads within a certain time frame before you are directed to your lost memories.]

Adrian let out a long sigh and placed the artifact on his lap.

Tilting his head, he murmured, "I need to bring Ruby to my parents tomorrow."

It wasn't going to be easy. That's why he had already decided to ask for help from someone who could make things much easier.

….

"What are you doing?" Adrian asked as he stepped into Ariana's room, only to find her lying on her back, legs raised high, hands braced on her hips, most of her weight resting on her shoulders.

"Exercising," she replied without the slightest sign of strain.

Adrian sat down across from her. "I'm going tomorrow to meet Father. Ruby will be coming along."

"I know," Ariana said calmly. "I already picked out the dress she'll wear."

Adrian gave a small nod. He remembered—they had gone shopping together earlier, and afterward, Annabelle had taken Ruby to Grimvale for her clothes. Tomorrow, she and Ruby would reunite with him at the Lockwood residence.

"You're coming with me, right?" Adrian asked.

Ariana lowered her legs and shifted to sit facing him. A faint smirk tugged at her lips. "And what if I say no?"

Adrian rubbed the back of his neck, looking a little helpless. "Then…I'll try to convince you?" he said, hesitating. Asking Ariana, his fiancée, to help his to-be fiancée so she could convince his parents felt it was unfair on Ariana.

But Ariana didn't mind. Still, seeing how unusually soft he was being, she thought—why not enjoy a little free service while she had the chance?

Lying back on the bed, Ariana stretched her arms above her head and let out a soft sigh. "I'm feeling a little stiff after the workout. Give me a massage, and then maybe…I'll think about it."

Adrian raised a brow. "Really? That's all it takes?"

"You'll need to please me first if you want me to even consider it," she teased, her voice carrying a playful edge.

Adrian hummed under his breath, then pushed himself off the bed. He slipped out of his coat and carefully folded his sleeves up to his elbows.

Ariana's outfit—a simple tank top and shorts—left most of her skin bare. His gaze lingered on the smooth lines of her toned back, the subtle curve of her hips, the firmness of her figure. For a moment, he felt his focus slipping.

But no—he needed to stay composed.

"I happen to have a massage oil a friend(Raven) gave me," Adrian said, his voice lower, steadier than before. "Want me to try it on you?"

Ariana only hummed in a casual, almost careless way as Adrian reached into the Time Chamber and pulled out the small vial of oil.

He let a few drops fall onto her bare back. The warm liquid slid across her skin, and the moment it touched her, a soft moan escaped her lips.

"Hmm?" Adrian glanced at her in surprise.

"Feels hot… keep going," she murmured, her voice low and urging.

Adrian's hands pressed against her back. His palms moved in slow, deliberate circles, spreading the oil, kneading the stiffness from her muscles. The heat of her skin mixed with the warmth of the oil, and with each glide of his fingers, her soft breaths grew heavier.

Her tank top had ridden up slightly, exposing more of her back, and he couldn't help but notice the smooth curve beneath his touch.

His thumbs trailed her skin sidewise, gently loosening her muscles. He never showed roughness, just gentle massaging that made it even more difficult for Ariana to stay calm

She shifted faintly, as if inviting him to go deeper, her voice slipping out in a husky murmur, "Don't hold back… it feels good."

Adrian swallowed, focusing on the rhythm of his movements, though his eyes betrayed him, wandering over the delicate arch of her back, the faint rise of her hips. He pushed his thumb carefully along the edge of her spine, and Ariana let out another quiet sound, almost a purr.

His palms slowly slid, ever so slightly, under her shorts, reaching her hips and giving her a heavy press to relieve her lower back.

She moaned, her face red.

"Mm… you're better at this than I expected," she teased, her tone playful but laced with heat.

His hands slowed for a moment, the restraint in his touch fighting against the pull of temptation.

"Don't stop now," Ariana breathed, tilting her head to the side, her lips curving into a half-smile he couldn't see. "I might just start demanding this every day."

Adrian thought for a moment before saying, "The top is coming in the way…should I unzip it?"

Ariana looked over her shoulder before asking, "No funny business, right?"

Adrian shook his head, innocence plastered on his face, "Not at all. I am all about relieving my lover's muscles."

Ariana sweetly smiled before allowing him…but little did she know that she was going to receive more pain in a few minutes.

°°°°°°°

A/N:- next chapter would be NSFW. Is it happening often, or this much interval is fine? I just usually go with the flow. Let me know your thoughts.