Supreme Spouse System.

Shadows Behind the Morning Light

The plates rested bare before them, spread out on the sheets like the spoils of a victory already secured. There lingered in the air a faint aroma of toasted bread and roasted meat, mingled with the cool crispness of the air. Leon had enchanted a cleaning spell on them before, the type that removed crumbs, stains, and even the slightest hint of grease from the silk sheets. Despite that, the heat of their communal breakfast remained clung to the air.

The women sat in a loose circle around him on the massive bed, hair falling in different colors that caught the morning light, eyes soft and playful as they lingered on him. The bed looked nothing like a place meant for sleep anymore—it had become their dining hall, their gathering ground, their space of laughter and intimacy.

Rias rested back on one hand, her fiery hair running across her shoulder as she grinned at him. Aria, as dignified as ever, maintained her upright posture even in cross-legged position on the mattress, purple eyes radiating serene amusement. Nova rested her chin in her hand, her green eyes introspective, observing Leon as if she already stood ahead of his words. Cynthia, Syra, Kyra, Mia, Cassidy, Chloe, Lilyn, and the maids completed the circle the way petals complete a central flame. Their faces varied from gentle smiles to silent, wise looks.

Leon let out a breath through his nose, the hint of a smile playing on his lips as he settled back, palms against the sheets. The food had sunk contentedly into his belly, but it was not the food that made him feel full. It was they. Their laughter, the way they regarded him, the way morning felt alive in this secret universe they had sculpted together.

His golden gaze swept past them, lingering on Nova. And then, with a voice firm but with that underlying flicker of resolve, he spoke into the silence.

"I've rested enough," Leon said, his voice light, almost conversational. But the tone belied the words. "I want to go talk to Blacka and the rest. I need to see them."

The room changed instantly. Eyebrows shot up toward him, faces flashing with surprise—though no hint of rejection. The women recognized him too well. They knew that this wasn't an impulse; it was Leon being Leon, the man who never remained still when there was duty to be done.

Nova tilted her head slightly, green eyes narrowing for a heartbeat before softening again. A small, wry smile curved her lips. "Of course you do," she murmured, the hint of amusement in her tone betraying her understanding. "It's important."

"Important, yes," Rias teased, crimson eyes sharp as she leaned closer to him. "But do you even know where to go?"

Leon blinked at her, taken aback by the straightforward question. His mouth fell open, but nothing followed. The realization hit him hard, his eyebrows wincing as he understood it. He had been there only yesterday. He hadn't charted the streets of this city, hadn't followed the routes his people now traveled. His shoulders tightened for a second, and then he let out a sheepish laugh and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Well…" His eyes scanned the circle, a faint flush of embarrassment adding color to his smile. "You're right. I don't."

The laughter of the women cut through the tension, light and real. Nova shook her head, letting out a wry sigh, but her own smile was giving away fondness. "Sometimes I wonder what we'd do without you," she said, voice teasing but edged with warmth.

Leon stood up to her, playing along. "Survive, maybe. Thrive? Doubtful."

Syra laughed, hand over her mouth. Kyra snorted softly, but her green eyes betrayed her quiet amusement.

Nova rolled onto her knees, hair falling in front of her as she leaned forward. "Then let us go with you. If you don't know the way, your personal guard does."

Leon's face furrowed, his head shaking slightly. "If you all come, it will become a parade. That's not what I want."

"Then at least let me—"

Leon interrupted her softly, leaning forward himself. "No, Nova. You're not just another companion. You're… more than that." His voice gentled as his eyes searched hers. "If anything happened, I'd never forgive myself. This isn't about doubt. It's about what I can't risk."

The words struck her. Her breath hesitated for an instant, and she looked away, swallowing hard on an emotion she did not wish to share too baldly. But still, her lips smiled. "And yet," she breathed softly, "you can't even locate the street without me."

He chuckled mutedly, trapped by his own device. "Touché."

For an instant, the room fell silent—only their smiles speaking. Then Nova moved, standing up elegantly from the bed. Her movements were slow, calculated, as she walked across the room. Leon's gaze tracked her with muted interest, his head tilting that fraction as she walked towards the high window which had light curtains.

The sun seeped in through the morning, casting its brightness over her as she found it, pushing the fabric aside with her hand. The air moved, cooler, fresher, bringing the distant tang of salt and stone from beyond the city. Nova stood there, lit, her back to him.

And she whistled.

It wasn't a song, not really. It was high-pitched, precise, a call.

Leon's gold eyes opened in shock as the air changed beside her. Someone materialized—not walked, not moved, but materialized. The velocity of it was not human, a wave of displaced air filled by sheer mass. Leon's body braced naturally, the pressure stroking his skin like a whoosh from a traveling blade.

The figure who now stood next to Nova was a shadow lent shape. Black from head to heel, his face hidden by mask and cloth, his stance straight and stiff. His presence was controlled, tightly wound power wrapped in layers of quiet.

Leon's lips opened slightly, surprise breaking across his face. "Who—"

Nova faced him again, green eyes sparkling with a secret that she had held this long. She indicated the man lazily, her voice steady but imbued with authority. "This is Alpha. My personal bodyguard. My underling. The one I trust more than anyone else."

The man bowed his head, a single stiff movement. "At your command, my lady." His voice was deep and heavy and respectful—though it had a weight that caused Leon's skin to prickle.

The other women looked at one another, curiosity and a hint of awe crossing their faces. Leon, on the other hand, looked between Nova and the man, connecting the dots about what this meant.

Nova moved closer to Alpha, her hand sweeping the air in a silent summons. "Alpha, escort Lord Leon to the citizens of Islebr City. Ensure he is taken directly to them. No questioning, no delay."

"At once, my lady." Alpha's head nodded again, then shifted slightly toward Leon. His gaze was unseen, but Leon could sense the cutting intensity of his attention.