Lucem Devorare
Chapter 1: Roses on the Balcony
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Warnings: Suggestive ending
Note: This is part one of the Priestess version, and holy shit, sorry for the wait. I had a truckload of work from college and had no time to work on this. Anyways, shout out to the greatest of all time, Diego Luna, for Nulla's song this chapter, "I Love You Too Much". I'll post the Cleric (GN) and Priest (M) versions soon!
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The world is so beautiful. From the grand lushness of the forests to even the most beastly creatures, you've seen past their flaws and embraced their beauty in all of its wholeness. You could sit outside for hours reading the latest scriptures, nestled comfortably under the cool shade of the apple tree in your courtyard. As you bask in the sun’s warm glow, a soft breeze playfully dances around you, leaving you refreshed from the summer sun. You close your eyes as the sweet aroma of apple blossoms wafts through the air, teasing the promise of delicious fruits to come in many moons. All in all, it was a beautiful Wednesday morning. Previously, you and your mother were wrapping up your daily prayers and offerings for her holiness, Tria, to seek her divine blessings for a bountiful upcoming crop planting, for the local villages had seen time and time again how the prayers offered with sincere hearts were hardly ever left unanswered by the symbols; they instilled hope and deepened the people’s devotion to them.
Your beloved handmaiden and best friend, Marionetta, sticks close to you, as if connected to you by the hip, her rose-like red eyes shining with excitement as she shares the latest gossip that has spread through the town. Her animated voice carries a melodic rhythm, bringing a faint smile to your composed face. It's fascinating how she blossoms around you-she's always been chatty and full of life when you're together, while in the company of others, she tends to retreat to a state of observance. This bond you share, so intimate since childhood, adds warmth to your morning. You're not supposed to be interested in gossip, but you love listening to Marionetta dramatize it for you. She's always been so peculiar; you would think that after over a decade together, she would have learned that she doesn't need to make everything entertaining for you. With wide eyes and an enthusiastic tone, she continues, "-and it turns out… they faked their own deaths! Can you believe it? They found the lovers in disguise at the border; the only reason they got caught was that they stayed at an inn. How outrageous is that?" You find yourself hanging on her every word, the drama of it all making it hard to resist.
“Oh? And then what happened?”
Marionetta tilted her head theatrically, covering her eyes with her pale arm as she recounted the tragic end of their love, "The star-crossed lovers were torn from each other, and the young lady was forced back into the arranged marriage with that nobleman. It is truly a tragedy deeper than Romeo & Juliet; at least their end united them in death."
You shook your head sadly, a wave of melancholy washing over you. Your hands intertwined in a silent prayer to her holiness, Sextam, as you continued walking with Marionetta. You implored her to grant the lovers their happy ending. It is always a tragedy when two hearts, so deeply in love, are torn apart by the cruel, indifferent hands of fate. With a hopeful sigh, you could only whisper your wish for Lady Sextam to give their love a chance in another life, where perhaps they could experience the happiness denied to them in this one. Hope is often the only thing left to rely on in these situations.
Ironically, this very hope can sometimes leave you feeling even more hopeless than before, yet you find comfort in the lessons your mother has given to you throughout your life. She always emphasized the importance of the Holy Symbols, teaching you that they carry deeper messages that can guide your path. "Everything happens for a reason," she would often remind you, encouraging you to look beyond the surface and seek understanding in every situation. Each moment, each challenge, is imbued with growth. And even in your darkest times, her wisdom echoes in your mind, urging you to stay composed and to trust Lord Septem's plan.
You felt a gentle tug at the hem of your sleeves, a subtle reminder that pulled you away from the whirlpool of your thoughts. Turning your gaze upward, you found Marionetta looking up at you with concern etched on her features. Her brows furrowed slightly, and you could see her fingers fidgeting anxiously by her skirt. There was a look of fear in her eyes that highlighted the worry on her face, an emotion that beckoned for your attention.
"No? I just felt it was tragic that they couldn't be together. Why would you ask?" You can't shake the sensation that the air around you has thickened. It feels unusually warm, almost as if the sun has intensified its rays, glaring down at the two of you.
You shift uncomfortably, adjusting your collar to relieve the pressure on your neck. As you do, you mumble something about the indecisiveness of spring temperatures. The unnatural warmth of the moment lingers, intertwining with the tension that now seems to envelop you both. The oppressive heat had become nearly unbearable, the sun beating down with an intensity that felt almost angry. Your veil was your only saving grace in this sudden heatwave; it could only offer a small shield against the sun's scorching rays, allowing you to escape the worst of its kiss.
You are suddenly enveloped by the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee beans and the earthy scent of tobacco, complemented by the sweetness of chocolate candies and ripe cherries. The soft rustle of fabric fills your ears, creating an intimate closeness as you're engulfed in a pitch-black cloak. Instantly, you feel a wave of relief wash over you as the cool metal of armor, paired with the shade provided by the cape, soothes your heated skin and provides sanctuary from the overbearing heat that had surrounded you moments before. You nuzzle your face closer to the owner of the armor, the familiar scent bringing a blush to the tips of your ears at who has joined you and Marionetta.
"Oh? ¿Le está molestando, a mi amor, el sol molesto? What kind of guard would I be to not protect you from it?" The deep, melodic voice of your beloved knight envelops you like a warm embrace. You feel a flutter of shyness as you recognize the familiar tone of the one who has been your unwavering protector. Once again, he has come to your rescue. His presence immediately brings you a surge of comfort–your Nulla, the captor of your heart.
"Nulla, you continue to surprise me! How you move so quietly without your armor announcing your arrival first continues to remain a mystery to me." You announced, your voice muffled significantly by his cape.
He chuckled lightly; his amusement at your muffled endeavor was obvious. His voice… gods, you could listen to it for the rest of your life. He had a rich, smoky voice, his every word layered with honey and all things sweet. He is the beautiful Palo de Brujos, and you were the willing butterfly drinking its sickly sweet nectar. Yet, you would never wish to find yourself in any other place. There is some sort of captivating spell in the way he gently serenades you, his voice a soothing elixir that affects your heart and all rational thought. The intensity of his jealous glares can be piercing, carrying a weight that stirs both a deep worry and an invigorating thrill within you. Every root of this love, from his thorned possessiveness to the gentle kisses on your skin, is a tapestry you’d never want to stop weaving from.
Despite the impenetrable, icy surface of his pitch-black armor, forged from a steel as complex and overwhelming as the darkness of night, there lies a man who was anything but cold. He exuded a warmth unlike any other past suitor after your hand; it was as if his eyes bewitched you the moment you stared deep into them. Hell, you were so caught up in thinking about him, you didn’t even realize he was moving along with you; his calloused hand protectively guiding you forward by the waist. What really snapped you out of your daydreaming were poor Marionetta’s scurried footsteps, her soft pants for air becoming heavier as she tried to match Nulla’s pace. You couldn’t see it, but you could feel the glare she pointed at Nulla.
They were usually at odds with one another, competing over the silliest things in your opinion. Just the other day, when you tore a small hole in your veil, they fought fiercely about what would make you happier. Nulla insisted that a new one be purchased, as reusing tainted fabric was an “insult to your noble image.” But Marionetta argued that it had sentimental value to you, and that wasting sacred resources provided by the symbols was an insult to your values. Thankfully, there was common ground when you voiced your distress about the matter; Nulla bought intricate lace for Marionetta to sew onto the garment, making it not only look prettier but also cover up the tear. They may have their differences, but it was like they became one mind when it came to you.
Marionetta called him out on his intention to leave her behind to suffer in the heat. He coyly refuted that he was your personal guard and not hers, that if she soooo badly wanted under his cape, she’d have to beg. You giggled to yourself softly, gently pulling Marionetta to your side. You gave Nulla a mischievous look, shielding yourself and now Marionetta from the sudden heatwave. He pouted at you and asked if he’d get any protection, but you made a sarcastic remark similar to his about how you weren’t his bodyguard. Laughter and friendly arguments trailed after you all, all the way until you reached your family’s manor.
The heavy oak doors of the grand manor parted with a soft, reverent groan as you, Nulla, and Marionetta crossed the threshold into the cool, marble-paved foyer. Instantly, the stifling oppressive heat of the outside world melted away, replaced by the calming scents of crushed lavender, polished mahogany, and the crisp, clean air maintained by the mansion’s enchanted hearths. A line of neatly dressed attendants bowed in unison as you passed, their faces breaking into warm, respectful smiles. Unlike the cold, rigid courts of distant kingdoms, this estate was alive with authentic affection. Here, under the care of your family, every butler, gardener, and maid was treated with dignity, and in return, they held you and your kin in high esteem.
"Ah, you’ve returned quite early, my dear," a deep, rich voice called out from the grand sweeping staircase.
You glanced up as your father made his way down the stairs. His long, silver-and-gold-threaded robes of the High Priesthood glided against the marble steps of the grand staircase. Yet, his presence held none of the daunting fear one might associate with a man who directly communicated with Lord Septem himself. While the effect of trauma from blood before him left darkness in the gentle creases around his eyes, seeing you has always brought an immediate joy to his face.
"Father!" You emerged from beneath Nulla’s shadow, a noticeable spring in your step as you offered a gentle curtsy in greeting. However, your father immediately bridged the distance to pull you into a tender embrace. Your father carried with him the warm, grounding aromas of freshly turned soil mixed with subtle hints of earthy incense that lingered around him like a gentle embrace.
It was a scent so distinctive and soothing that, even if a bustling crowd surrounded you, you could identify him instantly with your eyes closed. The rich, loamy essence evoked memories of sunlit afternoons spent in the garden. At the same time, the incense added a layer of tranquility, wrapping you in a sense of familiarity and comfort that felt like home… Like all the
times when you were younger, first learning how to worship the symbols, he was there holding your hands with a warm smile as he softly guided you on how to do it.
"My little light," he murmured into your hair, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead before pulling back to inspect you. "Your face is flushed. Did the heat overtake you on your walk back from the family shrine?"
"It was a sudden heat spell from his holiness Unum, Lord Priest," Marionetta chimed in, dusting off her apron with an exaggerated sigh. "Though someone decided to turn our walk into a childish game of chase." She shot a pointed glare at Nulla, who merely offered a smooth, picture-perfect tilt of his head, his dark eyes brimming with silent mockery.
"I simply ensured my Lady returned to safety without her delicate skin being scorched," Nulla replied smoothly, his tone dripping with formal deference. He placed a heavy, armored gauntlet lightly over his chest, bowing low to your father. "I live only to serve her comfort, High Priest."
Your father gave Nulla an amused, knowing look. He was no fool; he saw the black knight's fierce, almost obsessive devotion toward you, but he also recognized the unwavering loyalty and love that man possessed for your entire household.
"And we are ever grateful for your vigilance, Sir Nulla. Though do try not to leave poor Marionetta in the dust next time."
"I shall take it under consideration, my Lord," Nulla considered, though the sly curl at the corner of his lips suggested otherwise; he would, in fact, do it again.
"Come now, it’s much cooler in the parlor than the stairway children," a serene voice echoed from the adjoining corridor.
Your mother stepped into view, holding a silver tray laden with the refreshing scent of freshly brewed peppermint tea. Draped in elegant flowing robes of soft ivory, she radiated an unshakeable authority. Your mother’s gaze was cool and deeply perceptive, sweeping over the room. Nothing could ever escape her eyes. Her gaze softened into an affectionate smile as she set the tray on a rosewood table. "I felt the shift in Unum’s mood some time ago. I knew you would be returning from your walk early."
"Mother, you shouldn't be carrying trays yourself; you just recovered from a fall," you protested gently, rushing to her side to take the pitcher. "The servants–"
"My dear, I may not be as energetic as I used to be, but the servants have more than enough work to prepare for this evening's feast," she interrupted softly, reaching out to stroke your cheek with a hand that was both firm and loving.
"Besides, a mother enjoys tending to her children. Sit, my dear; that includes you both too."
As you sat upon the plush velvet chaise of the parlor, the loud bang of the front doors rang across the halls. Your younger brother strode into the room, tossing his polished officer's gloves onto a side table. At just nineteen, he was already a high-ranking general in her holiness Duae’s military, his uniform crisp and adorned with medals of valor. Yet, despite his formidable
reputation on the battlefield, the moment he stepped into the family parlor, he was simply your boisterous and arrogant little brother.
"If it isn't the family's future Priestess," He teased, flopping down heavily on the sofa beside you and unceremoniously slumping his arm over your shoulders. "Did you pray for my regiment's training today? Because training recruits in this infernal heat feels like a divine punishment for sleeping in."
"Mind your posture, my boy. You’re a general now, not a child," your father scolded lightly, though a fond smile tugged at his lips as he poured himself a cup of tea. "And do not speak lightly of divine trials."
"I pray for you and our family every morning, you know that," You snarkily remarked, rolling your eyes with a smirk as he playfully ruffled your veil. His arrogant smirk softened into a genuine, warm expression. He squeezed your shoulder affectionately. "I know you do; it's the only reason I haven't fallen off my horse in front of my soldiers yet."
He then turned his sharp gaze toward Nulla, who stood like an imposing shadow near the doorway, his hand resting casually on the pommel of his dark sword. "Though I see you had your shadow with you as always. You keeping her safe, knight?"
"With my very life, General," Nulla answered calmly, his voice a low, velvety baritone.
"Though I would appreciate it if you refrained from crushing her shoulders. She is delicate."
Your brother chuckled, a spark of playful defiance in his eyes. "She's my older sister, Nulla. A bit of roughhousing will help toughen her up, you should've seen what she used to be like when we were kids."
Before Nulla could offer a retort, the front doors once again rattled as your younger sister burst into the hallway like a whirlwind of silk and endless energy. Laughing breathlessly, she twirled into the parlor, her cheeks flushed red from the heat and her once neat hair, which your mother worked very hard to style, slightly undone.
"Mother! Father! You won't believe the scandal at the grand plaza this morning!" She gasped, fanning herself with a lace fan. She was sixteen, wildly social, and perpetually on the verge of driving your parents to an early grave from stress with her adventurous spirit.
"Duke Vertegri’s son attempted to serenade Lady Clara of the Sol family, but he accidentally sang to her married sister instead!"
Your father pinched the bridge of his nose to hide his expression, letting out a heavy sigh that was entirely undermined by the amused twitch of his smile. "Don’t tell me… you snuck out again to the lower plaza without your guard escorts?"
"Oh, Father, don't be so uptight!" She giggled, darting over to give your father a quick kiss on the cheek before snatching a strawberry from your mother's fruit bowl. "I had two guards with me! They were just… far behind. Besides, I had to see the latest market dresses!"
"Child, you will be the death of my peace; your sister is the only one I feel completely confident knowing is safe," your father murmured, reaching out to smooth a stray lock of hair behind her ear, his eyes brimming with fatherly love despite his scolding and worries.
Your mother smiled, shaking her head as she leaned toward your father, resting her hand over his. "She inherits her wild spirit from you, my love. You have no one to blame but you!"
"Unfair," your father countered playfully, covering her hand with his own. "I have always been a model of priestly decorum."
"Oh? Is that really the case? Are you saying that when you attempted to scale the temple wall of Quattor just to pick me some white lilies during our courtship was merely a figment of my imagination?" your mother replied coyly, her eyes shining with warm memories of their past.
Your father flushed slightly, coughing into his hand while your brother burst into laughter and your sister snorted in amusement. As you watched them, a deep warmth spread through your chest. In a world filled with rigid politics and endless rules, your home stood as a true hearth of love, lovingly crafted by your parents. They built it to be a sanctuary of joy for their children—a joy they themselves were denied in their own youth. A short while later, as the family dispersed to address their afternoon duties, a soft rumble from your stomach reminded you that you had missed breakfast during the early morning prayer rites. Slipping away from an arguing Marionetta and Nulla, you quickly made haste to the east wing of your family’s manor.
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Deciding not to bother the busy kitchen staff, you slipped away down the wide corridors toward the mansion's private inner sanctuary: the grand kitchen. Built with precious marble and stocked with the finest ingredients from across the realm, it was a masterpiece of culinary luxury. As you pushed open the heavy wooden doors, the rich aroma of roasted garlic, melting butter, and sweet glazes filled the air. Standing at the central marble workstation was Fames, your personal chef. Clad in an immaculate white tunic, his sharp eyes were laser-focused as he delicately placed a gold leaf onto a pastry.
"Fames?" you called out softly, a warm smile on your lips.
Fames visibly flinched, almost dropping his silver tweezers. He whirled around, his cheeks immediately dusting with a faint, sudden lilac.
"M-My Lady!" he stuttered, quickly clearing his throat and straightening his posture in an attempt to regain his cool, collected composure. He crossed his arms, huffing softly. "What are you doing down here? You know you only have to send a page, and I will bring your food to you. You shouldn't be wandering into the kitchens like a commoner."
You offered him a sweet, apologetic smile as you stepped closer to the counter. "I know, but I wanted to see you. And… I forgot to eat this morning."
Fames’ eyes widened, his harsh facade immediately cracking into genuine concern. "You haven't eaten? It is past noon!" He shook his head in dramatic exasperation, turning around to pull a pre-warmed porcelain plate from a side oven.
"Honestly, what am I going to do with you? You pray and pray until you forget basic human needs."
Despite his gruff tone, the plate he masterfully prepared for you was more than a culinary masterpiece: a light, flaky tart filled with sweet cream, topped with candied cherries and fresh berries, alongside a small crystal cup of chilled peach nectar.
"I… made these earlier," Fames muttered, looking away and scratching the back of his neck, his ears burning lilac. "I was going to send them up anyway. It's nothing special. Just… make sure you eat every bite."
"Oh, it looks wonderful, Fames. You always take such good care of me!" you cheered delightfully, taking a delicate bite. The flavors exploded on your tongue, perfect and soothing. "Mmm, it's amazing. You really are the best chef in the entire world!"
Fames’ chest puffed up slightly, a soft, helpless smile threatening to break through his serious expression. His heart hammered against his ribs. He adored you; he had for years. Your kindness, along with the joyful smile you wore while savoring his food, showed how you valued him not merely as a servant but as a dear friend. Yet… he kept his true feelings hidden behind a facade of grumpiness and an array of exquisite pastries just for you. He had to. He knew his place. And more importantly, he knew what lived in the shadows around you.
Just as if he summoned the Devil himself, the ambient temperature in the kitchen seemed to drop by ten degrees. Fames froze. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. From the darkened doorway behind you, Nulla stepped into the lightless edge of the room. His bottomless black eyes were fixed entirely on Fames, slanted in a predatory glare. Nulla made no sound, but the subtle, slow movement of his hand drifting toward the hilt of his sword sent an unmistakable, terrifying message to the chef: Look at her like that again, and you will cease to exist. Fames swallowed hard, a drop of cold sweat trickling down his neck. He quickly took a step back from the counter, putting distance between himself and you.
"Is… is everything to your liking, my Lady?" Fames asked, his voice shaking just a fraction despite his best efforts to sound bored.
"It's perfect, Fames, thank you," you said brightly, completely oblivious to what’s happening right behind you.
"I shall leave you to enjoy it then," Fames said rapidly, bowing low and practically darting into the pantry to escape the knight's suffocating glare.
You blinked, confused by his sudden exit. "Oh… He seemed in a hurry."
"Good servants are always busy, mi vida," Nulla’s smooth, intoxicating voice purred right behind you.
You gasped softly as his tall, imposing form glided around the counter. Before you could react, Nulla leaned down, his face stopping mere inches from yours. The powerful aromas of his scent enveloped you once more, entirely sweeping away the lingering smells of Fames’ cooking.
"Nulla!" you blushed, your heart fluttering wildly against your ribs. "You seriously need to stop sneaking up on me like that!"
"I can’t help it, cielo; I only go where my heart draws me," he murmured, his deep voice carrying a dark, melodic cadence that always made your knees feel weak. He reached out, his gloved thumb gently brushing a speck of pastry cream from the corner of your lip. His gaze darkened, his thumb lingering against your skin just a second too long, his thumb tracing the soft curve of your cheek with possessive devotion.
"You are too gentle, corazón. You smile so sweetly at everyone… even the cook."
"Fames is my friend, Nulla," you reasoned gently, though your cheeks burned under the intensity of his gaze. "He works very hard for our family."
"He works to serve you," Nulla corrected softly, stepping closer until his armored chest was pressing gently against your frame. He leaned in, his lips brushing the shell of your ear, sending a shiver straight down your spine. "Every eye in this realm looks upon you with greed, mi amor. They do not see the sacred vessel you are… but I do. I see every light within you. Y quemaré todo lo que intente arrebatarme tu calidez."
The chilling, thrill-inducing weight of his devotion hung heavy in the air. It was frightening, yes, but in a way that made your soul ache with an intoxicating spell. You knew he was dangerous to the world, a monster of dark iron and lethal skill, yet around you, he was a man who would destroy heaven itself just to keep you safe.
"Nulla…" you whispered, turning your head to look into his dark eyes. "Do you promise to always be by my side?"
A terrifyingly beautiful and genuine smile broke across Nulla's dark face. He dropped to one knee before you, taking your delicate hand in his heavy gauntlet, pressing his lips reverently against the back of your knuckles.
"Until the symbols fall, until the stars bleed out, and until my final breath escapes my lungs… I am yours, my Lady. Forever."
Before the romantic tension could consume you two entirely, the kitchen doors clicked open.
"Oh, please," Marionetta's voice comically cut through the atmosphere. She stepped into the kitchen, holding a fresh basket of laundered linens, her rose-red eyes narrowed in annoyance at the kneeling knight.
"Do you ever take a break from dramatic poetry, Sir Nulla? The High Priestess requires her daughter in the courtyard for the afternoon readings."
Nulla didn't rise immediately. Instead, he shot Marionetta a glance so cold it could have frozen fire, but Marionetta merely rolled her eyes, unfazed. She saw right through his dark nature—and as someone who harbored her own deep, desperate love for you, she wasn't about to yield an inch of your attention to him without a fight.
"My Lady," Marionetta said, gliding over to your side after setting down the laundry and gently taking your free hand, pulling you softly away from Nulla's grasp. "Your mother is waiting. And I have prepared the embroidered cushions under the willow tree just as you like."
Nulla rose slowly, towering over the handmaiden, his dark cloak billowing behind him. "I shall accompany her as well then."
"I recall my Lady asking for absolute peace during her scripture readings, not the clanking of your annoying armor," Marionetta countered snarkily, giving you a sweet, devoted smile. "Isn't that right, my Lady?"
You looked between the two of them, letting out a soft, melodic laugh, breaking the thick tension between them. Reaching out, you took Marionetta's hand with your left, and gently held Nulla's arm with your right.
"You may both come with me, I suppose," you decided, walking between them toward the now cloudy courtyard. "After all, reading scriptures is far more delightful when I have you two to keep me company. And it allows you some time out of that stuffy armor, Nulla! I have no idea how you can stand to be in this heat wearing that."
Nulla offered a low, triumphant hum, while Marionetta squeezed your hand tenderly, fawning over you. And as you walked back out into the bright, blooming courtyard—where the warmth of your family echoed from the manor walls and the promise of a peaceful life lingered in the sweet air of apple blossoms and bloomed flowers—you knew that no matter what cruel twists fate might weave, you were undoubtedly loved.
.
.
.
.
.
ᴰⁱᵈ ʸᵒᵘ ᵗʰⁱⁿᵏ ᵗʰⁱˢ ʷᵃˢ ᵗʰᵉ ᵉⁿᵈ? ᴶᵉʲᵉʲᵉʲᵉ, ʰᵉʳᵉ’ˢ ᵃ ˢᵖᵉᶜⁱᵃˡ ˢᶜᵉⁿᵉ ʲᵘˢᵗ ᶠᵒʳ ʸᵒᵘ, ᵐⁱ ᵛⁱᵈᵃ ♡
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It was well past dusk when you finally retreated to your private chamber, your private sanctuary away from the day’s demands. The heavy ceremonial robes that had enveloped you throughout
the day had been shed, replaced by a soft, flowing garment that offered you ease and comfort. Marionetta had gone away to her own quarters some time ago, the whole house asleep by now. After completing your meticulous nightly ritual, a routine you had come to cherish, the atmosphere was blissfully serene.
Then, right on the dot as it was every night, a delicate sound broke the stillness, drawing your gaze toward the balcony doors. You turned your head just in time to catch the fleeting memory of a soft clink, as if a tiny pebble had just struck the glass surface with a gentle reverberation. The noise piqued your curiosity and sent a flutter of intrigue through you, compelling you to investigate the source of this mysterious disturbance in the quiet of the night.
A gentle blush crept across your cheeks, warming your skin as you softly padded over to the grand doors that stood slightly ajar. The cool night breeze caressed your face, playfully tugging at your hair and sending wisps dancing around your shoulders. As you approached, your heart fluttered at the sight before you: there, nestled snugly against the polished wood, was a delicate piece of paper, held in place by a striking red rose, its petals unfurled and glistening in the moonlight. The poem, elegantly inked in flowing script, was a heartfelt expression crafted by the man who cherished you more than life itself—a sight that, despite its familiarity, never failed to stir a whirlwind of emotions within you. It was as though this moment, filled with love and longing, had been etched into your memory, creating a tender routine that you cherished deeply.
The silver glow of the moon spilled across the obsidian balustrade, bathing the quiet courtyard in a blanket of pale shadow. The night air hung heavy with the sweet, drowsy fragrance of blooming
jasmine and night-blooming cereus. Standing on the wood balcony, you gazed down into the stillness of the gardens below. The burdens of the day—the heavy responsibilities, the suffocating expectations, the quiet sorrows—seemed to fade away under the vast expanse of stars of Lady Duae and Lady Quattor's perfect matrimony. Yet despite the night’s embrace, your heart felt heavy, filled with a deep, unspoken longing that kept sleep at bay. Suddenly, the soft sound of shifting armor and the gentle rustle of leaves broke the silence below. Emerging from the shadowy bushes of your garden was Nulla, your Nulla.
He wore no helmet and no armor to shield his skin; the moonlight highlighted the sharp, tender contours of his jaw and illuminated the fierce love in his eyes. His polite mask gave way to a raw, unfiltered devotion that made your heart race. In his weathered and scarred hands, he cradled a guitar, its polished mahogany glimmering like spun amber.
He looked up, finding you instantly, as if drawn to your presence by an unyielding pull. With tender fingers, he began to play, coaxing forth a melody that was soft and sweet, blending
seamlessly with the sighing evening breeze. The song started quietly, imbued with a delicate, trembling yearning—a melody born from countless hours spent keeping watch outside your door,
guarding your sleep while longing to be a part of your world.
As his voice rose to meet you, rich and resonant with emotion, it carried the weight of every unuttered vow, every veiled glance across crowded halls, and every silent prayer sent up to the night sky.
To live without you loving me back
Sextam’s my witness, and this is a fact"
The lyrics drifted through the warm evening air, crafting a breathtaking confession that wrapped around you like a soft shawl, sending an exhilarating shiver down your spine.
There's love above love, and it's ours
'Cause I love you too much”
Each note resonated in your chest, as if the singer's emotions were flowing through you. Your breath caught in your throat, the intensity of the moment making your heart race fiercely against your rib cage. You leaned over the balcony, feeling the coolness of the railing pressing into your arms.
I whisper your name night after night
There's only one feeling, and I know it's right”
Your gaze pierced through the dim light, locking onto him with a depth that felt almost tangible. Your smile was soft, but so loving towards the man bleeding his heart out for you.
There's love above love, and it's ours
'Cause I love you too much”
In that instant, the world around you faded into the background, leaving only the two of you and the passionate melody that seemed to echo the unspoken words swirling between your hearts.
“Sextam knows your name, I've been praying
To have you come here by my side
Without you a part of me is missing
Just to make you my whole I will fight”
Fueled by a sudden, irresistible wave of passion, Nulla pressed the instrument against the stone pillar and began to scale the weathered ivy-covered lattice that climbed the manor wall. He ascended with an effortless grace, driven not by a soldier’s instinct, but by an urgent desire to bridge the gap between your hearts.
There's love above love, and it's ours
Cause I love you too much”
When his hand cleared the balcony rail, you instinctively reached out, intertwining your fingers with his.
Sextam's my witness, and this is a fact
With a swift motion, he hoisted himself over, landing on the stone floor as breath caught in his throat.
“There's love above love, and it's mine 'cause I love you!
There's love above love, and it's yours 'cause I love you!
There's love above love, and it's ours if you love me as much…”
For a long moment, neither of you spoke. The silence between you vibrated with a sweet, aching tension—the result of months of suppressed glances, fleeting touches, and endless midnight courtings.
"My Lady…" Nulla murmured, his voice thick with an earnest devotion that seemed to fill the air between you. He raised his hand slowly, almost reverently, and his thumb traced a careful
path along your cheek, gently brushing away flaws on your skin. His touch was achingly tender, as if he feared that you might shatter under the weight of the world around you.
"I couldn't allow another precious moment to slip away without confessing what weighs heavily on my heart… You are my heart, my reason for being, the only radiant light I could ever cling to." His gaze was unwavering, filled with a deep sincerity that made you feel both cherished and vulnerable in equal measure.
"Nulla," you murmured, leaning into his touch, your hand coming up to rest over his broad chest, feeling the frantic, hammering rhythm of his heart beneath the cotton fabric. "Never once have I thought I was alone when I’m with you… my heart has known no loneliness with you."
"Let me embrace you, mi alma; in my arms, you'll always be loved," he breathed, slowly closing the painful void between you.
As his lips finally brushed against yours, the world around you seemed to fade away, leaving only the intoxicating warmth of his embrace and the delicate fragrance of night-blooming flowers that surrounded you. The kiss was a beautiful symphony of desperate longing and passionate love, each movement drawing you deeper into the moment. You felt the warmth of his body against yours, a fierce heat that banished the chill of the evening air.
His arms encircled your waist, pulling you in closer as if he was afraid that the break of dawn would come too soon and shatter this perfect moment. Time melted away, and the hours you had spent yearning for him, stealing glances across empty halls, faded like wisps of smoke. This was a connection so profound that it felt as if your very souls were intertwining, the weight of your shared desires lifting you both into a world where nothing else existed.
The kiss deepened, and with each passing second, you were enveloped in a beautiful mixture of longing and completeness, savoring the promise of forever held within that single, perfect moment. Beneath the vast night sky of twinkling stars, you were sheltered safely in the embrace of Nulla’s love; time faded into the background, lost in the warmth of a love that killed and left you desperate for more.