Chapter 1900 1685: Rewarding her
Before he could protest, she pulled him into the square where others had already started dancing. The cheerful melody of flutes and violins filled the air. Soon, Maria joined, dragging Incursio along, while Leon led Ariel into a lively spin.
Laughter, Music, and the Beauty of the Night
The festival continued long into the night, with music, dancing, and endless fireworks lighting up the sky.
For this one evening, there were no battles, no bloodshed, no threats looming over them.
Just friends, laughter, and the magic of the moment.
And as Alex watched the sky explode in a cascade of silver and gold, he couldn't help but think—
Perhaps… moments like this were worth fighting for.
As the sun ascended the horizon, its golden light spilled over the tranquil sea, casting a shimmering glow on the rippling waves. At the edge of the small port, Alex and Incursio stood side by side, watching as their companions departed for the Floating Fortress. The others waved, some grinning knowingly, before disappearing into the sky.
For the first time in a long while, it was just the two of them.
Incursio, ever composed, turned her silver eyes toward Alex. Though she rarely showed emotions, there was an unmistakable flicker of curiosity. "So, where are we going?"
Alex smirked. "Somewhere peaceful. You deserve a break."
She tilted her head, regarding him in silence before nodding. "Alright."
With that, they set off.
The island they arrived at was a hidden paradise, untouched by war, corruption, or chaos.
Towering palm trees swayed in the gentle breeze, their lush green leaves rustling softly. The air carried the scent of salt and blooming wildflowers, mingling with the faint aroma of tropical fruits. The white sand beaches stretched for miles, curving along the coastline where the crystal-clear waters shimmered in hues of sapphire and turquoise.
Incursio stepped onto the shore, her bare feet sinking slightly into the warm sand. She glanced around, her silver hair catching the light, and let out a rare sigh—one of contentment.
Alex chuckled. "See? Not a bad choice, right?"
She glanced at him. "It's… peaceful."
Though her tone was neutral, he could tell she was enjoying the change of pace.
They walked along the shoreline, the waves lapping at their feet as they took in the scenery. For a while, neither of them spoke. There was no need to—the silence between them was comfortable.
Then, as they reached a secluded cove, Alex suddenly grabbed her hand and pulled her forward.
Incursio blinked. "What are you doing?"
He smirked. "You're too stiff. Come on, let's have some fun."
Before she could protest, he lifted her effortlessly and jumped into the sea.
The cool water enveloped them as they plunged into the ocean, sending ripples across the tranquil surface. A rare expression of surprise crossed Incursio's face as she emerged, her silver hair slicked back, droplets cascading down her smooth skin.
She turned to Alex, who was grinning mischievously. "You—"
Before she could finish, he flicked water at her.
Incursio's silver eyes narrowed. "Oh, you're going to regret that."
Without warning, she swept her hand through the water, sending a surprisingly powerful wave crashing into him.
Alex coughed, wiping his face, and laughed.
"Oh, so that's how it is?"
What started as a small splash war quickly escalated into something more chaotic. Alex, always the trickster, used his speed to disappear underwater, only to resurface behind Incursio and pull her down. She retaliated instantly, wrapping her legs around his waist and flipping them over in the water, forcing him beneath the waves.
They broke the surface at the same time, laughing—yes, even Incursio, though it was soft and fleeting.
For once, there was no battle, no mission, no war—just the two of them, enjoying the moment.
After drying off, they continued exploring the island. The jungle was vibrant, alive with the chirping of exotic birds and the rustling of unseen creatures. Bright flowers bloomed along the path, their colors almost surreal under the sunlight.
As they walked side by side, Alex glanced at Incursio. "How do you feel?"
She was quiet for a moment before answering. "Strange."
He raised an eyebrow. "Strange how?"
She gazed ahead, watching the way the leaves swayed in the wind. "I'm used to fighting. To killing. But here… everything is still." She looked at him. "It's unsettling."
Alex chuckled. "You'll get used to it. Peace isn't a bad thing."
She didn't answer, but he saw something shift in her expression.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange, pink, and gold, Alex set up a small bonfire near the beach.
With his usual resourcefulness, he prepared a meal of grilled fish, tropical fruits, and warm bread he had brought along. The fire crackled softly, the scent of cooked food mixing with the salty sea breeze.
Incursio sat beside him, watching the flames flicker.
As they ate, Alex leaned back on his elbows, gazing at the sky. "It's nice, isn't it?"
Incursio took a bite of her food and nodded. "It is."
Silence stretched between them—not the awkward kind, but the kind that spoke volumes.
Then, she did something unexpected.
She leaned her head against his shoulder.
Alex stilled, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. "Oh? What's this?"
She closed her eyes. "I'm just… resting."
He smiled. "You can do that anytime, you know."
She didn't reply, but the corners of her lips curved ever so slightly—a whisper of a smile, barely noticeable, yet undeniably there.
As night fell, the sky became a sea of twinkling stars. The ocean was calm, reflecting the celestial beauty above.
Incursio lay on the sand, her arms crossed behind her head. "I never took the time to look at the stars before."
Alex lay beside her, hands behind his head.
"You should. They've always been there, waiting to be noticed."
She turned her head slightly to look at him.
"You're strange."
He chuckled. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
She was quiet for a moment before responding. "No. It's not."
They lay there for a while, simply existing in each other's presence, the waves gently lapping at the shore.
Tomorrow, they would return to their lives—the battles, the challenges, the ever-looming war.
But tonight, in this moment, there was only peace.
And for once, Incursio allowed herself to enjoy it.
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