As I opened my eyes, the world around me felt serene. The soft lights of the hospital room illuminated the white ceiling, offering warmth that contrasted with the chill in the air. I blinked a few times, trying to adjust to this new environment. The familiar scent of antiseptic enveloped me, a reminder that I was alive—at least for now.

I turned slowly to the side and there he was: Archemidas. He sat in a chair, his head resting against the armrest, sleeping peacefully. His usually stern and strong face appeared softer in slumber. His hair was slightly tousled, and his brow furrowed, as if he were dreaming. Arche... he was really here. A small smile crept onto my face, relief flooding my heart.

I attempted to move, but pain shot through my leg and body, making me wince. Glancing down, I saw my legs wrapped in thick bandages, as were several other parts of me. The wounds still throbbed, but somehow, everything felt lighter. I was alive, and it was because of him.

My thoughts drifted back to the moment when Archemidas had burst in to save me with his bravery and strength. I could still feel my body shaking, but this time it was from something other than fear. He really did that for me... he came. He tore down walls to rescue me.

A small voice broke my reverie. I looked over at the table next to Archemidas and spotted a small drone hovering in the air, its soft blue light gazing at me silently. It was Lilith, controlling it from a distance. The mechanical eyes watched me with curiosity, as if checking on my well-being.

I placed a finger to my lips, signaling Lilith to be quiet. I didn't want to wake Archemidas. He looked so exhausted. I could only imagine the effort it took for him to save me, the immense pressure he felt seeing me in that condition. My mind raced with memories of him kicking Sierra One, facing all that danger just for me. I didn't want to disturb the peace he finally seemed to find, even if just for a moment.

He... was truly remarkable.

Without thinking, I reached out, my fingers gently brushing through his slightly messy hair. Slowly, I caressed it, feeling the warmth radiating from each strand. It felt so real, so soothing. I never imagined I'd be here, beside Archemidas, overwhelmed with this strange feeling. My heart raced faster than usual, and I couldn't quite grasp what was happening to me.

Why do I feel like this? I wondered. Every time I looked at him, that warm feeling blossomed in my chest. What was I really feeling? Admiration? Gratitude? Or maybe… something more?

I closed my eyes for a moment, remembering how brave and steadfast Archemidas looked. He hadn't just saved me physically—he had pulled me from the depths of despair. When I was ready to give up, when I was prepared to die, he arrived. And he hadn't come merely to fulfill a duty or mission. I could sense something deeper in his actions. When he held me, when he spoke to me, I felt warmth and genuine care. It was more than just a prince's responsibility.

Was I hoping for too much? I questioned myself, trying to find answers amid the confusion swirling in my heart. But every time I attempted to analyze it, I found myself sinking deeper into my feelings. It was hard to explain, but every time I recalled his face, my heart raced. Every time I remembered how he looked at me, filled with concern, warmth spread through my body.

I gazed at his peaceful face as he slept. Arche, why do I feel this way every time I see you?

I knew from the beginning that Archemidas was exceptional. He was strong, intelligent, and always knew what to do. But now, seeing him in this vulnerable moment, I felt something more. It wasn't just admiration or respect. There was something deeper, something that crept into my heart without me realizing it.

Could this be love? I thought, though the word felt foreign on my tongue. It couldn't be, right? I bit my lower lip, trying to calm my racing thoughts. But the more I tried to ignore it, the stronger that feeling grew inside me.

I continued to stroke his hair gently, filled with emotion. My hand trembled slightly, but I couldn't stop. I wanted to stay here, by his side, even for just a little while longer. It felt like the only place where I could find safety and comfort after everything that had happened.

Maybe I really do like him.

That thought began to clarify itself. Every time I remembered how he looked at me, how he fought to save me, I felt something bloom in my heart. Something warm and tender that made me want to stay close to him.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. No, I couldn't get too carried away. I didn't know how he felt, and I didn't want to make things awkward. But… if he knew what I was feeling, what would he think?

I continued to stroke Archemidas's head, my fingers gently running through his hair as if I wanted to capture this moment forever. I liked him, didn't I? My mind spun in circles, searching for answers that felt clear but elusive. My heart raced every time I looked at him, especially now as he slept beside me, looking so peaceful.

But beneath the warm feelings coursing through my body was a thread of fear and worry I couldn't shake off. Ellora… the name of Archemidas's sister suddenly flickered through my mind, like a warning. Ellora was incredibly protective of Arche, and I knew she wouldn't easily accept anyone getting too close to her brother. I had known Ellora long enough to understand—she was strong, always safeguarding Arche as if she feared losing something precious. And me? I felt like I was stepping into territory that didn't belong to me.

What would she think if she knew I felt this way about Arche? I bit my lip, a sudden guilt washing over me. I admired Ellora; she was stronger than anyone I'd ever known, and I had always respected her. But now, as my feelings for Archemidas grew, I sensed something different. Was I stealing Arche away from Ellora?

I glanced again at Archemidas's sleeping face. He didn't belong to anyone. But I also knew how close he was to Ellora. What would happen if she discovered how I felt?

My thoughts wrestled with a barrage of unanswered questions. The uncertainty was mounting, yet amid the doubts, another urge surfaced—a desire to be closer to Arche. Just once, just for now…

Unable to resist, I leaned in slowly, bringing my face closer to his cheek. My heart raced faster, and my breath quickened. I'm sorry, Ellora… I whispered in my heart, feeling a twinge of guilt for what I was about to do. I knew this might cross a line, but in this moment, I wanted to feel the warmth that came from being near Archemidas, even if it was just a gentle touch against his cheek.

I pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, barely daring to linger. The touch felt like an explosion within me—such a confusing yet sweet sensation. My heart pounded, and I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to savor every second.

But suddenly, a booming voice shattered the moment.

"Abigail, you've crossed the line. Stop right now."

I jolted back, sitting up straight. I turned toward the source of the voice, and there was Lilith—more precisely, the drone controlled by Lilith, hovering beside Archemidas. The light in the drone's eyes gleamed sharply, as if Lilith were glaring at me with disapproval. Oh no… Lilith saw everything.

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My face flushed instantly, and my heart raced, but this time it wasn't from excitement or romance. She had witnessed everything! I wanted to bury myself under the blankets or disappear from sight. How embarrassing!

"I... I didn't mean to…" I stammered, struggling to defend myself, but my voice barely came out. Lilith, through the drone, continued to stare at me with intensity.

Before I could respond further, I heard a gentle voice that had become a source of warmth for me all this time.

"Abigail?"

Archemidas slowly opened his eyes, and as soon as he registered my presence, he shot up from his chair. Before I could say anything, he wrapped his arms around me tightly. My body froze for a moment, caught off guard by his sudden reaction. But after a few seconds, I felt his embrace—so warm, so real.

"Abigail, thank goodness you're okay…" he whispered, relief lacing his voice as he pulled me in closer. His warm breath brushed against my neck, and even though the earlier embarrassment still lingered in my mind, an undeniable relief washed over me in his arms.

Arche… he truly cared about me.

I could feel my body trembling, but this time it was from the surge of emotions within me. Suddenly, all my thoughts about Ellora, about guilt, about all the doubts that had held me captive faded away. It was just Archemidas and me. His hug felt so genuine, as if he truly feared losing me. My heart still raced, but now I didn't want to shy away from it.

"Arche…" I murmured softly, unsure of what to say. I was still too confused about all the feelings swirling inside me. But one thing was clear: I was happy. I was happy he was here. Happy he was holding me. And more than that, I was happy that he cared for me.

He pulled back slightly but kept his hands on my shoulders, his eyes locked onto mine with intensity. "You have no idea how worried I was. When I saw you… tied to that chair, bleeding… I couldn't forgive myself if something happened to you."

I gazed back into his eyes, feeling everything around me fade away, as if he was the only one in the room. Lilith's voice, the sounds of the hospital machines, everything disappeared.

"I… I'm okay," I said softly, trying to reassure him even though my voice trembled. "You saved me."

He smiled, but a shadow of worry still lingered in his eyes. "Of course I saved you. I wouldn't let you get hurt any more than you already are."

His words were so sincere, and for a moment, I felt something deeper than just gratitude. My heart raced even more.

I was still confused, still unsure of what was happening in my heart. But one thing I knew for certain: I didn't want to be away from him. Somehow, Archemidas had become an essential part of my life. And now, more than ever, I felt that maybe these feelings were something greater than I had realized.

But for now, I could only savor this moment. His warm embrace, his presence by my side. Even with all the confusion swirling in my mind, I knew that in this moment, I felt happy.

***

In the control room of Einzvil, a tense atmosphere hung in every corner. Lilith, Ophelia, Eliphas, and Seraphine gathered around a large screen displaying various visuals from surveillance cameras, tracking signals, and a holographic map. Their faces were taut, filled with anxiety. In the center of the room, Lilith was giving a report to Eliphas and Seraphine, while Ophelia sat nearby, her fingers anxiously clasped together, unable to hide her worry.

"Father, Mother," Lilith began seriously, her eyes locked on Eliphas and Seraphine. "We've tracked Abigail's movements since her last signal disappeared in Arcadia One. From the drone footage Arche sent, we can see she was kidnapped by a mercenary group."

Seraphine clenched her fists. Her face was pale but filled with suppressed anger. "How dare they lay a hand on my daughter?" Her voice trembled with fury. "Eliphas, I can't just sit here. We have to go there, right now!" She rose from her seat, clearly ready to act.

However, Eliphas, seated at the control panel, reached out to stop her. "Seraphine, wait."

"Wait?!" Seraphine stared at her husband in disbelief. "Abigail is in danger, Eliphas! We need to rescue her before it's too late!"

Eliphas took a deep breath, trying to remain calm amid the rising tension. "Archemidas is with Abigail. We've seen from the footage that he has managed to track their location. We need to trust him."

Seraphine shook her head vigorously. "Archemidas might be a good kid, but he can't handle all of this alone!"

Lilith, listening to the discussion, glanced at her mother. "Mom, Archemidas isn't just an introverted prince. He's also one of our best protectors. Plus, his AI is incredible."

Ophelia, sitting nearby, nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, Mom! Lilith is right. Arche's AI is no ordinary system. It processes information thousands of times faster than most systems! I've seen how Arche calls on his AI, and it's—amazing. It's as if they've anticipated every scenario!"

Eliphas gazed at Seraphine gently. "Trust me, dear. I've been monitoring Archemidas for a long time. He is capable of handling this situation. Abigail is safe with him."

Seraphine looked doubtful, but seeing the seriousness on Eliphas and Lilith's faces, she relaxed her fists, although her expression remained wary. "I'll trust Abigail to Archemidas this time," she said reluctantly, "but if anything happens to her—"

"Nothing will happen," Eliphas interjected, gripping his wife's hand confidently. "She will be fine."

Ophelia, sitting behind the screen, continued to observe every movement on the holographic map. "We can monitor everything from here. Archemidas is almost at the location where Abigail is being held."

Lilith leaned closer to the screen, her eyes focused intently. "Arche has called Neumann. The AI is already mapping the room where Abigail is held."

Seraphine moved closer to the screen, trying to see more clearly. "What do you mean, Lilith?"

Lilith explained in detail, "Neumann is a tactical AI designed to assist Archemidas in every mission. It can process every scenario, providing the best options for movement and attack. This way, Arche can devise the best rescue plan."

Ophelia stared at the screen in awe. "I can't believe such advanced AI could be in human hands. This is truly remarkable technology. Look at how Neumann analyzes all possible attacks from the enemy! Arche has predicted every enemy movement."

Seraphine still looked worried, but a hint of admiration crossed her face. "If that's the case, then we really must rely on Archemidas this time."

Eliphas nodded, gazing intently at the screen. "We have to trust him. He has reached the location."

On the screen, Archemidas was seen breaking into the enemy base with his signature style—swift, agile, and without hesitation. Ophelia and Lilith, sitting side by side, couldn't help but admire him.

"Wow… look at how he takes them down! He's so fast!" Ophelia exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

Lilith smiled, proud of Archemidas's skills. "Arche has always been like that. He can read enemy movements and move with perfect precision."

Seraphine, who had been tense, began to relax a bit, although her eyes remained glued to the screen. "So far, he's doing well. But what about Abigail?"

They continued to watch as Archemidas finally found Abigail tied to a chair. As he freed her, the atmosphere in the control room softened slightly.

"Finally…" Eliphas whispered, a small smile forming. "The kid really knows what he's doing."

Everyone in the room sighed in relief as they watched Archemidas carry Abigail out of the scene.

"I knew Arche would save her," Ophelia said confidently, a relieved smile on her face.

However, the tension hadn't completely dissipated, as they saw Abigail being taken to the hospital for treatment. The room fell silent again, everyone waiting for the latest updates on Abigail's condition.

When the scene shifted to the hospital room on the screen, Lilith, controlling the drone, couldn't contain her curiosity. The drone's camera showed Abigail awake and gazing at a sleeping Archemidas beside her.

"What is she doing?" Lilith wondered aloud as Abigail leaned closer to Archemidas.

Ophelia, also watching the screen, gasped. "Wait… is she going to…"

And before anyone could say a word, they saw Abigail kiss Archemidas's cheek, who was still asleep. Reactions in the control room varied widely.

"What?" Seraphine sprang from her seat, incredulous at what she had just witnessed. "She kissed Prince Archemidas?"

Ophelia let out a small laugh, though she too looked shocked. "Wow, I didn't expect Abby to be that bold."

Lilith, controlling the drone, quickly issued a warning through it in a firm voice, "Abigail, you've crossed the line. Stop right now."

However, the most surprising reaction came from Eliphas. He suddenly burst into hearty laughter, a sound rarely heard from him, causing everyone to turn to him in confusion.

"Father?" Lilith looked at Eliphas, puzzled, while Seraphine frowned.

"What's so funny, Eliphas?" Seraphine asked, still in disbelief.

Eliphas wiped away a small tear from his eye from laughing. "I just… didn't expect it. Abigail is bolder than I thought. But she really did that to a prince? I can only imagine what I'll say to Princess Ellora if she finds out about this."

The control room fell silent again, but this time with a lighter atmosphere. Although the situation was still tense, at least they could see a glimmer of happiness amid the uncertainty.

***