Chapter 163

Magnus Hale

I look down and see Adrian with his cheek resting against my chest, eyes closed, as if he’s home. As if my arms were the safe haven he’s always been searching for. And I don't doubt for a second that’s exactly what’s going through that restless head of his.

In this moment, he seems like just an ordinary boy, wanting love. It always amazes me how naturally he declares what he feels. He keeps nothing to himself. At certain times, he’s like a puppy: any small gesture lights him up.

A returned kiss brings a wide smile to his face; if I hug him back, his heart races as if it’s about to explode.

It’s strange to realize that some of his actions reveal pure humanity. Adrian acts like someone who simply needs protection, affection, and care.

As much as he says he prefers only to serve me, I saw the truth when I washed him that night. The joy written all over his face was impossible to hide. He wants to be cared for too, even if he won't admit it.

But I can't let myself be fooled by this angel face, by this sweet way he holds me. I know what hides behind it. It would only take one mistake from me—one false step—and this same boy who now seems so human in my arms could become a demon.

"Love."

The word snaps me out of my thoughts. Those black eyes are fixed on me. Before, they brought terror, as if a darkness could swallow me whole. When he transforms into that terrifying boy, he is still fearsome, impossible to ignore. But now, I find it nothing short of fascinating.

"Yes, Adrian?" I pull him even closer.

His heart races against my chest, and that amuses me deep down. Adrian hides nothing; his feelings overflow, pure and transparent.

Even though he’s insane, I can admit there’s sincerity when he claims to love me. His heart is the proof of it; all I have to do is return any gesture, and his pulse jumps, like it’s going to burst.

"Let’s go inside. I'm hungry. I couldn't finish my food because I kept thinking I’d left you dissatisfied."

I feel a pang inside me.

He didn't eat because of me, because I couldn't control the jealousy gnawing at me. I don't know why I feel this; I can't understand it. Just seeing him near someone else irritates me, as if the whole world were trying to rip him away from me.

Even knowing that Adrian loves me—like right now, when I say his heart always gives away the truth—I still feel insecure.

It’s ridiculous. I think that at any moment he might get tired and stop liking me, especially if I allow myself to love him back.

But I already do. I like his presence, this body pressed against mine, this embrace that envelops me. It’s good. Too good.

And that is exactly what makes me anxious. I’m not used to this feeling; I don't know how to deal with it.

I better stop with these goddamn thoughts before they consume me more than they already do.

"Right. Let’s go. I'm starting to get hungry too."

Adrian whimpers, clinging to me as if he never wants to let go. The scene pulls a low laugh from me. I cup his cheek and lean in, brushing my lips against his in a soft kiss, feeling his heart race against my chest.

"Come on, you need to eat."

The look he gives me is so intense that a shiver runs through my body.

"Don't do that, love. Don't treat me like that." He rests his forehead against my chest, his voice heavy. "Don't treat me that way if you aren't willing to be like this always. I could get used to these gestures."

I run my hand through his hair, keeping him there.

"Adrian… I’ve already accepted you. The least I can do is return the affection you give me."

He takes a deep breath and finally breaks the embrace.

"Then you better not go back on it, love. I’m going to want you to take the lead all the time."

I roll my eyes, letting out a smirk.

"Don't demand too much, little angel. Otherwise, I won't do it at all," I say jokingly, and his laughter explodes—light, breaking the weight of the moment.

He intertwines our fingers, and we head out of the yard together.

We walk through the corridor easily, and he keeps squeezing my hand lightly every now and then, as if he wants to remind me he’s still holding it. His face looks peaceful, without a single worry, and that pulls an internal smile from me.

It’s almost funny to think that days ago, I wanted to kill him… And now here I am, walking beside him, feeling comfortable, even accepting the idea of being the submissive one. The human mind really is bizarre: it adapts quickly to things we swore we couldn't stand.

We reach the mess hall and go straight to my old spot, the one that was always my throne and now belongs to him. Strangely, I don't feel angry. I don't even care about this shit prison anymore.

The title of "Enforcer" was never just about survival. It was for glory. On the outside, my name already carried weight, and in here, I wanted to make it even bigger. I wanted everyone to know who I was.

The fear etched on their faces, the lowered gazes, the forced respect—all of it fed me. And deep down, it still does. There’s no point in pretending that has changed.

We sit down, and Adrian pulls his chair closer, dragging it until he’s almost pressed against me, as if the mere space between us bothered him. He takes my hand again, and I let him.

Soon, TJ approaches with two trays. We don't need to say a word; he simply places them in front of us and nods to Adrian, who returns the gesture. I try to focus on the food, but the scene bothers me.

Why?

I know Adrian only has eyes for me, that he loves me. But still, something inside me burns.

Holy shit… I hate this. Just that nod irritates me. My heart feels heavy, and I can't understand the reason.

He is mine; there’s no room for doubt. But even so, the insecurity prods at me, as if at any moment he’s going to get tired of me.

Damn it, heart, stop with this bullshit feeling.

Wait a second… Did I say he is mine? Oh, hell. What a mess. I can't calm down. I’ve never been interested in anyone, and now I'm here, trapped in this whirlwind, unable to control this fucking anxiety.

Even knowing that Adrian loves me, the insecurity doesn't shut up; it screams inside my head, that cursed voice whispering in my ear that he'll soon get tired of me.

But I’ve already admitted it to myself: I consider Adrian mine. Of course he is mine. If I accepted him, if I let this boy break through my defenses and enter my heart, then there’s no going back. He is mine.

But why can't I calm down? My heart is racing, anxious, as if something were wrong. Even after Adrian looked into my eyes and said he’d never betray me, the distrust persists. No one loves that much forever. At some point, he might get tired of me. I’m sure of it.

"Love, are you okay?"

His voice pulls me out of my thoughts. I turn my head and find his eyes fixed on me, filled with concern. His hand touches my cheek carefully, his thumb sliding as if trying to soothe me.

"Is everything okay?"