Chapter 48: Overexertion

"That’s... not possible," Daphne murmured, her voice a whisper against the stillness. She stepped from behind him, her hand brushing his with a lingering warmth, her violet eyes searching his face as if he were a formula defying logic. "The energy to form that shield, the speed you harnessed it... you can’t train that control on your first try." Her clinical detachment dissolved, replaced by awe laced with alarm. "This is unprecedented, Zaeryn. And incredibly dangerous." Zaeryn’s chest swelled with pride, confidence surging through him. "Dangerous?" he asked, not quite getting what she was on about. Daphne nodded, stepping closer, her hand steadying his arm. "Vitae Weaving’s draining, especially at your level. I can’t imagine the energy you burned." Her voice softened, concern breaking through. "Are you alright?" She looked genuinely worried. Too worried even. That was an emotion Zaeryn hasn’t seen from her yet. Still, it meant she was beginning to care for him. "Yeah, I’m fine," Zaeryn said, forcing a confident tone, but just then, a wave of dizziness crashed over him. The room tilted, his vision blurring into a haze, his pulse racing then slowing to a sluggish thud. His knees buckled, and a profound weakness flooded his body, sapping his strength. A holographic notification from his system popped up in front of him. [SYSTEM LOG] ► WARNING: CRITICAL CORE OVEREXERTION DETECTED ► CAUSE: ATTEMPTED TO USE A HIGH-LEVEL ABILITY BEFORE CONDITIONING. ► DIAGNOSIS: PHYSICAL SYSTEM STABILITY HAS BEEN COMPROMISED. ► PROGNOSIS: IMMEDIATE REST REQUIRED. FURTHER USE OF ABILITIES WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO USER. "Zaeryn?!" Daphne was at his side in an instant, her arm sliding under his to catch him, her touch firm yet gentle. Her wide eyes, once filled with wonder, now burned with worry. "Too much, too fast," she muttered, more to herself, her scientific mind racing. "Your body can’t handle that power yet." She guided him to the smart-foam chair, its surface molding to his frame as she eased him down, her movements precise but urgent. "Don’t move. You’ve overexerted your Vitae core. It’s a miracle you’re still conscious." "Yeah. I think, I’m going to sleep for a bit," Zaeryn mumbled, his voice faint, but the words barely left his lips before the haze swallowed him, and he blacked out, slumping in the chair. Daphne watched as his head lolled to the side, his body completely limp. There was a flash of pure panic on her face. She took a deep breath, forcing her racing mind to focus. Her fingers went to his wrist, checking his pulse—it was steady. That meant he was just sleeping, nothing to worry about too much. She let out a sigh of relief. He was alright. Just drained from the overexertion. Meanwhile, inside the smart-kitchen. Aeris leaned against the kitchen counter, her tall, sculpted frame relaxed yet magnetic. Her dark hair tumbled in messy waves, some curls tied back, brushing her green eyes that burned with fire. Her tight outfit hugged every curve—long legs, narrow waist, full chest that begged to be touched. Even just standing there, she radiated raw confidence, a dangerous, teasing heat. The tilt of her hip, the arch of her back... everything screamed invitation, effortless and tempting. Above the counter, a translucent holo-screen shimmered, revealing a crisp, three-dimensional image of a woman whose beauty was precise enough to cut. Scarlett’s features were sharp and symmetrical, every line poised, the kind of face made for headlines, or propaganda posters. Through the holo screen, it was clear she was sitting on her bed, a pillow pressed to her lap, her large chest straining over it, impossible to miss. Her red hair was swept into a twist, a single strand deliberately loose, as if even her flaws were planned. Her amber eyes were cold, watching like a cat deciding whether you were worth the trouble. "Honestly, Ari," Scarlett said, her lips curving into a controlled smile that felt as much like a performance as an expression. "You shouldn’t beat yourself up about it. Deciding not to be a War-lady anymore is your decision, and you should own it. Because it might just be the best decision you ever made. Now you get to be home with your family and brother." "Easy for you to say, Scarlett," Aeris replied as the juice swirled into the jar. "You’re not the one whose aunt looks at her like she’s a failure because of this." Scarlett tilted her head, her cascade of red hair catching the holo-light like fire. "Who cares if Kayla tries to make you feel some type of way for following your heart? I think you should ignore her." She grinned. "Kayla can be a bitch sometimes. Well... not sometimes—always. You know what I call her?" Aeris’s smirk deepened, appreciating Scarlett’s nerve. She leaned closer to the screen. "Oh, do tell." "Her Royal Pain in the Ass, obviously." Scarlett’s eyes glimmered with wicked satisfaction. Aeris laughed, a low, genuine sound. "That’s awful." "But accurate," Scarlett said, the grin softening. "And since she’s not here to hear me say it, if she somehow finds out I called her this, I’ll know you ratted me out." Aeris gave a nod, still smiling. "Your secret’s safe with me. Her royal pain in the ass won’t hear a thing about her nickname." "Besides, Zaeryn would rather have you close than worry all the time if a Vorthak tore you apart. Think of all the... quality time you’ll spend together." Her eyes dipped suggestively, her voice soft and teasing. Aeris’s mind immediately wandered—Scarlett’s version of quality time was always dirty, and she made no effort to hide it. A low chuckle escaped Aeris. "Oh, I’m thinking about it... maybe a little too much." She capped the jar of juice, turned, and leaned against the counter. "So, spill it. Is that all you called for? To give me advice... or to get me imagining things?" Scarlett’s smile widened. "And to see your beautiful face, of course." A second passed, and then she added, "And... How’s Zaeryn?" Aeris’s playful expression returned, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Ah ha! I knew it. You’re not calling for me at all. Just checking up on him, are we?" She playfully narrowed her eyes. "Don’t think I didn’t see the way you and the others were looking at him during our squad meets, Scarlett-bug. Those red locks might be distracting, but my eyes see everything. He’s mine, you hear? Stay away." Her tone was teasing, but there was a possessive edge beneath the surface. Scarlett laughed, a bright, melodious sound that echoed in the futuristic kitchen. "Yours? Last I checked, he already had a girlfriend, Ari. Unless things have changed drastically since this morning?" Aeris paused for a split second, a flicker of something unreadable crossing her face. Then, a confident smirk spread across her lips. "He has needs, Scarlett. But he knows who’s more important." Her eyes held a playful challenge. "You can admire from afar, but this particular brand of chaos? It’s all mine to handle. Scarlett simply shook her head, a wide, amused smile still on her face. However, Aeris could not catch what she was really thinking. ’We’ll see about that Aeris. I’ve had my eye on that boy a while now. And I will not let you get in the way.’ she thought. Just then, the gentle hiss of a door opening in the far wall of the kitchen drew Aeris’s attention. Ysmeine stepped through, her expression serene as she took in the gleaming, silent room. "You’re alone?" Ysmeine asked, a faint frown creasing her brow. "I thought I heard someone laughing with you?" Aeris nodded toward the holo-screen. "Just Scarlett." Ysmeine’s gaze softened as it landed on the three-dimensional video feed. "Oh—hello, Scarlett. Didn’t see you there. It’s... good to see you well." Scarlett’s controlled smile melted briefly into something more genuine. "Ysmeine. You too. You’re looking... gorgeous, as always." Aeris returned her attention to Scarlett, only to notice that her friend’s gaze hadn’t left Ysmeine. Aeris’s eyes flicked back to the holo-screen, noting Scarlett’s lingering gaze on Ysmeine. "Honestly, you could at least try not to drool over my mom too. Do you perhaps have a crush not only on Zaeryn but the whole family?" she teased quietly, the corner of her mouth twitching. "Well, maybe." Aeris let out a quiet sigh, a mix of amusement and annoyance. Her friend’s shameless fascination with her mother was nothing new, but it never failed to make her a little uneasy. It was strange—Scarlett didn’t usually go for women, yet when it came to Ysmeine, she seemed utterly captivated, as if gravity had a favorite. "Isn’t she..." Scarlett said shamelessly, her gaze lingering on Ysmeine as if she could reach through the holo-screen and touch her. "I mean... look at her. She is goddess Marea reincarnated. Honestly, she could turn anyone into a believer." Aeris watched Scarlett’s gaze linger. "Scarlett, I swear, enough of that," Aeris whispered, her voice sharper now. "You’re embarrassing yourself." Scarlett only smirked on the holo-screen, but Aeris had reached her limit. "Enough," she declared, waving a hand dramatically. The holo-screen fizzled as she ended the broadcast. Meanwhile, Ysmeine walked to a plush stool, gracefully pouring herself a glass of her favorite infused water. She took a satisfied sip and, with a soft sigh, settled onto the seat. Aeris herself could understand why Scarlett was acting like that. Ysmeine really was a goddess. At that moment, she grinned mischievously, as a playful idea formed in her mind. She walked over to where Ysmeine was seated, sipping on her water. And then without warning, she collapsed into Ysmeine’s open arms, leaning her back against her chest. The motion caused Ysmeine’s large, supple breasts to press against her own back, a soft, pillowy sensation that made her sigh contentedly. "Hey, what are you doing?" Ysmeine asked, a hint of amused surprise in her voice as she steadied Aeris. Enjoying the sensation, Aeris commented, "Wow, is this how Zaeryn feels? No wonder he is always so comfortable around you." Ysmeine gently held Aeris, her arms wrapped around her as she sat on the advanced seat that adjusted itself according to their weight. Aeris felt the solid, comforting embrace and remained pressed against her for a moment, savoring the security. Ysmeine smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair from Aeris’s face. "Did you get through to... you know who?" Aeris asked, her voice a low whisper against Ysmeine’s chest. "I can’t say the name just in case someone overhears." Ysmeine raised a brow. "I don’t think we are being surveilled by anyone, but it’s wise to be cautious," she assured. "And yes, I got through to Athea. She will handle Zaeryn’s situation." Aeris was so relieved she almost gasped. She immediately sat up straight, pushing away from Ysmeine’s embrace with a newfound energy. "Does that mean, he won’t be held by the District Council anymore?" Ysmeine nodded, her expression serene. "Yes. The council has no choice but to listen because it’s an order from someone above them." Aeris’s relief was evident. She slumped slightly against the armrest, a smile finally reaching her eyes. "That’s nice. But why wasn’t Athea not answering you?" Ysmeine’s smile vanished as a coldness entered her eyes. "She was ignoring my messages, but eventually she had no choice but to answer. After all, Zaeryn is her son." Aeris could feel the coldness in Ysmeine’s eyes. She rarely spoke like this. But she understood. This was about Zaeryn and she was just as mad with Athea. "Let me guess, you threatened her? With exposing her secret?" "Well, not exactly," Ysmeine said, her voice dropping to a low, chilling tone that bordered on a purr. "I merely reminded her what a scandal it would be if her son ended up in the Citadel’s lab as a test subject—and the world found out." It was almost thirty minutes after he had passed out, and Zaeryn’s eyes opened, finding himself in a room he didn’t recognize. It was not Daphne’s office, or lab... whatever she called it. He was lying in a large, comfortable bed, not the smart-foam chair. The low humming sound was still present, a constant technological lull in this place. He looked around him, to see Daphne and Lysara were standing near his bed, their expressions showed a professional concern. However Daphne also showed a hint of personal worry. A female doctor was leaning over him, her fingers on a faint glowing band on his wrist, a medical scanner checking his vitals. Seated in a chair across the bed was Lady Valerius, her face a mask of regal composure. Standing next to her was Commander Charlotte Thorne, her gaze fixed on him with an unreadable intensity. "He’s back to consciousness," the doctor announced.