"You finally remembered..." Connie murmured, tracing lazy circles on his chest with her fingers. There was a softness to her touch, but her amber eyes burned like embers, demanding an answer.
"How could you forget me?!" She pouted, a mix of irritation and hurt in her voice.
Seth sighed, meeting her gaze. There was no escaping this.
"I was only eight years old..." He began, hesitant. The intensity in Connie's eyes didn't waver, as if she was waiting for a worthy explanation.
With no way out, he continued:
"After we were separated, my life became a living hell. I went through more than eight foster homes after that place... And when I turned eighteen, I was kicked out of the orphanage." His voice was low, almost a whisper. His hand slid into her black hair, stroking it with an unconscious tenderness.
"I lost a lot of things over the years, Connie..." He took a deep breath. "So... remembering everything isn't as easy as it seems."
The air around them seemed to grow heavier for a moment.
Connie observed him in silence, absorbing his words. Then, she let out a sigh and smiled slightly.
"I see... I'll forgive you."
Seth continued running his fingers through her soft strands, as if that simple gesture could soothe something inside him.
"What happened to that guy?" He asked bluntly.
Connie raised an eyebrow before answering, as if finding the question amusing.
"The Association took his body." Her voice was calm, almost bored. "Since I'm a U.S. resident, I might have to face trial at some point. But honestly, it won't lead to anything. Being a Rank-S grants me immunity from most things... except killing another Rank-S."
She paused, a mischievous smile forming on her lips.
"But I had already warned him I'd kill him soon." She laughed, unconcerned. "Fortunately, adultery is still a crime in some places." She smiled and remained lying on his chest.
As she absentmindedly traced patterns on Seth's chest, something came to mind. She lifted her head, her amber eyes glowing with curiosity.
"Speaking of which... How the hell did you use my ability?" She narrowed her eyes, leaning in closer to him. "Even now... I can still feel the electricity inside you."
Seth scratched the back of his neck, reluctant to answer. But her gaze was insistent.
"Oh, right... about that." He sighed. "I just watched and managed to imitate it."
Connie blinked, confused. "What do you mean, just watched?"
"I saw you using your electricity a few times and kind of... tried to copy it." He shrugged, as if it were the simplest thing in the world. "But it was really weak."
Her eyes widened in clear surprise. "You copied my ability just by looking?" She asked, incredulous. "Are you kidding me?"
Seth raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. "I'm not. I could only create a really watered-down version. Nothing compared to your power, it's just a Rank-E ability."
Connie crossed her arms, frowning. "That doesn't make sense... Not even Rank-S hunters can copy abilities like that." She narrowed her eyes at him, analyzing him like a puzzle. "Have you always had this ability?"
Seth looked away. "I never tested it before... but as you saw... it was a second awakening."
She kept staring at him, suspicious. Then, a mischievous smile appeared on her lips. "So, my driver can steal powers now?" She teased, poking his chest with her finger.
Seth rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. "I tried to copy, not steal. And what's this about a driver? Not too long ago, you were calling me your husband."
Connie chuckled, amused. "Well, at least now I know you're terrible at it."
He huffed. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
She only smiled, satisfied, and snuggled closer to him, her fingers gliding smoothly over his chest as if seeking comfort.
"The Second Awakening..." She murmured, thoughtful. "A lot of people died back then." Her voice lost some of its playful tone. "When I awakened... I almost died too."
Seth remained silent, just listening.
"The higher-ranked hunters awaken through something we call the Hunter's Dream." She continued, her amber eyes reflecting a shadow of the past. "We go through extreme experiences that make our very essence manifest as abilities... For many of us, those dreams were the worst experiences of our lives. That's why we don't talk about them much... They are our moments of greatest weakness."
She paused, lightly gripping the fabric of his shirt between her fingers.
"I was drowning." Her voice came out as a whisper. "Alone, lost in the depths of my own solitude. There was no light, no way out… Just the feeling of sinking, deeper and deeper."
Seth felt a tightness in his chest but remained silent, listening.
"I wanted to disappear," she continued. "But at the same time, I wanted to rise. To soar into the sky and never fall again." Her eyes gleamed, and a small smile formed on her lips. "So… I became lightning."
She let out a soft chuckle, though there was a hint of melancholy in it.
"Ironic, isn't it?" Connie lifted her gaze to him. "Because lightning always falls." She joked, but her expression soon turned serious. "But the destruction it causes when it does… that's what made me a Hunter."
Seth watched her for a long moment, feeling the weight of her words.
"You didn't fall," he said gently, brushing his fingers through her dark hair. "You became something unstoppable."
Connie blinked, surprised by his response, then let out a small laugh.
"Yeah… I guess I did."
She closed her eyes, resting against him as if, for the first time in a long while, she could truly relax.
[The Next Morning]
The soft morning light filtered through the linen curtains, painting the room in golden hues. Seth opened his eyes slowly, blinking a few times to shake off the drowsiness of sleep. The hotel room was absurdly luxurious—marble floors, sophisticated furniture, and a panoramic view of the city below.
For a moment, he just took a deep breath, savoring the comfort of the soft bed—a rare luxury for him. But then, something caught his attention.
Across the room, near the mirror, Connie stood, getting dressed.
His blazer draped over her slender shoulders, and his white shirt hung loosely on her frame, but somehow, that only accentuated her charm. The sleeves were casually rolled up, revealing her delicate wrists. Her bare legs stretched beneath the long shirt, creating a striking contrast with the sophistication of the masculine clothing.
Seth watched in silence, admiring her.
She looked at ease, fixing her dark hair with little concern, as if she was already used to wearing his clothes. When she noticed him staring, she raised an eyebrow, but instead of saying anything, she simply grabbed the remaining jacket and tossed it directly at his face.
"Get dressed. We're eating."
Seth huffed, pulling the fabric off his face as he sat up in bed. "You could've been nicer…"
Connie laughed, already heading for the door. "You were drooling over me. I thought it was fair."
He sighed but didn't argue. He simply got up and started getting dressed.
[Hotel Restaurant]
The hotel's restaurant was a spectacle in itself.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled under the morning light, and the impeccably arranged tables offered an impressive view of the city through panoramic windows. The aroma of fresh coffee and newly baked bread filled the air, making it impossible not to feel hungry.
Seth and Connie sat near the window as a uniformed waiter promptly served fresh orange juice and presented them with an elegant menu filled with luxurious options.
"I don't even know how to pronounce half of this," Seth commented, scanning the menu.
Connie smiled, pouring herself some coffee. "Welcome to the world of the rich."
He sighed, closing the menu. "Do they have bread and eggs?"
She almost choked on her drink, letting out a small laugh. "You're at a five-star hotel, and you want bread and eggs?"
He shrugged. "Simple food is always better."
Connie shook her head but didn't seem surprised. "I'll ask them to make something special for you. But I swear, one day, I'll teach you to enjoy finer things."
"Good luck with that," he muttered, leaning back in his chair as he watched the woman in front of him. Even in such an elegant setting, wearing his clothes so casually, she seemed to fit perfectly there.
Maybe that's what made her so intriguing.
"I hope there's bacon," he added, and Connie just laughed, calling the waiter to place their order.
Breakfast was more than just a meal - it was a veritable feast. Refined dishes were brought to the table one after the other: perfectly prepared omelettes, artisan breads, fresh fruit, natural juices and, to Seth's relief, crispy bacon and scrambled eggs just the way he liked them.
He ate quietly, enjoying the rare moment of luxury, while Connie sipped her cup of black coffee, watching the city from the window.
Then a distinct presence filled the room.
Seth noticed it before he even looked. The energy was sharp, disciplined, like a razor-sharp blade hidden under a veil of tranquillity. When he looked up, he saw a woman approaching.
She was stunning, with a cold, aristocratic beauty. Her white hair was tied up in an impeccable bun, highlighting her striking Asian features. Her well-tailored black suit gave her a professional aura, but her sharp gaze made it clear that she was no ordinary secretary.
She approached the desk, bowed briefly and formally, and then her soft, controlled voice filled the space.
"Mrs. Parker." Connie, without seeming surprised, smiled slightly and nodded. "Kaguya."
Seth raised an eyebrow. The interaction seemed natural, as if they had known each other for years.
The woman kept her posture impeccable and glanced briefly at Seth, her eyes leisurely assessing him before turning to Connie.
"The reports on the incident are ready. The Association wants an official statement, but nothing urgent."
Connie picked up a piece of bread and took a bite nonchalantly. "As expected. Any other concerns?"
Kaguya hesitated for a moment, then tilted her head slightly. "The media are speculating about your relationship with the 'driver', several paparazzi have already started their reports, after all, you're not being discreet, ma'am." Kaguya said, looking at her surroundings, seeing so many glass windows exposed to the public...
Seth choked on his coffee.
Connie, on the other hand, just gave an amused smile. "Oh? And what are you saying?"
Kaguya kept her tone professional. "Rumors about the death of the worm you called husband, a secret affair, or a possible second marriage on a day of mourning." She said a little ironically.
Seth put his cup on the table and sighed. "Great, now I'm a walking scandal."
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't specify..."Kaguya said, 'You're actually irrelevant, 99% of the media don't care about you, since you're a Rank-E' Kaguya replied coldly
"That's good, one less problem" Connie laughed, seemingly amused by the situation. "Let them talk. But just in case, make sure you control the narrative. I don't want paparazzi all over me."
Kaguya nodded. "We're already dealing with that. I've also made the arrangements for your next dungeon. Do you want to go over the details now or later?"
Connie looked at Seth and then smiled sideways. "Later. At the moment, I'm enjoying my morning."
Kaguya merely inclined her head respectfully. "Understood."
Seth watched as Kaguya walked away, her posture impeccable and disciplined, as if every movement was carefully calculated. There was something about her that told him this woman was much more than just a secretary.
He turned his gaze to Connie, who was finishing wiping her mouth with a linen napkin.
"Going into a dungeon?" he asked, noticing how naturally she handled dangerous matters.
Connie raised her eyes to him, a tranquil gleam in her golden gaze. "Yes. A Rank-A portal has opened, and the Association needs reinforcements to close it. I'll be away for a few days."
Seth frowned. "Was that last minute?"
She let out a light sigh, resting her chin on her hand. "More or less. I came to England with two objectives: to kill that vermin and to find you." Her tone was nonchalant, as if she were talking about some trip, but Seth sensed the depth behind her words.
She then gave a wry smile, "But it seems that the Association is short of Rank-S Hunters for this Raid. So instead of simply disappearing after blowing up a yacht, I thought it best to accept this mission on the Isle of Man. This way, we kill two birds with one stone - I cover for Esthair's sudden absence and prevent the media from getting too suspicious."
Seth snorted, crossing his arms. "So now you're 'doing charity' to clean up your image?"
Connie laughed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Let's just say I'm just putting the pieces on the board. But don't worry, dear husband, I won't be long."
Seth sighed and leaned his elbow on the table, watching her. It was amazing how naturally she dealt with everything-death, politics, battles-as if they were just part of her routine.
But something told him that, deep down, there was more to this mission than just convenience.