CHAPTER 248: _REPLACE BAD MEMORIES

Elian’s POV

*****

Stepping out of the Palace, it didn’t take long to spot Lucian standing about twenty meters away from the main entrance. The Alpha Prince had a broad smile, raising a hand and waving.

Elian was a bit stunned at first... But then his gaze softened, his face flushing hard.

Lucian was dressed in a stylish white jacket with black highlights. His black pants were form-fitting, his silver eyes glinting with warmth when his lips parted.

"Hey, you. Good morning."

Elian placed his arms in front of himself, taking slow steps forward. The sun shone brightly above, forcing him to squint when its light kissed his face.

"Hello to you too," Elian mumbled like they were meeting for an awkward first date. "I got your letter. You know you could’ve just called or reached out through my room’s system, right?"

Lucian grinned. "Now that would’ve stolen from the angst. No?"

When Elian finally got in front of Lucian neither said a word. His face was between an awkward grimace and a bashful smile. While Lucian’s smile never disappeared, his eyes shining with something unreadable.

Eventually, Lucian took the first step. He pulled Elian into his arms, hugging him and burying his face in his neck. The latter froze, his arms dangling above the Alpha Prince’s back.

[Someone get me my digital tissues.]

Just that one act was enough to melt away most of Elian’s worries. Most of the insecurities.

Slowly, he reciprocated the hug, closing his eyes and taking in Lucian’s scent.

They remained that way for several seconds... Or more. Elian honestly couldn’t tell how long had passed.

When Lucian finally pulled away, his hands found Elian’s shoulders. "So, I saw Kyren stepping into his battle craft and leaving. You two said your goodbyes already?"

Elian nodded, trying to hide the jitters he still felt after that hug. "Yeah, he stopped by my room a few minutes back."

Lucian hummed softly, tilting his head as though studying Elian. "Good. I was hoping you’d stay longer here in Lunaria anyway. Not just because of the wedding next week."

Elian blinked. "Oh? And why’s that?"

Lucian smiled a little—soft but knowing. "Because I want to spend more time with you. Away from... everything else."

Elian blinked again, then gave him that look. The one who said, I know you’re hiding something. "You mean the same wedding you announced to the entire Empire before even telling me?"

Lucian winced, looking adorably guilty. "Ah. That."

Elian’s lips twitched as he folded his arms. "You really thought you could just drop that bomb on all of Lunaria and I’d just what? Go with it?"

Lucian reached up, gently scratching the back of his neck. "I wanted it to be a surprise... a good one."

"Uh-huh."

The Alpha Prince took a step forward, his tone softening. "I know I overstepped. I’m sorry. Truly. I plan to make it up to you, though."

Elian raised an eyebrow, squinting slightly but not pulling away when Lucian reached for his hand. "Oh? And how do you plan to do that?"

Lucian didn’t answer. He simply laced their fingers together, his grip firm but gentle, and tugged him forward. "You’ll see."

They walked in comfortable silence, down the long marble path that led to the palace gates. Guards stationed along the path nodded respectfully as they passed, though Elian noticed Lucian’s fingers never once loosened their hold.

[You’re both holding hands like a royal romance novel cover. I give it five stars already.]

’System, I swear I will uninstall you.’

[You can try, fruitcake.]

When they finally reached the massive gates, Elian’s eyes widened at the sleek aether craft waiting just beyond. The vehicle gleamed silver and blue under the sunlight, its core pulsing faintly.

"Why didn’t it just hover closer to the palace?" Elian asked, raising an eyebrow. "We’ve been walking for ages."

Lucian chuckled, opening the door for him. "Because I wanted to walk with you."

That simple, almost casual statement did things to Elian’s chest.

He hesitated briefly before stepping into the aether craft. As he sat down, Lucian followed, taking the seat beside him. The craft hummed to life, gliding smoothly over the sky lanes above Lunaria’s capital.

Lucian’s gaze wandered for a moment before it landed on something at Elian’s neck—a ruby pendant glowing faintly against his skin. His expression flickered, a mix of curiosity and faint concern.

"Hm... still have that necklace from Kyren, I see," he remarked, reaching out carefully to touch it.

Elian instinctively pressed his fingers over it. "Oh—this? I mean... yeah? It’s a gift after all."

Lucian’s brows furrowed slightly. "Do you know what it does?"

He shook his head. "Not yet. He didn’t say."

Lucian hummed, thumb brushing over the gem once more before he withdrew his hand. "Just... be careful with it. Anything Kyren leaves behind usually has a purpose."

The silence that followed was thick but not uncomfortable. Outside the window, the glittering spires of the city stretched endlessly, their mirrored surfaces catching shards of sunlight.

Eventually, the aether craft slowed and descended before a glimmering crystal dome restaurant.

Elian’s breath caught. "Wait... this place..."

Lucian smiled knowingly. "You’ve been here before, haven’t you?"

"Yeah," Elian admitted softly, eyes lowering. "Garrick brought me here once. Before everything."

He didn’t mention the rest—the blood, the gunfire, the chaos. Almost killed by an assassin. He didn’t have to. His silence said enough.

Lucian squeezed his hand gently. "Then let’s make new memories to replace the old ones."

That simple reassurance hit harder than Elian expected. His chest warmed as he allowed Lucian to guide him inside.

The moment they stepped through the crystalline doorway, the air shimmered with faint music. Transparent tables lined the dome, each surrounded by floating holographic menus that glowed a soft silver-blue.

Elian let out a low whistle. "Still as beautiful as I remember..."

Lucian smiled. "Then let’s make this visit better."

They sat by the edge, a panoramic view of Moon Haven spread before them. With a wave of Lucian’s hand, a holographic menu appeared, and they made their orders through the floating screen.

As they waited, the silence grew soft and intimate, like a shared heartbeat. Then, Lucian reached into his jacket and pulled out a small, ornate locket.

"Here," he said quietly.

Elian tilted his head, curious. "What’s that?"

Lucian didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he leaned closer, taking Elian’s hand in his. His thumb brushed over his knuckles—steady, warm, grounding.

"Elian," Lucian murmured, eyes locking onto his. "Look at me."

The moment he opened the locket, a gentle pulse of light spilt out.

Elian gasped, eyes widening—