Aria makes her move!

"Don't worry, I won't hurt your 'dear' Aria... definitely!" Aqualina said with a gentle smile, her demeanour calm and serene as if she was mercifully letting a bug go just for Aether's sake.

Aether blinked for a moment, processing her words before nodding slowly, 'Yep, Aria is her first target...' he thought to himself, feeling a sense of urgency creeping in.

He knew he needed to take swift action before things spiralled out of control and caused even more complications.

Aether stood before her, lowering himself to one knee like a knight before his lady, and gently took her hand in his.

She remained silent, not even frowning at him for touching her without her explicit permission. This gesture alone spoke volumes about how deeply she had fallen for him.