Chapter 497: So my underwear is the backup plan, huh?

Thud!

Aria had Victor pinned against the wall in a classic kabedon move, her hand slammed next to his head as she cornered him with sudden intensity.

Victor caught off guard, blinked in surprise.

One moment they were walking, and the next, he found himself dragged into her room, her body pressing close, the door closed behind them. His mind raced, trying to make sense of her sudden boldness. "What's going on?" he asked softly, his fingers brushing her cheek, his voice tender, though his eyes scanned her face for answers.

Aria held his gaze, her lips pressed into a firm line. For a long, charged moment, she said nothing, just staring into his eyes. Finally, she broke the silence, her voice serious and low. "What are you planning?"

Victor blinked again, confused. "Aria, what are you talking about—?"

"Aether," she interrupted, her tone sharper now.