Bab 517: Shield Against The Nightmare.

At the stroke of midnight, Alran and Oriana returned to the manor. Oriana, inebriated, leaned heavily on Alran, her balance swaying precariously. Drayce aided them in their teleportation back, as Alran's powers were not yet fully realized.

Arlan guided her to the bed, while holding her in his arms and made her sit on the bed.

"Arlan Cromwell... Jerk... why do you flirt with me..." she muttered, burying her face against his chest.

Gently, Alran unwrapped the headband from her hair, allowing her locks to cascade freely along her slender back. He tenderly ran his fingers through her silken strands, untangling them with care.

"... why don't you stay away from me?..." Oriana's words came out as fragmented whispers.