Chapter 120
ADRIAN’S P.O.V.
Just when I thought I’d hit my limit with life’s cruel jokes, the universe always found a way to deliver a fresh punch to the gut.
Juliette’s sharp gasp cut through my annoyance, her wide eyes flicking back and forth between Leonard and me. “Hold on… Adrian, isn’t this him? The boy you showed me? The one they threw into your cell all those years ago? The one you p>
I sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Yes, Juliette. This boy—if we’re calling him that—was is indeed the same person. Unfortunately p>
Leonard’s grin stretched as wide as the sun. “Ah, so you did talk about me! I’m honored. You’re not exactly the type to spill details, Adrian. Especially not about yourself. Juliette, you must be something special for him to open up like that p>
Juliette blinked, utterly baffled, before turning to me, her mouth agape. “Is this guy for real p>
I waved her off. “Don’t engage, Juliette. It only encourages him p>
Teresa and Lucian, who had been standing off to the side, looked really confused. Lucian’s low, gravelly voice cut through the chaos. “Adrian, who is this child, and why is he here p>
Teresa, standing beside him, crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. “Yes, Adrian, care to explain what’s going on? Because from where I’m standing, this looks… bizarre p>
I shot Leonard a glare before addressing them both. “Leonard is an old acquaintance —one who has been a thorn in my flesh for centuries.” My voice was clipped, laced with all the annoyance I could muster.
Leonard gasped theatrically, placing a hand over his heart as though I’d stabbed him. “A thorn in your flesh? Adrian, how could you? I am your beloved brother! We’ve been through thick and thin together. I’ve been your companion, your confidant—your source of endless entertainment! And this is how you introduce me p>
I groaned audibly. “You’ve been a menace, Leonard p>
Juliette raised a skeptical eyebrow, crossing her arms as her gaze flickered between us. “Wait a second,” she said, addressing me, “Weren’t you just a little bit older than Leonard when you changed him? Then why does he still look like a teenager, and you look like, well, you p>
Leonard wiggled his eyebrows at her. “I take that as a compliment p>
I shot him a glare before answering Juliette’s question. “Honesty, Juliette, I can’t tell but it seemed the witches’ substance that stopped my aging didn’t kick in until I turned twenty-eight. One day, I realized I’d stopped aging completely. But Leonard I sighed deeply, regretting all over again my decision to drink his blood centuries ago. “Since I turned him myself, he stopped aging the instant I bit him p>
Leonard gave a carefree shrug. “I don’t mind. It’s an advantage. People underestimate me all the time. Plus,”—he smirked mischievously—”I can shapeshift into a tall, mature man anytime I want. Very useful for… situations p>
I sighed deeply, muttering under my breath, “He’s always been a pest I can’t get rid of p>
“Aw, Adrian,” Leonard cooed mockingly. “I love you too p>
Lucian shifted uncomfortably, his brow furrowed in confusion. “Adrian,” he said, his tone impatient, “why is he here now p>
I folded my arms, narrowing my eyes at Leonard. “That’s an excellent question. What did you do this time, Leonard p>
Leonard burst into laughter, the kind that made my irritation spike. He doubled over, clutching his stomach, before straightening and giving me a sheepish grin. “Well… I might have shapeshifted into a pixie and, uh, seduced and slept with the five daughters of a pixie prince. Now the prince and his entire army are after me. Naturally, I thought of you, big brother. You’re the only one I trust to hide me p>
Everyone fell into stunned silence. Juliette’s jaw dropped, while Lucian let out a low whistle, his face twisted in disbelief.
“You what?!” I exploded. “How could you do something so catastrophically stupid p>
Leonard held up his hands in mock surrender, his grin unfazed. “Come on, Adrian, you know me! I see an opportunity, I take it p>
“An opportunity?” Juliette sputtered. “You seduced five princesses of a notoriously vengeful species, Leonard. What is wrong with you p>
Teresa, who had been quiet up until now, raised a hand hesitantly, her expression filled with confusion. “Um… excuse me, but… what’s a pixie p>
I turned to her, exasperated but willing to explain. “Pixies are small, winged creatures—typically no taller than your knee. They may look delicate, but they are the most stubborn, hot-headed, and revenge-driven beings you could ever encounter. They don’t forgive easily, and their grudges are legendary. And now, thanks to Leonard, a pixie prince and his army are likely heading this way p>
Her mouth fell open, her brow furrowing. “So you’re telling me that this… idiot,” she gestured toward Leonard, “has not only put himself in danger but dragged all of us into it as well p>
“Precisely!” I snapped. “Leonard has dragged himself into the worst kind of trouble. And now, because of his stupidity, it’s on my doorstep p>
Leonard had the audacity to grin. “Relax, Adrian. You’re a master at solving problems. I figured you’d think of something p>
“Think of something?!” I stared at him, dumbfounded. “Leonard, if I kill you now, would that solve the problem? Because seducing five daughters of a pixie prince and thinking it wouldn’t get out of hand is the definition of idiocy p>
Juliette smothered a laugh behind her hand, while Lucian’s growl rumbled through the clearing, his blind eyes narrowing. “I may not see what’s happening, but I can smell the chaos on this boy Adrian. I’d vote yes. Let’s kill him and be done with it p>
“Calm yourself,” I muttered, waving a dismissive hand. “Leonard isn’t worth the bloodshed p>
Leonard, as though oblivious to the growing hostility around him, leaned casually against a nearby wall. “Look, all I need is a place to lay low for a bit. Just until the pixie prince cools off p>
“Cool off?” I repeated, my voice rising. “Pixies don’t cool off, Leonard! They fester, they plot, and then they retaliate. You’ve put all of us in the crosshairs of one of the most vindictive creatures in existence p>
Juliette, unable to contain herself, burst out laughing. “I mean… as ridiculous as this is, you’ve got to admit it’s kind of funny p>
I glared at her, though the corner of my mouth twitched. “Not. Helping p>
Teresa sighed, rubbing her temples. “So what now? Do we just wait for an army of tiny winged assassins to show up p>
“Precisely,” I muttered darkly. “Thanks to Leonard, that’s exactly what we’re doing p>
Leonard beamed, utterly unbothered. “See? You’ve missed me p>