Whoohooo I'm backkkkk

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"What's that?"

Athanasia hummed, tilting her head not getting what Lucas pointed out. The older let out a sigh, pointing under her eyes.

"What's up with those bags?" He asked again.

"Oh..." Athanasia weakly reacted, touching her eye bags. She's been having trouble sleeping at night, ever since that night. It's getting out of control. "I-It's nothing..."

Lucas frowned, staring at the younger as if she's mocking him. "Do you really think that I would just turn a blind eye at your 'nothing'." He quoted.

"N-No... I just don't want to talk about it... Anyway, what are you even doing here?" Athanasia tried to change the topic.

"Don't you dare change the topic, I know that there's something wrong," Lucas said with a huff, crossing his arms. "I won't be leaving unless you tell me."

Athanasia let out a small gasp, glaring at the older. She wanted to fight but she's too tired, but she doesn't want to remember it again.

"Princess, we might have known each other for like 2 months but I'm a trusted person when it comes to serious topics," Lucas said In a serious tone, there's not a mix of tease in his voice.

Athanasia stared at the older with wide eyes, finding at least something to avoid the topic but there's nothing, she was trapped.

She let out a sigh, looking down. "Fine, here, take a seat..." She muttered, scooting over for the magician to sit. Lucas followed.

"I... I've been having these weird and scary dreams every night..." Athanasia started, looking down at her hands on her lap. "It's something about time and punishment..."

Lucas's breathing hitched, his heart starting to race in nervousness. Time and punishment, she's slowly remembering. How could that happen? He didn't do anything to make her dream of this.

"Lucas, are you even listening??" Athanasia called out, about to get angry as she thought that the older wasn't listening to every word she said.

"I-I am..." Lucas nodded, finally getting out of his trance. "Sorry, it just..."

"Are you okay?" Athanasia tilted her head.

"I think I would be the one asking you that, it must have been a bad dream," Lucas said, staring at Athanasia with a worried look.

Athanasia looked up to the older with wide eyes. Why is this guy suddenly so caring towards her? Did he know how weak she is when he's acting like that? It's bad for her heart!

I'm gonna sue you for that, Athanasia grumbled in her thoughts, looking away with a small blush crept on her face.

"It's best if you take a rest today and cancel all your lessons, I doubt that you could write at least one word in your condition," Lucas suggested.

"Huh?" Athanasia frowned. "I can't sleep properly, I don't want to have to kind of dreams again."

"Then I'll make them disappear for you."

Athanasia frowned more, staring at the older as if he's out of his mind. "The heck?"

"Have you forgotten?" Lucas scoffed, giving the princess a flick on the forehead but he make sure that it's not strong. "I'm a magician and the best in the tower. I can do anything."

"Show off." Athanasia rolled her eyes in annoyance. She may have fallen for him, but she still hates it when he starts acting all cocky.

"You know princess, that's not gonna stop me from making you rest," Lucas smirked, reading right through her. "I insist. If your parents see you like that—oh! The horror and pain in their eyes!"

Athanasia blinked, watching the older having a dramatic moment. Oh, how she wanted to punch that guy's face.

"OW!!"

And she did it.

"You and your dramatic act, you think I would fall for that!" Athanasia huffed, ready to give him another punch.

"Well, you did fall for me so I assumed you'd also fall for my acts."

Athanasia stopped and stared at Lucas with wide eyes, her cheeks became beet red while her hands are still up in the air. "Wha- What did you say?!!!"

"Huh?" Lucas blinked innocently. "Did I say something? Maybe it's because you need some sleep, Princess. Here, let me help you."

"W-What are you-" Athanasia fell into Lucas's arms as soon as the latter created a sleeping spell.

"Oof, careful..." Lucas softly whispered, gently carrying the sleeping princess. "Jeez, you're a lot of work. Be grateful that I love you."

"Mrm..." Athanasia mumbled, snuggling close.

Lucas felt a blush appearing on his cheeks. He let out a nervous laugh, looking away from the younger's face. "Damn it..."

He immediately regretted pulling Athanasia into sleep. He forgot how beautiful she is when sleeping, though she's more beautiful when she's wide awake and smiling.

Oh, how he wanted to see those eyes bright up again.

With a sigh, Lucas carried the princess and teleported them back to her chambers. Lucas gently put down Athanasia on her bed and tucked her in nice and warm.

A small smile crept on Athanasia's face as she felt the soft covers underneath her. Lucas let out a sad smile, noticing the black circles under her eyes.

He gently caresses her face and leaned close to give her a sweet kiss on the forehead. He left small mana for her to sleep in peace.

His poor Athanasia, he already sealed Nicholas away but the memories in the past are starting to haunt her. He assumed to have a new life with her but maybe the gods don't want it to happen.

How merciless are they to this girl. Athanasia never deserves any of this, she didn't even do anything to anger the gods, then why did they put her in this loop.

It should have been just him and Nicholas.

"I'm sorry..." He muttered with shaky breaths, tears filling up his eyes. "I'm sorry..."

Lucas just sat there, holding Athanasia's hand while she's asleep, kissing the back of it as he apologized and cried.

Yes, the great magician of the tower cried.

A loop is more painful than having immortality. You have to go through the pain all over again and not move on.

"I'm sorry."