The memory faded, and Nullen blinked, his gaze refocusing on the present.
Iridea was on the ground, knees drawn to her chest just like that day on the rooftop. But this time, the Auracite was completely shattered, and her skin flickered with colors that didn't align.
Nullen crouched down, lifting his wrist just as he did back then. "Take it," he said, voice low, offering his watch.
This time, Iridea didn't hesitate. She reached out, her trembling hand wrapping around his wrist as she pressed her skin against the watch's cool surface.
For a moment, silence stretched between them, only broken by the sound of Iridea's ragged breathing.
"There were so many other great families tonight," Iridea said, her voice raw. "You could've let them engage you to someone else. Someone more… fitting."
Nullen's gaze remained fixed on the glass panels, his jaw tight. "You think that matters to me?"
Iridea swallowed, her hands clenching the watch tighter. "It's just an engagement," Nullen continued, his tone flat. "We're still in college. A lot can still happen."
The words hit Iridea like a cold slap. He was right. They were only in their first year. Nullen was enrolled in the Aurellian Academy of Medicine, the top medical university in Aurellia , a natural path for the heir of the Vir family's hospital empire.
Iridea, however, was attending the Aurellia College of Arts and Design, far removed from the pharmaceutical world her parents expected her to lead. Instead of formulas and labs, she found solace in colors and canvases ,a world where she could paint her emotions without being exposed.
Iridea reached for the watch, her fingers trembling as she tried to take it off. "Here," she said, voice shaky. "You should take it back."
Nullen's hand shot out, pushing her wrist back down. "No," he said, his tone cool and unyielding. "It's yours now."
Iridea's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Nullen leaned back against the wall, eyes fixed somewhere over her shoulder. "I've been using that same watch for years," he said. "I know when it's time to change charms."
He lifted his wrist, bare now, no watch, no Auracite, nothing. "Besides," he added, a bitter smirk pulling at his lips, "I don't need charms anyway."
Iridea's eyes widened, her gaze dropping to his wrist. "Nullen, you can't just—"
"It's fine," he cut her off, his eyes dark and empty. "I'm a Void, remember?"
Iridea swallowed hard, unable to respond. Slowly, she lowered her wrist, the Emotex Watch now resting against her skin , a silent, glaring reminder of her secret.
Nullen's gaze flicked to the shattered pieces of her Auracite, glimmering like fragments of a fallen star. "You shouldn't rely on that Auracite too much," he said, his voice colder than before. "They wear out faster when you're like this."
Iridea's shoulders slumped, her eyes fixed on the shattered pieces. "I know," she muttered, more to herself than to him.
Nullen pushed himself off the wall and turned away. "Don't lose it," he said without looking back. "That's the last one you'll get from me."
And with that, he walked away, his footsteps echoing through the greenhouse, leaving Iridea alone.
----
Nullen walked back into the ballroom, the music and chatter a stark contrast to the silence of the greenhouse. The guests continued to mingle.
He made his way to his parents, who stood near the entrance, engaging in polite conversation with a group of elite guests. Mrs. Vir noticed him first, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"I'm heading out," Nullen said, his tone flat. "I'm going somewhere."
Mr. Vir's brow lifted, his expression neutral. "In the middle of the event?"
Nullen shrugged, his gaze unfocused. "It's not like anyone would miss me."
Mrs. Vir's lips thinned, but she said nothing. After a moment, Mr. Vir gave a slight nod. "Fine. Just don't be out too late."
Nullen nodded, turning away without another word. As he moved through the crowd.
------
Meanwhile – Inside the Greenhouse:
Iridea remained on the floor, the shattered pieces of her Auracite pendant glimmering faintly around her. She raised her wrist, her eyes locked onto the Emotex Watch now wrapped around it. It looked pristine , untouched, almost new, despite the fact that it had been on Nullen's wrist for years.
How was it still in such perfect condition? It was as if it had never absorbed anything, as if it had never been used.
Her brows knitted together as she turned her wrist, the watch catching the faint light.
Untouched. Unaffected. Just like Nullen.
A bitter taste filled her mouth. Nullen hadn't hesitated to give it to her , no strings attached, no expectations. But that wasn't how she worked. She couldn't let herself owe him anything.
Iridea's jaw clenched, her pride flaring up like a stubborn flame.
"I'll repay him," she muttered to herself, voice rough. "I can't owe him anything."
But how? What could she possibly give to someone who seemed to feel nothing? Who had everything and yet, nothing?
She pushed herself to her feet, brushing the dirt off her dress. The event was still ongoing , the music and the laughter.
Iridea took a deep breath, forced a smile to her lips, and stepped out of the greenhouse. The music grew louder as she walked back toward the ballroom.