The road stretched out in front of him, the quiet hum of insects and the distant rustle of leaves the only sounds apanying Lucian as he walked away from the secluded estate. He passed through the heavy iron gates, the guards in ck stationed there casting him a nce but making no move to stop him. It was as though his presence didn''t even warrant acknowledgment.


    Lucian sighed, running a hand through his hair as his steps slowed. "Ah, man, what a bother," he muttered, ncing up at the darkening sky. "Thesest few days… they''ve been rough. A second chance at life, huh? It''s not as easy as the novels make it sound." He chuckled to himself, shaking his head. "Looks like I need to find some quiet ce to meditate. Clear my head… or maybe even find enlightenment."


    A voice piped up in his mind, smooth and oddly cheerful.


    "Himyan mountains, host. Best ce for enlightenment. And, if you''re willing to shed your worldly attachments including your clothes your spiritual growth will be even faster. Sacrificing physicalforts is key, or so I''ve heard from the higher powers."


    Lucian snorted, the absurdity of the suggestion drawing a genuineugh from him. "Leave it," he said, grinning. "I don''t like the cold."


    "A pity, really. You''d look great as a frostbitten monk."


    Lucian''s grin widened as he walked. "You''re oddly hyped up these days, Max. I remember in myst life, you used to hit me with ns, strategies''Do this, don''t do that.'' No love missions this time around?" He raised an eyebrow, feigning curiosity.


    Max went silent for a moment before replying, his tone drier now. "I don''t think you''re in any position to ask for love, host. If anything, you''d be better off bing a monk. With your luck, that''s probably the safer option."


    Lucian chuckled at the jab, shaking his head. "Maybe," he said, a softugh escaping his lips. "Maybe."


    As he walked farther from the estate, the sleek shape of a red sedan parked just outside the gates caught his eye. His steps slowed, and a long sigh escaped him.


    "Ah, man…" he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.


    He walked to the car, opened the passenger door, and slid inside. The warm smell of coffee immediately hit his nose. Turning to the driver''s seat, he found Jimmy sitting there, a steaming cup of coffee in his hand.


    Lucian raised an eyebrow. "So, how long have you been sitting here?"


    Jimmy sipped from his cup, letting out a small grunt as the bitter taste hit his tongue. "Twenty minutes," he replied, ncing at Lucian from the corner of his eye. "Give or take."


    Lucian''s gaze flicked to the coffee cup. "Drinking ck coffee?"


    Jimmy nodded, taking another sip. "Hate it and love it at the same time," he said with a grimace. "You ever get that? Like it''s disgusting, but also… perfect?"


    Lucianughed softly, leaning back in his seat. "I love it," he admitted. "Not sure I could survive without it." He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Wait… am I addicted?"


    Jimmy chuckled, shaking his head as he ced the cup in the holder and turned the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life, and he eased the car onto the road, the tires crunching softly over the gravel.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Lucian leaned his elbow against the window, his gaze flicking toward the passing trees. "So," he said after a moment, his tone teasing, "why didn''t youe to save me? You saw me getting kidnapped. Were you scared or something?"


    Jimmy gave him a sideways nce, his tone t. "Are you a kid? And you''re talking like you were scared. Don''t give me that bull."


    Lucian grinned, but before he could reply, his thumb jerked over his shoulder toward the backseat. "And why''d you bring him?"


    Jimmy nced in the rearview mirror. "Him" was Garry, lounging in the backseat with his arms stretched along the tops of the seats, a smug grin stered across his face.


    "Eh, I came to save you from the bad guys," Garry chimed in, leaning forward until his arms rested on the backs of Lucian and Jimmy''s seats. "A little gratitude wouldn''t kill you, you know."


    Lucian turned, his expression skeptical. "Save me?" he repeated, arching an eyebrow. "Can you even fight?"


    Garry gasped theatrically, cing a hand on his chest. "Excuse me?" he said, feigning indignation. "I''ll have you know, I could beat any human if I wanted to." He grinned, ruffling his hair as though he were the star of an action movie.


    Jimmy nced at him in the rearview mirror, his lips twitching in what could have been a smirk or outright mockery. He took another sip of coffee, one hand casually steering the car.


    Lucian turned fully to face Garry, his gaze scrutinizing him. Then, after a long pause, he blinked slowly and nodded, a mocking smile tugging at his lips.


    "Yes, yes," Lucian said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Garry the monster. I''m terrified."


    Jimmy chuckled softly at Lucian''s tone, his eyes still on the road. "Garry the monster, huh?" he murmured, taking another sip of his coffee.


    Garry puffed out his chest, his grin unfaltering. "Damn right," he said confidently.


    The car sped along the empty road, the hum of the engine blending with the asional rustle of trees outside. Inside, the tension was mixed with an air of yful banter, Lucian leaning against the window, lost in thought, while Jimmy casually steered, sipping his coffee every now and then.


    Lucian finally broke the silence, his voice light but carrying a hint of curiosity. "So… don''t you guys want to know who it was? The one giving me a ride earlier with those ferocious, hairy guys packing guns?" He nced sideways at Jimmy, a faint smirk ying on his lips.


    Jimmy raised an eyebrow, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Honestly," he said, his tone teasing, "I''m more interested in knowing who the girl was this morning." His eyes gleamed with amusement as he shot Lucian a quick nce. "You know, the one with that look."


    ----


    Shameless author begging for powerstones and tickets...guys quite behind in ranking take some pity on poor author will ya