Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

"What do you think you are doing?"

Selene's eyes widened in shock and anxiety as she quickly turned to face the newcomer, her hands trembling. Adrian's gaze followed hers, his own surprise growing as he saw the beautiful yet imposing figure standing just behind her.

It was none other than Aria, her purple eyes blazing with an intensity that made Selene's ruby gaze seem pale in comparison. The air around her crackled with barely contained power, her presence a stark contrast to the chaos and desperation of the clearing.

"Em... D-Don't misunderstand!" Selene stammered, her voice faltering. "I was just..."

Aria's expression hardened, her gaze shifting to Adrian's prone form. "Just what?" she demanded, her tone leaving no room for excuses. "Were you planning to poison him?"

Selene's face went pale, her composure crumbling under Aria's scrutiny. "No, I was just trying to help him. He was injured, and I thought..."

"Enough." Aria's voice was cold and final. She stepped forward, placing herself between Adrian and Selene. "You've done enough. Leave him to me."

Selene hesitated, her eyes flickering between Adrian and Aria. Finally, she sighed and took a step back, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "Fine," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "But if he dies, it won't be on my conscience."

With that, she turned and walked away, her footsteps echoing through the clearing. Aria watched her go, her expression unchanging until Selene disappeared from sight. Only then did she turn her attention back to Adrian, her eyes softening with concern.

"Adrian," Aria said gently, kneeling beside him. "Can you hear me? You're safe now."

Adrian nodded weakly, his body finally succumbing to the exhaustion and pain. "T-Thank-! Cough-!"

He spat out blood, causing Aria to become more distressed and worried.

"Don't speak!" Aria quickly put her finger to her lips, making a 'shh' gesture. "Don't move either."

Adrian nodded slightly.

Aria quickly searched her storage ring and took out three vials of potions. She uncorked one, glanced at Adrian, then put it to her mouth. Leaning over him, she pressed her lips to his, gently letting the potion flow into his mouth.

Adrian's eyes widened in surprise, but the shock quickly faded as he felt the warmth of the potion spreading through him, mingled with the softness of Aria's kiss. Despite the pain and exhaustion, he felt a deep sense of gratitude for her kindness and care.

As the first potion took effect, Adrian's mind flashed back to Selene's posture when he had opened his eyes. He realized she had probably intended to use the same method. Relief washed over him as he silently thanked Aria for arriving in time and stopping whatever Selene had planned. It would be too awkward to face both Aria and Selene.

Aria pulled back, her eyes meeting his with a tender smile. "Two more," she whispered, her voice soothing.

She repeated the process, administering the second potion in the same gentle, loving manner. Adrian felt the healing effects intensify, the pain in his chest easing slightly. By the time she leaned in for the third potion, he was more relaxed, his breathing steadier.

After the final potion, Aria gently repositioned him, allowing his head to rest on her lap. She stroked his hair, her touch calming and reassuring. The wounds on his body began to heal at a faster rate, the potions working their magic.

Adrian gazed up at her, his vision blurring as fatigue overwhelmed him. "Thank you, Aria," he thought, his mind filled with gratitude and love for her. As sleep claimed him, he felt safe and cherished, knowing he was in good hands.

Aria stared at his sleeping face, experiencing different emotions. Worry for his condition and health, jealousy over Selene, empathy for his condition, anger for him breaking his promise - acting alone again, pity and sadness, and finally happiness for being with him.

However, her love for him was real and overwhelming, overshadowing all other emotions. She sighed softly, her fingers continuing to stroke his hair gently, ensuring he was as comfortable as possible.

"Adrian," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Please, take better care of yourself. We... I can't afford to lose you."

Aria sat vigil over him, her mind replaying the events that had led to this moment. She couldn't shake off the image of Selene standing over Adrian with those potions, her intentions unclear but undeniably suspicious. A protective anger surged within her, but she pushed it down, focusing on the present and on Adrian's recovery.

As the minutes turned into hours, the clearing grew quieter, the earlier tension dissipating under Aria's watchful presence. She glanced around, ensuring that no further threats loomed nearby, her senses on high alert.

Eventually, the silence was broken by the sound of rustling leaves. Aria's eyes snapped up, her body tensing, ready to defend Adrian from any new danger. But it was only Irithel, followed by the other elf girl, Rhea.

The two girls emerged from the trees, their eyes widening in shock as they took in the scene before them. The clearing and the path till here were littered with signs of the fierce battle that had taken place, and at its center lay the corpse of the snout-faced monster, encased in a block of ice.

Adrian, despite his healing, still bore the bloodied and torn remnants of his clothes, and the faint scars on his body told the tale of his narrow escape from death.

Irithel and Rhea hurried over, but Aria quickly put her index finger to her nose, gesturing for them to stay silent. They stopped immediately, exchanging worried glances before approaching more cautiously.

"What happened here?" Irithel mouthed, her eyes wide with concern as she took in the state of Adrian's condition.

Aria glanced down at Adrian, her fingers still gently stroking his hair. "A battle," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "He fought to the death, but he's exhausted and needs rest."

Rhea's gaze shifted to the ice-encased monster, her eyes narrowing in thought. "He defeated that?" she asked, her voice filled with awe and a hint of disbelief.

Aria looked at Rhea, her expression cold and indifferent. It is because of you, she wanted to say but refrained herself. "Yes..."