World's Best Protagonist [BL]

It hasn’t even been a day since the report about Noir’s death shook them, and yet here they are giving his place away already. Sure, it’s not his, but what about the personal things Noir left in there?

Claude stepped forward, his voice tinged with disbelief. "That’s not possible. Sanctums are designated for outworlders. Jade isn’t one."

I am panicking inside. A bit. But I didn’t show it. I knew there was meaning in the way Layla Mio looked at me. This is it. They are going to monitor me by locking me in one of their Sanctums.

"I can refuse, right?"

Everyone turned their heads to me. What? Am I the only one bold enough to defy an order? I mean, they can’t force me, right?

Patrick nodded. "You can. And I understand the confusion. However, due to Seeker Jade’s background—being the son of one of the Underworld Awakeners Organization’s Leaders—and the threats on his life, the UAO has approved this order. The Sanctum is the safest place for him.

The words rushing out of my throat screeched to a halt. He has a point. Now, I’m torn apart on choosing between these two: strangers following you around and watching you in the pretext of protecting you, or an indestructible place in exchange for your freedom?

Claude’s jaw tightened. "Double-check the order."

"I already have, sir," Patrick replied. "It’s legitimate."

The team exchanged glances, each lost in thought. The decision was unprecedented, but the logic was sound.

"I guess I have no choice," I muttered. I value my life now, so my priority is my utmost safety. There is no guarantee that the people they’ll put on me can take on the members of the Underworld.

I looked at the captain. Maybe I can suggest living with him instead? Claude didn’t respond, his eyes just fixed on the ground. Patrick excused himself after telling me to wait for a go signal before moving to Noir’s place.

Allen patted my back. He opened his mouth, then he closed it again. He was hesitating to say something. But even if he did not say anything, I could tell by the crumpled face that he was not liking the order.

He’s another one hesitating to bring up the concept of living together. However, living with Allen is bound to bring misunderstanding to this...troubled captain.

"I’d like to say that you should have insisted on staying on the captain’s Sanctum instead..." Allen whispered all of a sudden, breaking my gaze from Claude, who was still glaring at where Patrick had disappeared. "But honestly, I’m a bit relieved that you’re...moving out of his place."

He averted his eyes when my gaze pinned him. Just as I was aware of his feelings already, he knew about my feelings too.

Allen turned to me again as he scratched the back of his head. "I...will try to ask my brother about this."

"Yeah. Thanks, Allen."

I’m not hoping that they will rescind this order. If the UAO approves to lend their precious Sanctums to me, it only means they’re catching on to something.

No secret can be kept forever. Time will come when everything will be found out. But damn, this is too fast. What secret of mine have they caught onto already?

"Captain, Jade. We’ll go ahead," Etienne brought up. I nodded at him. He waved and walked away.

"Ah, finally! I can take a proper bath now," Lexie stretched out her arms and winked at me before following Etienne.

Terrius just silently nodded at us and left.

The team dispersed, each heading off for some much-needed rest. As I turned to leave, Claude remained rooted in place.

"Captain," I said, reaching out to grab his hand. Then, I whispered, "Do you need counseling?"

He looked up, his eyes meeting mine. After a moment, he nodded. Without a word, he led me to his car, and we drove in silence to his Sanctum.

The rain had just begun to let up, leaving behind a misty haze that clung to the city streets. I started to ponder what would happen next as I quietly sat on the passenger seat, watching buildings, trees, and humans pass by.

The World Tree hasn’t reached out to me yet. I expected to be transported to the library when I entered the exit portal, so I was surprised when nothing happened. I need to search the world of Terrius, Etienne, and...Claude.

I took a deep breath. At the back of my head, I was mentally preparing myself for when that time comes. There was also this question squeezing itself into the corner of my mind, hiding in the shadows, afraid to step into the light and be answered.

Will he stay if I ask him to?

The car rolled into the driveway. I followed Claude, expecting he would head straight to his bedroom, but he sat in the living room instead.

"Don’t you want to lie down?"

"I can sleep here. You can use the bed." He patted the spot next to him.

"You speak as if we haven’t shared a bed before." I joked. I sat beside him and gave him my hand.

Claude looked at the hand with a raised brow as if asking me if all I intended to do was hold him. I clicked my tongue. He’s testing my patience. Does he want me to do more? I’m willing to comply. Anytime.

However, before I could act on it, he sighed and grasped my hand. He squeezed my hand, then he leaned on the sofa, his head tilted up.

I began the cleansing process, channeling energy to remove the dark remnants clinging to Claude’s body. He closed his eyes, his breathing steady. The silence between us was long, but it wasn’t boring. It was the kind of silence that felt comfortable and soothing.

As I finished, he opened his eyes. I asked, "How do you feel?"

"Better," he replied. He shifted on his seat. Without straightening his back, he turned his body to me, his one leg propped on the seat. "Do you need to release the contaminated energy?"

His lips moving was tempting. I was reminded of how I was kissed by him. But I’d be too selfish if I ignored his tired eyes.

I shook my head. "It wasn’t as dangerous as before. Freya counseled me earlier, remember?"

Claude’s brow furrowed. "The two of you seem closer. She looks interested in you."

I grinned. My heart leaped with joy, enough to win a long jump competition. "Are you jealous?"

Claude stiffened. People, when cornered about embarrassing truths, try to deny them sometimes. I wiggled my eyebrows, smirking mischievously. Claude had this look that says my face was a very punchable one right now.

My grin disappeared, and I cleared my throat. I should have kept my delusion to myself. "She’s just a friend."

He looked relieved. Suddenly, a notification buzzed on my phone. It was a message from the UAO, instructing me to collect the entry card to my new Sanctum.

"Who is it?" Claude asked. I showed him the message. His brows drew together, clearly displeased. "Ignore it."

"I can’t do that. To continue searching for worlds, I can’t upset the NSA or the UAO. I can refuse now, but sooner or later, they will likely prove to me how wrong my decision is."

"If you stay by my side all the time, no one can harm you," he murmured.

There he goes again, lifting my heart to help it grab a rope, only to pull the lid of an empty box in the end. Where does his heart lie?

"Have you forgotten who I am?" I answered him smugly. "No awakeners can harm me. Don’t worry." I pulled my hand as I stood up. "I need to go."

However, Claude didn’t release my hand. He pulled me back down beside him and closed his eyes.

"Stay with me," he murmured with finality. His eyebrows were still furrowed. I didn’t respond, but I didn’t leave either. We sat in silence until he drifted off to sleep.

Once I was certain he wouldn’t wake up. I carefully laid him down on his back and left. An hour later, I was in the room, once again facing one of the Chambers of the 4th Quarter of the Central 12 Chambers—the absolute authority dealing with the outworlders.