Invisible Danger

I just got back from Master Long's temple and am on my way to our apartment. My brows immediately furrow when I see our apartment door slightly open. Neither Jennifer nor I have the habit of leaving the door ajar.

My steps quicken. In just two strides, I reach the entrance and push the door open—only to see Jennifer lying lifelessly on the floor. Her entire body is purple, foam spilling from her mouth.

"NOOOOOO!!!" I scream hysterically.

With that, I jolt awake, my body snapping upright. My breath comes in ragged gasps, my heart pounding in my chest. In reflex, I turn to my left—Jennifer is still there, sleeping soundly beside me. Only then do I exhale in relief. Another nightmare.

Ever since our wedding, I've had these dreams over and over. In all of them, Jennifer is either dead or touched by Lily. I know they are merely manifestations of my growing fear.

I lie back down and pull Jennifer into my embrace, pressing a deep, lingering kiss to her forehead as I try to calm myself. The only way to ease my mind is to get rid of Lily. But that's easier said than done.

The first and biggest problem is finding her. Despite regaining some of my memories, I still can't recall where the organization's headquarters is. I even asked Thief for help, but I realize this might be beyond their capabilities.

The second problem—I have no idea how many Knights have undergone the cell activation procedure. Without that knowledge, I can't estimate their strength or abilities. From the church incident, I know Bruno has gained teleportation. And judging by his threats, he might even be able to blow things up—either with his touch or his mind. Lily, based on her gloved left hand, likely has the ability to poison people. I know what Gila is capable of since he underwent the procedure with me. But the other three remain a mystery.

I sigh heavily. I've always operated with a solid, risk-calculated plan, often with multiple backup strategies. I study my enemies first before making a move. But for the sake of my wife and our baby, I will take any risk.

From what I remember, Bruno was a trustworthy person. Despite his feelings for Lily and my past relationship with her, he and I were good partners—good friends. Since Gila was always busy with Black, and Fire was more like a little brother to us, Bruno was the only one I could truly hang out with. Because of that, I trust that Bruno won't help Lily. He might even try to stop her.

But then again… I also know Lily too well.

She has always been strong-willed—persistent. She has loved me since childhood, never giving up despite knowing I had no feelings for her. Unfortunately, due to the aphrodisiac, I made the mistake of sleeping with her, falling into the trap she set for me. Even after years together, when I still didn't love her, she forced me into an engagement by leveraging our parents' ties. I had no excuse to refuse.

Lily never backs down. Worse, she will use any means necessary to get what she wants. That is what scares me the most.

Thankfully, Jennifer is still on honeymoon leave for two weeks. Though we are simply spending our time at home, at least I can watch over her 24/7.

But that leave will end soon—and my worry will increase tenfold. I can watch over her here, but not at her office. I can't just hover around her workplace all day. Even if I could, for how long?

"Why haven't you slept, Babe?"

Jennifer's soft voice pulls me out of my thoughts.

I kiss her forehead gently before answering, "I did. I just woke up."

"Another nightmare?" she asks, placing a hand on my chest.

"No," I lie, not wanting her to worry. Instead, I tighten my embrace. "I just missed feeling your warmth."

Jennifer giggles. "Charmer," she murmurs. I grin, kissing her forehead again.

"Why did you wake up?" I ask in return. "Nightmare?"

She shakes her head. "I just… felt your heartbeat. It was restless."

I pause. "You can feel my heartbeat?"

She nods.

"Since when?"

Jennifer shrugs. "This is the first time."

I frown slightly. "Can you feel other people's heartbeats?"

She tilts her head, confused. "Well… I don't usually get this close to other people."

I hesitate before asking, "Do you think you have a special ability?"

Jennifer chuckles. "Are you saying I'm some kind of superhero?"

"I don't know…" I trail off. "Remember when I broke through Slim Joe's penthouse? Or when I fought Lily?"

Jennifer nods.

"Both times, I moved at… well, an abnormal speed."

"Abnormal?"

I nod again. "Maybe four or five times the speed of sound."

"What?? How?? Is it from the brain activation?" she asks, bombarding me with questions.

I nod. "But here's the thing—you could break through it. I heard your voice stopping me at the penthouse, and you saw the fight with Lily. That shouldn't have been possible for a normal person."

"So… I have superpowers too?" she asks, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Despite her surprise, she looks thrilled. I can't help but chuckle. I married the right woman.

"I don't know, Babe. But I hope not," I say, playfully biting her nose.

"Why not? We could be a superhero family—like The Incredibles!" she exclaims.

I laugh. "No, Baby. I want us to have a plain, normal life."

"Plain is boring," she pouts.

"But safe," I counter.

"Still boring," she mutters.

"Hmm…" I kiss her lips passionately. "I'll make sure…" I roll her over so that I'm on top of her now. "Your sex life…" I bite her jaw. "Will never be boring." I drag my tongue along her earlobe.

Soon, I'm already beneath her belly, her voice echoing in pleasure as I bury myself between her thighs, drinking her in.

The next day, we receive a visitor—Master Long.

"I came to give you your wedding gift," he says once we settle in the living room.

"Oh, you shouldn't have!" Jennifer exclaims. "Walking me to the altar was already more than enough."

Master Long hands her a small box. "I made it myself. Please wear it, even if it's not beautiful."

Jennifer opens the box and gasps. "Wow… it's beautiful!"

She takes out the gift and holds it up for me to see. "Look, Babe! Isn't it beautiful?"

A jade bracelet.

"It is," I say, encouraging her. "Try it on."

Jennifer eagerly slides it onto her wrist. "It's beautiful, Master. Thank you so much!" she beams like a little girl receiving her favorite present.

"Thank you, Master," I say sincerely.

Little does Jennifer know, I spoke to Master Long about my concerns a few days ago. He told me he would craft a protective charm for her. Now, from the way he looks at me, I understand—this bracelet is that charm.

I couldn't be more grateful to him. More than half of my worries are lifted now. At least, when I'm not around, something will be protecting her.