Chapter 11: Invitation

Lucian stood frozen, his breath shallow, his body caught in the dangerous pull of three temptresses—Nyx, Sylphira, and Lys.

Their warmth wrapped around him like an intoxicating spell, their soft hands gliding over his skin, teasing, testing his limits.

Nyx's lips barely brushed against his, her crimson eyes smoldering with wicked amusement. "You're trembling, darling."

Sylphira giggled, her wings fluttering as she nuzzled against his other side, her soft lips grazing his jawline. "Such a reaction… Do humans always get this flustered?"

Lys trailed her fingers along his stomach, her violet eyes gleaming with mischief. "Maybe our master needs some special attention to help him relax."

Lucian felt his rationality crumbling.

He was a man.

A man who had spent his past life alone, dreaming about moments like these—beautiful women, sensual whispers, their soft, eager touches.

And now?

Three otherworldly beauties were pressed against him, their hands wandering, their voices whispering forbidden things, their bodies so close he could feel every curve, every teasing breath.

His modern world instincts screamed.

BRO, THIS IS IT. DON'T MESS THIS UP.

His inner pervert cheered, demanding him to seize the moment, to finally fulfill the dreams he could only watch on a screen before.

His breath hitched as Nyx dragged a single, cold finger down his chest, pausing just above his waistband.

Sylphira's warm breath tickled his ear, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "We belong to you, Lucian. You only have to say the word…"

Lys leaned closer, her fingers dipping lower, dangerously close to—

BAM!

The heavy doors slammed open, shaking the entire corridor.

Lucian jerked away, his heart nearly leaping out of his chest as a bone-chilling presence filled the air.

The three fairies instantly straightened, their flirtatious expressions vanishing in an instant.

Lucian turned, his pulse still racing, and found himself face-to-face with his father—Duke Reynard Ashford.

The room grew cold, the suffocating pressure of the Duke's golden gaze freezing everything in place.

Nyx, Sylphira, and Lys stepped back, their usual teasing confidence now replaced with caution.

Lucian swallowed hard. "Father."

The Duke's expression was unreadable, his piercing golden eyes locking onto Lucian with a gaze so sharp it could cut through steel.

"You will come with me," the Duke commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Lucian exhaled, forcing himself to push away the lingering heat from his fairies' touch. "Tch. Fine."

As he stepped forward, he felt Nyx's hand brush against his one last time, her fingers tracing his palm in a silent promise.

Sylphira's voice was barely a whisper, but he heard it.

"Be careful, Master."

Lys simply winked, her playful smile returning for just a moment. "We'll be waiting~."

Lucian clenched his jaw and followed his father out into the darkened halls of the estate, leaving behind the lingering warmth of temptation…

And stepping into the chilling grip of his fate.

The study was dimly lit, a grand fireplace casting flickering shadows against the walls lined with ancient tomes and priceless artifacts.

Duke Reynard stood near the window, his hands clasped behind his back. His posture was rigid, his presence overpowering.

Lucian remained standing, arms crossed. "What's this about?"

The Duke didn't turn immediately. He stared out into the darkened estate grounds, his voice calm, but heavy with something unspoken.

"You are no longer a child, Lucian." His golden eyes finally met Lucian's. "I will speak plainly."

Lucian tensed.

The Duke's gaze bored into him, unwavering. "Do you understand what you have done?"

Lucian frowned. "You mean summoning fairies instead of abyssal creatures?"

A tense silence followed.

Then—

The Duke spoke. "No." He stepped forward, the golden light of the fire casting long shadows over his face. "You did not just summon fairies, Lucian."

His voice grew colder.

"You broke the laws of this world."

Lucian's breath hitched.

"You are an Ashford," the Duke continued, his tone sharp. "Your bloodline carries the Abyss' curse. No Ashford has ever summoned anything but darkness."

His voice dropped lower, almost dangerous.

"And yet, you… broke that chain."

Lucian clenched his fists. "Are you saying I should have just accepted being a tool for the Abyss?"

The Duke's gaze hardened. "I am saying you have defied something far greater than noble houses and royal politics." His voice dropped, the weight of his words pressing down on the room.

"You have made an enemy of the Abyss itself."

A cold chill ran down Lucian's spine.

His father continued. "There is a reason the Ashford bloodline has never been able to escape its fate."

The flames in the fireplace flickered violently, as if disturbed by unseen forces.

"The Abyss does not forgive betrayal."

Lucian gritted his teeth. "Then let it come for me."

For the first time, the Duke's lips curved slightly. Not in amusement.

But in grim acknowledgment.

"You speak boldly," he said. "But your journey has only just begun. And you are not ready."

Lucian scowled. "Then I'll get ready."

The Duke's golden eyes flickered with something unreadable.

"…We shall see."

He turned, striding toward his desk. With a flick of his hand, he tossed a sealed scroll onto the polished wood.

Lucian raised a brow. "What's this?"

"An invitation." The Duke's voice was calm. "To Celestia Academy."

Lucian's eyes widened.

Celestia Academy—the most prestigious summoner academy in the entire continent. A place where nobles, geniuses, and warriors honed their craft.

The Duke met his gaze once more.

"You will enroll," he stated firmly. "You will grow stronger. And you will learn to control the power you have awakened."

Lucian's mind raced. Celestia Academy…

A place filled with the strongest young summoners, the ruthless noble elite, and secrets waiting to be unraveled.

He exhaled slowly.

Things were about to get interesting.