As Stella let the water flow over her face, she couldn't help but feel the happiness and peace building up inside her. It had been a long time since happiness had visited her, the last time being when she felt Brandon's lips on hers, only for it to vanish quickly afterward. This time, however, it lingered, surprising both herself and her body. Her smile grew as the warm water plastered her hair to her bare skin, turning even a shower into a blessing. While the name of her transformation was still unknown, they couldn't get answers to their questions due to the disappearance of Faragonda and Griselda. Stella's moment with Brandon had been short, as her friends immediately flew to her, hugging her with such speed and force that they nearly knocked her over. Amid the laughter, Stella held them tightly, sharing the joy of reuniting with friends she had thought were injured or even dead for a long time.

Brandon's gaze had never left her for a moment. Stella was torn between running into his arms and ignoring him. She couldn't be sure because she couldn't grasp the thoughts behind those eyes. Was Brandon happy to see her, or was he relieved because he felt guilty? Although guilt and Brandon were not typically associated, Stella often found it difficult to understand many things when it came to Brandon.

Sighing, she turned off the water, realizing she had stayed too long, but her skin had deserved this shower. As she vigorously dried her damp hair with a towel, she was also busy wiping off the water droplets running down her body. She didn't particularly favor wetness, so her haste in drying herself wasn't unusual. Even though Brandon hadn't taken a step to extinguish the fire inside him, Stella had realized something while trying to understand his gaze. Fear. Brandon wasn't just worried; he was looking at her with fear, as if she might evaporate at any moment.

Since Aisha was using the shower in their compartment, Stella had taken her bag of clean clothes and gone out to find an empty shower area. Finding an empty compartment instead had worked out better for her. She had quickly closed the door and taken the opportunity to clean herself, and now, feeling purified, she was putting on her pajamas. The shorts, a bit loose due to recent exertions, didn't bother her. She wouldn't let concerns about her weight cast a shadow on her happiness. Without bothering to put on a bra, she slipped into a tank top, planning to use the empty compartment to sleep as well.

She took a deep breath, pleased with the scent filling the compartment. Stella had always enjoyed falling asleep in space ships since childhood. The smell of leather seats and the high-quality scent of a new ship always relaxed her. While the current scent didn't quite match those, it still pleased her greatly. Her friends were already asleep, enjoying the long journey in peace for once. The disappearance of Faragonda and Griselda barely concerned anyone. Many questions were swirling in her mind: What had happened to Bloom? How had she transformed? What had happened to the girls, and what was Brandon thinking right now? All these questions had remained unanswered because they wanted to return quickly and didn't want to stay in any kingdom for another second. Except for the last one, which was a general curiosity Stella always had and was generally left unanswered.

Although everyone wanted to go home, they were stuck with a fourteen-hour journey. There were many people and kingdoms who wanted to see and thank Stella, but she had insisted on going home directly without stopping anywhere. The specialists had remained silent while Brandon had surprised her by respecting her wish and setting a course for Solaria. She hadn't seen him for an hour, but since she had last seen him, his gaze hadn't left her, following her everywhere.

As the compartment doors opened and Stella's towel-covered hand froze, Brandon entered with his head down, typing something on the device in his hand. Although he hadn't yet raised his head to scan the room, his nose quickly picked up the scent in the compartment. His brows initially furrowed, but it didn't take long for him to see the figure he had been expecting in front of him. Damn it, is this his room? Cursing herself and the compartment she entered without asking, she felt utterly exposed. Although her new transformation was dazzling, when Stella switched from her fairy form to regular clothes, Brandon stared at the authentic leather outfit she wore. Not sure what to make of his reaction, Stella stood before him, blushing as red as a tomato, lowering her head and trying to be as invisible as possible – which was quite difficult among the people grateful to her for saving the universe once again. Now, here she was, in his lair, having showered in his bathroom, standing in the middle of the room in clothes indicating she was ready for bed, with damp hair. Damn it, she cursed internally once more, no one can beat me at making a fool of myself!

On the other hand, Brandon was struggling to determine if what he saw was a hallucination or reality. Since learning that Stella was alive, his heart had been pounding rapidly and madly without a moment of calm. The overwhelming desire to wrap her up and keep her safe inside his ribcage hadn't subsided. While Stella was engulfed in a hugging ceremony by her foolish friends, Brandon had to watch, gripping his sword tightly. He had to imagine her scent, even though she was right beside him. When they boarded the ship, which had been quite challenging among the many people and giants gazing at Stella with admiration, the girls had withdrawn to their compartments, and Brandon had occupied himself with setting the Solaria coordinates, at least feeling that he had done something for Stella. But his body was in revolt, his senses struggling to breathe in a void. Knowing Stella was alive and even on the damn ship right beside him, he had to act as if she were miles away. For what? Nothing. Both of them not knowing how to act had led to this absurd reaction.

Stella slowly lowered her hand, and the towel, as if unwilling to be involved, slipped from her grip and fell to the floor. Stella didn't even look, her eyes locked on Brandon's, unable to think of what to do or say. When the electronic door closed behind Brandon, she couldn't help but swallow hard. Her swallow seemed to echo in her ears, making her throat ache.

"I," her voice came out raspy, revealing the dryness of her throat. Clearing her throat, she continued, "I thought the compartment was empty. I didn't know it was yours."

Brandon, seemingly convinced of Stella's reality, composed himself. Despite the pressure of his suppressed emotions, he tested the last remnants of his calm. How far it would go was an area even he didn't know. "No problem. Are you okay?" His calmness was chilling for Stella. Nodding her head in confirmation, her hands suddenly felt like a surplus, not knowing what to do with them. She found temporary relief in tucking her hair behind her ear, but that only lasted a second. She was once again trapped in the same helplessness. Their stubbornness and the extent of it were unquestionable, but this wasn't a moment of stubbornness. Brandon, though unprepared for many things in his life, would adapt and manage to get through, but when it came to Stella, his brain seemed to empty, leaving only his interest and obsession with her, generally leading to thoughts hitting below the belt. Like now. Brandon forced his eyes, sending commands to his brain to remain calm and composed, but ultimately, his brain insisted on scanning Stella and engraving every detail into his memory.

Brandon stood before Stella who was gripping her arm and trying to maintain eye contact; he found himself baffled by how much her presence affected him. He longed to be the air she breathed, especially now that the thought of losing her had crossed his mind even his life.

"Are you okay?" she asked. Brandon nodded unconsciously. When she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, revealing a wound on her brow, Brandon's brows furrowed deeply. Though she had escaped from beneath rubble, faced witches and a giant monster, it was this injury on her brow that disturbed him. His eyes quickly scanned Stella's body for any other damage, muscles tensing to the point of doubling in size as Helia witnessed. The scratches, bruises, and wounds on her body were enough to drive Brandon to madness. He was certain these injuries would haunt his dreams. As he moved towards her without thinking, Stella swallowed again. Though not harsh this time, her throat still rebelled.

He scanned her closely at first, but every mark and bruise frayed his nerves, forcing him to stop looking to maintain control in front of her. "We will stop at the nearest kingdom to see a doctor," he declared. Though she blinked at his words initially, Stella then frowned and shook her head. "There's no need. I'm fine, Flora did everything necessary; by tomorrow, none of this will show."

Brandon couldn't muster the strength to argue, cursing inwardly for being so close. Her eyes were shining, alive. His hands itched to feel her skin, his lips craved the moisture emanating from hers. "Stella," he said. She must have misinterpreted his tone as she placed a hand on his chest, shaking her head and murmuring firmly, "I said no, it's not necessary. I'm already healing."

Brandon looked down at her hand on his chest. When she tried to pull it away as if struck by lightning, he reflexively grabbed it not letting her go. "Stella."

This time, as she looked into his eyes, she wasn't the only one who swallowed. Longing enveloped them both, and Stella felt her eyes fill with tears. Seeing him well in front of her shattered the resistance she had held onto. Her anxiety evaporated, replaced by relief. When Brandon tightened his grip on her hand, pulling her closer, she took a couple of steps towards him, causing him to take a deep breath. The space between them shrank, their breathing quickened. Brandon tried to suppress the words on his tongue, but he couldn't; Stella's hands holding the reins had no idea of the power they wielded.

"You made me taste the deadliest poison. You destroyed me, then brought me back to life." Stella wasn't sure she wanted to believe what she was hearing, nor if she truly heard it. Was Brandon openly admitting his pain? It wasn't entirely clear, but not completely hidden either. "Brandon..." she began, but he pulled her closer. Not satisfied with the distance, he made a sudden, sharp move, embracing her tightly. As his arms circled her waist and he buried his face in her damp hair, he still felt it wasn't enough. He held her tighter and Stella stopped pulling away, surrendering her guard like Brandon, wrapping her arms around his neck and breathing in his scent. Longing intensified, as if someone in the compartment was turning up the heat under their desires. Stella rose on her tiptoes, her bare feet giving her flexibility, reducing the height difference just enough for Brandon to bend less. When his hand slid to her now exposed back, she shivered. Even the slightest touch made her legs tremble with pleasure. Interpreting her movement as a struggle, Brandon grabbed her hips, helping her wrap her legs around him. Their embrace, though filled with small touches, was far from innocent, laden with depth and meaning.

As Brandon's lips pressed against her bare neck, Stella bit her lip hard. Her body quivered with pleasure as her fingers tangled in his hair, pressing his face closer to her neck. It wasn't enough; it would never be enough. Both of them were starved and yearning, their bodies tormented and tested by days of pain. The walls built over years had crumbled in the wake of recent suffering. As Brandon's kisses multiplied, Stella couldn't hold back the soft moans that escaped her lips. When Brandon suddenly pulled back, his eyes darkened with pleasure, Stella knew she must look just as affected. The soldier's uniform on him had already weakened her knees, though her surprise had hidden it. Now, being in his arms, on the verge of everything she desired, caused her to expose all her desires.

"Losing you felt like losing myself, Stella. Never leave me like that again. You thought you saved me, but killing me would have hurt less."

Stella paused, and Brandon didn't make a move. She thought of it as an open confession, quickly scanning his eyes. "Why? You've said many times you wanted to kill me yourself. What's changed?" Though it applied to her too, Stella's feelings had always been pure hatred. This hatred meant tearing Brandon's lips with kisses, burning his skin with touches, and tearing his hair with caresses, but never actual death. Brandon, still holding her, pressed his forehead to hers. As his fingers caressed her hips, Stella bit her lip, waiting no longer for the answer. "Talking is easy," he said, his lips brushing hers, making her struggle not to press against him. "Living felt like hell."

Brandon pressed his lips to hers in a swift movement, while Stella moaned, letting herself go completely. Could she resist, anyway? In the arms of the man she loved, on the verge of everything she wanted, who could resist? Their kiss, starting innocently enough, soon grew deeper and more intense. When Stella parted her lips, Brandon's tongue embarked on the exploration it craved. His hands, on their own journey, caressed her hips and waist, his throat emitting a mix of growls and moans. Stella, clutching his head tightly, ensured he wouldn't end the kiss prematurely. Brandon wasn't planning to, but her determination pleased him, and he pulled her closer with a grin.

Stella let her moans escape into his mouth, while Brandon shut his eyes tightly, fighting the growing hunger within. He felt her body trembling with desire, knowing his own wasn't much different, but he couldn't continue. Pulling his lips from hers, he rested his forehead against hers. When Stella leaned in for another kiss, Brandon shook his head, gently pushing her away with his forehead.

"I want you."

Stella paused. She wanted him too, of course. Trying to understand why they stopped, she opened her eyes. Brandon's eyes, filled with desire, made her melt. The meaning was both romantic and erotic. Stella wasn't sure she could handle either, but she wanted him just as much. As her body trembled with pleasure and longing, Brandon's hands began to caress her hips more firmly. Reflexively or not, Stella didn't regret any movement. As her hips pressed against the obvious bulge in his pants, Brandon cursed through his teeth. His hand slid under her shirt, feeling her bare skin, and he pressed his lips to her cheek, taking a deep breath.

"Brandon?" Nabu's voice filled the room, making Brandon curse again. Stella, dizzy and unable to control her body, made the mistake of pushing her hips forward again. The added friction and pressure intensified everything. Brandon grabbed her hips tightly, looking into her eyes with burning intensity as she bit her lip, silently apologizing.

"Don't look at me like that, princess. That someone outside, even if it's your father, I won't be able to stop." Stella's eyes widened. Brandon moved her gently to the bed. He couldn't control himself, let alone his body. Looking at her face and caressing her chin with his thumb, he sighed at her slightly parted lips. His breath caught in his throat; Stella had turned his life into a roller coaster, completely taking control of his emotions and destabilizing him. One day he was drowning in grief and hatred for the world, and the next he was lost in desire and longing for the woman he loved, as he was now.

"Brandon? Are you okay?"

"Damn it." Grabbing the towel Stella had dropped, Brandon turned back to her, wagging his finger as a warning. "Stay here." As she rolled her eyes and lay back on the bed, Brandon looked up at the ceiling, praying for patience, and headed for the door. He opened it just enough to see Nabu, shielding Stella behind him with his muscular body. Nabu, frowning at his friend, saw Brandon holding the towel at his waist and glaring at him angrily.

"What do you want?"

Nabu, growing more suspicious, looked at Brandon with his brows furrowed. "Is it forbidden to check up on you now? I just came to see if you're okay." Brandon closed his eyes and took a deep breath through his nose, "Since when did we start checking up on each other, Nabu? Go sleep." Nabu crossed his arms and scrutinized Brandon with suspicion. Brandon's irritation intensified, but he froze in place at the sound of Stella's giggle. He didn't care if Nabu had heard it. Stella's laughter was the most beautiful sound to Brandon, and the only thing bothering him now was that he couldn't see the smile that caused the sound because his back was turned. "Is that Stella?"

As Brandon glared at Nabu, Nabu tried to catch a glimpse of his childhood friend by jumping up to see over Brandon's shoulder, but Brandon stood like a rock, his anger evident in his furrowed brows, growling with impatience. "Nabu, get lost."

"What are you guys doing in there? Did you have sex or something?" Stella's lips parted in surprise, her eyes widened, and she felt rooted to the spot. Brandon's reaction was slightly more, maybe more than slightly more, aggressive. Grabbing his friend by the nape and pulling himself down to his level, Brandon spoke through gritted teeth, "You will never use that mouth to make any comparison or mention of her again. Or I'll shove your staff horizontally up your ass." Nabu grimaced, not even taking offense at his best friend's insult. He was just horrified at the thought of how much damage his staff might suffer. "Is that why you're so pissed off because you didn't have sex?"

Dragging his friend into the room, Brandon pulled Nabu by the nape again as Nabu screamed and ran towards the bed to hide behind Stella. "Ah no, you've picked the wrong person."

"Don't be ridiculous, you're exactly the right person. He can't hurt me if you're the one in front."

Brandon glared at Nabu and cracked his knuckles, "Come here, I won't do anything." Nabu shook his head from side to side while Stella glared at him. Arms crossed over her chest, she patiently waited for the bickering between the two friends to end. "I said come here, Nabu. Don't make me repeat myself. Leave her alone."

"Her? This monster?" Nabu patted Stella's shoulder as he spoke, but Stella winced in pain as the pat landed on her bruised shoulder. For a brief moment, Brandon looked at Stella with concern. Nabu, realizing his fate, quickly tried to make his escape, but Brandon grabbed him by the nape one more time and slammed him against the wall. "I left my death wish in my bag. Let me bring it."

Sighing, Stella got out of bed and approached Brandon with a smile she tried to suppress, knowing full well Brandon's anger was no joke. Brandon had always managed to protect her, eliminating any danger before it reached her. In the past, Stella thought it was all part of her fantasy. Now, seeing Brandon's suppressed emotions filled her with a valley of butterflies. Stella's hand on Brandon's arm made him flinch. His arms were bare under the tank top he wore, and even the slightest touch from Stella was something he couldn't hide his reaction to. "Let him go, he didn't mean it. I'm already covered in bruises anyway." Brandon frowned, grumbling in a way that made it clear he didn't like what he heard. Nabu looked at Stella with gratitude.

"Rescue angel."

Stella glared at him. Brandon pressed Nabu against the wall again, and Nabu groaned in protest, "Ah damn, okay, I won't tell anyone. Not even Aisha, just let me go."

"There's nothing to tell anyway! I took a shower here because our compartment was full, and..."

Nabu shook his head, clearly not buying it, and smirked. Stella, in response, glared at him even more. "Believe what you want!" Turning her gaze to Brandon, she sighed, seeing he was already looking at her. "I should go. The girls must be worried." Disappointment filled his eyes as he reluctantly nodded in agreement. Internally, he cursed every word, preparing himself to carry out Nabu's chosen death wish. Stella stood on her tiptoes to bring her height closer to Brandon's, pressing her lips to his cheek. It was debatable who was more surprised. Brandon closed his eyes and took a deep breath, while Nabu stared open-mouthed like a fish out of water.

"Goodnight, Brandon."

"Goodnight, Stella." It was Nabu. Before Brandon could say anything, Nabu spoke up, and realizing his stupidity, he blushed with embarrassment. "Sorry."

As Stella's breath still brushed against his cheek, Brandon leaned in, pressing his lips to her cheek and then to her neck. Even Nabu stood frozen as Brandon murmured against her neck, "Sleep well, princess." Reluctantly pulling away, Stella chose not to look back, mostly because of her blushing cheeks. Just before the door closed behind her, she heard words that made her stifle a giggle with her hand.

"Did you have sex or not? Ah, okay, okay, stop hitting me! Brandon, don't look at me like that please."