CHAPTER 22: 22: TOURING THE SANCTUARY

Lily ran into her room, her heart pounding as tears trickled down her cheeks. She slammed the door shut and threw herself onto the bed, burying her face into the pillow to muffle the frustrated sobs clawing at her throat.

They had arrived the night before and had gone through registration for the upcoming examination—only to discover something unexpected.

Aaron’s name was on the list.

The principal, confused, had done a bit of digging, and the truth became clear quickly: Aaron had arrived before them. And not just that—he had arrived with the governor.

Lily had felt a strange mix of confusion and urgency when she learned this. She had made up her mind to speak with Aaron privately, to finally have that conversation she’d been avoiding. She asked the receptionist for his room number and rushed over, rehearsing what she would say.

But what she found instead was something she hadn’t prepared herself for.

Another woman.

With him.

That image burned itself into her memory, making her stomach twist in ways she didn’t understand.

"That idiot..." Lily muttered through gritted teeth, her voice muffled in the pillow. "How can he be with another woman already?"

She knew it wasn’t fair—was painfully aware of how selfish her thoughts were. She lifted her head and stared blankly at the wall, eyes puffy, heart conflicted.

What’s wrong with me, anyway? she asked herself. We’re not even together anymore... So why should I care who he’s with?

It was true. She had been the one to break off their betrothal. She had made that decision consciously, convinced it was the right thing to do at the time. Whatever Aaron did with his life now was none of her business.

And yet, the sight of him with another woman—someone older, more refined, and stunning—had carved a strange hollowness into her chest.

He used to look at me like I was his entire world. Like I was irreplaceable. And now...

Her fists clenched the bedsheets.

"She’s not even that special," Lily muttered bitterly. "She’s just... just older. Probably only has him wrapped around her finger because she’s bustier."

She scoffed, trying to brush it off.

But deep down, the jealousy was a bitter taste she couldn’t wash away.

If Aaron had known what she was thinking, he probably would’ve laughed his ass off.

Lily stayed in bed the entire day. Her roommates went out to tour the city, excited to explore the wonders of the sanctuary, but Lily couldn’t bring herself to care. The enthusiasm had drained out of her. All she felt was this heavy, stupid ache in her chest.

---

Elsewhere in the city...

"How did it go?" Levi asked, grinning with that unmistakable mischievous glint in his eye.

Aaron rolled his eyes. "Obviously, it went well. What do you take me for?"

Rhea sighed, clearly unimpressed. "You’d make a terrible older brother if you ever became one," she muttered.

She still couldn’t believe Levi’s audacity. Setting up a young man barely into adulthood with someone like Rose? It was completely irresponsible... and yet, somehow, exactly the kind of thing Levi would do.

"Cut me some slack," Levi replied with a casual shrug. "I’m just making sure he enjoys his stay here. Besides, we both know Rose is a classy woman. Suitable for any man to settle down with."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa—hold it right there." Aaron raised his hand like a traffic officer. "Settle down? You’re skipping a whole damn arc. I’m eighteen. I’ve got a long journey ahead before I even think about that."

Levi burst into laughter, clapping him on the back. "So what? You’re legally old enough. Besides, you’d make a fine father."

Aaron gave him a sidelong glare, barely holding back the urge to smack him across the head.

Rhea shook her head in quiet disbelief. Still, there was a subtle smile playing at her lips. It warmed her heart a little to see this side of Levi—a side no one else really got to witness. For once, he wasn’t being the sharp, calculating figure of authority. He was simply... brotherly. Almost fatherly.

It was nice. Strange, but nice.

"I’m off to do some sightseeing," Aaron said, stretching his arms.

"Sure thing," Levi replied. "Try not to cause trouble or steal someone’s girlfriend with that pretty face of yours."

Aaron gave him a dry look before heading off.

Levi sighed to himself as he watched him leave. He would’ve loved to explore the sanctuary himself, but duty called. Meetings, responsibilities, and administrative headaches awaited.

His entire day was already booked solid.

---

"Aaron! It’s good to see you, buddy!"

Aaron turned toward the voice, spotting a familiar figure waving enthusiastically in the crowd.

Leo.

He wore casual, dull-colored clothes, and a wide, cheesy grin split his face as he jogged up to Aaron.

"You should’ve seen their expressions when they saw your name on the registration list!" Leo laughed. "Priceless."

Aaron shrugged, completely unbothered. "That’s on them. I don’t care."

The two of them began strolling through the sanctuary together, blending into the bustling flow of students, tourists, and citizens.

The city was... breathtaking.

The structures were unlike anything either of them had ever seen—impossibly tall towers made of shimmering glass, floating platforms, elegant bridges that twisted through midair, and buildings shaped like crystals. The design was otherworldly, like something out of a futuristic dream. Magic and science coexisted here in perfect harmony.

Their conversation shifted between awe and amusement, sharing stories of their arrival, their thoughts about the sanctuary, and the absurdity of the registration surprise.

But sightseeing couldn’t end peacefully—not in Aaron’s world.

Not without some trouble to spice things up.

---

As they walked through a narrow alley, a commotion caught their attention.

"Heh. Come now. My boss really likes you. He wants to see you right now!" one of the voices said, laced with forced charm.

Aaron and Leo paused.

A young woman was backed up against the wall, surrounded by a group of men. The fear in her eyes was palpable. She scanned for an escape, but the men had sealed off every exit.

They were clearly gangsters—sleazy smiles, flashy street clothes, tattoos, and the stench of overconfidence. Their gazes crawled all over her, leering like wolves circling their prey.

"Just let me go," she said, trying to shove her way out. "I don’t want to meet your boss or anyone!"

"Aw, come now. You won’t regret it," one of them said, stepping closer. He was clearly the leader—older, tougher, and wearing a smug expression that made Aaron’s blood boil.

The girl struggled harder as they grabbed her arms.

That was when Aaron stepped forward, his voice low and calm.

"She said she wants to leave," he said, walking toward them. "Are you deaf? Or just stupid?"

The group turned toward him, surprised.

"And who the fuck are you supposed to be?" the leader snarled. "Get lost, pretty boy. Before I ruin that face of yours."

Aaron’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. "I was starting to like this city. But I guess even the brightest place has its roaches."

"Don’t push your luck, kid," the thug growled. "Playing the hero won’t end well for you."

Aaron’s tone chilled.

"Let. Her. Go. And we’ll pretend this never happened."

The thugs exchanged glances.

"Tsk. Kill them both," the leader barked. "We’ve got five minutes before the damn Guardians show up!"

The other goons surged forward.

Aaron sighed, rolling up his sleeves.

"You just had to pick the hard way."

Leo cracked his knuckles beside him, a serious expression settling on his face. "Leave them to me. I won’t even break a sweat."