Chosen By The Lover's Constellation-Chapter 168: Children of Mana, Part Fifty-One

{Lianna}

{A Few Minutes Ago}

Lianna knew what Enverna was getting up to at the moment. In fact, she’d encouraged it.

And, now, the night pulsed with life and celebration as Lianna twirled amidst the lively crowd gathered in the tavern.

Laughter and music intertwined, filling the air with a contagious energy that lifted spirits high.

Lianna’s own laughter rang out, a reflection of the joy that coursed through her veins. For now, she decided to push her concerns and her doubts out of her mind, and just focus on the fact that she’d done it.

She, and the others, had saved Garriden.

Amidst the merriment, her gaze caught sight of Mel, observing from a quieter corner of the tavern. Mel tried to act like she hadn’t been looking at Lianna, but it was, honestly, rather obvious.

Lianna excused herself from the dancing circle and made her way over to Mel, her steps light and graceful.

"Hey there!" Lianna greeted her with a warm smile, her eyes reflecting the glow of the lanterns scattered around the tavern.

Mel returned the smile, though hers held a touch of reserve.

"You seem to be having a great time."

Lianna nodded enthusiastically.

"The occasion sorta calls for celebration, don’t you think?"

Mel’s gaze shifted, her expression thoughtful.

"I suppose so," she replied softly.

"So.... Wanna...?" Lianna nodded at the spot where she’d just been.

"It’s just... dancing isn’t really my thing."

Lianna’s smile didn’t waver as she extended a hand towards Mel.

"Maybe you just haven’t found the right dance partner yet. Come on, I’ll show you."

Mel hesitated for a moment before accepting Lianna’s hand, rising from her seat with a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

The music shifted to a lively tune, and Lianna guided Mel to the center of the tavern where other dancers swirled in joyful abandon.

"Relax, Mel," Lianna encouraged her, her voice filled with reassurance. "Let the music guide you."

Together, they started with simple steps, Lianna leading with gentle patience. Mel’s movements were hesitant at first, but as the rhythm seeped into her bones, she began to loosen up.

Lianna’s infectious enthusiasm and encouragement worked wonders, and soon Mel found herself caught up in the dance.

Step by step, they moved in harmony, their laughter mingling with the melody of the music.

Lianna twirled gracefully, her movements fluid and expressive, while Mel followed along with growing confidence.

As they danced, Lianna couldn’t help but notice the subtle transformation in Mel’s demeanor. The initial hesitation gave way to a glimmer of enjoyment, a spark of happiness that lit up her features.

"You’re doing great!" Lianna cheered, her eyes sparkling with genuine delight.

"Thank you," Mel replied, blushing. "Um..." Through the loud songs, Mel spoke up. "Can we talk?"

---

As they stepped out onto the balcony, the distant sounds of music and revelry mingled with the soft rustle of the night breeze.

Lianna glanced towards the room where Enverna and Caroline were, the sounds of their passion reaching her ears.

Lianna laughed.

[Glad they’re having a good time.]

Mel’s expression was serious as she found a spot to lean against the railing, the cool night air brushing against her skin. She spoke softly, her gaze fixed on Lianna.

"I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately, Lianna."

Lianna settled beside her, her own curiosity piqued.

"About what?"

Mel hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts before continuing.

"About my place in all of this. With the Watchful, with the Starsign Association, with... us."

Lianna’s brow furrowed slightly, sensing the weight behind Mel’s words.

"Go on."

"I’ve decided," Mel began, her voice steady but tinged with emotion, "that I want to come back to the Watchful."

Surprise flashed across Lianna’s features, her gaze searching Mel’s eyes for any hint of uncertainty.

"Mel, I..." She paused, searching for the right words. "Are you sure about this?"

Mel nodded, her resolve clear.

"Yes. I’ve already talked it over with Al’has Varim. I will occasionally return to continue my studies, but I want to resume my career with the Watchful. But more than that..." She glanced towards Lianna, a vulnerability in her eyes. "I miss being with you."

Lianna felt a swirl of emotions at Mel’s confession, her heart caught between gratitude and apprehension.

"Mel, you know you’ll always have a place with us, right? But..." She hesitated, her gaze flickering towards the bustling tavern inside. "I don’t want to get your hopes up in *that* way. You know what I mean, right?"

"I know," Mel replied softly. "And I don’t expect to be your top priority. I just want to be by your side again. That’s all."

A sense of warmth spread through Lianna’s chest, mingling with a twinge of guilt.

"You’re always welcome by my side, Mel," she assured her, placing a hand on Mel’s arm. "I just want you to be happy."

Mel smiled, though it held a hint of sadness.

"As long as I can be near you, I will be."

Lianna shook her head with a smile, placing her hands on Mel’s cheeks.

Going along with what her heart told her, she gave Mel a kiss.

"When you say cute stuff like that, how can I not kiss you?"

The look Mel gave her in return couldn’t be described as "cute" though.

No, it was something else.

"I’d like it if you did more than just kiss me. Perhaps, while Enverna is, evidently, having her own fun, we can...?"

Lianna was tugging at Mel’s hand before she even finished that question, guiding her to her bedroom.

Moments later, their lips met in a fervent embrace, a hunger born of longing and desire igniting between them.

Lianna’s hands roamed over Mel’s body, tracing the curves and contours with a tender reverence. As their kiss deepened, the weight of unspoken emotions hung heavy in the air, each touch a silent testament to the bond they shared.

With a soft moan, Mel yielded to Lianna’s gentle insistence, her body responding eagerly to the touch of her lips and the press of her hands.

Lianna’s lips trailed down Mel’s neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake as she explored every inch of her skin with a delicate fervor.

When her mouth found Mel’s breasts, she teased and tantalized, flicking her tongue across her nipples in a rhythm that mirrored the rapid beating of their hearts.

Mel gasped as Lianna’s teeth grazed her sensitive flesh, a surge of pleasure mingling with a hint of pain as she surrendered herself to the sensations coursing through her body. Each tug and nibble sent sparks of ecstasy shooting through her, her arousal building with each passing moment.

With a soft whimper, Mel arched her back, offering herself to Lianna’s touch as she explored the depths of her desire. Lianna’s mouth trailed lower, her kisses growing more urgent as she moved ever closer to the source of Mel’s longing.

When Lianna’s lips finally found their mark, Mel cried out, her body trembling with need as she succumbed to the sweet agony of Lianna’s touch. Lianna’s tongue danced across her clit, sending waves of pleasure crashing over her in a dizzying crescendo of sensation.

Mel’s hands tangled in Lianna’s hair, urging her closer as she lost herself in the rapture of their shared passion. Each stroke and caress brought her closer to the edge, her body teetering on the brink of release as Lianna’s touch pushed her ever closer to the brink.

With a shuddering cry, Mel tumbled over the edge, her climax washing over her in a tidal wave of ecstasy as she surrendered herself to the pleasure that consumed her. Lianna held her close, her lips lingering against Mel’s skin as they savored the aftermath of their shared passion.

As their breathing slowed and their heartbeats gradually returned to normal, Mel wrapped her arms around Lianna.

Lianna held her just as tightly, her heart swelling with a warmth that transcended the confines of their physical embrace.

And, with no lack of lust in her voice, Mel simply said:

"Again."

And Lianna replied:

"Gladly."

---

The soft rays of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room as Lianna stirred from her slumber.

Her eyes fluttered open to find not Mel, but Enverna nestled against her, the warmth of her naked form a comforting weight on Lianna’s chest.

Despite the temptation to rise and greet the day, Lianna remained still, relishing the peaceful moment shared between them.

Enverna stirred, her eyes blinking open as she became aware of her surroundings.

A small smile tugged at her lips as she shifted slightly, her gaze meeting Lianna’s.

"Morning," she murmured, her voice still husky with sleep.

"Morning," Lianna replied softly, returning Enverna’s smile. "How was last night?"

Her tone was, of course, very knowing.

Enverna stretched languidly, a contented sigh escaping her lips.

"It was... fun," she admitted with a playful, but thoughtful glint in her eyes, "but casual flings like that..." Her voice trailed off as she searched for the right words. "Well, let’s just say I believe you’re irreplaceable."

Lianna grinned.

"I feel the same way."