Rebirth of the Fallen Zenith.-Chapter 30: Moonlight and Secrets

Moonlight and Secrets

"...Not bad," the stranger murmured.

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Orion's heart pounded as he stared at the cloaked figure who had just sent a powerful magical beast soaring through the air with a single flick of power. His sword arm ached, but his grip didn't loosen. Despite his calm voice, the tension in his body betrayed his readiness.

"Who the hell are you...?" he asked, eyes sharp, tone measured.

The figure didn't answer immediately. Instead, under the silver glow of the moon, the hooded stranger slowly reached up and pulled back the cloak.

Emerald-green hair spilled out first, catching the moonlight like flowing silk. Then came the face—one Orion instantly recognized. Pale, flawless skin, violet eyes that shimmered with intelligence and mystery. Beautiful in a way that could unnerve most men.

"Lady Selina..." he muttered, eyes narrowing.

She gave him a faint smile. "Hey, Orion."

He rose to his feet slowly, still clutching his injured arm. "What are doing here?" he asked, trying to keep his tone light, though suspicion danced in his eyes.

"Following you," she said simply, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"I'm not actually following you," she replied, her tone smooth and unbothered.

She let out a soft laugh. "Alright, I was at the night market

She smiled said, "I am just following you."

Orion narrowed his on her comment "Don't you think it's rude to follow someone into the forest like this?" he said in firm tone

"I'm not actually following you," she said smoothly.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it.

Lady Selina laughed softly. "Truly, I was enjoying the night market when I saw someone sneaking across the rooftops. Suspicious, my curiosity got the better of me... So, I followed. And turns out..." She tilted her head. "It was you."

He narrowed his eyes further, as if trying to spot a lie in her words. But her face remained open and sincere. Orion sighed. He knew Selina well enough—she wasn't someone to follow people out of malice. Her reputation in the city was that of a refined, intelligent, and kind woman. Still, her sudden appearance tonight had caught him off guard.

Eventually he gave a small nod.

She took a step closer, her gaze shifting to his injured arm. Without asking, she gently reached for it.

"What are you doing?" he asked, brow furrowed.

"Isn't it obvious?" she replied. "I'm inspecting your wound."

"It's fine," he said, gently pulling his arm free. "It's not that deep."

"Even if it's not, take this," she said, pulling a small pill from a hidden pocket in her robe and tossing it toward him.

He caught it reflexively. A faint scent of herbs drifted from it.

"It's a high-grade healing pill. It'll close your wound in seconds," she said simply.

He nodded once. He didn't doubt her. Selina was well-known for her alchemy skills, and her honesty. Swallowing the pill, he felt a warm surge pass through his veins. A gentle light shimmered over his arm as the wound sealed completely.

"Potent," he thought, rotating his arm. No trace of injury remained. "Very effective..."

He looked back at her and gave a short bow. "Thank you, Lady Selina."

She smiled and nodded. "Your cultivation has improved, Orion. Almost at the peak of novice 4-star. With your foundation, your actual power is already near 6-star. Not bad."

"Thank you for the compliment, Lady Selina," he said, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "I'm just an ordinary cultivator, who trying to improve and become strong."

"You are the first person in same generation, who impress me by words" She chuckled. "And You're far from ordinary and too humble."

Then she tilted her head. "But tell me, what are you doing out here alone, in the middle of the night, without a single guard?"

Orion hesitated. Her gaze was steady, but not prying.

Seeing his discomfort, she added gently, "It's something personal. So, you don't have to answer."

He shook his head. "No, it's not that. I just... come out here to train. Fighting real threats—facing this magical beast—it's how I hone my skills and improve my cultivation."

Selina nodded, impressed. "A practical method. But next time, be a little more careful when choosing your opponents."

Her voice grew slightly firmer. "If I hadn't arrived when I did... you might not be standing right now."

Orion winced inwardly. She was right. He had overestimated himself against the alpha Frostmane wolf. If she hadn't intervened, things could've gone very differently.

He bowed again, this time more deeply. "You're right. I'll be more careful."

"Good," she said, her tone softening again. "Now then, are you planning to keep training?"

He shook his head. "No, Lady Selina. I've had my share for tonight."

"Then let's return to the city," she giggles and suggested.

Orion nodded, and together, they made their way back under the moonlight. The forest faded behind them, replaced by the glowing lanterns of Valeric City bust streets market.

As they strolled the quiet streets, Selina suddenly stopped in front of a cozy-looking shop. A wooden sign swayed gently above the door, painted with elegant calligraphy: Grapeseed Wine House.

"This place has the best wine," she said with a mischievous grin. "Care to try some?"

Orion blinked, then shrugged. "Sure, Lady Selina. Why not?"

Inside, the wine house was warm and welcoming. Low tables, cushioned seats, and walls lined with wooden barrels created a rustic charm. The scent of grapes and honey lingered in the air.

They took a seat in the corner. Selina ordered a jar of their signature elderberry-gold wine and two cups.

When the drink arrived, it sparkled like liquid amber, smooth and fragrant. They clinked their cups together.

He took a sip. The taste was sweet, with a gentle bitterness at the end. "Not bad," he admitted.

Selina smiled triumphantly. "Told you."

They shared light conversation as they drank. After a while, she signalled for the bill, but Orion raised a hand.

"No, Lady Selina. Let me pay. It's the least I can do after what you did for me tonight."

She frowned. "It's alright, Orion. We're acquaintances. Helping you wasn't a big deal."

"Still," he insisted, placing the coins on the tray. "Please. Let me."

Selina gave in with a small smile. "Very well. Thank you."

They exited the shop under the starlit sky. Their footsteps were soft against the cobbled streets.

"I suppose we part ways here," she said, stopping at a street corner.

"Alright," he nodded. "Thank you again, Lady Selina."

She nodded. "Next time, if you go out for training, be more careful."

He gave a small smile. "I will. And... please don't tell anyone about this night training."

Her eyebrows lifted slightly, amused. "Secrets, hmm? Very well, I won't."

He bowed in gratitude. "Thank you."

She turned and walked away, emerald hair swaying gently behind her.

Orion quietly made his way back to the estate, slipping past the guards with practiced silence. Once in his room, he collapsed onto his bed.

The night wind whispered outside his window. And for the first time in days, he slept peacefully.