Morning arrived quietly over Seoul.
For the first time in years, Aryan slept peacefully.
No nightmares.
No sudden alerts.
Only warmth beside him.
Nithya still slept calmly next to him, her head resting lightly against his chest while one hand held his shirt unconsciously.
Aryan looked down at her silently.
Dangerous woman.
Without even trying…
She became the only weakness Eagle ever allowed.
And strangely…
He didn't regret it.
Slowly, Nithya opened her eyes.
The moment she realized Aryan was already awake looking at her, she frowned slightly.
"You stare too much."
Aryan's lips curved faintly.
"You sleep like you own the bed."
"I do."
Fair.
Again.
Then suddenly Aryan gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
Nithya stayed quiet this time.
Still not fully used to tenderness.
But she no longer feared it either.
"You look peaceful," Aryan said softly.
Nithya looked at him carefully.
"So do you."
Silence followed briefly.
Then she asked quietly,
"When was the last time you slept without checking security reports?"
Aryan thought for a moment.
"I don't remember."
That answer hurt more than expected.
Because behind Eagle's power…
Aryan had always been alone.
Later that morning, both entered the dining hall together.
Rohan immediately noticed their relaxed expressions.
Then unfortunately…
He also noticed Aryan smiling slightly for no reason while looking at Nithya.
Terrifying sight.
The great Eagle was completely gone.
Rohan cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Sir."
Aryan calmly drank coffee.
"What?"
"There's movement from Lucien's network again."
The peaceful atmosphere instantly disappeared.
Nithya's eyes sharpened immediately.
"What kind of movement?"
Rohan opened the digital file.
"He's buying eastern alliance survivors."
Aryan leaned back slowly.
"So he's rebuilding their network."
"Yes."
Nithya's expression darkened slightly.
"Lucien never wastes resources."
Rohan hesitated before continuing.
"There's another issue."
Aryan looked irritated already.
"Speak."
"Lucien leaked information into underground channels."
The room became silent.
"What information?" Nithya asked calmly.
Rohan looked uncomfortable.
"That Eagle became weak because of Devil."
Cold silence filled the room instantly.
Aryan almost laughed softly.
"Predictable."
But Nithya looked colder now.
Lucien was attacking psychologically exactly as expected.
"He wants enemies to target me through you," Nithya said quietly.
Aryan's eyes turned dangerous immediately.
"Let them try."
Nithya looked toward him.
"This affects your reputation."
Aryan answered without hesitation.
"I don't care."
Simple.
Honest.
Real.
But Nithya understood the deeper issue.
Fear controlled the underworld.
And rulers survived by appearing untouchable.
Love created vulnerability.
Lucien knew that perfectly.
Later that afternoon, underground rumors spread rapidly worldwide.
"Eagle softened after marriage."
"Devil controls Eagle emotionally."
"Their love became weakness."
Some organizations became bolder instantly.
Others started testing boundaries again.
Inside one hidden syndicate meeting, several leaders discussed openly.
"If Eagle hesitates because of Devil, now is the time."
Another leader looked nervous.
"Or we all die trying."
Fair concern.
Very fair concern.
Back at the mansion, Aryan calmly reviewed reports while Nithya stood near the window thinking silently.
Finally Aryan looked toward her.
"You're overthinking."
Nithya crossed her arms lightly.
"Lucien understands psychology too well."
Aryan stood slowly and walked toward her.
"And?"
"He's turning love into vulnerability."
Aryan stopped directly in front of her.
Then softly he asked,
"Do you regret loving me?"
Nithya immediately looked up sharply.
"No."
"Then nothing else matters."
Dangerously simple mindset.
Typical Eagle.
Nithya sighed softly.
"You really don't care about public perception."
Aryan's dark eyes stayed on her.
"I care about protecting you."
Another dangerous answer.
Then suddenly he added quietly,
"And I'd rather die loved by you than feared by the world."
Silence.
Heavy silence.
Because he meant it completely.
Nithya's heartbeat shifted again hearing that.
Impossible man.
Suddenly alarms echoed through the mansion.
Instantly both became serious.
Rohan's voice came through communication systems urgently.
"Sir! Intruders breached outer security!"
Aryan's expression turned ice cold immediately.
"How many?"
"Unknown!"
Gunshots suddenly echoed outside the mansion.
Nithya's eyes sharpened dangerously.
Aryan immediately moved closer protectively.
But before he could speak—
Nithya calmly loaded her gun.
Then looked directly at him.
"They want weakness?"
A cold smile slowly appeared on Devil's face.
"Let's remind the world who we are."