ATHERAMOND: Lord of the Cursed Pact.

As the sun rised over the beautiful city of Serene, a perfect sunny day greeted its inhabitants. The city square pulsed with activity, the air alive with laughter, chatter, and the clink of glasses as people gather at the cafes and outdoor terraces, reveling in the delightful moment. Children played in the nearby park, their exuberant shouts echoing throughout.

Couples strolled hand in hand, cherishing moments of romance. Street vendors displayed their colorful goods, enticing passersby with their delicious scents. Music filled the air from buskers and street performers, adding to the merry atmosphere.

The sky was clear and the sun cast its warm glow on everything it touches, making the city even more beautiful than it already is.

Shanane strolled through the city square, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, the cheerful chatter and laughter of people around her. The beautiful woman moved through the bustling crowd, clad in a white skirt and top, her hair braided to the side, the sunlight gleamed on her dark flawless skin, a small but pleasant smile plays on her lips.

She walked along, admiring the vendors' stalls and their offerings, the music and the colorful clothes of musicians.

With two bags in hand, she paused to admire the city's vibrancy: the laughter and chatter, the cafe's hustle and bustle, couples lost in their intimate world, a group of friends were laughing loudly. The sweet scents of the street vendors' delicacies maked her stomach rumble.

She strolled into a cozy café, its interior marked by wooden tables and vintage decor. There's was warm, inviting atmosphere. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and pastries wafts through the café. A chalkboard-style menu hangs on the wall, listing an array of food and drinks.

A few customers were seated, some engaged in conversation while others read or worked on their laptops. As she found an empty table by the window, she looked over the menu.

She decided on a muffin and a cappuccino, and places her order with a friendly waiter. As she waited for her food, her eyes wandered around the café, taking in the charming interior and the snippets of conversations around her.

Her glanced fall upon a young man sitting alone at a table nearby. He was dressed casually in a hoodie paired with jeans, his arms covered in tattoos. He seems lost in thought, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the tabletop. His dark hair falled effortlessly across his forehead, framing a striking, ruggedly handsome face.

Despite his solitary demeanor, there's an air of quiet confidence about him. Every now and then, a hint of a smile graces his lips, as if he's pondering something private and amusing. As she surreptitiously stole glances, she couldn't help but feel drawn to the mysterious aura he exudes.

The young man suddenly looked up, his gaze meeting hers. She quickly looked away, pretending to be deeply engrossed in her phone. But her heart was now thudding in her chest, and she couldn't tell if it's because of the caffeine or the flutter of awareness that just passed between them.

A few beats of silence pass, and curiosity propels her to glance back up. This time, she found him still looking at her, a smirk playing on his lips as if he was in on the secret of her earlier gaze. Her cheeks flushed, a mixture of embarrassment and intrigue.

The waiter broke the momentary silence by arriving with her order: a steaming cappuccino and a freshly baked muffin. She thanked him, her heart still fluttering from the interaction. As she took a sip of her coffee, she stole another glance at the young man. This time, he was looking away, but there's a hint of a smile touching his lips, as if he knew the effect he's having on her.

With a quiet thrill, she began to eat. Each bite of the fragrant muffin and every sip of the rich cappuccino serve as a distraction, but her mind keeps wandering back to the unnamed man. There's something about him that fascinates her, an enigmatic charm that she can't quite ignore.

As she ate, she wondered if he was simply noticed her looking at him, or if there was a mutual attraction. She tried to act casual, scrolling through her phone, but her mind is only half-focused on the screen. Her thoughts were a tangle of curiosity and attraction, and she found herself hoping for another glance from him, just to confirm her suspicions.

But the young man remained seated, occasionally looking away, seemingly absorbed in his own thoughts. The café continued with its usual buzz, oblivious to the silent interaction taking place. As she finished her muffin, she decided to take a chance. Gathering her courage, she glanced at him once more, hoping to catch his gaze once again.

This time, they locked eyes, and he gave her a slow, sultry smile that sent a shiver down her spine. It was a smile that spoke of a secret, of a potential connection. Her heart skipped a beat, and her cheeks flushed. She took a sip of her coffee, trying to hide her obvious effect from that smile.

The coffee cup trembled a little in her hand as she sets it down, her heart rate now much faster than when she entered the café. There's a mutual awareness between them now, a silent admission of the attraction. Her mind is a whirl of uncertainty and excitement: what will happen next?

As she gathers her belongings to leave, she dared to glance at him one more time. He was watching her with a lazy, satisfied smile, his eyes following her movements with interest. The cafe seemed to fade to the background; her focus was solely on this man whose name she doesn't even know yet.

She managed a smile in return, hoping it doesn't betray the nervous flutter in her stomach. As she made her way out of the café, she feelt his gaze on her back, the memory of his smile and the mystery he exuded staying with her long after she's left the cafe.

She headed out onto the street, her mind filled with images of his ruggedly handsome face, the tattoos on his arms, and that captivating smile. The city's sounds and sights that moments ago seemed so vibrant and inviting now pale in comparison to the intense encounter she left behind.

Leaving the cafe, Shanane felt a mix of excitement and disappointment. Part of her was thrilled by the brief encounter, but a nagging regret lingered, telling her she should have been bolder, should have approached the young man instead of just staring and blushing like a schoolgirl.

She berated herself internally for her lack of courage, feeling foolish for not having gathered the boldness to strike up a conversation with the intriguing young man. Yet, she knew that it's not in her nature to be assertive in such situations; her personality is naturally reserved and quiet. The whole encounter served to further highlight the stark contrast between his confident and charming demeanor and her own timid reserve.

Despite her disappointment, she couldn't help but wonder what might have happened if she had mustered the courage to start a conversation with him.

At the age of 23, Shanane has had limited experience when it comes to love and relationships. A combination of her academic focus, shy nature, and lack of social interaction has left her woefully lacking in the romance department.

She's been on a few dates, all awkwardly arranged by well-meaning friends who want to see her break out of her shell. But none of them have led to a second or third date, let alone anything substantial.

She had once had a friend-with-benefits arrangement that lasted for almost 2 years.

It's a man she met through mutual friends, and their relationship was purely physical, with no emotional attachment.

It was a casual and low-pressure relationship. It suited her shy nature, as she often felt most comfortable with someone she already knew, without the pressure of emotional commitment.

It was not a relationship in the traditional sense, but it fulfilled a desire for intimacy and companionship, even if it was only temporary. Shanane values the casual nature of their agreement, as it allowed her to have a certain level of connection without the complications and expectations of a formal relationship.

The situation eventually ended, leaving her single and with a longing for a deeper emotional connection than she had experienced thus far. Despite the casual nature of their relationship, it had provided companionship and physical closeness, things that are hard to replicate.

Now that it was over, she was left reflecting on what she truly wants. She's starting to feel the desire for a deeper emotional connection, something more meaningful than just a physical relationship.

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∆ ☆⁠ ATHERAMOND ☆ ∆

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As she walked down the bustling city streets, she turned into a quieter residential neighborhood. A warm sense of familiarity embraced her as she nears her apartment building. The building itself is a charming, old-world affair, not too tall with warm, yellow-hued stone and arched windows.

She ascended the steps to the front door, keys in hand, ready to enter the comfortable solitude of her home. Once inside, the scent of her favorite candle greeted her, the cozy light of dusk seeping in through the windows.

Her apartment is small but inviting. The walls are a soft ivory, the wooden floors gleaming.

The light of the fading day casts a soft glow over the living room. A worn, cozy armchair is tucked into one corner, a small side table next to it, a book marked with a pretty bookmark open on it. A soft, fluffy rug sits in the center of the room, its warm hue adding a cozy touch.

The walls are adorned with a few pieces of art, some she painted herself, some given to her by friends. A small, open kitchen stands just adjacent to the living room, its countertops littered with cooking ingredients and various kitchenware.

A small hallway leads to a bedroom and bathroom, both filled with the same cozy atmosphere. Her bedroom contains a comfortable bed, bedecked with a soft, patchwork quilt. On one wall, a small bookshelf holds an array of books, some for reading and others for decoration. The room is her sanctuary, filled with the scent of lavender and tranquility.

Overall, her apartment reflects her personality: warm, vibrant, and a little messy, just like her. Despite its size, it's a home, filled with the comforts of life and adorned with personal touches. It's her haven, a place where she can relax, reflect, and escape from the outside world.

She settled into her favorite armchair, the worn cushion molding to her body. She picked up the open book she was reading earlier, her eyes scanning the pages as she begins to study.

The book was about herbal medicine, an interest piqued during her bachelor's degree studies. As her fingers leaf through the pages, she noted the importance of using the right dosage and combination of herbs for treatment. It's intense reading, but the subject fascinates her.

All this studying is part of her final year project for her bachelor's degree. It was a substantial piece of work, requiring extensive research and detailed analysis.

Simultaneously, she was also juggling her internship, a requirement as part of her degree program. This means she spent several days at a local clinic, assisting a renowned herbalist while also managing her studies. Her internship, although demanding an time-consuming, provides a valuable learning experience that complements her theoretical education. Despite the long hours, she sees it as an investment in her future.

Balancing academia and work is not always easy, but she managed it through careful time management and a clear set of priorities. She planed her study schedule meticulously, with time slots dedicated to each task.

Some days, it means studying late into the night, other times it means waking up early before her internship.

Her days were a relentless cycle of early morning internship, late-night studies, and endless cups of coffee to keep her going. There are times when the pressure becomes too much. Late nights and early mornings take their toll both physically and mentally, making her feel stretched thin.

Despite the overwhelming workload, she manages to stay relatively calm and focused. The knowledge that the end is near, coupled with her own determination and commitment, keep her pushing through.

She's determined to give her best in both pursuits, believing the knowledge and experience are necessary stepping stones for her future career.