Reincarnated in the Villainous Lust System!

Emily's eyes softened with concern as she looked at me. "Levi, you really need to stop putting so much strain on yourself. You should stay back with the one-star mages during battles. I can't bear the thought of something terrible happening to you."

Zoe scoffed, shaking her head. "You're wasting your breath, Emily. Levi would never listen to that. He's always going to throw himself into danger."

I smirked, knowing exactly how this conversation would go. "Thanks for the concern, but I won't be staying back with the one-star mages."

Emily's face fell, her worry evident. "But why not?"

"It's not necessary," I said, "since I'm no longer a one-star mage. I've advanced to two stars."

Their expressions shifted to shock. "What? How is that even possible?" Emily asked, her eyes wide.

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I'm not entirely sure how it happened," I admitted. "I just know I can feel the two mana rings now."

Aaron's eyes widened. "No one's heard of someone advancing so quickly. You're going to be the talk of the palace."

I sighed, the weight of their reaction settling over me. "I guess so."

Liam jumped in, "You'll need to take a test to measure your mana level. That's how you confirm your rank."

I raised an eyebrow. "What kind of test?" Read exclusive content at empire

Emily explained, "It's called a mana circle. You stand in a circle, and it expands around you. The number of rings around your heart will be shown by the number of circles it produces."

I nodded, understanding now.

The conversation shifted as we began to gather our things to leave. I pulled Zoe aside, away from the group.

"What are you doing tonight?" I asked, lowering my voice.

Zoe looked at me with curiosity. "Nothing much, why?"

"Meet me in front of the palace wing by midnight," I said, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

As I spoke, I noticed Emily watching us with a frown.

I wondered if she might piece things together.

The last time I had asked Emily to meet me privately, it had been for a night together.

Now, I was doing the same with Zoe.

If Emily noticed Zoe's absence later or checked her room and found it empty, she might start connecting the dots.

But I pushed the worry aside.

Zoe agreed to the meeting, and we parted ways.

As I walked away, my mind was already racing with thoughts of the upcoming mana circle test and the night's secret meeting.

The weight of everything still to come pressed on me, but I was determined to face it all head-on.

At the stroke of midnight, I slipped out of the palace, the cool night air hitting my face as I searched for Zoe

There she was, standing by the entrance, her figure bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight.

Her blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the light and giving her an almost ethereal quality.

She wore a delicate dress that clung to her curves just right, highlighting her graceful form.

Her stance was poised yet charged with a palpable excitement, clearly brimming with anticipation for our meeting.

I ached to pull her close and drape my arm around her waist, to feel the warmth of her against me, but the guards stationed nearby were keeping a close watch.

They would assume her presence was for an affair with Damon, and I had better not ruin the ruse if I wanted her to enter.

So, I kept my distance, forcing myself to restrain the urge to close the gap between us.

"Hey, Zoe," I greeted softly as I approached, my voice barely above a whisper. "You look really pretty tonight. It's like you dressed just for me."

Her cheeks flushed a soft pink at my compliment, and she looked up at me with a roll of her eyes. "I always look good."

I smiled back, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the chilly night air. "I'm sure you do," I said, taking her hand as we walked towards the palace entrance.

We moved through the dimly lit hallways of the palace, the atmosphere intimate and quiet.

The grandeur of the palace seemed distant, replaced by the simple pleasure of her company.

As we walked, I gently wrapped my arm around her waist, pulling her close enough to feel her warmth. "Now that I'm a level two mage, we can spend more time together," I said softly. "Maybe you could teach me some of the things you know?"

Her eyes lit up at the suggestion, and her smile grew wider. "I'd love that," she replied, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.

We continued down the hallway, our footsteps echoing softly in the stillness.

When we reached my door, I opened it for her and gestured for her to enter. She stepped inside, and I followed.

I closed the door, my heart hammering in my chest.

Before I could turn around, Zoe was on me, her body pressed against mine, her lips crashing against mine in a kiss that left me breathless.

[Kiss, +20 lp]

"I've missed you so much," she breathed, her hands roaming over my body, tracing the contours of my muscles.

I responded in kind, my hands exploring her curves, my desire for her mounting with every passing second.

I pulled her closer, my hands cupping her rear, the thin fabric of her dress doing little to mask the heat of her body.

Mmmm~

She moaned softly as I traced my fingers along the small of her back, pressing her body against mine.

Her lips found mine again, her tongue teasing at my mouth.

I reciprocated, our mouths locking in a passionate embrace as we stumbled towards the bed.

She pushed me back onto the mattress, her hands sliding up my chest, her nails grazing my skin. "I want you," she whispered, her voice husky with desire.

I was more than happy to oblige.

My hands slid beneath her dress, pulling it up and over her head, revealing her lacy lingerie beneath.

I trailed kisses along her neck, savoring the taste of her skin, my hands roaming over her curves.

Ohhh.. Uhmm~

She moaned again, her hands tugging at my shirt, her fingers dancing along my abs.

I sat up, shedding the garment and revealing my chiseled physique.

She pressed her body against mine, her hands exploring my chest, her lips finding mine once more.