Alpha Cassius Darkest Claim のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 101 - チャプター 110

The turbulence barely registered in Cassius’ mind, eight hours in the air and not once had sleep touched his eyes. The cabin lights had dimmed hours ago, most passengers buried under blankets or leaning against windows with open mouths and tired faces, but Cassius remained seated upright, one hand resting against the armrest, his gaze fixed on nothing.San Francisco…The city had become a constant in his thoughts these past months. Every report, every photograph, every update from the man he stationed there.Annelise at the library, Annelise leaving work, Annelise laughing with her friends, Annelise at a pool party, Annelise entering a lacrosse player’s car.That last one had almost made him lose his mind.Cassius shut his eyes briefly and inhaled through his nose. He had tried. God, he had tried to give her space.He went back to Ravenwood. Oversaw the vineyard. Handled pack affairs. Sat through endless reports from Jin Bunko about shipments, land disputes, finances and patrol rotati

Cassius had started recognizing the rhythm of Annelise’ days.Morning classes, afternoon shifts at the gallery, evening walks with friends or late study sessions at cafés she clearly preferred because they were quieter than the others around campus.He knew enough now to avoid crossing paths with her accidentally, which was ironic considering he crossed an ocean specifically because of her.That afternoon, after confirming through observation that Anne was attending lectures, Cassius drove toward the gallery again.The weather carried a soft warmth today, sunlight washing over the city with a golden laziness that reminded him painfully of Paris evenings with her.He parked across the street and adjusted the sleeves of his black shirt before stepping out.The bell above the door chimed the moment he entered the gallery.Teri looked up from behind the desk and immediately brightened in recognition. “Welcome back, sir.”Cassius gave a polite nod. “I hope the fundraising event preparation

Champagne glasses clinked beneath crystal chandeliers while a string quartet played near the center fountain, their music flowing softly through the grand hall without drowning the hum of conversations. Gold drapes hung from the tall walls of the gallery, candlelights flickered across every table, and masked faces moved elegantly beneath the warm amber glow like a scene pulled from an old European film.The masquerade theme had transformed the art gallery into something almost unrecognizable.Anne stood near the far end of the room with a glass of wine resting between her fingers, her black satin gown hugging her body in a way that made her feel overdressed and underprepared at the same time. The gown dipped at the back, exposing smooth skin beneath her curls which Jasmine had spent almost an hour styling earlier that evening.Her silver mask sat neatly over her eyes, delicate gemstones glimmering whenever the lights caught them.She still could not believe how many people had attende

The room was quiet except for the soft rise and fall of their breathing, the kind of silence that only exists after everything had already been said with the body instead of words.Anne lay on her side for a while, her fingers tracing idle patterns against Cassius’ chest while the city lights outside the window flickered faintly across the walls of the Airbnb. The sheets were tangled around their legs, warmth still clinging to their skin in a way that made the rest of the world feel distant.Cassius shifted first, pulling her closer as if trying to live under her skin.Then, as if neither of them could help it, they kissed again, savoring the tastes of their lips, softly, making up for lost times, leaving their marks on each other.When they finally broke apart, Anne sat up slowly and adjusted the sheets around her waist. Cassius followed her movement without hesitation, sitting up beside her and leaning back against the headboard. For a few seconds, neither of them spoke. The kind of

Crystal chandeliers cast soft gold across the restaurant, reflecting against polished wine glasses and silver cutlery arranged too perfectly on the table. The atmosphere around them should have felt elegant, romantic even, but tension sat heavily between the three people seated there, poisoning the expensive air.Annelise regretted choosing such a quiet restaurant.Every movement sounded louder, every glance felt like dagger.Even the waitress approaching their table looked nervous before she spoke. “Would you like me to explain tonight’s specials?”Cassius lifted his eyes toward her, there was no threat in his gaze, he had no intention to seem hostile, yet the woman immediately stiffened beneath the cold authority in his expression.“There’s no need for that,” Cassius replied calmly.The waitress nodded too quickly. “Of course, Sir.”She hurried away after taking their orders, almost relieved to escape.Anne exhaled quietly and reached for her glass of water.Across from her, John Mo