The Sitri estate's library was quiet when Riser entered, his flames dimmed to a calm glow. He found Sona already waiting, sitting by the window with a book open but unread, her expression sharp.
"Riser Phenex," she said, closing the book slowly, "you truly have no sense of restraint."
Riser chuckled, walking closer without hesitation. "I take it you've heard all the noise my little visit caused."
Her eyes narrowed behind her glasses. "Noise? You marched into the Gremory estate, insulted Lord and Lady Gremory to their faces, belittled Rias publicly, and then flared your power at Maou level as though daring the world to challenge you. That isn't noise—it's chaos."
He tilted his head, amused at her exasperation. "And you're angry because…?"
"Because you were reckless!" she snapped, rising to her feet. Her voice trembled, not with fear but with frustration. "You've made enemies, invited danger, and yet you stand there as if none of it matters. Did you even consider what could happen to you? What could happen to us?"
Riser paused, watching her, then stepped closer. Her words were scolding, but her eyes betrayed the truth—worry.
He smirked softly. "So you're worried about me, Sona."
Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away. "I am concerned about the situation, not you."
Riser reached out, tilting her chin gently back toward him. "Liar. You care. And it makes me happy to know that."
Her face heated further, but before she could retort, his expression grew serious. His golden eyes burned with a sincerity that made her chest tighten.
"I did all of this for you," he said firmly. "From the very first time I made my promise, I told you—I would always treat you as my equal, as my wife, as a woman I love. To prove those words, I had to cut ties with Rias completely. To show the world where I stand. To show you that I mean every word."
Her lips parted slightly, stunned by the intensity in his tone.
He leaned closer, his voice low but powerful. "And it was worth it. Because it's you, Sona Sitri. I, Riser Phenex, only want you. And I will certainly only love you in my life."
The room was silent but for the sound of her heartbeat hammering in her chest. She couldn't hold his gaze—her composure faltered, her mask cracked.
"You… you're too reckless," she whispered, her voice softer now. "But…" She swallowed, looking away again, "I… believe you."
Riser smiled gently, closing the distance. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a warm embrace. At first she stiffened, her hands caught awkwardly between them—but then, slowly, she melted into it, resting against his chest.
"See?" he teased lightly, his chin resting atop her head. "You're not so cold after all. Cute, actually."
Her cheeks burned, but instead of pulling away, she let herself stay there, listening to the steady beat of his heart.
Finally, after a moment of silence, Riser leaned down, brushing his lips lightly against her forehead. Then, bolder, he pressed a soft kiss to her cheek.
Sona froze, her face a brilliant red. "…Riser."
"Yes?" he said with a grin, enjoying her flustered state.
She exhaled slowly, closing her eyes as if resigning to her own feelings. Then, surprising even herself, she leaned up and kissed him softly on the lips—brief, hesitant, but real.
When she pulled back, she turned away quickly, hiding her face. "…Don't misunderstand. That doesn't mean you've won me over completely."
Riser chuckled low, his eyes glinting with triumph and affection. "Of course not. But you'll fall for me harder every time I make you blush, won't you?"
Her only response was a sharp "Hmph!"—but her trembling hands betrayed her racing heart.