{Chapter: 128 - Shadows Over Star City And Carol!}
Plus, verifying her safety meant he could safely delete that plane and free up space for another.
He bought a street map from a local vendor and marked the route to Coast City. After memorizing the general direction, he ducked into an alley, then allowed a brilliant aura of light to wrap around his body. He took off into the sky, soaring high above the buildings, casting a faint glow like a distant meteor over the city skyline.
Star City gradually shrank behind him as he flew at supersonic speeds. The sprawl of the urban landscape shifted into greener hills and suburban patches before expanding once more into the cleaner, more orderly structure of Coast City.
The sun gleamed off the high-rise buildings and glass towers. As he flew lower, the streets buzzed with calm, and banners promoting Ferris Air fluttered in the breeze. Coast City had always felt more stable than Star City—less corruption, fewer street gangs, and certainly fewer vigilante archers. But Aiden could still sense a tension beneath the calm: the unspoken anxiety of a city that had seen its protector vanish from time to time.
Eventually, Aiden arrived outside Carol's high-rise apartment. He landed silently on the balcony like a whisper on the wind, then pushed the sliding door open with a gentle creek.
The living room was pristine and empty. No sign of struggle. No sign of anyone at all.
"Not home?" he muttered, peering around. "She's probably at Ferris Air."
Aiden took out his phone and dialed the only number he had memorized from that plane's timeline.
[Connecting... Ringing... Connected.]
A familiar, elegant voice rang out from the other side.
"Hello, this is Carol Ferris."
Aiden couldn't help but smile a little. "Hello, this is Aiden," he answered, mimicking her tone on purpose.
There was a pause on the line.
"Ah… Aiden? Is that really you?" Carol's voice shot through the receiver, loud and charged with emotion. There was a beat of silence, then a burst of rushed, shaky breathing. "I was starting to think you'd gotten swallowed up by a black hole—or maybe you were off flying into another star again! I've been trying to call you for days, and every time it went to voicemail! I thought something horrible had happened!"
Aiden smiled, a tender warmth swelling in his chest. "Maybe the signal's just not great where I am," he replied casually, glancing around at the familiar skyline of Coast City. "Where are you now?"
"At Ferris Aircraft, of course. I've been stuck in meetings for hours. But seriously—Aiden—are you okay? You sound calm, but I can't tell if you're joking or about to vanish again."
"I'm fine," he said, voice softening. "Actually, I just sent something your way."
"Sent what?" Her tone instantly became curious. "You didn't order an alien artifact from the Andromeda Cluster, did you?"
"You'll see when you get home," Aiden replied playfully. "It's… kind of a surprise. I've gotta go for now. Talk soon."
"Wait—" Carol began, but the line clicked off.
The moment the call ended, Carol stared at her phone for a second longer than necessary. "Aiden…" she whispered to herself. A thousand questions bubbled in her chest, but one feeling overwhelmed them all—an intense curiosity… and longing. She had missed him, more than she ever admitted, even to herself.
Without a second thought, she stood from her sleek office chair, snatched her keys from the desk, and rushed out of the office. "Cancel the next three meetings!" she called out, leaving her stunned assistant behind as she marched toward the parking lot in her heels like a woman on a mission.
Fifteen minutes later, Carol pulled up in front of her condo, parked hastily, and sprinted toward the door. Her heart pounded with a mix of anxiety and excitement.
But when she arrived… nothing.
No flowers.
No glowing alien packages.
No notes.
Just a quiet entryway.
Frowning slightly, she stepped closer. "That's strange. He said he sent something…" she murmured. "But the door's locked. How would anyone even get it inside…?"
And then it hit her.
Eyes widening, she fumbled for her keys with shaking fingers and practically shoved them into the lock. She burst into the room.
"Aiden?! Is that you?!" she called out breathlessly. "Are you here?!"
A gentle laugh greeted her ears.
She turned her head—and her eyes widened.
Aiden was lounging on the sofa like he'd never left. His arms were spread comfortably, his expression warm and teasing.
"Weren't you at work just a minute ago?" he asked.
Carol didn't answer with words.
Instead, she darted across the room and leapt onto the couch, practically tackling him into the cushions as she wrapped her arms tightly around his chest. "You're really here," she whispered, her voice trembling with relief. "I can't believe it. I was so scared…"
Aiden wrapped his arms around her just as tightly, leaning down to kiss her forehead before brushing his lips gently against hers. "I told you I'd come back."
Carol's lips trembled into a soft smile. "You idiot… Men always say that, and then disappear. I should lock you in here."
"Well," Aiden grinned, "I wouldn't mind getting locked in if you're the one keeping me here."
She laughed, her face flushed. "Shut up."
"I wanted to give you a surprise," Aiden said, his fingers tracing lazy circles across her back. "Didn't think you'd actually drop everything and come rushing back."
Carol tilted her head, looking up at him. "You've clearly forgotten what you mean to me. I'd walk through a thunderstorm in stilettos if it meant seeing you again."
His smile softened, the flirtation melting into something deeper, more tender. "You're incredible, Carol."
"And you're late," she pouted, resting her head against his chest. "But I'll forgive you. This time."
They stayed like that for a moment—just holding each other, breathing in the quiet peace between heartbeats.
"By the way," she murmured, peeking up again. "How did you get in? The front door was locked."
Aiden gestured toward the balcony. "I flew in. You know, superhero perks."
Carol's eyes went wide before she smacked her own forehead. "Oh my god, right. I forgot I was dating an airborne alien-adjacent space traveler. Duh."
"Space-traveling hero, thank you very much," he teased.
"So, are you staying this time? Or is this a five-minute visit before you go chasing another universe-wide catastrophe?"
Aiden sighed, cupping her cheek with one hand. "I want to stay, more than you know. But… there's still work I have to do. You know what I am. What I have to do."
Carol nodded. "I get it. I always have. But next time, at least text me when you're not dying in the vacuum of space."
"I promise," he whispered. "No more silent disappearances. You'll always know where I am."
She smiled brightly, more reassured now. "Good. Because you owe me a vacation."
"Oh? Did I agree to that?" he raised an eyebrow.
"You did," she grinned. "You said I could help you pick out a house, remember? Well, I did. Now you owe me."
Aiden chuckled. "I do remember. But I've got something else in mind. How about a weekend trip with me?"
" Weekend Trip?" Her eyes sparkled with interest. "Ooooh, is this part of your world-saving duties?"
"Maybe. But mostly, I just want you there with me. Work can wait, Carol. You're what matters right now."
She blinked, stunned for a moment, before she kissed him again. This one slower. Deeper. Lingering.
"Alright then," she whispered against his lips, breath hot and full of emotion. "I'll arrange my schedule. And then… take me anywhere."
"Deal," he murmured.
Half an hour later, Carol finished making arrangements and sent off a few last-minute emails. Then Aiden took her by the hand, leading her to the balcony.
As she stepped into the soft sunlight with him, he wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Ready?" he asked.
She leaned in, her eyes full of mischief and love. "Always."
With a burst of light, they rose into the sky, hearts soaring just as high.
*****
You can support me by joining my Patreon and get upto 60 chapters in advance.
patreon.com/Eden_Translation