Chapter 222: Superhero or Supervillain
The ride operator was visibly shaking, his hands wringing together as he tried to stammer out an explanation. "I-I'm so sorry! I don't know what happened—this ride has been running fine all day! I'll shut it down immediately."
Noah's cold eyes locked onto the operator, silencing him with just a glare. When he spoke, his voice was low and sharp, cutting through the tense air like a blade. "You will be hearing from my team soon, and you better have a valid reason for this failure. Although, let me assure you—it won't change the consequences."
The operator paled, nodding quickly, but Noah had already turned away, his expression softening as he crouched down to Emily's level. He ruffled her hair gently, his voice a stark contrast to the cold authority he had just displayed. "Don't worry, Em. Everything's okay now. I'm here."
Emily's teary eyes met his, and she nodded, hugging the oversized teddy bear Noah had just bought her. "Thank you, Noah," she said in a small voice, her earlier terror melting away as she clung to the comfort of the plush toy.
Amelia stood a few steps away, her hands clasped tightly together as she tried to steady her breathing. Her face was pale, her usual cheer replaced with a mixture of awe and confusion. "Noah… how did you do that?" she finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "You were like… like a superhero."
Noah glanced at her, his expression unreadable for a moment before a small smile curved his lips. "A superhero? Nope," he said, his tone light, almost teasing. "I'm more of a secret supervillain."
Experience tales with empire
Amelia stared at him, her serious expression clashing with his nonchalant demeanour. "I'm being serious! That was… inhuman. The way you moved, how fast you got up there… normal people can't do that."
Noah chuckled softly, standing up and walking toward her. "You already know that I am not normal..." he said with a wink.
Amelia opened her mouth to retort but quickly closed it, deciding not to push further. Instead, she looked down at Emily, who was now preoccupied with her new teddy bear and a rapidly melting ice cream cone Noah had bought her to cheer her up.
"Are you okay, Emily?" Amelia asked gently.
Emily nodded, her mouth full of ice cream as she looked up at her brother with wide eyes. "Brother saved me. He's the best."
Noah smirked at her declaration, patting her head once more before leading both girls to the exit of the park.
The crowd parted for them.
"No way. Did you see what he did back there?"
"He's gotta be some kind of pro athlete or ex-military or something."
Noah ignored the murmurs, focusing instead on getting Emily and Amelia safely to the car.
The ride home was quiet.
Emily, now drowsy from the excitement and her sugar crash, leaned against her teddy bear in the backseat and soon drifted off to sleep.
Noah glanced at her through the rearview mirror, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "She's tougher than she looks."
Amelia nodded, her gaze fixed on the sleeping Emily. "She's really brave. But Noah…" She hesitated, biting her lip before continuing. "You scared me today."
Noah raised an eyebrow, his hands steady on the wheel. "Scared you?"
"Yes," Amelia admitted, her voice soft, as she glanced toward the backseat where Emily was fast asleep, clutching her teddy bear. "The way you saved her... It wasn't just about strength or speed. You didn't even hesitate. You knew exactly what to do."
Noah kept his eyes on the road, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I didn't have time to hesitate. When someone's in danger, you act first and think later."
Amelia tilted her head, studying him. "Still… it felt like second nature to you, like it's something you've done a dozen times before."
Noah chuckled, glancing at her briefly. "Or maybe I'm just good at thinking on my feet. You don't give me enough credit for being adaptable."
She huffed lightly, leaning back in her seat. "You're infuriating, you know that?"
He grinned. "I've been told. But if it makes you feel better, I'm glad Emily's safe, and I'd do it again without a second thought."
Amelia looked down at her hands, her lips pressing into a small smile. "Well, I'm glad she has you to rely on. You're a good brother."
Noah didn't respond, but his smile softened as they drove in comfortable silence.
When they arrived at his parents' house, Noah carefully unbuckled Emily's seatbelt and scooped her into his arms. She stirred slightly, mumbling incoherent words, but remained fast asleep.
Carrying her to the front door, Noah balanced her weight effortlessly while fishing out his spare key. He quietly opened the door, stepping inside without turning on any lights. His mother, Caroline, peeked out from the living room, her expression shifting to surprise as she spotted them.
"Noah?" she whispered. "What happened?"
"She fell asleep at the funfair," Noah replied just as softly.
Caroline smiled warmly, her eyes softening as she stepped closer. She extended her arms. "Alright, give her to me. I'll take her to her room."
Noah adjusted Emily slightly in his arms, glancing down at her peaceful face. "It's okay, Mom. She's already settled. I'll tuck her in."
He laid Emily down on her bed with the utmost care, making sure not to disturb her. She stirred slightly, her small hand clutching at the teddy bear he had bought her earlier. N
oah pulled the blanket over her, tucking it snugly around her shoulders. For a moment, he just stood there, watching her sleep, his expression soft and unguarded.
"Goodnight, Em," he murmured, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead. "Sleep tight."
As he stepped back out into the hallway, closing the door quietly behind him, he found Caroline waiting at the bottom of the stairs, her arms crossed and a knowing smile on her face.
"Let me guess," she said teasingly. "She didn't even budge."
"Not a bit," Noah replied, his tone light. "Out like a light."
After ensuring Emily was tucked in, Noah headed back to the car where Amelia was waiting. She had stepped out of the car to stretch her legs and was admiring the quiet, moonlit neighbourhood. When she saw Noah approach, she offered him a small smile.
"Everything okay?" she asked softly.
Noah nodded, unlocking the car with a subtle flick of his wrist. "Yeah, she's fast asleep. Didn't even stir when I put her in bed."
Amelia chuckled as she slid into the passenger seat. "She's lucky to have a brother like you."
As they drove through the city streets, the atmosphere shifted. The playful banter gave way to a comfortable silence, the kind that spoke volumes without needing words. Amelia glanced at Noah, her profile illuminated by the soft glow of the dashboard lights. She hesitated, then finally spoke.
"Thank you, by the way," she said, her voice quiet but sincere.
Noah spared her a brief glance. "For what?"
"For taking me out tonight," she continued, fiddling with the hem of her sweater. "I had a lot of fun. And… for how you handled everything with Emily. You were amazing."
Noah chuckled lightly, his eyes on the road. "You make it sound like I did something extraordinary. It's just what I do."
"It was extraordinary," Amelia insisted, her cheeks tinged with pink. "Not everyone can scale a ride like that and remain so calm. You didn't even hesitate."
Noah's smirk deepened, though he kept his gaze forward. "Guess I'm full of surprises."
Amelia laughed softly, leaning her head back against the seat. "That's one way to put it."
The drive continued, the city lights blurring past as they neared Amelia's mansion. When they arrived at the gates, the guards recognized Noah instantly and waved him through. Noah pulled up to the grand entrance, cutting the engine as Amelia unbuckled her seatbelt.
She hesitated, lingering for a moment before stepping out. "Do you want to come in for a bit? Have a coffee or something?"
Noah shook his head, a small smile on his lips. "Thanks, but I've got a lot on my plate. Another time, maybe."
Amelia nodded, trying to mask her disappointment. "Alright. Drive safe, okay?"
"Always," Noah replied, watching as she walked to the door. Before entering, she turned back, offering him one last smile.
"Goodnight, Noah."
"Goodnight, Amelia," he called back, his tone steady.
After dropping off Amelia and watching the lights in her mansion dim as she went inside, Noah drove back home, the streets quieter as the night deepened.
The roar of the Lykan's engine filled the silence, its sleek form cutting through the cityscape like a predator in the dark. As he neared his estate, the familiar sight of the grand gates and meticulously maintained grounds greeted him.
The guards at the entrance nodded in acknowledgement, quickly opening the gates for him.
Inside the Mansion...
Noah finished the dinner that Selena made, before heading to the shower.
...
"That felt nice," He exhaled as he dried his hair, before sleeping.