Year 3988, 20th Day of the 10th Moon
Jewel Palace, Continent of Faerilyn

THE UNFATHOMABLE space of light and dark entered Elise's line of sight. Her body levitated to the unbounded nothingness, gliding along with the white orb.

"We meet again, child."

Elise simply stared at the luminescent sphere. To be honest, she had come here a few times but did not know how to address him.

'Shall I call him 'god' or 'Aevum'?' She contemplated for a minute since 'god' was too strange and 'Aevum' might be too intimate.

"Call me whatever you desire, child."

"Huh?"

'Did he hear my voice or did I speak out loud?'

"I wouldn't be a god if I couldn't hear your thoughts," he uttered with a sense of pride.

Aevum was certainly far from the god she envisioned. He spoke like an old man and interlaced his words with mystery yet sometimes he acted like an overbearing company president on times like this.

"By the by, I'm glad you survived. I did not know he will be able to intercept you."

Upon recalling all that happened since she arrived in this world, a grimace formed on her face. The last hours were a nightmare. Fortunately, she was able to get past that.

"Though, contrary to Amaranth's assumption, this is far from what I intended," he continued. "I did not expect things to escalate hastily. Your appearance was supposed to stimulate him to give up but it only got worse. The first totem had been destroyed and another two shattered. With this, the inevitable can never be delayed, he is now awakened—"

"Wait a minute. I don't understand a single thing," she interrupted.

He'd been talking about some person but he was being cryptic about it all along. How did he expect she could understand him?

"Who are you even talking about?" she questioned.

"The one you met down there. He is the Origin of Destruction, the reason why Harbingers are sent here."

"Huh?"

"The flames were his connection to this world but he was still—"

"No, what I mean, what 'Origin of Destruction'?"

"I'm certain you've heard of him as I've mentioned it last time. He is also known as the God of Destruction."

'God of Destruction...Ah!'

"Is it the one in the prophecy? Then are you implying that an apocalypse will happen?! Oh my god! Just when I came here, all of this is happening!" Her expression gaped and her brain quickly frenzied with all possible scenarios.

"Ease yourself, child. The prophecy has begun but it doesn't mean the world will end. The Supreme Beings made sure no war will destroy Elith again."

Her eyebrows scrunched together. "Then what will happen next?"

"There are totems scattered below. Each contains magic that seals Destruction. With how vast Elith is, it may take a year, a decade, a century, or even a millennium before the prophecy is completed. Only hope that you can live peacefully while you are here."

"Really?" her voice became skeptical. There was also a relief but she still had misgivings.

'How did everything suddenly become alright?'

"This is what your fate is supposed to be when you returned here."

"Huh?"

"The arrival of the Harbingers, with your blood from the Sky, can change this world's fate. Your course of action will disrupt the world's fate but the fate of this world will never interpose yours. However, you had become a part of this world when I brought you back and a new fate was created."

His tone grew lower as he explained while she listened.

"In this world, no one can deny fate lest they are gods. Every creature was born with free will but sometimes that freedom of choice will still end up with the fate set in stone. And you, child, was supposed to become one of them but having two gods interfere with yours the moment you returned could only result in what happened recently. However, do not fret, your role has ended but stay vigilant, child. The blood of Harbinger still flows in you. The blood of a god, no matter how thin it is, is much more treasured than any artifact."

"Are you saying I will be hunted because of my blood?" she probed. Her fingers curled to her ear, relaxing the tension that abruptly rose.

This was one of the reasons she was hesitant. She didn't want anyone dragged into her problem but her selfishness won. She had to have Aricson's help, having no option but to trust his feelings for her.

"Most probably. So you must keep your identity secret. Be careful about who you reveal it to."

Her head merely bobbled when a thought came to her.

"Wait. How about my birthmark?"

"As I've told you before you are now a part of this world. There's nothing I can do with your blood but your mark was taken away. There can only be one holder of the Eighth Ray Shield. That goes the same with the sword."

When she thought of it, he did say it was given to another Harbinger but she was still curious.

"Who?"

"I cannot tell you so. As for your other gift, it is already long gone before you came back to your world."

Another frown aroused. "What gift?"

"Your charm. Haven't I discussed it before? In order to compensate for his fault, the Primal Entity of the Sky, Caelus, gave the Harbingers three gifts. The shield, the sword, and the charm."

Elise paused for a while, recollecting her memories. He did say it before but she had limited time to deliberate over it.

"But what about the charm? I heard that the charm needs to have a mark but there's nothing in my body. I never felt anything wrong either."

The first instance she learned about charms was during the incident with Brennan. It was a concept closely related to a curse.

'Hold on. Curse?' There were countless times she was mistaken to have a curse. Did it have anything to do with it?

"The charm was sealed in your birthmark. Yours is the highest form of charm cast by a god so no one will ever suspect you have a charm except for those troubled with curses or charmed bodies."

"What does it do then? Is it bad?" she prodded further. It was weird knowing some kind of magic was within her.

"It allows anyone you met to protect you and most of all, no one will ever dislike you. Once they see you, they are guaranteed to adore and cherish you. A high-level charm no creature can recreate."

Elise's body froze as she comprehended what Aevum describe. No wonder everyone was nice to her but still.

"I think you're wrong. Dryann and Brennan didn't seem to like me."

"As I've said, the exceptions are those who suffer from curses and have charms cast on themselves as well."

It took her another several seconds to brood over it. Brennan did seem to change after his curse was lifted and Dryann changed her way a little bit. 'But wait, I had no idea Dryann was cursed. Or, maybe, does she have a charm?'

However, that was not the greatest concern. One worry arose from all of Aevum's statements.

'Does Aricson genuinely likes me in the first place?'

Just when she thought about trusting his feelings, she encountered a challenge in an instant. What if everything was just a ruse made by the charm?

"Don't worry, child. I have told you that it is already broken. What you experience is all sincere. After all, the lure of the Harbinger can only be lost when her purity is gone."

Deep gaze settled on the white orb, wrinkles becoming prominent on her face with every passing second. When she realized what he inferred, her eyes bulged, gawking at him.

"How..." She could not even finish her sentence out of embarrassment.

"I'm a god," came his short reply. "Now, child, someone is calling you. I, hereby, give you my blessings. Welcome back to the land of Elith, child of Caelus."

A blinding flash enveloped her skin and everything became pitch black.

"LOOK, AMS! She's moving."

"I have eyes, shorty. And can't you get it fast, old hag. I want to go home already."

"Why should I take orders from you?"

"Just because?"

Elise groaned from all the banter coming beside her. She rose up to see three women on the side of her bed. Under normal lighting, these women were even more beautiful than the last time she remembered.

Amaranth was wearing a more conservative version of her clothes. The sleeves appeared like branches draping on her shoulder. It fitted perfectly on her body and the silk material cascaded on the floor with elegance in every fiber.

A complete opposite of Leilani who looked like a child with her hair flowing freely on her back and wearing a plain pink straight-cross dress.

On the other hand, Iona was copiously covered in black. One person suddenly came to mind. It was hard to forget such a woman and he helped her contact Aevum at that time. Iona could only be the Stygian Witch she met at the festival, only that her face had been revealed. But when Elise's gaze scanned around, her eyes dilated upon seeing numerous black orbs.

'No. It is not orbs.' The orbs she had seen so far had a luminous sheen but this one's texture was similar to glass.

"What is that?" she asked, a little dumbfounded. There were still many things that caught her off-guard.

"Oh, this? Aevum requested that we transfer some of his magic to you since you stayed at the realm for quite long," Iona explained before she made it vanish.

"Geez! I can't believe you can't stay there for an hour. Humans are pathetically weak," Amaranth commented.

Leilani drew closer with a smile. "Don't mind her or else you'll only pollute your ears."

"Shut up, shorty. I'm only stating facts. We've been transferring magic to her since we recovered and she only woke up now. I better call you 'weakling'. Isn't it perfect?"

She arched a brow. This was almost the same as dealing with Dryann, only twice as noisier because of Amaranth's high-pitch voice.

Iona's monolid-shaped eyes appeared like crescents when she smiled. "She meant no harm. Amaranth has a habit of giving nicknames to people she likes."

"I do not!"

"Really? So you like me, huh?" Leilani teased.

"I said I do not! Don't spout lies, old hag!"

"Alright, alright. Elise just woke up and your blaring won't help. Our task here is done so we can go back now," she said to the other two.

"Finally! Goodbye ladies, I'm off." Without waiting for their response, Amaranth flew away.

"And there she goes..." Iona muttered before facing her. "I hope to see you some other time, Elise."

"Me too!" Leilan's chirpy tone was even more jovial when paired with that cheery grin. "I have so many things to talk about but I promised Nagan to return once I'm done here. Is it alright if I visit you?"

"Sure—" Her words halted as a memory resurfaced. "Have we met somewhere before?"

"Yeah. I'm one of the patients in the hospital you work for."

"What?"

"What, what?" Leilani mirrored her confusion.

Aevum did hint that there were other Harbingers and since these women were able to communicate with him. She could already guess one of them was the Harbinger.

Amaranth was out of the question due to her wings because one factor to consider was the point that they were from another world. After listening to what Leilani said, that must mean she was the other Harbinger.

Elise became lost in thoughts, her eyes traveling down. Unconsciously her gaze focused on the glistening scales seen on exposed ankles.

'Wait, scales?' The memory became clearer in her mind. She looked up and studied Leilani. With the lack of ornaments in her body, Elise could not be able to tell but the features were becoming identifiable.

"No, I mean did we meet at the festival?" she prompted. 

"Yes! So you actually recognized me ?"

"But how? Your irises..." her voice trailed.

"This?" She pointed at her face. "Honestly, I haven't talked to Aevum yet so I don't know what happened either."

The door suddenly burst open and all heads turned to see the visitor.

Elise could feel her jaw drop. Not enough flowery words could give justice to describe the beauty of the woman flitting towards them.

"Greetings, Prima of the Fairies," the two women bowed.

She unconsciously lowered her head as well. This woman in front of her simply emitted the aura of a royal.

"You may rise." A melodious tone rang in the room. "Your name is Elise, am I right?"

With the mention of her name, she nodded.

"I am Prima Rosa of Faerilyn. I believe this is our first time meeting."

'Wait, 'Prima'? Isn't that the title of the queen of the fairies?!' 

"At last, you're awake. I've been anticipating meeting the woman who ensnared my straight-laced grandson."

Her shock which had not been recovered, spiked up once more.

'What grandson?!' Her grandson could only be a toddler and Elise would have no association with him. 'What ensnare? I'm not into children.'

"Grandmother, I've been sear—Elise!" Aricson dashed to her side and was quickly pressed into his chest. "Thank god you're awake."

There was a slight shiver on his body as he said those words. Elise's eyes softened but she remembered what Aevum said. Nevertheless, she returned the hug.

"Ahem. Have you forgotten you two are not alone yet?" a voice disrupted. 

"Apologies, Grandmother."

'Grandmother?! Aricson's grandmother?! Oh my god!' Her inner screams were sealed tightly upon realizing the grandson she was talking about earlier.

"Are you okay, Elise? Are you still unwell?" Arcison asked right after.

"I'm... fine," her voice croaked.

"Excuse me, Prima, Rei. We may have to excuse ourselves," Iona interrupted.

"I will send you off."

"I beg my insolence but no need, your grace," Iona directly refused. "We can't afford the honor."

"It is alright. I'm giving my grandson some time. It's a miracle he even got a woman. I always thought he'll be the last one to marry among my grandchildren, you know? Can't you see the pains I have to do to make sure he is able to marry?" Prima said, her lips lifting on both ends.

"If you say so, your grace..." Iona stated in surrender. "Elise, we'll have to go. See you."

"See you too, Elise. I'll visit you as soon as I can!" Leilani said.

When the door's lock clicked, Elise faced Aricson, who was still sitting so closely with her, in absolute awe.

"Is that really your grandmother?!"

"You're so lively when earlier you look so pale in front of her," he noted and ruffled her hair.

She thwarted his arm. "I'm asking seriously."

"Yes, she is."

Elise sighed exaggeratedly. "For real, I was literally tongue-tied. She's so beautiful! No wonder you and your siblings have good genes!" From her sudden squeal, a series of coughs erupted.

"I'll call the healer."

Aricson got up but she held onto his wrist. 

"This is nothing. I just need water."

"... Alright." He sat down and took the pitcher from the bedside table. "Let me warm this first. Ferios."

When more words followed, scarlet flickering lights engulfed the glass of water. A ring formed beneath it before it disappeared.

"Are my eyes playing on me? Is that a magic circle? I thought I could not see the magic circle since I'm a Mundran?"

"We made a Kismet Pledge a few days ago. When it comes to it, Mundrans have the most advantage during this ritual, it allows them to receive the holy grace to see the spirits," he explained but she was suddenly stuck at his first sentence.

"The Kismet Pledge... Is what you said true back then?"

"Of course. It may not be the best place to propose but all of it is sincere."

"Propose?"

"No, in fact, it should be called marriage since it is a higher form of bond but I know you'll say it's too fast."

"Well, you're right. It's too fast but Aricson," she called to get his full attention.

Her concern was momentarily forgotten but she should not delay it any further. Aevum did say he was sincere but she had to make sure and hear it from his own mouth.

"Someone told me I have a charm that makes anyone like me."

"I've gathered but it seems like it disappeared already. You've been asleep for five days so I tried to see if you're plagued by a curse or a charm but nothing happened."

"Hold on a minute, you know I have charm?"

'Isn't this déjà vu?' Every time she had something to reveal, Aricson was already a step ahead.

"When?"

"After our..." He looked away and his fingers clutched hers. "It's after our first night."

"Then before that, did you fall for me because of that charm?"

His gaze returned to hers. "In truth, I don't know but there is one thing I am sure of, I'll still fall for you, charmed or not."

The intensity of those crimson eyes was filled with affection and devotion. It was stupid of her to distrust him in the first place.

"The very first time I met you in my chamber, I was enthralled. Perhaps it was indeed the charm working but when I saw how you performed the treatment with Hadrien, that was the moment I became captivated."

He clutched her hand, his stare locked on her, as he pulled her fingers to his lips.

"Every time I see you, I wonder how can such normal hands do what magic cannot fully do. As the eldest, I knew I could never be selfish. Many are relying on me and my priority is my clan but I am willing to abandon it if I can be with you."

"Aricson. That's something I'll never ask of you. I would rather you give up on me than you give up your family."

"Isn't that what we did? You came back to your world and I was about to live myself as a Rei but you returned. Once you did, I knew I could not easily let go the second time. When the Regis suggested we perform a Kismet Pledge, I acted hesitantly but in truth, there is nothing greater I can wish for than that."

"Won't it be difficult for you? Your life is tied to mine. I hate to admit it by I'm weak. I don't have any magic and will only be a burden."

"You will never be a burden, Elise. Perhaps it will be me, as I will need you to stay by my side. I may even have to ask you to choose me over your family. But, no matter how much I wanted, I could not force you. If you still want to go back, I'll try to help you as long as you're happy."

Her eyes became glassy. This was the longest Aricson spoke, completely bearing his vulnerability to her. But, also guilt swallowed her.

"I already did. I chose you over them Aricson. I can never return to them. Will that make me a bad person?"

Aricson pulled her closer and tears began to fall. Maybe everything that went on the past few days finally caught on to her. She cried as loud as she could until her voice became hoarse. Hiccups after hiccups were drowned in the comfort of the crevices of his shoulder while a myriad of pictures came crashing on her head. 

Her family treasured her but gave up on them. The man loved her but she doubted him even for a moment. And, almost losing her life from all the danger she faced. 

Her wails became stronger. Aevum must have heard all her worries when a whisper brushed her ears.

"Live happily, child." His voice which was always gruff became a gentle breeze that blew away her worries.

She had told herself countlessly that she had to own up to her choices but she always forgets. What was done was done. What was important was to live the life she wanted.

Aricson continued soothing her hair and she pushed him slightly. She dropped a featherlight kiss before meeting his eyes.

"I love you, Aricson," she confessed, baring all her emotions to him.

His teeth dazzled as he gave the brightest smile she had seen him so far.

"I love you too, Elise." He stood up and with one swift move, he was carrying her in his arms. "Let's go home now."

'Home...' Elise's lips curled and linked her arms to his neck.

That was right. Her family would always be in her heart but from now on, she had another home to return to.

༻❁ E N D ❁༺

Note: Ackkkkkk I'm so excited. This is actually the last chapter and I'm really hoping that you enjoyed the story thus far ^^

This chapter is for gammy_gams. Thank you for giving this story a chance <3