Word Count: 1660

For our date, Thought decided to take me to a village in his territory.

I've decided I love his territory. The emerald green grass littered with vivid wildflowers for miles to see, only being broken by the village we venture into. It's cobblestone streets and beautifully built buildings are enough to have my mood improving already, despite everything that has gone on. I'm free. Free from Fate, free from other immortals who might want me dead.

Thought holds my hand tightly, as we stroll down the street. It's strange, seeing him in such a domestic setting, people's gazes on him for longer than a second as they pass us by. Most of them don't believe it's actually the immortal that rules their territory.

"Why do you have your estate so far away form here? I would want to be close to this beautiful place," I admit, breathing in the scent of jasmines as we walk by flowerbeds growing from people's balcony's.

Thought looks down at me warmly. "I can get you a place here if you like."

Those few words, as simple as they appear, only remind me of the power he possesses. Endless wealth and influence here...anywhere. He could get me any home here if I truly wanted it. As much as it feels tempting, I don't want to accept any of his power, even if I am his mate. That would be accepting what might be for the rest of my life.

"I think this place will remain special if we only visit from time to time," I tell him, squeezing his fingers tightly. And I believe that, too. I bet in the oncoming winter months, it snows here, laying a bright white blanket over this already beautiful village.

"I have something planned, if you're interested in," Thought offers, piquing my interest. "It's a big day in this place. The train from Death's realm, delivering fresh immortals will be arriving in the next hour. It's always a celebration to see who is brought to this territory. Sometimes families even get reunited."

This day isn't unfamiliar to me. When I hopped off the train and into Fate's territory, I was overwhelmed and alone. But then I saw Della, waiting for me. We had died together, in an accident in the mortal realm, but I had to serve a longer sentence in Death's realm.

I was never sure why...now I suspect it's because I have an immortal as a mate.

"That sounds great. I can't wait to see the smiles on their faces when they realise they got the best territory with the greatest leader," I say, half teasing, as I nudge Thought's side. But in reality, I mean it. As elusive as he might be, Thought has a side to him I really like, even if I haven't explored much more of him.

"I haven't been the best leader, in reality. I've been all over the place, trying to right my wrongs and find the part of myself that I might actually like," he admits.

I'm surprised at his sudden admission of honesty. Thought has always confused me, but now it seems like he confuses himself. I just hope the person he wants to become is good, which is more important than his past, which I've still failed to look into.

I don't say anything, simply looking up at him.

We walk through the town, approaching the train tracks that line the city. Crowds are already gathering, anticipating the arrival with laughs and cheers, holding flowers above their heads as they walk. Thought is able to navigate his way past everyone, never once letting go of my hand. Of course everyone just lets him go through with no complaint.

The train glides along the track quickly, appearing from the horizon in one moment, and in the next, it's stopped at the station, tinted windows disallowing any of us to see anyone inside. I don't remember it moving so quickly when I was on it.

People keep the platform clear, but they like the outside of it, cheering and chanting, ready to welcome everyone into their new territory. I remember I had a similar reception, but I know some territories don't extend the same hospitality.

"I like seeing my people happy," Thought murmurs.

Smiling up at him, I got to respond, but the hissing sound of the train hatch swinging open draws my attention back to the platform. A few people walk out, eyes wide, stunned looking. This must be an intimidating sight, seeing all these people vying for your attention, trying to beckoning you close to them.

Someone with a mic is speaking, inviting the people out, ushering them toward awaiting people willing to invite them into their lives to help them through their first few months here. They will get accommodation, everything needed to live. Even a job. Everything here is so much easier than in the mortal realm, where it's all for themselves.

The last person comes off the train, expression stony, not looking too pleased. They tug at a strange sense of familiarity for a moment, before it dawns on me exactly who I'm looking out. After living my mortal life with a lot of my memories stolen from me, I'm surprise when this one sticks.

Emmett. The boy I had just started dating before the accident.

I'm not sure what got my feet moving so quickly, but suddenly I'm pushing my way through the crowd, right toward the platform. Maybe it's the fact that I have nothing of my old life other than my sister, who at this point, thinks I'm insane. So I'm going to tightly grasp a semblance of my old life, even if I don't know how he will react.

Thought's fingers fall from my grasp as I make it to the edge of the platform, calling Emmett's name. He looks the same as he did when he was a mortal. Blond hair, blue eyes, golden skin. Nothing has changed, like looking back into a good memory. Or was it even very good?

"Luella, what's going on?" Thought questions from behind me, grabbing my arm. I smile at him, pointing at Emmett, who seems to have finally recognised my call.

"My friend. He's here."

Moving away from the crowd, Emmett comes down the platform steps to join us in the crowd. Thankfully people back away when I give him a hug, assuming he already has a family to offer him shelter. As my arms circle around him, I breathe in that scent, still so familiar. It reminds me of our dates, simple, cute and innocent.

"Luella. You're here, you're okay. I can't believe it," he says excitedly, holding my shoulders at arms length. I'm so engrossed in finding him, I don't even notice Thought's reaction, until I glance at him, watching him stand a little way off, watching us with keen eyes.

No doubt he is searching through his head right now, tearing everything a part while Emmett stands there, completely oblivious.

Too bad Thought isn't looking at me so he can't see the glare I'm sending him.

"Yeah, I'm from Fate's territory," I say, but Emmett's gaze slips to Thought, frowning. Clearly the immortal looks familiar, from books and stories. But up close, he looks like so much more than we were ever taught about. No one expects to feel the powers seeping from his pores, surrounding and intoxicating everyone he is around.

"Oh, and this is Thought, if you haven't realised it already," I say uncomfortably, rubbing the back of my neck. Now that I think about, it probably didn't look right with me rushing into Emmett's arms like that, but surely Thought has read his mind and realises he's of no threat to him.

There is no way after all that time Emmett still has feelings for me. It's been at least a decade since we last were holding hands and sharing kisses.

But the stormy expression on Thought's face suggests otherwise.

"Wow, like the immortal? That's crazy Lu, how did you manage to get to know him?" Emmett asks in amazement. I would be impressed too, if I got off the train and was immediately faced with an immortal. Even if that immortal hasn't yet uttered a word.

"He's..." I pause. I'm not sure why I paused, but I did, and it was long enough for Thought to notice, so I scramble to continue. "Thought is my mate. It's only a recent development, but...we really care about each other. But enough about me, what are you doing here so early? You should have lived at least another fifty years."

"I got really sick after you left. As scared as I was, I was sure there would be a place beyond the mortal realm. Now look at me!" Emmett says excitedly. He still has that bright, eager personality that I was always fighting to keep up with.

Thought suddenly grabs my hand, smoothly sliding in next to me. "Well, Luella and I have a lot to do today. Maybe we should go."

I stop him short. "Emmett has nowhere to go yet. Why don't we invite him back with us?"

It might not be the best proposal, but I don't want to leave Emmett to fend for himself now that everyone is starting to leave and I doubt anyone is going to take him in. Immediately his face lights up, but Thought's is another story. I wish I could read his mind, but all I have to rely on is the tumultuous sea of emotions that swim in his eyes.

Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.

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