Rosalia’s body was yanked away by a tug. As a cold shadow swirled around her, she felt a large hand grip hers. Listen to me. Rayan’s voice pierced her hazy mind. Everything Osir said was a lie... Mariat is fucked up right now. I’ll let you in. Be careful, he’s watching us.
Rosalia’s mind was foggy but clear, like a bright light in a dark room. What is going on!?
It’s Azazel! He is the cause of all this nonsense. Rosalia’s fear grew even more. Rayan’s voice rang in her head once more. The shadows threw Liam back to his realm. She shifted her hand sightly, her voice vibrated into his mind asking about the rest.
Don’t worry, Camellia and Eleni went to Nadine’s pocket reality. My shadows will bring them back them. Theia is with us, but she’s knocked out, she couldn’t handle the shadows. He let out a light chuckle. He could sense her annoyance. Your powers are the only thing keeping you awake right now; we’re a hidden nation for a reason.
The darkness faded. The fog had lifted, and the buzzing had stopped. Rosalia felt the shadow slowly leave her body, her hand still occupied, and her eyes slowly moving to it. Rayan’s long fingers perfectly cupped hers. His thumb moved slowly in a circular motion, sending shivers but also calming sensations through her nervous soul. It didn’t feel forced, yet perfectly right.
Her lungs were filled with a woody scent with a floral undertone. Her heart was still racing as she took a deep breath. The air smelled like heaven, but it was also suffocating to her. Rayan pushed her closer to him, her head just above his heart. “Don’t panic, just take a deep breath.”
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His arms are wrapped around her, his hand slowly raised above her red hair, and he holds her head firmly but softly. Along with his heartbeat, a small buzzing vibration rose. She closed her eyes and concentrated on the soothing sound. “You’ll be fine if you just take on the Ranin.”
Her breathing became more relaxed, and the buzzing sounds were replaced by birds chirping and cool air. He broke the hug, but his hand remained in her hair. She looked up at him, her cheeks flushed from his endearing smile. “Don’t be flustered; it’s normal for the Isthmus to suffocate you. You have my Ranin now, and everything is fine.” He finally moved his hand but kept pressing lightly on one lock until the very end.
What is happening to me? I’m flustered from a Kuyutha! And that aroma! Is it him? God, he smells incredible! She cleared her throat as she moved her body away from him.
He let out a chuckle. “We all smell incredible here, but thanks!” he winked.
“Don’t read my thoughts!”
“Sorry, couldn’t help myself; I was curious about the reason for those beautiful rosy cheeks.” He burst out laughing.
“Are you guys done flirting?” From behind, Theia said. Rosalia was about to argue when she noticed Theia on the ground, holding her head. “The place is beautiful, but could you please explain? also, can you get me some ice? My head is killing me.”
Rayan apologized and went to get the ice for her. Rosalia helped her while they both looked around. Marble floors, soaring ceilings, and massive rooms. Clean and neat. The glory palaces of Barzakh were known for their clear walls and ethereal interiors.
Rayan returned with a small ice pack, which he handed to Theia. He invited them to take a seat.
“I had a feeling this was going to be a fucked-up meeting from the start.” As he looked at his pocket watch, he set the timer for three hours. “That wasn’t the real Mariat, he’s smarter than this, even Harut, he’s annoying but not stupid enough to mess with any human destiny.”
Rosalia inhaled deeply. “I’m not following, how do you know them?” Theia moved the ice pack next to her and stared at him intently.
“We don’t have much time for a history lesson, but to make a long story really short, the moment Mariat appeared in the Agápi, he invited me in, inside his mind, and I saw everything.”