The next time I opened my eyes, I was in Loki’s arms. Eli was in mine too. Sluggishly, I got up to feel Loki groan a bit. It seemed my movements might’ve woken up the sleeping vampire. Though, I couldn’t see him due to the lack of light in the room.

Unlike me, he wasn’t quite ready to open his eyes. Even though I couldn’t see him, I knew where he was. With little hesitation, I leaned over to him, placing a kiss on his lips. I thought he was asleep but suddenly grabbed me by the back of my head before deepening it.

My prince had a shirt on, probably wore it after I fell asleep. I didn’t mind though since my hands clasped onto it. The libido for vampires was as high as Lycans. Though mine didn’t stay behind either.

Though instead of investing myself fully in it, I winced in discomfort. The headache was still there. Eli opened the binds from the window, allowing the fake light to shine in. I drew away from Loki’s lips.

Though my discomfort was on full display.

“Does it still hurt?” he asked, trailing his hand down my cheek.

His eyes expressed concern. Yet they were so warm that I felt like I was melting in them. Well, I wanted to.

“A bit. The ache is all I have at least. It could be worse.” I sighed, sitting up.

He followed me, kissing my lips lightly. The affection was one I soon couldn’t live without. And instead of satisfying his lust, he wanted me to feel secure with him. Most importantly, loved. When he pulled away, he brushed his lips against my forehead.

Though the pain remained.

“I wish I could heal that, without messing up something else. Brains are tricky. And I would never do anything to yours.” He simpered, grabbing onto my thigh.

In response, I giggled. He didn’t need to worry about it. After all, it was a slight ache at best. Though, I wondered what they used to hit me. Was it a bat or a pole? I couldn’t remember, and it didn’t matter anymore.

“It’s fine. Your touch heals everything else.” I assured him, moving past it.

Though, of course, he took it another way.

“Hm… Don’t rile me up, Vivi. You know I’ll bite.” Loki teased, squishing my thigh in his hand.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at him. He really was a playful little thing. Though I didn’t want him to win.

“I’m not trying. You’re just too much. And a pervert.” I huffed.

In response, he pushed me onto the bed.

“I don’t mind being one for you, my love. But only to you.” He chuckled as another kiss followed.

It was a short one, though. Shivers ran down my spine as a soft mewl left my lips once they were free. He traced his lips down my cheek and onto my nape. I didn’t know if he was going to bite me, but he lapped the area lovingly.

It caused me jitters of anticipation. My eyes, however, traveled towards Eli, who was floating his way to us. Under him, my vampire’s phone’s screen turned on. A soft whine left my lips when his hand traveled to my breast, squishing it a bit.

Even though I wanted to speak, my voice refused to leave me. Especially when I felt my vampire suck on the skin, he was paying attention to earlier.

“D-did they s-say anything?” I stuttered out.

It was obvious he was awake for longer than I since he had clothes on. But that could’ve been from last night after I fell asleep. My question caused him to pull away from my skin, leaving a mark where he had been.

Of course…

No bite, though. I guess he feared leaving me anemic again. He gazed over at the phone, grabbing it from the desk. Eli took the chance to float into me. A loving hug soon occurred between us.

He was always so pleasing to touch.

“Well, Remi wants to see us later, at five. She and Pa have been scouring below the city. But have found nothing to show the warlock was working alone. They think your coven was involved.” Loki sighed, scrolling through all the messages.

Some of them made him irritated too. Though I wasn’t about to look at his phone to find out.

“Well, that isn’t surprising. Rem hates us, you know that.” I mumbled, playing with Eli’s feathers.

They were always so soft. If he was white or black, it didn’t matter to me.

Though in this form… it reminds me of…

“Remi’s paranoid. Especially since they targeted Luna.” Loki sighed, placing the device on the side.

“Well, what about Oswald? Has he said anything about... Well, you know.” I asked, poking Eli.

The moment I mentioned his twin's name, Loki grimaced, gazing off to the side. There it was again. He was hiding something.

“Uh, no. I doubt he’s in the speaking mood.” My vampire avoided my gaze.

I placed Eli on the bed, pushing myself on the troubled vampire. I didn’t know what troubled him, but I sought his warmth. No, I yearned for it.

“Hm? What is it? Aren’t Emma and Zoe with him?” I asked, grabbing onto his shirt.

He had no choice but to gaze at me. Though, I was more interested in kissing his neck than his current expression. I knew he was worried for Oswald, but he was fine if he was with them. A soft sigh left his lips as his hands grabbed onto me.

It stopped in my tracks.

“Look, Emma…”

What came after he mentioned her name caused me to rush into the bathroom. My thoughts rushed through my mind as I dressed and left the room. His words replayed in my mind as I ran towards where Oswald was.

He had been there the entire night and day.

Emma’s dead. It happened when I was looking for you after you vanished to god knows where. Shadow beasts erupted from everywhere. A few people died before anyone could do anything.

It was chaos, and I had to find you. Emma shielded Oswald from one. By the time I saw them, I could do nothing to save her.

Loki's words were ringing in my ears

Impossible… She can’t be gone! She was alive hours ago!

The way she lifted my hair and did my style lingered in my mind.

Her warmth… it can’t be gone.

Though what was worse was that I was at fault.

If I hadn’t gone after Tania. Then perhaps…

I opened the room where Loki said they had the bodies of the dead. Well, the ones inside the castle. The rest were outside, and they were still counting the dead. Oswald was there, sitting by a wooden casket that held her body.

There were other boxes too, about five. So, there were only five casualties inside the castle. They were low thanks to Rem, Alijah, and Lilith. Though there were many other injuries, too. But…

Why does she, out of everyone around her, have to die? And it’s all my fault!

I was a fool. An utter disgrace. It never crossed my mind that one of us would die. I was so in my agony that I ignored them. This was on me. I should’ve known and protected them. Especially Emma, who was devoted to me.

In reality, both girls were discardable. That was why my father sent them with me. If it was them or I, they would always choose death before I did. And that never hit me until now. Zoe and Emma would both die for me.

And one did. Oswald might’ve been feeling guilt, but the reason she threw herself to save him. It was because I was connected to him. And to Emma, I was the priority. There could’ve been a feeling there between them.

But not enough for her to plunge into her death. We were an evil organization. It was a mistake to allow them in as I had. Yet I didn’t know when I did that. I should’ve felt nothing over this loss. But I felt anger.

Utter rage!

If I didn’t have my brooch, surely, I would’ve been shining like a star. Anger wasn’t the only thing coursing through my body. No, it hurt too. This was pathetic. I was pitiful to feel this way. Yet I couldn’t divert my eyes away from the casket that Oswald sat by.

When I stood in front of the box holding her, I noticed Oswald was covering his face with his hands.

I took one happiness tonight. Jin’s words rang in my head. I fell onto my knees, placing my hands on the wooden box. I was a god, yet so powerless.

“Oi… This isn’t funny. Emma… get up.” I began tearing up as my breath hitched.

My voice caused Oswald to gaze at me as Loki stood behind me. He had run behind me the entire way. Even only wore casual clothes he placed on, trying to catch up to me. I never knew I could cry for someone else other than Loki, who had claimed my heart.

These emotions reminded me of when I lost Nene.

Ah… this was why I didn’t want to feel anymore. It hurts to care! Would I have felt this way if Loki had opened my heart? No, this isn’t him. He didn’t do this to me. No, it was Emma and her devotion to me.

I allowed her to get close to me. And now she was gone. Forever lost. I couldn’t even remember if I ever thanked her for anything. This was truly pathetic. Oswald gripped onto his shirt, standing up to come to me.

“Vivian, she protected…” his voice was quivering as he trailed off.

Yet that didn’t matter to me. No, my anger was about to spill onto him. I couldn’t care if he was grieving for her.

“I don’t care that she saved your ass! She deserved more than this! We all should’ve treated her better!” I snapped at the warlock.

My words caused him to take a step back as I stood up from the floor. This wasn’t right. Yet I couldn’t control my emotions.

“Emma, get up!” I screamed, stomping on the damn wood that separated us.

From what Loki had said, a dog-like demon split apart Emma. If I was a useful god, perhaps I could’ve saved her. But as I was now, I was utterly useless. My time magic was nothing like a normal eternal witch.

In theory, I could reverse time. Yet how could I with the rift? And no one had ever gone into the past before. Even Alijah was propelled into the future. If I tried, I could fracture all of reality. That could lead to the ultimate chaos and end to this world we knew.

And if that didn’t happen, then the living gods surely would find me. This was a mess. An utter disaster.

“Vivi, she isn’t going to.” Loki grabbed onto my hand, jerking me into him.

Tears flowed down my eyes and onto his shirt. I was dirtying it, but he didn’t care. Unable to help it I pushed away from him, placing my gaze back on the box. I wasn’t the type of girl who would crumble into his arms over this.

No, I was rabid. Jin’s death was too swift for what he deserved. Eli was coiled around my arm.

“No! She can’t be dead! This wasn’t supposed to happen! I was supposed to keep you all safe! What good am I if I can’t save my followers!” I cried, not caring who was there to hear me.

Much to my surprise, Oswald engulfed me in his arms from behind. Even Loki seemed surprised by it all. The twin's arms were trembling.

Hadn’t he heard what I said?

He was clutching me so gently.

“Of course, Emma wasn’t supposed to die. But it happened. She fucking jumped in front of me and now she’s gone.” Oz said, holding me tightly.

All I could do was gaze at him. His eyes once again had prevalent dark circles.

Has he slept? Probably not.

“We never even patched things up correctly. Shit… I was a fool. And now I won’t be able to say what I wanted.” He mumbled; voice shaky.

His hands trembled, as Loki appeared bothered by the entire thing. My vampire didn’t enjoy seeing his brother like this.

“Oswald… I’m sorry.” I whispered, grabbing onto his arms.

He slowly loosened his grip on me. Zephier was by his shoulder. Luckily, she was black. So, the bond seemed to have only affected one of them. Well, from plain sight.

“Fucking life is unfair. Most of the time. Though, I’m glad Loki got to you in time. It would have been a mess if something happened to you, too. You know…” he sighed, trailing off before gazing at his brother.

My prince shook his head as his eyes glossed. I didn’t know what the two had gone through while I was with Jin. But it seemed their bond was still strong. Though the dark circles under Oswald’s orbs were prevalent.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do anything. If it weren’t for you.” Loki simpered.

Oswald let me go, placing his hands on his hips. He had a soft smile on his lips, too. For once, they weren’t bickering.

“I guess. You owe me more than one though.” He shrugged, gazing at Eli.

The moment the twin’s eyes met with the snake; his orbs twitched. That affection was short-lived.

“Hm… Do I even want to ask?” Oswald scowled at Loki, who appeared surprised.

He was swift on his feet though, spinning the question to the warlock.

“Actually, I was wondering what happened to your link.” Loki nervously chuckled, grabbing Eli.

The white snake was an eye-catcher, which wasn’t good for us. Oswald sighed again, shaking his head.

“It’s gone.” He answered.

It shocked Loki and me. Sadly, it seemed I had messed up over one thing.

Oswald’s connection to me is gone. Impossible, I didn’t… Wait, did I?

I didn’t know what I had done. But it seemed the consequences were direr than expected. The initial bond was made with Edna’s and Vera’s power. Yet now I seemed to have undone it. While placing a greater burden on Loki.

“What?” my prince mumbled, letting go of Eli.

The snake floated towards me. Though all I could do was take a step away from the boys. This was too much. Though proving it, the warlock undid his blouse.

“It is. What the fuck have you gotten yourself into, brother?” Oswald asked, exposing his chest.

The infinity symbol that connected us was gone. Yet I still felt a weak link to the warlock. Though it wasn’t as strong as before. In fact, it was fading. While Loki was stronger than ever. I barely knew a thing about the Amor Aeternum bond.

But if it was anything like what Midnight had done with Alijah and Rem, then. I could never leave Loki. We would both die if we were far from each other. This might’ve saved his life from that god who hunted me.

But at what cost?

If he was captured, then they might as well have caught me, too. This was worse. Eternal torture was all that was expected in Loki’s future. And he knew it. The moment he realized what the bond was.

He would know he was doomed. First to death and then to torment. The irony was too much. Elias’s life was about to be turned upside down again. All I again was at the center. A monster who took without care.

“Uh… I don’t even know fully.” My prince gazed at me.

I avoided his orbs entirely. Though a worse thought soon erupted within me.

Shit… Nothing went right. Well, in this case, it did, but not for our sake.

“Its fate fixing itself. Oswald was never supposed to die with you.” I announced.

My words caused the two to gaze at me, confused. This was all my fault.

“In the vision Edna gave, you’re placed into prison for trying to murder the crown prince. After he killed Loki.” I sighed, holding Eli tightly.

The future appeared to be set in stone. And that was fucking dandy. This was why only gods could change it. But changing it also caused ripples. When Fenrir saved Alijah from us, he changed the outcome.

My brain could barely keep up.

“Yeah, that’s true. But didn’t the changes made shift it to something else?” he asked.

It felt like he wasn’t saying something. Surely, he knew what I was. Though, the reason he was quiet about it eluded me.

“Well, all and dandy if they were gods who made it, but they weren’t. Destiny is hard to overcome. It causes events to keep the timeline as it’s supposed to be.” I continued, gazing down at Emma’s casket.

I didn’t have time to feel like this. Yet in my heart, there was a hole she used to fill. However, what was more important was saving Loki and me. It was what she gave her life for. And that would not be in vain.

Yet my heart…

“It’s why the existence of the thing known as the book created discord among the gods and now mortals.” I sighed, clenching my hands into fists.

That was all I was. Destruction of everything I cared about.

“So, I have to die to keep the timeline as it is?” Loki asked.

It was funny how he was a man destined to die. Yet every time his eyes were on me, they seemed so gentle. So, loving. He never gazed at me with malice, even when he first confronted me. Then again, he always knew I meant him no harm.

If only he knew what awaited him after salvation was an utter nightmare.

“That or create chaos,” I answered.

Though my heart shattered at the thought of him dying. And it wasn’t like that would keep the peace, either. In death, I would… I couldn’t allow myself to feel. If I did, then I would freeze. And that would help no one.

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Chaos reigns in me.

“I have to accept, I’ll die?” Loki scoffed.

I shook my head. That could never happen, for both our sakes.

“No, fates can change. But there’s always a cost. And that price is what we won’t know until later.” I replied, letting go of Eli.

He quickly coiled around my hand, though. Never apart…

“So basically, I’m free from the link? But I’ll have to watch Loki die?” Oswald questioned, feeling irritated by that.

“Yes, that’s what destiny wants.” I sighed, grabbing onto my shirt.

On my way out, I used a blouse and shorts to come here. The nonessential staff was free until further notice. Though I dressed like this on the fly. I never saw myself as a maid. Even though I had been working as one for a month.

“Destiny can only be changed by a god. And that shift in the link made Loki more entangled with me.” I announced.

Oswald’s eyes narrowed, yet there was no genuine shock in them. No, he already knew or suspected it. Probably caught a glimpse when he walked in on us. If it was that or what I had said earlier, I would never know.

Yet even after realizing that, he helped Loki get to me. He wanted to save me, knowing I was a monster. This twin was becoming hard to read. Then again, he had lost someone he cared about.

Perhaps that was his reasoning. A happiness, Jin called it. Maybe their relationship would’ve never worked. But now we would never know. Emma was dead, and that made everything final. Jin stole that from Oswald and her.

And it infuriated me.

Will Yama steal that from me? Is that my destiny? Could I win against another god? One who knows my binding. Doubtful… I’m fucked.

There was no stopping my love anymore, though. We were connected and I could never part from Loki. So, there was no way I could keep it to myself. Kissing him was a dream. While being with him was my greatest desire.

I fucked everything up. All Vera and Edna had done were undone by a foolish moment. A delusional one. There was no denying it anymore.

“So, you are…” Oswald began.

I wouldn’t let him finish his thought, though.

“Yes, I’m the useless god, who can’t even save her followers,” I assured, gazing at him.

My voice continued to flow even as I barely meant a thing I said.

“Foolish of you to believe otherwise. Though you weren’t unaware. I know you’re smarter than that. After all, you’re Vera’s son.” I added, expecting him to lash out.

Loki grabbed onto my arm, but it wasn’t to pull me away from Oz. No, the brother’s eyes appeared tired of hating. After all, his hate drove him to yank away from Emma. A girl that cared for him and died for him.

A girl who had demons like him. She really didn’t deserve to die. Yet I was helpless to do anything about it. Not without making things worse.

“If you really are then…” Oswald winced, gazing at the casket.

How I wished I could comply. If it only wouldn’t doom us to a worse fate.

“I can’t use my power because of the rift. And for many more other reasons.” I sighed, leaning on Loki for support.

He had grabbed me because he felt I was breaking. Eli was by my neck, too. Their warmth was comforting.

“I see. It was a wishful thought. Yet that wouldn’t come without a cost. I know that. And she doesn’t want that either. But what do you mean by a rift?” Oswald asked, gazing back at us.

Loki’s grip on my hand tightened.

“A tare between the celestial planes and this mortal realm,” I informed, hearing footsteps from behind us.

Oswald and Loki appeared fully aware we weren’t alone. But unlike them, I didn’t have super hearing.

“That’s why you couldn’t use your magic for Jin and Oliver. Right?” Thea asked, joining our conversation.

“Since when you have been there?” I huffed confused.

A second later, she dragged me away from Loki and into her arms.

This wolf is too touchy!

“Since the beginning. I was worried about Oz, but then I saw you run here. So, I hid. It’s a miracle Loki didn’t give me away.” She giggled, holding me like a stuffed doll.

In her obsession with me, she neglected to notice Eli.

“It isn’t like you don’t know already.” Loki shrugged.

I couldn’t help but glare at my vampire. He could’ve given me a warning, at least. Then again, Thea showed no hostility to me.

Still… is that why Oswald was being vague earlier?

The poor warlock’s eyes seemed tired. There would be no one to bring him coffee as Emma did anymore.

A life lesson to not hold back when something good came his way. That was what he learned from all of this. An excellent lesson for a mortal to learn. Though something was more concerning to me now.

I deserve to be treated with respect! This mutt knows no bounds!

“Oi, let me go!” I growled.

It was like I hadn’t said a thing, though. Her arms tightened around me while her eye shifted to Oswald. He appeared slightly surprised by her interaction with me. Though what was annoying was her constant handling of me.

“So, I knew before Oz? Sweet. Beat you!” She giggled.

Of course, all while not letting me go.

“Oi… I’m talking to you!” I rumbled, trying to get her attention.

Like vampires, Lycans were difficult to move. She was blissfully ignoring me, too.

“I already knew.” Oz sighed, gazing at me.

The moment his eyes fell on me, I froze a bit. So, he really was testing me in the ball.

“Well, suspected…” he shook his head with a soft smile.

This had been a long nightmare for all of us.

“Seems I was wrong about a plethora of things. I won’t push my brother away. So, I won’t do anything to you, Vivian.” He added, turning back to the casket.

I shook my head. Luckily, we were the only ones here. And it appeared Thea had turned on the sigil when she came in. I never expected her to be like that.

“Oz… But I…” I mumbled, gazing to the side.

Luckily, that moment of vulnerability was cut short by Thea squishing me like a plush. Now I knew how Eli felt when I treated him as such. Even so, I wanted her to release me!

“Oh gosh, she’s too cute!” Thea squealed, ignoring my hostility.

Fortunately, Loki appeared to have enough of her.

“Oi, she’s mine,” Loki growled at Thea.

In response, she gazed at him. There was a giant grin on her lips.

“Oh, don’t worry, brother. I won’t steal her from you.” She giggled.

Loki seemed even more ticked off over it. Having had enough, I shoved my hands on Thea’s face, attempting to pry myself from her grip.

“Oi… I’m not an object! And let me go, you oversized mutt!” I snapped.

I was annoyed at her stature, too. She was tall and lovely like all Lycan women. Instinctively, Thea let me go, only for Loki to catch me. If he hadn’t, I would’ve been on the floor.

“Why does she have such a foul mouth?” she sighed.

I scowled at her from Loki’s arms.

This mutt…

“She’s best like that.” My vampire interrupted my train of thought.

He had a gentle smile on his lips, glad I was in his grip again. In an instant, I felt a flush of embarrassment.

“You’re a fucking masochist!” I growled at him.

His treatment wasn’t unwanted. Though it was a mistake to think he would be quiet about it. Even with his siblings here. I had almost forgotten the three-way he had proposed as a gag when I came here.

He had no shame, though neither did I.

“So, what if I am?” Loki chuckled, enjoying the new expression on my face.

He knew how to play me like a musical instrument. I felt my eyes twitch as his lips met with my cheek.

I love you. He mouthed against my skin.

A soft kiss followed it on my cheek. Even though that alone broke me, he wouldn’t let me go. Not even when I pushed against his face.

“Okay, let’s get back on track. Unless you two want a room?” Oswald asked, unimpressed by his brother’s affection towards me.

I mean, he did walk in on us in the act. There were no secrets between us anymore. Though not by choice.

“No!” I growled, feeling like I wanted to choke Loki.

But of course, he was bound for eternity. There was no escaping him. Not that I wanted to.

“Oi, don’t be like that. I know you love me too.” My vampire teased with a sly smirk on his lips.

It felt like something snapped in me. He truly was too playful for his good.

“You have to be more serious!” I snapped at him.

Unfortunately for me, he was immune to me. Luckily, Oswald took his twin’s attention when he came closer to us. It helped that he clapped his hands too.

“Okay, enough of that. I need to know what happens if you use your power with the rift.” He huffed, getting us back on track.

Loki held me by my waist while I sighed. Nothing was going as I wanted. So, it didn’t matter to let this go, either. It wasn’t like I could escape things anymore.

“The living gods might descend to our realm,” I answered, feeling safe in my vampire’s arms.

Yet I couldn’t help but wonder for how long that would last. A silly thought since it bound us for eternity. It was worse than marriage itself.

“Vivi, that can’t happen.” Loki voiced.

I had gone over this light back before Oliver interrupted us.

Come to think of it…

I had picked up the crystal when I rushed into the bathroom. Sadly, I didn’t know how a homunculus crystal looked. Even so, I took it out of my pocket, gazing at it. I had hoped to give it to Emma, so she could’ve passed it to my father.

But now… it appeared that plan went up in flames. Edna created Lilith and Cain, but who was responsible for Oliver. The answer was simple, yet one I wasn’t ready to accept. But that didn’t matter.

I had no choice but to admit it. After all, the only way to create a homunculus was through the power of a divine. So, there were only two options available to explore. One was my father was clueless, and Edna created one more homunculus with my power.

This was the choice I wished was the likely scenario. The second was that there was a rogue god after Rem. That meant I would have to stop a god from killing Loki. The only thing I had in my favor was that divines hated making appearances.

This meant they would use humans to do their dirty work, much like they used Jin. The dagger was probably found and given to Jin by the god, too. This might’ve set Loki’s name on the tomb. When I broke that curse, surely, the divine must’ve sensed something.

But who in the living gods would have something against Rem? Or better yet, Fenrir.

I had no way of knowing. And it made no sense in letting these idiots know it. After all, it was a thought. I had no proof. Shivers ran down my spine as my thoughts became worse.

But what if it really is divine? Will I be able to face him? No… It would cause my unending nightmare to begin.

I never thought I would want my mother’s grimoire so badly. Surely, she wrote something in there. To get it wouldn’t be a simple task, though. Anything involving Rem was difficult.

“It’ll happen. That I’m sure of.” I sighed.

It caused Loki to force me to gaze at him. I couldn’t break through. This was a burden he would not bear with. No, this would be mine. Especially since if he knew. Surely he would find a way to keep me safe.

Even if it meant us both dying. He was such a fool. But one I loved. My beloved vampire didn’t know what awaited us. And if he did, he wasn’t showing enough fear. Not while he gazed at me with those eyes full of affection and concern.

I was evil, yet he saw me as something good.

“Don’t you see? My entire existence brings chaos. It can’t be controlled.” I began grabbing onto my brooch.

I could only buy time, but the moment that god came for Loki. All of our worlds would be set asunder. Unless I could stop it somehow. But that would prove nearly impossible.

“No matter what I do, seems my nature defines me,” I added voice, shaky.

It was pathetic to be this scared of the future. Yet it was eminent. There was no happy ending in our future. All of our options were world-ending. And that was something I didn’t want. This realm, although ugly, had beautiful moments in it.

And Loki was the most important being in this world for me.

How can I protect them both? There was no way…

Though this world’s days were numbered.

Will I be able to outrun, Yama? Doubtful.

“Vivian, I’m sure that isn’t true. You’re born from both Order and Chaos.” Loki assured, trailing his hand down my cheek.

I had to pull away from this warmth. He would be the death of me, yet I… I already set that too. The moment the Amor Aeternum was done. This affection would be the end of both of us. I was also a being who was never supposed to exist, yet I wanted to live.

And I wanted to do it with him.

“So, what if I am? My power’s mostly chaotic. Much like Alijah’s. Much like witches themselves. All we can do is destroy things. To create something... It would be impossible for me.” I gazed away.

It hurt to admit, but it was what I was. Rem was right to call me an abomination. I would rip her entire family apart.

“I don’t believe that,” Loki argued.

In response, I pulled away from him. Nothing of this made sense.

Why is he so accepting of me? Are we meant to be? Is anything of this real? No... this was a mistake. All of this is just a moment of passion gone wrong. Surely…

I was a fool, unable to believe that anymore. There was no way I could after the bond. It could only happen when divines loved each other. But it didn’t always sit like this.

“That doesn’t matter! Our future isn’t bright now that the bond of Amor Aeternum binds us for eternity, Loki. Or should I say, Elias?” I snapped.

Everything had become terrifying. And I wanted to escape, but… It seemed that wasn’t in my cards. My fate was set, too. Loki winced a bit of discomfort. It always happened when I said his name.

But before I could ask if he was okay, the conversation would take a turn.

“Bond of eternal love what the heck is that? And who the fuck is Elias?” Oswald intercepted, bewildered.

Instinctively, I gazed at Eli to see him shivering a bit. His scales were slightly glowing, too.

“Loki and Eli are one being known as Elias, the god of emotions. He’s doomed to die again.” I sighed, grabbing the snake from where he was.

At least his first death had nothing to do with me, or so I hopped. Maybe it did. There was no way of knowing anymore.

“Why is he…” Thea began finally seeing Eli’s change.

The pup had tunnel vision. I shrugged, knowing where she was going.

“White? Because the bond changed him. If I remember correctly, it also gave Loki two extra wings. Unless I was delusional at that point.” I clarified, not knowing if I was fully aware.

My vampire released a nervous chuckle, making my orbs land on him.

Shit…

“Uh… No, you weren’t hallucinating, sweets.” He showed his acquired wings.

Oswald appeared to have had enough before slowly slumping onto the floor. My eyes twitched as his white wings also had gold in them.

Wait… Is this a god’s true form?

I hadn’t thought of it, but my body would also go white, while my hair was gold.

Is this what we are?

“This is too much.” The warlock sighed, feeling like the entire world was falling on him.

It was too much. Everything was going out of control. It was a burden all our shoulders had. I wasn’t even at the dreadful part yet. Especially for Rem.

“Oh, I haven’t gotten to the fun part yet. Kill me and the world ends. Let me live the world ends. Let Loki die the world ends too. There isn’t any winning this from what I see.” I announced, fiddling with Eli in my hands.

There was only one way out, and that was to capture the god. But that would be impossible. They would see right through me. Perhaps I should come clean… But...

Can I trust them? Will it help? No… these mortals would just die if they tried.

The real question was if I was ready to face them.

“Wait, why would the world end if you die?” Thea asked, confused.

The answer was simple.

“My power comes from my soul, much like Rem and Alijah’s. Yama, the god of death, will find my soul. He’ll…” I trailed off, not wanting to finish.

I only knew his name from Elias’s memory of finding me, but he appeared to be the one behind it all. And from my dream…

This boy escaped death once. But I’ll claim his soul now.

He was the one from my dreams, too. I was sure of it. Upon hearing that name, Loki flared up, dragging me back into his embrace. It was always so warm. Yet…

“That can’t happen. I won’t allow you to fall into his hands again.” My beloved appeared irritated by hearing that name alone.

All I could do was sigh. There would be nothing he could do if Yama came for me. He failed once before. Though I didn’t know why. It was hard to believe Elias was weak, especially at how he could control emotions.

One would think that made him an adversary or foe.

“What you want won’t matter, Loki. I know he’ll find me one day. That’s a given.” I declared.

He grabbed onto my cheeks as his eyes glossed. That was a future he surely wanted to avoid.

“No, I can’t let that happen. You know that.” My vampire argued, but there was no stopping fate.

Not twice at least. And I wouldn’t let him die. So, torture awaited us.

“You mean, we can’t let that happen. Brother, you aren’t on your own.” Oswald said, tapping his foot on the ground.

His orbs were on the casket next to us, though. It was hard on Oz and me, but we had to be strong. The time to mourn would come, but it wasn’t now. Though, of course, they didn’t know what we were facing.

If they did, will they try to stop me? Probably.

That was one unacceptable outcome. Because without me, there was no changing fate.

“That’s right. Especially since Vivian isn’t the monster Mom thinks she is. Maybe we can convince her.” Thea suggested.

A stupid thought from a foolish mutt. She didn’t know how her mother truly was.

“She would lock me up before you could persuade her of anything. Rem’s stubborn.” I sighed, knowing that wouldn’t work.

Her mother despised me, and there was no way that would change. Especially without reason. Rem already thought the coven was behind everything. Well, instead of the faction that it was.

No, this was a dream, while the threats were uncertain. To push that luma into an alliance would require careful planning. But that wasn’t something out of my grasp. Especially with the Amor Aeternum.

The one thing that this stupid bond could be useful for.

“Okay, but maybe we can get her locked-on Yama instead of you. And who is he?” Thea asked, blissfully unaware of how much her mother hated me.

She didn’t remember the hostility her mother showed me all those years ago. That day wasn’t locked in her mind like it was to me. A blessing, I guess.

“I don’t have all my memories from my past life. But I know he wants me to destroy all the realms. At least, that’s what my mortal mother told my father. Also, I lacked the power while I was in a book. Now it might be different.” I sighed, biting my lip.

Anxiety was growing.

“I feel them growing even though I don’t use them,” I added, shaking my head.

The thought of Yama getting to me was too much. My vampire grabbed onto my hand, pulling it up to meet with his forehead.

“Fuck!” he cursed, shaking his head too.

“You’re right, he wants to destroy everything.” He followed up.

His words caused me to wince. More of his memories had come back to him.

What if… they are the ones that will finally drive him away from me?

There was no way a sweet soul like Elias wanted me.

“How do you know?” Thea asked her brother.

I guess she didn’t get the part when I explained Elias and he were the same. Or maybe it was she didn’t know how he would know. After all, getting memories from a past life wasn’t a common thing.

“Every time she says my old name, I remember things from my past life,” Loki answered.

Every time? Too bad I had no name back then.

Yet again, what held my memories back was something else entirely.

“This is confusing. So, you really used to be a god?!” Thea questioned, not catching on as quickly.

Loki sighed as Oswald picked up Zephier in his hands.

“Our entire family is connected to the gods. I’m sure Shade is one too.” My prince rolled his eyes.

That was true, but none of the other familiars were as bound to him as Elias was. If the summoner died, then the familiar would, too. But it wasn’t the same if it happened the other way around. Or at least that was what Edna thought.

After all, the dead gods were using humans as links to this world. In Eli’s case, he merged with Loki completely. Though that must have been planned. And the only one capable of doing that was Midnight, the goddess of rebirth, daughter of Yama.

I had no way of knowing what she had planned for us, though. Not with her oracle abilities on the table. They were nowhere as powerful as mine, but unlike me, she could see them herself. Well, perhaps if my vampire could remember when he was in the soul cairn. But that seemed to be unreachable at the moment.

“Hm… Actually, try it with his familiar.” Loki interrupted my train of thought.

Gazing at him, I tilted my head, confused, not fully following along.

“What?” I mumbled.

He chuckled in response, pointing at Zephier.

“From that memory when I came for you. Do you remember her name?” Loki asked.

The little cat tilted her head from Oswald’s hands.

“Zephyrus,” I whispered without thinking.

Instantly, a yellow shimmer came from her. For a moment, I feared she was about to go white. Luckily, she remained black even after the light show.

“Ah… I remember.” Zephier began jumping off Oswald.

She ran to me, stopping right in front of me. Gazing at me, she tried to put the pieces of the puzzle together in her mind. It wasn’t long before she spoke again.

“Oh, by the gods, you were right. She has a soul.” Zephier declared, seemly impressed.

Her eyes were no longer on me but on Eli. Before I could utter a word of bewilderment, the snake slithered off me to meet with her.

“I told you. The nicest soul you’ll ever find.” Eli chuckled.

Zephier didn’t seem to like that remark.

“And you honestly fell for a book?! What a stupid thing to do, brother. I mean, you never even looked at any other being before. I thought you were uninterested in love.” She huffed at the snake.

In response, he cackled, gazing at me.

Ah… He did that on purpose.

He remembered what I said back in the room. That was a low blow, though. My poor heart could barely keep up anymore. They really needed to slow down.

“I remember little. But I had a connection with her. From the moment I met her. That much I know.” He declared, setting my heart ablaze.

Elias was unfair. There was no way he… No, he was the first one to hear and feel me. Perhaps we were destined to be. Perhaps this bond wouldn’t be the end of everything.

“Gross…” Zephier scuffed, rolling her eyes at Eli.

He hissed at her, as Loki appeared a bit annoyed too. I had to move on from this. If not, my heart would break.

“Where’s Zoe?” I asked, gazing towards the side.

Luckily, I wasn’t the only one who wanted to move from the familiar show.

“With Leo. She’s shaken up by what happened.” Oswald answered, shaking his head.

“I see.” I sighed, pulling away from Loki.

There was no reason to keep this charade up. However, the moment I headed for the door, he grabbed onto me again.

“Woah there, love. Where are you going?” Loki asked.

I gazed at his hand, trying to yank it away. But he wouldn’t let me. There was no chance I was going anywhere.

“Well, it’s only a matter of time until your mother finds out who I am. I might as well go find her myself.” I ended up scowling at him.

His grip was as strong as always. Though what was worrisome was how he seemed unimpressed.

“No.” He huffed, holding me tighter.

A second later, I was in my vampire’s arms again, caged by them.

“What?” I grumbled, gazing at him, annoyed at my treatment.

He had no right to stop me. I needed to get ahead of this.

“I said, no. You aren’t going near Remi. Like you said, she’s stubborn.” Loki huffed, not happy with what I was about to do.

“But…” I trailed off, shifting my gaze down to the floor.

“Oswald and I won’t tell Mom.” Thea declared.

I couldn’t help but scowl at her.

“Oh, how nice of you both. It won’t matter how much of a fool you are. The change in Loki is easy to hide. The white snake, though, isn’t.” I pointed out.

My words caused everyone to stop for a moment, but it wasn’t long before they brainstormed.

“An illusion spell?” Thea suggested.

“I mean, that could work, but...” Oswald trailed off.

Stupid…

“You mean it will if Alijah doesn’t sniff it out.” I countered, not finding this funny.

Though Thea wouldn’t stop.

“Uh… Painting the scales?” she continued.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at her. That was what I had first thought, but his eyes would be the issue then. Unless somehow Rem would ignore it, which was doubtful.

“How did Eli get like this?” Oswald asked.

I sighed, not wanting to answer. Luckily, I didn’t have to.

“It happened after the shift in the bond,” Loki answered, holding me in place.

He wouldn’t take any chances. Though I would use this chance to catch Zephier. The moment she met my gaze; I spoke.

“Do you know anything about the Amor Aeternum bond?” I questioned the cat.

It caused her to tilt her head before a small chuckle left her lips. Though it wasn’t long before she licked her paw.

“Eternal love binds? Yes, I have.” She began shaking her little fur.

“As horrid of a bond it is. It doesn’t explain Eli’s evolution. Unless…” Zephier paused, gazing at the snake.

“Did the bond free him from the soul cairn’s hold? Do you really have the power over order?” Zephier asked, gazing back at me.

The perfect chance to ask.

“Wait, Eli said he can’t remember anything from there. Can you?” I took the opportunity.

Sadly, a blank stare was all that came from her face.

“No, all I remember is my life before. Yet Eli’s connection to Loki appeared to be stronger than mine to Oswald.” She answered, jumping back into Oz’s arms.

Of course… Even the dead gods are useless. Though that might be because of Midnight herself.

“So, we’re still in square one.” I sighed, gazing away at Loki.

He appeared well.

“Not necessarily. I think I know why we’re attracted to you.” Zephier announced, catching my attention.

Well, everyone’s actually.

“And why is that?” I mumbled, still in my vampire’s arms.

I felt like a child being held by their parent from doing something wrong. It wasn’t like I could outrun him, either.

The gall of this vampire.

Luckily for him, most of my interest was in the cat.

“We’re meant to protect you. Midnight said something about that I think.” She started only to stop wincing in pain.

Shaking her head, she gazed back at me.

“Arg, I can’t remember it must’ve been part of the soul cairn’s memory. Something is blocking it.” She added.

Nothing came easy to us. And it seemed nothing would change the current course of things.

“It’s probably this realm's way of protecting the timeline. After all, the soul cairn exists like the prison Alijah was in. Present, past, and the future are all there. Though traveling back in time is impossible without destroying reality.” I informed.

I had learned this from the coven. All-time witches had to know this rule. Though none were as powerful as me. Then it hit me. Midnight was a clever goddess. Too much…

“Thus, to protect the order of things. The realm blocks your memories. It was why Midnight never came to this world. Well, not like you did. No, she knew everything that was going to happen.” I continued, leaning back on Loki.

All of them were eerily quiet, listening to me. Though all of this was crazy. Yet I could feel it in my bones. I was close to the truth.

“Shit…” I cursed under my breath.

This was surreal. If what I had come to was true, then she knew about the descent of the gods. She must’ve known everything. And thought this was the only way to stop the world from ending.

Yet for things to happen, we had to remain clueless. That god was too much.

But then, is there a way to free my binds? No… I can’t hope that.

Midnight probably thought Fenrir and Valdios would protect me, along with Elias and Zephyrus.

“She knew everything and made things happen so I would be connected to you.” I chuckled nervously.

Everything had left me in utter amazement. Midnight was beyond our comprehension.

“I bet she is behind all the reincarnations of the gods, too. And your grandmother’s creation too.” I breathed, gazing up at the ceiling.

This was too much.

“Well, she thought of everything. All but one.” I shook my head.

I was the only wild card left in her plans. The one thing who could throw everything array, much like I had.

“And what would that be?” Oswald asked.

They had all been following me along slightly.

“I’m a being made from pure chaos and order. And I was never supposed to exist. Somehow can she predict the thing she can’t see.”