The world shattered around me. I held on to the little girl’s hand as hard as I could, knowing it was not long until chaos erupted. In an instant, a white light consumed us. Dumping us into the sky above, hoards of the new beings I unleashed fell around with me.

Falling next to me in the crimson sky was Aetna, who opened her wings wide, unleashing a gust of wind at us. It caused Luna and me to twirl in the air in free fall. Screams came from both of us as we were out of control. None of them would help us by catching us either.

Instead, they clashed with the hordes of golden beasts that were below us. It seemed we were let out right in the mayhem. From the corner of my eye, I saw the ship still in the air, surrounded by blood. Though it was surely going to fall soon. They had taken another engine out.

With all the fractures that appeared thanks to my intervention, the sky above turned deep blue. It was almost as if nightfall had fallen once again. Though the sun turned whiter than anything I had ever seen before.

More distortions could be seen in our realm, as the soul cairn was no more. Another bright light soon came from the ship, too. It was probably from Shade, Zephier, Ruzgard, and Eli. They were all free from their servitude to their summoners.

Though, I highly doubted they saw it as such. No, they loved their partners. But now they were unbound. Their lives would not be lost if their summoners died. I never thought of how this would affect Loki, whose soul was entwined with Eli.

Though, I had no time to worry over my vampire. No, I had my problems with all the beasts that surrounded me. Cybele grabbed hold of my shirt, launching me towards the side. Twirling yet again, I tried to lock eyes with the ship but failed when I noticed a giant winged serpent going for me.

I no longer had my necklace to hide me from these beasts, too. They all knew me. And they were gunning to retrieve me for Yama. Or Perhaps for themselves. I was a beautiful target. Unable to do much with Luna in my hands, I clung to her.

At this point, all we could do was be toys for these freed demons. They passed me around from one to another, crashing into one another soon after. However, this time, when one launched me into the air, I spotted the ship losing its last engine.

It was crashing into the forest below. I could only watch as another gust of air sent us hurtling down into the same forest. Before we hit the ground, though, I cast a quick spell to avoid splattering on the ground. Though, that itself was also a rough landing.

Levitation spells were temporary things. So, when the spell finished, I fell to the ground with Luna. Of course, my back was the first thing to hit the floor. It kind of knocked the air out of me, though. At least the fall was not like the one…

The little girl quickly rose her little face up from me.

“Princess, are you okay?” she mumbled, eyes glossing.

Any little thing would have sent her over the edge. A soft sigh left my lips. This reminded me of Nene’s demise. Though, unlike me, she could not cast a spell by thinking it. It was the only thing that saved me.

“I’m fine.” I smiled, sitting up with her.

Though I probably scratched my back to oblivion. Everything stung. Every spell I used caused my body to become even more unstable. Thus, I had to hold back until I knew what was happening.

Everything was not going the way I hoped. It seemed everything I did created even more mayhem. This world would not last much longer, either. Perhaps, I was its doom.

“That was crazy, princess! We were flying!” the little girl giggled, making me wonder if this was the beginning of a new crazed adrenaline junkie.

Though she was adorable.

You’re going to give Rem a hard time when you are bigger, aren’t you?

I could not help but chuckle, shaking my head. Even though my heart raced and worried for everyone else, this little girl did not need to feel the same. To her, this could all be a game. Jin failed to ruin her innocence once.

These gods would not do so either.

“Um… Let’s try to find your mommy, okay?” I tried to keep my voice in check.

Focusing on her, my goal was simple.

“But those scary things are out there!” she frowned, gazing at me unsure.

Luna probably felt their aura even though her powers had not awakened yet. Reaching to her cheeks, I brushed away the hair from her face. Her black hair was just like Alijah’s. But her eyes were like Rem’s.

Such a beautiful little girl.

I wondered why I did not notice it before.

“Don’t worry, they can’t harm you. They’re a bunch of overgrown plush toys!” I assured, knowing full well, this was a lie.

Unlike my links, they could kill her without a second thought. A small child did not need to know that.

“Toys?” she mumbled, gazing towards the sky.

Most of the beasts were sky-bound, but surely others traveled through the land. Even those who lived in the soul cairn fell with us. It would not be long before one found us. Enemy or friend, I would not know, but we needed to move.

“Mhm, toys,” I repeated, struggling to get to my feet.

My back stung too much.

“Does that mean I can sleep with them?” she asked, giggling.

“Uh… yes! But first, let’s play a game of hide and seek, okay?” I focused on the task at hand.

The little girl tilted her head before nodding.

“Okay!” she beamed.

A soft sigh left my lips, not knowing how we would do this. Now that we were in the mortal realm, I could not use my power without alerting Yama to where I was exactly. Though there was no doubt that he was by my beloved’s side.

Though, that simple spell I used was thankfully masked by all the mayhem around. If I kept true to my mortal side, I would be fine. Any beast that got close would be an issue to deal with.

“The only rule of this game is to stick near me at all times. Unless I tell you to run. Then you hide and don’t come out until someone you know finds you. Okay?” I declared.

The little girl nodded, determined to not lose the game, leaving me simpering.

“Good girl. Now, let’s get moving.” I smiled, picking her up in my arms.

Once in my hold, she touched my cheeks.

“Your so pretty, princess!” the little girl giggled.

My cheeks flushed pink, unable to believe her adorableness. She was so pure; I had to protect it at all costs. It made me wonder about all the other children in this world. And how scared they must have been.

Surely, all these distortions were alarming. I had to finish this fast.

“Thank you, sweety.” I grinned, feeling blessed by her compliment.

Something that rarely happened. I touched her little cheek. The warmth that radiated out of it was out of this world. Though at that moment, she noticed the change in my limbs. She probably had before, but never asked. Well, until now.

“Princess, what’s wrong with your fingers? Is it a glove? Aunty Flora usually uses those!” Luna giggled, grabbing hold of my hands.

Kids never know when they shouldn’t ask for things.

Though it added to their innocent flare. And I could not blame her curiosity. Even so, it put me on the spot.

“Uh… They’re a new fashion trend!” I announced without thinking twice about it.

“They’re pretty. I want one too!” she giggled, happily.

It was a wonder how she was so comfortable with me. Though, I was the same when I was younger. It made me wonder how I would have turned out if this would have never happened.

Loki probably wouldn’t have liked me, though.

“Heh… ask your mom for one later, okay?” I simpered, giving into the feeling she filled me with.

It was too warm to fight, and honestly, in this mess, it was welcoming.

“Okay!” she hummed, gripping me tightly.

A soft sigh left my lips.

Everything will be fine…

I went to take a step towards where I saw the ship fall. The only thing I could do was hope they were okay. But before I finished that first step. Everything went black.

“You shouldn’t lie to children.” A voice erupted from the darkness, setting my heart ablaze.

Fuck! An enemy?! Who?!

“I’m not an enemy, nor a friend.” It announced, turning the dark space into a scenery I had never seen before.

It was a forest, surrounded by blue flames. They were slowly going golden, though. Luna was no longer in my hands, either. It was the moment I realized I was not in our realm anymore. No, my soul had been summoned elsewhere by whoever this was.

A soul scape, Edna used to call it. She utilized them to communicate with the outside world when she was with me. The poison on Fallrend, where I was sealed, was too much for anyone to survive. Well, until Edna came up with an antidote using her blood.

My bond with her made her resistant and eventually immune to the poison let out by the decaying gods. Yes, that place was where the gods fought their war over me. They brought their arguments into the mortal world. It ended, destabilizing this realm.

Edna was right. I was not to blame for this. No, they were. Though, I remembered clearly a god named Fenrir sealing me away, too. He had bright red eyes and silver hair. That must have been why Rem said she remembered how she sealed me.

Aches arose from within, triggering me to wince. Yet I could not let my guard down. Something was not right.

Damn it…

My memories were still a mess. They were trying to relocate themselves in chronological order. But my mind was not one of a divine. It was one of a mortal, and it was not handling all the information well.

Even so, I scanned my surroundings. Its voice sounded so familiar that I could not quite place it. Until…

Ah… that argument…

Not that she would let me linger on that for long.

“My name’s Midnight. Though I prefer being called Midna.” The voice snickered, suddenly appearing before me.

In front of me was not a bird, like it depicted her in Lilith’s book. No, she was humanoid. Her skin was pale white, along with her hair. Though her eyes were golden, along with the tips of her hair.

She wore a beautiful golden feathered dress. It was obvious my meddling in the soul cairn was also affecting her. However, this entire thing was…

“Impossible, you died during the merge,” I noted, gazing around me.

The entire scenery changed into one of the blue-flowered trees. All of them were hydrangeas.

“Oh… Hm, did I ever tell Rem I would fully disappear?” she hummed, assessing me.

Lilith’s book called this goddess a tricky one.

I scowled, “I’m guessing you omitted details. Didn’t you?”

A soft chuckle left her lips, taking a sit on a fallen trunk next to me.

“Oh, deary, I wouldn’t dream of it. It’s my beloved Fenrir we’re talking about.” She seemed pleased with how things had turned out.

For some reason, that felt hollow, though. Tilting my head, I gazed at her, unimpressed. This was a waste of time, and I had places to be, after all.

“Yet here you are. Convenient, no?” I huffed, crossing my arms.

Luna was nowhere to be seen, either. Though, this place was probably just for us two. I felt no hostility from her, but she was no friend, either. She was the reason that Edna’s fate was sealed. Their game of chess, one I was not aware of back then.

Why did you hide so much from me?

“Heh, finally a god smart enough to stand against my wits.” Midnight snickered, gazing at me in a way I did not expect.

Is that admiration?

“My status has nothing to do with it. Plus, Edna was smarter than I’ll ever be.” I pointed out, gazing towards the side.

Midnight huffed, chuckling soon after. “You sell yourself short, but she was. After all, you exist even though I tried for you not to.”

Rolling my eyes, I glanced back at her.

Yes, we weren’t friends.

“If you don’t mind. I was busy not getting the world killed.” I huffed.

A smirk rose on her lips.

“Oh, but that’s why I brought you here in the first place! By the time we’re done, only a second would have passed in your realm. No harm really.” She announced.

Unable fully to believe her, I scowled. “So, you saw everything that’ll happen?”

Her smirk got even more defined. She…

“Everything? Oh no, I didn’t. You were a complete unknown to me. The one factor that can change everything. You even saved little Elias. I thought he was fucked!” Midnight pointed out, tapping the wood with her hands.

I gazed at her, utterly confused by what she meant. Something in my expression must have tickled her since she crackled. How Rem dealt with this one was beyond me. Heck, even Fenrir himself.

“I could see all but you and my father. The two beings made by freak accidents.” She pointed out soon after.

It did not help my bewilderment. No, it added to it.

“Freak accidents?” I glowered at her, unimpressed by the way she choose her words.

Even though she was not wrong. It was annoying. Something she took joy in. Luckily, she would not leave me like that for long. The end could not come fast enough, though.

“Yes, my father’s hatred changed him in ways never before seen. The pain didn’t stop him from consuming Thanatos, the first death god. It should have destroyed his soul. Yet he survived. Thus, a freak of nature.” She paused for a moment, shaking her head.

This was all before her time. The only one who could have told her that was Yama.

“Well, I guess his soul was never the same after that.” The goddess added, gazing at me.

Those orbs of hers were growing heavy. Yet I had other things to worry about. After all, I finally…

“So, that was who he was,” I mumbled, glancing towards a tree on the side.

Thanatos, that demon that helped me convince the others. Perhaps he was the key to this all. No… all of them were. She would not stop for me, though.

“After that, he kept consuming gods to strengthen himself. Though he didn’t know how to change the world. He failed to change the cycle of death, too.” She stopped again, triggering me to gaze back towards her.

Midnight held her hands on her chest. Her expression was one of sorrow. Due to her oracle powers, she could not speak about the dreams that came to her. Unlike me, who unwillingly told it to the world.

Even now, she could not say what she saw.

“That was the first undoing of this world. Even though it was broken, I tried to fix it as best I could. But then, I died too.” She sighed, shaking her head.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Of course, she tried, but it was not enough. Nothing would have been. Though the way she spoke about that god left me feeling shivers. She felt a foreign emotion for him that I could never have. Then again, he was her…

“You love him, don’t you?” I scoffed, feeling only dislike for that man.

Though I could sympathize with him. If the legend was true, then he lost more than he could handle. But that only made him a brittle maniac. Perhaps when he changed, his soul was shattered in ways that could never be fixed.

Though it made me wonder…

If I lost Loki… where would I be?

We gods did not belong in the mortal realm. Even in our mortal bodies, we would create more mayhem than harmony. We should have stayed in the celestial planes until we rotted.

“Of course, he’s my father. He wasn’t always this cold. I think I was the one who killed what was left of him.” She released a nervous chuckle.

Ah… that fight was the last time he saw her as his daughter.

“Yes, you remember that?” she asked, grabbing onto her arm.

I wish I hadn’t.

Everything would have been much easier. She was reading my mind, and it was unfair.

“So, your memories have returned.” She said, getting up.

I took a step back away from her. This goddess was not trustworthy.

“They’re all jumbled up. I can’t tell what happened first or last. Other than the eighteen years I have spent in this body.” I answered.

Even though I was wary about her, there was no need to hide anything. That much, I was sure of. After all, why would she bring me here out of everywhere? An enemy of my foe was my friend. Well, at least for the time being.

“It’ll become clearer as time passes.” Midnight informed.

A soft sigh left my lips. “I see. So, you didn’t bring me here to tell me Yama’s back story.”

My words caused the goddess to pout, placing her hands on her waist. She was starved for chatter. I guess, at least in the soul cairn, she had the others. Though, I could only help but wonder what woke her up.

“You’re too uptight. Do any of you know how to have fun anymore?” she rolled her eyes at me.

I shook my head, turning away from her. If she wanted me dead, I would have been already.

“Uptight?! I want to get back to...” I trailed off, gazing at my hands.

Do I even want to get back like this? I’m… not human.

“Your family?” the goddess tried to finish my sentence.

It triggered me to chuckle nervously.

Family… no…

“Are they that? No, I have just one of those left,” I sighed, clenching my fist.

That’s right. I only have…

“What about Oswald, Alistair, and Thea? I thought you liked them, too.” Midnight pointed out.

A soft sigh left my lips.

“I wasn’t talking about them,” I announced, refusing to gaze at her.

A moment of silence passed before she spoke again. Though she walked in front of me, making sure my orbs were on her.

“Oh, the elf? Hehe, that’s interesting! Not even Elias gets to that point?” she prodded, leaving me feeling regretful for my words.

But I was right. We had only known each other for less than two months. Yet we were in bed with one another. Then again, that was not weird. No, the emotions we felt for one another were. In such a sort of period, we connected in ways that normally would take time to develop.

Then again, we had been together for much longer than a normal couple would be. If we count the hours, we were together. It would add up to more than a month’s worth. Heck, even more than a few months’ worth.

“I love him, but do you honestly think he would choose me out of everyone?” I mumbled, knowing the answer.

It was an idiotic question in itself.

“I think he would.” She replied without a second thought.

It almost caused me to choke on my next words. But she was right. Elias would choose me.

“He would be stupid to do so.” I huffed defensively.

Another correct thing.

“Hah! I told him that when he told me you were more than a book. But I would love to know why you think that.” Midnight chuckled, getting close to me.

Instinctively, I took a few steps back. I did not welcome her approach.

“I’m the reason the world’s ending.” I sighed, taking another step back.

Before I knew it, I was against a tree. Pinned, yet the goddess I faced did not get any closer.

“So… Is that supposed to keep him away? You're bonded, aren’t you?” she asked with a smirk on her lips.

For the first time in my life, I felt like I was taking an exam or something.

“You don’t happen to know a way to undo it?” I gibed, gazing away.

Those words caused my heart to ache. Although I needed to be tough, the thought of never feeling his warmth. It crippled me in ways I never thought it would. Even now, I wanted nothing more than to feel him next to me.

Pathetic…

“Damn! You're savage!” Midnight broke out in a burst of laughter.

I scowled at her, triggering her to reduce it to a snicker.

“Poor little Elias is smitten by you! But here you’re trying to undo it.” She chided.

Funny of her to do since she had nothing to do with us. And she was the first one out of all of us to force something onto a mortal. Without her meddling, I would have had an easier life. Yet again, Loki would have…

“I never wanted this bond to begin with!” I snapped.

There was not a single ounce of deceit in it. I never intended to get into this link with him. Even Edna’s bond was against my wishes. Though, without it, I would not have found him. Or saved him.

However, she was the last one I needed to hear any of this.

“And you say you love him.” She huffed, chuckling.

“I look forward to seeing who you loath.” Midnight added, triggering me to glance back at her.

I smirked, “just ask the dead warlock.”

This was something easier to speak about.

Clapping her hands, she continued to crackle. “Ah, yes Jin! He was one crazy encounter!”

A soft sigh left my lips. She was making a circus out of everything. It was tiresome. And not why I was here.

“Why did you bring me here, Midnight?” I questioned.

It was already getting annoying to keep up with her. Especially when I did not want to be here. Yet she was not getting to the point. And it was getting to me.

Useless… chatter…

“Oi, you’re so mean! Well, I called you here to help you kill my father.” She answered, raising her hands like it was a surprise.

I could not help but crackle. “Heh… seems we’re alike.”

My response caused her to smile, “somewhat.”

If we would have met under other circumstances. It was a possibility that we would have been friends. Instead of the enemies, we were. Well, frenemies.

“I can’t get anywhere near him.” I pointed out, finally finding the conversation appealing.

Shaking her head, she snickered. “Silly girl, you and I both know this battle isn’t one of brawns.”

“Wits… and I don’t think I have that in me. I don’t even know what the fuck I’m doing half of the time!” I snapped, feeling the fear of having to face him personally.

When I picked up Luna, I did not know what I would do once I found Rem and Alijah. Everything was a mess, and I did not know how to fix it. Even releasing the soul cairn was a flip of the coin.

Midnight nodded, glancing at me, taking a step towards me.

“You think he does?” she announced, leaving me dumbfounded.

Yama is like me? Terrified? No… Impossible! He’s not weak like me!

“Just tell me already!” I hissed, not wanting to admit that.

There was no way he was like me. Nothing could connect me to him in that way.

“And here I wanted to speak more with you. The god who caused everything. Or so they want to believe. In reality, we fucked ourselves over.” She huffed, shrugging.

There was not an ounce of anger in her eyes. No, I intrigued her. Yet I wanted nothing to do with her. I felt the longer I stayed here. The more vulnerable I would be.

“Well, I don’t care!” I declared.

“I highly doubt that.” Midnight gibed, grabbing onto my arm.

Yanking it away, I pushed her away from me.

“Get the fuck away from me! And take me back already! I could do so much more than wasting time here!” I did not back down.

She would not cause me to tumble. It was never her intention, anyway. After having shoved her away, she gazed at her hand, smirking.

“Fine, fine. The only way to beat Yama is if you take away the power he has collected.” Midnight informed.

It left me dumbfounded. For one, I did not even know how to do that. Two, if it meant taking into my body. I would….

“Are you crazy? I won’t survive that.” I walked towards the side, not wanting to continue this conversation.

How fair is that? Ah… fuck! I’ll survive no matter what!

“Oh, silly girl. You thought you’d live through it all. Is that even possible? I wonder.” She questioned, triggering me to turn back to her.

Though she was not where I last saw her. A second later, she was on my side, grabbing both my arms.

“What are you—” I went to speak, but something stopped me.

It felt like a throb rushed through my body. In a second, everything turned blurry.

“You aren’t dumb, Vivian. You know, creating a new world will destroy your current body.” She answered, pulling my arms up to my view.

Luna had called these limbs of mine pretty, but… I remained silent, knowing it was probably not going to end well for me. But I could hope.

“Ah… so you suspected that already. I mean, it doesn’t take much to know. Just look at your hands. Even parts of your arms are gone, too. Though this feels more like a transformation than destruction.” The goddess continued.

Once again, I yanked myself away. Finding my footing, I held the urge to scream.

This isn’t fair!

All I ever wanted was a normal life. However, there was no other way. My path was set. I could not steer away from it without killing everyone I loved. At least, those who I grew to care about would survive this way.

Lilith, Gerta, Zoe, Alistair, Oswald, Zephier, and most importantly, Elias. Loki and Eli...

Even a god-like me could love. I had to accept the fate that awaited me. Yet I did not want to at the same time. There had to be another way.

Yes… there is always another way. I refuse to be a victim.

“As you said, I’m not dumb. Get to the point.” I turned back to Midnight, feeling like I could crumble at any minute.

Yet she did not need to know that.

“Wait! So, you were expecting to survive the entire ordeal?” she found my weakness.

This bitch was willing to expose it. She should have left it alone.

Another test? Probably. Fucking bird…

“No… just part of me. I can’t take him with me too.” I tried to remain strong.

Though it was going to crumble. He was not the only reason I did not want to disappear. I desired to live for myself, too.

“If you go that route, you might destroy your soul too. Isn’t it better to have another life together?” she smirked.

I felt something snap within me.

Why the fuck does it matter to her what I do?! If it were up to all of them, I wouldn’t exist! Edna… she was the only one who cared! She and Dad…

This goddess did not belong in this conversation or any of my relationships. They were mine to do as I pleased. Though… I could be cruel.

“What the fuck are you talking about? I don’t know who Elias will be in the next life! So, he has to live in this one! And as long as a part of me survives, he will too! I don’t care about anything else!” I snapped, feeling tears stinging my eyes.

She would not budge, though. This was a test of my will. No… it was of everything I had to lose.

“Even if that you aren’t you anymore? Do you think Elias will be happy with that?” she tapped her cheeks.

Ah… that’s why he’s a stupid one!

“As long as they all live! That’s what matters in the end. He’ll get over it!” I declared, standing in what felt like glass.

It felt it would give away to my weight at any moment. I didn’t want him to get over it. No, I wanted him all to myself.

“Hm, does this include the psychopathic elf?” Midnight finally shifted away.

I glared at her, remaining silent. Lilith was another complication I had not figured out yet. There were too many pawns on my board. Sadly, there were too many routes to take. And all of them could end in horror.

How did Edna ever manage this? Oh, right... She didn't. It broke her.

“You don’t know what you’re going to do.” The goddess chuckled, triggering me to huff.

It was not like I was hiding it.

“You just realized?” I scoffed, not wanting to be in this position.

Fuck the world!

Yet I could not forsake it without dooming those I loved. They were not the only ones who deserved it, either. Everyone who lived desired to see it through to the end. No matter what route it took, or how many holes they fell in.

As long as they survived and grew stronger, they could live! This world was beautiful and deserve of all those who were willing to fight for her. Or the new one to come.

“So stingy, I’m here to help you know,” she rolled her eyes.

Shaking my head, I chuckled, “Really? Didn’t you say you were neither friend nor foe to me?”

A sharp smirk rose on her lips.

“I did.” She answered without a second thought.

Right… this is only temporary.

“Then I highly doubt it. What I will do might end up killing everyone, too.” I confessed.

This entire thing was causing my mind to go into overdrive. Too many unknowns, yet all I could do was leap into it. Would I fly or fall?

“Oh? And what would that be?” she asked, taking a step towards me.

Closing my eyes, I turned away from her. Silence filled the space again. Though my head felt like it was about to implode. Something I tried to hide. What this goddess was doing to me would be something I needed to withstand.

I was sure without her help I was going to end up dead.

“Keeping that tight on your vest, I see.” Midnight chuckled.

All of this was utterly useless. There was nothing to say because I did not know what the fuck I was going to do.

Didn’t you say someone who doesn’t know a thing is the wisest of all of us? I don’t feel like that at all, Edna!

Opening my eyes, I turned back towards the goddess.

“Bring me back already.” I declared, not wanting to waste another moment with her.

Even if it did not matter in the end. She would not waste my time anymore. Not when I wanted to spend my last moments with them. Though she was not spoiling it. Midnight shrugged, snickering.

“Fine, fine. There are two things you need to know. For one, you have everything you need to face my father.” She spouted nonsense, leaving me utterly lost.

And here I thought I would get some amazing knowledge.

“What?” I mumbled, gazing at her like she was crazy.

There was no way I had everything I needed to defeat that god. He lacked emotions, unlike me. Yes, he was nothing like what I had faced before. That was when she smirked, turning her arms into wings.

Slowly, she was transforming.

“Jin, the warlock. You overcame his curse and your bind at the same time.” She announced, leaving me dumbfounded.

She’s… looking into my memories?!

That thought caused her smile to become more defined. This entire time, she was linking me with her.

“You!” I snapped, knowing I was trapped.

This was not optimal, yet I knew there was no other way. What she did to me surely would be useful.

Ignoring me, she snickered. “Therefore, I said this battle isn’t one of brawns. Nor is it of wits. It’s one of will. I’ll help you a bit, though.” She announced.

Distrust was the only thing I could feel for this goddess. Yet I had no option but to accept her help. Slowly, I was feeling something to change within me. Biting onto my tongue, I left that alone.

Knowing myself, surely no pleasant words would leave me. I was sure she would not hurt the only one who could help her beloved. Fenrir, her one true love.

“One of will? Heh… shit,” I sighed, body throbbing.

It was like lightning was rushing through every one of my limbs. At that moment, she turned into a beautiful bird. One with a long, colorful tail.

“It’ll be easy, you’ll see.” She assured, turning somewhat transparent.

“Nothing easy about feeling like something’s branding you. I refuse to be anyone’s tool.” I growled.

Though it seemed I was right when I thought Jin used my binding against me. It was like a fire was burning me inside out. That would not be a straightforward thing to fight off again. Especially since this time, it was no mortal fool.

Agony can be something controlling. I won’t allow it to stop me, though. He won’t have me!

“Good, that’s the fire you’ll need.” She chuckled, reading my thoughts.

Her words confirmed she was invading my mind. For how long it was, I would not know. Yet there was no reason to fear her. No, she would be my pawn in this, too. Not the other way around. I was the one moving the pieces this time.

“What’s the second thing, Midnight?” I asked, feeling wobbly.

The goddess gazed at me like I was crazy. “Hm… did I say there was a second?”

I stared at her, unimpressed.

“Oracle, don’t fucking mess with me more than you already are,” I warned, annoyed by her evasiveness.

“So, you know I’m like you.” She smirked.

The way she enjoyed this triggered me in ways I did not know were possible. She was wrong, though. We were not alike in the sense she spoke.

“You’re nothing like me. No one is. Not even the god who pretends to be more. I’ll show them, though.” I huffed, smirking.

The only thing I desired now was to leave all of this behind. After all, not knowing was worse than knowing. And I did not know how those I cared about were. For all I knew, they could have been like Emma by now.

And that was not something I wanted to see. Though, I did not mean because of her. But by the time I was away in the soul cairn.

“Heh, I can see why the gods sided with you.” Midnight shrugged, taking one of the blue flowers that surrounded us into her hand.

“What does that have to do with anything?” I mumbled, feeling more woozy.

“You’re strong.” She pointed out, peeling off the petals.

They disappeared before they even hit the ground. However, the floor was changing too. It was turning blue. Everything was making me wary. Yet I had no choice but to let it happen.

“Redundant. In theory, I can create and destroy worlds.” I scoffed, taking a step away from her.

The only thing I could do was hope that she would not be my enemy. Yet I could not help but doubt myself at the same time. After all, she was the reason Edna died. If it were not for her meddling, she would have lived.

And Loki would have died. It would have been a different life. There was no way I could let him end. Not in this one that was birthed because of her.

“Not what I meant.” Midnight hummed, not taking her eyes off the flower.

“Then what did you mean?” I asked.

“You’re even stronger than Fenrir himself. He always doubted himself, much like Rem still does.” A soft sigh left her lips.

“I guess even in present lives, we still carry part of who we were.” I closed my eyes, still feeling lightheaded.

Whatever this goddess was doing to me. It was not comfortable.

Endure…

“Though we’ll never be who we used to be. No matter how hard we try.” I added, falling onto my knees.

Shit… I’ll…

“That’s very true. Yet Fenrir fell in love with the same soul all over again.” She mumbled, plucking the last petal from the flower.

Everything was getting heavier, and each breath was getting scarce. Yet I would not take this laying down.

“Luna’s your reincarnation, isn’t she?” I went on my assault.

It triggered Midnight finally to throw the butchered flower away.

“Sharp aren’t you.” She sighed, standing up from where she was.

“What Rem doesn’t know?” I snickered, placing one of my hands on my face.

Everything was turning into double.

“No, I don’t think Alijah does either. And she is only a part of me. I merged the last bit of me in her, knowing she would meet you.” She continued, walking towards me.

Part of you…

Distortions appeared around us, marking that our time was ending.

“So, what’s that second thing you keep hiding from me?” I tried to keep myself steady.

Though my eyelids were heavy. A weird warmth was radiating out of me, too.

“And here I thought you forgot.” Midnight chuckled, kneeling in front of me.

There I launched myself at her. Tackling her onto the ground, I straddled her, filling my fists with her dress. It was so soft.

“Stop playing with me! I grow tired.” I huffed, trying to remain strong.

She smirked, reaching to my cheek. Though she stopped before touching me.

“Ah, let me. This will be the last time I’ll enjoy anything in this life. I won’t be the same again as you said. And this way I can’t fall for my mother. Well, I hope.” She whispered, letting her hands fall to her sides.

“You think I care? Just tell me and disappear already.” I declared.

A sharp smirk rose on her lips.

“Oh? Are you sure you want to know?” she snickered.

Even though my eyes were heavy, I glared at her.

“So, feisty. Fine, you’re pregnant.” She dropped a bomb like it was nothing.

My eyes widened as everything I felt was quickly erased. My heart was pumping faster than ever before.

“What?! Impossible!” I broke like a fragile branch.

Her eyes narrowed. “Nothing’s impossible. You know that.”

Anger joined the fray. This goddess was…

“No! My womb’s frozen! I can’t get pregnant if I don’t ovulate!” I growled.

She shrugged. “True, but Alijah’s energy hit you when he destroyed Oli. Wait, no Oliver. Hehe…”

Getting off her, I took a few steps away from her. During that time…

Did Alijah cancel out the spell? No… I wasn’t in range! I couldn’t have been!

Denial was all that filled my head. It did not allow space for anything else.

“You had sex with Loki that same day, too. Even create a naughty unbreakable bond. You, kids, seem to not know what protection is. Don’t you know all spells have a 99.9% of failing! You should have used a condom for backup!” She snickered, getting up too.

Even though my vision blurred, I could not care less about it. Yet she had me right where she wanted me.

I couldn’t have been… It can’t be… I… can’t be…

“Speechless? You didn’t know that sex was more than for pleasure? Oh wait, didn’t Loki want to put one in you?” she continued, chuckling.

That was when I noticed she was not only accessing my memories but everyone who was involved with me. This goddess was no joke. Even after giving away most of her powers, she still had that much to use.

The one who made her was Yama. This only showed his true potential.

How can I ever beat that? I don’t need another complication!

“Shut up!” I snarled, unleashing my true self.

Though something was different. My hair was not fully golden. No, it was black and gold. My eyes were half too. Even my body did not glow as brightly.

“Oh, did I hit a nerve?” she snickered, enjoying my reaction.

It annoyed me even more.

“Shut up! This… You’re lying!” I screeched, triggering distortions around us to get bigger.

The scenery was no longer stable either.

“What are you? A month in? Two?” Midnight continued to push buttons, but before I could say anything.

My body froze. A second later, she was in front of me. Grabbing onto my cheeks, she tilted her head. There I felt a throb along with a brighter warmth fill me.

“Hehe… Well, good luck!” she smirked, disappearing soon after.

The moment she did, I could move.

“Wait!” I yelped, not done with her.

But it did not matter. In a blink, I was back where I was. Luna was holding me the same way I had left her.

This mother fucking bird!

She had to be lying. There was no way that I was pregnant. I could not focus on that, though. And it was not like Loki ever said my blood tasted bitter. Then again, many vampires said it tasted the same as people who drank rose water.

And I was not a normal human. My blood probably tasted good even with rose water on me. Loki feasted on me with it. And...

What if my pregnancy made my blood even sweeter?

Recently, every time he smelled or tasted it. It made him go into a frenzy. One I did not mind. But what if... If Midnight was to be believed, then I could have gotten…

No! She’s lying! There is no way this is true!

Shaking those thoughts, I pushed forward. I could not allow this to stop me. She probably said it to rile me up, too. After all, I had no symptoms of this disease known as pregnancy.

Yes… that’s what it is. An illness…

Even though my mind was a storm, I continued through the forest, watching for signs of the shipwreck. Luckily, Luna kept quiet on me while I went as fast as I could towards the bright light in the distance. All I could hear was roars erupting from everywhere, leaving me hoping we would not be found.

Though it was not long until we were. In a split second, a golden beast faced us. The lack of white on it alerted me it was no one from the soul cairn. Though, when it went for me, I turn to protect Luna. I could not hold back against these things.

At the same time, I had a little mortal girl with me. A simple spin was all it took to cause a gust of wind towards it. Though it barely budged. At that moment, another white beast appeared from the side, launching at it. Not taking a moment to think, I ran with Luna at hand.

I did not know I was running towards fate once again. Though, if I would let it define me again was yet to be seen.