CHAPTER 40

LOVE IS BLIND

A slow awakening -- That’s the only way I could describe the sensation. As if walking endlessly in a desolate field of snow. The lands are abandoned and strange. Yet, when I look closely, there is life in abundance all around. Nothing had withered even after neglect.

Like an early morning, the remnants of my dream slowly drift away. And now I am awake.

There’s so much. So much grief. Joy. Confusion. Understanding.

Puzzle pieces fall into place. Locks and machinations lining up and clicking in the correct order.

I’ve been so blind this entire time.

Although it couldn’t have been more than a second, when I next open my eyes, it’s as if the world is dyed a different color. Although I don’t feel any tears on my face, I must be crying. Because it feels like I’m crying.

Noel looks at me worriedly, his small, cold fingers intertwined with mine.

I’m broken out of my settling thoughts by Vaniriel’s hard voice. “Are you ready to let go of the Aesir now?” The grey clouds overhead begin crackling. Vaniriel’s voice isn’t loud, but it thunders through the space between us.

Although I can now see where reality lies. The dreams, how could I possibly forget?

As if my frail, Human body could protect us from the wrath of a God or Goddess, I hug Noel with all my strength.

The wind picks up and whips painfully at our faces. “Move.”

“No.”

“You won’t get out of this unharmed, so I’m warning you for the last time. Move.” It’s a demand, but it’s also a plea. When I don’t make any show to listen, her eyes go distant. “If it will rid you from that which holds you back, then so be it.”

Stolen novel; please report.

A fissure of lightning shoots from her fingertips, all around is electric white.

“What are you two imbeciles doing?”

Before it reaches us, Nott cracks through the space. His hand is swallowed by shadows, whipping the lightning aside like a mere fly.

“N-Nott!”

Sól isn’t far behind as he runs towards us, he’s panting. “Vaniriel, why are you trying to harm Aeriea?”

Vaniriel doesn’t move, but thunder rumbles in her voice. “Move Kindred princes. That thing beside Aeriea impersonates her blood-ties, burying her memories, feeding off her strength. She will always be weak if I do not smite that thing where it stands.”

Nott looks between us, his gaze settling on Noel. His eyebrows furrow as if he were trying hard to remember something. But he shakes it off and stares at Noel coldly. “Is what she’s saying true?”

Noel closes his eyes. “It's true. I will accept the Vanirian Goddess’ punishment.” He gently tries to push me away, but I resist, pulling Noel closer.

At this, Nott doesn’t say anything but grips my shoulder lightly -- before forcefully separating us.

It’s… It’s happening again… I- I have to- I can’t let someone else d-die. I begin hyperventilating.

Noel looks up at me, worry lacing his features. “It’s okay, Aeya.”

My body wants to run. Its primal survival instincts urging me to move. “We’re not related by blood.” I'm shaking my head violently, forcing myself to stand my ground. “You hid my memories away each time I tried to remember. It was like grasping sand -- the grains always slipping through my fingers.”

The skies roar with anger.

“But I realize now, I know that the past me would have withered away. The grief would have taken me, drowning me in its grip.”

Light and fury charges in the clouds.

“I can face it now. I can face it now, because of you.”

Lightning detonates all around us. I find myself having to yell through the noise.

“Even if the memories we shared aren't real! What I do know, it is as true as the north wind blows and the sun rising eastward -- Noel, you are my brother.”

Noel’s translucent eyes widen, snowflakes crystallize along his eyes.

Nott grips my shoulder. “Don’t be stupid-” He begins, but Sól holds him back.

“Because of you, I saw that the world is so much bigger than that small estate. I wouldn’t have lived to see this University and the wonder it’d bring. There’s still happiness left for me… Even after making mistakes. Even after hurting others. Even without mom.”

Thunderbolts begin striking the ground. “Enough.”

Sól grabs our hands, pulling us forward.

Nott looks incredulously at him. “What are you doing!? Didn’t you hear Vaniriel? He’s-”

“He's her brother.” Sól states matter of factly. He continues leading Noel and I away from Vani.

I look back and see Nott stunned still, staring at nothing.

“Come on.” Sól doesn't look anywhere except forward.