A/N

This story is unedited so apologies for grammatical and spelling errors if any.

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Fiora (POV)

"You don't like him, do you?" I asked once the Old Man had walked far enough away that he wouldn't be able to hear us.

"What makes you think that?" Zack responded, sounding defensive.

"It's not that I don't like him," he said, his tone becoming more measured. "It's just that I'm cautious around him."

I smirked playfully. "Are you jealous?" I teased, raising an eyebrow.

"Why would I be?" he asked, eyeing me sceptically.

"That's what I'm wondering. What's there to be jealous of? But you didn't greet him warmly, and he didn't either. Why so cold, bro?" I added, mimicking a graffiti tone.

He sighed in frustration. "Why are you always so cheerful and happy when you meet him?" he asked, irritation evident in his voice.

"Because... I don't know. Maybe it's because he's wise, kind, and doesn't withhold information. If he can't tell me something, he simply says he can't or doesn't know. It makes it easier to trust him and be vulnerable," I answered honestly.

"You're still on about that?" Zack questioned, his annoyance still clear

"No, I'm not still on about that. You asked why I was so cheerful, and I answered honestly. It's more of a trust thing. I know that if I'm having difficulty or don't understand something, I can go to him, and he will answer without expecting anything in return," I replied earnestly.

"How do you know he doesn't need anything in return?" Zack questioned, his irritation clearly growing.

"I asked him," I said simply, meeting his gaze.

"And you trusted him?" he pressed, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Yes, I did. So far, he hasn't lied to me once," I replied confidently.

"How can you be so naive?" His tone shifted to one of slight anger, and I could see the frustration in his eyes.

"Because sometimes you have to take people at their word. He has given me no reason to doubt him," I said, trying to keep my voice calm. "He's been there for me, guiding and helping without asking for anything in return. That kind of honesty and support builds trust."

"If I weren't so naive, none of you would even be in my life," I said with a hint of frustration, sensing the direction of the conversation but unwilling to dwell on it or take blame.

"You asked if I like him or not. Not even in the slightest," he declared before turning and walking away. I made no attempt to stop him. I knew I was free to talk to whomever I pleased, and that wouldn't change.

I walked back home, determined not to dwell on the exchange. Upon reaching my doorstep, I was greeted by Arnica waiting for me. Without hesitation, I rushed to her and embraced her warmly. She reciprocated the hug, and both of us were filled with excitement. We entered the house, and I quickly brought water and snacks for us to share.

"You've slimmed down," I remarked, noting the change in her figure

"Yes, the past month has been incredibly stressful. I could barely get a wink of sleep. I feel bad that Ethan's been taking care of the kids mostly, and I worry they'll someday refuse to recognize me," Arnica admitted with a laugh, though her concern was evident.

"Were you willingly not giving time to your kids?" I asked gently.

"No, of course not. Why would you even say that?" she responded, not defensively but with a touch of confusion.

"So, why this guilt? If Ethan gets stuck with something, won't you take care of the kids?" I probed further.

"I know where this is going. Trust me, child, some things can only be understood once you experience them. I used to be like you, but it's just a motherhood thing," she replied, brushing off my concerns.

"Speaking of kids, have you and Alpha made any progress?" she asked, changing the subject.

I considered pretending not to understand what she was referring to, but her expression told me it was pointless to lie. With a sigh, I admitted, "No, I'm not actively thinking about it. If things are meant to happen, they will. Right now, I have too much on my plate. Let me finish that first."

"Did you two have an argument?" Arnica asked, sensing my inner turmoil.

"Not really. I just feel like I don't belong anywhere, like I'm just a forced addition to everyone's life," I explained as I settled comfortably on the floor.

"Do you have any hair oil?" Arnica suddenly asked, changing the subject. I pointed her in the direction of where it was kept. She got up, took some oil in a small bowl, and heated it for 10-15 seconds. Returning, she sat behind me on the couch and started to open my hair.

"You don't have to do that," I said, feeling a bit uncomfortable and awkward with the attention.

"But I want to," Arnica insisted, gently hushing me as she began to massage my hair with a comforting touch. "Hmm, now tell me everything in meticulous detail," she urged, her tone carrying a soft but authoritative undertone.

After recounting every detail to her, I concluded with a heavy heart, "I feel so foolish to think I could ever fit into this world. I didn't grow up here, and I often feel like more of a burden than a help to all of you. Why is it so hard for me to follow simple rules and regulations? I just feel so inadequate," I admitted, my voice catching with emotion, tears threatening to spill over.

Arnica continued to gently massage my hair, her hands working in soothing circles. She listened intently, her expression filled with empathy as I poured out my insecurities.

"You're not foolish, and you're not a burden," she said softly, her voice reassuring. "Adjusting to a new place and its ways takes time. It's okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes."

I nodded, appreciating her words but still feeling the weight of my self-doubt.

"And as for following rules, it's a learning process," she added, her fingers still massaging my scalp with care.

"I just feel like I should have it all figured out by now," I admitted, feeling vulnerable.

Arnica paused, her touch gentle as she turned my head to meet her gaze. "You don't have to have it all figured out. What matters is that you're trying your best and learning along the way. Trust yourself more," she reassured me, her voice filled with sincerity. "Moreover, it's not your fault that we kept information from you. We all had our reasons, but in the process, we lost your trust, and that's completely fair. Now, It's our responsibility to regain your trust and create a safe space for you."

Her words resonated deeply with me, bringing a profound sense of comfort amid my inner turmoil. I took a deep breath, feeling a wave of relief wash over me.

"Thank you, Arnica," I said softly, genuinely grateful for her understanding and support.

She smiled warmly. "Anytime. Now, let's focus on this hair oil treatment. It'll make you feel better, trust me," she said, returning her attention to massaging my hair with renewed care and attention.

"Should I apologize?" I asked her.

"For what? Making new friends? You can definitely resolve it by talking to him and asking what's wrong, but apologizing isn't the solution," she said firmly. Hearing this from someone with years of experience helped alleviate my inner turmoil. Blaming him or making myself feel guilty wasn't the answer.

"What does Zack like to eat?" I asked.

"I'm not sure. I've never seen Alpha being a picky eater. He consumes whatever is served to him, as far as I know," Arnica responded.

"Hmm, Aunt, what do you like to eat?" I inquired. She paused briefly, even stopping her massage. I turned to look at her, noticing her face was a mixture of delight and nostalgia.

"What happened?" I asked.

She shook her head, gently turned my head back, and in a slightly emotional voice, said, "I love well-seasoned meats of all kinds, especially 'nihari.'"

Her tone was filled with nostalgic warmth, and I could tell that talking about her favourite food brought back fond memories. "Nihari sounds delicious," I said, imagining the rich, spiced meat dish. "Maybe we can make it together sometime."

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Arnica smiled, her eyes softening. "I'd love that," she replied, resuming the gentle massage. The moment felt intimate and comforting, bridging the gap between our worlds.

"Does Uncle like meat as well?" I asked, curious.

"Nah, he's an eggetarian, and so are my children," she replied, rolling her eyes in mock disappointment.

"Hmm, does Zack like meat?" I inquired.

"Why don't you ask him?" she suggested with a knowing smile.

"I will."

We continued to talk for a few more hours, catching up on the new weapons they were developing. As we baked spicy chickpea and potato filo slices and brewed some tea, she mentioned, "Sure, the more the merrier," when I offered to help them.

After she left, I focused on Zack, trying to connect with him through the mind-link. "Hello, hello, can you hear me?" I called out. No reply. I tried harder, louder this time, and he finally responded, "Yes."

A wave of relief washed over me. "I was worried you wouldn't reply," I admitted.

"I'm here. What's on your mind?" he asked.

"I was just thinking about you and wondering if you like meat," I said, trying to keep my tone light.

He chuckled softly. "I do. Why do you ask?"

"Just curious," I replied, feeling a bit more at ease now. "I was talking to Arnica about food and got curious about your preferences."

There was a brief pause before he spoke again. "It's nice to know you're thinking about me."

His words brought a smile to my face, easing the lingering tension from earlier. "Of course I am," I said softly, feeling a warm connection through the mind-link.

"What do you like to eat?" I asked simply.

"Anything is fine," he replied, his tone nonchalant.

"I don't know the recipe for 'anything'," I said, attempting to inject some humour. It fell flat, and I heard him sigh.

"Pesto pasta will do," he said finally.

"Okay, when will you be home?" I asked.

"I don't know, maybe in 3-4 hours, or even later. I have too much pending work here," he answered, sounding weary.

"Alright, take your time," I said and went off to prepare the meal.

I decided to make a feast: instant focaccia, garlic roasted mushrooms, gado gado, and, of course, pesto pasta with sweetened curd for dessert. Preparing all this took longer than I expected, and Zack still hadn't returned. To pass the time, I jumped on my laptop.

While I technically hadn't resigned from Zack's office, I wasn't handling much of the work there. Instead, I focused on my parents' office. As I waited for Zack, I decided to complete my remaining tasks. The hours passed, and I buried myself in my work, the anticipation of seeing Zack again mingling with the satisfaction of productivity.

I woke up early in the morning. The clock showed 4:00. Confused, I tried to piece together what had happened. Then, it came back to me—I had fallen asleep while working. The last time I checked my phone, it was 1:30. I must have dozed off. I cursed myself for being so careless.

Quickly, I went to the kitchen to inspect the food. To my surprise, everything was eaten, and the dishes were done. There was a note on the fridge that read, "I missed you."

The note brought a huge smile to my face. Zack must have come home late, eaten the meal I prepared, and then cleaned up. I felt a mix of relief and joy knowing he appreciated my efforts.

I made myself a cup of coffee and decided to start my day early. The quiet of the morning provided a perfect backdrop for some reflection.

Determined to make things right, I decided to prepare a hearty breakfast for us. I started by making fluffy savoury pancakes, chopped fruit, and fresh yoghurt drinks. As the aroma filled the kitchen I heard footsteps. Zack appeared in the doorway, looking a bit tired but smiling softly.

"Good morning," I greeted him warmly.

"Morning," he replied, his eyes lighting up at the sight of breakfast. "You're up early."

"I couldn't sleep after waking up so early," I admitted, gesturing for him to sit. "I thought we could start the day together."

Zack sat down and took a sip of the yoghurt. "This looks amazing. Thank you."

We ate in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying the food. Finally, I decided to address the elephant in the room.

"Zack, I'm sorry about yesterday. I didn't mean to upset you," I said, my voice soft but earnest.

He looked up, meeting my eyes. "I know. I've been thinking too. I shouldn't have walked away like that."

"I understand why you're cautious around the old man," I continued. "But he's been a good friend to me. I need you to trust my judgment."

Zack nodded slowly. "I'll try. I just worry about you."

"I know," I said, reaching across the table to hold his hand.

We smiled at each other, the tension lifting as we finished our breakfast. Zack, still tired from his late night, went to get some rest. I decided to face my fears head-on and headed to Ethera.

Upon arriving at the grand gates of the palace, I was halted by the guards. One of them went inside to deliver the message of my arrival, leaving me with some time to observe my surroundings.

The palace of Ethera was an architectural marvel, standing tall and majestic against the morning sky. Its walls were adorned with intricate carvings and precious stones that shimmered in the sunlight. The entrance itself was flanked by towering statues of ancient heroes, their stern expressions immortalized in stone.

Inside the gates, lush gardens stretched out as far as the eye could see, filled with vibrant flowers and exotic plants. Fountains with crystal-clear water created a soothing symphony, adding to the serene ambience of the place. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, mixed with the earthy scent of the well-manicured lawns.

The palace's main building was an imposing structure, with high towers and sprawling wings. Each window was framed with gold, and the roofs were covered in tiles of deep blue, glistening like sapphires. The doors, massive and ornate, were made of rich, dark wood and studded with golden accents.

As I stood there, taking in the grandeur of Ethera, I felt a mix of awe and trepidation. This place held many secrets and memories, some of which I was here to uncover. My heart raced with anticipation and a hint of fear.

Soon, the guard returned and motioned for me to follow him. I took a deep breath and stepped forward, ready to confront whatever awaited me within the palace walls.

I greeted Samaragyi with a warm smile. "Good to see you back," she greeted elegantly.

"How was your trip back home?" she inquired.

"It was good," I replied, noting the weariness in her eyes. "I missed my parents so much."

We conversed for a while, and just as we were engrossed in our discussion, one of Samaragyi's comrades entered the room. I struggled to recall his name—Kuhu or Muhu, I thought—but my memory failed me momentarily. Like Samaragyi, he appeared fatigued, with prominent eye bags. He seemed about to say something but halted abruptly upon noticing my presence.

Samragyi gestured for him to continue, and he eagerly spoke up, "I think we found another combination," his voice tinged with joy.

"What combination?" I asked, turning to Samragyi for an answer. She exchanged a glance with the comrade—Juhu or Muhu, I still wasn't sure—and let out a sigh. Without a word, she led me into a room filled with mirrors.

As we entered, her four comrades and Arnica bowed respectfully to Samragyi before returning to their work. I couldn't help but notice how fatigued they all looked, their energy visibly drained. "What's going on? Why do they all look so ghostly?" I asked, concern lacing my voice.

Samragyi chuckled softly at my observation, though the others only managed a weary smile. She called out to them, "Marma, Ruup, Malay, Jihan, and Arnica, leave your tasks and come here." They promptly abandoned their magical endeavours and gathered in front of Samragyi.

"I guess you've already met her and know about her. She's Fiora, the descendant of the late Arna and Marcus," Samragyi introduced with reverence. Their faces, though, showed little emotion, their exhaustion apparent.

"I think you all could use a good night's sleep," I suggested empathetically.

Their sombre gazes met mine again, confirming my suspicions despite their subdued expressions. "Ebon escaped," Samragyi revealed.

"What's Ebon?" I queried, seeking clarification.

"Do you remember the energy trapped in the cave with that sword?" she asked, and I nodded in recognition. "That's Ebon."

While I didn't grasp the full significance of Ebon's escape, it was clear they all needed rest. I directed Samragyi to pause for a moment and partitioned the room into two areas. One side remained dedicated to their tasks, while on the other, I arranged water beds for them to relax. I instructed palace servants to bring refreshments for us all, sensing the importance of rejuvenation amid their weariness.

They all appeared anxious, silently conveying that they felt they couldn't afford to relax. "I understand the urgency of the situation, but if you keep pushing yourselves like machines, solutions won't emerge," I reasoned with them. Thankfully, they relented without protest.

As they settled onto the water beds, their exhausted bodies emitted audible creaks and cracks, reminiscent of old machinery in dire need of maintenance. "Wow!" I couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. "You all really have been working like well-oiled machines." Yet, there was no response; upon closer inspection, I noticed that everyone, including Samragyi, had succumbed to sleep.

Left with nothing else to occupy my time, I ventured to explore the other side of the room where the magicians performed their intricate rituals. The space was a tapestry of organized chaos, adorned with countless books, ancient scriptures, and scattered handwritten notes strewn about haphazardly. Amidst this scholarly disarray, a fishbowl caught my attention—it sat silently, its clear water reflecting the dim light of the room, yet strangely devoid of any fish.

Adjacent to the fishbowl, a large empty container stood as a pedestal for a meticulously cared-for bonsai tree. Its delicate branches, adorned with tiny leaves, cast intricate shadows against the cluttered backdrop of knowledge and mystery. As I gazed at the bonsai, I struggled to place its exact variety. Was it a Ficus religiosa, or perhaps a different species? The confusion added to the mystical aura of the room, where every item seemed to hold a story waiting to be discovered.

In the neatest corner of the room, a stark contrast to the surrounding clutter rested an array of remarkable weapons. A gleaming dagger, an ornate spear, a finely crafted bow, and a sturdy shield, each possessing a unique glow and mystique. The intricate designs etched into their surfaces seemed to tell stories of battles and ancient secrets guarded.

My gaze lingered on the dagger, its blade seeming to pulse with an inner energy that drew me in. It appeared as though something fluid and dynamic coursed through its metal, hinting at powers far beyond its physical form. Unable to resist, I reached out and carefully lifted the dagger, marvelling at the craftsmanship and the mysteries it held.

The next instant I found myself in the same mirrored chamber, but it had undergone a profound transformation into what resembled a sophisticated laboratory. The room buzzed with the subdued magical energy.

Amid this surreal scene, a woman, likely in her forties, entered, with an air of regal grace, draped in a resplendent garment that shimmered under the ambient light. Her attire was adorned with intricate jewellery, each piece catching the light and casting delicate patterns across the room. The jewels twinkled like stars against the rich fabric, accentuating her dignified presence. Atop her head rested a majestic crown, its intricate design reminiscent of the one worn by Samragyi, adding to her aura of authority and elegance. Her every movement seemed deliberate and poised as if she had stepped out of a portrait of royalty come to life.

Excuse me?" I ventured, hoping to break the eerie silence that enveloped us. No response came. Undeterred, I tried again, my voice quivering slightly as I reached out to tap her shoulder. My hand passed through her form as if she were an apparition, sending a chill down my spine. Horror dawned on me as I turned to find her eyes fixed directly on mine, her expression serene yet unnervingly attentive.

Startled beyond words, I couldn't suppress a shrill scream that reverberated through the chamber, echoing off the mirrored walls.

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A/N

Word count:- 3300

Hello, my lovely readers, I hope you all are doing well

Here, is the 33rd chapter of my book

I hope you all liked it and have a great day ahead

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Thank you

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bye:)

Until next time

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Date:- 26/06/2024