"I am fine; what are you doing there anyway?” I asked.

“I couldn’t sleep, so I decided to take a stroll.”

He paused, then added, “Would you like to join me?”

“Hmm … I can’t go out at this hour; the knights are guarding my door.” I replied, a bit disappointed.

He then opened his arms and said, “Jump.”

My eyes widened, and my mouth dropped open in disbelief.

“What? You want me to jump from a three-storey building? No thanks! Go on and continue your stroll.”

“I’ll catch you, I promise.” he said calmly.

I glanced down from the stone railing of the balcony where I stood, looking at the ground far below and at the man who promised to catch me.

As I made up my mind, I whispered to myself, “This isn’t my first time falling from a high place anyway.” thinking about the time I dropped from the sky when I first came into this world.

“It might even take my mind off that dream.” I added.

I started to climb over the stone railing, gripping it tightly. I was shaking with nervousness, standing on the narrow ledge of the balcony.

I didn’t want to continue; I was about to step back when suddenly I slipped and fell completely.

My eyes were tightly shut; I was too scared to see if I had broken anything. But then I heard Mikhael’s voice, “You can open your eyes; I’ve got you.”

I slowly opened my eyes, and there he was, carrying me in his arms, staring at me with a slight smile. I blushed, seeing his face so close to mine.

It took me a few seconds before I asked him to put me down. I’d gotten so comfortable in his arms that I hadn’t immediately realized how embarrassing the situation was.

…

Mikhael and I walked to the garden; only the light from the moon guided us on our way.

As I followed Mikhael to our destination, he started asking me about what he had seen earlier.

I hesitated to answer at first. Sharing a dream including the goddess and the creator of this empire seemed– unusual, but I imagined that maybe other the guardians had experienced something similar. So, I began to tell him about it.

“Lately, when I dream, I see Urania and her memories. Some parts are blurry, and I don’t fully see the faces, not even hers. I don’t think the scenes are in chronological order either; everything seems so random.”

“But what you saw earlier was the aftermath of a terrifying part of Urania’s past.” I added.

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

Mikhael listened attentively as we walked toward a bench in the middle of the garden.

We sat down, and I began to recount everything I could remember from dream.

“She was in a cell, being starved, assaulted, and tortured. Then I saw a council of gods and angels. Those gods were just glaring at her; all of them were against her, except for one guy- I think his name was Eros.” I said, gazing up at the night sky while sitting on the bench beside Mikhael.

“He couldn’t save her; I think he didn’t have the power to oppose them.” I added, then peeked at Mikhael.

He was still looking at me, listening intently. I continued.

“Then she was transported somewhere- I forgot what it’s called- but it had a fountain with a male statue in it. That’s where they pushed her, and she fell completely inside. That’s where the dream ended. When I woke up, it felt like I was falling with her.”

I leaned my head against the backrest of the bench, looking up at the unobstructed view of the night sky. The stars were twinkling brightly, the darkness around us making them even more vivid.

I felt at ease, comforted by the sight above and the presence beside me.

“But you know what? I feel like she was relieved when they banished her. Maybe because she wasn’t truly happy in that place? Maybe, just maybe, she thought that this time on earth, she’d find out what happiness really is.” I speculated.

“I thought so too. If I were her, I’d feel relieved to leave if I didn’t belong.” he replied with a downhearted expression.

…

We changed the subject and continued talking, our conversation shifting to the beautiful places I could visit in this world.

I lost track of time; the fatigue from the day’s activities was catching up with me. I tried to stay awake and listen to what Mikhael was saying, but I was too drowsy. All I could do was to apologize before fully closing my eyes.

----------

After Astrid opened up about her dreams, she and Mikhael changed the topic and continued talking. Half an hour later, Astrid was too tired to stay awake. She felt apologetic for not being able to continue the conversation, said sorry, and then fell asleep completely.

Unknowingly, Astrid rested her head on Mikhael’s shoulder as she slept, making him flush.

He just gazed at her and admired her while she slept.

They stayed like that for a couple of hours. Mikhael decided to bring her back to her room when he realized that it was almost the break of dawn. He carried her in his arms and snapped his fingers to teleport Astrid directly to her room.

He carefully laid Astrid in her bed and said his goodbyes. Before leaving, Mikhael cast a simple spell to ensure she had pleasant dreams. He then proceeded to the balcony and jumped over the railing to exit Astrid’s room, but he was stunned when he saw what was in front of him after he landed.

“What are you doing in Astrid’s room?” It was Sebastian, scowling at Mikhael.

“It’s none of your business.” Mikhael replied irritably.

Sebastian grabbed Mikhael’s right arm and angrily said, “Stay away from her, Kael.”

Mikhael scowled back, aggressively removing Sebastian’s hand from his arm.

Mikhael walked away, leaving Sebastian staring at his burnt hands.

----------

It was already past lunchtime when I woke up. It was the best sleep that I’d had since coming to this world- maybe even the best in my entire life.

I tried to recall the events of the previous night and how I ended up in my room.

“Oh no! I think I fell asleep while talking with Mikhael. Did he carry me to my bed?!” I panicked, blushing at the thoughts of what might have happened.

“I think I fell asleep on his shoulders too! Ughhh!” I added, still panicking.

The knights guarding the door must have heard me shouting; they knocked and asked if I was okay. I instantly responded, “I’m fine. Could you please let Mara and Leah know that I am awake? Thank you.”

To be continued.