Arakiel and Mellia headed for the Alexandrite Keep’s exceedingly representative festive hall that lay more or less in the center. It was one of the less-frequented areas in the keep, yet the difference in activity all throughout the complex compared to yesterday still struck Aurora as odd.

There, the three of them briefly stopped in front one of the neatly paneled wall that held portraits of all thirty-seven members of the House’s main branch, spanning three generations. The wall only featured the firstborn of the Lady Alexandrite’s and her Lord Consort’s children, yet Aurora quickly found her beloved Monarch-to-be in the second row, quite some space to the right. That painting showed him from a front-diagonal and he looked far younger, honestly a little boyish… but what truly puzzled her that he wasn’t even the youngest son.

In all her time spent at the Alexandrite Keep, she had never really learned or perhaps realized just how isolated he had been from the rest of his family, but these paintings’ implication looked rather bleak indeed.

Arakiel had two younger brothers alongside four younger sisters, with the youngest being Mellia and judging by the portraits hanging in the third row, only he, Mellia and two other females – the eldest and the second-youngest sister had no offspring of their own.

It almost made her wonder why he craved for his family’s approval when it had spurned him so. She could understand his affection for Chryse or even Mellia – after all, they had returned his affection… but the others? None had come to visit when he was at death’s door… or when he had the most important ceremony of his life.

It irked her – the way they neglected her beloved Monarch-to-be.

Her beloved’s focus wasn’t on himself, on Mellia or most of his other siblings. It was only briefly, but Aurora caught him eyeing one particular portrait with an oddly fond gaze that almost immediately gained a pained note; one that was situated in the second row, at the third spot from left to right… that of the eldest daughter. A small nameplate stated: Arene, Astral Constructor.

Just like all the other portraits, it showed a person wearing a hooded cloak of House Alexandrite, with the only difference in attire being what kind of shirt or dress they wore. Arene’s portrait – for it had to be her – depicted her as a beautiful young woman wearing a billowy green dress with white-silver flourishes; her long hair curled across her shoulders just like Mellia’s. The young woman’s expression, unlike that of most other females depicted on this wall – barring the Lady Alexandrite’s divine countenance – was one of pride and confidence, with the eyes striking Aurora the most. They were of the deepest green, yet the painter had managed to perfectly capture a gaze that relayed an indomitable spirit with a deep-seated ambition.

By comparison, Arakiel’s portrait’s expression appeared almost meek and didn’t really suit his current state of mind – at least in Aurora’s estimation.

Mellia spoke up after a brief while, asking her brother a question that Aurora hadn’t seen coming at all. “Arakiel… couldst thou speak of Arene?”

He turned to face his younger sister, his expression having hardened to something that Aurora couldn’t quite aptly describe. Confusion, irritation – anger? Or maybe just surprise mixed with a bit of sadness or grief.

“She was the best elder sister a boy like myself could hope for,” Arakiel answered in a tone that pulled at Aurora’s heartstrings… but it also surprised her quite a bit. Whenever the topic came up in his talks with Chryse, he had usually hurried to switch the subject without really saying anything besides a deep-seated hatred for immortals.

But this right now? It came from the heart, so to speak.

“How so?” Mellia queried in a surprisingly delicate tone. Did she know about Arakiel’s history with Arene?

“Always kind and caring without ever letting me forget that I need to make my own mark in the world – that in the end, it all comes down to my own capabilities…” Arakiel muttered, slightly shaking his head as a curt smile blossomed on his lips. “We didn’t meet often, but I remember enjoying every time that we did get to. No matter how many grudges I had towards my siblings, she’d always tell me to hold my family and House in my heart… for it is the only instance you can possibly rely on in the planes.”

He started to chuckle. “Without her, I’d have long gone my own way… I think.”

Aurora noticed his hands clenching to fists. She felt the urge to comfort him, yet Mellia acted faster.

She took a step towards him and even reached for one of his fists, covering it with both of her hands. “Then I owe our elder sister a debt as well.” She stated firmly.

“Huh?”

“Not only hath thou treated me with due respect, but thou hath given thine all to protect me when mine presence hath been more burden than boon.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, Mellia.” Arakiel objected vehemently. “Your capabilities are already significant… and you’re less than half my age.”

A smile hushed across her lips and her emerald-colored eyes with the little golden sprinkles relayed a type of fondness that Aurora hadn’t witnessed thus far. “You have mine gratitude, Arakiel. But allow me to be frank: while I am not entirely happy with all of thy decisions… I am deeply grateful for thy continued struggle to do what thou perceives as right.”

Her words made Aurora proud, even if they weren’t directed at him. But for her to see Arakiel’s worth in this way, to acknowledge his constant inner struggle… it elevated Mellia while also confirming her own sacrifice.

She had done right by them… and she’d continue to do so.

This little exchanged, it helped Aurora as well. Made her more confident in whatever path she’d ultimately choose to make her desire happen.

“I…” He struggled for words for a while and then opted for a simple. “Thank you.”

“Thine words honor me, brother. Take comfort in my presence… and recall mother’s decree as well. Thy path is mine own for now – so let’s make the best of it.” Mellia noted in an uplifting manner before her words softened to a whisper. “And remember this; thy family shall stand by you in times of need.”

“Are you alluding to the seelie?” Arakiel queried flat-out.

Mellia nodded. “I did not elaborate on the immortal’s machinations, nor did I speak of her atrocities. That is for you to report… and in doing so, thou shouldst find thy House a pillar of support to lean on.”

“I know, but…” Arakiel began to deflect, but his sister spoke up right away, making the same argument that Aurora was about to make.

“Thou cannot contest the seelie alone… but with our parents’ direct support, thou shouldst find it in thy grasp.”

He let out a long sigh, his gaze briefly shifting over towards Arene’s portrait before it rested on his parents. “You’re correct… as you have been so often, my dear little sister.”

Arakiel suddenly reached for Mellia’s hair, ruffling it in a tender manner.

To Aurora’s further surprise, Mellia did not scold him. If anything, she looked quite pleased with his show of affection and while a part of Aurora was glad that they got along so well, another part of her became jealous in an instant.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

She rapidly embraced her beloved from behind, ensuring that at least one of his hands had to give attention to her… which it did.

As a reward for his ability to split his attention, she gently pressed her upper body against his while one of her hands wandered a little lower – and only then did she realize that it wasn’t just improper in this moment and time, but that another man had been standing there across the room, right next to the wooden double door that led further into the keep.

Aurora flinched in shock, if only for the briefest of moments.

He was the same Traveler from before… Gregorion. He wore a dark-bluish doublet, a pair of brown trousers and his belt held a small silvery axe.

When the man noticed her noticing him, a brief, almost creepy smile formed on his lips.

“You’ve been staring for a while now, Traveler.” Arakiel suddenly announced quite a bit louder, turning his attention just a little sideways.

An audible sneer wafted across the room. “About time you did. I’m close to throwing up with all this fawning.”

Aurora let go of Arakiel and shot the man a darkened glance. She instantly decided that she didn’t like him one bit.

“No one invited you to observe and listen, Traveler.” Arakiel returned while retracting his hand.

Mellia faced the Traveler as well – and she seemed rather displeased – but said nothing for now.

“Half-correct,” Gregorion replied. As he approached, he continued. “Alexandria asked me to whisk you to the Gateway again… so that’s what I’m doing.”

“We’re grateful for your service, Traveler.” Arakiel said with some respect, adding. “But I ask you to refrain from making such derogatory comments.”

The man’s creepy smile returned, widening even. “What’s that? The brat has manners.” Gregorion noted as he casually tore a rift into the world’s fabric, causing another grey portal to form out of nowhere.

“As a former Traveler, I cannot help but admire your mastery over the craft.” Arakiel admitted respectfully. “To have the confidence to make a stable portal for other people… possibly without a beacon. That’s frightening.”

Gregorion’s attitude changed from one moment to another, professional seriousness gracing his posture and expression in an instant. It almost frightened Aurora again – this sudden change.

“What did you make of the cellar’s letter?” Gregorion asked all of a sudden. His focus remained solely on Arakiel, who met his gaze.

A moment of silence came and only went as her beloved answered a good minute later.

“If you allude to the question at the journey’s end, then I cannot answer it.” Arakiel replied, yet he added something right away. “But I’m certain that place is where the Transcended found the source of his power.”

Gregorion nodded slightly. “And what do you think it was?”

“The source? I cannot say,” Arakiel admitted, continuing. “But if I had to take a guess… the means to traverse or perhaps even control Limbus or at least parts of it.”

Gregorion suddenly made a small bow after which he straightened his slightly shoddy clothes. “Forgive my earlier arrogance, Arakiel il Kalanaar. Alexandria failed to mention that you achieved something after all. To traverse the voidfallen plane is no easy feat.”

“It’s the silence that gets you.” Arakiel noted almost absentmindedly, causing Gregorion to nod in affirmation.

“That it does. I’m curious what could possibly be more tempting than traveling the very same path the Transcended laid out, but if Alexandria kept it a secret, then it’s something mere affiliates aren’t meant to know.” The Traveler commented, his eyes searching Arakiel’s for a hint of anything. When he found none, the man merely made an inviting gesture towards the silent portal. “So instead, I humbly ask you to step through the portal so that I can stop being Alexandria’s errand boy.”

Aurora felt a little conflicted as to how she should evaluate him. On the one hand, he had been exceedingly rude, but now he was being so respectful – and all in such a short span.

Since she couldn’t decide, she just agreed to not make a definite decision for now.

Internally, she debated on how she should tackle such issues in the future. In fact, she wasn’t quite certain how she should react in general when it came to other people.

As an aurea, her stance had been clear. Be quiet and only speak when spoken to… but now?

It was something she’d need to figure in the near future.

If she had scolded the man earlier, she might’ve derailed the entire conversation and he and her beloved might’ve ended up hating one another.

It gave her food for thought, the kind that she hadn’t really considered thus far. There seemed to be more to independence than she had initially given it credit for.

Or maybe she hadn’t really processed it yet?

After all, the Kalanites here still treated her as an aurea even though she no longer wore a collar. It was probably for the better, but the question would come up sooner or later – and then what?

Her train of thought got cut short when Arakiel suddenly addressed Gregorion once again, just before they entered the portal.

“How do you know my mother?” Her beloved queried.

The Traveler chuckled. “It’s quite simple, actually. I was part of her and Ery’s party for a long while and after they founded their House, I opted to remain as an affiliate since I didn’t want to be tied down. She’s supported my efforts in traveling the Transcended’s path ever since.”

“How long have you been traveling?”

“Over forty years at this point,” Gregorion admitted, sounding just a little dejected.

It puzzled Aurora, once again reinforcing her belief that it was nigh impossible to properly gauge someone’s age. To her, Gregorion looked to be in his thirties at most, even if she internally added the caveat of him being a mortal.

The seelie had looked like a young mortal woman, even after her ‘unification’ – and she claimed to be hundreds of years old… a claim Aurora had no doubts was true.

“I admire your dedication,” Arakiel answered, sounding genuinely impressed.

Gregorion shrugged. “Maybe I’m just stubborn. Most of my party members have become demigods and goddesses whereas I am still nothing but a Traveler. Maybe you made the right choice, pup. But go now, you should know that the planes aren’t keen on portals being open this long.”

“Take care, Master Gregorion.” Arakiel said, with Mellia and ultimately Aurora offering similar words of farewell.

He nodded towards them and one flash of grey later, they were once again standing right at the edge of the large plaza in front of the so-called Gateway of Divinity.

It remained as magnificent as ever: the basilica with its majestic facade, the large stairs leading up to the entrances or the surrounding houses that relayed authoritative dignity and wealth with every fiber of their being. It made her want to take flight and take in her surroundings from above, like all those people that were doing so right now.

But then, in a few mere moments, the world around Aurora began to take on a golden sheen once more and with it, the slightly uneasy feeling returned. Something inside her felt unwell, or perhaps conflicted might be a better term?

Something about all of this here felt out of place to her soul, especially that thoroughly black rectangular, pointy pillar in the middle of this plaza. It frightened her a little, even if she couldn’t describe why.

But since neither her beloved nor his sister seemed to care, she just opted to ignore it like she had done two days ago and without further ado, they silently crossed the plaza.

The feeling remained the same, never becoming less or more – it just was. If Aurora didn’t focus on it, it became easily manageable and as soon as she crossed the basilica’s threshold, it vanished entirely.

From thereon out, everything went exceedingly quick.

Her beloved sought out a servant of the Transcended and in a way, they kind of retraced the path they had come from earlier and just a few moments later, Aurora stared down another grey portal inside one of the Gateway’s portal rooms, it’s slightly swirling grey surface promising another world entirely.

Unlike last time, she wasn’t all too keen on venturing forth, yet it wasn’t her decision to make.

Mellia entered first while Arakiel took her by the hand, leading her towards and through the portal without delay.

If he had any doubts or reservations, he didn’t let it show.