Astelion POV
Mell moved like a blur through the air, carrying me in his arms as effortlessly as if I were made of air. I buried my face against the linen of his shirt, weeping softly as the wind whipped past us, until the exhaustion finally consumed me and I drifted off.
In my sleep, the nightmares of blood and betrayal faded away into a soft, golden warmth. I dreamed of a life that felt so real it rendered my chest tight with longing—a quiet, peaceful house bathed in sunlight, Kiono standing beside me with a bright laugh, and a sweet, dark-haired child wrapped in a blanket between us. A life where we were happy, safe, and completely free.
Then, the warmth shattered. An agonizing, pain ripped through my body, as if invisible hands were crushing every bone in my body to dust. I gasped, choking on air that wouldn't come.
"Astelion! Astelion, open your eyes!"
Hands were shaking my shoulders urgently, a panicked voice calling my name from a million miles away. I forced my heavy eyelids open to see Mell leaning over me, his hands holding my trembling frame.
I clutched at my chest, my lungs seizing in absolute agony. "I can't... breathe..."
"Breathe, breathe," Mell urged, placing a hand firmly over my sternum. He took slow, deep, exaggerated breaths right in front of my face. "Match me. In... and out."
I forced my frantic chest to mimic his rhythm, swallowing down huge gulps of air until the crushing pressure slowly released its hold on my ribs. Once my breathing finally normalized, Mell gently eased me down until my feet touched the ground.
I blinked through the ethereal haze, taking in my surroundings for the first time. I was standing on a stone pathway surrounded by vibrant, glowing flowers under a pastel sky filled with soft lavender clouds and floating landmasses with cascading waterfalls. In the distance, a breathtaking, crystal-white castle towered into the heavens, its spires glowing with a radiant blue light. Figures draped in glowing, ethereal white cloaks glided silently along the stone paths around us.
"Where am I?" I managed to whisper, my voice breathless.
"You're in Fantas—the Realm of Spirits," Mell explained gently. "Your body will adjust soon, since you are part spirit."
My head snapped toward him. "How do you know that?"
"Kiono told me," Mell admitted softly. "He told me you have a spiritual tattoo on your back. That's what connects you here, what allowed your soul to cross over."
I kept looking around in awe before turning my gaze back to him. Mell was staring at me, his eyes wide and fixed on my face in a way he had never looked at me before.
I frowned, touching my skin. "What? Is there something on my face?"
"No," Mell said quietly, his voice laced with quiet wonder. "I'm just looking at the real you."
Confused, I reached out, grabbed the collar of his shirt, and pulled him closer so I could look directly into the reflection of his eyes.The breath caught in my throat.
Reflected in his gaze was a girl with long, flowing white hair that blended into brilliant, fiery red tips, long pointed elf-like ears, soft violet right eye and sliver blue left eye, and delicate freckles dusted across her nose.
No... no, no, no, panic surged through my veins. Why did I change back? Why is my true form showing?
I pushed him away, stepping back in shock.
"Relax, it's okay," Mell said quickly, raising his hands in a soothing gesture as he stood up.
"You can be yourself here. This world strips away every glamor and disguise you wear."
I swallowed hard, clutching my arms. "How long can I stay here?"
"Not long," Mell said, his expression darkening with a somber weight. "I am only doing this because I like you, and Kiono is my friend... but I can no longer be involved after this. It will cost me my life and the life of my family if Castel finds out."
I bit my lip, a sharp pang of guilt cutting through my chest. "I am so sorry... I didn't mean to draw you into this."
"Everyone has their secrets," Mell replied with a faint, reassuring smile. "Castel can cross over into Fantas, but he's terrified of what he'll find here when he does. His parents, the lover that he killed, and many others... including Kris... are all here."
My heart dropped into my stomach. "Kris is here? I can't stay—"
"Don't worry," Mell cut in smoothly. "She has made her peace with you. She's with her parents now. She would rather be here than in a world where she has no one who loves her. But... if you do happen to see her, run."
I gave him a deadpan look. "That doesn't help me."
Mell let out a quiet laugh. "Come on. I'll take you to a place I prepared for you to stay. Kiono will come as soon as he can, but... this world will tear his mortal body apart, so he won't be able to stay for long."
A heavy weight pressed into my chest. Feeling pitiful and completely helpless, I held my head down in quiet defeat. "I got it. Thank you, Mell."
He turned and began walking down a winding pathway away from the grand crystal palace, and I fell into step right behind him.
As we walked, I couldn't stop staring at the Spirit Realm. Floating islands hovered in the sky, suspended by ancient magic, with endless waterfalls plunging into the misty realm below. The people here were ethereal, almost translucent spirits wrapped in glowing white hooded robes, moving with a silent, graceful calm that felt entirely detached from the bloody chaos of the living world.
After walking for a while, we arrived at a quiet, secluded sanctuary nestled within the hollowed trunk of a massive, glowing elder tree.
The exterior looked like something out of an ancient legend—a cozy haven carved straight into the living wood, draped in thick green vines and glowing moss. Inside, the room was warm and inviting. A crackling stone fireplace warmed the space, casting a soft orange glow over walls lined with crowded bookshelves. Plush armchairs were draped in knit blankets, a small wooden tea table sat upon a woven rug, and overhead hanging lanterns softly lit the cozy nook.
"You will be staying here," Mell said, standing near the threshold. "Everything you need is here. I have to get back before anyone notices I'm gone."
He turned to step out into the cool spirit air.
Impulses taking over, I reached out, grabbed his hand, and pulled him back toward me. I leaned in and pressed a gentle, sweet peck against his cheek.
Mell froze completely, his cheeks flushing a brilliant, vibrant red.
"W-What was that for?" he stuttered, his smooth composure instantly shattering.
"It's a thank you... and a farewell," I said softly, giving him a gentle look.
Mell blinked, swallowed hard, and then quickly stepped forward, pressing a warm kiss to my cheek in return. Without another word, he turned on his heel and sprinted out into the misty woods.
I touched my cheek where his lips had rested, a tiny, faint smile touching my lips. But as the door swung shut and the heavy silence of the house settled around me, the smile faded.
I collapsed into the plush armchair by the fire, burying my face in my hands. The tears came spilling out, hot and silent. I had failed everyone. I had ruined my bond with the one person I swore to protect, dragged innocent people into my mess, and now I was trapped in hiding, completely clueless on what to do next.
As a fresh wave of sob shook my shoulders, a strange, distinct sensation rippled through my lower abdomen. I froze, wiping my eyes, and placed my trembling hand against my stomach.
A second later, it happened again—a faint, unmistakable flutter deep inside my belly, warm and alive. My breath hitched in my throat as my eyes widened in pure, shock. My mind raced back to the dream, to Kiono, to the soft golden light...
No... could it be?