Charmed [✔]

26.1 ▌The Creation of Kalins

Year 3988, 15th Day of the 10th Moon
Elith

AN INSCRUTABLE wrinkle formed on Aricson's face as he studied his surroundings. Hazy crystal walls reflected the magenta hue of a freshly picked rose. The mixture of blue and pink only meant one place.

He was at the Jewel Palace of Faerilyn.

Arcison looked down at his body. No scars marred his skin. He honestly assumed he would be dead after the last attack he received.

And truth be told, he did not mind the thought of dying. Elise was not in his world anymore. Living in a world as if she never existed was harder than he expected.

His body flinched. He had no idea he was capable of such strong emotion that he was willing to abandon his responsibility.

'No. Get yourself together, Aricson. Even Elise will not like it.' She was a woman who valued her work like him. He saw how dedicated she was that even pushed him to do better. During the day they spent together, neither of them neglected their duties. Rather, they motivated each other to accomplish their tasks faster so could have more time together.

"You're finally awake," a voice came.

Even with fluttering wings, his grandmother had always been the most silent in her approach.

The rainbow wings shining with glittering light deviated from the argent irises with their lack of color. An eternally young face was framed by the dusky blonde hair reaching to her feet. Her snow-white gown cast her a graceful silhouette. With the seven gemstones encrusted on the crown atop her head, no one could mistake who she was.

"Greetings to the Prima, the Queen of Faerilyn," he said.

His grandmother set down on his side while sighing. "You're sick and you're still so formal, my dear. It never ceases to make me wonder where did you inherit such a boring attitude?"

He simply closed his mouth and did not refute it. Instead, he asked, "How long have I been here, Grandmother?"

"A full week. If you haven't been rescued by Amaranth, I'm afraid I won't be having a conversation with you now."

"Lady Amaranth Helianthus?" There was a slight surprise that was hidden underneath his voice.

"Yes. Anyhow, it's good that you are awake. Let's proceed to the Prism Pond. Your siblings are worried about you."

Arcison nodded his head and was accompanied to the rooftop garden. It was a place no one could enter without Prima's permission.

It only took several minutes before they arrived. The clear luminous water was surrounded by a variety of plants that his grandmother treasured. The pond was as similar to any form of water but with just one hand maneuver from her, the water bubbled.

Liquid rose at a fast speed until it morphed into a familiar figure.

"Grandmother." It was Brennan who greeted them.

"Aricson's here with me. How is the situation there?"

"The Ancient Clans had already dispatched all their Guardian knights. The Order of Eternity has also moved. Nevertheless, I don't think we can stop the attacks unless the Fort is fixed."

Aricson's eyes darkened the more he listened. "What do you mean by that, Brennan? Did the Ravids break the barrier?"

"Apparently so. We are in dire need of your presence here. Faylinn is upholding the barrier together with all the Barrier mages in the continent but it isn't enough if you can't activate the obelisk with Tutella."

Arcison nodded. "I understand. I'll head back right there."

"Also..." Brennan dragged his words for seconds. His face made of fluid mimicked an expression of hesitation.

"What?" Aricson questioned, anticipating his brother's next words and presuming the worse.

As the bearer of the Tutella, the key of the Fort sealed in his body, it was his duty to maintain and fix the barriers of Humana. However, he had long been unconscious. A week was enough for havoc to ensue.

"It's Elise. I've sent our men but no one found a single trace of her after days of searching. Lady Amaranth said that you were the only one in the temple but Faylinn said you were together. I also asked Her Holiness Alydia but she told me to ask you."

"Oh... that..." Aricson paused, trying to sort out the sudden ache from just a mention of her name. "It's fine. Elise is back to where she belongs."

He saw her disappear from that fire. It was inevitable that the ritual was a success. He never once doubted the Overseers' words for they were the unbiased truths of this world.

A moment of quietness traveled between them before Brennan initiated to speak.

"I see. Well then, I'll inform the rest of your recovery."

"Alright."

"Then, I'll see you soon. You too, Grandmother."

"Come and visit anytime, dear," his grandmother said before the water reverted back to its calm phase.

Aricson faced her. "Thank you, Grandmother. I'll have to return now."

"Won't you ask for my assistance?" she asked, her lips angling.

"Grandmother, you are the Prima of the fairies and I am the Rei of Humana. How can I ask such a thing?"

Her lips became downturned in an instant. "Aricson, how many times do I have to tell you that we are a family? Your mother was my precious child and you are my beloved grandchild. The center of the attack is Fliamma. It is highly plausible you may encounter irreversible damages. You need all the help you can get."

"But Mother never wanted you to be involved in the human's matters, Grandmother. It will cause great conflict if it will be revealed that Mother is not only the daughter of the Prima but also the Dein of Faerilyn."

It was one of their greatest family secrets. Their parents were known to marry with love but it caused countless rumors when it was learned that a Rei married a banished fairy.

However, it would be a different matter if the whole truth was disclosed. No one should know that their mother was a Basileus who hold the title 'Dein', the second queen of the fairies.

"Your help would only arouse suspicions since no race should get involved with each other," he continued.

"Ah, I wished I had dissolved that useless treaty. What good can it get if the races won't cooperate? If only that accursed Regis—"

"Are you talking about me?"