Chapter 44CAELUMThe dome disappeared. The damp soil was replaced by gleaming granites as the smell of death, moss and rotting flowers infiltrated my lungs. “I’m glad you called. I was hoping for a much earlier meeting but it seems that you are kept busy by that charming little cupid,” His voice eerily echoed and I look around noticing his dark form that is drawing close. Hades pulls off his coat and his luminous blue hair floated, licking the top of his head. Curiously, I observed how each strand of his hair drifted as though the wind is blowing at it.“Staring is rude, you know,”“I know – it’s just that your hair...”“Oh! Of course. You are so fascinated by it that you actually told Walt Disney about it and did you know what they did to my character ? They made a horse blow my hair off!”“Did they?”“Oh, don’t act so surprise.”“But I am not the one who give them the information about your hair, it was Aeon who—”“Anemoi. I prefer to call him by his original name as I do to you,
Chapter 46CAELUM“This is priceless!” I shook my head at Aeon who is looking down at the arrow as though it was the best thing he ever saw. “I mean, this is the arrow that Aphrodite had conjured. This is literally gold – like gold gold!”“And that is what ended me in the past, which will probably be the very same ending I will face.”“Oh, don’t be stupid!” Aeon waves his hand and I watched as the arrow soared around the room, his wind carrying it. “What did Hades really tell you?”“Well, Hades have mentioned that he is only trying to help me which is why he keeps on tracking me down. I do not know if he is being cryptic of his answers but then, I get it. Hades only wanted my soul – it was his main purpose, to restore the balance of life on earth. It was his way of making my life easier or should I say, shorter.” I glared at the arrow as it zooms around. Aeon is definitely having fun with it.“But really – why should he give you something like this after a millennium? I mean, how di
Chapter 46CAELUMI frowned at the women who passed me by, deciding that a nod in reply would suffice only to earn a giggle. I raised an eyebrow at their reaction and pondered as I breathe in, thinking about Rubin, trusting Aeon’s wind. The sun is slowly sinking and the surroundings, darkened. I had to find her, soon. Biting my lip, I chose to enter the boutique and look around.“Try this on. This will cheer you up for sure.” the raven-haired girl exclaimed as I passed by her, thinking that she might be losing her marbles while talking to herself when another girl emerged from the veil, “I don’t think so, Rause. This sort of distractions doesn’t work for me.”Her voice ring out from the other side of the room and I turned around to see Rubin scowling at the raven-head. “Will you be fine to grab some snacks then before you head back? I am famished, Ru.”“I’m not sure though. I’m running late and they might be looking for me already since-” Rubin stopped mid-sentence as she noticed me s
Chapter 47“I hate you!”Each of the three words felt like invisible swords that pierced me repeatedly and I collapsed against her closed door, trying to hold myself up with my weak hands as I hang on for dear life. I couldn’t breathe.“Oh, you bloody idiot!” Aeon marched up from the top of the stairs as he saw me there, pathetically holding on to the door knob. I put a finger over my lips, asking him to stay as quiet as possible. With a flick of my hand, I transported us back to the field, the floor dissolving, morphing so that it becomes the soil. I whimpered, my form shivering as I cough out some blood and I wiped it off in annoyance. Aeon supported my back but I couldn’t stand, he watched me there, writhing in pain before he crouches low and put his hand on my forehead. I couldn’t hold the pain any longer so I screamed.“Aaargh! It hurts. It hurts so much,” I clawed at my chest, as though there was some fire burning in me, scathing me from inside. “It hurts, please, make it stop
CHAPTER 48RUBINI slowly creep down the stairs as I hear voices coming from the study, the fire crackling merrily as two shadows elongated from inside of the room. “Do you still hurt? I must help you brew the medicine to get you back to your feet.” Aeon’s voice drifted across from the room, sounding like an ancient healer as I watched him fluster around Caelum.“Mind you, she really means it, Aeon. When she said she hated me, it’s like a sword was plunged in my chest and I grew weak. It hurts a lot.” I gasp, ‘Did I really hurt him by saying that? He is bluffing, I am sure. I peeked inside and saw Aeon’s hand over Caelum’s back, patting him rather tenderly. “I didn’t know that you’ll be affected like that. You are lucky I was there.”“I’ll be goners if you didn’t come. It would be my third attack and if it did comes to that, I won’t return like this. I worry about what will happen then.” Caelum snorted. Aeon stands and head towards his desk, taking something out from the drawer bef
Chapter 49RUBINMy wings are sore. My back aches and my shoulders burned as I stretched my arms and tried to land gracefully by the tree overlooking the valley. I believed that I am nearing Paris now judging by the sophisticated way this French people are acting. I took my first sandwich from the depths of my satchel, entertaining myself with one of those shivering letters. Mon Reve,It’s quite funny to think that somewhere, you were probably sleeping soundly as I write this letter to you, or maybe, you are having your breakfast, or going out with a friend – in some other place and possibly in some other time – thinking about things that won’t even be par with my own thoughts. It’s possible that you are out there — loving someone, wishing upon stars, dreaming of things I can’t even fathom and so, I look up at the bright morning sky – imagining you doing the same. I stuffed the packaging of the sandwich inside of my satchel, and rummage for another, tucking in to one of the branches
Chapter 50 RUBINI took a peek by the bushes and squinted, my mouth dropping open. It was really him! But then, who is that girl on his lap? Her blonde hair was blowing with the wind and Caelum pulled at it as he tilted her head, her cheeks glowing red as she giggled, slapping Caelum’s shoulders as he continued. I gritted my teeth. I wanted to run at him and yank her out of his lap; possibly slapping her face if I will be given the chance to do so but I couldn’t. I shouldn’t.With my hands terribly shaking, I took the arrow from my satchel and tightly clasped it with my fingers, not risking for to float and catch the attention of the Gaeans. Puffing my cheeks, I sulked behind the bushes, spying on them as they continue to kiss, making my heart feel like someone has been squeezing it. What do I expect? Caelum is a Dieuoubliè, an opposite of love – bringer of chaos and confusion. He will never love anyone back. He has warned me before that I have to stay away but I’m stubborn and stu
Chapter 51 (Hours after Rubin left the manor)CAELUMI stormed inside the study and gritted my teeth as I watched Aeon frantically rummaging inside his drawer, looking for the arrow. Papers are strewn everywhere, his beloved books and the ones he has borrowed from me or rather, taken from me, was thrown unceremoniously on the floor. Even the curtains hang dangerously from the bar holding it in place as Aeon settled by the window, hiding his face in shame and annoyance yet his purple eyes glinted dangerously as he breaks the silence, “How dare she takes the arrow without even asking for permission? I can’t believe it.”“So, she did take it?”“Well, who else? Newman doesn’t know about it, only the both of us have discussed the arrow and its magical properties. The fact that the scroll pertains to the arrow was such very big coincidence – it makes me wonder how it all ends up connected.”“But she doesn’t know about it, too.”“Are you trying to defend her, Caelum?” Aeon raised an eyebrow
Chapter 99CAELUMRubin’s eyes were open but they are not seeing – it remains open, unblinking. Her face is contorted with sadness but her lips are slightly pulled in the sides as though she have tried to smile, knowing that it is futile. My vision became blurry all of a sudden before the sound of a wounded animal filled my ears, making it almost impossible for me to believe that the sound came from me. My heart felt so heavy as I cried over her, my hands caressing her face, “No, no, no!”Her body started shimmering until she started to fade away.“Rubin? Rubin, please, stay!” I hold unto her wrist, trying to stop her from fading away but I couldn’t. “No, please. Please!”Half of her body has already faded with the wind and as I blink, she was gone. “No! Rubin, no…no, please. Rubin!” I got to my feet and impatiently searched the field, calling out her name. Maybe she’s just hiding.“Rubin!” My throat is sore as I sobbed, crying my heart out. The sudden change of dawn to morning pr
Chapter 98CAELUMThe hike down the hill leading to the river is quite short and I easily reached the edge where I lay the basket on a rock. I decided to wander to the other side, spying on Rubin as she gathered the ivies. I sneaked at her, interrupting her as I said, “I think that’s more than enough for a bouquet.” Rubin frowns, turning so that she can glare at me, her wild ginger hair flying about as the wind blew. “Well, we have to make use of the flowers one way or another, don’t we? I am only going to be married once so, don’t spoil my fun, Caelum!”I let out a chuckle, walking back to the other side of the river. I waited for her by the riverbank with my feet growing colder as I skimmed the soft pebbles that lined the edges of the river. I took the rose basket, dipping my toes as soon as I see Rubin walking down the hill that leads to the river, golden veil now covering her face from me. She slowly waded through the water, giggling for she has stumbled a couple of times and by
Chapter 97CAELUMThe dome is only a dark shadow with a dim blue background, looming large and menacing from afar. Rubin tightened her hands on mine as I plunge a hand in the thick tangle of vines, smiling as the two of us was swallowed inside. I’m glad that Rubin can still access the dome with me even if she is a human now. I guess, she isn’t entirely human.She shivered next to me and I sigh, sitting down on one of the carousels and watching her as she puts her hand on top of it. “I’ll never light it up again,” she whispered while looking down at her hands as though she was talking to them and not me. “I can try,” I suggested, giving her a sad smile as I touched the carousel she previously held. It lit up and so did the rest of the dome. Some of the fireflies from outside has managed to enter the dome and I smiled, facing her before putting one of her hand on my waist as I held the other with my own. I gave her a little sway and her eyes widen while I twirled her around to a
Chapter 96CAELUMI licked my lips and stood next to her, wrapping my arms around her waist, pulling her close so that I can rest my head on her shoulders. “Hey, stop being a grumpy pants and relax. Nothing bad is going to happen. You are tired is all which is why I want you to sleep. Note that we can still do a lot more with those twelve hours left.”She abruptly turns at me, eyes wide and filled with fear, glistening because of her recently shredded tears. She pushed my hands away, crossing her hands over her chest which made them appear bigger than they should. “But if I did sleep, I’ll reduce my time with you – is that what you want? Less time to spend with me? Do you really hate me that much to make me sleep for the rest of my limited time?”“No, you are misunderstanding it all, Rubin. I don’t hate you – in fact, I love you so much that it hurts me when I see you suffering like this. I never wanted to hurt you in any way possible and would never wish for you to go.” I forceful
Chapter 95CAELUM My heart has never beat like this way before – so erratic and alive. I cannot fathom how such a small organ can beat so strong inside my chest without damaging my ribcage; thundering as though it were a hundred hooves barreling against my chest. It is a mystery; a wonderful one, to be able to commit into memory every sound she makes, every touch she delivers. It’s a wonder how I can feel every dip of her tongue, every caress of her fingers that are like feathers on my skin; I am absorbed by the very sigh that she lets out and her whimper, Oh! They sound so soft against my ear that it melts me. How can she sound so pretty like this? When every moan appears that she was begging for her life and every thrust felt like it was her last move. I have wondered for years how humans can be satisfied of this kind of loving when I always find myself disappointed. I thought they end up miserable for they only know one kind, yet I am wrong. Every time I drew closer, I felt lik
Chapter 94RUBINThe suspense I can handle; the sound that accompanies the moving pictures is bearable but when the lady pushed the little boy – I do one thing I am very good at, I screamed!“Will you stop it? Ugh – I shouldn’t have suggested movies in the first place if I have known.” Caelum avoided the slap I am directing on his face as he held my hands on his lap. “Caelum Bloody Rouen – Aaaah!”“Please! Stop screaming and bloody watch it quietly. La llorona isn’t going to bolt out and-““Aaah!”“Oh, Zeus! Mighty powerful god, help me. My eardrums isn’t going to survive if you kept tothis –““Turn it off, now. Turn it off, Caelum – I can’t – turn it off, NOW!” I reached out my hand and snatched the remote control from his, gritting my teeth as I directed the remote at the television. My eyes when the volume goes up and Caelum doubled over in laughter. I can’t help but scream as the movie goes on and I cannot even turn it off.Caelum finally stopped and I chucked the control at him
Chapter 93RUBINCold water bites my skin yet his warmth later envelopes me. He helps me up and steadied me above the water. I shivered, trying to tap my foot on the ground but it’s like a few feet deeper. “Breathe, okay? I am here. I won’t leave you.” Still afraid of answering him, I reached out for his neck and latched on, making him laugh. Caelum waves his hand and I observed him as he summons a driftwood from the depth of the cove. “Here, lean unto it. It will help you float.” “But I don’t want to let you go.” “No. You won’t let me go, you are just going to hold unto this wood and I will guide you.” I stared at Caelum’s eyes, whispering, “Caelum, I don’t want to let go.” His face fell as he realize the weight and true meaning of my words. He let me float next to him, his arm securely holding me in place so that I won’t sink, “Shh, shh.”“Can we stay there and not here? I don’t like water that much.” Caelum nodded in understanding and he guided me to the shallow part of the la
Chapter 92RUBINAutahvuwns Manor welcomed us with its red tiled roofs and ever glistening fountain. Caelum marched up to the front door with me following close behind, expecting that as the door opens, Aeon and Newman will be waiting for us by the threshold. My heart felt like it was being squeezed as we entered the empty manor, our footsteps echoing to what used to be a familiar haven for me, now a place of memories.“I know you felt disappointed not seeing them here but I do not know how I will deal with your divided attention. I want this remaining hours to be spent between the two of us. Call me selfish, alright, but I won’t have it in any other way.” Caelum shrugs, walking out of the parlour, heading inside the kitchen which is next to it. I shake my head at him, trailing behind with a small smile on my lips.“What would you like to have, ma moitié ?”“Anything that you can prepare for me.” Caelum gave me a serene smile as he started working by the knob, occasionally glancing
Chapter 91 RUBINI carefully caressed his cheek, running my hands on his beautiful curls that is currently framing his face, brushing his forehead tenderly. He is sleeping soundly, his mouth slightly opened. I smiled wistfully - I don’t want for him to wake up, yet. I tucked my hair beneath my ear and leaned down to kiss his forehead, pecking his lips and pulling away abruptly, for I do not want to be tempted of the idea of snogging him quite blatantly without his consent. Caelum looks so serene when he is like this – asleep on my lap, with no worries about what is going to happen; no worries about my limited time here with him. I huffed. How am I going to explain all of these to him?The question that popped inside my head appears to have alerted him as he shifted on my lap, his eyelids twitching before he finally opens his eyes. I braced myself for his hate and anger, for his wrath to dawn, instead, I am met with the warmest embrace I have yet to receive from him. “Rubin!” H