Chapter 52CAELUMI rested my hand upon my knee and decided to sit up. I felt like there was a hole on my chest, swallowing me hole and leaving me empty. Shaking my head, I flicked my hand and breathe in, the soft silky sheets morphing so that the grass tickled my arms as I look up at the cool blue sky. I stretched my arms and lie down on the field, the violets and lilies still in full bloom even if summer is blowing harshly down the land. This field is rarely affected by the normal weather, instead, it depended so much on my emotions that an argument like a while ago can wither the roses and precious hyacinths. I plucked a violet and twirled it around my fingers, snorting as I saw Aeon’s white hair glistening from afar. He turns his head and spotted me as I lied upon the ground.“Caelum. Caelum!”“What now?” I muttered in a bored tone, mustering all my courage to pretend like I do not care about whatever news he brings about Rubin. It’s been a couple of hours since she disappeared, I
Chapter 53RUBINI blinked, once, twice, squinting my eyes, trying to see past the fog that is so thick, it clouds my vision; clinging to my skin as though it were made of very thin satin. My jumper and jeans were replaced with the ones I am wearing right before I was sent down on earth. I shivered of the unfamiliar surroundings, trying to find my way through as I continue to walk.An hour or two might have passed; I might have been walking around in circles without really knowing it. I just continued on, without apparent reason, pushing the fog and imagining it as though it were a thin veil; that behind it, Caelum would be waiting for me. My legs give out and I stumbled, plummeting down on the cold hard surface and I am stunned to see a cloaked figure standing a meter away from me.“Who are you?” My voice floated across. The cloaked figure offered me a hand but I refused, eyeing it wearily as I asked once again, “Who are you?”The cloaked figure motionsd his hand and offered it once
Chapter 54RUBINThe field was cold and empty. Hades trained his eyes upon me and clicked his tongue. He snatched the arrow from me and stood from his seat, “Here, feel it, I’ll show you.” The curls on the sides of the arrow ruffled as though it is heaving a sigh. I blinked and was surprised when it morphed into symbols - the old tongue. “I do not know how to read this, sorry.” I passed the arrow back to Hades and he rolled his eyes. I am quite surprise that his eyes did not get stuck. Clearing his throat, he reads the inscription, “For he who fell on earth because of love will suffer the same fate once again, an endless life only to be ended by the wielder of the arrow-”“I already know that prophecy, I read it from the scroll.”“Oh, have you?” He fakes a gasp, stating in a bored tone, “What you read was incomplete. I assume that you saw the ripped portion at the end of the scroll?” I nodded and his lips quirk up, his eyebrows arched as he continues with the next part, “Cupid must
Chapter 55RUBINThe gleaming snow appears to have lost its luster as everywhere I look seems to appear dull and lifeless. I felt like all of the hard work and sacrifices I made are all in vain. I suddenly felt tired, so I collapsed down on the autumn leaves, hearing them crunch tenderly as I take a seat. I placed my elbows upon my knee and rested my head on the palm of my hand, huffing. The slight brush on top of my head made me shudder, “You need not to worry about those anymore. Focus on your task,” Hades said as he stands next to me. “As for your parents, I can confirm to you that both of them are still alive.”What did he just say?I covered my mouth and tried to pinch myself out of this dream. I couldn’t believe my ears as I hear his words. Is he really telling the truth?I looked up at him, asking for confirmation, “Are you certain? Uncle George-”“Is wrong. He’s not the one who is managing the dead, my dear, I am. Are you seriously doubting my capabilities?” I shook my head n
CHAPTER 56CAELUMAeon was still angry at me ever since I have thrown him out of the Autahvuwns manor. I do not want to do that to him but I am so overwhelmed of what had happen – with Rubin leaving us and Aeon being flustered about the arrow and the prophecy. It seems that kicking Aeon out is better than me lashing out on him; I do not want to lose my best mate. He is the closest thing to a family I have ever got and I can’t succumb to my true nature. The vein on my forehead pulsed and I am seconds away from materializing back to the Manor with Rubin on my arms. The man who made the call to the hospital promised me that the ambulance is on its way but I couldn’t help myself as I worried about what will happen in the next hour.I tightened my hold on Rubin as though someone will take her away, wishing that I can just vanish away with her and escape these inquisitive stares. Desperately, I pushed on her chest wound, trying to stop the bleeding only to be shocked – the wound has disa
Chapter 57 CAELUM The hospital room dissolves, morphing to that of the front porch. Hoisting her up on my arms, I nodded at Newman as he held the door open for us, “You know what to do.” Newman nodded his head and I thanked him, heading up to her bedroom, all of my thoughts preoccupied by my desire of tucking her in and watching her sleep until she opens her eyes. Newman followed us, putting a distance of a couple of feet away, his face void of emotions but his eyes lingering at Rubin. I waved my hand in front at her door, unlocking it before Newman turns the knob to reveal a sunlit room. Holding her tight, I marched inside the room with Rubin resting her head on my shoulder, her steady breath the only assurance that she was still alive and fighting. As soon as I laid her down on the bed, I let out a breath that I haven’t known I was holding. The gentle sound of door being pulled close made me sighed as I took her hand and settled next to her.“Come back. Come back to me, please.”
Chapter 57 CAELUM The hospital room dissolves, morphing to that of the front porch. Hoisting her up on my arms, I nodded at Newman as he held the door open for us, “You know what to do.” Newman nodded his head and I thanked him, heading up to her bedroom, all of my thoughts preoccupied by my desire of tucking her in and watching her sleep until she opens her eyes. Newman followed us, putting a distance of a couple of feet away, his face void of emotions but his eyes lingering at Rubin. I waved my hand in front at her door, unlocking it before Newman turns the knob to reveal a sunlit room. Holding her tight, I marched inside the room with Rubin resting her head on my shoulder, her steady breath the only assurance that she was still alive and fighting. As soon as I laid her down on the bed, I let out a breath that I haven’t known I was holding. The gentle sound of door being pulled close made me sighed as I took her hand and settled next to her.“Come back. Come back to me, please.”
CHAPTER 59RUBINI tried to stop myself from crying but I couldn’t, the pain of losing him and not being able to see him again crumbled all the walls I have built around my heart for the past week – month.I tried so hard not to be affected by him and my plan backfires as I gripped his shirt, begging him, “Don’t go. Don't leave me...”“I won’t.” his gentle voice felt like a calming balm on my chest – soothing the place where I pierced myself with the arrow. “Shh, settle down now.” Caelum rubs my back and pats it awkwardly. I hastily wiped my tears and draw away from him, focusing on his face as I held out my hand, touching his cheeks. His face is warm and sticky. I lean closer and notice the trails of tears on them – did he really cry, because of me?Caelum averted his eyes and pulled back, making me draw my hand from his face. I lean back on the head board, feeling suddenly shy as I hear him clear his throat, “Are you feeling alright?”I nodded my head, still avoiding his look of co
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