Delythena's POV
Until now, I still can't believe that the woman who helped wake me from the illusion was actually a queen and only now did I find out her name: Croseiada.
She was also the one who helped Zadkiel reach the nothingness... and bring me back.
"I truly am so grateful to you words aren't enough to express how thankful I am" I said to her with all my heart.
She smiled softly. "I'm just happy you're back" she replied.
"But why are you so kind to me? You've saved my life more than once" I asked, still confused.
"It's only right that I help the Key" she said calmly, making me pause.
"The Key? What do you mean?" I asked, my brows furrowing.
She simply smiled again one of those mysterious smiles that seemed to say "You'll find the answer... when the time is right."
She then turned to Zadkiel, and it was as if they were having a full conversation with just their eyes. Zadkiel let out a quiet sigh while Croseiada simply gave him a knowing look.
"Why?" I asked Zadkiel in a whisper, searching his eyes for something more, hoping I could read the thoughts he wasn't saying.
He gave me a soft smile, the kind that tried to ease every worry in my heart. "It's nothing" he said gently, trying to reassure me but I knew that smile too well. It wasn't just nothing.
Before I could respond, Croseiada spoke. "I'll leave you two for now. Enjoy your time together" the queen said with a small smile before quietly walking away, leaving the two of us behind... with a question still hanging in the air.
"You don't have to worry about anything. Everything's fine. Let's just enjoy the night it'd be a waste if we didn't" Zadkiel said softly as he took my hands in his.
I let out a deep sigh, then chose not to overthink anymore. For now, I just wanted to be present with him.
I stopped overthinking and chose to simply enjoy the night.
And that's exactly what I did we laughed, we danced, we drank. Just for a while, I allowed myself to forget everything else.
While we were enjoying ourselves, I couldn't shake the feeling that someone or something was watching me.
Out of the corner of my eye, I kept catching a glimpse of something.
A faint figure. Purple. Like a shadow wrapped in smoke. It never fully appeared, but it lingered hovering just within the edges of my vision. And every time I turned to look, it vanished.
And every time I caught a glimpse of it...There was this strange feeling deep, unsettling.
Like something was twisting inside me. I couldn't explain it. It wasn't fear exactly... but it wasn't peace either. And the more I tried to ignore it, the stronger that uneasiness grew.
I knew I wasn't just being paranoid. This wasn't just some fleeting anxiety no. Something or someone was watching me. And I had to find out what it was... before it found me first.
After several months...
Zadkiel and I had been spending more and more time together, even though we lived far apart.
He visited me so often that it almost felt like he never wanted to let go whenever he held me. And honestly? I didn't mind it at all. In fact... it made my heart feel at home.
But even in the passing months...that lingering feeling never left me. Like a shadow clinging to the edge of my senses a presence, always watching. No matter how peaceful the days seemed, no matter how warm Zadkiel's embrace felt, that haunting sensation remained... quiet, hidden, but never gone.
"What do you want to buy, Lady Delythena?" Tia asked as we strolled through the village.
"I'm still thinking about it" I replied while scanning the shops.
"How about clothes, Lady Delythena?" Reza suggested.
"But it looks like you already have plenty, especially since the Supreme keeps giving you new ones" Tia chimed in with a grin.
"Oh, right... that's true" Reza added with a chuckle.
They both seemed to be thinking about what I might want to buy, too.
"Do you know any store that sells magical items? or any related to magics?" I asked Reza.
She paused to think for a moment. "Yes, Lady Delythena, there's one that's pretty well-known and totally legit" she said.
"Then show me where it is" I told her.
She nodded eagerly, and I followed her lead.
Soon enough, we arrived at a shop tucked away in a rather secluded part of the village. It wasn't that big, but it definitely had an air of mystery about it.
We stepped inside, and the place immediately greeted us with shelves full of strange and unique items, objects that truly felt magical. Behind glass displays, I could see an array of different kinds of crystals and gems, each one glowing faintly with their own hue and aura.
It was like stepping into a hidden treasure trove of enchantment.
"What can I help you with?" asked the man, who looked like he was in his 40s not too old, but clearly experienced.
"I'm looking for a tanzanite gemstone. Do you have any available?" I asked.
He shook his head with a bit of regret. "Ah, what a shame, lady. The last one I had just sold recently. Tanzanite is extremely rare and difficult to come by these days."
I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I really needed that gemstone for something important.
And just like that, we left the shop without buying anything.
"Don't you know any other store like that?" I asked Reza as we walked away.
"I'm really sorry, Lady Delythena" she said. "That's the only legit shop I know around here. Most of the others sell fake stuff."
I let out a sigh. "Fine. Just get me something to eat instead."
Both Reza and Tia nodded and left to look for food.
I was just about to walk away myself when a man suddenly appeared in front of me.
"Good morning, stunning lady" he greeted with a charming smile. It was that same guy we saw singing in the street what was his name again? Hmm... ah, Turad.
"What do you want?" I asked directly, not even trying to hide my annoyance.
He chuckled. "No hello back? That's a bit cold, isn't it?"
"I don't like wasting time on people I don't know" I replied sharply.
"Oh right, how rude of me" he said, straightening up and fixing his hair. "I'm Yurad Verim, the most handsome man in this empire and the most admired by women because of my exceptional singing talent."
"So?" I asked flatly, which clearly surprised him. He blinked, a little taken aback by how unimpressed I sounded.
Zadkiel is even more handsome this guy doesn't even come close.
"Just so?" he repeated, clearly not expecting that kind of reaction.
I stared at him blankly. "Yeah. So, Was I supposed to faint from your intro or something?"
He let out a dramatic gasp, placing a hand over his chest like I'd just wounded his pride. "You wound me, my lady. Most girls would be screaming by now."
I raised an eyebrow. "Then maybe you're talking to the wrong girl." I said, "And don't call me my lady" I said, cutting him off.
"So, what's your name, beautiful lady?" he asked, clearly trying to hit on me and I was not amused.
"That's none of your business. Stay away from me" I snapped at him, annoyed.
"I only approached you first because it seems like you really need this" he said, showing me the gem.
"I don't want to waste any more time. I'll buy that for double the price you paid," I said firmly no time to entertain his nonsense.
"Well, someone's loaded" he replied, a smirk on his face.
"Answer me" I demanded.
"I won't give this to you in exchange for money, but I'll give it to you on one condition, date me." I was shocked by what he said.
"What?!" I asked irritably.
He smiled. "Out of all the girls dying to be with me, you're the only one I liked" he said arrogantly.
"Hard pass" I said. "I don't need that anymore" I added and walked away, but he followed me.
"I thought you needed this?" he asked.
"Earlier, but not anymore" I replied.
He laughed. "I was just teasing you. Here, take it" he said, taking my hand and placing the gem on it. "That's yours now, I'm giving it for free because you're beautiful " he said and even winked.
I rolled my eyes but still took it since he gave it himself.
"Until we meet again, beautiful lady" he said and kissed my hand, so I quickly pulled it back, and he walked away.
Ugh, that guy is so annoying so full of himself!
I'm back at the mansion. I went straight to my room because I had something to do.
I spent the whole day making the brooch because I really wanted it to look beautiful. And not only did I make it look good, I also added enchantments using the combined power of my abilities.
When I finished making it, I placed it in a small gift box. I couldn't help but smile because of how beautifully it turned out.
As the days passed, I couldn't help but get annoyed because I kept running into Turad. It was so irritating he seemed to be following me wherever I went. It was getting on my nerves because he kept pestering me, always saying he liked me, even though I kept telling him that I already had a fiancé.
And sometimes, he even comes to our mansion just to visit me and annoy me. I swear, I'm this close to burning that guy alive.
"Who was that?" asked Zadkiel, who had just arrived at our mansion right after Turad had left.
I let out a deep sigh. "Someone I'm about to set on fire" I replied.
"Why? Is he bothering you?" he asked.
I nodded. "Want me to slice him up?" he asked as he suddenly pulled out his flame sword, his eyes darkening.
"Don't bother" I said.
"So, what are you doing here?" I asked him as he made his flame sword disappear.
"Can't I visit my fiancée?" he asked, making me smile.
"Of course you can," I said.
We were now in the garden.
"Don't be absent tomorrow on my birthday, okay?" he said while holding my hand.
"Of course" I replied.
While Zadkiel and I were talking, I saw that purple smoke again, just barely within my line of sight like someone was watching me.
What is that, really?
"Are you okay?" Zadkiel asked when he noticed I was zoning out.
"Ah, yeah" I replied.
"If something's bothering you, just tell me" He said, clearly concerned.
I smiled and nodded. For now, I couldn't tell him anything yet because even I wasn't sure what I was seeing.
"What's this?" I asked when he handed me a box.
"It's for you" he said, so I opened it and inside was a beautiful violet dress.
"Wear that tomorrow" he said.
"You really love giving me clothes, don't you?" I said.
"I just feel happy whenever I see you wearing the things I give you," he said with a smile. "You're probably going to say again that you wore it because you liked it, not because I wanted you to," he added, which made me laugh.
A little later...
"I'll be waiting for you tomorrow, my lady" Zadkiel said, then hugged me and kissed my forehead.
"I'll be there" I replied.
The next day.
The reason I was looking for the Tanzanite gem is because I'm making a brooch for Zadkiel since his birthday is in next week.
Today is Zadkiel's birthday, and we're on our way to the Obsidian Citadel Kingdom, riding a carriage. We could've gotten there faster by teleporting, but teleportation drains my energy since there's still a part of my power that I haven't fully mastered yet.
We've arrived at the palace there are so many people. As usual, The Obsidian Citadel Kingdom was nothing short of majestic. Towering spires made of polished black stone shimmered under the sunlight, casting elegant shadows across the palace grounds. The walls were lined with glowing runes, pulsating faintly with enchantments that spoke of ancient power and protection.
The grand entrance was guarded by royal knights in deep violet armor, their eyes sharp and alert. Lush gardens surrounded the pathways, filled with rare, exotic flowers that shimmered in shades of silver and deep purple, their scent subtly enchanting the air.
Inside the palace, the hall was filled with warm golden lights from floating crystal lanterns. The floor was a flawless obsidian mirror, reflecting the beauty of the guests and the grandeur of the crystal chandeliers above. Long velvet banners hung from the ceilings, each one embroidered with the royal crest a flaming sword encircled by a crescent moon.
Music echoed softly in the background, played by an ensemble of magical instruments floating and performing on their own.
"Delythena" I turned when someone called my name, Azmier and Crisella were walking toward me.
"We're happy to see you again" Azmier said.
I smiled. "Me too. How have you been?" I asked.
"We're doing okay, just staying strong" Azmier replied while holding Crisella's hand, which surprised me.
"You're together now?" I asked.
"She said she liked me, so I just made it happen" Crisella said smugly, which made me laugh.
A little while later, Zadkiel arrived, entering through the grand entrance and as always, he looked incredibly handsome no matter what he wore.
"Thank you" he said, then placed it on his chest, attaching it to his clothes right over his heart. Then he kissed me on the forehead. "I'll wear this all the time," he added, which made me smile.
I was slightly surprised when I saw the gem glow for a moment, but I didn't let it show.
Darkness fell, and everyone kept on celebrating as if there were no tomorrow.
Everyone was dancing, including Zadkiel and me in the center. But as we danced, I noticed that the purple smoke was here again, as if it were watching me.
But it never stayed long and would eventually disappear, so I just ignored it and enjoyed the moment. I'd think about it later I didn't want to ruin Zadkiel's birthday.
After a while, someone caught everyone's attention a man wearing a mask entered through the entrance. Everyone started whispering, wondering who he was.
Then suddenly, the atmosphere changed it became cold. Everyone was confused, and then shocked when a woman dressed in black suddenly appeared.
"Who are you?" Zadkiel asked.
Then, without warning, the man took off his mask, and I was stunned when I recognized him.
"Turad" I whispered.
Everyone suddenly screamed as the ground shook, and people started running in panic. Then, moments later, the woman unleashed a massive tornado inside the palace.
"Ugh, why do the enemies never end!" I said in frustration.
Everyone rushed outside as the woman summoned giant lions to attack.
"Who is it this time?" Crisella asked in annoyance.
"The witch," Zadkiel said as he recognized the woman.
"Witch?" I asked.
"She's a witch who can sense powerful energy, and she appears when she wants to take it" he explained.
I looked at Turad, and only now did I understand why he kept following us he's an ally of the witch.
I clenched my fists.
"You take care of the witch, I'll handle this one" I said, pointing at Turad.
I approached Turad.
He grinned. "You really are beautiful" he said.
"Shameless!" I snapped, blasting fire at him but he dodged it.
"Easy, haha" he taunted as he effortlessly evaded my attacks.
"I knew from the moment I first saw you that you were powerful" he said. "That's why I've been watching you because the time will come when we'll take that power from you."
I was shocked as his form began to change horns grew from his head, and dark veins spread across his body.
"You're so full of yourself" I said with a smirk. "You really think you can defeat me? I've already been to the Nothingness you can't beat me."
He grinned. "Not you, not yet. But him..." he said, turning to look at Zadkiel, who was fighting the witch. "Looks like his time has come to take your place" he added, leaving me confused and shaken.
I was stunned when flames suddenly engulfed the surroundings, and even more shocked when I saw Zadkiel losing control.
"We're not done yet!" I snapped at Turad before rushing toward Zadkiel.
"What's happening to you?" I asked in worry as I saw him slowly beginning to glow.
He smiled. "Turns out it's my time. I forgot... I was too caught up enjoying being with you" he said, leaving me even more confused.
"What are you talking about? I don't understand," I said, bewildered.
"My lady... I'm sorry" he said.
"Huh? Why?!" I asked, confused and afraid.
"I made a contract with the fire spirit to bring you back" he said.
My eyes widened at his words.
"What? Zadkiel, why would you do that?" I asked, tears starting to fall as I saw him slowly fading.
"So, you could find happiness" he said gently.
"Are you stupid? How could I be happy without you?" I cried.
"Always remember, I love you so much" he said, then kissed me before vanishing like ashes.
"No... way." I muttered.
"Zadkiel!" I screamed, shocked when everything suddenly froze.
Everyone around me stopped moving only I could.
"What's happening?" I muttered confusedly.
"We finally meet" said a voice behind me. I turned to see a woman dressed in purple, her long violet hair flowing. She was stunning.
"I've seen you too" I said. "Who are you? Why have you been watching me? Always lurking around me?"
She smiled. "Aether Spirit, at your service" she introduced herself, leaving me stunned.
"Aether Spirit?" I echoed in disbelief.
"The Spirit of Infinity" she added.
"What does that mean?" I asked.
"It's time for you to wield all the powers and unite the elements" she said. "Will you accept it?"
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "Yes" I answered.
Moments later, I was surrounded by a purple light, and with it, she disappeared. I suddenly found myself floating, enveloped in glowing energy. I closed my eyes, and when I opened them again I was back in reality.
"Infinity?" everyone gasped in shock.
I turned around and saw a massive purple phoenix behind me.
"Nice to see you again" I said with a grin. It bowed to me.
I didn't waste a second I quickly absorbed the enemies, their powers flowing into me.
The witch and Turad turned to smoke as I pulled them in, along with the rest of the enemies, until none were left.
"I can do everything, unlimited" I declared.
And because of that, I created a portal and entered the Nothingness.
"Fire spirit," I called, and it immediately appeared.
"Lady supreme" she bowed. "I know I stand no chance against you now that you wield the Infinity" it said. "You may take him," it added, making me smile.
"My lady" Zadkiel said.
I smiled back. "Let's go home."