Ch. 256..260: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 256-260

Chapter 256: Odin, what’s going on?

Odin made his way out of the wedding hall toward the entrance when he spotted Griffin. His brows furrowed in confusion, and he approached Griffin with lightning speed.

"Why are you here?" Odin demanded, his voice edged with suspicion.

Griffin crossed his arms, meeting Odin’s gaze steadily. "I should be asking you that. Why have you come out with Venus?" he countered.

Seeing the need for privacy, Griffin pointed to their left, where a sprawling garden lay bathed in the soft glow of the evening. "Let’s continue this conversation over there," he suggested, gesturing toward the secluded area.

"Venus’s friend is getting married today. She insisted on coming, so I had to follow her here," Odin explained, his tone slightly defensive.

"Hmm. Take her home and don’t let her leave the house," Griffin asserted firmly.

"Why? Is something going on?" Odin asked, his concern evident.

Griffin sighed, his expression growing serious. "Qasima wiped out an entire human village last night. Everyone in the palace is on edge. She’s not an easy witch to deal with. Princess Alora asked me to check on her family, which is how I ended up here," he explained.

"Is Prince Magnus back?" Odin queried, his mind racing with the implications.

"Not yet," Griffin replied, shaking his head. "We fear that Qasima may target Princess Alora’s family. You remember the prophecy that Prince Magnus shared with us," he added, his voice tinged with worry.

Odin nodded, understanding the depth of the situation. "Mr. Norman and his wife are out of the city. Hopefully, they return safely," he murmured, his eyes reflecting his concern.

"Should I tell Venus about it?" Odin asked, his concern evident.

"Princess Alora doesn’t want to worry them unnecessarily. I’ve tightened the security around the Wilson Residence. Just make sure they stay inside," Griffin suggested.

Odin frowned, his brow arching in skepticism. "Since the witch is more powerful than most supernatural beings, wouldn’t it be easy for her to take down the security?"

Griffin hesitated, his confidence wavering. "Yes, but..." He paused, struggling to find the right words. "We have to hope that the added security will buy us some time and deter her. We’re doing everything we can to protect them, but we need to stay vigilant and be prepared for anything."

Odin nodded, though his worry remained. "Alright, I’ll keep them safe and make sure they don’t leave the house."

"Thank you, Odin. We can’t afford any mistakes now," Griffin said, appreciating Odin’s work. With that, he took his leave, disappearing into the night.

~~~~~

Serena warmly thanked Venus for being a part of her wedding day, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Please don’t leave early," she pleaded gently, "There’s still plenty of time before the ceremony starts."

Venus smiled, but there was a hint of discomfort in her eyes. "I would love to stay, Serena, but I’m feeling a bit unwell. Congratulations on your marriage. I’m truly happy for you," she said sincerely. She then wrapped her arms around Serena in a heartfelt hug.

As they reluctantly pulled away from the embrace, Serena’s mother approached them with a soft smile.

"Venus, don’t forget to take your return gift. We’ve prepared something special for every guest," she reminded her, gesturing to a beautifully wrapped package nearby. Venus nodded appreciatively, accepting the gift with a grateful smile before making her way to rest.

Finally, Venus made a discreet but determined exit from the wedding hall. Though she was hurt, she masked her feelings with a calm facade. Her eyes scanned the entrance, where the carriage awaited her, but to her dismay, she couldn’t spot Odin.

’Did he already leave?’ she thought anxiously, her pace quickening as she headed towards the carriage.

Suddenly, as if out of nowhere, both Odin and Griffin appeared in front of the carriage. Venus stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening in surprise. Griffin waved at her with a warm smile, while Odin stood beside him, looking calm and composed.

"Why is Griffin here?" Venus asked, her voice tinged with astonishment and confusion as she glanced between the two men.

"Well, I wanted to see Odin," Griffin replied with a friendly grin. "You look beautiful, Venus. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you dressed up like this. But why did you leave the wedding hall so early?" he asked, his gaze shifting to the elegantly wrapped gift basket in her hand.

Venus sighed softly, her expression a mix of fatigue and relief. "I didn’t feel well, so I thought it best to leave early," she explained, trying to keep her voice steady. "The carriage is going to be small for three," she muttered, eyeing the modest vehicle.

Griffin shook his head with a reassuring smile. "I won’t be joining you two. My conversation with Odin is over," he said, stepping back slightly to give them space.

Venus nodded, appreciating the gesture. Her thoughts quickly turned to her family. "How is my sister?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

"I haven’t been able to visit the palace since our parents have been away lately." She looked at Griffin expectantly, hoping for some comforting news.

"There’s no problem with that, Venus. Princess Alora is doing well," Griffin assured her, his tone calm and reassuring. He gave Odin a final, meaningful glance before taking his leave.

Venus watched Griffin walk away, then turned to Odin with a concerned expression. "Is everything alright?"

"Get into the carriage. We need to leave. I’m tired," Odin replied, his voice firm but gentle as he opened the carriage door for her.

Venus nodded and quickly stepped into the coach, settling comfortably on one side. Odin followed, closing the door behind him as the carriage began to move, leaving the wedding venue and its worries behind them.

"Odin, what’s going on? I think Griffin didn’t come here for some small reason. Is Alora doing fine?" Venus asked after some time.

"Your sister is completely fine. I’ll tell you once we arrive home," Odin stated, realizing there would be no use in hiding the truth.

 

Chapter 257: Alora, he referred to you

"Brother Alaric, you’re back! Was the village nearby?" Alora’s eyes widened with surprise as she greeted him.

"Yes, it’s just a short distance away. I returned moments ago specifically to speak with you. There’s something of great importance we must discuss," Alaric replied, his voice carrying a weighty seriousness.

Intrigued, Alora pressed, "What is it, Brother Alaric?" She sensed his urgency and promptly asked Melody and Selvina to give them privacy. Once alone, she leaned in, eager for Alaric to reveal his concerns.

"Alora, I haven’t shared this with anyone yet, but in the cave, I encountered someone. What the person said troubles me deeply. I didn’t want to accept it outright, but I couldn’t ignore the possibility either," Alaric explained, his expression troubled and voice laced with worry.

"Please tell me," Alora said.

"It was an old man. I think he used to live near the cave for a long time," Alaric stated. He rubbed his hands together in apprehension, still wondering how Alora would tackle with it.

Alora remained patient to hear from him. Finally, he ended the brief pause and continued, "I asked him who lay in that grave and his words were these: A vicious witch. She knows destruction. Even vampires were scared of him. No one can stand her. A woman with bewitching eyes, destined to sacrifice a loved one to save many. No one will survive if she fails. Clouds of darkness will linger over the kingdom!"

Alaric recounted the exact words spoken by the old man before he passed away. "I even asked him if there was any way to stop it," Alaric began, his voice trailing off as he lowered his eyes.

"What did he say?" Alora pressed eagerly. "Please, tell me," she urged with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.

After a pause, Alaric finally spoke, his tone heavy with reluctance, "He said... she has to die."

Alora stopped blinking and she fell into a deep contemplation.

"Alora, you can’t die. That’s why you should stay back from involving yourself," Alaric stated with a concerned gaze. "Magnus will find out this anyway. So, he would not even let you face Qasima."

"Brother Alaric," Alora pronounced and gazed at him again. "The old man didn’t specify who has to die. It can be either me or Qasima," she affirmed with a determined look.

"Alora, he referred to you. Qasima is invincible. And I know you’ll never scarifice your loved one to get rid of Qasima. What do you think will happen to Magnus? For years he has been away from here and never even bothered about living. He got to live because of you and you got to live because of him. So, Alora don’t volunteer yourself. I beg you," said Alaric, his voice filled with desperation.

"Brother Alaric, I understand your concern, but letting fear control us won’t lead to a positive outcome. I’ve lived in fear for a long time because of my eyes, always believing they were cursed. But I won’t let anyone be sacrificed on my behalf. If I can help, I will do so willingly. The old man’s statement was ambiguous—who knows? Perhaps I will succeed in defeating Qasima," Alora declared, her tone brimming with a newfound confidence that had been absent in most matters before.

"And I won’t do anything without discussing it with Magnus first," she reassured him firmly.

"Magnus would never agree to something so dangerous," Alaric replied, his voice thick with emotion. "And you are like a younger sister to me. I don’t want to lose you. As a vampire, I should be emotionally stronger, but I am not. That’s my weakness."

"Brother Alaric, nothing will happen to me. I can vouch on this. Trust me. Why should we fear of someone, whom we haven’t even faced? And it’s not wrong to have weakness, but don’t let the fear reach your mind to control it," she stated thoughtfully.

Alaric shook his head. "You volunteered yourself in front of Father. You don’t have to do that. I’m sure there will be more ways to perish Qasima. If our ancestors could do it, then it can happen again. That’s all I have to say to you. Understand the view I wanted to present to you," he implored.

Though he felt lighter to share such a big matter with Alora, at the same time, he felt deeply worried. His main purpose to tell the truth was to make Alora step back of it. But turns out, she would definitely go ahead to fight Qasima.

"I understand, Brother Alaric," Alora said, watching him rise from the sofa. Out of respect, she stood up as well.

"Take care, Alora," Alaric said, his voice full of concern, before he left the room.

Alora inhaled deeply, feeling a mix of determination and doubt. "I wish the Lunar Goddess or the Lunar God themselves would come to guide me," she murmured, her eyes drifting downward.

Just then, Griffin entered the drawing room and bowed deeply. "I have completed my task, Your Highness. Odin assured me he would keep your family safe, and the security has been tightened for the time being," he informed her.

"Thank you, Griffin," Alora expressed her gratitude, her eyes meeting his with sincerity. "And I’m sorry I couldn’t send Selvina outside," she added, her voice tinged with regret.

"Don’t be, Alora. That would embarrass me," Griffin replied in a gentle tone. He understood the current situation. "The situation isn’t right at the moment. But I’m grateful for your thoughtfulness. It shows how much you care, even in these trying times," he continued with a warm smile, hoping to alleviate some of her burdens.

"Once all this is over, I’ll definitely arrange an outing for both of you. I promise," Alora said with a smile.

"I would love that," Griffin responded warmly. "I’ll eagerly wait for that day," he added, his eyes reflecting his anticipation. "I shall go now," he bowed respectfully and left silently.

After watching Griffin leave, Alora sat back on the sofa, her mind swirling with thoughts about what Alaric had shared with her.

Chapter 258: Join me for supper

Melody gripped the tray tightly as she carried the dishes to the kitchen. After placing them on the washing counter, she made her way to the common room with Selvina, where all the servants gathered to eat together.

Just as she was about to enter, a fellow servant approached her urgently. "Melody, Prince Izaak wishes to see you immediately."

"At this hour?" Melody’s surprise was evident. Not wanting to keep the prince waiting, she hurried to the prince’s quarters. Upon entering, she was greeted by the sight of a table set for dinner.

"Join me for supper," Prince Izaak requested, his tone leaving no room for refusal.

Melody hesitated only for a moment before walking to the table. The prince graciously pulled out a chair for her. "Please, sit," he said gently.

Lowering her head in a gesture of respect, Melody took her seat, her mind racing with a flurry of questions. As Izaak took his place opposite her, he spoke with a calm demeanor, "I wanted to talk to you while having my dinner. That’s why I waited for you."

"It’s my pleasure to dine with you, Prince Izaak," she replied, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of thoughts. After a brief pause, she continued, "I’ve heard about the turmoil today. Princess Alora seemed quite troubled. And you, Prince Izaak? Are you being well? You must be exhausted from the day’s events." Her concern was evident in her eyes.

"I have faced many worries in my life," Izaak began, his voice carrying the weight of centuries. "I am 315 years old, but I never once felt scared until now. The witches have always been more powerful than us because of their magical abilities. Though we have maintained a good relationship with them, Qasima threatens to destroy it. A lot has been on my mind," he proclaimed.

"I thought immortal vampires were more powerful," Melody remarked.

"Yes, they are. But not the others. Let’s start dinner before it gets cold," Izaak said, picking up his fork to eat the steaks first.

Melody watched him for a moment before continuing, "Your Highness, trust in your abilities. No one even knows what happened thousands of years ago. Perhaps Qasima can be defeated more easily this time." She offered a positive smile.

Izaak looked at her, appreciating the encouragement in her words. He smiled back, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Thank you, Melody. Your optimism is refreshing."

After they finished their meals, Melody offered to take the dishes to the kitchen.

"No," Izaak said firmly, summoning a servant with a quick gesture. The servant bowed to Izaak and swiftly cleared the table.

"Wait for me in the bedchamber," Izaak instructed before walking away.

Left alone, Melody’s mind wandered to the kiss they had shared earlier. She tried to dismiss the thought, murmuring to herself, "How could you think about that?" and lightly tapped her forehead with her palm.

Moving her one foot back and forth, Melody calmly waited for Izaak to come. She stopped and turned her head only to find he was in his night outfit, a pair of silk robe with a long upper robe.

"If you are sleepy, you can tell me," Izaak opined.

"I am not," Melody lied. She wanted to stay by Izaak’s side, especially in this troubled time.

"Great," Izaak said and held her hand, taking her to the bed. He was careful about not making her feel uncomfortable. "I want you to help me fall asleep. Because when I’m deprive of sleep, I lost my control over my blood thirst," he truthfully confided in hef.

"How am I supposed to make Prince Izaak sleep? Do I have to sing a lullaby for him?" Melody asked, her eyes filled with confusion.

"You can sing?" Izaak arched an eyebrow in amusement.

"I’ve never sung in front of others before. Prince Izaak might think I sing badly," Melody admitted.

"But your name is Melody. Anything that comes out of your mouth will be sweet," Izaak said with a smile. He lay down, covering himself with the silk sheet.

Melody turned to face him, gracefully tucking her legs to one side. "Umm... Why doesn’t Prince Izaak close his eyes?" she suggested softly.

"And what will happen after that?" Izaak asked.

"Close your eyes first," Melody said.

He did what he was asked and shut his eyes. He felt her hand on his chest, he could feel the hesitation she felt while doing so. The heart in his chest pound the moment her soft hand touched his chest and then, began the gentle caresses.

She was nervous a bit, however, she began singing the lullaby for Izaak. His heart could not stop racing more and more. She was as sweet as a nightingale while singing. And the lullaby was so soothing that his nerves calmed down along with his mind.

After fifteen minutes, Melody gently waved her hand above Izaak’s face to check if he was asleep. To her relief, he had indeed fallen into a peaceful slumber. She gradually stopped singing the lullaby and carefully withdrew her hand from his chest.

Turning around, Melody slid off the bed with utmost care, ensuring she didn’t disturb Izaak’s sleep. She slipped on her sandals and blew out the candles, plunging the chamber into darkness. Quietly, she stepped out of the bedroom and closed the door softly behind her.

As she turned around, her eyes met Zerah’s, who was standing there, watching her intently.

"Prince Izaak has summoned me earlier," Melody said.

"I know. It’s good that you are behaving well around Prince Izaak. He holds you in high regard," Zerah stated, then gently urged her to retire to her bed.

Melody bowed respectfully and exited the chamber. As she walked down the corridor, she could hear her own heartbeat echoing in her ears—a validation of the effect Izaak had on her. Her heart had begun to harbor feelings for him.

Suddenly, she slipped on the marble floor and a startled cry escaping her lips as she realized her hand was broken.

 

Chapter 259: Only married couples do

Melody glanced down at her hand, wincing as a sharp, throbbing pain radiated through it. It felt as though every bone had shattered. She scanned the deserted corridor, her heart sinking with the realization that there was no one around to help her.

Determined to stand, she tried getting up again, but her sandal slipped once more. Her foot came down hard on the slick surface, sending another jolt of pain through her body.

She looked down and saw the culprit—oil spread across the floor. This time, her foot twisted painfully from the fall, and tears welled up in her eyes.

She felt she would have to crawl to reach a point where she could call for help. Just as she steeled herself for the painful effort, she was suddenly lifted into strong arms.

Startled, she looked up and saw Izaak. Relief and confusion washed over her, and she broke into tears without knowing why.

Izaak didn’t waste any time. He carried her swiftly into his chamber, his grip firm yet gentle around her.

"Zerah, call the physician!" Izaak commanded as he carefully settled Melody onto a soft mattress. Zerah nodded quickly and rushed out to fetch help.

Izaak gently wiped Melody’s tears with his thumb and softly asked her not to cry. She tightly pursed her lips together, trying to hold back her tears, and looked straight into his eyes. He found her cute, but now was not the time to mention it. His only concern was understanding the extent of her injuries.

"Your Highness, the physician is here!" Zerah announced, entering the room with the royal physician.

Izaak promptly stood up and turned to face the physician. "Please, check her. She has hurt her hand and her feet," he instructed, his voice filled with urgency.

The royal physician bowed to the prince before quickly examining Melody’s hand and right foot, which she had indicated were injured.

"Her hand is sprained, as is her right foot," he said. "She needs to rest both for at least a few days." He applied a gel-like substance over the affected areas to reduce the swelling and pain.

Seeing the need to immobilize her hand, he tied a bandage around her right forearm and fashioned a sling of the same bandage to support her arm from her neck. He then carefully wrapped her right foot in a bandage as well.

Leaving his place, the royal physician bowed to Izaak and informed him that the pain should subside within a few days, emphasizing the necessity of rest.

"She is in pain. Give her some pain relief medicine," Izaak urged, extending his hand.

The royal physician quickly rummaged through his sturdy cloth bag and took out a tiny wooden flask. He handed a box of pills to Izaak, instructing, "Two a day are enough, Your Highness."

"Hmm. Thank you," Izaak said, turning back to Melody as the physician left with Zerah.

Pouring a glass of water, Izaak sat before Melody and gently asked her to open her mouth. She complied, sticking out her tongue as he instructed. Izaak carefully placed the pill on her tongue and brought the glass of water to her lips, helping her drink. Once she swallowed the pill, he pulled back his arm and set the glass on the table beside her.

Facing her, Izaak caressed her hair and told her she should lay down.

"No, I can’t here," Melody said.

"Why?" Izaak questioned.

"Because–" Her words ceased in her mouth seeing the anger and concern in his eyes.

"You aren’t leaving tonight," he stated.

"How did His Highness wake up? I thought he went to sleep," Melody murmured.

"I was, but I heard your cry," Izaak said.

"How? I was far from here," Melody got perplexed thinking how he heard her cry when they were so far.

"I don’t know. My body just woke up and followed you," Izaak answered. When Melody didn’t lie down, he made her and covered her from the silk sheets. "If I found you moving, you’ll be punished," he stated and left the chamber in another second.

Melody stayed where she was, her heart fluttering nervously in her chest. After a few moments, Izaak returned to the room and quietly extinguished the candles that Zerah had arranged earlier.

Her mind raced with questions as she watched him in the dim glow. Why was he doing this?

As the candlelight faded, she discerned his red eyes, glinting in the shadows of the chamber. Curiously, she followed his gaze and realized he was lying down beside her.

In the next instant, he drew her gently into his arms, enveloping her in a tender embrace. She felt her breath catch in her throat, uncertain yet strangely comforted by his closeness in the quiet darkness of the room.

"Sleep," Izaak gently urged.

"It’s difficult to sleep like this," Melody confessed softly.

"Why? Do you dislike me holding you to sleep?" he asked, genuinely curious.

"No. I mean... It’s something only married couples do," Melody whispered, feeling a blush creep onto her cheeks.

"Then marry me," Izaak declared, surprising her with his directness.

Melody was momentarily speechless, staring into his intense red pupils. She lowered her eyes, feeling overwhelmed, until she felt a tender kiss on the middle of her forehead.

"Close your eyes. It’s time to sleep," Izaak gently directed, his voice both warm and reassuring.

"How am I supposed to sleep in such a position?" Melody voiced her uncertainty, feeling the weight of the intimacy between them.

"Why? What’s wrong with it? We aren’t doing anything inappropriate, are we?" Izaak’s question made her gulp, the blush deepening on her cheeks.

Melody realized she couldn’t leave the room tonight, so she closed her eyes, ready to embrace sleep. Despite the initial awkwardness and the swirling emotions, the comfort of his presence and the tender embrace gradually eased her into a sense of calm, allowing her to drift off into a peaceful slumber.

Izaak, too, fell asleep while holding her in his close embrace.

Chapter 260: The Lunar God, Raphael

Magnus tapped his fingers on the cup, looking at the dark sky when he sensed the presence of an aura, a much stronger energy, which he had never before. He narrowly moved his eyes and slowly turned around.

However, to his surprise, there was no one behind him. He furrowed his brows together. His instincts were always strong, but at the moment, they seemed to betray him– as if his mind created an illusion for a brief moment.

However, one person did bother him. He didn’t wish to believe it, but he couldn’t totally ignore this factor.

Finishing the wine from the cup, he walked into the room only to encounter an unknown woman.

"Qasima!" Magnus pronounced her name.

"You recognized me," Qasima said with a smile.

"You are speaking in a way that I should be able to recognize you, Qasima," Magnus remarked with a chuckle. "You are the only person, who can enter this room without opening the door by using your magic," Magnus stated.

He noticed Qasima had gained a good amount of energy back. He already had the idea of how she sacrificed an entire village. What bothered Magnus was how she found him out and why she was here.

"Don’t you wish to know why I’m here, Magnus Lukeson?" Qasima asked, an evil smile playing on her lips. She walked towards him with slow, deliberate strides, her gaze never leaving his. Magnus stood his ground, unmoving, as Qasima halted just inches away from him.

"You are my next sacrifice, Magnus," Qasima declared, her voice dripping with malice. "Your great-grandmother tried desperately to rid the world of me. She did everything in her power to conceal the prophecy," she continued, her smirk widening.

"So, are you here to sacrifice me already?" Magnus asked, his eyes boring into hers. Though he couldn’t read her mind, he made sure to convey that he wasn’t afraid of her.

"No. Not now. You have fifteen days to enjoy the time with your wife, Alora. She helped me get freed, so at least I should do this for her," Qasima said.

"Do you think I’m a fool? State your reason for coming here, Qasima. You don’t want to possibly warn me fifteen days before the sacrifice ritual you want to perform," Magnus stated in a stern tone.

Qasima was stunned to find that he saw through her lie. But, how? He couldn’t possibly read her mind.

"No. Not now. You have fifteen days to enjoy the time you have left with your dear wife, Alora. She played a crucial role in my release, so it’s only fair I grant her this small mercy," Qasima said, her smile widening maliciously as she savored the moment.

Magnus’s eyes narrowed, his voice unyielding. "Do you take me for a fool? State your true reason for being here, Qasima. You wouldn’t risk coming here just to warn me fifteen days before the sacrificial ritual you plan to conduct."

"You should have gone to Alora, but you can’t. She could have been scared hearing this lie of yours. Shall I tell you why?" Magnus kept his gaze on her, wanting to show her threats didn’t work on him.

"Alora is protected by those eyes. You’ll be burned alive. I can see the fear in your eyes, Qasima," Magnus asserted.

Qasima laughed as she retreated on her steps. "Don’t beg me later that I didn’t warn you, Magnus Lukeson," she said and disappeared with a gust of the wind.

Magnus glanced toward the balcony door and frowned. "Why was she here to see me?" He murmured.

~~~~~

The next morning, Alora woke up quite early. After freshening up and taking a bath, she headed to the garden to spend some time among the plants, a new routine she had recently adopted to find peace and clarity. The early morning sun cast a soft glow after so many days over the dewy leaves, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers.

As she strolled along the shady path, enjoying the tranquility, her eyes were drawn to an unfamiliar figure standing near the pond. He was a striking sight, dressed entirely in white, with silver hair that shimmered in the morning light. Alora’s brow furrowed in curiosity and concern; she couldn’t recall ever seeing this man before.

She paused for a moment, considering her options. Who was this man? His appearance was almost otherworldly, and she couldn’t help but wonder if Magnus had a relative, perhaps a cousin, he had neglected to mention.

Alora strode to him and halted a few meters behind him.

"Excuse me, Mister," Alora said.

The man turned around, and for a moment, Alora was dumbfounded. He exuded a mesmerizing aura, almost as if he were some kind of god. A strange glow radiated from his face, illuminating the air around him.

"It’s a pleasure to see you, Alora," the man said, taking a few steps toward her. "You called me, and here I am!" he pronounced with a radiant smile.

Alora’s eyes widened at his remark. "I never called you, Mister. Don’t lie so early in the morning. Are you perhaps Magnus’s cousin? I’m his wife," she stated firmly.

Alora felt it was necessary to reveal her identity to this unknown man. Her eyes narrowed with suspicion, and she shot an angry glance at him before considering walking in the other direction.

"This is wrong, Alora. I chose you to carry those eyes, and you speak to me this way," the man pronounced, his voice both gentle and commanding, sending a shock through Alora’s body.

"Ar-are you..." Alora stammered, unable to form the words as her mind raced.

"You are right. I am the Lunar God, Raphael," he confirmed, his smile unwavering, serene, and filled with otherworldly kindness.

Alora’s breath caught in her throat. She couldn’t believe her eyes and ears. She was standing before the Lunar God.

Her mind whirled with disbelief, and she instinctively shook her head, rubbing her eyes as if to dispel an illusion. But when she opened them again, Raphael was still there, clearing her that it wasn’t an illusion.

"I have a lot of complaints from the Lunar God. Did Stella share them with you?" Alora asked tentatively, her voice betraying a mix of curiosity and nervousness.

"Yes, she did," Raphael answered calmly, his expression serene yet deeply perceptive. "I understand that currently, you’re not troubled by these eyes, but rather by the incidents occurring around you," he added, his voice carrying a weight of understanding.

Alora nodded slowly, her gaze falling to the ground. "Yes. The lives of my loved ones are at risk. I can’t bear the thought of losing anyone else, Lunar God," she asserted softly.

"Brother Alaric told me yesterday that an old man warned him to save others, even if it meant sacrificing a loved one. Isn’t that wrong? Evil should be eradicated without such conditions," Alora stated while gazing into his hazel eyes once again.

She found there wasn’t a single line of worry on the Lunar God’s face. It bothered Alora more.

"Alora, you forgot what Stella had told you," Raphael pronounced. "No one can harm you, no one can touch you as long as you don’t want the person to be near you. Your loved ones will be protected because of these eyes. You have to bring a balance between the three species. Those who want to use you for their benefits shall perish," Raphael affirmed.

"Then, why that old man..." Her words trailed off as she knitted her brows together.

"Isn’t Qasima a strong witch with dark magic? Do you think she won’t instill fear about her in your loved ones? You need to believe in yourself. You can do what others can’t. That’s your purpose," Raphael proclaimed.

Alora’s mind started getting clear. "So, it was Qasima’s plan?" she asked.

"Yes," Raphael confirmed.

"Then, no one has to fear her," Alora stated.

"Don’t underestimate the witches. They hold magical powers," Raphael elucidated to her.

"They say a prophecy exists about me. Is that true?" Alora asked another question.

"Yes. Qasima can’t come close to you, so she will bring fear to the people around you to get to you. What do you think is the most common element in any ritual that witches perform?" Raphael asked.

"Blood," Alora answered.

"She wants your blood," Raphael replied. "Trust your abilities and fight her when the time comes. There’s an event after fifteen days. A hexagonal event of the stars. It’s a rare event for the people here," he elaborated to her while giving her the hints.

Alora hummed as she began understanding everything.

"Why did the Lunar God never come to me before? Why do I have to undergo so many sufferings?" Alora asked him.

"Perhaps that was destined, Alora. You never tried to call me with heart. You were always angry about your eyes. You never loved yourself until Magnus arrived in your life. Last night, you were different with a strong spirit," Raphael explained to her.

Alora was astonished to hear that explanation. "So, I was supposed to understand everything on my own," she murmured.

"You were supposed to have a belief," Raphael corrected her. "Are your questions over? If yes, I’ll leave then," he stated.

"Will you never come again?" Alora asked.

"Depends," Raphael stated with a smile before disappearing from her sight.

"Thank you, Lunar God!" Alora said as the white flowers flew along with a cool breeze and she found a white stone bracelet suddenly appearing around her hand.

Alora smiled to see that and looked at the sky in joy.

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The Lunar God’s character image is uploaded. Do check 😊