It had been two weeks since Clover returned home, and a week since she last saw Prince Titus, the man she was starting to think of as her partner.
Although calling him her mate still felt strange, she could feel real emotions for him growing, and he had told her that they were set to marry in three months. The idea of getting married seemed rushed to her, but there wasn't much she could change about it. Prince Titus was determined; he had promised to stand by her as he prepared to head back to the immortal realm.
As their trip to the Immortal Realm drew closer, Clover focused on cherishing the moments she had left with her family. This farewell felt less intimidating compared to her first journey, especially since she would be leaving with her cousin Bernard, who was going to reunite with his mate, Maribelle, in the Shifters' Kingdom. Clover also found herself wondering about her elven friend, Isildur, and couldn't shake the feeling of missing her.
While spending time with her parents, Clover felt an urge to share her supernatural abilities with them but struggled to find the courage to do so. Her father had a strong fear of supernatural beings, particularly demons, but her cousin Mildred was very open-minded. Whenever Clover talked about her gift, Mildred was genuinely intrigued, perhaps because of their close relationship growing up.
Today was especially important as it was Mildred's high school graduation ceremony. Since Clover hadn't finished her own high school, she decided to attend as a supporter.
While she was getting ready, there was a knock on the door, and she turned to see Mildred coming in with her friends, Diana and Barbara. They greeted her with cheerful "Hey's," and Barbara and Diana pulled her into an exuberant hug.
After Clover wrapped up her preparations, she picked up her handbag and headed over to her parents' room to ask for their permission.
She knocked softly and peeked inside, saying, "Mom, Dad, I'm going to the graduation party with Mildred. I promise I'll be back at a reasonable hour." She paused, waiting to hear what they would say.
Her father appeared and replied, "You can go, but make sure to stick close to your cousin." He nodded, indicating that it was okay for them to leave.
Once they were outside, Clover was surprised to see Mildred arriving in Bernard's car. "Isn't that your brother's Jeep?" Clover asked, glancing at the vehicle with curiosity.
Mildred nodded, saying, "Yes, it is! I was shocked when he gave me the keys and said he wouldn't be needing it anymore."
Driven by curiosity, Mildred couldn't help but ask, "Is it true that the immortal realm has no cars?"
Clover raised an eyebrow. "Where did you hear that?"
Mildred shrugged, "Well, I kind of grilled my brother about it for a bit," she admitted.
Clover chuckled at her cousin's comment.
"Oh, definitely no vehicles at all. Let's just say that technology isn't on the agenda over there."
Mildred, intrigued, asked, "Seriously? How do they get around? You can't be saying they rely on carriages, right?"
Clover smiled. "They do use carriages, but only for those who don't have magical abilities. People with magic can teleport or open portals. Plus, some shapeshifters can actually fly!"
"So, shapeshifters can fly because of magic?" Mildred asked, wide-eyed.
"No, silly! I meant they transform into their animal forms, like dragon shifters," Clover explained to her cousin.
"Wait, did you just say dragons? They exist in the immortal realm? Yeah, I'm definitely not visiting you there. Those things are dangerous; it's way safer for us to stay in the mortal realm," Mildred responded.
"I get that they can be risky, but they're fiercely loyal to their families, much like my friend. He's a dragon too," Clover said, leaving Mildred spluttering in surprise at this unexpected revelation. She had never considered that dragons could take on human forms and made a mental note to avoid Prince Titus at all costs.
Once they were in the car, Mildred settled into the driver's seat while Clover gazed at their familiar neighborhood, watching children play across the street.
Breaking the brief silence, Diana asked, "Is living in the Immortal Realm really as beautiful as people say?"
Clover turned to her friend, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "What made you wonder about that?" she asked, eager to know more.
With a straightforward yet enthusiastic tone, Diana answered, "I was thinking it would be fun to visit you someday and see where you'll be living."
Clover's expression grew thoughtful as she replied, "But I heard that someone mentioned they wouldn't visit me there because the Immortal Realm is also home to dragons," she said with a playful grin, glancing at Mildred, who flinched at the mere thought of a dragon.
Diana finally understood that the Immortal Realm was a place where breathtaking beauty is intertwined with danger, walking a fine line between allure and risk. Her gaze drifted out the window, seemingly lost in a mix of memories and worries.
Mildred and the others exchanged concerned glances, unsure of how to respond to Clover's cryptic remark. Sensing their uncertainty, Clover attempted to clarify.
"Here's the deal," she said, turning to Diana. "The Immortal Realm can truly be a magnificent place to live, as long as you pick your companions wisely. If you don't, it's like jumping right into a pit of suffering." Her detailed account caused her friends to stop and think about the exciting yet dangerous aspects of that enchanting realm.
"But what drives you to return, knowing the risks? Why?" Mildred asked Clover, looking at her through the rearview mirror. It was clear that she was frustrated with Clover's nonchalant attitude toward the realm, which definitely required some caution.
"I'm connected to it, just like your brother is," Clover replied. "We have our partners, and soon my brother will be with us."
"Are you saying that if we enter the eternal realm, we'll become tied to it?" Barbara asked.
"No, you only become tethered if you cross the Hallow River," Clover explained.
Mildred's thoughts momentarily froze, and then she suddenly slowed down the car, pulling over to the side of the road.
She turned sharply to face Clover, her expression one of shock. "Are you telling me that the day you vanished, the person who took you threw you into the Hallow River?"
Clover shook her head. "No, that happened deep in the Hallow Forest. But something protecting the forest was chasing me, and I had no choice but to jump into the river to get away."
Tears welled in Mildred's eyes as she took in Clover's harrowing tale. The thought of her cousin going through such pain was nearly unbearable.
The Hallows were known for their dangers, and it was said that no one returned unharmed after venturing there. The fact that both Clover and her brother had survived such an ordeal seemed almost miraculous.
Clover tried to lighten the somber atmosphere with a joke about taking pictures, but it fell flat given the gravity of their situation.
Mildred's concern for her cousin was palpable, and Clover's carefree demeanor seemed to mask the true weight of her feelings. The bond between the cousins was evident, and Mildred's tears expressed her deep care and worry for Clover.
As Barbara took the driver's seat and Diana got comfortable in the front, Clover and Mildred found themselves enjoying a bit of privacy in the back.
Approaching the school, Mildred glanced at Clover, intrigued. "Do you think your fiancé will let you visit us in the mortal world after you get married?"
Clover's response was brief: "Yes, he will..." Just as she was about to elaborate, they arrived at a school bustling with students.
Finding a parking spot took longer than anticipated, prompting Clover to cover her face with a shawl since the Levine family hadn't made her return public yet. Once Mildred had collected herself, she joined Clover and the others as they exited the vehicle.
In the parking lot, Lauren stood with her parents and her disbelief was evident when she spotted Mildred behind the wheel of Bernard's beloved car.
A wave of pain washed over her as she remembered how often Bernard declined to give her rides, while now he seemed more than willing to let his sister drive. It struck her deeply, making her feel like she'd merely been a fleeting amusement in his life.
As the ceremony was getting underway, attendees settled into their seats, and students eagerly looked around to glimpse Mildred's guests.
The air buzzed with whispers and speculation about the mysterious visitors. When the official began to call out names for certificate distribution, restlessness swept through the audience, with students fidgeting in their seats and exchanging excited glances.
When Mildred's name was called, she stood up, tears streaming down her face. It was a bittersweet moment, knowing she should be celebrating it alongside Clover. As she made her way to the stage, a wave of sadness hit her, wondering if Clover would ever get her own certificate or diploma.
After reaching the stage, the official handed her the certificate, eliciting applause from the audience, Clover included. Clover beamed with joy, grateful to be home and witnessing this important moment with her cousin and friends.
While they enjoyed the festivities filled with photos and treats, Nicholas suddenly pushed through the crowd and headed straight for their group. Although Clover tried to shield her face with her shawl, he seemed to recognize her.
His arrival, however, unexpectedly caused Mildred to take a colder stance towards him. "What do you want? You're not lost, are you?" she asked, her tone icy.
Nicholas replied, "I just wanted to congratulate you."
Mildred snapped back, "The one you should be congratulating isn't here, so why are you bothering me?"
Nicholas's face softened with an apology as he said, "But you're still her cousin. I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry."
His words pierced Clover's heart. Remembering how deeply she had loved him made her feel foolish, especially knowing he had cheated on her with a girl who had bullied her. But in that moment, she was too angry to care about what he had said to Mildred.
The atmosphere shifted suddenly as Clover's fiancé walked in with his friends, strolling through the reception with an air of confidence. The crowd stepped aside to let them pass, and they soon reached the table where Mildred, Clover, and their friends were sitting, the tension thick with anticipation.
Titus approached Mildred, showing genuine concern as he asked if everything was alright. Mildred nodded, but her voice caught in her throat, revealing her struggle to cope with the moment.
Titus then gently lifted the shawl from Clover's head, looking confused. "Why are you hiding your face?" he asked. Clover shyly murmured, "Nothing," which only added to the mystery. As the shawl slipped away, the room fell silent, followed by gasps and whispers as everyone took in Clover's look.
Rumors flew around: did Clover fake her own kidnapping? Speculations bubbled, but Titus's reaction was different. He regarded Clover with warmth, speaking softly, "You look beautiful as always, but today you're stunning." Clover blushed at the compliment, her gaze dropping to the floor.
Titus's friend Vernon chuckled to himself, clearly used to Titus's charming ways. As Titus leaned in to whisper endearments into Clover's ear, she seemed both surprised and moved by his tenderness.
"Let's go somewhere; I want to show you something," he suggested. Clover couldn't find the words; they had planned to spend more time together to get to know each other better before the wedding. Gently pulling her closer, he murmured again, "You look beautiful as always, but today you're really something special."
His words made Clover turn red with embarrassment; she hadn't expected to hear something like that from the prince, and it was the first time someone had said it to her, apart from her family and close friends.
As they walked out of the reception area, Clover noticed with surprise that Titus's friends weren't coming with them. "Aren't your friends joining us?" she asked.
"No, they're really wrapped up in the mortal world, and Christopher has his eye on your cousin," Titus explained as he led Clover to the waiting car.
"But Chris is a vampire, and my cousin is terrified of supernatural beings," Clover said, trying to wrap her head around it.
"Don't worry, Christopher won't hurt your cousin," Titus assured her.
Clover nodded as they climbed into the car, the engine roaring to life. A heavy feeling settled in her chest as she left her friend behind with those immortals.
In the timeless expanse, two individuals were locked in a fierce battle against elusive shadows, a conflict that was both silent and extremely intense. The source of these shadows was a mystery.
One fighter had sustained serious injuries, with a deep claw mark on his shoulder that had caused significant blood loss due to the attacking shadows. Meanwhile, the other had cast a spell of silence to prevent them from attracting unwanted attention.
It soon became apparent that the fighters were Michelle and Raphael, trackers from the Light Kingdom. Their empress had dispatched them at Queen Seraphyn's request to locate the queen's niece, who had vanished in infancy alongside her mother.
The attackers were determined to prevent the girl from reuniting with her aunt. While Michelle suffered only minor injuries, Raphael focused on protecting her from the relentless onslaught.
Once the skirmish ended and all the shadows were defeated, Michelle used a spell to transport them to safety.
Immediately, she began to care for Raphael's wounds. Given her limited knowledge of the creatures in the immortal realm, she felt a surge of curiosity about their attackers. 'What were those things?' she asked, her voice trembling from the earlier encounter.
'Those creatures are known as reapers,' Raphael replied, grimacing with every step he took.
"Do you mean the Grim Reapers?" Michelle asked, perplexed. "But we're not dead, so why would they attack us?"
Raphael grimaced, feeling a jolt of pain in his shoulder. "These aren't Grim Reapers. They're reapers spawned from corrupted shadow stalkers. Usually, their eyes are a light blue, but these had red eyes, indicating they've been manipulated. If they inject their venom into you, you could become one of them."
As they made their way for about an hour, the forest thickened around them. Eventually, they stumbled upon an abandoned house, its dilapidated condition reflecting years of neglect. "Let's spend the night here," Raphael suggested. "We need to be ready for the journey to the mortal realm tomorrow."
While Michelle fell asleep, Raphael examined his wound. During the fight with the reapers, one had managed to inject him with venom, which was now slowly spreading through his veins. He realized he needed to find the princess quickly.
Meanwhile, not far from their location, someone was trailing their path.
The next morning, gentle sunlight poured into the room, casting a warm glow on Raphael's pale features. Even with Michelle's healing spell, he still felt a persistent pain in his shoulder, as if the reaper's venom was still lingering in his system.
The infection appeared to push back against the spell, leaving Raphael drained and exposed. It was obvious that Michelle was concerned for him, likely considering various methods to neutralize the venom.
As they prepared to teleport, Michelle's concern for Raphael was evident. "Can you teleport with me?" she asked, her eyes lingering on his wounded shoulder.
Though he was in pain, Raphael's determination shone through. "Yeah, I'll be fine. Just give me a minute. We need to outsmart whoever is after the princess." With Michelle's help, he carefully rose to his feet while she checked his wounds once more.
As they gathered their belongings, an air of excitement filled the room. They placed the sigil on a small white stone, which quickly began to glow with a soft blue light, and moments later, they vanished into the unknown. The quiet house fell silent, its secrets and their presence erased in an instant.
This teleportation marked the start of a new chapter in their journey, one filled with uncertainty and danger. As they stepped into the mortal realm, the stakes grew higher, and their determination to protect the princess would soon be put to the test.
Shortly after the two nephilim disappeared, Valen arrived with his team and several reapers.
Valen observed the scene, his keen eyes noting every detail as he assessed the situation. "Look for any evidence of the magic or spells they used to teleport," he instructed his team.
The mages dispersed, their fingers delicately tracing the air as they sought out remnants of the magic.
One mage stepped forward to Valen, his eyes sharp with intensity. "Your Highness, it seems they took whatever they used to make the sigil, but the air still hums with the lingering magic. I can use this to track them and pinpoint where they landed."
Valen's expression turned thoughtful, his mind racing with possibilities. "Do it," he urged, his voice low but firm.
The mage nodded and began to move his hands in a complex pattern, connecting with the residual magic. The tension in the atmosphere built as Valen's group prepared to follow the trail left by Michelle and Raphael.
His father, the king, had tasked him with eliminating the trackers and capturing the girl, and though Valen was unsure of his father's motives regarding her, he felt uneasy about the entire situation. He couldn't fully understand his father's obsession with his cousins, especially the girl he had never met, only having seen Thane from a distance.
He sensed there was something his father wasn't sharing about the whole matter.
The portal manifested near Ravenswood village, but the trackers had disappeared. It looked like they had teleported away almost immediately upon arriving in the village, and the faint magical residue made it impossible to trace their steps.
Valen's frustration was evident; he believed that with one of the trackers seriously injured, it should have been easy to find and eliminate them.
"We need to split into four pairs and search the area. If you don't locate them, feel free to search further. We have a week to handle this, and then we'll meet back here. Understand?" Valen declared, assuming command.
Everyone nodded in agreement, and then the teams set off in various directions to begin their search.