~Sure Promise~


Skies above mount Killarous, six months later


With a loud thunder, the clouds above the sky of Merichio broke in half as Avernus' fire armatization form soared through the sky. Armatized with Lailah, Avernus' pact boosted by her power, and he pulled himself up, gaining altitude above the dense cloud formations and meeting with a clear sky. He smiled at the endless azure that stretched to the infinite.

"You've grown so strong, Lailah."

"You are amazing as always, Avernus! I can still feel the blessing of all Empyreans flowing through your body."

Avernus gazed down over Hellawes as the clouds beneath them dispersed. "Sometimes, it is so strange healing their voice. Eumacia's reluctant to talk because of Melchior, but I told him it's fine. Those people are long gone, and I come to terms with what we had to do. Velvet and I are moved on, and so they and their vessels should do too."

"That's right," Lailah said and giggled silently. "I heard from Maotelus that you advised him to assign Morgrim to Musiphe because of Shigure's feelings toward her."

Avernus smiled proudly. "Morgrim is happier this way, and I think Musiphe would enjoy her company too. Musiphie might not be the real Shigure, but his memories are there. Hyanoa and Amenoch are both sharing a concentrated bond as Oscar and Teresa would do. The Empyreans will eventually have to come into terms with their borrowed vessels. After seeing Innominat and Tiamat, I'm sure dealing with those memories will be hard for them as it is for us."

"You are a softie, brother," Lailah said, praising him. "For me, for Maotelus, for Eleanor-san, Magilou-san, For everyone… And especially for Velvet." Her voice suddenly gloomed at the end.

And Avernus quickly caught that.

"Is there something wrong, Lailah?"

She was nearly panicked. "N-No! What do you mean?!"

"You sounded sad when you mentioned Velvet. What happened? Did she say something?"

Lailah sighed. "Since you two came back from your travels, Velvet is different..."

Avernus banked his body hard to the right, going straight towards the shore. "How do you know?"

"When Velvet went to meet Dyle, Meddissa, and Kamoana to check on Orthie and Russ, she changed a bit… I could feel her emotions." Lailah said silently.

Avernus had a hunch for explaining their connection. A theory of why Lailah and Velvet became so close in a matter of days. Lailah didn't know why she had an easy time calling Velvet "sister," but Velvet did, and she didn't talk about it. But as they all felt, those past lives were gone. Celica and Seres were different persons, and so was Lailah. Whatever the explanation was, it didn't matter.

It was time to focus on living and look for the future.

"So Velvet was sad when she met them? Did something happen to Orthie and Russ?" Avernus asked.

"No. The dogs are fine. It's just Velvet…" Lailah paused, unsure whether to not tell Avernus her mind.

"It's about family, isn't it?" Avernus said.

Lailah silently gasped at Avernus' correct predication. He was sharp as ever. "Y-Yeah…"

Avernus dug into his pocket and pulled a small shining stone. During the morning, Avernus borrowed Lailah from Maotelus, and they both went on jewel hunting inside mount Killarus. Navigating through lava, burning air, and smoke, they managed to acquire a magical diamond-like stone from the mana veins that once transported the four exorcists' souls and awakened the Empyreans. Avernus told Lailah he wanted the jewel for an accessory. He wasn't lying, but Avernus left the crucial details as it was for a unique accessory that not even Lailah should know. The sun rays reflected beautifully from the texture of the jewel and into his eyes.

"I just got the idea… if she agrees." Avernus mumbled silently.

"Huh?"

"Nothing," Avernus said, putting the stone back in his pocket. "Let's fly back to the capital. I've got an appointment with a jeweller."

"Don't forget that you also need to meet with Magilou-san too. She insisted that she needs to check your attire for the party."

"Thanks, Lailah. I totally forgot." Avernus said, remembering the royal party that king Percival would throw was in a few days. His eyes glittered as a thought crossed his mind; he should bring Velvet along, for it was the perfect time to start his plan. Avernus locked his arms to his sides. "Let's go."

His core surged with Lailah's power, and they soared above the ocean to Loegres.


Zekson Harbour, The Evening of the Royal Party - Velvet


The sun was beginning to set. The Hyland empire's boats and ships were scattered over the port like fall leaves in a pond. Van Eltia was resting in its particular pier quietly. Velvet had already left the vessel in the hands of Benwick and was waiting near the Zekson gates for Eleanor. Avernus managed to talk her into accompanying him to the royal party. They were back from their travels, and it meant only one thing; Velvet had to return to the sea while Avernus was busy with the royal court. She was against the party at first and didn't make it easy for the son of Claudin, but that was nothing but a show Velvet put up as she would've traded, even more, just to spend more time together before they had to eventually part again.

Velvet sighed silently in her dreamy thoughts, remembering Medissa's beaming face when she visited them to get her dogs back. Dyle, Medissa and Kamoana were happy as a family. What if...

Distracted by her thoughts, Velvet noticed a carriage came to a stop in front of her, and a footman hopped off the back. He bowed courteously.

"Madam Velvet, I presume? I'm under-butler and head footman at the Asgard Estate..."

Suddenly, the door was opened, and Eleanor leaned out of the carriage, waving a hand. "Hey, Velvet! Come on up!"

The footman cut his introduction short and beckoned to the carriage. "...If you may, Miss."

Velvet slid into the carriage and joined Eleanor as the horses pull away from the Zekson gates.

"You didn't have to do this. We could've walked." Velvet said.

Eleanor let out a silent giggle, her voice shifting to a formal tone. "If it pleases you, Phantom Queen, Ambassador Diphda has made arrangements at a dressmaker's shop along the way."

Velvet crossed her leg and leaned comfortably into the leathery seats. "Sounds like Mr. Ambassador is a real gentleman."

"He was always like that, and he never changed," Eleanor said. "So, did Maotelus visit you today?"

Velvet intuitively smiled, remembering Phi consuming his quiche in massive chomps of his gnashers, gulping it down without pausing. The new god of Midgand had surely missed his big sister's cooking. "Yeah. Phi was fine. We had a long talk together in the afternoon." Velvet looked over the window. "I owe my life to Avernus and Phi. They both endured a lot for me. I can't imagine what my fate would've been if things were played out differently. But I know this that I would've missed them all."

"You are right, but…" Eleanor cleared her throat and bobbed her head, looking serious. "This is no time for you to gloom over might and maybes! This is a special night…."

Velvet raised a brow in surprise. "Special night?"

Eleanor gasped faintly as she nearly spilled the beans. She frowned to keep her ruse. "Y-Yes! You need some fun too, and what's the best place for us to hang out t-than this party."

"I can think of a lot of better places to hang out." Velvet said. "But you are right. We can enjoy ourselves there too."

Eleanor slumped into the seat as her tense posture loosened. The stress of nearly ruining the surprise sucked all the energy from her.

They arrived at a lavish shop not long after. Velvet and Eleanor entered, noting the exquisite gowns, dresses, and hats surrounding them.

"All of them are marvellous, Velvet," Eleanor said, eyes sweeping across the racks. "...And we need a dress befitting the Ambassador's guest…"

"You do realize I'm still the same person I was a weak ago, yes?" Velvet asked, glancing sideways at Eleanor's excited face.

"That doesn't mean you can't wear something pretty for tonight," Eleanor said, flitting around the shop, and returning soon with several dresses.

Velvet gazed uninterestingly over them. "Are those all for me?"

"Well, they're not for me. Go ahead and try them on!"

Velvet walked to Eleanor as she held the dresses up for, running the exquisite beading and silken fabrics through her fingers.

"They are too colourful…" Velvet said. "It's not like it is one of the utmost importance to impress today."

Her eyes fell on a black dress, and noticed a tag hanging over it. It read:

This one's sheer elegance. It keeps an air of mystery about Velvet.

Velvet immediately recognized the handwriting.

"Did Avernus write this?" Velvet asked.

Eleanor gasped and bit her lips. "Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. It's my fault. I was supposed to take the note off of it. Avernus had the tailor create it for you, but I disagreed with it."

"Why?"

"The design… It's too simple," Eleanor said, raising other dresses she was carrying. "You can have a look at these too. It doesn't hurt to try them on at least..."

Velvet ran her hands across the delicate black fabric of the dress Avernus ordered it for. "I'll try this." She took the dress and went into the room. After a few minutes, Velvet came out and spun around, admiring the dress in the mirror. It was a form-fitting black asymmetrical dress. Velvet paired it with a lacy glove on her left arm, along with a similarly lacy choker. She also wore a pair of black ankle boots with high heels.

Eleanor nodded as she checked the dress and noticed Velvet's satisfied smile. "It looks quite suitable for you, Velvet." She put the rest of the dresses on a nearby table as she knew it was a waste of energy to convince her to try other dresses. "Come. We need to prepare our hairs too, and yours is going to take time."

Velvet nodded and headed upstairs, following Eleanor. "Do you know how the party will be?"

"Besides the normal gossip and introductions, there will, of course, be music and dancing and games…"

"Dancing, huh?" Velvet said.

Eleanor opened the door to a room with dressing and vanity tables. "It's no matter, Velvet. You're quite light on your feet. But haven't you danced before?"

Velvet seated behind a makeup table and opened her hair band, letting loose all that long, silky dark hair. "I did before when I was living with Arthur and Laphi. I'm much more familiar with simple country dances than their fashionable waltzes and cotillions."

Eleanor hanged her chosen dress from the clothing rack and smiled proudly. "I can teach you the Boulanger for now."

"Boulanger?"

"Yes! For Boulanger, we'll start in a large circle with three other couples, and curtsy to whoever is your partner." Eleanor explained.

"Oh, it's the one the people all turn in a group then move to the other way…" Velvet combed her hair, tipping her head to the side. "I don't think I want to do that, Eleanor. I'll stick by Avernus and see what he'll do."

Eleanor dropped her shoulders in disappointment and opened the drawer, picking up a brush. "Suit yourself. But if you changed your mind, we still have time…"

"You know I accepted this invitation to spend more time with him." Velvet interrupted her calmly. "It may be our last night together before I have to move away from the capital, and staying with him tonight is the only thing on my mind right now."

Eleanor smiled to herself. "Then why not just be with him? You know..."

"I can't. Van Eltia's my home, and I have my men and their families to look after." Velvet picked up a pair of golden moon-like earrings from a small box, putting them on. "Besides, a lot more Hyland ships are arriving from the far continent, and they need an escort. With the naval power of the royal army still recovering, they need our help more than ever." Velvet leaned toward the mirror, starting to draw her eyeliners. "Phi, Avernus, and you, Eleanor, are all working so hard to clear up after Artorius and me. Then why I shouldn't do my part when you need me the most?"

Eleanor opened her cosmetic bag, digging through her eyeshadows, highlighters, and perfumes. "I didn't know the Phantom Queen grew a soft spot for us." She giggled. "But I'm glad you and the crew of Van Eltia helping us. However, it comes down to know what you really want."

Velvet looked at Eleanor's reflection in the mirror for a second and paused.

"What do I really want.."


The Asgard Mansion, The Evening of the Royal Party - Avernus


Avernus was standing in front of a large mirror, closing the buttons of his white shirt. Then suddenly, the door burst open, and Magilou hurried inside, shopping bags dangling from her arms.

Avernus' eyes widened at her intrusion.

Magilou sneered. "What are you doing?! You know we got a party to catch on, and you have a date with the dreadful girl of this continent tonight!"

"Um… come again? But, like, calmer this time."

Magilou grinned at him with a wild gleam in her eyes. "I know Tia spoiled you pretty bad when she was your big sister, but since you accepted me as your great big sister, I shall discipline you on your shortcomings as soon as I see them!"

Avernus groaned and turned back to the mirror. "I never asked you to become my big sister."

Magilou maintained her mischievous grin as if she did not hear him nor cared. "It's a super-exclusive thing. You are so lucky that I'm here and not leaving you alone to the wolf."

There was no winning against Magilou, but her help was one thing Avernus desperately needed for tonight. Magilou sensed a stressed feeling behind his composed eyes. "What's with that glass half empty look? Sober up, it's not like you have to fight both Artorius and Innominat again."

"I'd rather go for round two at this rate…" Avernus heaved a breath and strengthened his chest, trying to tame the excitement. "But you are right. I can do this."

With a delighted squeal, Magilou hefted the shopping bags onto the desk and began digging through them. "Inspired as your big sister, I made a pit stop at Loegres' jewelry and clothing shop and found you the perfect compliments for your look tonight!" Magilou pulled a small box, opening it and showing him a pair of long emerald earrings. They glittered in the light. "Since it is not so elegant that you use those feathers again, I selected these two pieces of art instead."

Avernus moved to her side and picked the earrings. "They're real emeralds! How did you get the money for these?"

Magilou pursed her lips and grinned afterward. "They've put them on your… account."

Avernus' brows knotted. "Huh?"

"I told them I'm Ambassodor's Diphda's sister, and they just gave me earrings and even the outfit you've ordered."

"You did what?!" Avernus fully turned to her. "You know these are worth like half a year's salary! And why did they gave them to you of all people?!"

Magilou raised a finger and acted as she was on the right side of the argument. "They took a brief look at me, and they noticed our uncanny resemblance. And don't worry about the money. Velvet's been practically robbing other pirate ships and finding treasures for the past two years."

"Do you mean that I should ask Velvet for the money?" Avernus crossed his arms and shook his head. "Never."

Magilou rolled his eyes in disappointment. "Ugh, so what? Does your ego get in the way? If I were you, I would leave this boring job and just enjoy Van Eltia's piled up wealth. I'm sure she'll be happy to spend some of it at least on you."

"It's not about money or fame. It's about responsibility and something I have to do, Magilou."

She scoffed and went for the other, bigger bag. "Give me a break. You, Laphicet, and Eleanor sometimes really get on my nerves. Haven't you preached that we're free to do whatever we want?"

"Yes. And staying and helping with rebuilding the Midgand is the least I can do… for Velvet." Avernus said, eyes flitting with hope and confidence. "If I don't do it, if I don't make things better, Velvet will never fully forgive herself."

Magilou shook her head slowly and waved a hand. "Whatever, do what you want to do." She pulled a gleaming dark outfit with golden embroidery, the fabric shifting through her hands. "Here, take your coat and put it on. I want to be the first one to see you in it."

Avernus took the clothes, the costume slanging over his arm, and disappeared behind the dressing divider. A short while later, Avernus stepped out of the changing room and did a slow spin in front of the mirror. "It is decent…" Avernus said, checking his formal dress with approval.

Magilou sized up slowly with a grin and whistled. "My my. You look stunning, Avernus. I can see Claudin's genes are well preserved. Even better than the Asgardian family themselves."

Avernus' eyes scanned his attire on the mirror and favourably nodded. "Well, hearing that from you, I'll take it."

Avernus sensed a guardian paper levitating near his head, and before he could turn, the paper smacked him in the back of the head. "Oh, what-"

Suddenly Magilou's voice growled. "You haven't told me how I look in my new dress!"

Avernus didn't notice Magilou's new dress; she wore a bell-like skirt with a long backside and very short frolic front, and a pair of long knee-high socks. Flowers were covering most of her hat and her décolleté. The bright pink nearly hurt his eyes. Magilou spun and smiled as she tipped her hat to the side, smiling. "So?"

Avernus pulled his head back and gazed over her coloured-rich dress. "Quiet good. It perfectly matches your personality."

"Awesome!" Magilou clapped her hands and turned to the door. "I'll let the others know you'll be ready in a few minutes! No dawdling."

She breezed out of the room, and Avernus turned to the mirror and stared into his reflection. "It is now or never."

Avernus walked stridently and confidently towards the door, heaving one last breath before going to the castle's halls.


The Party


A little while later, Avernus picket up a red roses bouquet wrapped up in red straps and entered the grand ballroom. Sheer white curtains billowed everywhere, brushing the polished floor. Avernus quickly spotted Rokorou and Magilou near one of the low tables and headed toward them, weaving between dancing couples as they whirl across the floor.

Rokurou swept an appreciative gaze over him, his eyes glowing with admiration. Beside him, Magilou ran a nail over her lower lip.

"Woa, Avernus. Going all out! I almost didn't recognize you with that loose hair and not wearing a chest wide open shirt." Rokurou said.

"Thanks. You don't look bad yourself." Avernus looked around for any signs of Velvet and Eleanor. "Where are the rest?"

"Still haven't arrived," Magilou replied. "But they shouldn't be that far…"

Then an anticipatory murmur arose, and the people gathered around parted, revealing King Percival walking to his side. "Ambassador Diphda, you look stunning. A true bird of paradise. If I didn't know better, I would've mistaken you for a true Asgard." He teased, knowing full that Avernus was the only one with true Asgardian blood. King Percival came forward and gently gripped Avernus by the shoulders, beaming and whispering, letting go of all that formal manner. "It is so good to have you here with me, cousin. You have no idea how I'm grateful for your presence."

Avernus smiled gently. "Likewise, cous and it's the least I can do for my family. We've come a long way, and this is the right thing to do."

"That's all true," Percival said. "Are you enjoying yourself, Avernus? Is everything to your taste?"

Avernus turned and looked over his shoulders; still, no sign of Velvet. "It is, but I'm still waiting for someone."

Percival noticed the large red roses bouquet in his hands. He chuckled. "I see you have invited Lady Velvet. You and she seem to have a strong connection. It looks charming and passionate."

Avernus turned to Percival again. "Passionate, cous?"

"How do I put it…" Percival stroked his chin, rearranging his words. "Lady Velvet is emancipated, strong-willed woman, and is also currently the most dangerous person in Midgand."

Avernus grinned amusingly, strengthening his neck in confidence. "So?"

"I'm just worried for you, Avernus," Percival said.

"Don't be. If you remember, it is because of Velvet we have Maotelus. She is your god's big sister and raised him from a nameless malak to a god. Despite losing everything, she moved forward and because of her, so did I. There is no place more secure than being at her side. Trust me, cous."

The sudden sound of opening the gates prompted both of them to turn and look at the doors. Avernus trailed off, focusing on something over his shoulder; Velvet and Eleanor entered the ballroom and instantly, Velvet's wondering eyes found Avernus.

Percival patted his shoulders. "I believe your companion is eager for your company. May your stars burn ever bright, dear cousin."

As he left Avernus' side, Velvet walked toward him, her elegant evening black gown swishing around her shapely legs. Avernus swept up to her, giving Velvet an appraising glance and taking her hand, pressing it to his lips before offering her the rose bouquet. "Welcome, Velvet."

Velvet's composed face melted away at the sight of the flowers but accepted them without delay. "Thank you, Avernus."

Avernus bent his elbow, offering an escort arm to Velvet. "May I?"

Velvet giggled and gently put her hand under his arm and curled her hand around his bicep. Shades of pink on her cheeks began to betray her genuine emotions again.

"You are stunning as always," Avernus said.

"And if I have something to say, is that you're the most captivating creature here… by far." Velvet said, smiling amicably. "And thanks for going to all this trouble just to welcome me."

"Trouble?" Avernus said. "It is a delight to be with you." Avernus noticed her rosy cheeks and let out a chuckle. "I think we can start the night with some drinks."

Avernus and Velvet swept through the ballroom toward one of the sparkling, opulent bars set near the wall. Velvet gave one of the butlers the bouquet for safekeeping before sliding into the elegant stools with Avernus.

The bartender set down two cut-glass decanters in front of them. Inside one was liquid amber, and the other was rimmed with iridescent frost.

"What do you think, Velvet? Are you in the mood for something cool, or something hot?" Avernus asked.

Velvet crossed her legs calmly. "Definitely cool."

Avernus turned to the bartender. "Two Berry Cosmo."

The bartender poured a shot of purple liquor into their glasses. The stream of liquid seemed to freeze and melt as he poured, winking frostily. Avernus and Velvet clinked their glasses playfully, smiling. He watched her lift the glass to her lips, sighing appreciatively at the ice-cold taste of blackberries, plum, and mint.

"That's delicious." Velvet said.

Avernus smirked. "Pretty cool, right?"

Velvet raised a brow. "You did not just say that… the pun was more like a dad's pun."

Avernus's brows slightly widened. "Dad's pun…" He quickly grinned. "Dad pun or not, couldn't let that one pass me by, though."

But in truth, his mind was under enormous pressure. Even he was with Velvet for the past months, he couldn't bring himself to say his mind. Avernus looked over his shoulder and scanned the crowd for Magilou. He spotted her on the opposite bar, making something behind the counter.

He turned to Velvet. "I need to say something to Magilou, and then I will be back."

With Velvet's nod, he stood up and weaved through crowds of people. Magilou promised to make a soothing magical drink potion from her book of secrets for him to clear up his mind. Avernus approached Magilou, who spun and nearly bumped into another noble. Her drink sloshed out of her glass, turning to glitter as it rained down.

"Whoops!" Magilou smiled and inclined her head to the side, but the nobleman scoffed and strode back into the crow without a word. Then Magilou's gaze fell on Avernus. "Just the man I was looking for!" She read the struggle in his eyes. "You have spent a long time with her, and it is still a challenge to talk to her about your true feelings….Velvet is kind of an enigma, isn't she?"

"That's one way to put it. It wasn't easy for Velvet to let people in, and I don't intend to betray her feelings and trust." Avernus sighed, looking unsure at the glass. "Please tell me you didn't make me a straight-up glitter to drink."

"It's not glitter, you dummy. The secret is ginger ale, equal parts grenadine and lime, and three Magilou-made tongue-twist tearjerker candies." Magilou said and held the glass beneath his nose, and Avernus got a fruity whiff. "Go on, have a sip! Free of spirits, full of flavour, and soothes your stressed mood!"

Avernus took the glass eagerly. "If it helps, then I'll have the full glass." He downed a big swallow. It tasted light and fruity, with a pleasant bubbly sensation. "For a witch's potion, it is delicious…"

Suddenly, Avernus noticed Magilou bit her lip, like she was trying not to laugh.

Avernus' eyes widened. "What? What did I just drink?!"

Magilou grinned wickedly. "Wait for it…"

Avernus felt a burp building up… he covered his mouth and released it silently. A cloud of glitter puffed out of his mouth.

"MAGIKAZAM!" Magilou yelled, giggling at his baffled face.

Surprisingly, Avernus felt a genuine boost in his psyche; the world was more vivid, and he felt more powerful. "This is disgusting… but I love it."

Magilou satisfyingly looked over the empty glass, laughing delightedly. "I knew you would. I was hoping to cheer you up since handling the previously undefeated Lord of Calamity is a daunting task, and I'm not always a wicked witch...sometimes, I'm a good witch."

"You just have a way of putting me in a good mood," Avernus said. "And you might've even earned your place as my big sis."

Magilou went back toward the bar, smiling contently. "You are too much sometimes. I wanted to make you another drink and see what other one-liners you can come up with, but I know you have Velvet to attend to. So go and get your girl."

With an appreciative nod, Avernus made his way back over to Velvet, just in time to hear the music shifting to a slow, tender tune. Velvet was still sitting cross-legged and scowling at whoever invited her for a dance, scaring them off. Avernus noticed her pink cheeks until her eyes caught Avernus, and she cooled down, smiling. Velvet was docile, and it meant that she was drunk.

Avernus held a hand out to Velvet. She hesitated but gave him a close-lipped smile and glided into his arms. "You look beautiful tonight, Velvet…"

She clung to his calm and confident eyes in silence. Then a round of cheers from the nearby dance floor caught her attention. Avernus took her wrist, giving it a gentle tug. As Velvet complied, Avernus pulled her into a pocket of space at the heart of the dance floor. Velvet sighed a little, resting her cheek against his. Avernus pulled her even closer, breathing in the sweet scent of her hair.

"You are always so… caring." Velvet moulded herself closer to his body, running her nails over the back of his head. "I always wondered; Do you always complimenting everyone like that?"

"No." Avernus' hand slid behind her back, while his other hand clasped Velvet's hand in his. The two of them swayed with the music. "I'm not so free with my compliment because I would prefer the words to hold their value. It is easy to give out praises on every whim, but that dilutes their worth."

They looked into each other's eyes, losing themselves in the sea of emotions. Avernus lowered Velvet into a dip. She gasped sharply, tossing her head back enough for her hair to not brush the floor. As Velvet pulled her head up, she noticed his piercing gaze, never wavering from hers. "When I give compliments, you can be certain that I truly mean every word."

Velvet slowly raised her lips for a kiss, right then and there, until she remembered where they were. And the music shifted.

Velvet took a moment to recollect her composure and her drunkness. Then she saw Avernus' outstretched arm. Velvet slid her hand around it, and Avernus lead them away from the crowd, pulling her through the doorway and into the nearby gardens. Avernus and Velvet strolled through the gardens together, passing large statues and flower bushes along the way.

"The garden in the Asgard castle is stunning, but it pales in comparison to the places we visited," Avernus said, eyes on the forward path. "But I love it even more that you're here with me."

Velvet's grasp suddenly stiffened. Avernus looked at her face sideways, but Velvet was stoic as ever. He knew what Velvet truly wanted, and as always, she wasn't one to say It.

As they continued their tour through the estate gardens, they came across a bench next to the small lake behind the mansion. The two of them sat down, admiring the lake in front of them. As they watched other couples gathering around the shore, the entire lake lit up, lanterns bobbing on the water and floating in the air. Avernus saw Velvet watching young and old couples under the swaying lanterns with an envious look.

Avernus slid closer to her side and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, slowly bringing her body to himself. Velvet's resistance was utterly gone, and she slumped into his embrace, inclining her head to his chest as her arm hung from her side.

Then he knew… Drunk Velvet was the most precious Velvet.

"I'd bet all those couples are enjoying the show like us…" Avernus whispered.

"Like us?" Velvet's eyes were focusing on the cheering people.

"Having a family is wonderful." He smirked, putting his plan into action as he pointed to some kids around another couple nearby. "See how much they're happy, just look at those little kids."

"Awww…" Velvet's longing eyes gloomed as she let out a sigh.

The light from the lanterns flickered over her face, and her drunk and yearning gaze had a dreamy quality to it.

Just Pure emotions, unguarded by the adamant walls. Taking his eyes off her was the most demanding endeavour for Avernus that he couldn't do.

Avernus tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, and though the light was dim, Avernus could see her darkened cheeks. The people began to go back to the estate, leaving them alone to themselves.

Now it was the time… Avernus pulled his body, but Velvet abruptly stood up, looking sober. "It's the last night we see each other… for a few months, at least." Velvet said. "So let's ditch the party and go back to…"

Avernus sighed; he didn't make plans that were going to fall through. He knew in his heart of hearts; he'd be seeing this before night's end. It was time to be aggressive to get the prize once and for all.

Velvet's eyes widened and gasped silently as Avernus dropped to one knee, now holding her hand in both of his.

"In all my years, I have yet to find someone as quick-witted, headstrong, and breathtaking as you. Someone who challenges the world. Someone I respect." Avernus put all he got into words and let them loose upon her. He reached to his coat pocket and pulled a small box, opening it and revealing a simple but extraordinary ring, reflecting the moonlight. "My heart was, is now, and always, yours."

Velvet's eyes blinked faster, with her scrambled sensations were screaming behind her silent gaze. This is what she wanted since he was back and that was her decision that made out of her free will.

"Velvet Crowe, if you do me the honour, will you spend the rest of eternity with me?"

They felt an invisible pull toward each other. Velvet gazed deeply into his eyes and threw her arms around his neck before pulling him up for a fiery kiss.

Avernus' tense posture relaxed at her touch, and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her right around his body as he deepened the kiss.

Velvet sensed the touches and tastes were different now Avernus had proposed to her. She kissed him again, and again, each one more passionate and fierce than the last until Avernus lost himself to her passionate kisses.

After a while, Velvet finally broke apart from Avernus. He held her hand and sighed, trying to remember what they were supposed to say and do.

"I take it as a yes, then?" Avernus said, gasping for some air.

"Y-Yes…"

Avernus placed the ring on her left finger of her laced hand. "This is a special stone. If you want to transform your arm, it will adapt and pulls itself into the ether until you revert your arm, just like the bandages and other laces. So you can never miss it."

However, Velvet's mind was focused on his facial features, recording every movement of his face muscles, words, and each batting of his eyes. "You are playing a dangerous game…" Velvet teased. "Having one of my precious things in life remain in this castle… I might have to resort to extreme measures to take him back and not leave him here." She brushed a hand over his face. "You were so distracting before, and now, you made it impossible for me to enjoy my time alone."

Avernus smiled. "There is a slight change in my plans." He offered his arm again, and Velvet took it. Avernus guided her through the silent gardens again. "I have moved into a less political side of the things."

Velvet was eager to hear more. They looked around, taking in their surroundings. "Then, I have to know about every decision."

Basking in the night's silence and under the moonlight, Avernus turned to his fiancee. "Aside from training the newly established Platinum Knights, I have given the full authority to oversee the rebuilding processes in person. This means that for following my duties, I will need a vessel to move around the continent."

Velvet smirked and narrowed her eyes in satisfaction. "Now that we've made that the deal, I think I can arrange that."

"Deal?" Avernus chuckled. "Well, at least I'm glad my negotiations with the infamous Phantom Queen was successful."

Velvet leaned her head against his shoulder, feeling the warmth radiating off his body. "I still can't believe this is real. Yesterday, you were a stranger who stumbled on my life, and today, you're my fiance. Even I would never picture myself as…" Velvet paused, the word was hard for her to leave her lips.

"You can't believe it? I feared you would never agree to be my wife. Even though you were a bit rough around the edges." Avernus instantly blurt out.

"You are so sure of your feelings… I wish I could pinpoint mine precisely every time as you do." Velvet said.

"I know. I haven't changed, and I have no intention of stopping. I will always say my mind, no matter what."

Velvet stopped and cupped her hands over his face. "I hope not. After all, one of the reasons I began falling deeper and deeper for you with each encounter was your persistence, even though I was the Lord of Calamity, and you were… a Shepherd."

Avernus smirked at her. He lifted her chin to look at her burning eyes, whispering alluringly and lowly as his eyes bore into hers. "Then know this, I want to be with you for you . Even if you were the Lord of Calamity, the Phantom Queen, or bore any new title, I would have chosen you ." Avernus kissed her softly on the lips again, finishing his compliment with a loving sensation and leaving her wordless to enjoy it.

"There is something else I wanted to give you…"

"Is there more?" Velvet asked.

Avernus pulled an emerald pendant from his pocket. "This belonged to my father, Claudin. I found it in the treasury, and Percival permitted me to have it. But the more I read and understand about him, the more I could see him in you, Velvet."

She suddenly remembered that a long time ago, Arthur compared her to the Claudin too.

"This is a genuine king's symbol. Consider this as Claudin's gift to you, for all you went through."

Velvet accepted the emerald pendant and turned it around. Eizen already taught her a lot about recognizing the treasures' worth, and it seemed old and valuable.

"My father would be happy for his daughter-in-law to have it," Avernus said, and Velvet instantly raised her head, clinging to his eyes. "Know that a piece of our heart is with you wherever you go; my ring and my father's pendant."

Velvet wrapped her arms around him and pulled him close, her ears hearing the beating of his heart under his chest. Avernus embraced her in return. "You are making it harder to leave you, even for a second."

Avernus squeezed her slightly, taking the flowery scent of her hairs all in. "As do I, but there is a small bit of news I'd like to share with our friends."

"Not so fast." Velvet said, pulling her head as she held Avernus' eyes with hers. "I want to spend more time with you, and this is what I want now."

Avernus raised a brow at her demanding tone. "Alright." He complied and let go of Velvet, and sat down on the nearby bench, motioning for her to join him.

Instead, Velvet took a seat on Avernus' lap, and his eyes went wide in surprise. The shock faded from Avernus' face as he snaked an arm around her in return. Velvet hesitate for a bit as if she wanted to say something.

"Then, I will ask you this... let me have your life."

Avernus chuckled and Velvet blushed slightly. "I don't know any other way to say it, so deal with it."

Avernus approved, "That's good enough for me."

Satisfied, Velvet closed the distance between the two of them and brushed her lips against him once… twice… again and again...letting her hunger ran wild on the night that she finally found her heart a forever home.


Author's Note:

I have created a Discord Server for Alt series. If you guys are interested in talks, sharing your ideas and opinions, and want to hang out, you can add it to your list.

discord . gg/TQ5Sen