Author Note: I'm sorry for the slow update. Thank you for the patient waiting while I was going on hiatus. I was having another bad case of writer's block, preparing to go to college, medical issues, and "professionally" editing each chapter, about 43. With my grammar, I do the best I can. I do read over my work at least three times. But that can only go so far. I do have Grammerly on my computer but can't use it on this app. So, I'll write and check each chapter in my google docs, where Grammerly does work and copy and paste the work to my document manager. I will not however, check my Author Notes for slight grammers. These are my personal thoughts and I don't think it's necessary to do that. I only had access to Chapter 14-43 and 1 since of the annony 365 day keep document policy. So I had to spend a day or two to copy every chapter from the story online without being able to paste them. I edited and updated 34 chapters. It will take a while for me to type out again and edit the rest of 9 chapters while writing, edit and update new chapter along with it.

Also, I wanted to do an update the day before I go to college. But I ended up being swept off to college. Then on, I wanted to upload, but I constantly go over my work, self-conscious, because perfectionists such. From then on, my goal is to write for an hour and update once a week. But I will be busy with studying and hanging out with new people. So be a little gracious.

Shout out to Susanna D! Yes, I did take some inspiration from Stephanie Meyers "shapeshifters" in the Twilight saga. But I was more going for the Wolfwalkers from Irish folklore and the animagus from Harry Potter. I have read Twilight when I was around your age. But before that, I watched so many reviews about the books and movies. I would HIGHLY recommend you watch and read the Twilight saga with your brain on, I beg you. Implied necrophilia, spousal abuse, implied pedophilia, sexual assault are just some example. My mom did the opposite thing and has a toxic view on teenage love, which almost got me into trouble. But now, she's grown out of it, thank god. Now since you remind me, the scene with Nari braiding Claire's hair is similar to the scene in Tangled with the little girls in the square braiding Rapunzel's hair. But also, when I was younger, my mom used to braid my hair. And when I was babysitting, the little girls I looked after loved to place flowers they find in the grass, mostly dandelions, in my hair. Yes, I did take some inspiration to the hide and seek game from Brave. But also, my mom and I used to play hide and seek when I was younger, which was and still is my favorite games to play.

With Jim's birthday, I must've not checked that. Aaron Waltke announced that in June 2021. I started writing thinking that Jim's birth date was in late fall (November) and Claire's was on October 18th. In fact, when I updated the chapter that first mentioned Claire's birth date was on June 6th, 2021, around the time Jim's real birth date was announced by one of the crew of the series. I am so sorry with that. I sat down and contemplated whether if I should change half of the story or not since Jim's birthday is now cannon with the show before I wrote this story. I decided to not. I'm sorry but it won't fit in the story as I already covered Claire's birthday the same month as Jim's real birthday month. It would change the first part of the story. Besides, I didn't include Rise of the Titans plot and timeline even if they are canon. With Claire and the true love thing, she's and her mom are skeptics. I didn't take that from Maleficent or any movies I've watched before. Many people I grew up with don't believe in true love and I'm a skeptic myself, which is ironic of me writing about Claire and Jim's relationship. But if the evidence is there from the show, which there is, then I'm more confident about it. This couple is based on the two lovers of Romeo and Juliet. I love theater and love reading Shakespeare. Romeo and Juliet is one of my favorite stories. Also, if you watch the sixth episode of Wizards, Killahead, Part One where Merlin and Douxie are working on the Amulet of Daylight, there's a scene where Merlin finally gives Douxie his Master Wizard staff, he said, "To lock the amulet together, two master wizards are required.". That's why Douxie and Archie doubt Claire about re-creating the amulet. But I don't trust or believe with anything Merlin says. He reminds me of Doctor Strange from the terrible Multiverse of madness and Spider-Man: No Way Home. He even willing to give up on his own champion, Jim Lake, because he was too stubborn to never try. He doesn't give a shit about anybody except for his "son", Douxie Casperan. But Claire always believes there is always hope, a chance, and a way to never give up. She did that for Jim, rescuing him from the Darklands in Trollhunters season (Part) 2 and the Arcane Order in Wizards episode 8, Wizard Underground. I'm positive she will do it again for him, protecting their friends, and defeat the Arcane Order, no matter the odds.

I'm glad you got your service dog and I will honor this chapter for Holly.

Thank you so much for your reviews. It really helps me out a lot.

Shout out to David Case! I'm sorry but I'm not going to put in the Draknagot in my story despite it might be a cool idea. But I can't just shoehorn in this character. But I thank you for being understanding. The Half-Troll that is chasing Claire for the Arcand Order is terrifying enough. He psychologically torments her in her dearms and holds a deep secret for her. The Arcane order is already a big threat to the Guardians of Arcadia. I don't need to add another. No one knows the origins or who created the Arcane Order and I really don't want to answer or eplain this. In my opinion, they're kinda like Ego from Guardians of the Galaxy Vo. 2. No one created them. They are elements of fire, air, water and earth. A villain doesn't need to have to just be more powerful than the MC of any other characters. In my opinion, the villain comes more terrifying and threatening when they psychologically hurt the MC and other characters instead of brute strength.

Now since I've gotten that out of the way, let us get back to the story, shall we.

I hear sleepy groans, getting out of that horrible dream, but I can't seem to open my eyes. Those wolf eyes were staring at me. That creature almost hurt my friends and killed me if I didn't shake it off me. I feel a gentle hand on my shoulder.

"Claire. Claire. Wake up." I hear Jim whisper.

I finally open my eyes and see him smiling sweetly at me. I hear things being moved around behind him. "What going on?" I mumble but hiss in pain, feeling it's too hard to breathe.

"We're leaving. Time to move forward." He replies calmly.

"Did I oversleep?" I ask, panicked, trying to get up, but pain shoots through my body. I feel lightheaded and howl in pain, falling into Jim's arms.

"Whoa! Whoa! Shhh! Shhh! No. You didn't. You needed to rest from what happened to you, and we're just getting a head start, but you need to take it slow. You are drained and weak." He explains, steadying me somewhere I can lean on and sit up.

I look down at my body. I wear a blue tank top, shorts, and bandages on my arms, shoulder, and legs. "What happened to me?" I groan, feeling the pain take over my body.

"You were beaten up badly by the creature we discovered to be a Gwyllgi—a Celtic mythological wolf. Thankfully you're not bleeding anymore, but I wrapped your wounds up in case of an infection. The wounds were too deep for you to heal quickly." Jim says calmly, trying to soothe me. It's a good thing he is the son of a doctor.

"Did you take my clothes off?"

Jim looks down in embarrassment. "Zoe did and placed her clothes on you. After that, I bandage you up," He explains nervously. "I didn't mean to invade your privacy."

"It's ok, Jim," I reassure him. "I would rather prefer it be you than the other boys or Blinky."

Jim blushes. "Yeah. Thank god they're not fatal, but you shouldn't walk for about a day."

"But we have to keep moving."

"I'll carry you."

I see our friends getting their stuff together and notice Douxie in the crowd. He sees me and runs to us. "Claire, are you ok?" He asks worryingly, looking at me.

"I'm fine, Douxie." I groan, trying to breathe, feeling like something is pressing against my chest.

"She's still frail and in pain. I don't think she can do this." Jim says with concern, looking at Douxie.

"Do what?"

Jim turns to me. "Claire, do you feel well enough to create a portal for all of us?"

I take a moment, looking at the ground. "I think I can," I mutter, looking at the two. "I can open up a portal to England."

Douxie and Jim look at each other with nervous expressions. "Claire, we were thinking you could open up a portal to New Jersey, let you rest for a day, and portal us to England," Douxie explains, kneeling to my level.

He looks at me like there's no other way. We don't have much time, but I shudder at the words, 'New Jersey.' Adrenaline rushes through my body, blocking out the pain for a moment. "No! No! I'm never going back there ever again!" I begin to panic, shaking my head. "Why don't I just portal us to England!? I did that before." I hyperventilate, trembling. I hiss and struggle to calm down, feeling my lungs collapse against my ribs.

"Claire! Shhhh! It's ok, but it will take a bigger toll on you if you try to open a portal to England. It's way too far." Douxie replies, placing a hand on my shoulder.

But I shake my head and get up. Blood rushes to my head too fast. "I can do it! I have to do it!" I shout determinedly. I try to get up but cry in pain, falling back on the hard solid rock, not making things better. "I can do this. Don't try to stop me."

Jim looks worried and gently places a hand on my shoulder. "If you are sure you can do this, I'll help you."

I smile slightly and nod my head. Jim grabs our stuff and secures my satchel against his body before I get on his back. Jim can support so much weight on his shoulders with ease while walking. Even after he was a Half-Troll, Jim is still strong.

"My feet can't take another long and hard walk," Mary whines weakly.

"Don't worry, guys! You won't have to. I'm going to make a portal for us." I reassure her, tell everyone about my idea, and explain what's happening, but they are skeptical about it.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Darci asks worryingly. "You can't even walk."

"Ummm...yeah!" I half lie. Jim sets me down and gives me Morgana's book. I flip through the pages but find nothing. "Come on, Morgana. Show me how to get there." I whisper under my breath to not let anyone hear.

"Claire."

I snap my head up, standing up straight. "Did you guys hear that?" I ask, scanning the cavern ahead, waiting to hear the beautiful siren's voice again.

"What are you talking about, Claire?" Krel asks, confused.

"I don't hear anything-"

"Shhhh!" I interrupt Steve, hearing the voice again.

"Claire, you're almost there. Come to me." The voice speaks softly. "Think of a castle."

I glance down and see my necklace glow. I see the pages flip on their own and come to blank pages. Not helping much. The pages glow yellow, and an image of a castle appears on them. It's in darkness but subconsciously seems to be warm. It looks like a medieval English castle, but it seems to be something out of a fantasy land (Think of Cinderella's castle from Disney World). I think that's where we should go.

"Think of where it is and how to get there. Your heart will guide the way."

This time, it's Morgana's voice. I look up and take a deep breath. "Think of the castle in the image," I mumble.

"What do you mean, Claire?" Archie asks.

I ignore his question and look back at the book. I take one more glance at the page. I close it and put it in my satchel. "Ok. I can do this." I mumble, but I need help. I bite my tongue, feeling something jump inside my body, taking over my muscles' movements.

"I'll help you stand."

For a moment, I panic, remembering the time Morgana took over my body, but this time, I feel I have some control of my senses, and now, I can stand, taking a deep breath as I do.

"How are you able to do that?" Douxie asks, amazed.

I ignore his question, lifting my arms and reaching out. I take another deep breath and close my eyes. "Come on." I soon see the castle from the book in my head, like I can see it in front of me.

"I'm waiting for you, Claire. Come to me."

A flash of fire, ice, and darkness sweeps over me. The Arcane Order, laughing in my ears, makes me tremble and open my eyes. I see the portal appear, but I almost lose it.

"Shhhh! Shhhh! I am here."

"Claire, don't let fear take over. Keep your mind on the anchor." I hear Douxie's voice in my head encouraging me. "You got this."

I take a deep breath, trying to composure myself, but the fear and anxiety of going to the flame, the castle, to what seems to be my past scares me. What is waiting for me there? Will I discover something terrible, or will it be something good? I need to know. I feel the magic pull around me. The portal becomes bigger, but I don't feel a strong connection.

"Don't worry, Claire. I will help you."

I close my eyes. I feel weightless and lightheaded. I see a young woman with brown hair in a blue medieval, 12th-century dress staring out a window, looking sad. She looks like my mom. I see flashes of my dreams come to me. Morgana, Guinevere, the baby. A castle. My necklace. Jim's Amulet. I feel warmth wrap around me like a blanket. "Ahhhh!" I cry, trying to open the portal more. Blood rushes through my head, and I don't feel myself. "Spiritus, mitte me ubi natus sum!" I say without thinking. Those aren't my words. That wasn't my voice, but it works. The portal becomes more extensive, and the feeling becomes stronger. I let the magic go free, and it circles us, the streams of purple swirling around, getting faster with every spin. "Spiritus, nos ducunt ad me!"

I hear a loud zap and feel light come to my eyes while blood rushes through my head. I felt like free-falling into a sinkhole, similar to what happened at the beach, but my mind was still fixed on that castle. The castle that may hold the secrets Abuela wants me to find and possibly help me defeat the Arcane Order. I let go and hit on a hard but soft surface, moaning in pain.

"Claire, are you ok?" I hear Jim say.

I don't feel ok. I feel nauseous, dizzy, and exhausted. Jim and Douxie were right, but I don't regret anything. I open my eyes to see Jim looking at me with concern. I look up and see AAARRRGGHH!, holding me and smiling. I see my friends behind Jim, some groaning in pain while on the ground. Not everyone has been in my portals and made a soft landing. "Did we get there?"

"Yes, we are here!" Nymeria replies for him, making me feel excited. Finally!

"Here," Jim says, holding his hand out to me. "I'll help you stand."

I weakly take it, and AAARRRGGHH! slowly sets me down, and I try to get up, but blood rushes to my head and makes my knees buckle, feeling like 1,000 lbs is on my shoulders. I fall forward, but Jim supports our weights and holds me against him.

"Whoa, you're still so exhausted?"

"Lightheaded, but yes," I mutter, pressing my hand on my temple, feeling my healing abilities' side effects kick in again.

"Once we get inside, we need to find some food for you and a real bed to sleep on."

"How did you stand?" AAARRRGGHH! asks.

"I don't know. I felt like something jumped into my body and was controlling my muscles, helping me stand and soothe my wounds for a while." I explain. Jim helps me walk over to the rest of our friends, and I look up. I stare in awe as I see a dark but beautiful architectural castle. "We made it," I mumble.

"Finally, we're here!" Steve groans.

"Which means we can finally stop hearing your whining." Toby hisses.

"Hey Doumbzalski, I'm a knight! I want to help protect our ladies on this dangerous journey." Steve says proudly, flexing his muscles.

I glance at Zoe, who shares one with Douxie and me, rolling our eyes. Steve has been acting like a brat more than Mary. At least she understands the new environment. Steve has gone through this so many times. I snap my fingers, causing Steve to yelp, grunting in pain while rubbing his arm.

"Who did that?!" He yells, making everyone laugh but me. I meant just to cause a spark to his butt, but there was no spark, and instead was a stinging pain on his left arm. "Sometimes, I hate having three wizards in this group."

"Yeah, but it's funny." Zoe snickers, making Aja growl.

"No, it wasn't! It felt like a wasp or something bit my arm." He whines.

"Alright, alright, guys, calm down. We're finally here, and we can't act like this." Archie speaks.

"Archie is right. If this is the end of the road, we mustn't screw around like this." Douxie replies, next to the castle door. He examines it briefly before trying to open the door, but it doesn't work. "Why won't it open?" He groans. He tries to use an unlock spell, but when his magic hits the door, it glows purple and shoots his attack back, making all of us duck for cover.

"What the hell was that?!" Mary shouts.

"Who or whatever is behind that door; they seem to have a good and secure security system." Douxie groans as we all get up from the ground.

I look towards the door and notice a circular shape engraved in the center of the door. It's small, but it could fit-

"Use your necklace; it is the key."

I look down at my necklace, and it glows. I look back up to the keyhole. "Jim, can you help me to the door? I think I know how to get in." I ask, and Jim helps me up without question, walking up to the door. I take off my necklace and place it in the keyhole. Like what happened to the hidden door at the Manor, the door glows purple and Celtic symbols spread across the entrance, outlining the doors. My necklace flies back to me, and the doors open by themselves. A warm breeze flows through my hair, and my energy returns, making me feel stronger again. I close my eyes and hear my mother's lullaby, sung softly by that siren's voice in my ear.

"How-How did you do that? How did you know how to open the door?" Douxie asks, stunned.

I just shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know. I just...did." I tried to reply what I could, turning my head to him. "Come on. We have to find what's in here." I say more determined. I look back in the castle and feel that familiar feeling again. As I took my first step inside, I cautiously left Jim's arms and walked on my own, but I still felt weak and sore. We become mesmerized by the castle's interior when entering through the doors. It might be all shades of grey, dark blue, and purple, but the atmosphere looks like what you would see in deep outer space or... a cavern when you look up—sight sparkles of light and mixed shades of colors. On the outside, the castle looked scary, but on the inside, it's beautiful. This place feels like it's something not of this world but is natural and beautiful. I've been to a castle before, but this is grander than Camelot Castle, which says a lot, and it's surprisingly warm for being underground.

"Whoa! I feel like I drank an elixir that gave me all my strength back after this long week," Darci says in relief.

"Yeah! Like there's something in the castle that can heal anything." Mary adds, looking so much better than a few minutes ago.

But I feel something is watching us. A loud noise and a giant whisk of wind make us all jump. I quickly turn around on my heel, find the massive door is shut, and hear it lock. AAARRRGGHH! gets mad and hits the door, but it glows purple again, making him groan in pain.

"Wingman!" Toby shouts and rushes to AAARRRGGHH!'s side.

"What the hell is this place?" Mary squeaks, trembling in fear.

"Looks like someone knows we're here," Douxie whispers.

Krel pulls out a scanner device and comes up with a perimeter and grid of the castle, even though I don't think it's accurate. "According to my sources, I detect something but no life forms in the castle."

"Well, that's good," Toby replies sarcastically.

But I hear the siren's voice, whispering my voice, echoing against the walls, sending a shiver up our spines.

"What was that?" Darci asks timidly, trembling.

"Claire. Come to me. It's alright."

I smile. "It's that voice!" Then my necklace starts glowing brighter.

"You mean the voice you claim to hear?" Steve asks, acting in his usual 'scary cat' tone.

"Wait, you hear it too?" I ask in shock, turning to my friends. That means I'm not crazy.

"Claire, come to me. Come. I am here."

It comes to my left. I turn in that direction and hear the voice again. Every inch of me is trembling. I'm so desperate. I'm desperate to find the voice that's been torturing me and begging for something, but it did sing my lullaby when I needed it and gave me some advice.

"Follow the wolf as black as night. She will guide you to me."

My pendant glows brighter. I know what it means. I knee down to my familiar's level. "Nymeria, do you know where we need to go?" I ask nervously. She doesn't react until I whisper what I said in my dreams. "I'm kinda lost."

She nods her head and smiles. "Yes! Follow me." And walks forward.

"Are you sure we should follow a voice and a wolf?" Steve asks worryingly.

I roll my eyes. "This is what we've been doing for a week," I reply casually. "Nymeria is my familiar, and I trust her. So if anyone wants to stay behind or come along, you can, and I won't focus on you." Before walking to catch up with Nymeria, immediately, everyone follows me. I hear Steve yelp and look backward, and he rushes to us and looks scared. I roll my eyes and turn around, continuing to walk.

"This place looks beautiful and scary simultaneously," Zoe notes.

"Same." The majority of my friends reply.

"I wonder what we're looking for again?" Aja asks.

"Something to help us defeat the Arcane Order," Douxie says clearly.

"Not just that," Nymeria replies. "A woman."

"What?" Zoe says in shock.

"That's impossible. How can anyone live down here?" Douxie asks in confusion.

We talk through hallways and corners as I look up at the ceiling. I would always fall fast asleep if this were on my bedroom ceiling. After walking awhile, Nymeria looks at a giant metal door and nudges my arm to the knob. I look at the door, which seems medieval-like, old, and slightly smaller than the door outside the castle. I turn my head to Nymeria, and she gestures to the door.

"This is it, Claire." She says.

I turn back to the door, my heart skipping a beat. This is it. This is what I've been waiting for a while, probably my whole life, discovering who I am. My pendant glows bright again. I touch the door, and the magic of my necklace flows like water from my chest to the wood. I take a deep breath and use all my strength to push the door open.

"Whoa!" All of us say, eyes widening and mouths open.

We enter the most enormous room I have ever seen. It's almost as big as the arena of Heartstone Trollmarket. The ceiling is about 50 feet high with the same starry night atmosphere. There are bookshelves, paintings, and items of different colors everywhere. I look down and see the floor is a vast astronomical map, moving slightly. There are couches and a fireplace in the corner of the room. An expansive window reaches from the ground to the ceiling on one side of the room, looking out to the outside, and a glass door also leads outside.

"This place is so beautiful!" Darci comments as we walk inside.

"What's that?" Aja asks, pointing and looking up, making us do the same.

We see a giant purple gem above our heads, and it reminds me of the gems around Heartstone Trollmarket once again. It glows like the Heartstone too, and it's so beautiful.

I hear a slight jingle and turn to see a little spark of blue light fly to me, becoming slightly bigger as it comes closer. It circles me, and I notice it's more than a ball of light. It's somewhat bigger than a pixie, and I see a pair of wings. It stops in front of me, and I smile with joy inside.

"What is that?" Nari asks curiously.

"It's a fairy," I mumble. I can't believe what I'm seeing. It looks like a tiny human. It is exactly like in the stories and mythologies I read when I was little but real.

"That can't be possible. They were supposed to be extinct. How is one here?" Toby says before the fairy flies away.

"Claire."

I feel her. She's right behind me. My pendant glows again. I slowly turn around, and a spark of my magic jumps out of my chest, making me gasp and almost lose my balance. The spark falls into the ground, and a ghostly apparition of a woman in a purple 12th-century-style dress and a beautiful diamond diadem on her head appears before me. I freeze, seeing an almost identical version of my mom; same height, eye and hair color, and even the same face shape.

"Hello, Claire!" She says softly and sweetly, smiling happily.

I stare at her, stunned that she knows my name. I gulp and find my voice. "Hel-hello," I reply sheepishly, making her smile grow wider. I need to know. "Are you, my ancestor, Veronica of Galot?" I ask, sounding stupid as it comes out of my mouth.

She nods her head. "Yes! I'm so happy to finally meet you, Claire Nuñez. I've been watching you for a long time." She replies, making me feel light. "You were such an adorable baby."

My eyes widen, and I feel myself spinning with butterflies in my stomach. It's her. It's really her. The woman who was credited for my family line. The woman who has been bugging me for the past month. She's here, and I'm standing in front of her. I snap out of my trace and give her a proper bow for greeting family that Olivia forcibly taught me when I was little, which got her in so much trouble with Mom. "It's you! It's really you!"

Veronica chuckles. "Yes, my dear. I see you and your companions have gone a long way just for me."

"Yeah, well, actually, you lead Claire to find you." Steve yawns, making me turn to him with a death glare. "We were just following her."

"Steve!" Aja hisses and hits her boyfriend in the back, making him yelp.

"I'm so sorry for my friend's rudeness." I apologize to Veronica for this. "We're all very exhausted and starving."

"It's no need to worry, my dear. I haven't had this much company in a long time and find your friend amusing." She replies reassuringly, calming me down. To make it easier, everyone introduces themselves to her. "It's very nice to meet all of you. Thank you for helping Claire come to me, but you all must be exhausted and hungry."

"Yes!" Mary yawns.

"My fairies will lead each of you to your chambers, and I'll make food for you all," Veronica reassures her.

Then more fairies come out and fly around us. "How are there fairies here? I thought they were extinct after the war between them and the pixies." Blinky asks before a fairy lands on his head.

"I've always believed in fairies and have hoped to see one since I was a child. I found a few outside of the castle about 700 years ago who looked terrified. I was so lonely and sad for them that I let them in. Slowly, they reproduced and multiplied throughout the centuries, and I became attached to them. Soon, I could communicate with the fairies and figure out what had happened to them. They were running from the pixies, who destroyed their home. They are the only fairies left in the world as I know of." Veronica explains.

Darci giggles as an orange fairy flies around her. "They're so beautiful and adorable."

"Yes, fairies are beautiful, but be kind and gentle with them as they're also sneaky. If you do, they will reward you." Veronica warns her.

As she said, a fairy chose one of my friends and guided them to their rooms, but Veronica led Jim and me to our rooms. Blinky and AAARRRGGHH! have their place comfortably underneath the castle's main floor. The rest of us stay at the higher parts of the castle. After walking through the halls, Veronica, me and Jim arrive at a door.

"This is your room, Claire," Veronica says and swipes the door, opening it.

My eyes widen in amazement. This is an enormous bedroom than the others, and it looks like something out of a fairytale. "Wow! Thank you!" I reply, keeping my eyes fixed on what's in front of me.

"It's the biggest room in the castle. Bigger than mine. A room fit for a princess." I hear Veronica say, catching my attention. "Now, Jim." She states, making him look at her. "I have another room for you."

I feel uncomfortable about this, and I grab his hand and squeeze it. After everything that has happened within the past month, I can't imagine sleeping alone. Jim gives me comfort, warmth, and security, and I need that.

Jim turns to me and smiles. "If you don't mind, I want to stay with Claire." He replies to Veronica confidently, squeezing my hand back.

Instead of shock or hesitation, she smiles. "Alright then! Come downstairs when you're ready. The fairies will help guide you to where we were so you don't get lost." She says. "These walls can get a little... confusing and funny." Before walking away.

Jim and I enter the room. We place our stuff down, and Jim jumps onto the bed, which is king-size. The room doesn't look like mine or his but does take some elements that let us feel relaxed. The ceiling is just like the outside. The area looks like an actual royal bedroom in a castle in a medieval fashion. The colors are blue, purple, and white and are lighter than the castle's other rooms. A fireplace, book sleeves, a desk, a couch, and a giant window give a view outside. I walk to look at the view and notice a door knob on the glass. I turn it, and it opens to an outside balcony, letting me see the full view of the caverns. Beautiful rocks, crystals, and giant gems are around. "I could get used to a view like this." I sigh.

"Me too." I hear Jim's reply.

I turn around and see him sit up on the edge of the bed, looking at me. I walk back inside and notice a smirk on his face, giving me an elevator look and making me suspicious. "What?" I ask, smirking back and crossing my arms.

"Nothing."

I don't take that and jump on him, tackling him to the bed. We start a tickle fight, laughing while rolling around, playfully wrestling each other, but Jim is slightly stronger and gets the upper hand by getting on top of me, tickling my waist and stomach, which he knows is one of my most sensitive areas from his touch. His fingers are like spider legs. Even the slightest touch makes me shiver when I don't expect it. "Jim... Stop... I give in... stop... I surround..." I laugh between breaths, squirming. I laugh so hard that water comes to my eyes, and I turn my head away. My body grows warm as I feel Jim's fingers explore my waist. Soon enough, he stops, letting me sigh in relief and catch my breath. Jim gets off and lays down but captures me in his arms, pulling me closer. "Why did you do that?" I ask curiously, laughing a bit while taking a breath.

Jim smirks. "I just wanted to have some fun after this past gloomy week." He replies.

"And you decided tickling me would be the best way to have fun," I say, smirking and raising an eyebrow.

Jim leans in and presses his body against mine, making me blush. "You tackled me! You deserve that." He says confidently, almost to the point of sounding cocky. "And admit it, you know you loved it."

I bite my lip and glance down for a moment. He's right. "Yeah," I admit. I look at him, and we kiss. Jim leans in, pressing his lips against mine as he gets on top of me. Jim gently sucks my lower lip, and I open my mouth, letting our tongue touch, passionately kissing. I shiver as I feel his hand gently trace up my thigh.

"Jim, we need to go to our friends, who are downstairs." I laugh, breaking our kiss.

"Do we have to?" He whines. This draws me back a bit. Did Jim just complain he doesn't want to stop?

"I know. But we shouldn't worry our friends and get some food in us." I reply.

"Alright!" He groans and pulls away. "But I want to spend some quality time with my girlfriend."

"Is there something you want to talk about?" I wonder, teasing him.

Jim glances down, blushing. "Yeah. It's about furthering our relationship again, and I know I shouldn't bring it up with the situation we're in right now." He admits.

"No. Of course, we can talk about this despite the situation." I reassure him.

"And better, we have a bedroom together," Jim says softly but confidently, making me blush. Jim kisses me but notices something on my shoulder. "First, let's get these bandages off you."

He takes them off, showing no wounds or scars. Jim sighs and worries about my healing abilities, but I reassure him and kiss him on the cheek, thanking him for taking care of me. I get off the bed, and as I open the door, I'm greeted by an orange fairy. "Why, hello!" I softly say, smiling.

"That must be the fairy Veronica was talking about," Jim says behind me.

The fairy gestures for us to follow, and we walk, holding each other's hands. Veronica was right. The castle walls seem to confuse me everywhere I look and where we turn, but I notice something familiar in one of the hallways we walk into. It's like I've walked in it before. I hear a distance crying of a baby and stop, looking around.

"Are you ok?" Jim asks with concern.

The crying stops. "I thought I heard something. These walls feel funny but familiar." I reply, still looking around, waiting for the sound again.

"Yeah. This castle feels both haunting and beautiful." Jim seems to agree, but he doesn't know what I mean.

I shrug it off, and we continue following the fairy to the room we were in before, where all our friends are waiting and hanging out with each other.

"Aww, there are the two love birds!" Steve calls out, pointing at us, embarrassing Jim and me. "It was about time you two showed up!"

"We got lost in the castle." Jim lies.

"Don't be rude to my granddaughter and her boyfriend," Veronica says sternly, walking toward us.

"Wait? Granddaughter?" Krel asks in confusion. "That's not possible. You and Claire are about..."

"900 years apart." She replies.

"Yes! That's about..." Krel thinks for a bit, twiddling his fingers. "45 generations apart."

I roll my eyes. "Krel, Veronica is my direct ancestor. Even if it might be weird, she is my 45th great-grandmother." I correct him.

"I'm hungry!" Mary complains, changing the topic and making Veronica chuckle.

"I have food prepared for you all, but I advise you to eat slowly and take your time." She reassures and advises us.

She leads us to a vast dining room, and we are mesmerized by the entire table covered with food. There are plates, silverware, napkins, and chairs along the table's edge like we're invited to dinner. We all sit down and fill our plates with all the food they can hold. The table seems to have everything we desire. Fruits, meats, vegetables, pastries, and all the types of drinks you can think of. Even with Veronica's warning, Steve, Toby, and Darci seem to scarf down their food. We all fill our bellies with rich and ripened food, not seeming to ask where all this came from. I look to Douxie, who appears agitated, next to Zoe, who looks worried.

"Douxie, what's wrong?" Veronica asks, making him fix his posture.

"Veronica, we are on a mission to defeat a threat called The Arcane Order. They were chasing us and destroying Claire's family house. I hope you can help us or have something to defeat them." He says clearly to her.

"I have something for you that may help you." She replies calmly. "But you and your friends need to rest properly, and I promise to supply you with your needs."

Douxie sighs in his chair and looks up at me. I feel bad he didn't get what he anticipated, but he smiles, knowing I found what I was looking for. After eating, the fairies come out to guide us back to our rooms. Some of us sleepily follow them. I try to look for Douxie. I see him with Zoe, following a single pink glowing fairy, making me curious. Suppose all fairies have the duty to guide us to our rooms. Does that mean Douxie and Zoe are in one room like Jim and me? They're not a couple, and others aren't in the same room. I shrug it off as Jim's arm on my shoulder leads me to our room, following the same yellow fairy as before. After a long journey doing nothing but training for a week, I'm ready to sleep. Before we went to our room, Veronica said there were pjs ready for us all. She and the fairies always seem to be prepared for company like us. It's a bit weird, but Veronica has been alone for centuries and is excited to have this, especially meeting a family member finally. I could understand if I was in her shoes. Jim and I find our pjs on our bed, one for each of us. Since there are no changing areas, Jim and I turn our backs on each other to give each other some kind of privacy. I wear a long white elegant nightgown. The skirt drapes down to my ankles, but the top shows some of my cleavages. I put my dirty clothes I've worn for a week near my stuff. I notice something in Jim's bag. I know I shouldn't snoop, but I grow curious. I look inside a find a box of...condoms.

"You pervert!" I shout playfully, quickly grabbing the box and throwing it at Jim.

Jim grabs it and smirks. "You shouldn't go through someone's stuff Claire." He says calmly, wearing white shorts, a thin blue shirt, and a white cardigan.

I slowly walk towards him, my hands on my hips. "You want to have sex, don't you?" I ask suspiciously.

Jim bites his lip and rubs the back of his neck. "Yes, but I don't want to rush you if you're not ready." He admits. "I brought them just in case and protection."

I smile and sit down next to him on my side of the bed. "I'm glad you brought them and thinking ahead since I'm not on birth control yet," I reply calmly, looking at Jim. "I want to have sex, but I still feel a bit hesitant," I admit, biting my lip and squeezing my hands.

"Then we won't rush." He replies, putting the box down.

"But that doesn't mean we can't have some fun alone," I say teasingly, pushing Jim onto the mattress.

"Oh, is that the way you want to play?" He replies playfully, raising his eyebrow. He pulls me onto the mattress and gets on top of me, and Jim leans in, pressing his lips against mine. We passionately kiss, letting our tongues dance. I shiver as I feel his hand gently trace my leg under my nightgown, but I don't try to stop him. It feels so good. I moan as we break for air. Jim goes down to my neck, and I moan a bit louder, feeling him suck and kiss my skin.

"Jim..." I gasp as I feel him lightly bite my neck. He stops and comes back to my eyes.

"You have a nice body." He says seductively, making me blush. Jim grabs my hand, places it over my head, and returns his lips to mine. Our hands intertwine as we passionately make out again. I moan as I feel Jim grind against me, but it takes so much energy to try to reciprocate our kisses. They make me sleepy, and Jim seems to notice.

"Let's go to bed." He says softly, drawing back and getting off me.

We get comfortable under soft comforters and cuddle close to each other. The mattress and pillows feel like a marshmallow, and the comforters trap in Jim's warmth. I tug on the comforters to stay close to me before Jim wraps it around us. Of course, I felt comfortable sleeping with Jim, but being with him on a proper bed makes it so much better. I see the beautiful starry night ceiling before drifting off to sleep.

Author Note: Finally done! After spraining my ankle, getting COVID-19, and trying to caught up on college work, it's finally done. I'm giving this after failing/passing a big test I recently did. Even though my goal was after, I love coming back to my writings when I'm at my lowest. Also, I think I answered all of the questions you had for me. And I'll still trying to edit all the chapters. By the way, I don't know much Latin, so what Claire said might not be accurate. I hope this chapter is great and worth the wait for you guys. Holly, this is for you and your amazing owner! Please review!