Liliana's POV:

My body rolls to the side in a haze as I feel someone missing next to me. Why is it so cold?

My eyes slowly open to greet a little girl staring at me with curious purple eyes. "Are you finally awake?"

Huh… "Honey," I sit up with a yawn rubbing my eyes scanning the room. "Where's your father?"

She shrugs. "I don't know."

Is he in another meeting? I place a hand under my chin. Although, come to think of it… I don't recall him ever returning to our room.

"Mommy," A hand touches mine as I look at my daughter who is sporting a serious expression. "Daddy is very weak."

What? I raise a brow carrying her in my lap. "Why would you say that, sweetheart?"

"Don't you sense the change in his cores?" She asks with a confused head tilt. "He's in a lot of pain."

My eyes widen. In a lot of pain? Is she talking about… "Oh? When did you notice that?"

"I think it was two days ago or something but I'm not sure…" Her brows furrow cutely as I nod.

(Flash):

"I'm right, aren't I? You're injured."

(Flash)

Could she be recalling him injured yesterday? It's either that or his illness… hm… "Don't worry," I stroke her blue locks. "He'll be fine."

Her little arms wrap around my chest laying her head against it. "I don't want him to leave again." She whispers as I pull her closer.

"Why do you say that?" I ask after a moment of silence as she whimpers.

"I don't want him to leave me all alone."

A sigh escape my lips. She must be thinking about her biological father. Seriously, what kind of a man would abandon such a cute child? People nowadays are so heartless!

"Tell me," I wipe her tears with my thumbs offering her a small smile. "How did he leave you?"

My daughter sniffles. "He said that he was going to do something very important. He kissed my forehead and told me that he loved me."

Something important? Like what? "Where was your mother during that time?" I ask cautiously gauging at her reaction. I got to approach this very carefully.

"I don't know. Daddy told me that she left to a faraway place but never gone into full detail."

My eyes widen. A faraway place…! Could it be that she's… I look at the being hugging my chest as a sense of sadness radiates from my person.

"Don't worry," My body fully embrace her shutting my eyes. "We will never leave you."

"Promise?"

My lips curve upwards as she nuzzles into my chest. "Promise. Astral and I will never leave you, honey."

"I love you, Mommy." My daughter whispers after a minute as my heart blooms. She said…

"I love you too, Melody." My arms pull her closer. "I will always love you, my daughter."

(Flash):

"As much as I would like that, no, we can't. She's not our daughter."

"I know… but…" My heart aches as my husband pulls me closer enveloping my body.

"We just have to treasure our days with her." He whispers in my ear. "That's all we can do right now, my beloved."

(Flash)

How on earth can I get so attached to this little girl? She looks at me with those purple eyes as I blink and notice a speck of gold and silver around her irises. Gold and silver… have they always been there?

"Can I go see daddy?" My daughter pulls my arms excitedly as my lips curve upwards.

"Of course," I step off the bed opening the closet to change into a pair of jeans with a belt and a white dress shirt tucked at the front. "But, he might be at a meeting so it's best not to disturb him."

"Mmm!" Her lips curve downwards. "I wanna see dada."

I kneel to her level stroking her blue locks. "How about this? We can go see him but you have to promise me, if he's working, to not disturb him."

Her gaze shifts downward throwing a silent tantrum as I stifle a laugh. So adorable! "Okay. I promise not to disturb his work."

"Good girl," I tickle her armpits as giggles escape her lips.

"Haha! That tickles!"

"Let's go," A hand drags mine outside the room as I barely manage to shut the door. She really must be excited to see him.

On another note, why didn't he return to the room? As I was mulling through the reasons why he didn't return, I notice his butler standing in front of his office.

"Waltari,"

His eyes flicker to me as he bows. "Is there anything I can do for you, Your Highness?"

Your Highness… I will never get used to that title. "Is daddy in his office?"

"Yes, Princess Melody." He replies after glancing at the door for a few seconds. "But it's best that you don't disturb him."

My daughter tilts her head raising a brow. "Why?"

"Is he currently meeting with the officials?" I ask as he shakes his head.

"Not necessarily. His Highness is asleep right now."

Asleep? At this hour? It's almost 12 something. And why is he resting in his office? A hand tugs my hand as my gaze drift towards my daughter. She's sporting a pleading look in her eyes that pulls my heartstrings. That look…

A soft sigh escapes my lips. "Can we see him real quick?"

He bites his lips with a conflicted expression. "Your Highness… I'm following His Highness's orders."

"Does that mean daddy doesn't want to see me anymore?" My daughter starts to tear up as my eyes widen. I gently pick her up in my arms drying her tears.

"No, no, don't think of it like that," I pat her back. "Of course he wants to see you. You're a ray of sunshine. Who wouldn't want to see you?"

She sniffles hugging my neck as my eyes lock onto his brown eyes. After a moment of staring, a sigh escapes with a nod. "Perhaps I can bend the rules this time."

Her eyes light up in joy. "Really?"

"Yes, but remember not to be too loud. His Highness is asleep, alright?" He pats her head as she grins at him.

"Thank you, Waltari!"

"My pleasure, Young Princess." He opens the door gently with a creek allowing us to enter.

I place my daughter down on the ground as the door shuts with a click. "Daddy!"

"Shhh," I whisper making a shushing motion with my finger. "He's asleep."

"Oh yeah!" She runs towards my husband poking his shoulder as he is laying his head on the desk sleeping peacefully.

My feet glide towards him with a slight smile. Even in his sleep he's handsome.

"Dada," She pokes his shoulder continuously. "Wake up."

"Melody, your father is resting. Let him sleep."

"But I wanna go outside with him. Last week, he promised me that he will buy me anything I wanted." He did?

"Really?"

She nods. "Those were his exact words, Mommy."

Hm… My eyes drift over to my beloved who is blissfully sleeping with rhythmic breathing. "How about this," I start as I return my eyes back to my daughter's. "If you want, I can take you outside to buy whatever you want, okay?"

"Yay!" I quickly place a finger over her lips.

"Remember, your father is sleeping." I glance at him as he stirs in his slumber a bit. How can he sleep like that without getting a neck cramp?

My head shakes as I organize the massive amounts of paper on his desk. This man must've overworked himself again. No wonder he didn't return to the room. As I was organizing the paper into piles, a sheet falls to floor. Whoops. My legs kneel to grab it as my eyes widen. Eh?

On the sheet of paper, a portrait of a woman with long pale blue hair standing facing away. She's staring at what seems to be a balcony over masses of crowds. Her dress, a long elegant silver color, trails to the ground as she radiates a regal aura around her.

Wow… I stare at the portrait in awe as my daughter takes the picture in her tiny hands. "She's pretty."

Indeed. She really is the most beautiful woman that I have seen. Although it's only her back, I can sense the air of gracefulness from her. My eyes drift back to my husband then to the portrait of the woman. Did he draw this? Who am I kidding? This is clearly his drawing technique.

But why? Does he know this woman? Why didn't he draw her face and frontside? "Mommy, who is this woman?"

"I don't know…"

My beloved shivers a bit as I summon a blanket to cover his body. Seriously. When will he ever learn to take care of himself?

"Hm…" My eyes drift to my daughter who is furrowing her brows. "She looks familiar."

She looks familiar? I kneel to her level. "You seen her before?"

"I don't know but she looks familiar."

I blink blankly and stare at the portrait once again. Hm… who is this woman?

Astral's POV:

The door opens as footsteps approach me. "Your Highness, the coast is clear."

I lift my head off the desk and straighten my clothes. Ow! My hands rub my neck with a hiss. Note to self: remember to turn your head in the other direction next time.

"Waltari, I thought I told you not to let anyone in my office."

"Master, I'm pretty sure you heard the conversation outside the door, correct? What was I supposed to do? The young princess was crying."

True. I can't blame him for this. He's in between a rock and a hard place. "Are you sure you want to do this?" He sighs closing the door. "You know that you're only hurting yourself and others, right?"

"I know but this is the only way." I rise from the chair open a window. "My powers are depleting gradually. In order to sustain my appearance of being healthy, I have to expend massive amounts of my prowess."

He stands next to me as my gaze drift towards my hand. "It's only a matter of time before…"

"Don't say and think those unlucky thoughts!" He shouts as his voice trembles. "I refuse. I refuse to believe that there isn't a cure. That you will succumb to this."

"We went over this yesterday." I meet his brown eyes with a slight smile. "I-Ack!"

My eyes widen as my throat locks up. My feet staggers as my chest burns from the inside. It's like every part of me has been lit up on fire as I clutch my throat breathing heavily. Why? Why is this happening to me of all people?

"Your Highness! Master!" A hand holds me upright. "Doctor! Quick. Someone!"

I grip his arm tightly shaking my head as he growls. "I'm sorry but I cannot listen to you this time."

"D-Don't…" (Cough)

My voice is barely a whisper as my throat burns like a thousand suns dipped in molten lava. Shoot. It's spreading. "Waltari,"

"D-Don't… (Cough)(Cough) I… beg… (Cough) y-you…" (Cough)(Cough)

His eyes widen as I hack into my palm a bright red crimson. "P-Please (Cough)(Cough) Waltari… (Cough)(Cough)(Cough)"

"Why?" Tears glisten as my breathing goes ragged. "Why must you torture yourself like this? Tell me. Why?"

"B-Because…" My throat locks up even more as my voice squeaks. "I… l-love t-them."

(Pulse)

A shock flows through my body as my vision slowly snaps shut. It hurts…

"Master!"

Estrella's POV:

"Your Majesties, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted," I shoot a glare at my friend. He whistles innocently looking away. Why Zachary you better watch out! After this, I'm going to deal with you.

"I feel like that is a great plan. Not only does it stabilize the economy but is also highly beneficial to this world in the terms of protecting the environment."

The king nods. "I also like this plan." He glances at the person next to him. "Honey, what do you think?"

"It's a good plan but it seems to be missing something."

Missing something? What could I be possibly missing? "Astrana, do you have any ideas?" My hazel eyed friend calls as she stares into space. Huh?

"Hey," She walks over with a concerned look. "Are you awake?"

"Astrana," Her father calls out as she blinks clutching her head. "Are you alright?"

"Huh? Yea. I'm fine." My friend quickly responds with a laugh as we glance at each other in suspicion. Hm…

"Well, since you're awake." My white-haired friend said. "Do you see anything missing from the plan?"

"Missing? Um… what plan are we talking about?"

"The economic plan and budget for this year." Her mother explains slowly. "Do you have any inputs?"

"Oh yeah. That. No. It's all good." She giggles nervously as her parent's glance at each other.

How odd… usually she's very focused but now… is something the matter?

Astrana's POV:

What on earth is this inexplainable pain throbbing in my chest? I place a hand on my chest as I start exiting the throne room. And where's my brother? He usually attends these meetings.

"Astrana," I glance at my mom who is making a come hither motion. "We need to talk."

I gulp as I follow her into her room. Am I in trouble? Is this for not paying attention when discussing the plan? The door shut gently as I notice my sister-in-law sitting on the couch opposite of my dad. She's here as well?

"Before you two say anything, I didn't mean to-"

"We know," My dad interrupts me as I raise a brow and sit down next to my friend.

"You… do…?"

My mom pours me a cup of water. "Liliana, I'm assuming you sensed the unbalance of power as well?"

Unbalanced of power? She nods. "Yes, Mother. What do you think the cause of it is?"

My dad sighs. "We don't know but whatever it is, is somehow affecting us."

I blink as they converse back and forth. I'm totally lost. Am I missing something here? "Um… Mom?"

"Yes, honey?"

"When you talk about an unbalance of power, what do you mean?"

My dad hands me a cup of water. "It's like this cup. The cup is symmetrical, right?"

I nod as he tilts the cup at an angle causing the water to lean. "If I tilt it this way, is it balanced?"

"No…"

"Exactly. If I tilt the cup either way, there will be more water on the sides rather than the middle."

Hm…! "So, what you're saying is that there is less power currently?"

"Correct," My mom chimes in. "Well, I wouldn't say less power per se rather there is an imbalance of power going on."

So… "Why is there an imbalance?"

"That is why we are trying to find out." My sister-in-law states calmly sipping her water. "Astrana, did your chest hurt at all in the last 10 minutes?"

My chest? I let out a gasp. "You mean I wasn't the only one who felt it?"

They shake their heads. "No. We felt it as well."

"But why? I mean like why us out of everyone in our friend group?"

She shrugs. "You ask me who should I ask? Oh and Melody felt it as well."

My eyes widen. "Is she okay?"

"No worries. She's fine once it subsided."

That's a relief. Let's see… Liliana, my parents, my niece, and I all felt the disturbance. Is there a common thread between us?

"Oh," My dad looks at my friend. "Where's Astral? I haven't seen him all day."

"He's-"

I got it! "Astral." I state as the three of them turn to me. "He's the common link between us. Mom, Dad, you're our parents. Liliana, you're his wife. I am his sister and Melody is his daughter."

My dad's eyes widen. "You mean we felt it because we have a direct relation to him?"

"That's a guess but it's possible." After all, that's the only common thread between us.

"But if that is the case…" My mom starts as my sister-in-law slowly places her cup down.

"He's in his office." We stand as she opens the door. Lucky… if you're the cause of the imbalance then why? What is the reason for it?

In front of Astral's office:

"Waltari, step aside."

He kneels in front of us. "Your Majesties, I apologize but His Highness ordered me to not let anyone in."

"Why is that?"

"The reasons are unknown, Your Royal Highness."

Huh… how strange. Why is he isolating himself in his office? Could it be that he has so much work and the deadline is tomorrow? But still… would it kill him just to step out for a moment?

"Waltari, I will repeat, step aside." My dad's eyes narrow as he looks down once again.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty but I'm just fallowing orders."

Stuck between a rock and a hard place. My mom pushed him aside and open the door with a slam to find an empty office with my older brother missing. Where is he?

"Y-Your Majesties…" He shivers underneath my dad's gaze.

"Tell me, where's my son."

He gulps. "His Highness must've gone outside."

What's up with him and going outside these days? Is there something luring him out of the palace.

Maria's POV:

I slam a fist on the table. My eyes narrow at my friend tied to the chair. "Now," A smirk crosses my lips. "Ready to confess?"

"I already said it a thousand times, Maria." He shouts struggling against the ropes. "There is absolutely nothing going on with me and Astral. When are you all going to believe me?"

My friend snorts as he comes up to him. "Nothing? You expect us to believe that?"

"Why on earth would you not believe me?"

"Oh," My brown haired friend laughs. "Perhaps it's because we witnessed you two flirting?"

"So what?" He struggles against the restraints even more trying to get loose. "We were acting and he decided to join in."

Acting? "You expect us to believe that?" He scoffs. "How old do you think we are?"

My friend growls glaring at him. "Derek, Brandon, Maria, all three of you better watch yourselves! I swear you are all dead if I get loose!"

"Oooo," My friend jumps back with a startled expression. "I'm so scared."

"Let go of me!"

"Hey, um…" My white haired friend taps my shoulder with a concerned expression. "Shouldn't we release him? After all, it's been 15 minutes."

"I agree with Star." My brown haired friend said after a moment. "If there's one thing I learned over the years, it's to not provoke an already angered being. The outcome isn't good."

A sigh escape my lips as I put my arms over their shoulders. "Star, Estrella, you two are so cautious. Think about it," I lower my voice. "Even if there's nothing going on between them, how often do we get to be in charge?"

Her eyes widen. "You mean we can…"

I wink. "Bingo. We can finally get our revenge."

Their eyes narrow as a vengeful aura emits from them. "Oh this is going to be good."

Finally got them on board. "So, how are you girls going about this?"

"Just watch me." My brown haired friend winks sashaying towards him.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" He speaks slowly as he gulps.

She giggles batting her eyelashes at him. "Zachary,"

"Y-Yes?" What is she planning on doing?

"Do you find me pretty?"

He blinks blankly processing her question as we glance at each other. Huh?

"Erm… is this a trick question?" He utters out as me and my friends facepalm. A trick question? Really? That question?

She giggles covering her mouth. "I want your honest opinion."

"Yes, you're pretty." He said with a straight face as I raise a brow. What was the reason of this? Also, how can he say that with a straight face? Perhaps he and Astral are more alike than I thought.

She beams as her eyes light up jumping up and down in the room. "Yes! You finally admitted it! After all of these years, you finally said it!"

After all of these years? "Psst, did they know each other in the past?"

"Most likely."

"Let's just observe for the time being."

He blinks clearly confused at her reaction. "Estrella?"

"Hm?"

"What did you mean by 'After all of these years'?"

Her lips curve into a pout as she leans closer to him. "Do you really not remember me?"

"Huh?"

"I never knew you were so cruel… Zachy."

Hahahahaha! "Zachy?" We burst in a fit of laughter. "She just called him Zachy!"

"H-Help me," My blond haired friend hold me for support. "I think I'm going to die of laughter… hahahahah!"

I stifle my laugh with the back of my hand. How cute. She refers to him as Zachy.

My friend's eye twitches as a huge blush dusted his cheeks. "Don't you dare call me that ever again!"

"Or else what, Zachy?"

He struggles with the ropes again biting his lips. "You better watch yourself, Stella. Once I get out, you're going to be minced meat."

Stella? "So you finally remember who I am?" She rolls her eyes. "It took you long enough. Let me tell you something, I recognized you the first moment I saw you yet it took you this long to remember me?"

"Darn it!" He glances towards my friend. "Derek, untie me this instant!"

"What's in it for me?" He raises a brow. "After all, you got yourself into this."

"I said UNTIE ME!"

"No can do my friend." My white haired friend laughs.

His eyes narrow. "Brandon, untie me."

"And why should I do that?"

"Or else," A dangerous smirk crosses his face. "I will spill all of your secrets to Lily."

What secrets? His face pales. "You wouldn't dare,"

"Don't believe me?" He winks and takes a deep breath. "Lily! Brandon loves you! He loves you since that kiss and he want to-Mph!" Oh… that secret.

My friend's face flushes as he gags him. "Stop it! You're spewing nonsense!"

"Mph! Mmmm!"

He spits out the gag breathing heavily. "Dude, are you trying to kill me?!"

"You were talking nonsense."

He scoffs giving him an eye roll. "Nonsense? Puh-lease, I see the way you look at her. Those eyes are of a guy who is in love."

"You lie! I see her as a friend and friend only. Besides, she's married."

"I know but it doesn't change the fact that you love her romantically. Admit it, you're jealous of Astral. Getting to spend every single second with her and-Mph!"

"I said to stop talking!" My friend seethes as he opens his mouth stuffing the gag in.

"Mph! Mmmmm!" He shakes against the ropes as we all let out sighs.

Poor Brandon.

Astral's POV:

I let out a sigh. My feet tread against the pavement as I wander aimlessly without a destination. Haha… where am I even going? It's not like I have a place to go besides the palace.

"I'm a dead man walking."

I mutter as the speed of the wind picks up. Pink cherry blossom twirl creating a twister in the air enveloping my body. What on earth?

My arms shield my face as a bright golden light shines in front of me. That gold light… why is it so familiar?

"Come," A gentle, melodic feminine voice calls out within the light.

"Who's there?" My body tenses as I snap my gaze around the fog covered area. "Answer me!"

"Come to me, Astral." Her voice echos in my ears as my legs start walking towards the light. W-What the? How come I don't have control over my body?

"Stop messing around and tell me, who you are?" A stabbing pain causes me to clutch my head wincing. Ow… why now?

(Pulse)

My breathing hitches as the light illuminates in numerous of colors creating a hypnotic effect. So pretty…

"That's it. Come to me, Astral."

(Flash)

(Chuuu)

I squint at the bright light as a lady around the age of 22 wearing a flowy green dress with light green hair and fair skin approaches me. Where am I? There's nothing but a thick coating of fog.

"I've been waiting for you, Your Highness."

"Who are you?" My eyes narrow as she offers me a smile.

"Still cautious as ever. My name is Tori." Tori?

"What do you want?" I ask as she glides to me. Who is she? Also, where on Astral World am I? Wasn't I walking a moment ago?

A hand takes mine looking at my palm as I try to get it free. "Don't touch me! What are you-"

"You have an illness."

My eyes widen as I stop pulling my hand from her. How does she know?

"Moreover," Her calm, light blue eyes bore into mine. "This illness will be a catalyst of your troubles in the future."

Duh. Having an illness is a catalyst for many events in life. Such as death. Her eyes glow an unnatural blue hue as she grips onto both of my hands. H-Huh?

"You're living in a dream world." She said in an indifferent voice. "You got to awaken before it's too late."

Awaken? Living in a dream world? What is she rambling on about? "Sorry but what are you-"

"You got to wake up. Wake up and fulfill your mission."

(Pulse)

(Flash)

Oh great. Now, where am I? The fog clears and a monstrous door appears in front of me with chains binding it. Holy moly! What is with this door?

"Whoever opens this door will obtain a great new power, but know that with such a reward comes great risk." A deep male voice echoes as I stand on a rocky ledge. A power? Great risk? "Have you the courage to unlock this door?"

I must be dreaming. I pinch my arm as a hiss escapes my lips. "No. I'm not dreaming. Definitely not."

"This is no dream." The door calls out as the ledge trembles even more. "Have you the courage to unlock this door?"

"What will I gain?"

"A great power beyond this world."

I roll my eyes. "A great power?" A laugh escape my lips. "You're kidding. How can a door grant me anything?"

"What if I say you will regain your memories?"

My eyes widen. My… memories? "Again, how can a door grant me that?"

"Astral, this is your destiny. Slice this door and obtain what's rightfully yours. Failure to do so will have grave consequences." It said ignoring my question.

Obtain what's rightfully mine? What is rightfully mine?

(Pulse)

Not again!

(Flash)

"Astral," This time, a lady with pale blue hair with hypnotic pink eyes walks towards me. "I finally found you, my love."

What? "Your… love…?"

A soft hand lays on my cheek. Her eyes stare into mine with a longing gaze. "You'd forgotten about me?"

(Pulse)

I hiss and shut my eyes shaking my head. What is happening to me?! My feet stumbles back holding the sides of my head tightly as a wave of shock and electricity flows through my body.

"Argh!"

(Flash):

"Come on you slow poke," A 14 year old girl with light blue hair runs through a field of colorful flowers. "Come and get me!"

"Astraea," A guy with mismatched eyes groan. "Must you be so energetic all the time?"

She stops looking at the guy with a pout. "And must you be so serious and unfun all the time?"

He snorts. "Unfun isn't a word."

She places a hand on her hips leaning in closer. "There you go again," Her lips peck his cheek as his eyes widen in disbelief.

"Why'd you-"

"I'm you're girlfriend for crying out loud." She huffs crossing her arms looking away with a pink tint on her cheeks.

The guy sighs softly embracing her by the waist pulling the beauty into his arms. "Come on, Astraea, you know that I'm not very averse to physical touch."

"Of course I know but still… I'm your girlfriend." The girl in his arms turn to face him. "At least let me initiate some cheek kisses."

His lips curve upwards as he leans closer gently planting a kiss lovingly on her lips. Her eyes widen as he swiftly pulls away with a red tint on his cheeks.

"Happy?" A cough escapes his mouth as she stares at him in shock. "W-Well, it's getting really late. Let's-Mph!"

Her lips meet his again cutting him off. Her arms wrap around his neck running her fingers through his hair as he slowly pull her closer.

"Yes," They separate with breathing slightly labored. "Can you do something for me, my love?"

"It depends on what it is."

"Can you kiss me everyday?"

His eyes widen as she peck his lips with a giggle. "Don't stare at me like that."

"How can you utter something so… shameless?"

"So what?" Her face reddens in embarrassment. "You're my boyfriend."

(Flash)

Boyfriend? My eyes drift back to her pink sapphire eyes. Her eyes… "A-Astraea?"

Wait… that was a memory? I had a lover other than Liliana? But… I'm confused… why is she showing up now? And why did my wife not say anything about her?

She gives me a small smile. "You finally remember me, my beloved."

My heart thumps faster as tears welled in her eyes. "I'm glad. That was all I ever wanted. You to remember me."

W-What? "W-Wait," I hold her hand as she starts to disappear into gold particles. "D-Don't go, Astraea. Please, I need answers!" A wetness leaks from my eyes as I can feel my heart cracking. Why am I crying? I don't even know this woman!

"I'm sorry, Astral." An echo radiates within my ears as I blink clutching my head.

(Pulse)

(Flash):

Every bone in my body shakes violently. The scent of blood fills the air as my breathing labors. A blue hared 16-year-old female lays limply in my arms. "A-Astral," A blood-stained hand cups my cheek weakly as her shining pink eyes open. "I... love you..."

(Flash)

W-What the… t-this memory… "Astraea!" My eyes scan around the fog in desperation. "Where are you?"

"Answer me!"

"Astraea!"

More tears leak from my eyes as my throat locks. "D-Don't leave me. Why? Why? Why must you leave?"

(Pulse)

(Flash)

"Whoever opens this door will obtain a great new power, but know that with such a reward comes great risk."

I… am I going crazy?! "Astraea! Answer me!" My gaze snaps left and right trying to find her as voices echo in my ears.

I cover my hearing as best as I can. "Shut up! Shut up! Just stop talking!" I growl as the voices keep getting louder and louder.

"Stop it… stop talking…" My body backs against a wall curling into the fettle position with my knees tucked against my chest. "I don't want to know anymore."

"H-Help m-me. Please." My body trembles as I shut my eyes tightly. "Help me!"

Why am I reacting this way? Why am I so scared? What happened in the past? Who is Astraea? Why can't I remember anything?!

Liliana's POV:

I glance at the clock. It's almost midnight! "Where is he?"

"Lily," My mother-in-law guides me to the chair. "Relax. He's not in any danger."

"But Mother, how do you expect me to relax? If the power imbalance is caused because of him then-"

"Ok, ok," She soothes sitting me down. "Look, I get that you're worried and yes, we are all worried about him but getting all worked up like this isn't going to solve anything."

"She's right," My father-in-law states. "Besides, our daughter merely theorized that he was the common link between us. That might not be the case."

True. That might not be the case. He's right. Worrying won't solve a thing. I take deep breaths to steady myself. "You two are right. I got to calm myself."

But where is he? Surely he would have been home hours ago.

(Ring)

(Ring)

(Ring)

We all jump at the bell ringing ominously as footsteps can be heard echoing through the hallway. Why does the bell have to sound like a horror movie?

I gulp as a figure approaches me. His hair disarray with a scowl on his lips. That expression… he never displayed such an expression unless angry before. Did something happen?

"Lucky, where on earth have you been?" She begins in a scolding manner. "Do you know what time it is?"

My husband barely spared her a glance directing his eyes on our parents. "Mother, Father," His eyes lock onto theirs. "In these past two years, have you hid anything from me that I should know about?"

I shudder at his tone. His eyes radiate a sense of sadness and desperation that I haven't seen on him in forever. His tone and his eyes…

My mother and father-in-law glances at each other for a moment as they look back at their son.

"No." He states locking eyes with him. "We have never kept anything from you that we deem beneficial."

"I want the truth."

"That is the truth." My father-in-law said a moment later. "We have never hid anything from you."

My beloved's eyes close momentarily taking a breath in nodding his head slowly. "That's how you're going to play it, huh?"

What? "Honey, what are you saying?" I ask as his eyes drift to mine. His gaze softens for a moment then returns to his impassive expression.

"Two whole years." His fists clench glaring at his parents. "You hid her from me for two whole years! How could you do such a thing?!"

He spins on his heels and start to walk out the door not uttering another word. What is the matter with him today? He's been isolating himself all day.

"Hold it," My sister-in-law grabs him by the hand. "Astral, did something happen?"

"Let go of my hand, Astrana." His voice barely above a whisper as I can hear it crack. Why does he… is he… crying?

"You're acting super weird today. First, you went out of your way to avoid us. Now, you're returning at midnight without even offering an explanation." Her voice rises a few notches.

"Older brother, did something happen?"

My eyes drift to his hand as it clenches into a fist until it turns white. Something definitely happened. He never reacted like this before.

"This doesn't concern you." He responds not looking back at her. "Listen to me, let go of my hand."

"But… you're voice… why does it sound like you're about to-"

"I will say it once more. Let. Go. Of. My. Hand. This. Instant."

Our eyes widen at his murderous tone. The being holding his hand bites her lip with tears threatening to fall. Uh-oh…

"Son," My father-in-law chimes in after a moment of silence. "Watch your tone."

My husband scoffs yanking his hand free. "Look who's talking."

"What do you mean by that?"

He stays silent walking towards the door. "Liliana, I'll be staying in my office. Don't bother me unless there's an emergency."

"Astral-"

(Slam)

The force that he slammed the door resonates through the entire palace as an awkward silence passes through.

What on earth is wrong with him today?