Liliana's POV:
"Who are you really?" My eyes narrow onto his as he frowns.
"My darling wife, how could you point a sword at your beloved husband?" His frown morphs into a cute pout. "If an individual comes in here, they may get the wrong idea."
Something's off about his aura… in fact it has been odd since a few weeks ago.
"I will ask you once more, who are you?" I voice steeping closer to him as the sword lightly touch his chest. "Why are you pretending to be who you're not? What's your motive?"
"Hey, uh…" A voice rings out. "Lily, let's just use our words okay? Put your sword away."
"Astrana, he is not your brother. Can't you sense his energy? It's totally different than before."
"But even though his energy is different, he's still-"
"He's not your brother." My grip tightens on the sword staring into his gold and silver eyes. "I know my husband the best and you are definitely not him."
"Now, what have you done with him? Where is he?"
…
…
…
A dark chuckle emits from his mouth. His lips form a small smirk making my spine tingle. "You finally figured it out huh?"
I knew it!
My eyes widen as his eyes suddenly changes from gold and silver to a dull gold and black. Gold and… black… "Took you longer than expected."
"What have you done to our son?" My father-in-law shouts as my mother-in-law holds him back.
"Nothing."
"Liar!"
He rolls his eyes with scoff. "Even if I wanted to do something to him, I can't so calm yourself, Eliphas."
"Who are you?"
The man in front of me simply smiles with a head tilt. "Your husband."
"Who are you?" I grit my teeth clenching my sword tightly as I can. "Where is he right now?"
"As I said he's not in any immediate danger." His arms fold over his chest. "As for his whereabouts, I can't disclose."
"You little-" Calm down, Lily. I need to calm myself. I take a deep breath in and out. "Just tell me where he is and I will spare your life."
"Spare my life?" A snicker escapes his lips. "Oh honey, I know for a fact you don't have the heart to kill me."
My face warms up as I glare at him. "Don't honey me! Just tell me where my husband is!"
"I told you, I can't disclose his whereabouts."
"Tell me!" My eyes bore into his as he smiles innocently.
"I don't understand why you're so angry, darling."
Darling? Darling?! First it was honey. Now it's darling?!
My blood boils as I clench my left fist. "Stop calling me those names, imposter." A lump suddenly forms in my throat. "Just tell me his location."
A sigh escapes from his pink lips. "I told you, he's not in danger."
"Then why won't you tell me-"
"It's complicated." Gold and black eyes bore into mine. "Look Princess, your husband is currently preoccupied with something else so he asked me to fill in during his absence."
Preoccupied with something else?
"Why should I believe you?" My eyes narrow into his once again. "You could be lying for all I know."
"Think about it, for the past few weeks, if I wasn't sent by him, why would I go to such great lengths to pretend to be your husband?"
"Power. As The Prince, you can have everything you ever desire."
"True but why would I risk my life to save you if I wasn't sent by him?" He raises a brow. "Why would I waste my strength by carrying you all the way to the palace if I had an ulterior motive?"
"Because you are pretending to be my husband. It would look suspicious if a husband just left his wife to drown so you played along."
"That is also very true but don't you think if I had an ulterior motive," A cunning smirk appears on his lips. "I would've stirred up trouble already? Don't you think I wouldn't have tried something on you?"
My left eye twitches as my arm thrusts the sword so it presses against his chest a bit more. Pervert! "Go on. I dare you to try something. One wrong move and you'll be dead."
A laugh radiates from his mouth. "You wish. I can say it now, Princess, you're not my type. I'm into more elegant and ladylike individuals not a jealous and insecure wife."
Jealous and insecure?!
"Excuse me?! I dare you to repeat what you just said."
"Gladly." He shrugs reverting to an emotionless look. "I've known Astral for a very long time now. Some may say that I'm his brother regarding our looks and all." Really? I thought he was using a transformation skill or something. "Here's the thing I don't get. Why did he chose you of all people?"
"Hey!" My brows knit together as I clench my teeth. "I have tons of admirable qualities!"
Who does he think he is? Insulting me like that.
"Yes. Yes you do." A slight smile flashes on his face. "But the thing you lack is confidence."
"What? I don't-"
"All of us know it, Princess. It's so painstakingly obvious at this point that even a kid can tell."
I glance down towards the floor. I… is it really that obvious? Am I not confident?
"I said it once and I'll say it again. I know your husband. He loves you. No matter what he does, no matter how he shows it, he married you because he loves you." His gaze pierce mine. "There is nothing you need to be insecure about nor there is nothing you need to be jealous of."
My eyes widen as my heart suddenly increases in my chest. No… he's… I… "He slept with another woman-"
"How many times had he said I love you to you? How many times has he reassured his love for you?"
I stay silent as his feet steps closer to me making the sword press harder against his shirt. "Yet you still don't trust him?"
"I do trust him but…"
(Flash):
"I've been thinking about this a lot recently," No… A lump forms in my throat as I blink the tears away. Why? Why now?
"And I think it would be best if we-"
"Why?" I grip my fingers together. "Give me one reason why you want to do this?" It doesn't make any sense! "Sure, I was wrong about many things. I'll admit that I'm not a good wife or princess consort but," I dig my fingernails into the palm of my skin. "Why would you want to consider this?"
(Flash)
He still wants a divorce. It's like his mind is dead set on that happening. I grit my teeth as I force the moisture from my eyes down. Don't cry. Stop it. Just breathe, Lily. Breathe. Take a deep breath.
"You know," A sigh interrupts my thoughts. "Sometimes he says things because he thinks the other individual will benefit from them even if it's untrue."
"I'm sorry?"
The man in front of me shakes his head with a slight smile. "Never mind. Point is you have nothing to worry about. Your husband is safe and that's all you need to know."
Enna's POV:
"Have a seat,"
A 19 year old sits down across from me and my husband. I lock the door, encasing the room in a barrier.
"I suppose you're pretty surprised to see me huh?" The being in front of me pours himself a cup of water then sips it awaiting our response.
Surprise is an understatement.
"Have some cookies," I push a plate of cookies towards him as a smile flashes on his lips.
"As usual, you're the the only one who seems to care about me, mother."
"She's not your mother." The being next to me snaps glaring at him. "Tell me, why are you back? What have you done to my son?"
"Geez," A scoff escapes his mouth as he bites off a piece of a cookie. "Why are you always so worked up all the time? No wonder Astral has a grudge against you."
"Why?" Green and red eyes narrow dangerously. "I don't know maybe it's because my son is missing and you somehow broke the seal? Ever think of that?"
"Honey," I tug his arm. "No need to yell."
"Enna," His eyes turn to me in disbelief. "How could you?"
"He's just a kid."
"He's 19 years old!"
"Let me handle this." My eyes drift from my husband to the being sitting across from me. Let's see…
"If I remember correctly, your name is Dark?"
"Mhm." He nods taking another cookie. "Actually, my real name is Raizel. Dark is just a nickname my brother gave me."
Brother?
"You have a brother?" I raise a brow as he nods again.
"Yeah."
Huh… how exactly would that work?
"Anyway, all I want to know is-"
"He's fine." The being across from me let's out a sigh. "At least for now he's fine."
"What?" I jump as the voice next to me rings out. "What does that supposed to mean?"
"It means Astral is fine. You have absolutely nothing to worry about."
"If I have nothing to worry about then why did you break your seal? Why are you in front of us? Why are you-"
"First of all, I didn't break the seal." His black and gold eyes pierce my husband. "Astral, your son, voluntarily let me out."
"What?!"
But why? My eyes drift from my husband to the being across from me. Why would he let him out? Doesn't he know it's dangerous? The last time that happened… Astrana almost ended up getting crushed by a rock.
"Yup."
"You're lying." My husband stares at him in disbelief. "I want to speak with him. Let him in control."
"Uh," A laugh fills the air. "Why would I go and do that when I finally get to have some freedom?"
"Please," My hand grip his as he stiffens. "Raizel, can we speak to him just for a moment?"
His eyes softens as he starts to pull his hand away from mine. "I can't."
"Why not?"
…
He bites his lips. "I just can't let him…"
"Why? Tell me why you can't-"
"Eliphas!" I glare at my husband promptly interrupting his sentence.
The nerve of this man. Why is he yelling at him so much? He's only a kid!
"Don't worry," His eyes widen as my hands grip his with a smile. "If you don't want to tell us why, we won't force you."
"But-"
"Eliphas, this is your last warning."
The being next to me gulps as a breath escapes my lips. "I apologize for his actions. He's just concerned that's all."
Eliphas' POV:
I don't even…
"You can't honestly trust him, right?"
"Come on, honey," My wife walks up to me placing a hand on her hips. "Weren't you a bit mean to him? After all, he's our son-"
"He is not Astral." A pair of arms wrap around my waist. "He's Raizel."
"I know but that still doesn't change anything." My wife said leaning her head on my back. "He's been apart of our son since childhood and we just have to accept it."
"You think I don't know that?" It's just… how is that possible? To have two souls in one being? Is there such a thing? "It makes no logical sense. How is it that Raizel can be in our son's body?"
"Hm," She hums for a moment. "Perhaps… he has-"
"Dissociated Identity Disorder?"
"Yeah." I mean… it's not that I haven't considered it before but… "It's the only scientific explanation."
"But it doesn't seem right to me." I turn around as the woman in front of me tilts her head to the side a bit. "Hear me out, I considered that option before. The symptoms match up but something about it doesn't sit well with me."
"Can you clarify what you mean, love?"
"This is a long time ago but," I grip her hands firmly. "Do you remember what happened when he was born?"
Maria's POV:
"Begone imposter!" I shout as I stick as yellow sheet of paper with characters on it on his forehead. "Free my friend at once!"
"Are you sure those will work?"
"Of course it'll work."
My friend approaches the unmoving figure cautiously narrowing her green eyes. "Out of curiosity, where did you get these?"
"A local shop." I wave a hand. "You buy one set and the other one is free!"
"And… you are positive in these frail slips of papers?"
I fold my arms across my chest shifting my weight to one leg. "Hey, he clearly said these slips of papers will get rid of anything from demons to monsters to possessed individuals."
"Right," A hand touches his arm. "I think you got scammed."
Scammed?! Does she have such little faith in me?
"Scammed? How dare you, Star." I pout turning away from her. "You're supposed to back me up."
She giggles. "Yes but little slips of papers? Really?"
"How do you explain why he's not moving?" I roll my eyes as they land on his figure once more. "It's got to be working."
My feet slowly walks up to him as I narrow my eyes. Incredible… he looks just like him. What sort of transformation skill is this? I touch his cheek, sliding my fingers down towards his lips. Wow… has his skin always been so smooth? How is it that he has such amazing genes? Soft hair, amazing skin, tall, beautiful… what more can a being ask for?
"If you are done molesting me, I would appreciate it if you take a step back."
"Ahhhh!"
What the!
I immediately hop back as the figure in front of me starts to move. His hand takes off the slip of paper with a neutral expression.
"I told you they didn't work."
"Star!" My eyebrows furrow as heat rises in my body. Ah great. Just my luck. I knew I shouldn't have used freebies!
"So," My body stiffens as he narrows his eyes on me. "A demon huh?"
Uh-oh…
"Uh… I… um…" What do I say?!
"Maria, do I really look like a demon to you?" He raises a brow crossing his arms.
"O-Of course not." I stammer as my friend looks away casually. You're just going to not help me? Oh just you wait until I get my little hands on you. "I was just joking is all."
"Huh…"
"You don't look like a demon in the slightest!" A giggle escapes my lips. "In fact, you look heavenly. Your skin is so smooth and beautiful. It looks as if you ascended from the sky or something."
Stop rambling! What am I saying right now?!
…
…
…
The being in front of me cracks a smile and laughs. Laughter rings throughout the room as I glance at my white-haired friend. "Did I go too far?"
"You know what I just realized?" She places a hand on her chin. "You are just like Brandon. He rambles when he gets caught as well."
"You girls are too funny." A voice rings in my rings as we blink at him. "Are you like this often?"
"Unfortunately."
"Hey!" I snap my head to her as she flutter her lashes innocently. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Hm?"
Whose side are you on anyway?
I turn my head with a huff focusing on the little smile displaying on his face. Why does he have such a… content… smile… is that the word? Content?
"We haven't even gotten your name yet." My friend speaks up taking out her hand. "My name is Star and the being next to me is Maria."
Black and gold eyes blink looking at her hand as he slowly shakes it. "I'm Raizel but you can call me Rai or Dark. Whichever one is the most convenient."
Dark? I get Rai because it's the shortened version of Raizel but Dark?
"Dark? Is that your nickname?"
"I guess you can say that."
Huh… why do I have a feeling this guy is more mysterious if not on the same level as Astral?
"What does Dark stand for?"
His smile slowly fades as he reverts back to a serious expression. "Well, if memory serves me correctly, Dark means no light or the one that shines in darkness."
The one that shines in darkness…
"And Raizel means secret of God. In Jewish mysticism, Raziel is an angel known as the Keeper of Secrets." I said as my friend looks at me.
"Are you an expert on names all of a sudden?"
"I stumbled across a book of names while browsing in the palace library." Some of the names were quite unique.
A thought crosses my mind. "But wait a moment. Dark and Raizel… they are on opposite ends of the spectrum."
"Oh yeah, you're right…"
That's a bit odd. Why would he want to be referred as a being in the darkness rather than a being of light?
"Hm," Her eyes light up as a smile crosses her lips. "It's settle then. From now on, I'll refer to you as Dark. After all, light can't shine without darkness."
His eyes slightly widen for a second then forms a slight smile. "Your name is Star, correct?"
My friend nods as he places a hand under his chin. "Interesting…"
She blinks as I raise a brow. Interesting? What does that supposed to mean?
Estrella's POV:
In the Duchess' mansion:
I let out a yawn pushing myself away from my desk. "Oh my goodness," My eyes blinks as they zoom in and out of focus. Gone a few days and there's a pile of paperwork. Now I understand why the guys are busy most of the time.
"Your Grace," A maid with a purple ponytail and red eyes comes up to me. She cautiously places down the tea with a clink. "You should take a break. You've been sitting for hours now."
"Lindsey, I wish I could." I open up a manila file. "But I promised The Prince I would help him with this."
(Flash):
"You called?"
The door opens as a guy sits elegantly on the couch with two cups of water in front of him. "Yes. I apologize to bother you so late during the night."
"No no," My hand close the door gently. "It's no bother at all. Did you need something?"
A hand gestures directly across from him. "Have a seat."
(Flash)
To think this situation will escalate if we don't stop it soon… Edward… just why are you doing this?
"Yes, but still you've been working for hours." She speaks up with a concerned tone. "My Grace, you can benefit from rest."
(Knock)(Knock)
My ears perk up. "Who is it?"
"My Grace," A feminine voice rings outside the door. "Count Luca, The General, is here."
Lily's father? What would bring him here on such short notice? And shouldn't he be visiting his daughter?
"Ah, yes." I clear my throat standing from my desk. "Tell him I'll be out in a few minutes. In the meantime, place him in the main room."
"Yes, My Grace."
Footsteps fade as I let out a sigh. "Lindsey, where's Heather?"
The being next to me snaps to attention interlocking her fingers. "Your Grace, today's her day off."
Oh yeah…
5 minutes later:
"Count Luca," I step into the room as a man with a black hair and red eyes rises from his chair bowing to me.
"Duchess Estrella," His fingers interlock as I sit at the head of the room. "I apologize for coming unannounced."
"That is quite alright." My gaze shifts to the maid who places the tea cups on our tables. "Everyone may leave."
"Yes, Your Grace."
One by one they follow each other out the room shutting the door gently. He crosses his legs staring at the door for a moment then looks at me.
"Is there something I can do for you, Your Excellency?" Surely by the look of things, this isn't a house visit.
"Your Grace," His lips curve into a smile. "His Royal Highness has advised for me to help with the investigation."
Ah…
(Flash):
"You want me to do what?!"
"I'm not expecting you to find out everything by yourself. You'll have some guidance."
"Guidance? And tell me again, why can't you do this yourself?" I raise a brow as he places his cup down in the table.
"I will be preoccupied with certain things." A minuscule smile crosses his lips. "Don't worry. I'll tell you everything I know about this. In the meantime, just focus on finding what he's up to and the location."
"But what if I can't-"
"I believe in you." Gold and silver eyes pierce mine. "Don't let me down."
(Flash)
Talk about pressure. He must be the guidance he was talking about but why me?
"Yes," I wave an arm to make a file appear in my hands. "His Highness has told me that I will have some guidance on this."
A smile flashes on his lips. "Shall we get started then?"
"As long as you're ready, Your Excellency."
Let's open this box of mystery.
Barian World:
No one's POV:
"Your Highness,"
A guy puts up an arm making the one before him stop his sentence. His heterochromatic eyes narrow. "Whatever you're about to say, I already know."
"If you know then you must be realize the consequences of releasing such a deadly blast-"
"I know." A hand curls as he grit his teeth. "It will break the treaty but it's about time to end this 1 million year war."
The one who stands before him lets out a sigh. "Is this because The Celestial Prince-"
"Don't you dare mention that title or anything related to him." He growls filling the room with a suffocating aura making the room impossible to breathe.
"Your Royal Highness," The being below him interlocks his fingers. "If I may be so bold. What exactly are you fighting for? The Celestial Prince died years ago. Isn't it time you-"
(Slam)
The individual on the throne slams his hand on the armrest. His eyes narrow dangerously. "Hahahaha! You don't know anything about him, Lucifer. He won't be so easily killed like that."
"But…"
"Endymion," A dark smirk flashes on his lips. "Just where are you?"