Author Note: I'm so sorry for the really slow update. I was swamped editing and organizing this story to make it better, as there was so much junk in it, and if you're new here, you're not missing anything. Then, I have my responsibilities in life. School, chores, and other things that make me unable to write. Now, the tension has officially come with Claire and her friends. Claire felt like she had to hide her heritage from her friends and wanted revenge with the weight of the world on her shoulders, but now she's not alone, which is her greatest fear, but she's scared for the safety of her friends as she lost one of the closest people in her life from the threat she's up against.
"Claire! Claire!"
I open my eyes, hearing Mom cry my name. I turn around to her and Dad in front of me. I sigh with relief, but sense something is wrong. What are they doing here? "Mamá! Papá!" I call out, running to them, but a fire line appears before me, making me stop and causing my parents to scream. "Mamá! Papá!" I cry. As soon as the fire disappears, the sky becomes red, everything is dead, and my parents turn into stone, petrified with horror. I cried in agony, witnessing my parents, people I love and want to help, destroyed before me, and I could do nothing. I hear laughter above me, making my blood go cold. I look up and see my worst nightmare.
"You see, Child, no one is safe from our new world. You will be our champion." Bellroc laughs, pointing their staff at me.
Rage boils inside me, and I summon my staff. "You two are going to pay for this!" I growl, my magic flowing fast through my body. Before I strike, I hear something in my ear, making me freeze.
"Sweetie!" Mom's voice says calmly. "It's OK. What you see is not real. Your father and I are safe with Enrique. It's OK. You are brave, you are strong, and you have the power in you to overcome anything."
Tears swell in my eyes, but hope comes to my heart, hearing my mom reach out to me. "Mamá."
"I am here for you, sweetie. I will always be here for you, my little warrior."
Those words give me strength, and I fight off the Arcane Order, rage but determination inside me. I am strong and brave; I will never give up on the world and those I love.
"Claire!" I hear a frail female voice, causing everything to disappear into the darkness. "Claire."
I turn around at Abuela smiling at me. I sigh with relief and run towards her. "Abuela!" I shout, but as I get closer, she becomes pale and covers her stomach with her hands. "Abuela?" I asked, but my heart dropped when blood drenched in her clothes. She pulls her hands away to show a sharp blade in her stomach, making my blood freeze. I look up, and her smile is permanent on her face. She collapses, but I catch her in my arms. "Abuela! Abuela!" I cry, holding her in my arms. She starts to drift off, and panic races in my heartbeat. "Don't you dare close your eyes! Don't you dare let go of me!" I beg, squeezing her hand tightly, hoping she does the same.
"Claire." She mumbles in her weak voice. "You're almost there... You will succeed."
"But I failed... I failed you." I reply, shaking my head.
"No... You've done nothing wrong... I'm so proud of you... You will succeed."
"I promise I'll destroy the Arcane Order. I'll avenge you. You are too good to die." I cry.
"Claire... Vengeance will only corrupt the soul. Do not let them take your heart. You will win this war and succeed, even if I won't be there to see it." She says softly and lets go.
"No! NO! Don't let go! Don't leave me!" I beg, shaking her to stay awake.
"Claire...it's OK. I will never leave you and always be in your heart. I love you." She says sweetly and closes her eyes.
Her strength leaves her body and relaxes, making me panic. "NO! NO! Abuela! Abuela, wake up! Please don't leave me! Abuela!" I cry out in agony. I bury my face in her chest, hoping to hear anything, but no answer, making me cradle her in my arms. "I love you, Abuela! I promise to avenge you! I promise I'll defeat these monsters and help our family! I promise!"
I open my eyes from the horrible dream and see Jim beside me, sleeping peacefully, calmly breathing through his nose. I quietly get out of bed and get dressed so as not to wake him up. Once finished, I sit on our bed and gently shake Jim awake, making him stir and soon open his eyes.
"Claire, you're already up." He mumbles and yawns.
"I have stuff I need to do. The Arcane Order is coming, and I need to fix my family." I reply.
Jim gets up and rubs his eyes. "You're not doing this alone."
I smile, seeing the determination of my boyfriend's eyes. "Then get dressed and eat your ration so we can go," I say, and he quickly does it.
I grab my staff and spell book, and we exit our room to Nymeria and Amber outside, waiting. "Hi!" I say and kneel to scratch Nymeria behind the ears.
"Ready for the day?" She asks, wagging her tail.
"You know it!" I reply and wink, making Nymeria smile and lick me on the cheek, making me giggle.
Amber jingles in front of me, and we follow her to where our friends are, beginning the start of a hard but better day.
"What good spells can I use to attack the Arcane Order?" I ask Douxie. We're all in the arena; everyone is off practicing what we've been doing for the past week, but this time, I asked Douxie and Zoe to give me a magic lesson as Veronica doesn't know how to help me.
"You can't. They're more powerful than you." Archie says calmly, making my stomach flip.
"Uh, actually, she can." Zoe buds in.
"How?" He asks.
"A redirection spell. If the Arcane Order's spells are powerful and Claire can't match them, she can beat them with their strength. It will reduce energy loss and is easy to learn."
"But it's a risky move." Douxie interrupts. "If Claire does it wrong, it will backfire and cause the same damage from the spell she's trying to rebound, if not more."
I ignore Douxie's warning and look at Zoe. "Teach me!" I beg.
Zoe glances at Douxie and smirks, making him roll his eyes. "Well, if Claire wants to do this, then I should help." He sighs.
"Great! How is it done?" I ask with excitement.
"In a battle or duel, many wizards believe hitting harder is better, but there comes a point when you're facing an opponent stronger or more skilled. To win, you must make your defense become your offense and turn your opponent's energy against them. Redirecting helps the wizard fight more effectively and reduce the amount of energy." Douxie explains.
"The Arcane Order is stronger than you, but your abilities cause you to be resourceful and creative in your fighting style," Zoe adds.
"Of course. Jim and Blinky taught me that." I reply, crossing my arms.
"Give yourself more credit. Do you remember when you fought those boys at Señorío de Galot?" Zoe says, brushing off my comment.
"Yes! What does that have to do with this?"
"You told me you used their strength to become their weakness, and you did it effortlessly," Douxie replies, making me raise my eyebrow.
"But they were arrogant boys, and we're up against the strongest force in the universe." I remind him.
"Claire, they were twice your size, and you've fought trolls ten times your size and strength multiple times, according to Jim and Blinky." Zoe reminds me. "If you can do that, you can handle two Demi-gods."
"If Bellroc or Skrael hit you with a spell you can't defeat, let the energy in your body flow; the spell will follow it," Douxie explains. "You must create a pathway from the palm of your hand or the fingertips, up your arm to your shoulder, and down to your stomach. Once you do that, you let the spell go from there out through your other arm, and you can direct it anywhere you want." He adds and motions how he describes before looking at me seriously. "However, you can't let the spell pass through your chest where your heart is, for the damage could be deadly."
"Cool," I mumble, making him raise his eyebrow.
"Let's start with the motions to get a feel," Zoe says, changing the subject.
Douxie does what he demonstrated, and I follow his example. After ten of this, I close my eyes and begin to feel my magic flowing through me, imagining using it to attack Bellroc, the being who killed a woman I loved right in front of me.
"You got the hang of it?" Zoe asks, making me open my eyes.
"I think so," I reply.
"Then we can try you redirecting one of our spells now." She says, making Douxie white as a ghost.
"No, Zoe, we can't do that! That technique is only used for emergencies." He says panickly.
"This is an urgent moment, Douxie!" I protest. "The Arcane Order will be here any day now, and I need to learn this perfectly."
Douxie stares at me in horror and looks away, sighing in worry. "Ok, but not too hard." He agrees, making Zoe smirk and wink at me behind his back.
Douxie volunteers, and we stand a fair distance from each other.
"You can also use the offense and defense spell I taught you to redirect spells." He reminds me, and I nod my head.
He took his position and aimed a hand-sized ball towards me. I grab it and do as he says, turning my body to my other side and aiming the spell back at him, making him back away before the harmless spell hits the ground.
"Good. You must move your body to where you want the spell to go. Again!" He says, and we repeat, making me better; no strain holds me back.
"Come on, Douxie hit me harder!" I encourage him, but Douxie turns pale and shakes his head.
"No!"
"If you won't, I will!" Zoe says and steps in front of him. "The Arcane Order plays dirty, and you don't want your best friend to get hurt, do you?"
"Zoe, don't tease him with that!" I hiss.
"What? I just want her to succeed and protect herself," Zoe says, looking at him.
Douxie sighs and looks away. "Fine, but if you fall, Claire, it's over."
I agree, and Zoe begins shooting spells at me; some I redirect, and some I use the defense shield, almost tripping due to the force, but I'm not as tired when I use the redirecting spell to the shield one. After having had enough, Douxie tells Zoe to stop, and the lesson is over.
"Why do you let him make all the rules?" Zoe whispers as she walks towards me.
"He's my teacher, Zoe. I trust him with my life." I reply. "But I sometimes try to bend the rules from time to time."
"You know, Douxie is more protective of you than anyone around him." Zoe comments. "I always wonder why."
"Because I don't want to be like Merlin," Douxie interjects in the conversation, drawing me aback, seeing the guilt in his eyes. "Even though I came to the palace when Morgana was a young adult, I saw how Merlin treated her and me. He was stern, cold, and difficult with her while he was slightly more soft on me, making her jealous of me." He explained and walked towards us, placing his hand on my shoulder. "Claire, you are one of the only people in this world I consider family, and because I recently lost one to the Arcane Order, I don't want that to happen to you." He adds more seriously. "I don't want to be cold like Merlin. I want to ensure you're prepared, supported, and protected, but it seems to be making me overcompensate, causing me to be overprotective of you."
Despite being annoyed by now having two boys do the same, I hug Douxie. "It's fine. That's what big brothers do for their little sisters."
Douxie chuckles and hugs me back. "Take a break, Claire, you earned it. Read your spell book while you're at it." He says, letting go and messing up my hair, making me laugh and playfully hit him in the rib. I walk over to the arena's wall and sit where my spellbook is. I pick it up and open it to read it. It doesn't take long before I become bored, and I look up to watch my friends train with each other, improving their skills moment by moment.
"Hi, Claire!"
I turn my head and smile. "Hi, Veronica! What are you doing here?"
"Checking up on you. What are you doing here away from your friends?"
"I'm taking a break while everyone else is doing their own thing," I reply and look back at my friends.
"I see you've had a long day."
"I did." I yawn, rubbing one of my eyes. "Thankfully, I have my friends to help me."
"You have amazing friends." She comments and sits beside me. "They have been by your side, even through the toughest times these past few weeks for you."
"I'm grateful for having them. I don't know what I would do without them." I sigh. "Well, maybe not Steve." I joke, making Veronica and I laugh.
"You're also lucky to have an amazing boyfriend." She says, making me blush.
"Yes! I love Jim so much!" I agree, spotting him among my friends. "There is no other person like him," I say but frown with worry. "But we also have our problems. We're both diagnosed with PTSD, and he can be possessive and overprotective sometimes, but he's trying to overcome it, which I appreciate." I add and chuckle to lighten the mood. "He is really good to me."
"I've seen," Veronica says. "Heroic, brave, protective, responsible, kind, understanding, mature, compassionate, patient, selfless, loyal, and honorable." She sighs, repeating what my family and I thought and said of him.
I look over to Veronica and see her frown. "What's wrong?"
She looks at me and smiles. "When I see Jim and you together, you remind me of my husband, William, and I."
"You haven't mentioned your family. I know your husband was from England, and you had three children but nothing more."
"Yes! I met my husband when I was 16 and he was 18. We fell in love the moment we first exchanged words. He was a student from England." Veronica sighs.
"How did you two meet?"
"We met in the streets of town when he was arriving from England for the first time. It was a windy day, and I was walking when my scarf flew off my shoulders. I ran after it and almost got run over by a horse. Then, a man pulled me out of the way and asked if I was alright. When my eyes met him, my heart skipped a beat. I fell in love after hearing William's gentle and kind voice."
"And did he?"
"Yes, but I didn't know until he came to my house. During our first encounter, I said my name. When he went to school, he asked about me; a friar, Padre Ferdinand, told him he knew me and knew where I lived. After attending classes, he showed up at my door with the scarf I had lost and met Aunt Elaine. She was surprised yet ecstatic that a handsome young man came to see me."
"What happened after?" I ask, hanging on to her every word, wanting all the details.
"We went for a walk and talked about each other. I was so fascinated when he told me he was from England, where my birth mother was born. I asked him so many questions about everything I could think of. Even though it was improper, William was taken by my curiosity and answered all my questions. We spent hours talking to each other, to the point where Aunt Elaine had to send a servant for me to come home. William had school but promised to visit me as soon as possible. Before he left, he picked a carnation flower and kissed me on the hand."
"Oh my god!" I reply, amazed at how my ancestors first met. "What then?"
"Every day after school, he would visit me, and we would just talk, and this went on for a few months until he had to go back to England after school. I was heartbroken and wanted to go with him, but Aunt Elaine forbade me to go to England but allowed William and me to remain in contact. Time went on, and our courtship grew more serious. One day, on my 18th birthday, William asked for my hand, and I said yes immediately, tackling him to the ground and hugging him. I literally ran back home and told Aunt Elaine the news, and she was so ecstatic but worried because Willian was from England. Thankfully, he was almost done with school, and because he met me, he decided to stay in Spain, and a year later, we got married."
"Oh my god, that is such a love story!" I comment.
"Not long after my wedding, I became pregnant with my first child, Elenora, and within four years, I had two more children, Ferrando and Diago." She sighs and turns around, becoming sad and disappointed.
"You must miss them," I say, sensing her sadness.
Veronica sighs and nods her head. "More than I can say, Claire, but when I saw you for the first time, you reminded me of my daughter and, sometimes, even my sons, giving me joy."
"Really?" I ask curiously.
"Yes. Elenora was a lively, determined, and strong-willed girl with a soft nature. Ferrando was my hot-headed and stubborn yet fearless and persistent little boy. On the other hand, Diago was shy and quiet yet hardworking and compassionate. All these traits were shined through you; everyone who met and knew you is lucky." She says, showing a smile.
"That's something Abuela would say. 'Everyone who met and knew me is lucky.'" I sigh.
"You miss her, don't you?" Veronica asks softly.
I nod my head. "Last night, I had a nightmare about her dying in my arms. My mind goes back to that moment repeatedly sometimes. I promise to avenge her, but she wouldn't want that." I sigh and lower my head; tears come to my eyes. "I felt like the world was destroyed when Abuela's heart stopped beating. I want her to be at peace, make her proud, and keep everyone safe, but I can't. I feel like a failure."
"No, Claire! Shhh! You didn't do anything wrong. Your grandmother was a very special person to you. She doesn't think you're a failure. Your grandmother was a wise, patient, and brave woman. She would be proud of what you've become, a strong, courageous, selfless, and caring young woman who always fights no matter how hard things are." Veronica says softly, and I feel a warm touch on my shoulder, making me look at her.
I smile at her, letting the small tears fall down my cheeks. "Thanks!" I reply, my voice slightly breaking. I look down, and my pendant glows, giving me comfort and sensing it's telling me, 'You're almost there,' giving me an idea, and I stand up with my book in my arms.
"What is it, Claire?" Veronica asks with slight concern.
"I need a spell, a counter-spell that can break our family curse, and the only way I can find it is with your mother's diary, as she's the one who cast it." I clarified, making Veronica smile. Amber showed up beside us, and I asked her to take me to my room. I tell my friends where I'm going, and I'll meet back up with them in the courtroom.
"Claire," Veronica says, making me turn to her. "If you see my mom, tell her I love and miss her."
I smile, touched that Veronica still desires and cares for her mom even after 900 years of not seeing each other. "I will." I agree before Amber and I leave. Once I entered my room, I put my stuff on the bed, grabbed Morgana's diary, sat down, and opened to the first entry. I scanned through all the pages in Morgana's diary, believing there was something I could use against the Arcane Order or even fix my family curse. I flip to the last page and find a note written on it. Instead of being in Wizard-ese, it's in a different language, but not old English. I try to read and pronounce the words but can't properly say the first word.
"I wouldn't try that one if I were you."
I jump and turn around. "Morgana, don't scare me like that!" I hiss. "I just wanted to know what this note means."
"Do you know why I wrote it on the last page of my diary?" She says clearly, crossing her arms.
I shake my head.
"This note is a spell."
"What spell?
"The Charm of Making. It's one of the most powerful spells in the world. I found it written in a book Merlin had in his lab. I kept thinking about it constantly. I asked Merlin about it, and he described it, scaring me to my core. The words in my head haunted me, so I wrote them in my diary to keep it out of sight."
"What does the Charm of Making do?" I ask curiously.
"It's a powerful spell that can break any curse, change time, or destroy anything, even a demi-god like Bellroc."
"Whoa! I guess it was good you didn't use that spell." I say, stunned, but Morgana raises her eyebrow at me. "Oh, sorry." I apologize.
"That's not the reason why I didn't use this spell. The consequences are too great to risk." She replies.
"What are the consequences?"
"It takes a powerful witch or wizard to summon this spell, which is why I was worried why Merlin had it. If someone uses 'The Charm of Making, ' they will lose something of themselves. Their powers, emotions, memories, or worse, their soul, causing the witch or wizard to die." She explains, causing a shiver to go up my spine. "That's why I never and will never use this spell, and I don't want you to use it either."
"Despite that, this spell could be a solution to defeat the Arcane Order and break my family curse," I mumble, brushing aside my fears.
"No, Claire, you're not using that spell!" She replies with worry, looking panicked.
"But don't you want to see your daughter again?" I protest.
"Yes, but I would never place your well-being over that."
"Morgana, don't you understand? You have a chance to see your family again, and I have the chance to defeat the Arcane Order." I argue.
Morgana shakes her head and bends down to my level. "Claire, listen to me! I do want to see my daughter again desperately, but you're my granddaughter, and I can't let you hurt yourself for my or others' benefit." She says seriously, making me roll my eyes in annoyance and look away.
Granddaughter? Is that what she sees me as now?
"Claire, look at me."
I turn my eyes back to her.
"Promise me never to use that spell. I don't want you to suffer the consequences for the sake of others. You don't deserve that."
I bite my lip and look down, conflicted. If Morgana is this serious about my safety, does that mean she cares about me or wants me alive for her daughter to be? I won't let anything stop me from completing my goal, protecting my friends, fixing my family, and saving the universe. "I promise." I lie, looking at Morgana. "But I will do anything to save my friends and family."
Morgana sighs in defeat and glances down. "You're a determined young woman, Claire. You're a warrior, a fighter, and a leader."
"I guess that's why Merlin said we're alike," I comment.
"Don't listen to what Merlin said. He gives up easily on people who he doesn't believe is ideal in his view." Morgana disagrees, shaking her head.
"Despite his resentment, Douxie told me when he knew you, you cared about everyone around you, even though it was difficult for you to show it. You were compassionate to him and always tried to protect all the magical creatures from your brother's laws. You would do anything to protect and save the ones you loved, including your lover, your sister-in-law, and your daughter."
Morgana stares at me in surprise and bites her lip. "Thank you."
"You were good, chose bad, and returned to good," I reply, making her chuckle.
"Yes, but our circumstances were different; the only thing that matters is that you helped me see that I was wrong."
"Because I look identical and the reincarnation of your daughter," I say sarcastically.
"No." She says, her voice becoming shaky. "Because you don't give up on your family and friends, no matter what stands in your way. I haven't had people like that in my life after I lost my mother."
I bite my lip, preventing myself from showing emotions to the woman I was meant to hate but grew to have mercy and soon care for.
"Claire, I don't mean to scare you, but I sense the Arcane Order will be here by tomorrow. No matter what happens now till then, you will stay true to who you are." She says seriously, making me gasp in surprise.
That was the last message Abuela gave me before she died, causing my breath to leave my mouth and blood to turn cold. Tears come to my eyes, and I struggle to stay composed. "Yes, I promise," I mumble, but it sounds like a fading whisper.
Morgana smiles and nods her head. "I'm so proud of you, Claire. You're an amazing person, a strong young woman, and a powerful witch." She says, making me smile.
She straightens to her height and starts to fade before I remember Veronica's request. "Morgana, wait!"
"What is it?" She asks, reappearing where she was.
"It's Veronica; she wanted me to tell you that she loves and misses you," I say softly, widening her eyes.
"She did?"
"Yes! Veronica is a forgiving and caring woman, and even though she hasn't seen you in 900 years, she still cares deeply about you, understanding what you did for her was with good intentions."
Morgana bites her lip and tries to hide with what I think are tears coating her eyes. "Thank you, Claire!" She replies, smiling.
"Don't worry, you'll see her soon. I promise," I reassure her, sensing the hurt in her heart from the love and desire for her daughter. Morgana nods her head and fades from sight. I take a deep breath, put away my books, and ask Amber to lead me to the courtroom. While walking through the halls, I reflect on what Morgana said. If someone uses 'The Charm of Making, ' they will lose something of themselves. Their powers, emotions, memories, or worse, their soul, causing the witch or wizard to die. I considered all my options, but The Charm of Making may be the spell I need. I take a deep breath and open the courtroom door to my friends. Despite the risks and making a promise to Morgana, I will use The Charm of Making. Twice if I have to.
I get on my nightgown and turn to Jim, staring out the window. I notice his arms crossed and looking agitated. I walk behind him and slide my arms around his waist, making him gasp. "What's wrong, Jim?" I whisper, leaning my head against his back.
Jim turns around, and I let him wrap his arms around me. "I'm worried."
"About what?" I ask, looking into his eyes.
"About you. You have been working so hard today."
"Tomorrow, I'll be able to lift my family curse. I have the spell, the incantation, and the magic to make it work. What's so wrong about that?"
"I'm not worried about the curse. I'm worried about the Arcane Order. I feel they're close and will take you away from me." He confesses, trembling.
"Shhh! Shhh! It's going to be alright, Jim. I'm right here and won't go anywhere," I reassure him. Jim tries to smile, but his eyes say otherwise. I let go of his hand and caress his face. "What's on your mind?"
Jim bites his lip and sighs, glancing down. "I had a nightmare about you." He pauses, trembling again. "We were fighting the Arcane Order. I thought we were winning until I heard you scream behind me. I turned and saw the Half-Troll taking you forcefully into a cave. I ran after you into the dark. I kept hearing your voice echoing off the walls, screaming my name, but whenever I turned around, your voice faded into the dark distance. I tried my best to find you, but with every turn, I made and ran, I seemed to go farther away until silence. I tried calling your name, but no response. I heard cackling behind me, making me turn around, and saw Bellroc and Skrael hovering over..." he paused and looked away from me, biting his lip.
I pull his face towards mine. "Tell me," I whisper gently, but Jim's eyes speak of something horrific.
He sighs and takes a deep breath. "They were hovering over your body, where you looked asleep, but I felt something was wrong. I ran over to you and held you in my arms, but you felt cold and lifeless, and your necklace's pendant was black. You couldn't wake up. Bellroc cackled and said that 'she has done her deed.'" Jim adds, looking away with tears coating his eyes. I tremble at the words he says but try to console him. "I thought I lost you, and it was real. The rocks fell above us, but I held you tightly. Then, I woke up and thought my nightmare had come true, but I felt relieved when you slept peacefully beside me." Jim sniffed, trying to wipe the tears away with his hand, but they just kept coming.
"Oh, Jim! Shhh! Shhh! Shhh! It's ok; I'm here." I say as calmly as I can, cupping his face to make him look at me, and I see water at the rims of his eyes. "I'm right here."
Jim tightens his grip around me. "Claire, I'm afraid of losing you. I feel like I can't protect you. I might have my Amulet back, but I don't have the skills of Douxie, Zoe, or Nari against something like Bellroc or Skrael. I would never live with myself if something bad happened to you, knowing I couldn't protect the one I love the most. No other person can replace what I feel for you." He says quietly, trying to sound brave in front of me. "I made a promise to your parents to protect you."
I sigh, hurt at seeing my boyfriend crying. I wipe the tears away from those blue eyes. "Jim, it's ok. You won't lose me. We will succeed and return home in one piece, together with our friends." I reply with a lie. I don't know if we'll lose someone or if we'll succeed.
"But there's a possibility we won't." Jim protest.
I shake my head. "Jim, don't you dare say that. How many dangerous missions have we been through together? With Blinky, AAARRRGGHH!, and Toby? We always made it through it, even when separated, and I know we'll do the same." I declare. "Yes, I feel the same way as you do. Probably everyone is, too, but we can't think that, or it will happen. It's okay to be scared, but we can't lose hope, or we don't have a fighting chance in this."
Jim sighs but nods his head. "Your right." He gives up.
"Jim, you're my hero. In your arms, I feel safe from all the harm around us. No matter what happens, we will always find a way to protect and save each other." I say before pressing my lips against his. Jim quickly leans in, pulling me closer to him. I wrap my arms around his neck, making our kiss go deeper. I feel him easily surrender, and I can't help it either, becoming euphoric. We break away and loosen our grip on each other. I look down and see the glowing rings on our left hands.
"That's the first time I've seen it in a while," Jim comments, making me blush.
"Yeah," I reply, heat rising in my chest.
"What do you think these mean?"
I bite my lip, wondering if what I'm about to say is immature or exaggerated. "Abuela placed the blessed bond on us before she died, and we've faced so much more than any couple has ever been through since we started dating for almost a year." I pause and look down, embarrassed.
"Are you trying to say we're engaged or something?"
I blush and look up. "Yeah... I think so."
Jim smiles and cups my cheeks, and I slide mine on his chest. "Then I'll take that explanation." He says and kisses me passionately, making me stunned.
Did he really say that? Does he want to take this step? We're 17 and 16 years old. We're not even in college yet, let alone of legal age to get married. However, we deeply love each other and have had every obstacle a couple deals with thrown at us, and we're still together. All we can do is wait until we're 20 or older. My parents would kill Jim if we married right now, but they found it funny when they saw our rings. When Abuela blessed my parents, they didn't get married until a year later. The future is uncertain, but we have to enjoy the moment. We have time. I gasp and break our kiss. "Take me to bed, Jim... I want you to make love to me." I beg, burning with lust for my boyfriend.
"As you wish," He replies breathlessly, and we kiss again.
Time seems to slow down. Jim picks me up and leads us to our bed; we slowly take our clothes off, and after a while of foreplay, Jim puts on the condom, and we have sex. I would rather be nowhere than to be in Jim's arms. He has my heart in his hand, and I fully trust him. We are a power couple. The Arcane Order can try to separate us, but our love is undying, and it can never be broken by any spell, barrier, weapon, time, space, or even death. We always find our way back to each other and do it repeatedly until the end.
Author Note: Spoilers, but the Arcane Order is coming in the next chapter. The suspense has been long enough and this is a critical moment in the story. Stay tuned, and please review!