Meanwhile, Aurora paced back and forth, nervously biting her fingers. She kept checking their bodies every few seconds. Thunder rumbled in the sky, and she swallowed hard.
"Did something happen?" she whispered, glancing at them. She shook off her negative thoughts and turned again, only to find a man suddenly standing behind her.
Her scream echoed through the room as she stumbled back, clutching the crystal that Axeden had given her. Her heart thudded wildly.
He wasn't there a second ago. Who is this man? How did he get in?
"W-Who are you? How did you g-get in here?"
Kausphore's eyes seemed distant, lost in memory. It had been a long time since anyone had dared to question him like that, but then again, this was the natural reaction from someone so... Mortal.
"Move aside. Where is Craysophy—"
Before he could finish, his gaze landed on the bed. Axeden and Sophie lay side by side, holding hands.
His eyes widened, and he stormed toward Aurora, already understanding what had happened. He grabbed her shoulders and growled.
"Where did he take her?! Tell me, before it's too late!"
Aurora blinked and tried to speak calmly despite her fear.
"S-She went to meet her… her parents."
Kausphore's mind exploded with fury. His hands trembled, and Aurora nearly burst into tears at the sight of his rage. But then, something flickered in his eyes, guilt? fear? He quickly pulled his hands away, realizing he was losing control, something he couldn't afford, especially with Craysophy in danger.
He looked again at the bed, struggling to accept that Axeden had taken her to a place where even immortals weren't allowed, let alone mortals. He still remembered the cost of entering it, how he had lost his own cultivation long ago just for stepping inside.
But Axeden… he was the future ruler. As long as he lived, he would protect Craysophy at all costs.
Aurora took a cautious step back, still gripping the crystal tightly.
"Who are you? Why are you here?"
He looked at her coldly, as if she were invisible. When he didn't answer, she asked again, louder this time.
"If you've come to harm them, think twice. I'll use this magic crystal if I must."
He nearly scoffed at her boldness.
"Who are you trying to s–"
They both gasped and turned. Sophie and Axeden were waking up, breathing heavily. Axeden helped her sit up, but before Kausphore could reach her, he felt a powerful protective barrier form around them. He clenched his fist.
No one in heaven or hell could break Axeden's spell.
Sophie looked at Axeden, who suddenly coughed up blood. Pale and weak, he tried to stay composed. She immediately realized her mistake.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, her eyes filling with guilt.
The protective shield dissolved. She had promised to listen to him—but she hadn't.
Axeden, breathless, glared at her.
"Do you want to die again?! Do you have any idea what could've happened if you let go of my hand?!"
His voice was filled with pain and panic. It made her burst into tears. But then he sighed, softening slightly.
"I'm sorry… I just wanted more time with them."
Axeden understood, but what she did had gone against the laws of nature.
"But they didn't. Your selfishness could've killed both of us."
She lowered her head in shame.
Kausphore suddenly growled.
"Why are you yelling at her when this is your fault?! She knew nothing, but you did!"
They both turned to him, confused and startled.
"What are you doing here!?"
Without replying, Kausphore grabbed Axeden and dragged him out of bed, punching him hard in the face. Axeden spat out blood. For the first time in a long while, Kausphore had used physical violence.
"How dare you?! You knew this was forbidden! What if something happened to her? Who would've taken responsibility?! HOW COULD YOU BE SO CARELESS?!"
Axeden slowly stood up, pushing him back and touching his bruised cheek. He looked too weak to argue, but the fire in his eyes had not dimmed.
Aurora and Sophie were stunned.
"Can't you see she came back unharmed? Do you think I'd let anything hurt her?!"
Kausphore glared at him.
"Let me make this clear… Don't go near her again. She'll never love you. Craysophy loves me. I know what the gods are planning, but as long as I'm here, I won't let them take her away."
"She is Sophie now. Don't dwell on the past."
Axeden's voice turned bitter as he added,
"And let's be real… she's safer with me. Or did you forget how she died?"
Those words stabbed through Kausphore like a blade, leaving him silent.
Sophie and Aurora stood frozen, confused by the argument unfolding before them. Seeing Axeden in such a weakened state, Sophie instinctively stepped between him and Kausphore.
"If there's a problem, come back later. He's not well right now. Please leave."
"Crayso- -"
"Sophie."
Axeden corrected him sharply before he could speak her old name.
That single word shattered something inside Kausphore.
His heart ached at her coldness. She had truly forgotten.
He gave a sad smile, tears forming in his eyes.
"You really forgot me? You once said you'd never forget… I'm the one you loved till the end. We were lovers, Craysophy…"
To be continued