Chapter 37: On the full moon night of no stars

"Thank you for coming to bid us goodbye," My father smiled at the two brothers and acknowledged the Aldebaran staff standing a few distance behind them. I, too, did the same but noticed the difference in reception, so I rolled my eyes and pretended they were air.

"You have Aldebaran's blessing. We had to send you off properly," Cassian replied graciously with a smile and then turned towards me as Caeles said his goodbyes to my father. Along with a proper goodbye, Aldebaran had sent carriages full of gifts for us. We were like a parade or procession going off to Ilaria in a lengthy line full of Knights, servants and luggage.

"This is for you," Cassian said, his voice turning a few shades softer than when he spoke to the marquess. He handed me a box, and I raised an excited eyebrow at him. He smiled at me. "It's a box of Aldebaran's sweets. I told them to add extra apple flavoured ones."

I grinned at him. "You know me. Thanks. But wait, do you like apples too?" I asked him and he shook his head.

"Not really. I prefer strawberries, truthfully. Raspberries and blueberries as well. Most berries, I guess."

I nodded. So he liked sweet and sour fruits. "I'll try to get you some flavoured sweets next time we meet, love."

"...You take care," He said, I gave him a small smile. As much as I've always tried to avoid him, I mean for the sake of my own safety...

"I think I'm gonna miss you, Cas."

He raised an eyebrow. "Cas?"

I shrugged. "We can't be childhood friends without nicknames, can we?" I pointed towards the blonde brother. "I mean, even he's got one. Right, Goldie?"

He gave me a sulky glare. "Take care, Nora." He wasn't gonna act out with my dad present, and it made me grin. But Cassian knew this so he quickly pulled my attention back towards himself.

"Anyway, I'll visit you. You should also come see me sometimes, Nora."

Right...

You know what? I'm actually looking forward to it. My father put a gentle hand on my shoulder.

"I'll give you more time, my sweetheart," He smiled at all of us before making his way towards the carriages. I didn't have much to say; it's not like I'm never going to see the brothers again. So I just said goodbye to them so that I could join him when-

"Wait, Nora." Cassian stopped me as I reached the door. Then he motioned to his aide, who, with just a gesture, brought forth a box. Cassian opened it as I raised an eyebrow and he took out a warm and soft looking scarf. "You've forgotten to dress for the weather, as usual."

In just a few strides, he reached me and gently began to wrap the scarf around me.

Then, a memory came to me.

A coat. A scarf. Time and time again, his fingers brushing across my skin as he made sure I was warm.

"Ah," I gasped. Then I smiled, feeling a little pathetic.

"What is it?" He questioned.

"The reason I did that," I murmured, burying my chin into the scarf that he'd so gently placed around me, "Was so that you'd do this."

Cassian's lips parted, before he nodded and gave me a smile.

"Take care, Nora."

"Take care, Cassian."

I got into the carriage with my father. He smiled at me, covering my hand with his. The carriage began to move and I thought to myself. Should I look back?

Should I turn back and see them?

...Why not?

I poked my head out the window. The brothers were there. For some reason, even Caeles was stood still, watching me. And I'm glad I looked back. I smiled, and pushed a hand out, waving. The boy with the golden eyes smiled back, raising his hand just a little.

...Goodbye for now, Risor. Goodbye for now, Cassian and Caeles.

I already know we'll meet again.

"No, please, dad," I groaned but a laugh was bubbling in my throat. "How many times are you going to sing that song?"

He made the most shocked expression, and I ended up laughing after all. "My dear, what are you saying? It's only the third time!"

"Oh, my gosh!" I shook my head. "This is going to be a long ride." I teased him and he acted like he didn't want to give me the basket of fruits in his hand, but he gave it to me anyway, because I was his favourite person. I realized his love often made me want to take advantage of him, and I had to stop myself from teasing him too much. This sort of confidence... it made the breaths of air I was breathing feel so fresh, and so new. In my past life I often had to act differently with my father; act in a way he'd prefer, do things he'd want me to. Push myself every time, just so he'd pay me a compliment, or a smile. Just a glance at me, with an expression showing that I'd done something he was proud of. Because you see... I always felt so unwanted. Felt so insecure. I often wondered why I was the way I was. Why couldn't I be better? Why couldn't I be like that child he'd compared me to, or that kid getting famous with those skills. I was always such a loser.

But this man...

"Alright, I'll give you a song coupon," He waved his finger at me as if he was reprimanding me, but when really he was rewarding me. "I'll let you make a request of this amazing singer. You don't know about all the people who wished I'd sing for them."

"Oh really," I giggled. "Alright, let me think of a song."

Oh, Nora...

I'm not even sorry. I'm not even sorry that he's your father. That these loving eyes are meant to be looking at you. That this sweet tone is meant to be heard by you. That this feeling of safety...

Isn't mine to cherish. I'm not even sorry. I don't care.

The me in my past life didn't deserve to be treated like that. Everyone deserves a cherishing and loving family. I have mine now. It's mine.

I pouted, disappointed. "I can't think of any songs..." It's because the songs I love don't even exist in this world. But the smiling man sat across me made a suggestion.

"How about this... I have a poem that your mother loved quite a lot. I memorized it so that I could bribe her when she was upset with me." I couldn't help but laugh at his mischievous expression. He grinned, excitingly. "Would you like it hear it, love?"

I nodded, matching his enthusiasm. This was so surprising, but at the same time so fitting. I didn't often get to have such conversations about art. And I was also quite curious about Nora's mother. Happy that I agreed, he breathed in and began to recite.

In my rain, oh dearest I see Through stained and broken window shards Lips of ruby with moonlight shine And fortune has played with my cards

The carriage with us continued on its journey, and with this inspired mood we grew quiet, lost in our thoughts. I glanced out the window, observing the sceneries. Trees turned into houses, forests into towns and villages; we passed many lakes and bridges; occasional talk adding to the endless clopping of the horses in our ant line of carriages.

With the sky, I fall; on my knee Oh crescent eyes, you've killed my guards Hair of midnight with strands so fine On the full moon night of no stars

The marquess was a busy man; he had the caretaking of an entire territory on his hands. Though he tried not to let it show, he wasn't getting enough sleep. I pressed my lips together, watching him as he leaned back against his seat, trying not to let his eyes shut. Seeing him made me wish I knew how to handle a territory as well. I wished I could help him, but it wasn't much different from my past life; the me who never could give people what they needed. Soon, it grew dark and soft snores were added to the sounds of our travel. I placed a blanket around him, and smiled with satisfaction as I watched him snuggle into it. What a cute man.

Intoxicated truth I swear to thee Oh this drenched and dull heart of mine 'Twas set aflame, mercilessly Quench my thirst, only with your wine

There was a bump in the road, awakening him. He smiled at me as soon as his eyes focused.

"Sleep more," I whispered, encouraging him to go back to sleep but he shook his head.

"It's tough for me once I wake up," He stretched, and noticed the blanket around him. He didn't thank me, because it wasn't needed. It was obvious I'd care for him, but he did give me another smile, which I returned.

"You haven't slept, my dear?"

"Not yet."

"What were you doing, love?" He asked, curiously as he reached for the bottle of water.

I've been staring out the window. At first, I was observing this world. It was so different and unique. There were so many things I hadn't seen before; strange clothes, mythical creatures... They were carrying all sorts of things and once I thought I saw someone with an iPhone, but of course, it was just a pocket journal. Then without realizing, I'd begun to search in these scenes; I began to look for familiar things. Things I used to see everyday in my own world.

There were no skyscrapers, or cars. Nor were there concrete paths or anybody dressed in clothes I used to wear. For a moment, a panic set in. The thought that I was the only one who knew of all this. That'd I'd die with only the memories of this, none of them real in this world. Oh I hated it. Why was I worrying about such a useless thing?

That's when this old man snored really loudly, surprising me. And just like that, I was brought back. I thought of him and all the people I'd met in this world, and all the new things I'd seen. I looked out the window, and the light of the moon caught me eye. And that's what I've been doing. Just staring out at the scenery; at the sky full of stars I couldn't see back in my world.

"Hmm?"

"In the poem... why was it a full moon night with no stars?" I repeated my question, softly. It was on my mind, that line. He realized what I was talking about and made an oh with his mouth.

"The meaning of art usually depends on the viewer, my dear, but if you ask me..." He made a thoughtful expression. "He's comparing his beloved to the moon."

I tilted my head, still not understanding the meaning of that line. He explained, looking at me as if he thought I was cute.

"The moon was so beautiful, my darling, that the stars disappeared."

Ah... I see.

I guess love can do that. It can take away our ability to see other than what matters most to us, even if it shouldn't. Because you see, I've been sitting here, looking out this window and marvelling at the beauty of the moon and the stars. But... you see, if I'm so taken by the beauty of the moon...

I wouldn't care that the stars have disappeared.

Because, after all... I have the moon.

I tilted my head, furrowing my brows. Wait, I'm confused. So is that a good thing or not? Eugh, whatever.

"I'm going to sleep," I mumbled and my dad gave a breath of laughter. Thinking makes me tired, I thought and he covered me with the soft blanket, spreading the warmth of being taken care of across inside me.

Daylight drafted through the window, but what woke me up was the sudden lurch of the carriage.

"Nora, stay inside," My father looked at me with a stern expression. There were yells outside and before I could even make out the words, the sounds of swords clashing began to echo around. My eyes widened and my grip on my blanket tightened subconsciously.

"What's going on?" I asked, getting a terrible feeling in my stomach. He pressed his lips together as he reached for his sword.

"Don't get out of the carriage. This is a no magic zone, so we can't teleport here. They must have waited for us, knowing we'd come through here." He was mumbling to himself as he unsheathed his sword and I shook my head, panic setting in within me. Noticing my trembling he looked into my eyes with the most serious expression I had ever seen on him. "Take the carriage and once you leave the zone, teleport to Ilaria, Nora. The distance is enough for the beads to be used. Did you hear me?"

Did I hear him? I nodded and he gripped my hand. "I'll be with you soon, treasure. Don't worry; these crooks are nothing for your father. In fact, I am even offended." His smile looked fake. Before I could say anything, he leaned forward and kissed my temple. Then he left me in the carriage, as it began to move. The sounds of the fighting seemed to grow somehow. I could hear them passing by me. I sat, trying to get my thoughts under control. Who even were we fighting? What did he tell me to do? Get outside the zone and teleport to Ilaria... but...

The fuck is he doing, jumping out like that?

Eyes wide, I pushed open the window and popped my head out to look at what was happening.

The Ilarian knights were fighting a large number of cloaked people, just like the night of the charity event.

I froze in the moment; it felt like my body was turning to stone. A cold anxiety set in my chest and I was scared. Why the fuck was this happening? In the distance, I saw my dad block an incoming sword attack, and he easily impaled the attacker, making him fall to the ground. My eyes registered the sight of blood. The red made me sick. This was sick. There were many getting wounded in the fights and I was in the carriage watching it all. A scream almost left my lips as another attacker neared my father, but was stopped... by...

Another group of guards joined the fight against the cloaked men, attacking them and defending the Ilarian knights. I noticed a man amongst them. A tall stature, holding his sword with confidence. Wavy, almost black hair with a tinge of burgundy bounced with his swift movements, to return by the side of his eyebrow. In that moment, standing between the chaos, I could swear that he turned to face me.

Fuck.

Before I knew it, I was looking at Alair.

"You damn psychopath!"

The words left my lips before I could stop them. I couldn't believe I was being attacked by the ultimate villain of this book world! "Shit, I knew it! I should have done something!"

But what happened next was something even more unpredictable.

Clang!

Alair's sword clashed against one of the cloaked men as he quickly took the back of my father, protecting him.

More men wearing uniforms made their way, fighting alongside the Ilarian knights against the cloaked enemies.

My eyebrows raised in surprise.

We are... being helped by the villain?

He took to my father's back, efficiently protecting the marquess.

"Stop the horses!" I yelled out to the driver, and he flung his head around, shocked at the sight of me.

"Lady Eleonora! Get back inside! The marquess-"

"Damn!" I growled with frustration and held out my hands. Immediately, thorny plants grew in the distance, forcing the carriage to stop. I jumped out, ignoring the cries of the servant behind me, and rushed towards the fight. I'd tied my dagger belt across my waist and picked up two knives between my fingers, ready to defend myself if need be. Two Ilarian soldiers noticed me and immediately surrounded me. Dark wavy hair kept blocking my sight of my father. I couldn't tell what the villain was doing here, or why he was helping us but I didn't have time to think any further.

I raised my palms towards the scene of chaos, and began my attack. Swiftly grew the sharp and thorny Ara roses and other plants, including Ruila leaves. The leaves weren't much help against them as their cloaks protected their skins against the poison. I tightened the plants around their feet, making them press hard and draw blood. They screamed, going down one by one.

My father blocked another sword attack and his enemy tripped on the roots and stems. I tched at an enemy getting too close to me. The knights beside me were already engaged in battle. Before I knew it, I was already gasping for air, tasting metal on my tongue. I was getting dizzy; blacking out. I leaned my hand against the carriage, steadying myself. I started with a bang and burned out just as quickly. Fucking weakling.

But I couldn't afford to breathe.

"Nora!" I didn't know how it happened. I heard the sound of blades clanging right beside me. My father had blocked a sword from hitting me. He'd rushed over to protect me, but it left him unguarded and I blinked just in time to see a weapon come down towards him.

But I didn't let reach. With a horrified scream I raised my open palms. The biggest thorns I'd ever seen flung upwards, breaking through the ground. They wrapped themselves around the attacker, as if they had a will of their own. They circled, and tightened around him, piercing his skin, drawing blood. This time, the sight of red didn't make me sick. It relieved me. He was caged in my thorns; looking like a piece of horrifying art; but I was still too slow to completely hinder his movements. Red blood fell onto me, but it wasn't my father's. A sword pierced through Alair as he jumped between my father, successfully sacrificing himself to protect him. The cloaked man stood unmoving, covered in thorns, impaled with another sword. Knights quickly surrounded us, making a protective circle and Alair fell to the ground. My father knelt by him and I stood frozen.

I couldn't fall yet.

I first scanned my father, making sure he was alright. There was a tear in his coat, by his shoulder but he was fine. There was blood on him but it likely wasn't his. Then I finally looked towards Alair. He was coughing. There was a lot of blood and it was a horrifying sight. All this, including the overuse my powers, brought me to my knees as well and my father steadied me.

"Are you alright, Nora?" He asked me, looking extremely shaken.

"I'm... fine," I nodded clumsily and turned towards Alair. He was bent down, covered in blood but he lifted his head slightly to look at me. He was breathing through his mouth and I tried to read his eyes. I knew what he'd done. I knew he'd saved the life of my father. I knew he'd put himself in jeopardy to save us. I knew that. But I also knew him. He wouldn't have just... done that, could he?

I mean, he was a bloody psychopath. It didn't make any sense for him to inconvenience himself for someone, especially a stranger like that. It wasn't even just inconvenience! He could have gotten himself killed! That's fucking insane. There's no way he'd do this.

But there's also no way Cassian would be the way I thought he was. There's no way the other characters in the book would have acted the way they have so far. So what if...

He was different too?

That would make sense then. His actions and why he did what he just did.

I placed my hand on the dirt and spit out blood, a plant was grown. I picked it and thrust it towards my father. "Crush it," I mumbled, wiping the blood trickling down my lips. "Give it to him."

"Nora!" He trembled, gripping my shoulder, looking like he was about to cry. I shook my head.

"I'm fine," I wheezed. "I just... sleep."

Then I grew more leaves and weakly tugged them. I pressed them against the lips of Alair, barely feeling his skin under my numb fingers. My father helped, holding them to his mouth and my limp hand fell to the ground as I fell forward, unable to stop myself. My forehead leaned against Alair's chest.

When I finally stepped foot into Ilaria...

The main villain of this world was by my side.

Ilaria welcomes the villains,

Eleonora, Alair,

And you.

***

End of Book One.

...!!!!!

Thank you. I have no words, I literally don't even know what to say, I swear.

Thank you so much for reading so far. I'm... ugh. Thank you. Please look forward to book two! There are a lot more plot events ready to happen! You're going to see a cooler side of nora, and hopefully my writing might better? Hopefully!

I've published a chapter in the new book, so you can save it right now and you'll know when I update it! I hope to see you in book two!!

I also created a deviantart for all the TOV related artwork I've made! It's on my account, heysaaya .... probably should have picked a better name ahaha anyway.

Thank you... for real.