>>Amber

"He saw me at the rock bottom of my being." Hael and I walked to Einar's room, "But in that timeline he was the only one who extended warmth to me. Well, after you." The mansion was very well kept despite how cold it gets her, "He was like a balm to my agonizing soul. That was the first time I ever saw magic like that, but fae magic hasn't been studied at all."

"But you know he did it for his sister." I might sound jealous. Maybe I even am. Hael pays no one attention like he does to me, so seeing him talking nice about someone else made me feel possessive.

"I know," He replied, "Enya was the primary reason he did it. But Einar got attached to me too." He smiled and I knew I shouldn't do this, but the Corvina in me was coming out. "Although he is younger than me. He felt like an older brother."

"I see," I gritted my teeth and looked away, "Good for you,"

He looked at me, "Is something wrong?"

"No," I folded my arms as we reached Einar's room. I just feel jealous. Is this how Hael felt when he saw me with Ahin?

I pursed my lips

No, Einar and Ahin were in different positions, yet I feel so possessive. I'll hand it to Hael. I looked back at him and noticed he had kept his eyes on me.

He really did a good job of not killing Ahin. Wait- Ahin! He's here

The door opened and Enya gestured us to come inside.

"You can go in," I told Hael as he stepped inside but I remained in my place. He looked back at me with a questioning gaze, "I'm going to take a stroll and talk to Enya and Delphi." I would like to know more about the original timeline if I can.

"Alright."

***

I had a bit of conversation with Enya and Delphi, they told me about their sides of the story from the original timeline and then I decided to take a walk outside. It was very cold here, the air was freezing but it also felt nice.

The snow crunched beneath my boots, and I found myself drawn to the quiet beauty of the northern grounds, blanketed in white as far as the eye could see. I walked aimlessly, my breath visible in the frigid air as I moved through the quiet grounds.

Then, a familiar voice pierced through the silence, startling me out of my thoughts.

"Rika?" I whispered under my breath, recognizing the sound instantly. My heart skipped a beat. Her voice reminded me of the time she came to my cafe almost daily.

I quickened my pace, my curiosity getting the better of me, and rounded the corner of the mansion.

There she was. Rika, her small figure bundled up in a thick coat, running across the snow-covered path toward a familiar, towering figure. Ahin stood there, his back to me, his big frame unmistakable against the white backdrop. Even from this distance, I could feel the air shift, a sense of something heavy hanging between them.

"Brother!" Rika called out as she ran as fast as her little legs could carry her, the snow hindering her movements as she practically launched herself toward Ahin.

Ahin turned just in time to see her, his posture stiffening slightly before softening as he knelt down to meet her. His size dwarfed hers, but the tenderness in his movements, the way he lowered himself to her level, was undeniable. He reached out to steady her as she nearly toppled forward into him, his hands gently holding her shoulders.

I slowed my steps, unsure if I should approach. Something about the moment felt private where I had no right to interrupt.

As I got closer, I could hear Rika's voice, though her words were muffled by the wind. She was speaking quickly, her hands gesturing animatedly as she told Ahin something.

Ahin's expressions grimmed. His eyes darkened, his jaw tightening as he listened to her.

Rika, oblivious to her brother's change in mood, continued speaking, though now I noticed something strange. She was scratching her back repeatedly, her small hand reaching for a spot she clearly couldn't reach. Her fingers clawed at her coat, as if trying to find relief, but there was a sense of frustration in her movements. The more she scratched, the more worried I became.

Ahin's brow furrowed, his hand gently stopping hers. He knelt lower, inspecting her closely, his eyes scanning her back as if searching for something.

I hesitated, stopping in my tracks. Should I approach them? It seemed like a private moment, something between them, something serious. I didn't want to intrude, but the unease in Ahin's expression worried me.

>>Ahin

"Brother," Rika frowned, "It's itching,"

"I know," I nodded, "But don't let anyone else see. I'll come to you at night and take care of it. Can you handle it till then?"

She was frowning but still nodded.

"Good girl," I patted her head, then noticed something

!!!

I turned my face around and noticed a figure at the corner. My first instincts were to stand up and guard but when I saw who it was I calmed.

"Amber?" I called her name and she flinched.

Then she stepped out and began to walk towards me, "Hello," She waved at me, "How have you been Ahin?"

Rika's eyes shone when she saw Amber, "Big sis!!!" She was excited and ran towards her, worrying me, but I didn't stop her. At least something else occupied her mind and she forgot about the itching for the time being.

Rika went and hugged Amber and she embraced her back. Then with my sibling in her arms she walked to me.

"What brings you here?" I asked as I took Rika from her

"Hael had some business with Einar," She said, "So, I accompanied him."

"..." I nodded, "I see." Master Hael clearly had a thing for her, "Are you both together now?" It hurt to ask but knowing it was better.

She nodded, "Yes,"

"Are you happy with him?"

Her smile was very bright, "Yes," And her eyes shone, leaving no doubt and no need for more words, "Very much!" And although it stung, but it was understandable.

I smiled back at her, "That's good." As long as she's happy, "I wish you both happiness."

>>Amber

I couldn't help but marvel at how big Ahin's heart was.

To be able to wish and bless someone who you had a crush on, that is not something I can do.

"Thank you," I said, "Are you going to be stationed here permanently?" I couldn't bring myself to tell him the things I told him in the dungeon cellar. Because I feel like it wouldn't sound good coming from me and he might see me as a hypocrite.

Although Ahin is not the type, yet I didn't want to say anything that might hurt his feelings.

"I am," He replied, "I was expelled from the Royal Guards and the Duke employed me. I'm working as a guard for Lord Einar and Lady Enya."

I nodded, "I saw you bringing Einar back."

"He's very weak." There was a look of concern on his face, "Yet he keeps going away with The Oracle."

"..." I knew I was going to feel ashamed of myself, "He must have his reasons." He made a promise to Hael after all, "Do you guard Enya then?"

"...Yes," He answered after a pause

Well, sooner or later Enya will try to get Ahin's heart.

I hope things work out between them.

***

I was not expecting for Einar to call for me. He and I had never met after all.

A sense of curiosity mingled with unease as I made my way down the hall toward his room, as I approached the door, warmth radiated from within.

Taking a breath, I knocked gently before stepping inside.

The room was cozy, much warmer than the rest of the mansion. A fireplace crackled quietly in the corner, casting a soft glow that illuminated the space in a welcoming light. The scent of burning wood filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of herbs. Einar sat propped up against a stack of pillows, a thick blanket covering him from the waist down. His red hair, a striking contrast to his pale skin, caught the firelight, and his green eyes were bright, almost too sharp for someone in such a fragile state.

He looked up when I entered, his gaze softening as he gestured me closer. "Please, sit," He said, his voice surprisingly gentle.

I nodded, feeling a strange tension in the air as I moved to the chair beside his bed. As I sat down, I couldn't help but study him for a moment — he seemed so delicate, and yet there was an undeniable strength in the way he held himself.

"Is there something I can help you with?" I asked, breaking the silence that had settled between us.

Einar shook his head slowly, the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "No," He replied softly. "I just wanted to apologize."

I blinked, taken aback. "For what?"

His smile faltered slightly as he exhaled, leaning his head back against the pillows. "For dragging you into this... this mess. For what you're about to face." His voice was quiet, tinged with a sadness that made my chest tighten, "I made a promise to Hael and years have passed but I still have yet to find a solution."

"..." His words sent a chill through me, despite the warmth of the fire. It was strange hearing an apology from someone I barely knew, especially someone like Einar, who seemed to carry a heavy weight that was still hidden beneath layers of mystery.

"Hael cares for you, deeply. I've seen it in his eyes."

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of Hael. I tried to keep my expression steady, but the flutter of emotions that surfaced was impossible to hide. "I care about him too," I said quietly, "Alot."

Einar's gaze softened, but the worry didn't leave his eyes. "That's why I'm apologizing," He continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "Because I know how this will end, and I don't want you to suffer."

"I hope you find a solution..." I said that even though Hael had told me taboos will always be punished.

"I'll keep trying," He coughed, "Excuse me," He brought his hand to his mouth trying to stop himself from coughing but that resulted in him going into a coughing fit.

!!!

It startled me as he hunch over.

"Einar!" I got up from the seat and went to him. It didn't take me long to notice that he was having difficulty breathing.

My God!!

I panicked for a moment, but then the next I looked at my hands as the realization flashed through me. I placed my palms against his back and his chest and poured my power in him.

"Heal," I said and a glow came out, enveloping his torso, calming him down. In a matter of seconds, he was fine.

I slowly took my hands off as he straightened up and placed his hand on his chest, "Oh," He looked relieved, "Thank you," He looked at me.

"No problem," I sat back down, "My power can't heal your disease... But it can help with the symptoms."

I had learned that there were different kinds of saints. And while all of them possessed Holy Power, what their power could do varied from saint to saint.

"No," He shook his head, "I feel so much better," He passed me a soft smile that tugged at my heart, "I haven't felt like this in years!"

...

I can guess why everyone is so fond of him. I feel like he's even having an effect on me. Is it because he's half fae? Or is that just a charm he possesses?

Hmmm

"Can I ask you a question?" Now I was even more curious.

"Yes," He nodded, "Sure,"

"There is one thing I'm curious about,,"

"Yes?" He asked

"Enya told me you and Hael remained in his room for three days. What did you do there?"

!!!

He was a little surprised by my question.