"Wait," Elanaria tilted her head, a playful smile curving her lips, "Did Mary give birth to Jezebel?"
Jade, still frozen at the door, shook his head slowly, unable to speak. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. His mind was spinning. This woman… no, this goddess, was she even real?
If beauty were a crime, he thought, then this lady standing here would be the most wanted criminal in the universe.
Inside the office, Nolan was still grumbling. "Jade, I'm begging you, I don't need distractions today. If you've got nothing useful to say, then just...."
He stopped. His voice was stolen right out of his mouth as she stepped into the room.
His eyes widened, mouth falling slightly ajar. What the actual hell…
The moment Elanaria walked in, it felt like the atmosphere had shifted. The air changed, thicker, warmer. Nolan's heart skipped once… twice. He noticed.
She walked toward him, every step graceful like a breeze dancing through sunlight. Her smile beamed so brightly, so honestly, it lit up the entire room.
"Nolan…" she whispered, the name almost foreign on her lips, like she was trying to confirm that he was real, that this moment was real.
And before he could react, she was in his arms.
She hugged him. Fully. Tight. Unapologetically.
"Hmm," she sighed contentedly, as if finding home in his embrace.
Nolan stood stiff, absolutely baffled. His hands hovered awkwardly at his sides, unsure of whether to push her away or pull her closer.
He slowly turned his head to Jade, whose jaw was now on the floor.
"A fly is coming," Nolan muttered flatly.
Jade snapped his mouth shut and flipped him off.
"You jerk!" Jade hissed. "So you do know her? Lying scumbag. You never cease to amaze me."
Nolan scowled. "Can you get off me now?" he asked, attempting to peel Elanaria off but she only clung tighter.
He sighed. There was something, an unfamiliar flutter in his chest. A part of him didn't want her to let go. And that scared him more than he was willing to admit.
"Hey, are you trying to squeeze me to death?" he said, voice half-playful, half-nervous. "Or should I just disappear?"
Suddenly, Elanaria released him and took a step back. Her eyes flared with a spark of emotion.
"No!" she shouted, loud and firm.
The force in her voice made Jade flinch.
"Don't ever say that again," she said, glaring at him.
Elanaria blinked. Did she just yell at me? His first instinct was to shut her down, but then again… her expression, her eyes so intense. So protective.
He looked her over again. And something clicked.
Barefoot.
Long black hair cascading down her back like moonlight.
Emerald green eyes that shimmered like galaxies.
A soft aura that seemed to hum with something otherworldly.
"Who are you?" he asked finally, his tone sharper. "And what exactly is going on here?"
Jade furrowed his brows. "What's he talking about? Isn't she his girlfriend?" he mumbled under his breath.
Elanaria blinked innocently at Nolan, and that small confused expression almost made him chuckle but he held it in, forcing a cold expression.
"Me?" she said, pointing at herself.
Then she made a heart shape with her fingers and pointed at him.
"You," she said.
Then she pressed her fingers to her lips in a soft 'kiss' motion.
"Couples," she concluded with a beaming smile.
Jade began clapping softly, a grin spreading across his face. "Wow, Nolan… I love this girl already. She just confessed to you with a love sign. She's bold. Pretty. I like it."
Elanaria turned to him, smiling even wider. "Ta…nk you," she said, her accent soft and slightly off.
Nolan didn't respond. His mind was racing. "She's weird," he muttered. "I don't get it. Even her accent is strange."
But then she smiled again, and that smile nearly made his knees weak. What the hell is happening to me?
"It doesn't matter, Nolan," Jade said, nudging him. "She's bold, she's honest… and just look at her. She looks like a dream come to life."
Nolan's gaze hardened again. He stepped forward.
"Listen, young lady," he began, "you better turn around and walk back out that door. I don't know what game you're playing, but I'm not interested. You don't know who I am. You don't know the kind of person I am. You walk in here like you own the place, start saying things that make no sense"
His voice grew colder, harsher.
Jade flinched. He's doing it again… that coldness…
"And you think you can just barge into my life and say all this romantic nonsense?" Nolan scoffed. "Well, you can't. Get out."
Elanaria didn't move.
She just stood there, looking up at him. Her smile was gone now, replaced by confusion. Pain. Disappointment.
She hadn't done anything wrong. All she wanted was to see him. To feel him. She had waited so long, risked so much and this was what she got?
Her vision blurred for a second, but she refused to cry.
Then a thought came to her. Her expression shifted. A spark of something ancient, something powerful lit her eyes, and a small, knowing smile crept back to her face.
---
SOMEWHERE IN THE SHADOWS
Far from the light and life of the city, in a place where even the air seemed to tremble, a man sat in a heavy, high-backed chair.
The room was dim, lit only by flickering candlelight and the occasional flare of red from glowing runes etched into the walls.
He was still.
Too still.
His eyes, deep, coal-black, and cold could pierce straight into your soul. The aura around him was suffocating, cruel, and dangerous.
"So," he drawled slowly, tapping the armrest with a single finger, "you're saying… one of our kind is here? On Earth?"
The servant standing before him trembled. "Y-yes, my lord… but"
"But what?" The man's voice cut like a blade. "Spit it out."
"She's not casted. She's… the daughter of Lord Zario."
Silence.
The name hung in the air like poison.
For a moment, something dark flickered across the man's face. Rage. Fear. Memory.
But then it was gone.
Replaced by a sinister smirk.
"Well, well…" he said softly. "The precious child of Zario. So easy to guess the vessel she's hiding in. I doubt her noble father even knows she's here, naïve fool."
He leaned forward, shadows dancing across his face.
"She came at the perfect time," he whispered. "She walked right into my board…"
He chuckled, low at first, then louder.
"Checkmate will be so easy now."
He turned to one of his minions. "Get everything ready. We don't have time to waste. If we play this right, we'll have her and the keys she carries before Zario even notices she's gone."
"Yes, my lord."
"Oh… I cannot wait," he said, rising to his feet. The candles dimmed in fear.
His laughter echoed through the chamber, twisted, cold, and full of promise.
A new game had begun.
And she had just made the first move.
*****Back at Nolan's office
"You want coffee?" Elanaria suddenly asked, her head tilting slightly to the side like a curious child.
Nolan narrowed his eyes at her. "How does coffee concern what we're talking about here, young lady?"
"Isn't that what you take to calm yourself when you're angry?" she blinked innocently, hands folded before her.
He turned to Jade, suspicion in his tone. "Did you tell her that?"
Jade rolled his eyes. "We've been here together the whole time. Did you hear me say anything about coffee to her?"
"Then who told her?"
"How am I supposed to know that? She's standing right there, ask her."
Nolan sighed and faced her fully. "Wait...young lady--"
"The name is Elanaria," she cut in gently.
"Fine, Elanaria. What exactly can I do for you? At least that should help me understand what this is all about."
Elanaria bit her lip nervously. She hesitated, but his calm tone nudged her forward.
"Come on, say it," Nolan encouraged, folding his arms.
"I want to be with you... for the rest of my life," she confessed quietly.
Jade blinked at her, genuinely shocked.
Nolan sighed and muttered under his breath.
"I think I'll just leave now," Jade said, his voice light but his expression unreadable. He stood and exited the room without looking back.
The air shifted.
Nolan stood up slowly, his tall frame casting a long shadow over her. Elanaria gasped quietly. Up close, he was even more breathtaking than she imagined. His abs peeked through the slightly opened buttons of his shirt, and her heart fluttered uncontrollably.
"You like what you see?" he smirked.
"Can I... touch?" she asked, almost in a whisper, her hand unconsciously reaching out to his chest.
He cocked an amused brow. "What a bold little angel you are."
Riana blinked at his words, distracted. "Huh? You know....?"
"Of course," he said, stepping closer. "You're a pretty, bold little angel."
Her lips parted in awe.
"Close your mouth" he said, voice low, teasing.
Embarrassed, she bit her lip again.
He chuckled darkly. "Shit... trying to seduce me, huh?" Then without warning, like he was being suddenly possessed, he grabbed her waist and pulled her waist against him.
"I must say... you did a good job," he whispered.
Then, he kissed her.
Just a few seconds.
Just enough to stir the chaos.
He pulled back, muttering, "Damn."
"Did you say something?" Elanaria asked, eyes wide.
"Leave," Nolan said firmly, stopping her from stepping closer.
"But I--"
"Leave!!" he snapped, more harshly.
Startled, she turned and walked out, blinking rapidly, trying to understand what just happened. Her heart raced, her fingers touched her lips. That kiss... she thought. That kiss means something. I know it does.
She smiled. "You're feeling the same thing I do, Nolan, I'll come back."
Inside, Nolan sat down heavily, glaring at his desk.
"You little devil," he muttered, glancing down at his trousers. "What the hell did you do to me?"
She'd awakened something inside him. Something he thought was long dead. Desire. Excitement. Hope.
"No woman has ever made me feel that," he whispered. He touched his chest. "What is this... Who is she? Did she cast a spell on me?"
The Royal Palace, Realm****
"My King, what's troubling you?" Queen Celestara asked, concern laced in her soft voice.
"Ara..." he said slowly. "Something doesn't feel right. I've been restless. There is a stirring in the balance, and I don't know what it means."
"Then something is coming. But don't be afraid, my love. We will face it together."
He nodded absently.
"Elanaria," he suddenly said. "It's time we consider her marriage. She's grown now. Her beauty is unmatched, and I believe she's ready."
Queen Celestara smiled. "You're right, but we should prepare her properly. I'll call the Royal Marriage Teacher to begin her training."
"Good. I already have someone in mind." He winked.
"Who?"
"A friend's son. Trust me, he's... suitable."
Aerisiel's Chamber****
"He kissed you?!" Aerisiel gasped.
Elanaria giggled, her eyes dreamy. "Yes! And I wish it didn't end. You've no idea how it felt."
Aerisiel rolled her eyes. "Oh please."
"You should come with me next time! It's fun down there."
"Are you crazy? I have no reason to be on Earth. You do. Not me."
"Oh, come on. Aren't you bored up here?"
Aerisiel stared, conflicted. Then shrugged. "Okay, fine."
Elanaria squealed, hugging her. "That's why I love you, muah muah!"
Nolan's Office
"Oh god, Nolan," he whispered to himself. "She's not even here and I can't stop thinking about her."
"Yo!" Jade burst in.
"Don't tell me you're obsessing," he said.
Nolan scowled. "I need a distraction."
Jade grinned. "So it's what I think it is, huh?"
"What do you think it is? I have a lot on my mind. She's not--I mean, no one's in my head."
"Right. I never said a name, Nolan. You just gave yourself away."
Nolan glared at him.
"Aww. Someone's heart is finally beating."
"Get out of my office, idiot."
"Sure, sure. But I can't wait till she comes again."
"Get. Out."
"Yes, yes. But I'll be waiting outside with popcorn."
Nolan shook his head once the door shut.
Is it true? Can my heart actually beat for someone?
Earth - Aerisiel & Elanaria's Entry Point
"Do you think Azel's vessel will work for me?" Aerisiel asked, her voice trembling.
"Aerisiel, be positive. It will work. I believe in it."
"Okay... fine. Let's go ahead."
Suddenly, a voice rang out from outside.
"Who's there?!"
The girls gasped.
"We're doomed!" Elanaria whispered.
>>>>
"The meeting will begin in a few minutes. Jade, pack up," Nolan said, adjusting his tie in the mirror.
"Yeah, I'm done," Jade replied, tapping the keyboard a final time and shutting his laptop. "Now we can leave."
---
Boardroom Meeting
The large, elegant conference room was filled with shareholders and executives, all seated around the long mahogany table. The air was thick with tension.
"So what you're saying now," Nolan began, his voice calm but cold, "is that they rejected the offer again?"
"Yes," one of the shareholders responded cautiously. "They said the Cross family has yet to give them an answer." He adjusted his glasses nervously. "The Louis Company would be a strong collaborator. We're already losing shares, and stock prices are rising by the day. This contract could stabilize...."
"Are you saying I'm not capable?" Nolan's tone cut through the room like a knife. His eyes locked on the speaker, cold and unblinking.
"N-no, of course not," the man stammered. "I didn't mean it that way. My apologies."
"Let's move to the Fashion House," Jade interjected smoothly, trying to shift the mood.
Moments later, a man entered the room. "Sorry I'm late," he said and took a seat without looking at anyone.
Nolan watched him for a moment, then turned back to Jade. "Continue."
The man smirked.
---
Arrival on Earth
"We're here, Aerisiel," Elanaria said, beaming as her feet touched the Earth's soil.
Aerisiel looked around in awe. "Wow… I didn't know the Earth could be so beautiful."
"Of course it is," Elanaria grinned, taking her hand. "Come on, let's go."
"Don't tell me you're dragging me to Nolan's place," Aerisiel said, narrowing her eyes.
Elanaria stopped and turned dramatically. "Where else?"
"You," Aerisiel groaned. "I thought we were here for fun."
"We are! I'll just spend a little time with him, and you can look around. Don't worry, he has people who can show you around."
"You talk like you two are already a thing," Aerisiel mumbled.
"Aerisiel," Elanaria sighed. "Let's go."
---
They entered Nolan's company building. As expected, whispers and gasps rippled through the lobby like a wave.
👥 "What in heaven's name?"
👥 "Isn't that the boss's girlfriend?"
👥 "Is that her sister? This is divine beauty."
Aerisiel blinked rapidly, overwhelmed by the attention.
They approached the receptionist desk.
"Mae!" Elanaria called cheerfully.
The receptionist looked up and then froze, blinking between the two girls.
"She's my friend," Elanaria said, catching Mae's silent curiosity.
"Oh! Sorry, I thought... wow. You both look... heavenly," Mae chuckled.
"I'm here to see Nolan."
"The boss? Of course! Who am I to stop the boss's girlfriend? Do you remember the way or should I escort you?"
"No, I remember. Thanks."
---
Inside Nolan's office, it was empty.
"Where is he?" Elanaria asked, frowning.
"He probably stepped out. Let's wait," Aerisiel said, taking a seat.
"You wait here. I'll go check the other wing."
"Elanaria," Aerisiel called, but she was already stepping out.
---
Back at the Meeting
"We need more impact," an older executive said. "Something out-of-this-world. Unique and unforgettable."
Nolan was about to respond when the door creaked open.
Elanaria walked in, her face glowing with a radiant smile.
Nolan's heart skipped a beat.
Gasps filled the room. Even the latecomer executive turned and blinked in astonishment.
Nolan's face remained unreadable, but his heart raced.
"Now this…" the older executive said, the one who came late, walked to Collins and snatched a file from his hand, "…this is what I'm talking about."
He signed the documents and nodded. "You did well, Nolan. I never expected this level of brilliance." He shot a glance at Elanaria before walking out.
"Do you miss me?" Elanaria asked, smiling at Nolan.
The room went dead silent again.
---
Flashback: A While Ago in the Heavenly Realm
"Who's there?" a voice called from outside.
The girls froze.
"We're doomed!" Aerisiel whispered, trembling.
"Aria, what do we do? If your father catches us"
"Calm down. I'll think of something," Elanaria whispered.
"You don't even know how to lie!"
"Is anybody there?" The voice came again closer.
It was the king.
"My king, what are you doing here?" Queen Celestara's voice echoed as she approached.
"I thought I heard voices near the Azel's Vessel," he said.
"No one dares go there," she replied quickly. "Come, maybe you were mistaken."
The king hesitated at the door, then let her lead him away.
"Phew," Elanaria exhaled, wiping her brow.
"Let's go back now," Aerisiel pleaded. "That was too close."
"Aerisiel," Elanaria pouted, giving her big puppy eyes.
"Oh no. Not that look. Fine! Let's go, but you owe me!"
They giggled and continued their journey.
---
In the Shadows
"Things are getting interesting," a dark figure said from the shadows, watching through a scrying orb.
"She didn't come alone this time. I wonder how Caelirion is so careless."
Another figure stepped forward. "She used Azel's Vessel. But the friend? That's new."
"Her friend…" the shadow mused. "A new piece on the board."
He grinned. "Let's make this sweet for them, unforgettable even. Let them indulge in each other's love."
His eyes glowed darkly. "Then I'll take a little visit to her."
He laughed, low, ominous, and full of wicked delight.