Ari

Chapter 90: Let's Seal Our Oath

I felt pressured because of the carelessness of my previous self, but I could not blame her since I might have done the same thing if I were in her situation. It just felt so sudden because after all these years, I never had any clear memories regarding the life I had when I was still the goddess Arie.

I explained my situation to him and the fact that it was already my third life. I did my best to let him understand about the actions and reactions I had. Also, I wanted him to accept the fact that the Arie before is not the same as the Ari in front of him—hence, I have no plan on breaking the oath.

"That monster! It was my fault, I wasn't able to return to Nirvana after accepting your oath. Your father seemed frustrated despite trying to conceal his emotion—he forbade me from meeting you until you become an adult. There was a long war in the land of mortals, I didn't know I would suddenly hear about your death right after the war suddenly stopped after you and your father's death," he explained.

"Sorry... I still can't recall those things. My memories as Arie are limited. Maybe it was because of the oath that I could suddenly remember you," I said.

"I understand. Since your death, I never left the palace while praying for your safe return. I knew you would be reborn because the power of the promise stone never faded, but I couldn't feel your presence, not until recently. I felt your power awaken so I immediately had my people to seek for you," he added.

"My group thought you were luring some females, so we hid from your people. Sorry, I had no idea. I only remembered about you after meeting you," I sighed while shaking my head due to the misunderstanding.

"Sorry, we had no choice but to rely on females of other races to survive—my people are mortals, they won't live long if it's not for you and your sister's power. We might extinct if it happens," he explained

"About my sister, I thought she disliked you? I remembered that we had an argument because I was meeting you in secret," I asked curiously.

"She came to the territory one day after your father's power suddenly exploded to the land of the mortals, causing the North continent to be separated from the rest. She was distraught and informed me about your death. I couldn't believe it at first because the Stone of Oath didn't fade. She was also baffled when I showed her the mark of the Stone of Oath on my chest, we believed that you will be back so she gave me the blessing of the moon to search for you because she was soon to be restricted to the South to bring balance in Nirvana," he explained.

"It's a relief then. By the way, was there a way to lift the punishment? Would you like me to try asking my mother to retract her punishment?" I asked as I stood up, thinking if it was possible to talk to the mother I have never seen in my current life.

"No. Even the Queen Goddess Hera won't be able to lift a punishment that was already given. However, I was exempted from the punishment. She may have removed my immortality since the punishment was applied to all the ancient races when the portal to Nirvana was closed. Despite that, she said that my descendants will still bear females, unlike my people," he answered while smiling bitterly as he looked in my direction.

I was baffled and asked without thinking, "Then why didn't you find a female to bear your seeds?"

His smile turned upside down again and answered in a disappointed voice, "I can't!"

"Why? There were many beautiful females in this world. If you didn't lock yourself in here, you might have seen a better looking female than me," I babbled while walking back and forth without looking at his reaction.

I suddenly felt the same sting on my chest and looked back at him—he was crying silently. I was wondering what was wrong with my words, but I was stunned seeing his tears streaming down from his eyes.

He sullenly whispered, "Non intelligis. [You don't understand.]"

"I really don't understand! Sorry if I said something wrong... I'm really confused," I mumbled in response while clenching my fist on my chest due to pain.

He stood up, pulled me near and whispered, "You're the only female who can make that happen the moment our souls were bound by your Stone of Oath."

I was stunned by his words. It only meant that if I perished, their race would also perish if they didn't take females from the other tribes.

He sat at the edge of the bed and pulled me down to his lap facing my back. His arms wrapped around my waist while his head was leaning on my back and whispered, "Do you love these males more than me?"

I wasn't sure what to answer because I would hurt him if I answered honestly. I was no longer the Arie he used to know. I just learned about his existence and my connection with him—how am I going to love him that easily?

I remained silent, but he suddenly trembled and my heart throbbed once again. It was unbearable that I almost lost consciousness.

I took a deep breath and sighed, "Please be at ease. We are bound by an oath that not even one of us can break. I'll do my best to be fair, because they also deserve an equal favor. I hope you'll understand."

He suddenly lifted me in his arms and had me lay on the bed as he lay on my side. He caressed my face looking at every inch of it as if he was memorizing every part of it.

He mumbled as he pulled me near and wrapped his arm around me, "I've already waited for a long time. I think I'll be able to wait longer if I must. I'll give you all my possession and even my life."

He promised me to lend his people and his power as assistance for my mission, but the gate to Nirvana doesn't accept the entrance of any mortal being. It was also hard to open the gate even with his ability, though it was not entirely impossible. He may accompany me, but not his people—and only Ayla can open the gate to the Abyss.

I pushed him lightly, sat down and asked, "The moon will soon swallow the sun. Do you know what it means?"

He sat down and wrapped his arm on my waist and whispered, "Is there a way to prevent you from fusing with your sister? Will the catastrophe fall on the land of mortals again?"

"I have no idea what shall fall upon us at that moment. I still don't understand the extent of my relationship with my sister since I still haven't fully regained my memory. Will you do me a favor?" I said.

"I will do my best to fulfill your demands," he responded sincerely.

"Will you also bring my companions here? I feel uneasy knowing they are worried for me because you took me right in front of their eyes and made it look like you took me by force," I nagged at him while frowning due to dissatisfaction.

"I'll do as you wish. Sorry for making you uncomfortable. I was just carried away by my longing for you," he answered with a guilty look.

He looked gorgeous and my beauty shies away from his look. I pulled him close and whispered, "Let's seal our oath."