The girl blinked her aquamarine eyes innocently, her index finger tapping her cheek as she pondered how to explain the situation to them.
"Although I am blind, I can see the world more clearly than ever. I just need some time to get used to it, so don't worry," Freya said with a smile, casually waving her hand.
The rest let out a sigh of relief, yet Caiden's mood remained solemn. He asked carefully, feeling his heart throb with pain. His watery eyes, coated with tears and reddened at the ends, searched for reassurance. "What are you now? Are you still going to be devoured by the demon realm?"
If she was going to leave him again, he would go insane. She had no idea how much he longed to destroy the demon realm the moment she passed.
Yet a string of rationality held him back. She had sacrificed herself for the demon realm she loved so much, sacrificed herself to keep them all safe and alive. His actions would render all her efforts futile, and evaporate like water vapors.
His words made the others cautious again, their eyes all turned towards Freya simultaneously. Arche's back straightened subconsciously as he held his daughter's hands, they were not fading away, but it was too early to let his guard down.
Freya couldn't help but avoid their gazes, her nose feeling sour. With a stern yet genuine gaze, she said, "I have become Fate. It just means I have more work to do. I'll be able to live for a long time. I won't leave this time."
Luca's brows furrowed. "Then what has become of the former Fate? Will he come back to harm you?"
Freya shrugged, complicated feelings swirling in her eyes. "I wonder too, but I doubt he'll come back."
She recalled Fate's peaceful smile before she woke up, falling into a reverie. She never thought that the arrogant man would also be in pain.
The man closed his eyes with fatigue. "I tried to prevent you from ending up like me, but you proved me wrong. You were able to protect them."
Freya was pulled into this realm filled with white lilies after her memories returned to her. Although she hoped to see her family the moment she opened her eyes, she didn't complain.
Freya was silent, allowing him to continue. Fate let out a self-deprecating chuckle. "I did the exact same thing as you when I was the Lord of the Demon Realm, yet I couldn't protect those dear to me. Rewinding time again and again didn't work out.
I thought cutting off your feelings for them from the start would save you from the pain I experienced. Now that Alexander is the next Lord, I hope you do not repeat my mistakes as Fate."
Freya acknowledged his words. Her eyelashes fluttered with the uneasiness of her heart; she knew she had to say it before it was too late. She had a feeling they would never meet again.
Her eyes drooped. "Although I am still unhappy with you killing my loved ones for several lifetimes, I'm sorry for killing you when you were the Lord of the Demon Realm."
When she was the Lord of the Heavenly Realm, she did not hesitate to destroy the man. After all, he threatened the peace of the three realms; it was her duty.
However, she had to admit she envied the love he received from those around him, and even more so, the love he was able to give back. She had been cold and ruthless.
Fate's eyes widened before he let out a dry chuckle. "So you remembered. I should thank you for killing me. If I wanted to live on, you wouldn't have been able to kill me."
Freya nodded in response. After all, the power of both Lords from the two realms was equal in strength. Killing one another was no easy task.
The man lay down and explained, "I was already in agony when the Fate from our time killed my loved ones, yet I was unable to end my agony. You were the one who ended my pain in that moment."
However, he was trapped as Fate, unable to reunite with his loved ones. He suppressed his feelings to protect himself from the despair he had once experienced.
He turned his head to face the girl. "Always remember your name. Once those who witnessed your existence disappear from this world, you will be forgotten by yourself."
He no longer remembered his own name, he only knew that he was Fate. Unable to recall the hazy faces of those he loved, unable to remember who he was, what a pathetic being he had become.
Freya was lost in thought before suddenly speaking. Her voice was soft. "Lucian. Your name is Lucian."
Lucian was stunned before letting out a hearty laugh. Freya didn't dare to move, she had never seen him show any positive emotions before.
He let out a soft smile. "I'm finally free."
Freya snapped out of her daze as she glanced at her loved ones. She was lucky, really lucky. Tears gradually fell from her eyes like pearls as she started laughing with joy. "I'm back, I'm finally back!"
Everyone was shocked by her sudden burst of intense sentiment. Andrew was quick, like a magician, a cup of pudding appeared out of nowhere. He gave his niece her favorite sweets, trying to console her.
Freya sniffed as she took the pudding, trying to stop her sobs. "How old do you think I am?"
Despite saying that, she still ate the pudding with much vigor. Her peach blossom eyes curved into crescents as they shined. "So sweet, it's good."
Her heart felt sour and sweet, was it finally okay for her to look forward to the future? She had finally lived past 16 years old, and everyone was still safe and sound right by her side.
Caiden tightened his embrace, trying to console his lover. When she returned, their bond was also back. He could feel her turmoil of emotions.
Alistar and Austin clumsily performed a comedy show to cheer her up, earning laughter from everyone. Mason quickly prepared blankets and snacks for her while Vivian started to get head pats from her.
Luca prepared a lot of gems, hoping his Master would stop crying. Cinder jumped into his master's embrace, the creature was depressed when his master was gone. He snuggled against her belly, trying to get back the comfort he lost.
Time passed without anyone noticing. Like sand, it slipped away slowly yet surely. The seasons in the demon realm changed from Summer to Spring again.
The four moons hung in the night sky, giving light to those who needed a path. The girl smiled brightly as she sat underneath the cherry blossom tree. The flower petals fell like rain and danced in the wind.
She hugged her cousin with excitement. "Congrats to you both. Brother Luca! I'm going to be an Aunt." She then turned to James. "I want to hug you, but you're pregnant. Still, it took you long enough to be together."
James sighed as his lips twitched. "Master, you have no idea how much effort I put into chasing your brother. Still, thanks for helping."
Andrew was delighted. "I am going to be a Grandpa!"
Oscar and Sophia, being more experienced in taking care of children, had already bought gifts, waiting for the little demon to be born.
Austin and Alistar were curious as cats, it was their first time seeing a man get pregnant. When they were in the human realm, they had only seen aunties with round bellies.
Vivian and Mason couldn't help but discuss amongst themselves as they
looked at James with unhidden disgust and then at Luca with pity. Who knew James would get such a young lover, that old pervert?
Caiden softly whispered in Freya's ears, his hands fidgeting with the fox-shaped diamond ring on her ring finger. "Do you want one?"
Freya naturally knew what her husband was getting at. Despite hating kids, he was willing to try becoming a father if she wanted another member of their family.
She shook her head and held his hand as she glanced at the butterfly-shaped diamond ring on his pale hand. A doting smile appeared on her lips. "No, I want to spend more alone time with you."
Caiden hummed and buried his face into the crook of her neck, her scent calmed him down immensely. She was here, he could hear her heartbeat. Freya's eyes widened as she ruffled his hair.
After deeming she had given him enough time, the girl pecked his cheeks before walking towards her father. The man was gazing at the sky with Cinder on his lap. The man had a good posture, looking as though he had come out of a painting.
She hugged him from behind the chair as she met with his eyes, "Daddy, what are you doing?"
Arche's smile made Freya's movement pause. He patted her head softly like he always did when she was younger. His voice was gentle, "You've grown wonderfully. I never thought that I would be able to see you grow up."
Freya tightened her embrace around his shoulders as she beamed, "Don't worry, I still have much to grow! I'll keep on growing, and you'll be there to witness it!"
Arche chuckled at her cute antics. "You're right, my beloved daughter."
As the spring zephyr swept past them, the girl's cotton candy pink hair swayed in the wind. Her aquamarine eyes reflected hope like a clear river stream flowing in the wild, she's not letting go this time.
This was not the end; it was the beginning.
{The End}
A/N: Thank you everyone for reading this book! I have finally finished it, yay! I pondered the endings for weeks, and this was what I came up with, hahah. Thanks for the wait. I'll be publishing my new book soon, I hope everyone would support it as well although I am trying a new genre. Hehe, love you guys <3