Chapter 23: Chapter 23

CHAPTER 22

RUBIN

I tried to stop myself from crying but I couldn’t, the pain of losing him and not being able to see him again crumbled all the walls I have built around my heart for the past week – month.

I tried so hard not to be affected by him and my plan backfires as I gripped his shirt, begging him, “Don’t go. Don't leave me...”

“I won’t.” his gentle voice felt like a calming balm on my chest – soothing the place where I pierced myself with the arrow. “Shh, settle down now.” Caelum rubs my back and pats it awkwardly. I hastily wiped my tears and draw away from him, focusing on his face as I held out my hand, touching his cheeks. His face is warm and sticky. I lean closer and notice the trails of tears on them – did he really cry, because of me?

Caelum averted his eyes and pulled back, making me draw my hand from his face. I lean back on the head board, feeling suddenly shy as I hear him clear his throat, “Are you feeling alright?”

I nodded my head, still avoiding his look of concern – not used to seeing that expression on his face, the oddity of all of this apparent as the both of us turn the other way. I guess, it wasn’t only me who is feeling quite awkward at the moment.

“Would you like something to eat? I am sure I can whip something up in a jiffy if you want,” he hurriedly said more to himself than to me as he stands and left his seat. I tried to reach out for his hand but I felt so weak I couldn’t even catch the end of his cloak and I wearily watched him walk out of the room, my lips trembling.

I frowned down at my shaking hands, feeling conflicted of my thoughts - I wanted to tell Caelum about Hades and what he asked me to do. The arrow tingles, warm and suddenly cold in a minute and I release it from my hands. Scowling, I snatched the satchel from the bedside table, planning to stuff it inside but the shivering letters spilled out as I opened my satchel. Grumbling to myself, I rearrange the letters neatly and stared at the clock at the far side of the room, a quarter of an hour has already passed since Caelum went out. I'm sure it won’t take Caelum that long to prepare me a snack – he can just make me a sandwich for all I care.

I scratched my ears and tap my fingers impatiently before looking down on my wrist. The bondage is tightly wrapped that as I start to pries it from my wound, Caelum was already pushing the door, giving me an apologetic smile. “Sorry, it took me long enough to prepare. I have asked Newman to buy me some ingredients. It's been weeks since we had some decent snack so the supplies herrare a bit low...” he was muttering to himself while balancing the tray on his hands and leaning in to arrange it on top of the bed.

“I hope you like soup, this time. I haven’t really learnt anything that might appeal to your taste, I just focus on my favorites and I hope, somehow, you might like it.” He handed me a silver spoon and I took it eagerly, slowly dipping it on top of the viscous yellow liquid. I blow and cautiously sip; the flavors that bursts inside my mouth is inexplicable, it felt like my tongue is having a feast and I couldn’t decide – was it sweet or sour?

“Well?” he raised an eyebrow.

“I can’t decide,” I shrugged a shoulder and dipped my spoon once again, sipping “It taste wonderful like one minute I can taste cheese then the next it was onions and it is sweet; I can’t really explain the flavor.”

“That’s the traditional French onion soup for you. I spent almost an hour preparing it to make the onion sweet.” I did not pay attention to his words, instead I dunk the bread in my soup and bite on it.

The soup was gone before the clock even strike eleven. Giving Caelum a smile, I watch as he takes the tray and put it down on the carpet, turning to me, “We need to talk.”

“Hmm?” I tried to act puzzled but I know that he’s not buying it. He settled on the bed and fixed his eyes upon me. “Tell me what had really happened at the park after you pierced yourself with the arrow? I saw the man -”

“That was my uncle,” I covered my wrist with my hand, trying to shield it from his eyes but he takes my hand and stared at me, “And? What did he do?”

“He strikes me with the severed sword. I am a banished now, I am not a cupid anymore. All of my efforts are gone for my mission is forfeited.” My voice faded in the background and I frown down at my hands. There was another pause, an awkward yet curious one. I can almost imagine the words that will come out of his mouth; forfeited, not a cupid, useless mere creature.

My scowl deepened as I grip the blanket tightly, “Is it because of the arrow that you are a human now?” My eyes widen at his question, “I am a human?”

“Well, technically, yes. You are human now, wait, can you see this?” he held out something in his hand and sighed as I squinted hard on it, trying to make sense of the figure he is showing me. I shake my head ‘no’ and asked, “What is it?”

He just smiled at me before putting it back inside his coat, “There must be a reason why you came back as a human – I heard you speaking in your sleep, though I cannot understand what it is.” He shrugs his shoulder before leaning closer. “Tell me what you saw in your dream and how is it that the arrow is in your hand when I saw it vanished at the park.” His voice is filled of curiosity. I stared at his eyes and regret it almost instantly as they reflected the dim candle light, showing nothing but desire.

Desire to what?

“Are you going to stare at me like a rude person and chose to ignore my question as if you have gone temporarily deaf?” He snapped, his stance changing; his irritation bubbling up in the surface, as he squinted his eyes, “Are you not going to answer my question or should I repeat the question to make sure that it reached your stupid little brain?”

I smirked and continue staring at him. This is the Caelum I have grown to hate and love over the course of two months – I'm happy that he’s back to his usual bantering rude self.

“What are you smirking at? You dare make fun of me when I prepared soup for you at this late hour, escape the hospital inquiries and chose to bring you in my manor? To think that you won’t even answer my question is purely unacceptable.” I stared at him for a while, relishing at the scowl reflected on his face and his snappy voice before saying, “I am given only a few more weeks to be on earth so I can search for my parents.”

He raised one delicate eyebrow at me, my answer catching him off guard. His face morphed, relaxing to that of an insensitive one, “Your parents?”

I nodded, bowing my head so he won’t see my face and how it reflects the lies in them.

“But why look for them? Aren’t you a pure cupid from Eros? Why are you searching for your parents here on earth of all the places imaginable? I bet, they are banished, too, just like how you are now.” he sneered, trying to look cruel but his eyes are full of mirth. I chortled, leaning close to him.

“Nope. My mum is not a Cupid but dad is. He’s been banished after he have failed his mission when he fell in love with mum. I thought they have died in the past but they weren’t. Someone told me so,” I bit my lip.

Caelum can’t know that Hades has set me on this plan.

Caelum raised another eyebrow at me, his eyes inquisitive but he did not pushed farther.

“I need you to help me look for them,” I took his hand as I plead, trying to make what Rause had taught me – the puppy dog eyes.

Caelum blinks and I watched as his eyebrows shot upward, almost disappearing beneath his hairline, a bit of his hair licking his forehead – I might have missed it if I wasn’t looking directly at him but a soon as it happened, his face had diverted back to that impassive one.

He drew his hand back and settle them neatly on top of his lap. He closed his eyes, appearing as though he is praying – but I am pretty sure that he’s not, is he? A comfortable silence settled between us, Caelum has his eyes closed and as the minutes draw longer, I find myself getting more anxious and impatient. “Caelum, you have to help me find them. I do not know where to start, please. It is you who knows this earth, surely you can-” he opens his eyes and directed a glare that is so fierce I have to avert my eyes. “No. I refuse. You shall do it yourself. I will nurse you to health and once you are fine, you can go and finally we can have the closure that has been overdue, after that, you can move out.” His voice was so impassive that I have to blink again and make sure that I am really talking to him.

“Move out?”

But my question remains unanswered as he stands, collecting the tray from the floor and making his way out of the door that swung open at its own accord. The deafening thud of the door made me flinch as I slide back down on the bed, trying to fall asleep.

*

To say that I have napped is an insult. I felt like I have only slept a wink, feeling groggy as I dragged my foot on the side of the bed; running my hands on my face repeatedly to get rid of any sleep that linger just this wee hour of the morning.

What do I do? How can I persuade Caelum on helping me find my parents and eventually making him fall in love with me?

He is so mercurial – his moods shifting like the wind and I do not know how I can keep up with him. I took the satchel from the bedside table and plunged my hand inside. I pulled the arrow out and looked at it, trying to draw some strength from the prophecy that is written about the both of us.

I was sent on earth as an honor to Caelum, a gift.

Hades words seems to echo inside my brain as I ran my hands on the inscription of the arrow, not really perceiving its true meaning even when Hades had repeated it to me for numerous times.

The heaven knows, a ginger lass, be welcomed...follow him around until he fell in love.

“But how exactly should I do that?” I muttered to no one in particular. I groaned, leaning across the bed and collapsing in a heap, unable to make up my mind. A sudden knock rose me from my position, I hid the arrow inside the numerous blanket I am lying at, diverting my eyes and trying to not look so surprise as Newman opens the door.

“Good morning, miss.” he said in an impassive voice, sounding a lot like Caelum. His face was void of emotions as he continued, “Are you well?” There’s only a hint of concern but that is a lot to receive coming from a very emotionless man like Newman.

I nodded my head at him before asking, “Why are you here this early?” Newman blinks his eyes and straightened his spine as though he were asked to honor the king. “Lord Caelum ask edfor your presence downstairs for breakfast.”

My eyes widen at the invitation and I swiftly pulled on my robes, quickly getting up from the bed, following Newman as he made his way out to the hall, holding out the door for me. “Did he mention anything at all besides sharing breakfast with me?”

“No, miss. Lord Caelum said that you are to be with him but did not mention anything that you might be concerned with.” he bows his head before he added, “The Lord’s desire is to see to it that you are well fed which is why he asked for your presence downstairs.” And with that, Newman marched down the stairs with me, while I remain gaping, still doubtful of the reason why I am summoned.

The wafting smell of pancakes hits me even before I reach the living room. I hurriedly walked along Newman and watched him as he pulled a seat and reckon me towards it, “Thank you for fetching her for me, Newman,” Caelum said as he takes something from the pan and transferred it on a plate. Caelum gave me a curious look which I returned with a glare I started to take a pancake from the table not even asking for permission or waiting for his orders that I shall begin. I bathe the pancakes with the chocolate syrup like how Aeon used to do – oh, Aeon!

Caelum pulled a chair and sat across me, “Where’s Aeon? Isn't he going to join us for breakfast?” I asked, my pique curiosity getting the best of me as I took the maple syrup and dip the sunny side up on them – courtesy of Aeon’s delectable yet weird taste. Caelum who hasn’t replied me, stirred his coffee and lift the cup to his lips – my question hangs unanswered.

Huffing, I stuffed the pancake and egg inside my mouth with haste – not wanting to appear like an idiot after my question was flatly ignored. Pausing to drink from the hot chocolate after blowing at it like Caelum taught me, I asked, “Why did you call me here if you will not talk to me?”

His gaze made me look down on my half-finished plate, suddenly afraid of maintaining an eye contact with him. Snatching my spoon, I cut up my pancakes and shoved each piece of it inside my mouth, glaring at him, my cheeks bursting with effort.

“Eat slowly. We have all the morning -”

“Ihabngatallmtaymfworl!”

He directed another glare at me, his nose flaring as he said, “Swallow your food before you speak, woman.”

I chewed quickly, my irritation spiking up as I watch him drink his coffee with a certain calm manner that only him could muster while I am seething, about to combust.

“Why did you call me here? What do you want to take about?”

Caelum puts the newspaper down on the table with an exasperated sigh, giving me a look as though I am an idiot, or a petulant child he couldn’t discipline. “Can’t you just sit still, eat your breakfast and wait?”

“As I said – I haven’t got all the time of the world like you. I have only a month to search for my parents. Can’t you get it? I’ve got a month left. A month!” I held out a finger to him to prove my point and tapped my foot, impatiently. “How do you think I will manage to do that in a month, Caelum? I don’t even know how I should start looking for them, so tell me how I shall wait?” I can feel my cheeks flaring, my chest heaving up and down as I tried to support myself up on the table, my legs going weak because of the emotions I am feeling. Caelum’s eyes have gone slightly wider than they usually are and it seems that he finally understands my point.

“Then go as you should – you only have a month left as you said so, why don’t you start looking for them now? Go.” Caelum’s voice was so soft and smooth but the wrath and intensity of it hit me so hard it almost sent me back, toppling on my seat as though it were a blow directed at me. Though, stubborn as I have always been, I squared up my shoulders and hold on tight at the sides of the table, saying, “Fine, I will go. Let me just go up and gather my things.” I turned around and walked out of the kitchen, my legs trembling beneath me as I bawled up my fist, expecting that he will come running back to me, begging me not to go.

How wrong am I to think that low?

Every step felt like I am sinking deeper down the hole I just made a couple of minutes before. I wanted to run back and apologize but my pride propelled me up the stairs and to my room. I angrily snatched my satchel, fixing the blanket on top of the bed and took one last look at the room, before I walked down the stairs.

“Miss, where are you going?” Newman glanced at my face and I hastily wiped my tears, refusing to show any weakness to him since Caelum is his master and I can’t afford him babbling about. With a nod, I stalked out of the parlour and wretched open the door, revealing the sunny morning outside – mocking me with how pretty everything appears after a morning shower.

I dawdled, walking with no purpose as I hoped for him to try and stop me from leaving. I thought I have changed him but was it he who changed me?

I longed to hear him berate me as though I was an insolent child who’s not capable of being still and patient when told – but he did not come. My fingers tightly clasped the strap of my satchel as I kick a stone up the yard, sporting a dark green robe over an oversized shirt and long pants that Caelum had me changed into, right after he brought me in from the hospital.

I sniffed and furiously wiped the sides of my face as I plunge my hand at the thick wall of vines, pushing the gate open. I cringed as the defiant sound echoed, signaling my leave as it close behind me.

Now it’s final. I am on my own.

Hades will surely kill me this time. I am such an idiot to burst like that and screamed at Caelum, acting so desperate for his assistance as though I am incapable. I am really a failure when it comes to special task and missions – Uncle Cedric was correct. I am just like my father.

I puffed out my cheeks and tucked my hands inside the pocket of my robes. The feeling of warm metal glowing inside my satchel brought me back to my present situation as humans clad in coats gave me a look of apprehension, some even have the decency to point and snigger at my odd appearance. I tightened my hold on my satchel and flipped my vicious ginger hair, stalking to the direction of the town with my face flushed.

Where should I go now that I left?

The answer came instantly as soon as I thought about the question. I know that Rause will be all too willing to receive me in her gentle abode as she did every time I resign here in Scotland, scurrying away from Caelum when he chose to visit France. I looked down at my feet and regretted the fact that I haven’t remembered to wear the sandals Caelum had given me – it would have been much comfortable walking on the hot asphalt if I am wearing it now.

The Gaeans are still rudely staring at me as I reached the town and every time a curious little kid approached me, I sneer like Caelum does and flee before the parents of the said child arrives. The garden of violets comes into view as I round the corner and walk down the alley behind the corner store. Without paying another glance at the curious crowd looking at me, I marched inside the open gates and closed it behind me with a clunk.

I haven’t had the time to step away from the gates when Rause captured me in a hug, her face full of worry. “Thank goodness, you are here!”

“Why? What’s the matter, Rause?”

“It was the weird guy – the one who met with us at the diner,” my blood ran cold as I looked at Rause’s face. She tugs at my wrist and tried to put me inside the house yet I stayed there, frozen and shocked.

He couldn’t possibly be here, right? I mean, Caelum doesn’t care.

“Is he really here?” I asked out loud, not believing her words the first time. Rause did not answer me. Instead, she nodded her head and continue dragging me in. I bit my lip. Caelum will surely wring my neck now that he found out how I stalked out of the manor, ungratefully leaving his premises and not even bothering to say my goodbye’s in a pleasant manner. I am practically dead meat once he lays his eyes on me again - I will disintegrate, turn into dust and be scattered in the wind.

I closed my eyes, not wanting to see the rage on Caelum’s face as we enter the house. Rause loosen her hands and harrumphed, crossing her arms, “Look at how comfortable he appears, Rubin!” She snapped, glowering at the pale man who is wriggling his brows over those brilliant purple irises, his white blond hair reflecting the sunlight.

“Enchanté”

“Aeon?”

“The one and only.” He unfolded his legs and stands from the sofa, “So, you are back? But why the tears streak and the wrist? Did Caelum hurt you?” he pointed at my face, his eyes focused on my wrist which I am feebly hiding behind my back, while I watched him pout, flipping his white blond hair before checking his reflection on his pocket watch, “You haven’t been back for a day and both of you are already fighting - how charming!”

I shrugged a shoulder and ignored his comments. I settled down on the settee facing the window and away from him, hoping to give him the impression that I do not want to talk about it. Aeon sat back on the sofa, resuming his hobby of ogling at Rause, whose arms are cross over her chest as she answered him back with a glare. “Seems that my presence here is purely unwelcomed but I have no choice since I was kicked out of the manor too, which I presumed, was the same as your fate?” He snorted, altering his crossed legs and turning at me, “What happen to you exactly? Why can’t I-?”

He waves a hand at Rause and I sat there shocked as she keels over the floor and instead of collapsing down on it, she eerily floated mid-air and zoomed across, settling herself down on Aeon’s lap.

“What did you do that for, Aeon?”

“What?”

“You made her collapse with no purpose!”

“Oh, my dear, it was with purpose, of course - The god of wind always has a purpose in mind. I did what I have done because I cannot afford a mere mortal like her to know about our identities.” He fixed me a glare before he leans down and tuck a hair behind her ear almost lovingly. “I am confused. Why is it that your glow has dimmed, like you are now mortal, but not really? I have sensed your wound and that is no ordinary wound; I suspect you have the same wound on your back, am I right? Tell me what happened to you.” He said, his voice full of concern.

I sighed and showed him my wrist. “You are right – I am now more of a Gaean or a mortal as you said. I have pierced myself with the arrow just like how you suggested when the two of you were talking. Caelum is quite surprised that I have survived-”

“You became a banished?” his eyes were wide as he looks at me. I bowed my head, not wanting the way his eyes lingered on my wrists before focusing back to my face. “Obviously so. My mission has been forfeited and now I am given only a month left to find my parents and after that, I do not know.”

“What do you mean about your parents, aren’t you a pure cupid?” I hastily shook my head and retold him everything that I have said to Caelum. After my speech, Aeon appears more confused than before.

“A month to look for a human and a banished cupid – that's mental. I mean, I’m not saying that it is impossible but it is simply...undoable within that time frame. Do you get what I mean? You’ve got only a month!”

“I know, a month! But it is doable if you help me, even if Caelum won’t.” the bitter taste on my mouth made me stop, tightening my hand on my satchel, taking a deep breath before continuing, “I know that I can do it only if you will help me.” I glanced at Rause and continued, “If you do, I will assure you that I will help you win Rause.”

Aeon’s eyes were unfocused. He ran his hand on Rause’s hair and sighed audibly. He is weighing his options and, in this case, I know that he will agree with me. With his lips tightly pursed, he nodded his head, “I will help you.”

I smiled and was about to hug him when he waves his hand – the arrow soared out of my satchel and to his outstretched hand, his face clouded. “I will help you after you explain why you have this with you. How come that you have it?”

“It was Hades, he wanted me to have it. He said that the arrow needs to be imbedded in Caelum’s chest and he put me unto it. I've heard what you said to Caelum and I think you are right. The arrow won’t hurt him. It will only end the curse.”

“That is my theory, but hearing you say that it was what Hades told you, it was a little bit dodgy,” he breathes out and ran his hand down at the arrow, “So Hades put you up to this job?”

“Yes.”

“Curious. I didn’t know he’s got Caelum’s best interest in his mind.” Aeon’s eyes were out of focus as though he is not really here. Meanwhile, Rause stirred, her hand moving up to her face, scratching her forehead while her eyebrows meet in the middle. She bolted up, almost colliding with Aeon as she rose from the sofa.

“What the bloody bird am I doing here lying on your lap?” she snapped, expressing her distaste, “I swear. I was just there and then...” She pointed at Aeon and to herself, and to the doorway, scratching her head for the second time as she made a move to stand up.

“I will help you on what you should do, Rubin. I believe that we would have to work on a plan for Caelum to cooperate with us.” Aeon said, unfazed of the fact that Rause continue glaring at him, her face flushing a delicate shade of red, her freckles standing out, “What did I miss? Really, what are you talking about? What plan?

“Nothing that concerns you.”

“Of course, it concerns me! Everything that has to do with Rubin has something to do with me. Let me help if I could.”

“And why should you be?” Aeon softly said, his words filled with concern but Rause interpreted it wrong as she fumed, her cheeks flushed. Rause opens her mouth to speak but Aeon held out his hand and said “You are to stay here, safe and unharmed. I will protect you in this life as long as I am capable of doing so. It is better to have you ignorant about all this than involve you and have you suffer because of me,” his words are only above a whisper and if I wasn’t leaning in to stop Rause from attacking Aeon, I wouldn’t have heard. Aeon sighed, his brows furrowed in worry as he flicked his hand and slowly faded into background, leaving a trail of wind.

“What in the seventh heaven is that nutter talking about?” Rause asked me and I shrugged, turning at her.

“No idea.”

계속