Chapter 31: Chapter 31

Chapter 30

CAELUM

“I need to take you away from here,” I held her hand started pulling her inside the tent but she remain standing there, her face stoic.

“Rubin, come on!”

“Don’t bother,” her voice was so soft that I couldn’t have heard it if it is not for my strong senses. I huffed, feeling annoyed of her behaviour.

“What do you mean? I’m trying to save us both! We have to leave now.”

“Hades will find me anywhere I’ll go. I made a bargain with him and he will get what he deserves – he will have my soul in any other way!”

“But I don’t want him to have you!” I cringe at my childish but I am se desperate, I couldn’t think of anything to say, “I don’t want you to die.”

Rubin raised her head, her eyes full of tears, “I don’t want to die, either.”

Her confession made me sigh and I tightened my arms around her, burying her face on my chest as we both stand there, a tangle of limbs, her tears soaking my shirt making it stick to my skin.

I adjusted my hold on her before releasing her though my hand lingered on her shoulder, “I shall find us a place. I will hide you there for the time being. I will protect you with all I’ve got – this will be the risk I will do to show you how much I love you.”

I leaned in to kiss her forehead, my lips grazing her hairline as she snaked her arms around my waist, “What about my parents? And Aeon, or Rause – can I spend a moment with them to say goodbye?”

I debated with the options I have and the possibility of Hades catching up with the plan. There is a great chance that she’ll be caught but we still have four days.

Surely, Hades isn’t that much of a jerk.

I smooth her hair, not waiting for another minute as I flick my hand and smiled. The grape field materialized – the golden orb showering the path with light as the birds flap their hair and sing.

“My lord?” Newman let go of the fresh basket of grapes he is currently holding, reaching out to poke at the figure crouching below, “Missy, they’re here –“

“What?” Emily turns her head from the vines and shrieks, “It’s them, Oh!” she picks up her skirt and ran towards us. Her shriek rouse a couple of curious heads and I blushed as I see the elder women smile to themselves, like they share some sort of secret.

Scratching my ear, I cringed as I spotted Carlos leading Aeon out of the cellar, their heads drawn together.

“You see, signore. There is always a right time for everything – you need not to rush or slow, you have to be on time to achieve something as great as this!” Carlos offered the wine to Aeon who took it gingerly, swirling it around before sniffing. I smirked and wave my hand, making the wind rustle his robes and only then did he notice my presence.

He looks up and smirked, pointing at me before saying to Carlos, “What do you say about preparing some Cornish pasties and sausages for our breakfast? And also, ask Zita to slice the cheese I’ve ordered. Rause loved them and I can’t resist to spoil her.”

The sound of their voice carried through the vast field and I shake my head at Carlos, who, like a dog desperate for a treat, bounded off to find Zita and prepare the breakfast Aeon have happily ordered.

“You dare give orders to my servants now?” I asked smirking at Aeon who approached me, face flushed and lips pouted, “You look like a lovesick puppy, my friend, I believe exposing yourself with a lady is unhealthy enough it makes your eyes lazy.”

Aeon rolled his eyes, taking me in a one arm hug. He pat my back and released me, “Talk about yourself, mate!”

Aeon chuckled, hands already reaching out for Rubin. “Come here you little –“ Aeon captured Rubin in his arms and kissed her cheek, “Your presence is so annoying I kind of missed it!”

He tighten his arms around Rubin and I gritted my teeth.

“Hey!” I pulled Rubin off his hold and glared at Aeon, “You have your girl, I got mine. Let’s keep it that way,” Aeon smirks before putting his hand on my shoulder.

“Let’s head out to the patio, shall we? I’m pretty sure that Rause will be delighted to see you.” I intertwined my fingers with Rubin’s, making her blush a deep red as the both of us followed Aeon.

The field is a shower of gold, green and red as we trudged down the hill, until Rubin was tackled by no other than her mother. Newman remains standing beside them until he was pulled by Emily, the two of them squashed in her arms.

I was about to walk away and follow Aeon when Emily looks up and said, “Not so fast, Mr. Rouen, join us for we are family now!”

Aeon snorted and I threw him a despicable gaze, drawing close to the family as a rouge hand shot up, yanking me towards them. Rubin laughs at the expression I have on my face and reluctantly, I wrapped my arms around her and Newman – who remains stiff as a board.

I wonder if he’s even breathing.

*

The Cornish pasties are good, the cheese even more so.

I looked at Rubin as she nibbled with her toast while Rause excitedly bounced next to her, sporting a silly grin on her face.

“Would you care to join us with the stomping later, Rubin? Carlos said that there is plenty for us all.” Rubin shrugged her shoulders before looking up at me, “I want to but, me and Caelum needed to depart at eleven so we can catch our flight.” I raised an eyebrow at her excuse and sigh when she squeezed her hands on mine, holding them tight.

She’s willing to leave her family and risk it all with me.

I clenched my jaw and plastered a blank look on my face, squeezing her hand back. I catch Aeon’s gaze as he curiously lingered at the entrance of the patio – his white blonde hair blown to the side.

Emily and Newman were sat side by side with her trying to feed Newman a couple of strawberries Aeon has ordered. Aeon motions for me and I rose from my seat, leaving a confused Rubin who proceeded next to Emily, leaning close and hugging her mother from behind.

“Oh you little doll! You mizz mummy again, don’t you?”

I noticed Rause’s suspicious gaze, giving us a pointed look as I and Aeon marched outside of the patio and to the great oak overlooking the field.

“I have figured it out. I think I know the reason why you came here at such a sudden time,” Aeon’s tone was suspicious and I chuckled , pushing myself upon the bark so I can seat on a branch.

Aeon rolled his eyes and simply waves his hand, lowering the branch so he can settle next to me, “Hades caught you.”

“No. Wrong Answer.”

“Then Gaea, she caught you!”

“Nope,” I shake my head at him and sighed, “Actually, it was Aphrodite who found about us.”

“What?” Aeon held out his arm to avoid himself from falling down from the tree, “How – I mean – are you certain? Aphrodite – the Venus?” I nodded, scratching my fingers on the bark and started peeling them away, trying to distract myself.

“What did she say? Why did she even meet with you?”

“She told me about my soul and how I’ve come to possess two.”

“What? Is that even a possible?” I can almost imagine Aeon’s brain working over the words and before a minute is up, he speaks, “I see. It explains much – how torn you are and how it seems that there is the two of you acting out all the time.”

“Pft. It is still weird and doesn’t make any sense. I am willing to give up both of my souls if that will give Rubin another life. What matters to me now is her, alone.” I bit my lip and decided to tell Aeon about all of it. “Did you know that she made a bargain with Hades so she can return to me when he caught her?”

“Blasted girl! She’s really foolishly brave. I don’t know if I should be proud of her or give her an earful. I bet, she badly needed the later. She is as stubborn as you.” Aeon shifted on his seat and faced me, “What to do? I am sure Hades will claim her soul since she has made a bargain with him. What a lost cause all of this is!”

“No, it won’t be a lost cause.” I folded my arms over my chest and rested my back on the oak tree, “I have convinced her to elope with me.”

“You’re going to run away?! You aren’t serious of this are you?” Aeon looks at me like he was doused with cold water. He pulled me close and roughly shakes me as though it will restore my mind in the right place and help me think straight, changing my decision.

I haven’t even bat an eyelash at him as he leans close and screamed at me, “You aren’t seriously considering about eloping with her, Caelum?! Hades will be so delighted to have the both of you cornered.”

I frowned at his words and huffed, “Hades is not like that. He won’t do that.”

“How can you be so sure? Caelum, he puts Rubin on the job of finishing you off for he knows that she will refuse to do it. He said that so she will bargain with her soul. It’s all a trap, to get you both and severe your souls from your bodies!”

“You are dwelling on it too much, exaggerating on points that must be overlooked. This is not the time to point fingers to anyone.” I clenched my jaw and pushed myself off the branch, landing smoothly on my feet. Aeon followed, though he slips on his feet making him hold unto me.

He suddenly straightened himself, pretending as though he did not just latched on my arm for dear life. He brushes inexistent dust off his coat and folded his sleeves. “I am not pointing fingers to just anybody, Caelum, but rather pointing my fingers to the one who made you miserable.”

“It’s not Hades who made me miserable, it is Aphrodite. She has ruined my life, she is the reason why I am suffering, why Rubin is suffering.”

Aeon shrugs a shoulder and sighs, “I guess you are right about that, mate, but really – it was Hades who’s been chasing you for years! He is the one who killed your adoptive parents and if Gaea weren’t there, he would have taken you too!”

“Hades is only doing that because Aphrodite promised him my soul and you know that our promises shall not be broken; It is our absolute law, higher than the powers we possessed.”

“Why do you keep on defending him?”

“I am not defending him, Aeon, I am merely stating a fact.” I shake my head and waved my hand at him, trying to block his opinion of hindering me as he tried reaching out to me but falling miserably. I huffed, “Let’s not dwell on this anymore, Aeon and help me. I need to know where I can safely keep Rubin –“

“Do you think it is wise to hide? Shouldn’t you be asking Hades for mercy instead?”

“I have considered doing that, Aeon but hearing about Aphrodite’s agreement with Hades rules out that chance. It is a lost cause to plead and ask him for mercy. I have no option but to hide her, Aeon.”

Aeon scratched his forehead and pushed his hair back. We stayed like that, buried deep in our thoughts. I leaned back on the tree while Aeon paced in front of me, muttering inconsequentially.

“The Kipawt Manor and Autahvuwns is out of the options. He already knows about those.” I sighed and looked at him, “Try the Hayden cottage by the isle of Lakhowt – Hades detest the rain and he would surely not like to go there. I am very sure.”

“Do you think that the rain will stop him from reaping our souls?”

“No. I don’t think it will but I am sure, it will buy you more time to look for a solution – if there would be any.” I frown at him, did he just-?

“Yes. I am talking about the Nectar and ambrosia, Caelum, and I think you know about it but only needs my confirmation. I think, you also know where exactly you can find it.”

“Do you think it is wise?” Aeon nodded his head vigorously while I started to pace.

“Do you think it will be safe for Rubin to consume it? It is the food for the gods and she is not really human, Aeon. She was transformed into one! I worry that something worse will happen if she does consume it.”

“We can’t be sure of the effect but I am certain that Hades won’t claim her as easily if she is under the consumption of it. The influence of nectar and ambrosia is nothing Death can manipulate.”

I bit my lip.

The idea is tempting yet the risk is high. I am sure that there is a great chance of Hades not staking his claim of her soul but what happens after that?

Will she even be alive to witness Hades refusing her soul?

This thoughts occupy my head and soon enough, the grass underneath me was reasonably reduced to nothing but dusty earth while Aeon busied himself with cleaning his nails. “Should we go back? I guess it’s better to lay out the plan earlier so we can take –“

“No. You stay here with Rause,” I snapped, earning a hurtful gaze from Aeon, “What? You are not including me in this again? Aren’t we supposed to be helping each other like friends should? I can’t lose my only friend.”

“I know,” I put a reassuring hand on his shoulder and squeezed, fighting the urge to cry like a baby as I gulped the lump that has formed in my throat, making it hard to breath. “But you’ve got Rause, you’ve got to be here; You’ve got to keep her safe, keep them safe, because I do not know if we will be able to return. I can’t break inside the Acropolis without rising suspicions for I am not a god anymore.” Aeon raised an eyebrow at my strained voice.

I was surprised when he tackled me down on the ground and put his hand over my chest, “What are you doing?!”

I looked around in alarm. Someone might be staring at us and take the wrong idea.

Stupid Aeon.

“Aeon, what exactly are you doing?!”

“I’m channeling it.”

“Channeling what?” I recognize the haze that suddenly appeared around us, shielding us away from curious eyes.

“Your soul – now I can recognize it for you have told me about Aphrodite. I can see that the Cupid part of you is more dominant than the Dieoublie. I believe that if I brought out the Cupid part of you, it will be easier for you to go to Acropolis, head to Iria and claim some ambrosia.”

My heart thudded hopefully in my chest as Aeon took his hand -the haze around us dissolving.

“Caelum,” the sound of my name being mentioned rose me up to his feet, feeling like I have ran a couple of miles judging by the way my chest rise and fall, “Caelum!”

She’s in my arms before I even called for her. Aeon wiggled his brows, a knowing smirk plastered on his lips as he walks away, skipping back to the patio.

“Why are you calling for me as though I have gone and left you for a thousand of years?”

“It’s because I fear you would do just that and leave me without saying goodbye,” She sniffs, her red bushy hair flying away with the wind. I took a ribbon from the depth of my pocket and gather her hair on my hands, carefully untangling them and tying the ribbon around to avoid it from getting in my mouth.

She gingerly raised a hand and pats the bun on top of her head, smiling, “I didn’t know you can do that.”

“Oh, there is so much you do not know about me, love, best I’ll show them sooner than later, though.”

She nodded enthusiastically, taking my hand and directing me up the hill where the workers are gathering produce.

“So, how did it go?” the question was out of my mouth before I even rephrase it again. I bit my lip, waiting for her to respond.

“My mum was confused as to why I am going away with you again. She asked me to stay a few more days but I decline, stating that I’ll be back in the succeeding weeks – not promising though.” She shrugged her shoulders swinging our hands in the air.

“I do not want to hurt her further by making empty promises. Newman was no different. He stares at me with that stoic gaze and wished for me to take care of myself. After a few minutes though, mum has resigned herself upstairs – stating the need for the loo. While she did, I asked Newman to promise me to never leave Emily alone and try with the best of his abilities to show her how much he cared.”

“That’s unlikely. You know Newman –“

“Is strict, bossy, stoic kind of a man but he is easily worried and is caring. He will surely keep that promise for I threatened him that if he does not – you will punish him greatly.”

“Hey! What right do you and Aeon have to mistreat my servants? I don’t even threaten them with words.”

“Yes, you don’t. You just make them stay inside your boring hotels and manors for a couple of years until you decided what task you’ll appoint them with or have them do. Tell me, how is that even better?”

“I still don’t harm them and I don’t scare nor abuse them. Plus, it is efficient too and beneficial in my part if I reserved them in my hotels – not manipulate them or force them, unlike you and Aeon who boss them around without exchange.”

She rolled her eyes at my word but tightened her grip on my hands even more. “May we go now? I don’t want to regret my decision of leaving them here – seeing their faces makes it hard to go.”

I noticed her down cast e and the slight tremble of her lips made me sigh. Wrapping my arms around her, I pulled her close which made her sniffed. Gently, we walk past the grape field and crouched beneath the grape vines.

With a flick of my hand, the vines disappeared and was replaced with moss covered roots of the trees that extend up in the sky – our surroundings glowing green in the sunlight as the leaves blocked the light.

A bird whistled in the distance , the fluttering of wings startling Rubin making her lean closer to me. I waved my hands once again and make the gentle breeze shake the leaves, showering us with everlasting rain.

“Welcome to Lakhowt Island – where the rain never stops.”

Rubin held out her hand to catch the rain drops, smiling so wide. Her eyes were lit with that crazy excitement and before I could prepare myself, I was knocked over, her arms around me.

“Thank you! This place is so pretty like everything you show me.” She pulls away, looking up the sky as she let the raindrops fall on her face – the crazy smile she has is still on.

“Come on, let’s settle for tonight and we’ll go explore tomorrow.” She put her hand on mine and gently we trudged up the hill, avoiding roots and trunks, with her occasional giggle breaking the silence accompanied by the sound of nature.

“Is that the sea I’m hearing?”

“Yes, of course. You see, we are in an island, therefore it is given that we are surrounded by water.” She gasps, directing her wide eyes at me as she tighten her hold. “But that’s no good! We will drown when the water reach us –“

“That won’t be possible, love, for we are in a very high elevation that no matter how high the tide goes, it won’t reach us.” I patiently explain to her, understanding her lack of knowledge about how the earth works.

“Fascinating! I will never get over how beautiful and bizarre the earth is!” she laughs and it echoed all throughout the silent forest, startling a couple of birds. I tilted my head at her silly actions and lead her up to the Hayden cottage, waving my hand so that I can turn the lights on. Fireflies surround us as we climb higher up the hill, Rubin huffing and puffing next to me.

“Would you like me to carry you?” She hesitated, staring down on her shoe while wringing her hands.

“Would you allow it?” Rubin whispered, as though she was afraid she might be heard. I crouched down on the earth and offered her my back

“Go on, climb on my back.” She shifted on her feet before her hands reaches out to latch on my shoulder as she rested her weight on me. I waited for her to settle comfortably, my hand automatically heaving her up as I stand.

“Whoa!”

“What can you say?” I asked after a minute of having her go silent like she has gone mute. Rubin rested her hand on my back and I felt her nod, whispering, “This felt great.”

“It better be.” I answered, tightening my arms under her bottom as I heaved her higher and start my trek.

I can almost imagine a shy smile gracing her lips as she snuggled closer, her face pressed next to my back as we go up.

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