"After everyone left the meeting room, a heavy silence settled over the space like a blanket.
Nolan turned sharply to Elanaria, his tone clipped and eyes narrowed. "What do you think you're doing? And why are you always coming here barefooted?"
Elanaria blinked, confused. "Why are you always mad at me? I didn't do anything wrong," she said with a pout, her lips curling downward as her doe-like eyes searched his.
"You shouldn't have come here barefooted," he said, pointing accusingly at her legs. "Do you always run from home like this?"
Elanaria glanced down at her feet and frowned. "Do I have to wear something on them?" she asked, genuinely puzzled.
Nolan stared at her helplessly. She wasn't like anyone he'd ever met. Wild, free, and somehow untouched by the norms of this world.
---
Meanwhile, Jade walked down the hallway and opened the door to Nolan's office. What he saw made his eyes nearly pop out of his head.
There, seated calmly, was another Elanaria.
But not quite.
She was different, brown hair cascading down her back, eyes the color of warm honey, dressed in a flowing white gown, barefoot just like Elanaria. Ethereal. Regal. A goddess.
"Holy Mary, mother of Jezebel," Jade muttered the same exact words he'd said the first time he met Elanaria.
He approached slowly, eyebrows furrowed. Wait, don't tell me this lady's also waiting for Nolan? What kind of charm does this man have?
Aerisiel looked up, expecting to see Elanaria. But instead, it was someone else. A human. He was handsome, charming in a rough-edged way, and looked just as stunned as she felt. She blinked, trying to gather herself.
"Are you here to see my boss?" Jade asked once he reached her.
Aerisiel tilted her head, not understanding.
"Okay, I mean Nolan. Are you here to see Nolan?"
Aerisiel's eyes lit up at the name. She nodded quickly, she thought Elanaria was with him already.
"Oh, I see," Jade muttered under his breath, running a hand through his hair. "That idiot... I can't believe he's doing this." He fished out his phone and quickly called Nolan.
---
Back in the meeting room, Elanaria stood so close to Nolan that the air between them practically shimmered.
Nolan's heart thudded in his chest. Her nearness made it hard to think.
They stared at each other, eyes locked. Something passed between them, silent and powerful, words that didn't need to be spoken.
And then Nolan's phone rang.
Elanaria stepped back as he answered.
"You jerk," Jade's voice rang out through the speaker. "Get your ass here now. Someone's here to see you and..."
Nolan ended the call before he could say more.
"Let's go," he said simply.
---
When they reached his office, Elanaria's eyes lit up.
"Aerisiel!" she called, rushing over.
"I thought you forgot me here," Aerisiel said, pouting slightly. "I was bored."
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to. I thought he'd keep you company," she replied, glancing at Jade, who stood stiffly in shock.
"He didn't say anything to me," Aerisiel added, folding her arms.
Jade jaw was slightly slack. He couldn't believe there were two of them both goddess-like, both mysterious. Nolan, on the other hand, remained expressionless.
"You two are sisters?" Jade asked, still trying to piece things together.
"We're friends. More like sisters," Elanaria replied with a soft smile.
After a pause, Nolan spoke. "Get the car ready, Jade."
Jade nodded silently and left without another word.
"Elanaria, come here," Nolan said, voice softer now.
Obediently, she walked over.
"You're pretty. Very pretty," he murmured, eyes tracing her features like a painter memorizing his muse. There was awe in his voice, as if he'd never seen anyone like her before.
Elanaria blushed furiously, a bright smile lighting her face. Did he just say I'm pretty?
His phone rang again. He answered with a quick, "Okay," and then turned back to them.
"Let's go. The car's ready."
They walked out of the office, Aerisiel trailing behind with a quiet smile. Maybe Nolan isn't as bad as I thought, she mused.
---
When they reached the elevator, Elanaria frowned. "Where are we going? And what's this?"
"This?" Nolan gestured at the elevator. "It's going to take us to the last floor. It's a programmed elevator, a faster way down. Come on in."
Aerisiel took Elanaria's hand, and they stepped inside. No one spoke as the elevator began its smooth descent.
"Wow... do you have some powers?" Aerisiel asked, eyes wide with curiosity as they exited.
Nolan turned to her, baffled and amused. These two...
"I don't have any powers. Like I said, it's advanced programmed technology. Faster and easier than walking," he explained, trying to keep it simple.
"Ohhh," Aerisiel said, nodding like she understood, though she clearly didn't.
They arrived at the garage where Jade waited beside the car.
Elanaria opened the back door. The girls got in.
"Wow, is this also an elevator?" Aerisiel asked, dead serious.
Nolan burst into laughter, head thrown back. The sound surprised everyone.
Elanaria and Aerisiel blinked at him, confused.
"You're funny," he said once he stopped laughing, wiping a tear from his eye. He got into the front seat.
Aerisiel turned to Elanaria. "Am I funny?"
Elanaria just shrugged.
"What are you standing there for? Hop in," Nolan said to Jade.
"You didn't expect me to handle these two alone, did you?" Nolan added once Jade joined him.
Jade chuckled, shaking his head, then turned to glance at the two young women.
---
After a short drive, they arrived at an extravagant shopping mall. The Elite Shopping Center. The girls stepped out, their eyes wide.
"Wow, what's this place? It's so big... and beautiful!" Elanaria and Aerisiel said at the same time, then turned to each other and laughed.
Nolan and Jade stood a few steps behind them, both smiling at the sight.
A well-dressed attendant walked over. "Hello sir, welcome to Elite Shopping Mall. What may I help you with?"
"Nothing much. I'd like to get some pairs of footwear for my friends," Nolan said.
Elanaria heard and immediately pouted. Why does he want me to wear shoes so badly?
Nolan noticed and chuckled softly. "Cute," he murmured under his breath.
Jade smirked beside him, catching the words.
The attendant finally turned her gaze to the girls and gasped. What in heaven's name... these two are stunning.
She hadn't noticed them at first. Her attention had been fixed on Ricardo, he was like a god among men.
A soft tap on her shoulder brought her back to reality.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," she said quickly, bowing in apology.
Nolan gave her a small nod.
"I need to go to the restroom," Elanaria whispered to him.
"Your accent has improved, little angel," he said, gently brushing a finger against her cheek. His fingertip grazed her lips, and for a second, the air between them thickened again with that same tension from earlier.
"Ahem!" the attendant cleared her throat loudly. "The restroom is by the left."
Blushing hard, Elanaria quickly walked off. Her heart thudded in her chest. If that woman hadn't interrupted, would he have kissed me again?
She turned a corner and stopped dead in her tracks.
A man stood there, tall and imposing, smirking at her.
"Hello there, little niece," he said, voice dripping with malice.
Elanaria's heart dropped into her stomach.
*****
At the luxurious Elite Shopping Mall, Aerisiel stood near the boutique entrance, glancing nervously at the place Elanaria left. Her eyes kept darting toward there, searching for Aria.
Just then, Elanaria emerged, looking slightly flushed but trying to play it cool.
"What have you been doing?" Aerisiel asked, her voice tinged with concern. "I was about to come check on you."
Elanaria smiled sheepishly. "Nothing, really. I didn't realize I took that long. I'm sorry if I worried you."
Without waiting for a reply, she walked past Aerisiel toward Nolan, who stood casually by a small display of high-end footwear. He looked up as she approached and gestured toward a pair of sandals placed neatly on a fancy velvet stool.
"Try those on," he said with quiet confidence. "I'm sure they'll fit perfectly."
Elanaria and Aerisiel sat down side by side and slipped their feet into the elegant sandals. To their surprise, they slid on effortlessly and hugged their feet like they were custom-made.
"These are... perfect," Elanaria said softly, glancing at Nolan.
"They're gorgeous," Aerisiel added, her eyes twinkling with delight.
Pleased with their reaction, Nolan signaled the clerk and purchased several more pairs for each of them. Once everything was bagged up and paid for, the group exited the store and began walking toward the car.
But just before reaching the parking lot, Elanaria tugged gently on Nolan's sleeve.
"Can I talk to you... privately?" she asked.
He nodded wordlessly, and she led him to a secluded corridor around the side of the building, partially hidden by tall planters and the evening shadows.
The moment they were alone, Elanaria turned to face him. Without a single word, she rose onto her toes and pressed her lips against his.
Nolan froze for the briefest moment, stunned but instinct quickly overtook reason. He responded, leaning into her kiss, his hands finding her waist and pulling her closer. He had craved her touch, her affection, more than he realized, and now that it was finally happening, he wasn't ready to let go.
Elanaria began to pull back, breathless, but Nolan wasn't done. His grip tightened just slightly, and he kissed her again deeper this time. Her hands rested against his chest, her body molding into his as heat surged between them.
Amid the breathless kisses, Elanaria spoke softly, her voice trembling but sincere.
"I love you, Nolan."
His lips paused on hers. His eyes opened slightly in shock, and his body went still. Her words echoed in his mind like a thunderclap.
Her mouth brushed against his again. She took advantage of his parted lips and slid her tongue between them, tasting him gently, her love pouring into that intimate act.
Nolan's mind was spinning. Did he hear her right? Did she just say... she loved him?
For a moment, he couldn't respond not because he didn't feel something, but because he didn't know how to process it. His heart was racing. His emotions, once so carefully guarded, now surged dangerously close to the surface and they're just getting to know each other, just few weeks into each other.
---
Meanwhile, outside near the car...
Jade stood near the vehicle, tapping his foot impatiently.
"Where are those two?" he muttered under his breath.
Just then, Aerisiel glanced at him and blurted, "You're handsome."
The comment caught him completely off guard. He blinked in surprise and turned to face her.
"Me?" he asked, pointing at himself.
Aerisiel nodded shyly, her cheeks flushed.
He chuckled. "Well... thanks. You're really pretty too. Very elegant."
She smiled at him, the corners of her lips curling upward in genuine delight. "What's your name?"
"Jade. And yours?"
"Aerisiel" she replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Jade grinned. "Your name's just as pretty as you are."
Aerisiel giggled, and the sound made Jade smile even more. They continued chatting, a surprising connection beginning to bloom between them.
Minutes later, Elanaria and Aerisiel reappeared, silent, slightly flushed. No one asked where they had been. Without a word, the group climbed into the car and drove off.
---
Later That Night – The Cross Mansion
The enormous double doors of the Cross mansion swung open as Nolan stepped inside. The warm glow of chandeliers bathed the grand hall in golden light.
"Welcome home, son," Mrs. Cross called from the living room, her voice full of affection.
Nolan offered her a brief nod. "Where's Father?" he asked.
"In the study," she said gently. "Why don't you spend the night? It's already quite late."
"Alright," he replied with a tired sigh and began walking toward the staircase.
Mrs. Cross smiled to herself. It was rare for her son to spend the night at home. Her heart warmed at the thought.
---
In the study room, Mr. Cross sat behind a massive oak desk, a newspaper held in front of his face. As Nolan entered, the older man slowly lowered the paper, revealing his stern, unflinching gaze.
"Good evening, Father," Nolan said, offering a polite nod.
Mr. Cross returned the gesture with a cold, silent nod of his own.
"What do I owe the pleasure?" Nolan asked as he took a seat across from his father.
"You know why you're here," the man replied bluntly.
"I'm afraid I don't."
"Your fiancée arrives this weekend," Mr. Cross said without pause. "You'll pick her up at the airport, show her around, and make her feel at home. It's her first time in the country."
Nolan's face remained unreadable.
"Understood," he said quietly, standing to leave.
But just as he reached the door, his father's voice rang out again.
"Be good to her, Nolan. This marriage is critical to our contract with her father. And I've heard rumors you're seeing someone else. End it, before it ruins everything."
Nolan's hand clenched tightly around the doorknob, his knuckles turning white. But he said nothing and walked out.
"Son," Mrs. Cross called gently as he passed.
"I'm not in the mood, please," he muttered without turning around and climbed the stairs to his room.
She sighed. She had made a special dinner for him, hoping he would sit and eat with her like old times. But knowing her son, she quietly packed a tray and carried it up to his room.
As she reached the door, she paused. She heard him speaking softly to himself.
"I want to see her again..."
Her heart sank. "He has someone already," she whispered to herself and slowly turned away.
---
In the Celestial Realm
"Come in," came Elanaria's calm, almost regal voice.
A maid entered and bowed. "My lady, the king summons you."
"I'll be there in a moment," Elanaria replied, rising from her bed with a grace only she possessed.
She spread her majestic wings and glided silently down the corridors of the palace until she reached the King's chamber.
"Father, you called for me?" she asked, bowing politely.
"Yes," King Caelirion said, turning to her. Beside him stood a poised, mature woman dressed in refined robes. "This is Miss Agatha. She's your marriage tutor."
Elanaria's brow furrowed. "Marriage tutor?"
"You will be getting married soon," the King said. "Your mother and I thought it best to begin your preparation."
"What?!" she gasped, unable to hide her shock. "Married? But Father!"
He raised a hand to silence her. "I know it's sudden. We should have told you earlier, but this is for the best. Both the father and son will be arriving soon to meet you."
"Father, please. What if I already have someone I..."
"Riana," King Caelirion said sternly. "I've never seen you with anyone. Don't use that as an excuse. We won't argue about this. Miss Agatha, proceed."
He turned and left the room, leaving Elanaria speechless, her heart breaking silently inside her chest.
"My lady," Miss Agatha said softly.
"Let's go," Elanaria said coldly, without meeting her gaze. Her wings folded tightly against her back, her steps heavy.
---
At the Airport
Nolan stood outside his sleek black car, his arms crossed and jaw clenched. He checked his watch again. She was late, almost forty minutes now.
Just as he was about to get into the car and leave, he heard a voice.
"Nolan!"
He turned.
A striking young woman approached with a confident gait. Her long, dark hair was pulled into a high ponytail that swayed with each step. She wore a stylish cropped top, a denim jacket, and baggy jeans that hinted at her curves. Her toned stomach was visible, a silver belly ring glinting in the sunlight.
Nolan barely spared her a glance.
"Get in the car," he said flatly.
Andrea blinked. That was it? No smile, no offer to help with her bags? Just coldness in a beautiful package?
She sighed and walked to the trunk, loading her luggage herself before sliding into the passenger seat. Nolan didn't say a word as he drove off.
They arrived at the Cross mansion, and Mr. Cross came out to greet them.
"Welcome, Andrea. How was your flight?" he asked warmly, giving her a light hug.
"I'm fine, sir," she replied with a smile.
Mrs. Cross embraced her next. "We're so happy to have you here, dear."
Then Mr. Cross turned to his son.
"Why don't you take her to your penthouse? You two need some time alone."
"I've done my part," Nolan said without emotion. "She's not my wife. It would be improper for us to live alone together."
That was the longest sentence Andrea had heard from him. She raised an eyebrow in amusement.
"It's fine," she said quickly, offering a gentle smile. "Besides, I have Mom here with me."
Mrs. Cross gave her a soft nod, a little surprised but relieved.
Mr. Cross glared at his son, but Nolan didn't flinch. He simply turned and walked away.
"Don't worry," Mrs. Cross said kindly to Andrea "He'll come around. Let me show you to your room."
Andrea nodded, watching Nolan's retreating back. So cold... and yet, something about him intrigued her deeply.
<<<<<
Elanaria sighed for the fifth time.
Miss Agatha's voice droned on like a distant echo, listing all the "proper etiquette" required of a queen-to-be. Elanaria sat on the velvet cushion in her chambers, her hands folded neatly in her lap, but her mind was far away. Her wings twitched restlessly behind her. She wasn't thinking about tea ceremonies or royal hand waves.
She was thinking about Nolan.
A soft pout crept onto her lips as she let her gaze drift toward the stained glass windows. The light coming through cast patterns on the floor that danced like ghosts. Her heart ached. She needed to see him.
Miss Agatha paused, finally noticing her distracted expression.
"That will be all for today," she said curtly, closing her book of scrolls. "I'll return tomorrow with new materials."
Elanaria simply nodded, grateful. She barely waited for Miss Agatha to leave before she rose and began pacing.
Her father was serious about this marriage.
Too serious.
The memory of that encounter at the mall came rushing back, unbidden and strange.
---
Flashback: The Mall
"Hello there, little niece."
Elanaria stopped dead in her tracks.
A man in a sleek black outfit stood near the perfume section, his lips twisted into a smirk that sent cold ripples down her spine.
"Who are you?" she asked cautiously, her eyes narrowing.
"Your uncle."
"Uncle?" she scoffed. "You've got to be kidding me."
He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Don't get me wrong. I'm not human either. We're the same kind. Seems your father kept my existence a secret. Typical Caelirion."
"If he didn't mention you, you probably weren't important."
The man laughed, a dark, dry laugh that didn't reach his eyes. "You've got bite, I like that."
Then, with slow precision, he rolled up the sleeve of his obsidian coat and revealed a mark on his wrist.
Elanaria's breath caught.
That mark, an ethereal tattoo shaped like a winged flame, was identical to the one on her father's wrist. She had asked him about it once, and he'd told her it symbolized royal blood. Only the direct lineage of the celestial throne bore it.
She looked back at the man with widened eyes.
"I see you recognize it," he said, rolling the sleeve back down.
"What do you want?" she asked, already suspicious. He hadn't come just to introduce himself.
"I see you've been enjoying time with a human," he said in a hushed tone, his smirk widening. "You and I both know that's forbidden."
She folded her arms defiantly. "So what? Are you planning to report me to my father?"
"On the contrary," he said, voice dropping. "I came with an offer."
She frowned. "What kind of offer?"
"I can make you double."
"Double?" she echoed, confused.
"I can split you," he said. "Make you both on Earth and in the realm of the angels at the same time. Two versions of yourself, living in parallel."
"That's impossible."
"Not for me. But.." he leaned closer, "it comes with a price."
A flicker of something ancient sparked in his eyes, something dangerous. But it disappeared as quickly as it came.
Elanaria hesitated. "What price?"
"I'll tell you when the time comes," he said smoothly. "For now, decide: yes or no."
She looked into his eyes, trying to decipher his intentions. But her thoughts drifted to Nolan, his hands, his smile, his kiss.
She had to find a way to be with him.
"I'll think about it," she said quietly.
"Good. Meet me here when you've made up your mind. Don't worry… I'll know when you arrive."
He vanished into the backdoor, just as mysteriously as he'd appeared.
---
Present Day
A few days later, Elanaria stood in front of her mirror in a flowing silver dress. Her hair had been adorned with tiny crystals, her wings gently folded behind her. She looked like the perfect princess.
But she didn't feel like one.
Her so-called suitor and his father had arrived.
As she stepped into the royal hall, all eyes turned to her. Her father and mother sat at the head, dressed in their ceremonial robes. The guests, too, were impressive.
The man in his fifties beside King Caelirion stood and smiled warmly. "Caelirion, you didn't tell me your daughter would be this radiant."
Elanaria kept her expression neutral and bowed respectfully.
"This is Gabriel," her father said, gesturing to the young man who had his back to her.
When the man turned, she caught her breath. He was undeniably attractive. His features were strong, his eyes warm and intelligent. His wings glimmered with golden light.
"Charmed," he said, giving her a slight bow.
Elanaria offered a polite smile. "Pleasure."
King Caelirion stood. "We'll leave you two to talk," he said, walking off with the queen and the young man's father.
Once they were alone, he chuckled.
"My princess."
Elanaria rolled her eyes. "Just Elanaria"
"You've a pretty name, but I still like 'my princess.'"
"My name is Gabriel".
To her surprise, his light teasing made her smile. They spoke for a while, he told her about his place, she gave vague responses. Despite herself, she found his presence calming.
When it was time for him to leave, he stood and reached out to gently brush a loose strand of hair from her forehead.
"You're beautiful," he said.
She blushed, then looked away. "Thanks… You're not bad either."
Gabriel's father called, and he turned.
"I enjoyed this," he said.
"Same here."
He walked away with his father. Elanaria stood quietly for a moment, then turned and hurried off before her father could stop her.
"She'll come around," the queen said softly.
---
Later: Elanaria's Chambers
"I can't do this," Aria said to her reflection. "Gabriel is sweet. But he's not Nolan."
She moved toward the locked pedestal that housed the Azel's Vessel, an ancient artifact that allowed travel between realms. She performed the ritual with trembling hands and vanished.
She arrived at the mall, where it all began.
Within moments, the mysterious uncle appeared.
"Why do you always sneak up on me?" she said, scowling.
He grinned. "Dramatic entrances are my thing."
Elanaria folded her arms. "Fine. I'm in."
The man's grin widened. "Are you sure, little niece? Once you agree, there's no going back."
"I'm sure. Do it."
His eyes flared, this time she saw it. Dark energy flickered inside him. A chill settled over her.
"An angel's word is binding," he said gravely.
"I know," Elanaria replied.
And just like that, the deal was made.
She had chosen love over legacy.
But she had no idea what price she'd truly agreed to pay.