"But…" the relief on the Keeper's face faded, "I have conditions."
"What? You can't do that."
"Why not? So it's okay that I sacrifice everything, for might I remind you people I don't even know, but it's wrong if I ask for something? Call it selfish, but I have conditions, and if they're not met, I'll make things extremely hard for you."
The room fell silent, each anxious of what her demands would be
"Tell me, dear, what do you want?" the Paisios asked
"I have only two conditions. First, my birthday is only three days away. I want to spend it with my family," the Keeper started, "for at least three days. Be glad I didn't ask for more," she added, looking at the woman
"My second condition is that when I'm done with this... whole thing. I can go back to my world."
Everyone was silent
The two brothers looked to the three adults in the room, but even Darius and the Keeper turned to the Paisios.
He had the final say then.
The Paisios turned to the Keeper, exchanging looks before he turned to the Legate, doing the same.
"Fine, we shall agree to your conditions. You will leave to see your family, but they will have to accompany you" a lift of the chin towards the brothers, "for only three days, and as for the last condition, after you have done what the heavens desire of you, you may do as you please.
The tone the man used surprised Lyla. Normally, he was all smiles and sweetness, but now he held authority, his voice firm and unrelenting. A tone that left no room for argument
"Okay. They can come. I'm sure my mother would be pleased to see them," she added flatly.
With it settled, she turned and left.
She couldn't help the pure joy that rushed all over her, making her heart swell with excitement, not when she was about to go home. She did not know what to do with herself when she reached her quarters. The usually pale room seemed to have grown brighter as if it too were happy with what would happen.
She twirled and danced around the room, if only to release the overwhelming happiness that was spilling out of her. She couldn't wait. She needed the nights and days to pass by fast.
*
When the agreed-upon day arrived, Lyla could barely hide her smile as she followed the rest through the tunnels, even though the dense air reminded her of her close-to-death encounter. She just shook it all off and followed beside Aeneas, who would steal occasional glances at her.
Their goodbyes were quick once they reached the gateway, but the old man held her hand a little longer, smiling at her with warm eyes like a grandfather to their grandchild.
"Happy born day, child," he had said, placing something on her palm, "may the wind carry you safely."
It was only when she was on the other side of the gateway that she opened her palm.
It was a dainty bracelet with small red stones lining around it. The stones glowed a faint but bright red color that reminded her of the Astralyte. Was it possible they came from it? She would ask another time.
She pushed the thought to the back of her mind as she looked around and felt the familiarity of the forest. Home. She was back home.
*
The doorbell rang, and slow footsteps moved to unlock the door. A beautiful woman in her early forties looked to the people outside, and when her green eyes settled on the one at the front, they sparkled with joy and love at the lady standing there, a mirror to her, if only younger.
"Lyla," she called in surprise.
"Mum," the girl said almost in disbelief, choking on the word as tears of joy threatened to escape her, "mum," she said again before engulfing her mother in a deep hug.
"I almost thought you wouldn't come for your birthday."
"I wouldn't miss celebrating with you," she said, finally pulling away.
"Oh, Anson, Damian, you came." Lyla only stepped to the side, ignoring the names used, not letting that bit of deception settle.
"I'm glad you're all here," she included, ever the kind host.
Lyla walked in to find her brother slouched on the couch, busy on his phone.
"Josh," her mother called, drawing his attention
"Lyla?" surprise graced his face as his eyes met hers
"Hey Joshy," she mused, making him scowl
"Stop calling me that."
"But it suits you so well."
He was about to retort when his eyes settled on the men trailing behind her, and genuine happiness shone in them; he grinned.
"Well, at least you brought good company." Now she was the one scowling
Her mother dragged her out of the living area to start planning for her birthday, and although they only had the rest of the day to prepare, somehow they made it work. It was already ten by the time she went to her room.
She had just gotten out of the shower when a figure slipped into her room, and she almost screamed before recognizing who it was
"Aeneas, what are you doing here?" she whispered. He only moved to sit on her bed.
"I couldn't sleep, and I could hear you're awake, so here I am," he shrugged as though that was reason enough.
Lyla looked at him in disbelief, "You do know my family is here."
"Yes?"
"Aeneas, what do you think my mother would think if she came in and found you here while I'm in a robe, at night, especially?"
She watched as his eyes slowly widened in realization before he quickly shot up and left without a word.
Aeneas rushed to the guest room he shared with his brother and wasn't surprised to find him already smirking.
"So…"
"Don't"
Lysander chuckled, making his face heat even further
*
Birthdays were a thing of celebration, but even Lysander was surprised at the number of people who showed up to celebrate Lyla's birthday that afternoon. They had spent a good part of the morning decorating and getting things ready for this moment.
The first people to show up were their closest friends, Brea's family. Brea was still in the city, her mother had said, and she tried her best not to look too disappointed.
More and more people filed in, and it seemed like the whole town had come to celebrate her, each with a gift. Lyla smiled at every one of them as she welcomed and thanked them for attending, and Lysander knew enough to know all of it was genuine, for that was joy sparking in her green eyes.
Later, when it seemed everyone had arrived, she had sought them out. The reason had surprised Lysander enough that he still thought about it even now as she chatted away with her neighbors and friends.
She had wondered if they could erase her memory from all the people present. He explained it was difficult, and even if they did, it wasn't advisable since there was still evidence such as photos. She had just wanted to make it easier for everyone. They had to follow the original plan.
Lyla told everyone willing to hear about her plan to travel around the world, many who knew her already knew about this since she had mentioned taking a gap year to explore. Anyone who doubted and consulted her mother was met with her approval. They had made sure of that yesterday.
They also added false memories for a time when they felt they missed her or wanted to seek her out. They would believe Lyla was safe and that she called and texted about her trips. They would also be doing that to Brea, who had arrived to surprise her. They hoped it would be enough.
As Lysander watched her, he sent a prayer to the heavens to guide and protect her for the task ahead, while he made a vow to do his best to aid her