No one dared to stop them. The two figures soared into the sky, heading in the same direction. They flew in silence until they reached the border, where Valroth finally spoke.
"So, you are the Annunaki?"
Nyssara smiled as if she had expected this question. But to Valroth's surprise, she gently shook her head.
"We are Annunaki. She and I have always been the same person. I've always known it, yet I could never reclaim the power that belonged to us—until we met that human, Elena. She said something that triggered the instincts within our blood, allowing us to retrieve this power. But Aeris knows nothing of this."
Valroth studied her expression, trying to gauge the truth in her words. But when his eyes fell upon the mark still imprinted behind her ear—his mark—his tense expression softened. Even so, confusion only deepened within him.
"Do you hate me?" Valroth raised an eyebrow.
"A question with such an obvious answer need not be asked. I thought you were smarter than that." Nyssara chuckled, her gaze carrying a hint of disdain.
"You bear my mark. That means you are mine. It means that, deep down, you acknowledge my existence. That is why, when I branded Aeris, you received the mark as well." Valroth smirked, feigning confidence even as a flicker of uncertainty lingered in his heart.
Nyssara did something Aeris never would—she rolled her eyes dramatically.
"Alright, let Aeris come out now," Valroth said, his grin widening in amusement.
"Promise me you won't blame her," Nyssara's tone grew serious.
Valroth nodded. He reached out, his fingers gently stroking her white hair as he murmured, "Nyssara, thank you for saving me."
Nyssara stiffened at his touch, her body betraying the smallest tremor. Yet, she did not pull away. Instead, she scoffed and rolled her eyes again. "I defied your orders."
Valroth let out a low chuckle, his golden eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint. "Don't worry—I will punish you for that."
Nyssara huffed and turned away, unwilling to meet his gaze. Slowly, the white strands atop her head darkened, cascading down her back in long, flowing waves. Her armor and wings dissipated into golden specks of light, flickering like fireflies in the growing dusk. Aeris's eyes fluttered open, drowsy and disoriented.
The golden glow reflected off her face, her confusion making her look even more vulnerable. Valroth couldn't resist—he leaned in and kissed her.
"Mmm?" Aeris let out a soft sound of surprise as he pulled away, tilting her head in confusion. Her thoughts were jumbled, fragmented. She couldn't recall what had just happened—or what had happened before.
"This is your reward for not disobeying my order." Valroth pulled her into his arms and kissed her again. Her lips parted slightly, hesitant and inexperienced as she responded to him. His warmth, the intoxicating softness of his lips—her head spun, her knees buckling as she collapsed into his embrace.
"Such a good girl."
Valroth steadied her, smirking at the dazed expression in her eyes. He brushed a strand of hair from her face and whispered, "We have much to do. It will be difficult, but I need you, Aeris."
Still lost in the lingering warmth of his kiss, Aeris nodded absentmindedly. But as she instinctively reached for her neck, her fingers met nothing but bare skin. Her eyes widened in panic as she frantically patted her throat. It was gone.
"The collar… It's gone."
Aeris turned in place, scanning her surroundings. When had she lost it? She tried to recall, but her memory was fragmented. She only remembered the order she had been given—to run. And in that moment, she had clung tightly to her collar. What happened after that? She had no answers.
Her hands clenched into fists, trembling with regret. The collar was a gift from him—proof that she belonged to him. And now, she had lost it.
Valroth, of course, noticed. He watched her tremble in silence, observed the guilt that kept her frozen in place. And he was pleased. This only proved how much their bond meant to her. Which meant he could trust her. He could use her to retrieve The Book. No—not just The Book. He wanted to know everything about The Upper World. And both The Book and Aeris were the keys to unlock it.
Reaching out, he took Aeris's icy hands in his own, intertwining their fingers. Their bond was as unbreakable as this grip. He led her forward, step by step, until they reached a patch of wild grass, where a small white flower swayed in the wind. Amidst the tangled weeds lay her collar.
Aeris gasped in relief and hurriedly picked it up, wiping it clean with her sleeve. But then, doubt crept in. She turned to Valroth, then lowered her gaze. How could she expect him to put it on her again after she had lost it? She wasn't worthy.