(Amaia)

Seeing Rigel’s mom ignites a spark in my heart, a spark of hope and positivity. She has such warmth oozing off her even though she is in such a traumatic state of mind.

Having spent 19 years imprisoned in Istrale, away from her son. Learning that Saiph had been alive all along but before she could reunite with him, he was taken away. She is still sitting here, a picture of true courage.

The way she kisses his forehead with quivering lips and leaking tears, my heart clenches with endless pain. My own tears fall alongside Rigel.

But when she explains about the orb, hope ignites in my chest again.

"That means we can bring him back, right?" I can’t hold myself back and ask.

To my surprise, she slowly nods.

"A lingering soul, latching onto a personal object." She points towards the orb. "Or a part of his twin shows it’s not ready to leave. It wishes to live. But extracting and separating it from the source and returning it to the body is not an easy task and it’s not for the faint of heart. It requires a specific ritual which can take the life of the performer."

She sighs, her shoulders drop low as her hand lands on her son’s chest. "It’s dabbling in black magic with severe consequences. The one who performs the

ritual has to offer something of their own. Something very dear. Dark energy seeps into them, they don’t remain the same."

Without reluctance, I step forward. "I am ready. I will offer whatever will be required of my body. I don’t care. I want him back."

"Amaia! Think carefully. Don’t rush into this," Rigel warns in a low voice.

Queen Adrnia stares at me with wonderment. "You have your mother’s passion and your brother’s resilience. I am sorry, I couldn’t save..."

"He is alive. We were able to rescue him but he fainted before he could tell us about you," I quickly inform her. A surprise smile crawls on her lips.

"He is? I am so relieved."

"Yes, he is. He is the one who told us about you. We found your diary and that led us to reveal the truth about the evil monster," I explain with a rapidly beating heart. The thought of her, what she did makes me want to tear her apart with my bare hands.

But, the silver lining Queen Adrnia has shown me is the one I want to latch onto.

"You did? And unlocked it? You have a pure heart Amaia. It’s no wonder both my sons and their half-brothers are mated to you." She wholeheartedly praises me, making me step forward. I place my hands on her arms.

"Please, help me bring him back. Even if it costs me my life, it won’t matter to me."

"It matters to us, Amaia. Don’t talk about your life like that," Rigel reprimands and I know, none of them will approve of this decision.

Queen Adrnia places her hand on my head and gives me a small smile. "Are you sure you can handle the darkness that will come with it? Besides, I don’t even know if it will work. Dabbling with death is never advisable, my child," she says with all her sagacity, ensuring I won’t have second thoughts. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"I have never been more sure of anything. Whatever it takes. Just be my guide," I heartily request. My drooping eyes drift towards Saiph, the memories spent with him hit me in full force.

Queen Adrnia’s gaze goes to Rigel. I know she will want him to be on board with this decision, and actually, all of my mates will need to approve of this decision.

"I don’t want you attempting anything which will endanger your life. As much as I want Saiph back, he would never want for you to get hurt," Rigel pleads.

I know I am being extremely selfish. Not thinking about the four of them, focusing entirely on Saiph but I can’t help myself.

My determined gaze finds Rigel and I only say one line. "Trust me because I trust your mom."

The multiple creases on his forehead slowly relax at my words, like a shadow of doubt has been lifted.

"When you believe in something from the heart. You ought to achieve it and what I can sense from her is that she is strong," his mom says in return.

"She is an Omnifae," Rigel proudly tells his mother and her mouth goes ajar.

"That explains it. If anyone can make this work. It’s you, Amaia." She holds my shoulders. "But you have to be ready for the darkness and you should definitely speak to your other mates."

Slowly, I nod.

Rigel mindlinks them and soon the three of them enter the room with their tired eyes and solemn faces.

I explain what Queen Adrnia had said. They pass uneasy glances but Alnilam steps forward. Quietly, he takes me in his arms and runs his hand down my hair.

"Amaia, I completely believe in you and I won’t hold you back. If something goes wrong we will all be there to guide you through it and bring you out. That’s my promise."

His words, especially his faith in me, give me so much hope.

Rigel has insecurities. He doesn’t wish to lose me because he has lost so much but Alnilam truly believes in the powers I hold. He has trained me and he is half-fae. He knows.

"We can’t lose you, Amaia but at the same time if anyone can do this, we know it’s you." Alnitak offers his take and Mintaka nods beside his brother.

"It’s decided then. We are bringing Saiph back, just tell me what we need to do and how."

Queen Adrnia places her hand on her son’s head and she gently smiles.

"There are a few things we will need but the utmost is a celestial event. Tell me again what month it is?"

"March 12th," Alnilam answers, making Queen Adrnia’s smile widen.

"Seems like odds are in our favour. This means it’s the Spring Vernal Equinox in a few days. The symbol of renewed hope, transition and rebirth. We can harness that energy and pour it into Saiph’s body."

She faces us. "It’s the time when light overtakes the darkness. When winter is left behind, we step completely into spring. It’s the time of rejuvenation and it will be the time for the return of my son."