After unloading his burdens, Xiran decided to go back home. He reached the private airport where his jet was waiting for him and asked the pilot to head back immediately. After checking the fuel, they took off and Xiran felt like he could breathe.

He took out his cell phone from the compartment, and after switching it on he placed the call to Rivan, who immediately picked up.

"Xiran!!! You alright?" He asked in a voice laced with concern.

"I am, how is Aselia?" That was the first thing he had on his mind.

"She is worried about you."

"I am coming home but I am not in the right state. Keep her with you until I tell you to bring her." Xiran instructed him.

"I will, what did he do this time?" Xiran ignored his question and asked instead:

"Did you place the call?"

"I did as you instructed," Rivan replied.

"I think that’s the reason he let me go. He can’t wage war with Amonidus Yahiz, yet."

Amonidus was a powerful vampire and the sovereign head of Druhias. Although he was a vampire, he was also a visionary leader. With their world divided between vampires, humans, and other species. Amonidus had the vision to establish a place where all species could live together. And, that’s how he was able to establish Druhias. He had strategic relationships with all factions, humans, elves and vampires.

He was well respected and extremely powerful. So not many would go against him. He liked Xiran because Xiran fitted the criteria of the ruler he was looking for. That’s why he let him build and manage Fritez City. Amonidus didn’t like getting involved in the family affairs of others and he also didn’t dictate to anyone how to run their cities or manage their business.

But he had to when situations escalated and Xiran used him as last resort. He had to step in and talk rationally to Xiran’s father that he needed Xiran to keep the peace in the continent. Not that his father was interested in peace, but he didn’t want to go to war against Amonidus.

"No, he doesn’t. That’s the advantage we have for now." Rivan answered with a grim voice. He was angry that his friend was hurt.

"We will talk once I get back. Don’t tell her anything, you won’t be able to stop her if she knew I am back."

"I know, don’t worry. I won’t tell her. I have something important to discuss with you too. Until then take care."

"You too," and Xiran disconnected the call. He then placed a call to Carios, telling him to pick him up at the given time.

------------------------

Back at Rivan’s house, Rivan thought Aselia was sleeping in her room. But in reality, she was about to head down to grab some more books. She was at the top of the stairs when she heard Rivan talking to him.

She froze at his name from Rivan’s mouth and held her breath while steadying her heartbeat so he won’t know she heard his conversation.

But when he said he won’t tell her, she felt extremely angry. She waited for him to finish the call and quietly went down to face him.

Rivan detected her presence as she began to descend the stairs and turned to look at her. Her face looked angry. ’Oh no, she heard them,’ he thought.

He stood up from the sofa as she came towards him. "Is he back?" She inquired trying to keep a straight face.

"No," he lied.

"Don’t lie to me. I heard you on the phone." She stared at him with a frown on her face. Her hands were crossed in front of her chest.

"He asked me not to tell you. It’s dangerous, he wants you to stay here for a few more days." Rivan tried reasoning.

"I want to go see him." She replied in defiance.

"You can’t, not until he says so."

"F*ck him, I am going right now. If you won’t take me I will go by myself." Rivan knew she won’t listen, she was as stubborn as him. First, he only had Xiran to deal with, and now there were two of them. Rivan sighed before speaking:

"Aselia, please wait just one more day. I will talk to him and I will take you to him tomorrow, I promise. He hasn’t even arrived yet."

"Put him on the phone. I will talk to him myself." She wasn’t going to give up and Rivan knew Xiran was extremely turmoiled. He won’t be able to handle her right now and she will end up hurting him.

"No, his phone is off for now. He needs rest, let him rest. Please." There was pleading in Rivan’s voice and Aselia understood he didn’t want her to disturb Xiran. She stared at him for a few minutes before speaking: "You think I am not good enough for him? Isn’t it?"

"I just don’t want him to get hurt any more than he already has. He has a very complicated and dismal life. His family has hurt him in unspeakable ways. Don’t add to that. If you can’t accept his heart and give him your love. It will be better if you would stay away from him and leave as soon as possible." Aselia’s eyes flew wide open at his words as the realization hit her. His words were harsh but true.

"It’s between me and him, so stay out of this," Aselia glared at him before turning and going back upstairs, banging her bedroom door behind her. Rivan watched her go and he knew that Xiran wouldn’t be pleased if he learned what he had said to her.

Something about Aselia bugged him and his intuitions about people were always right. He decided to run her background check, himself. Without telling Xiran, without telling anyone.

At night, Melori brought Aselia food but she refused to eat and Rivan felt responsible. So he went up himself and knocked on her door.

"What?" She replied from inside.

"Aselia, can we talk?" Rivan asked in a soft voice.

After a few seconds, she opened the door. Her eyes were red, has she been crying? Rivan wondered. She stared at him.

"I came to apologise, I shouldn’t have said that. I just can’t see Xiran in constant pain. He deserves better."

"And you believe that I am taking pleasure from hurting him? Do you think I am heartless and I don’t feel guilty about it? You think I don’t question that I don’t deserve his love, every day." There was a pain in her voice, a lot of pain.

"No, I don’t. Forgive me. My intentions were not to hurt you but then again I am not like Xiran. I am not as gentle and caring as he is. So, I do end up hurting people."

"It’s ok, you are just looking out for him. It soothes me to know he has someone to rely on. But I want to go see him." Aselia wanted to be with Xiran, no matter how much she tried to deny it. She was restless without him. She couldn’t eat or sleep, she felt like she was losing her mind.

"First thing tomorrow morning. Be ready, but you will have to bear the brunt of his wrath. He will be pissed that I brought you there." Rivan said raising his hands and giving her a small smile.

"I can handle him, don’t worry." Her expression softened a bit.

"Tomorrow then, try to get some sleep. Good night." Rivan said before leaving.

"Good night," Aselia closed the door and climbed into her bed. This was going to be another sleepless night for her. She couldn’t get his handsome face out of her head. How his mouth pronounced her name, how his seductive lips curved up in a smile, how gently his hands held her, how his eyes twinkled.

At least she will have his memories with her when she would leave. She would cherish them forever but for now, she wanted to see him. She finally drifted off to sleep.

Rivan went down and texted Xiran, inquiring if he had landed safely. He told him he has and was going to get some rest. Rivan didn’t tell him that he would be bringing Aselia. He wanted his friend to have at least some peace of mind.

The next morning, Aselia was ready at dawn. She had packed all of her stuff including Xiran’s coat. She headed down and Rivan was waiting at the breakfast table.

"Good morning, Aselia. Were you able to get some sleep?" He offered her a smile.

"I did, a little bit."

"Join me for breakfast and then we will head out." He gestured toward the chair and she sat down to have some juice and breakfast.

After breakfast was done, Rivan ordered Aselia’s luggage to be placed in the car. He then texted Xiran informing him that he was bringing Aselia back.