Serene’s POV (Two days after Meeting of Heads)

I had completely caught up with Sahala’s diary and now I understood what she banished to the Dark Realm, the utmost betrayal she faced, the loss of her love, and the struggles she went through for people still blamed her after all the sacrifices she made. Sahala was not only strong she had conviction and absolute belief in herself.

I had learnt another important truth and it was mandatory I would see Zeph as soon as possible. I had already decided I would visit him and give him a surprise, that’s what I had told Xin Li to convey to Ralph.

I went to see my father for permission to visit Folkshel Realm. He was sitting in his study going over some important paperwork. I hugged him and he kissed my cheek before I sat down opposite him.

"Father, I want to visit Folkshel Realm. I had promised my friends I would visit them. There are some important details I have picked which I would like to discuss with them."

"I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to visit another Realm considering the situation. I don’t trust vampires and werewolves, you saw how hostile were they at the meeting. I can’t risk your life." My father glanced at me leaving his paperwork.

"Please, please father it’s important. Zian and Crimzon will go alongside me. We will be back within two to three days. Please, let me enjoy the time I have here. Once I go back to the institute I will be stuck there." I pouted at him with a sad eye impression making him smile.

"Alright, guards will go with you and will drop you off at the desired location. Zian and Kilamin will stay with you at your friend’s house. You are not to roam about anywhere alone. Kilamin will stay with you at all times and you will listen to him." My father finally gave in.

"Kilamin? Why he has to go when guards are going to drop me off besides I will have Zian and Crimzon with me." I raised my left eyebrow while scowling.

"Kilamin goes with you or I won’t let you go at all. I have already told you I trust him more than anyone." Father’s expressions were serious so I knew I had no choice.

"Fine, he can come along." I will bear him if that’s what it takes to meet Zeph.

"What’s the name of your friend? Seems like a special friend the way you are insisting on meeting him." My father teased me with a smile making me blush. Our kind was very open when it came to love, relationships and sexuality. We were very expressive and romance was cherished above all. I didn’t fit the standards of my kind, although I was much more expressive than Zeph and Ayrden.

"His name is Zeph and I may have hurt him a bit so I want to make amends," I replied a bit shyly.

"I see then I wish you good luck in your endeavour. You know that I trust your judgement and I am happy you finally have someone in your life you care about that way. Invite him over, would love to me him." His smile had broadened making me blush even more.

"Thank you, father I think I will go pack now." I didn’t want to discuss my love life with my father although was sure he wouldn’t mind in the least. So took my leave and headed for the door. As I was leaving his study Kilamin was about to enter it.

"Princess," he bowed slightly. I was feeling annoyed that he had to tag along and would be ruining all the fun. "Kilamin," so acknowledged him rather coldly and made my way to my room.

I called Agatha and told her to send a message to Zian to come over. I had to take gifts for everyone. Ralph had two younger brothers and Zeph had one. They had talked about them but I didn’t have much clue what they will like. It made me nervous to think about meeting Zeph and his family, the way I had left things with him, will he even want to meet me?

"Heya!" Zian’s chirpy voice transported me back to reality. "Heya! Zian I need to visit Ibliza Market, got to buy a few gifts before leaving tomorrow. And I would need your expertise on what to get them."

"Sure, let’s go and buy some gifts." He clapped with excitement.

I had no clue how much currency to take along. Hoping that two satchels each containing 50 gold and silver coins, which were the currency of our realm, would be enough. Gold coins had fairy wings embossed on them and were 5 cm in diameter. Silver coins had our crystal tree etched and were 4 cm in diameter. Once the satchels were placed in my backpack, we were all set to go.

Kilamin was waiting for us at the main gate. Who told him I was heading out? "Princess Serene, are you going somewhere?"

"Yes, we were heading out to the market. How did you know we were going out?" I eyed him suspiciously.

"I saw Zian come in, so I knew both of you will try to sneak out."

"We weren’t sneaking out, just going to the market."

"And, I will accompany you." He offered us a cold smile as if saying we had no other option.

"Sure, you will come in handy to carry all my shopping." I returned his sarcastic smile before heading out as he followed us silently.

The market was quite a distance from the castle so we decided to fly there. I opened my wings and flapped them behind me before soaring in the air. The feel of the wind against my face and body as it rushed past me seemed to calm my senses. It had been so long since I last flew. Zian was right beside me while Kilamin was behind us flapping his enormous wings. We flew silently as I observed my realm from above.

It was as breathtaking as I had remembered. The lush green Arikaus mountains to the west stood majestically, gushing waterfalls, flowing streams, dense forests, and vast orchards making our realm the most beautiful Realm of our world.

We flew in silence as I soaked in the beauty of my Realm. The Dark Realm was located in the opposite direction from the one we were flying in, so I felt pretty safe.

"Look, we are almost here." Zian pointed toward the market and we began our descent. We landed just outside the Market parameter, folded our wings and made our way in.