Serene’s POV

I was up early the next morning and had hardly slept last night due to jitters in my stomach. I was too excited. I took a bath and quickly got ready. I had chosen comfortable attire for the journey. It was a simple embroidered beige jumpsuit with a matching hat and sandals. Agatha braided my hair neatly and placed some flowers in them.

I frolicked down to the table where grandma and father were waiting for me to have breakfast. They were both beaming at me seeing me happy. Both tried to tease me trying to get as much information as possible about Zeph. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

"No no, I am not telling you guys anything else. Stop teasing me." I protested and they laughed. It was time to leave, I hugged my grandmother and father and bid them farewell.

"Serene, stay closer to Kilamin. He will keep you safe and listen to whatever he says. If you sense any danger you must return to your Realm, instantly. I have given strict instructions to Kilamin." My father whispered taking my face in his hands and I nodded.

Zian and Crimzon had joined Kilamin and me as we left the royal castle with four guards. Zian and Crimzon were constantly bickering and she looked upset. "What’s wrong? Crimzon did this crackhead say something to you?"

"No, it’s nothing but she avoided making eye contact with me." I glanced at Zian and he was tight-lipped as well, there was no smile on his face. It saddened me to see them like that, they were so happy yesterday. What could have gone wrong?

I stepped back to give them some space to sort out whatever was going on and started to walk at a distance with Kilamin. He saw me distressed and spoke: "Seems like she would like to show her boyfriend around her Realm, assuming it’s his first time going there." He was right, of course, she would want him to go meet her father’s relatives and spend some alone time together. While Zian would feel obligated to stick with me. No, I can’t do that.

"Kilamin can you go and give Crimzon company for a few minutes." He nodded and strode toward them. "Zian can you come to see this for a second?" I called him and he instantly slowed down until I caught up to him.

"Zian I would like you to go with Crimzon to her father’s relatives. Stay a night and day there and then join us at Zeph and Ralph’s place."

"Serene I can’t leave you like that. I promised your father that I would keep you safe." He tried to argue but I stopped him with my hand.

"I have enough people to keep me safe, you know how strong Kilamin is and Zeph and Ralph are beasts when it comes to combat. I am in safe hands, stop worrying about me. Make her your priority, don’t let me become a wedge between you two. Jealousy is an ugly thing, didn’t you learn anything from my experiences in the institute?" I was trying to remain calm. He quietly stared at me. I understood what he was feeling right now, I had always been his top priority, and he would choose me in the blink of an eye. That’s not what I wanted.

"We will always be best friends, nothing can change that but it’s alright to give precedence to your girlfriend. I can discern your decision but it would be difficult for her. Plus I would need some privacy with Zeph too. Don’t you think? I winked at him and he smiled meekly.

" Are you sure Serene?"

"I am, now go to her and apologise."

"But, I didn’t the argument, she did." He pouted. "Doesn’t matter, go now," I said with authority. "Ok ok, stop bossing me around." He dragged himself forward making me chuckle.

We had reached the portal, and two guards with our luggage went first. Zian and Crimzon followed the pursuit. "Princess Serene, give me your hand." Kilamin requested and I placed my hand in his as we stepped into the portal. Everything swirled as I was lifted from my feet. Kilamin gripped my hand tightly, keeping me steady.

We had reached our destination as I felt my feet touch the ground and we stepped outside the portal. A hot gust of wind mixed with sand welcomed me as some of it blew in my eyes and mouth. I began to rub my eyes as they began to water. Kilamin’s wings covered me instantly, shielding me from the blowing sand. "Cover yourself Kilamin, I will open my wings," I instructed him and he slowly removed his wings from my side as I opened mine and covered my face. Crimzon and Zian had done the same. Why was Folkshel Realms portal located in the middle of nowhere? There were guards posted on it so some settlements had to be nearby.

"Hey hey hey!!!! Sereneeeeeee." I heard a squeak as Ralph’s face smiling face came into view. The sand didn’t seem to bother him as it was bothering us. "Ralph," I yelped as he came forward and gave me a tight hug. "Welcome to our humble Realm, sorry it’s not as beautiful as yours but it has its perks. I am so glad you could make it."

"I am glad you are here to receive us. Did you get the message from Xin Li and my urgent letter?" Urgent letters are sent via red envelopes and are delivered through portals within hours. Since Fae can fly our letter delivery is one of the fastest in our world. Some witches and warlocks also possess the magic to transport letters and messages from one place to another instantly. Vampires have an effective letter delivery system as well but Werewolves and Folkels are rather slow when it comes to letter delivery.

"Of course, I did. So, who do you have here with you?" His smile widened looking at everyone around me. I introduced him to everyone and he heartily shook hands with them, especially Zian.

"Let’s get home so we can sit comfortably and talk and get out of this sand a bit," Ralph said, ushering us to the carriage he has brought. It was a horse-drawn grey carriage with four wheels. It wasn’t something fancy looking but it appeared sturdy. Folkel Realm used carriages and horses for transport, while we prefer to walk or fly everywhere.

Meanwhile, Crimzon’s uncle had arrived on his carriage and after meeting us Zian and Crimzon decided to go with him. Ralph gave them his address so that whenever they would decide to visit them, they will know where to come. Zian hugged me before leaving: "Are you sure you will be alright?"

"I will be fine, I am in good hands (pointed toward Kilamin) go have fun with your girlfriend." They waved at us before leaving. Once our luggage was loaded Kilamin told the guards to return home. We sat inside the carriage while Ralph sat in the driver’s seat. "Hold tight," he yelled as reins were pulled propelling them forward and we set off.

Folkshel Realm was mostly barren and sandy. Hardly any trees or greenery in sight as we crossed this parched and dusty expanse. It was much hotter than Hexum and Fae Realm as well. I had begun to sweat due to the heat. At a distance, I got a glimpse of some arid mountains. The air had a musty feel to it and there was a certain smell in it. I wanted to take in everything about this Realm for here dwelled someone I held dear to my heart.

"Serene, are you comfortable back there? I have placed some water bottles inside the carriage in case you get thirsty." Ralph yelled from outside the carriage as we bumped and bounced inside.

"I am alright Ralph, thank you." I didn’t want him to feel uneasy.

"I hope it’s not too uncomfortable for you, it will take us a few hours to reach home." He shouted again. "That’s quite alright," I told him reassuringly.

The scenery outside didn’t change much but I could see some houses, ranches and farmhouses here and there.

I felt tired as I hadn’t slept the previous night slowly my eyes began to droop and I was asleep before I knew it.

"Screeechhh... a hand made up of bones and blood emerged from the ground and got hold of my throat, choking me. My eyes began to bulge out of my sockets as I clawed at the hand, trying to breathe." I let out a blood-curdling scream as I sat up straight and was transported back to reality. A sturdy pair of hands held me close, trying to calm me down.