As soon as the ship docked at the harbor, Sandra, Maribelle's mother, rushed towards the girls, enveloping them in a warm, emotional hug. She showered them with kisses, tears of joy streaming down her face.
"How I've missed you, my children!" Sandra exclaimed, her voice trembling. "I thought I'd never see you again."
Maribelle began to respond, "Ooh, come on, Mother, we've been away for just—"
"A month," Sandra interrupted, finishing Maribelle's sentence. She turned to Clover, concern etched on her face. "You look tired, dear. Did the elves treat you well?" Sandra asked, still unaware of the events that had transpired in the Earth Court.
"Of course, Mother, they've exceeded our expectations," Clover said, her tone laced with subtle sarcasm. Sandra, however, remained oblivious, nodding happily.
"Come, I've made your favorite dish and that dessert you once asked me to make for you," Sandra said to Clover, beaming with joy. She ushered the girls toward the waiting carriage.
"What about me?" Maribelle asked, teasing her mother with a playful pout.
Sandra chuckled, familiar with her daughter's antics. "You'll have yours next time, dear," she replied with a smile.
In another carriage, Brandon couldn't shake off the pang of jealousy he felt when he saw how Andrew's mother, Sandra, adored Clover. He realized that despite being a stranger in the immortal realm, Clover had found people who genuinely cared for her, without any ulterior motives.
"When will the King allow us to return home?" Brandon asked Andrew, his voice tinged with a mix of longing and frustration.
Andrew took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. "Our Alpha will need to write a request letter to use the sigil. If the King deems it appropriate, then you'll be able to return home, my friend," Andrew explained, placing a reassuring hand on Brandon's shoulder. "Don't worry, the King won't refuse."
Brandon let out a sigh of relief after hearing Andrew's words. He was eager to take Clover home to their mother, who must be worried sick about them.
"I wonder if Clover will be able to return here again," Brandon said, a hint of concern in his voice. "She's grown really attached to your sister and that elf."
Andrew raised an eyebrow. "Do you still want her to return to the immortal realm, after everything she's been through? All the danger and greed she's faced?"
Brandon's expression turned resolute. "This is her real home, and no matter how much danger it poses, we can't stop her if she wants to come back."
Isaac, who had been quietly observing the conversation, spoke up. "That's not all. Clover's mate was here, and by the looks he might follow her to the mortal realm. I overheard one of the guards who came with Andrew's mother talking about a prince who was here last week, searching for Clover."
Brandon's eyes widened in alarm. "Already? Oh, come on. If he's a royal, we might as well say goodbye to Clover. We can't wait any longer. Tomorrow, take us to see the King, before that mate finds out Clover is still around."
"A prince from which kingdom?" Bernard asked Isaac, his curiosity piqued.
Isaac shrugged nonchalantly. "I don't know, but they said he was with our prince, Vernon, and another prince who looked like a vampire."
Andrew's eyes widened in alarm. "What?" he exclaimed, panic etched on his face. "Damn, that would be Prince Titus, the most feared prince in this realm. We can't wait until tomorrow; we need to go now!" Andrew urged, his voice laced with urgency.
Without hesitation, Andrew opened the window that separated them from their coachman and gave new orders. "Take us to the castle, now!"
"Is he that dangerous?" Brandon asked skeptically.
Andrew's expression turned grave. "He's a demon prince with a ferocious dragon that can breathe blue and black fire. He's even more feared than his father, the king. They don't call him the Reaper for nothing."
Isaac whistled softly. "So, Clover's mate is the Reaper. Damn, she's really a magnet for trouble."
Isaac's brow furrowed in concern. "What if he's already at the castle?"
Andrew's jaw clenched. "I'll come up with a plan once we arrive. Right now, let's just hope we don't run into him."
"How did the Reaper know that Clover is his mate?" Bernard asked, still sounding skeptical about the news.
Isaac shrugged. "That's still a mystery, but I'll ask around."
He then abruptly changed the subject, a mischievous glint in his eye. "What's more important for now is, how long are you going to avoid Maribelle?" he asked, smirking at Bernard.
The others in the carriage groaned at Isaac's teasing, and Bernard's face turned bright red with embarrassment.
Thane paced back and forth in his aunt Queen Seraphyn's office, clutching the now dimly glowing bracelet that had shone brightly for three and a half weeks. His anxiety was palpable as he thought about her sister's whereabouts.
"Aunty, this means my sister is no longer here in the Eastern region," Thane said, his voice laced with concern. "Maybe I should join the holy knights to search for her in the Western region."
Queen Seraphyn's expression turned stern. "No, I won't risk it. You're safer here than out there. You know your father will stop at nothing to kill you if you leave the kingdom. He's terrified that you'll usurp him and take the throne from him."
"I'll find someone who can search for her faster than the knights," Queen Seraphyn said, determined in her voice. "But I'll have to go to the Light Kingdom to find that person."
Thane's eyes widened with anticipation. "When are you leaving for the Light Kingdom, Aunty?" he asked.
Queen Seraphyn's expression turned resolute. "Tomorrow. The sooner, the better. We will find your sister and bring her home, no matter what it takes."
The following morning, Queen Seraphyn departed for the Light Kingdom via a shimmering portal. As she emerged on the other side, she was warmly greeted by the monarchs of the Light Kingdom, Emperor Arael and Empress Lyrien.
The emperor, with a courteous smile, welcomed Queen Seraphyn before excusing himself, leaving the two women to converse in private.
As they settled into the elegant tea room, Empress Lyrien instructed her lady-in-waiting to serve them tea. Once the servant had departed, the empress turned her attention to Queen Seraphyn, her expression tinged with concern.
"So, Queen Seraphyn, what brings you here in such haste? What's amiss?" Empress Lyrien asked, her voice laced with empathy.
Queen Seraphyn's expression turned solemn. "I believe my sister's child is here in the Immortal Realm."
Empress Lyrien's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Are you certain? But she fled when her child was still an infant."
Queen Seraphyn nodded. "I know. I think Seraphielle bound her children together. Thane possesses a soul-bound bracelet that glows when someone with whom you share the bond is in the same realm as you."
"When did you first notice this anomaly?" Empress Lyrien asked, her curiosity piqued.
Queen Seraphyn's expression turned thoughtful. "The bracelet had remained dormant since Thane's infancy, but this year, it began glowing dimly for months. Then, three weeks ago, its radiance intensified, shining brightly. However, three days ago, it reverted to its dim glow."
She paused, collecting her thoughts before continuing, "Thane is beside himself with worry, longing to be reunited with his sister. He's even expressed a desire to leave the Celestial Kingdom."
Empress Lyrien's face softened with compassion. "How may I assist you, dear friend? I'll do everything in my power to help you locate your niece."
Queen Seraphyn's voice took on a desperate tone. "I humbly request permission to utilize one of your skilled trackers. Even if they must venture solo, I implore you to grant me this favor."
"I have just the right candidates for you. Please, wait for just a moment," Empress Lyrien said before calling out to her lady-in-waiting, "Kendall, summon my finest tracking team immediately."
Kendall swiftly returned with the trackers in tow. They bowed in unison, their movements fluid and synchronized. "You summoned us, Your Majesty," one of them said, their voice crisp and respectful.
Empress Lyrien nodded graciously. "I've called upon you because my dear friend, Queen Seraphyn, requires your expertise in locating her niece."
The empress turned her attention to Queen Seraphyn, her eyes inquiring. "Do you have the soul-bound bracelet with you?"
"Yes, here," Queen Seraphyn replied, producing a breathtakingly beautiful bracelet from her cloak. She handed it to Empress Lyrien, who in turn passed it to the tracking team. The team closed their eyes, focusing their senses on the bracelet.
After a moment of silence, the youngest tracker, a girl with an eager expression, raised her hand. "I think she's located in the Western region in the Shifters' Kingdom," she said, her voice confident, "but I'm unable to pinpoint which clan."
Empress Lyrien's gaze settled on the young tracker, a hint of a smile on her lips. She was impressed by the girl's potential, despite her youth. If she could indeed track Queen Seraphyn's niece, Empress Lyrien made a mental note to promote her, recognizing the value of nurturing young talent.
"Very well, which of you will accompany her on this perilous search for the girl?" Empress Lyrien asked, her gaze sweeping across the tracking team.
"Keep in mind that the girl you're searching for grew up in the mortal realm. If the bracelet's glow ceases, as you can see, it still emits a faint light, it means she has left the Immortal Realm. You must be prepared to follow her," the empress cautioned.
"I'll provide you with a sigil that will enable you to traverse the realms. I implore you, do not misuse this privilege."
A young man, roughly the same age as the youngest tracker, stepped forward. "I'll accompany her, Your Majesty," he said, his voice firm and resolute.
Empress Lyrien smiled warmly at the two trackers. "And what are your names?" she asked.
"I'm Raphael, and she's Michelle," the young man replied, nodding toward his companion.
Empress Lyrien nodded, her expression serious once more. "Very well. Tomorrow morning, your task begins. Prepare yourselves accordingly."
She turned to Queen Seraphyn, her voice filled with reassurance. "Queen Seraphyn, entrust you with the bracelet and the task of retrieving her niece. You will bring her home safely."
With a dismissive gesture, Empress Lyrien sent the tracking duo off to prepare for their mission.
Once they had departed, Empress Lyrien turned to Queen Seraphyn, her expression comforting. "Do not worry, my friend. They will bring your niece home."
Queen Seraphyn nodded, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. She hoped beyond hope that the trackers would succeed in retrieving her niece. Perhaps, she thought, Thane would finally begin to focus on his studies and training, free from the distraction of his sister's absence.
It was already dusk when the carriage, which had departed from the harbor, finally arrived at the castle in the Shifters' Kingdom. The men, worn out and haggard from their long journey, stepped out of the carriage, their exhaustion evident. The travelers knew they couldn't afford to rest yet.
Ushered into the waiting room, they anxiously awaited the king's response. A guard had been dispatched to deliver their message, leaving them to wait in anticipation.
"Do you think the king will approve our request?" Isaac asked Andrew, his brow furrowed with concern.
Andrew's expression remained hopeful. "I don't know, but one should keep faith," he replied, his tone steady and reassuring.
Isaac was about to say something when the guard returned, "the king will see you," he said.
They rose to their feet and followed the guard, who led them to the opulent drawing room. Upon arrival, the guard ushered them inside and took up a position at the door, standing at attention.
The men greeted the king in unison, their voices echoing through the room. "Greetings, Your Majesty," they said, bowing their heads in a show of respect.
King's piercing gaze swept over them, his curiosity evident. "You've just returned from your long journey and yet, you've made a beeline to my castle. What's so urgent that forced you to come here at such a breakneck pace? You're all clearly in need of rest, and yet, you couldn't wait. So, tell me, what brings you to my court?"
Andrew, ever the diplomat, spoke up, his voice smooth and respectful. "We were hoping, Your Majesty, that you would graciously permit us to use the sigil to return our guests to their home realm."
The king's piercing gaze swept over them, his eyes narrowing as he observed their reactions. "If that's the case, it means you've brought the girls back," he stated, his voice measured. "So, why didn't you bring the human girl with you?"
Andrew bowed his head slightly. "They've been asleep due to exhaustion, Your Majesty. We didn't want to disturb their rest."
The king's expression turned thoughtful, and he nodded. "Very well, bring the girls here after they've rested, and I'll write you an approval letter."
Andrew's expression turned apologetic. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty, with due respect, we cannot delay any longer."
The king's eyes narrowed, his voice taking on a hint of suspicion. "That looks suspicious, as if you're hiding something," he said, stroking his beard thoughtfully.
The king's eyes seemed to bore into their souls as he continued, "Are you aware that the human girl already has a mate?" he asked, his voice low and measured.
As he observed their reactions, his expression turned knowing. "So, you're all aware of this, and yet you still want to send her back to the mortal realm. That means you must know who her mate is."
The king's voice took on a firm tone. "In that case, I won't be the one granting you permission. You'll need to ask her mate for his consent, not mine."
Brandon stepped forward, his voice laced with concern. "Your Majesty, I must return home. My mother fell ill after my sister's disappearance, and since I've been here for nearly a year, I fear I may not find her alive if I delay any further."
The king's expression softened slightly. "Don't worry, the prince hasn't left the kingdom. He's out with my son somewhere, and they'll likely return soon."
The king's gaze turned serious. "I'll try to speak with him and see if he'll grant you permission to return home. If he does, and gives you a timeframe, don't disappoint him. You must adhere to his conditions."
Brandon, not wanting to defy the king, nodded in understanding. The king dismissed them, but instructed them to wait until his son returned.
After they left the throne room, the king established a mindlink with his son, briefing him on the events that had transpired and instructing him to bring Titus along.
Meanwhile, the men were still savoring their meals on the balcony of their assigned chamber, taking in the scenic view. Isaac and Bernard, exhausted from their journey, had dozed off on the plush coaches, enveloped in the softness of the luxurious fabric.
The serene atmosphere was suddenly disrupted by the arrival of a carriage bearing the royal crest, its grandeur and significance commanding attention.
Andrew's eyes narrowed as he watched the individuals step out of the carriage. He recognized the king's son, Vernon, and his companions. They quickly disappeared into the castle, and Andrew called out to Isaac and Bernard, rousing them from their slumber. "Isaac, Bernard, wake up. Prince Vernon has arrived."
Twenty minutes later, the door to their chamber swung open, and Vernon strode in, accompanied by his friends.
"Good evening, I hope we didn't keep you waiting too long," Prince Vernon said, his voice courteous, as he addressed Andrew and his friends.
They rose to their feet, showing respect. "Not at all, Your Highness," Andrew replied.
Prince Vernon's gaze swept over them, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "My father, the king, mentioned that you had a request for us. Might I inquire as to what it is?" he asked, his attention focused on Andrew.
Andrew bowed his head slightly. "Yes, we request permission to use the sigil to return the humans to their realm."
Prince Vernon's eyebrows arched in surprise. "Weren't you supposed to request permission from the king himself?" he asked, his tone laced with curiosity.
"His Majesty, the king, said he couldn't grant us permission and instructed us to request it from... from Prince Titus," Andrew said, his voice tinged with nervousness as he swallowed hard.
Prince Titus raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. "Me? Why?" he asked, though his tone suggested he was already aware of the situation.
Andrew hesitated before responding. "Because the brothers have found their sister and need to return home immediately."
Prince Titus's gaze shifted to Brandon, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Are you trying to keep my mate away from me?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of accusation.
Brandon shook his head hastily. "No, Your Highness. I'm merely trying to return my sister home because my mother has been ill since her disappearance."
Prince Titus's expression remained skeptical. "Where is she, then?" he asked Brandon, his tone firm but controlled.
"Since they were asleep, they left with Beta Andrew's mother in another carriage," Brandon replied nervously.
Prince Titus's expression remained casual, but his mannerisms sent shivers down the spines of Brandon and his companions. "Alright," he said, his voice deceptively nonchalant. "But I'll accompany you to the mortal realm as well, to inform your parents face-to-face. And perhaps even arrange a small wedding there."
Brandon's heart sank, fear gripping his chest. He didn't want that demon anywhere near his family, let alone his sister. But he knew he had no choice, and could only accept his sister's fate. He gave Prince Titus a deep, resigned bow, acknowledging his acceptance.
Prince Titus nodded, seemingly pleased. "Then, I shall go and report back to my father," he said, before turning to Prince Vernon. "Tell the king I've already departed."
Without wasting another moment, Prince Titus vanished into thin air, leaving Brandon and his companions to process the ominous turn of events.