Chapter 53
Chapter Fifty-Three
He didn’t want to face reality.
He wanted to stay right there, in this bubble that held only the two of them. Augustine dozing in his arms, the unperturbed sky of A’aru, and a Silver Thread glowing between them. Alderian knew it was an illusion, but he didn’t want to break it.
However, time was against them. It broke his heart to think his Augustine would want to sacrifice her divinity by tearing off her wings to stay with him—even though it wouldn’t really change anything. He didn’t want her giving up a single thing. On the contrary, he wanted to give her everything.
He’d already weighed their options, and to be honest, they weren’t many.
He had to walk straight into the lion’s den.
If anyone had the answer on how to get Augustine back into her human body, it was one of the Sovereign Guardians.
He was torn between going alone or taking her with him.
The answer was obvious, no matter how much he over thought it. He had to take her.
His protective instinct fought it; he didn’t want to expose her to some unknown danger, but if they had any shot, it was with her by his side, not miles away. He had to trust her. No. He already did.
“My love… wake up,” he whispered, stroking her face. Augustine stirred and opened her eyes.
“Is it time to say goodbye?” she asked in a dull voice.
“Not yet… but you must go somewhere with me. It won’t be pleasant, and it might get ugly at some point, but trust me.”
Augustine nodded slightly and started to get dressed. Before she finished, Alderian embraced her deeply, craving the warmth of her skin against his.
“I love you, Augustine,” he said in a husky voice.
They headed down the stairs holding hands and reached the high-walled hall. Before approaching the door, Augustine stopped.
“Let’s stay here,” she pleaded, her voice strangled.
Alderian didn’t know how to comfort her when his own heart was shattered. He scooped her up in his arms like a bride and kissed her sweetly. Carrying her like that, they took flight toward the Lotus Flower Palace.
As he descended in front of the building that housed the Sovereign Guardians, he instantly noticed the heavy military presence, which clashed with the calm the structure radiated.
His escape had put every combat unit on high alert, signaling the reception he’d get from the High Council.
To them, he was an enemy, a traitor, making it even less likely they’d help him get Augustine back to the human world.
As soon as they saw him descend, they were surrounded by a dozen warriors, all decked out in top-tier armor and weapons. Alderian was dressed simply, with only his sword hanging from his belt. He didn’t want to face them; he had zero intention of shedding innocent A’aruin blood.
“Make way,” Alderian ordered, slowly setting Augustine on the ground. He felt a surge of emotion seeing her with such a majestic bearing, like a queen in her domain. She didn’t look scared or timid, as he’d imagined she would feel in the face of unknown danger.
The soldiers hesitated, and some cleared his path, but Prometius stepped forward, tough and firm.
“Alderian… you have come knowing what awaits you. We have orders to arrest you—and your companion. Come with us without resistance, for the sake of everyone.”
“That won’t happen,” Alderian replied softly, with a faint smile. “I have no intention of being docile this time. My aim is clear. I must speak with the Sovereign Guardians and return my human to her dimension. I suggest you do not oppose my wishes.”
Prometius had an almost painful expression on his face. The rest of the warriors cleared the way, opening his route. Prometius continued to stand in his path, but it was evident that he was amid a great internal conflict.
“What are you doing to us?” he asked through clenched teeth.
“Move. I don’t like to waste time,” Alderian ordered in a voice that brooked no argument. As if he were a puppet, Prometius let him pass.
They advanced toward the Door of Shields. The designs on the noble wood represented epic scenes, infinite in number. Alderian took two steps in that direction when he noticed that Augustine had stayed behind. Was she feeling intimidated? He approached, reaching out his hand, but she ignored it.
“What’s wrong, Augustine? Do you feel ill?”
She shook her head, but her expression was one of confusion. “I hear voices… Don’t you hear them too?”
Alderian knew they were her Shadows—voices that only she could perceive.
“What are the voices saying?”
“They are shouting furiously. I can’t quite understand,” she put her hands to her ears. It seemed like an unbearable sound. “I think they don’t like me going through this door. They say this is not the right door for me.”
“And which is the right door for you?” Alderian asked expectantly. Augustine didn’t answer; she seemed tormented. “Give them an order, Augustine. Tell them to be quiet; surely they will obey you.”
Augustine whispered, “Silence.”
Immediately, her expression showed relief. She looked at him, surprised. “What was that?”
Alderian struck her head. “I’m not sure,” he admitted, “but I believe that to some extent, those voices will obey you. You don’t have to fear them… not you, at least.”
Alderian sighed as he took her hand and invited her inside. “Whether it’s the door for you or not, it’s the one we have to use now to enter. We can’t delay any longer.”
With no one crossing their path, they reached the outer chamber of the High Council Hall. How different the circumstances were since the last time he was there! He was returning as a renegade fugitive, an enemy of A’aru.
And so he was received by the sentinels inside. Surprised to see him arrive, they stood on guard. He had no time to start a conversation: the attack was immediate and fierce.