99 - Salvation
Night settled over the palace like a quiet veil. The once-busy halls dimmed, lit only by soft lanternlight and the distant glow of chandeliers. The air grew cooler, quieter—almost suffocating in its stillness.
Inside the Crown Prince’s chambers, Mariana sat at the edge of the bed. Her legs swung back and forth absentmindedly, the soft fabric of her dress brushing against her calves with each motion. She didn’t even notice.
Her mind was far too loud. “… this is a mess…” She muttered under her breath for what felt like the hundredth time.
Zafiel’s words echoed.
"The world you know is already collapsing."
Her fingers curled slightly against the mattress. Rebels. Her family. Forebros.
Are they safe?
Her chest tightened. “They’re dealing with it…” She whispered, repeating his words as if saying them again would make them more reassuring.
It didn’t. Instead, something colder settled in her chest. And then, another thought surfaced. Slow. Unwanted. Persistent.
“… why me…?”
Her gaze dropped to her lap. Of all people. Of all souls. Why her? She wasn’t special. Not particularly strong. Not particularly smart. Just… normal.
Her lips pressed into a thin line. “… I didn’t even ask for this…” She murmured. And then, something clicked. Her eyes widened slightly. “… wait.”
The memory surfaced clearly this time. A voice, warm and gentle. “We can talk as friends.”
“Astrid.” Her posture straightened.
How could I forget something that important?!
She glanced around the room instinctively, as if expecting someone to be watching. Then, more cautiously, “… Astrid?” She whispered into the air.
Silence. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, a soft, almost distant presence brushed against her senses.
“Iana.”
Her breath caught. “Astrid…!” she whispered, relief washing over her. “You’re here…”
“… I am.” The voice was softer than before. Quieter.
Mariana hesitated. Then, “D-Do you know why I was isekai’d?”
Silence followed, longer this time.
“I thought about it.” Astrid finally said.
Hope flickered. “… and?”
A pause. “It wasn’t me.”
Mariana froze. “… what?”
“I did not bring your soul here.” Astrid continued gently.
Her heart dropped. “Then who did…?”
Another pause. And this one felt heavier.
“Someone else.” A chill ran down Mariana’s spine. “Someone strong.” Her fingers tightened. “… and frightening.”
Silence swallowed the room. Mariana’s throat felt dry. “Can you tell me... who?”
“I cannot.” The answer came immediately. Firm.
“Why not...?” Mariana pressed, frustration creeping into her voice.
“I made an Oath of Secrecy.” Astrid said quietly. “With my divine power on the line.”
Mariana blinked. “S-So you just… can’t say anything...?”
“I cannot break it.” Astrid replied. “Not without consequences.”
Her shoulders slumped slightly. “… great…” she muttered. A thought surfaced. Quick. Urgent. "Sadia… and Lady Joana, are they okay?”
Astrid’s tone softened slightly. “They are.” Relief flooded Mariana's chest. “They each have destinies they must fulfill on their own.” Astrid added.
Mariana nodded slowly. “… I guess I'm not the only one with isekai problems…”
A small pause. Then, “This world should be spared this time around.”
Mariana froze. “… what?”
But before she could even process it, “I must go.”
“W-Wait... what do you mean...?!”
“I am being called.”
“Astrid, wait...!”
“Goodbye, Iana.”
And just like that, the presence vanished. Silence returned. Heavy. Unforgiving.
“… spared…?” Mariana whispered.
Her heart pounded.
This time?
“… what happened the last time…?”
No answer came. She slowly lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Her thoughts spiraled again.
Why me? Why now? What am I supposed to do?
“… I’m just… me…” She murmured.
Nothing special. Nothing important. And yet, everything seemed to revolve around her.
“… this doesn’t make sense…”
The door clicked open, making her flinch.
Zafiel stepped inside, his coat gone. Only his shirt remained—slightly loosened, the top buttons undone just enough to expose a glimpse of his chest.
Mariana’s eyes widened. Then immediately, she turned away. “Wha-What is wrong with you…?!” She muttered, face heating up instantly.
Zafiel paused. Then smirked slightly. “You shouldn’t be so shy.”
Her face burned even more. “Your body is yours—”
“My body is yours to look at... and touch.”
“ZA...!” She choked on her own words, burying her face into her hands. “S-Stop talking…!!”
Zafiel chuckled softly. He walked toward the bed, each step slow and measured until he reached her. Then, without asking, he lay down beside her.
Close, too close...!!
Mariana stiffened immediately. Her heart started racing again.
Why is it always like this when he’s near…?!
Zafiel turned slightly, his gaze settling on her. “You’ll be safe... by my side.” He said quietly. Her breath hitched. “No harm will come to you.” A pause. “Even if it costs everyone else their lives.”
Her heart slammed against her chest. “Why...?” She asked suddenly.
Zafiel blinked.
Mariana turned her head slightly, meeting his gaze. “W-Why... do you weigh everyone else so lightly…” Her voice trembled, “… and me so heavily?”
Silence.
Zafiel watched her. Then slowly, he turned onto his side, fully facing her. His eyes softened. But not in the way she expected.
“If you were trapped,” he began quietly, “in endless darkness…” Her breath slowed. “And you saw a light." A pause. “Wouldn’t you treat it as salvation?”
Mariana froze. Her heart skipped. Because that answer, it wasn’t logical. It wasn’t rational. It was desperate.
Her gaze wavered slightly. “Tha-That’s…” She started, but the words didn’t come.
Zafiel didn’t look away. “That’s what you are to me.”
Her breath caught. Silence filled the space between them. Heavy. Fragile. And for the first time, Mariana didn’t know how to respond.