The Elemental Sorceress

Chapter Twenty Two

CHAPTER — TWENTY-TWO

Haven

Nova stares at the massive castle, it was still intact thanks to enchantments from the Divine Realm. The entire kingdom was almost a pocket of its own; at the furthest point of Ishgar. It had wards around it to hide it away from most people. Only Nova and her closest companions could enter.

She takes a deep breath and enters the massive doors taking in the series of intricate hallways. It was odd being back in the place she was deemed royalty in. Memories pass by as she walks further within the castle. When she reaches her old room she sighs, setting down her suitcase. Everything was exactly the same, none of her belongings had been removed.

It was as if she was stepping back in time.

Nova walks over to her vanity and takes a seat, running her hands along the smooth wood. Out of the corner of her eye, she spies something. Her breath hitches as she reaches out and touches it.

There's a flash behind her and Darago appears in the mirror. Without a word, the flaming haired woman grasps the object gently setting it on Nova's head. "Welcome back to your kingdom, your majesty."

"Thank you, Darago." Nova touches the crown on her head in awe, it was just as beautiful as it always was. An intricate silver band weaves around her head with a large gemstone in the center of her forehead.

Another set of flashes alert her that the rest of the Elementals had joined them. "You look gorgeous, My Lady," Brünnhilde states with a small smile as she stares at her goddess.

Nova laughs, shaking her head, and gently removes her crown. "Thank you, I think I'm going to get some rest." She pauses for a moment, "If possible could you guys get the castle up and running again?"

Titan bows deeply, "As you wish."

Neptune gives her a thumbs up, "Anything for you!"

She smiles at them softly, "Please don't let me oversleep tomorrow, I need to begin my training."

Darago touches her shoulder, "I'll make sure to wake you up. We both know that these idiots would let you sleep for an eternity if you looked too peaceful."

"Hey!" The other three shout in unison scowling at her.

Nova giggles getting up from her seat, "She's right, now shoo! I'll never get sleep if you guys start to bicker."

Neptune smirks patting her cheek. "Please, you missed us."

"Yeah... I did."

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The next morning Nova wakes up to light streaming in from her balcony. She senses a magical presence sitting outside and decides to investigate. With the wards in place, it wasn't possible for anyone dangerous to get within the kingdom.

She gently pushes the doors open and freezes looking at the two people sitting on a bench. "What brings you here?" She asks leaning against the door frame.

The two look up at her, "We saw what happened with Mortem, and wanted to check on you." Loke states getting to his feet grabbing her hands. "Don't worry, Lucy is alright. She's currently asleep with the damn dragon slayer."

Nova nods and squeezes his hands back. "I'm sorry for ever forgetting either of you." She looks over at the woman who stands up on her own two feet.

Aquarius huffs crossing her arms, "Damn right you are, brat. Now come here." She extends her arms. Nova immediately dives into them burying her nose into Aquarius's shoulder. "It's okay, don't worry about it. We've watched over you this whole time, but we knew we couldn't talk to you until you figured things out yourself."