-The Land of ETERNALS-

-Part 8-

Alaric's POV

I was so glad I could be close to her. Once again, I found her, and this time I was close to her without any worries. 

Life has taken me down a dark and treacherous path, filled with pain and loss. Yet, despite it all, a part of me still yearns for the connection we once shared. The bond we had was rare and precious, and I find myself longing for that warmth, that understanding once again.

We left for the airport and in a few hours finally reached.

The airport was bustling with travelers, the air filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation. I wasn't really excited about this whole trip, like I said before, I just wanted to be close to Alora. 

We stood in line, waiting to check in our luggage. Alora and I engaged in conversation, talking about our interests, dreams, and the adventures that lay ahead. I cannot help but wonder, deep within the depths of my cold heart, if there is a chance for us to reconnect, to find solace in each other's company once more.

"So, Alora, have you ever been to Japan before?" I asked, my voice laced with a hint of mystery.

She shook her head, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "No, this will be my first time. I've always been fascinated by the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. What about you, Alaric? Any particular reason why you wanted to come here?"

I offered her a knowing smile. I whispered. "I just wanted to be with you."

"You said something?" I wish she had heard me.

"I meant, 'I just like exploring, so yeah, here I am,'" I said, and she gave me a smile.

As we boarded the plane, finding our seats next to each other, I couldn't help but notice Alora's genuine surprise when I seemed to know almost everything about her. I have had to adapt to the shadows, constantly observing her from a distance.

"You seem to know a lot about me," Alora remarked, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

I raised an eyebrow, my expression unchanged. "I have a knack for unraveling secrets, Alora. But don't worry, I won't reveal anything you don't want me to."

She shrugged it off, attempting to hide her unease. "Well, I suppose it's not entirely surprising. We've spent quite a bit of time together lately."

Eric, who was standing nearby, overheard our conversation and chimed in. "You two are like detectives. Always uncovering mysteries and secrets."

Adriel, Eric's biological father, joined the conversation, a smile playing on his lips. "Well, that's what makes life interesting, isn't it? Discovering the unknown and unraveling the hidden truths."

Darla, walked up to us, her eyes filled with excitement. "I can't wait to explore Japan with all of you. It's going to be an incredible adventure."

Fiorella, nodded in agreement. "Absolutely! I've heard so much about Japan's culture and cuisine. I'm eager to experience it firsthand."

As our flight took off and we settled into our seats, Alora and I continued our conversation, discussing the places we wanted to visit and the experiences we hoped to have in Japan. Eric and I shared a few jokes, while Adriel and Darla discussed their previous travels.

Upon landing in Japan, Adriel suggested finding a hotel to rest and settle in. It made sense, considering the long journey ahead of us. We hailed a taxi and made our way to a hotel in the heart of Tokyo.

The hotel exuded elegance, with a touch of modern minimalism. We checked in and were soon standing in the hallway, outside our respective rooms. Alora stood beside me, her eyes glimmering with anticipation.

"Well, Alaric, what should we do first?" she asked, a playful smile gracing her lips.

I paused for a moment. "Let's explore the vibrant streets of Tokyo, shall we? The city has much to offer, from bustling markets to serene gardens. We'll uncover its hidden treasures together."

Eric, who was standing nearby, added with a mischievous grin, "And don't forget to try the authentic ramen. It's a must-have experience."

Adriel nodded, his eyes filled with excitement. "Indeed, the culinary delights in Japan are unmatched. We should definitely indulge ourselves."

Darla and Fiorella agreed, their faces beaming with anticipation. "I can already imagine the flavors and aromas," Darla said.

Fiorella chimed in, "The food is just one aspect of what makes Japan so fascinating. I'm looking forward to exploring its historical sites and immersing myself in the culture."

In the evenings, we would return to the hotel, tired but exhilarated from our explorations. We would gather in the lobby, recounting the day's adventures over steaming cups of tea, our voices blending with the soothing melodies playing in the background.

Eric would excitedly share tales of his encounters with locals, while Adriel regaled us with stories of his own travels. Darla and Fiorella would exchange tips on the best shopping spots, their laughter filling the air.

Sometimes, our conversations would drift into personal territory, and Alora would give me a puzzled look, wondering how I knew certain details about her. I would simply offer a cryptic smile and keep my secrets hidden, enjoying the intrigue it brought.

As the days passed, Alora's presence became a source of fascination and comfort, and I found myself captivated by her genuine spirit. We would often spend evenings on the hotel's rooftop terrace, gazing at the city lights, our conversations floating on the breeze.

Alora possesses a light that shines so brightly, even in the darkest of times. Her compassion and empathy have always touched me deeply, reminding me of the goodness that exists in this world. 

While for her it was merely a friendship, for me, she was the love of my life. She was someone I had loved with all my heart for as long as I could remember. I pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the adventures at hand and the mysteries waiting to be unraveled in this captivating land of Japan.

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-Don't just exist, live...-

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