The Incandescent | Book 7 | The Fairy arc

Chapter 19 ~ The Natvolori Empra

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~ Planet Natvolo ~

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Planet Natvolo, the tropical paradise realm of the fairies, appeared underneath a vibrant deep tealish green atmosphere.

A sharp contrast to the quiet peaceful forests of Monshalow, Natvolo was entirely covered in rainforests and jungles, with beaches scattered throughout the lush greenery. The forests were thicker, darker, wild and disorderly, with heavy vines and flowers as big as a small child.

The Rose Shimmer landed high above the sun-soaked treetops, as flat as launch pads but as flimsy as paper. Shortly after landing, Ireyna and Drave prepared to head out into the rainforest.

Per Killian's ask, Drave made no mention of the butterflies nor the Glittered Inktraitor, understanding the objective of his assignment was to shift Ireyna's focus and redirect her.

Ireyna and Drave trekked through the rainforest, grateful for the shade the thick trees provided, dreading the streaks of sunlight that appeared through the gaps. The hot sunlight felt like fire, burning through their light skin, and penetrating to the cell membrane.

"Have you been here before?" Drave asked as they walked through the thick undergrowth, avoiding giant ferns and snakelike vines.

Reluctance surfaced in Ireyna's voice as she recalled prior visits to the neighboring fairy planet. "Yeah, several times. Too hot and humid, and it doesn't rain as often as I like."

A memory came to Ireyna's mind, a memory of when Ireyna walked through the same rainforest with Casim.

Of course he would thrive in this environment, Ireyna thought, aware of the Ghatomese preference for warm weather and heat, relishing the heat and warmth of sunlight.

Ireyna was looking forward to taking a shower, grimacing as sweat clung to her hair and dampened her light purple dress, dripping down her back.

Noticing her discomfort, Casim playfully pushed Ireyna in a pool of water, assuming she knew how to swim, but Ireyna was unable to swim. She sank underneath the water, her wings becoming heavy from the weight of water, dragging her down like an anchor.

So much for trying to cool her off, Casim thought as he realized his mistake. He took his cloak off and quickly leaped in to pull Ireyna out of the water, alarmed that she nearly drowned.

Ireyna did not say a word, not angered but depressed. Casim wrapped her in his cloak and carried Ireyna to the hotel they were staying at, painfully aware of her silent crying.

After Ireyna showered and put on clean clothes, Casim gave her chamomile tea and wrapped a blanket around Ireyna. Ireyna stared at the silken white tea sachet, feeling like the light yellowish white flowers trapped in the net, stuck on a tropical planet with scalding hot weather and humidity.

Ireyna felt Casim's hand on her shoulder as he stood close to her. Ireyna was aware of his closeness, of his warm breath on her neck. She knew what he wanted, what he hoped would happen.

But she did not feel what he felt for her. He was a friend to her, nothing more. She did not want to get in a relationship she knew wouldn't last, neither did she want to satisfy intimate desires unless she was with the man she truly felt was the one for her.

Casim was not the one, so Ireyna chose to wait until she met the man she believed was her destined love. Though Ireyna understood Casim's longing and desires, she did not want to indulge in temporary pleasure, not interested in short-term gratification. She allowed a hug but nothing more, pulling away when Casim attempted to kiss her.