Pain in time

Chapter 20

Tears welled up in my eyes. I gazed at the exquisite amethyst, its deep purple hues sparkling in the soft candlelight. A million thoughts raced through my mind, but the answer was clear. A warm, tearful smile spread across my face as I nodded, my voice almost a whisper, "Yes, a thousand times yes, Levi."

With a radiant grin, Levi swept me into his arms, his embrace filled with joy and relief. Our lips met in a passionate kiss. The world around us seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of us. As we pulled away, Levi whispered sweet promises into my ear. Our future together now felt like an open book. I couldn't wait to write our new chapter with love, adventure, and countless memories. The ring on my finger reminded me of this beautiful chapter that had begun in our lives.

We spent the rest of the evening lost in our dreams and plans, talking about the life we would build together. As the night wore on, our conversations continued, filled with dreams and hopes for the future. When the first rays of the dawn sun began to break through the curtains, we fell into a deep slumber.

The next morning, we had breakfast together. We decided to travel back to Jantis since certain reasons rushed our decision. Such as Lena's arrival, the changing history, and the present. When Lena came to us, a military siege broke out in Jantis. Levi has already told me about it. James II - King of Kanthia - led it as a ruthless and strict commander. The most serious reason was the unpredictable reign of Reina Sephiran. It was Saturday, so we didn't have to deal with school and exams. We prepared our books in my room, and Lena wore her armor while Levi wore his uniform. They grabbed their swords. I opened the book and recited an incantation. It transported us to the past - to the era of Reina Sephiran's new rule.

The chilling wind swept through the desolate streets of Jantis. Our group, led by Lena, emerged from our time-travel journey. As we looked around, the very spot where destiny had first brought me and Levi together now lay before us. Levi couldn't resist a sentimental moment and nudged me with his elbow. "This is where we met for the first time," he whispered with a soft smile, his eyes filled with memories. I giggled, my cheeks flushed with a mix of emotions. I leaned in and kissed Levi's cheek, "It feels like a lifetime ago, doesn't it?"

But Lena had little patience for sentimentality. She scoffed, her eyes observing the empty streets in the heart of Jantis. "You should've stayed at home when you had the chance. Now, you're slowing me down." Levi frowned, his jaw clenched in anger. "Yes, and you'd leave me again without telling me where you went, and fate would separate us again!" He sighed, his body jolted from the sudden anger. "I would never let you! Only over my dead body," he shouted from the top of his lungs. She couldn't believe what she heard. She stared at him without saying anything.

The city was a ghost town, and an ominous silence hung in the air. Tents with weary soldiers and flickering fire torches formed a daunting wall. The siege stretched across the whole city, leading to the imposing castle. When I looked around, there was not a living soul outside and it was pitch black. All peasants hid in their houses as if trying to escape the omnipresent darkness. Only small glimpses of candlelight told us they were inside. The atmosphere was suffocating, and fear spread through every inch of the kingdom.

As we ventured deeper into the city, we noticed a few bony figures wandering the streets. Starving, dirty, and with many bones poking out of their fragile bodies... They resembled living nightmares—a grotesque form of lifelessness. Disgust and fear agitated my stomach. I instinctively wrapped my arms around Levi, seeking comfort. He pulled me close, covering me with his cloak. His warm, protective embrace gave me partial shelter from the horror. I felt more secure with the warmth from him. He didn't have to say anything - everything assured me he wouldn't leave me there, and we're in it together.

The journey through time cost me a lot of strength. We walked slowly through the city, each step costing me more and more of my will. My eyelids closed, and my head fell on Levi's shoulder. He made me open my eyes with an occasional gentle caress. But I didn't want to, because every time I opened them, I regretted it. I had no choice but to hope that we would see the castle gate and this torture would end.