The Absolute Surrender

Chapter 22: Fate's Reckoning

As the crowd dispersed, Lilian felt torn by the news about Obene. The revelation had shattered their shared world of upbringing and truth, revealing a spectacle of lies. Yet, seeing Noah stirred a different emotion in her. It had been so long since she had last seen him that she didn't hesitate to embrace him warmly, oblivious to the presence of Ardan, Kalen, and even her mother.

"Noah! What are you doing here? How did you end up in this world?" Lilian asked, hugging her friend tightly. She wanted to run after Obene but also needed to understand why Noah was here.

"I don't know either, only Roma can answer that. He didn't clarify why he brought me here," Noah replied, holding Lilian close. "But Lilian, I'm so happy you're okay. I was so worried and confused when you vanished without a trace. The past few days have been hellish, but I'm just relieved I finally found you."

Lilian couldn't help but wonder. "How many days have I been missing, Noah?"

"It's been almost a week," he answered.

Lilian stared in disbelief. It felt like months since she had arrived in this world. Time flowed differently here, she realized.

"Who are these people, Lilian?" Noah asked, noting the intense gazes of Ardan and Kalen.

Lilian sighed deeply. They needed to speak privately. The king and Kalen had other urgent matters, and Lilian didn't want to add to their worries.

"Roma, can we have a word?" Ardan's voice echoed through the halls.

Roma inclined his head respectfully and followed Ardan and Kalen as they walked away. Kalen cast a meaningful glance at Lilian before disappearing from view.

She would deal with him later.

"Come, I have someone to introduce you to," Lilian said, pulling Noah toward Victoria, who stood nearby.

Noah looked at Victoria with a mixture of joy, wonder, and confusion. The older woman responded with warmth and a smile. "How? How is she here? Does this mean you're not really from our world?" Noah asked, puzzled.

Lilian shook her head and clarified. "No, my mother is indeed from our world. She was taken by my father, the king of the neighboring kingdom who seeks to conquer this realm. I am of both worlds," Lilian explained. Her dreams of the other world had been a manifestation of her other self, which had taken shape through her dreams. It made sense now.

Noah couldn't tell if Lilian was joking. He introduced himself to Victoria.

"Hello, I'm Noah, Lilian's childhood friend. We grew up together in the orphanage. Lilian has your beauty and eyes," he commented, making Victoria blush.

"I am Victoria. Thank you for being here for Lilian, and Noah. I am deeply grateful to you," Victoria said, holding his hands tightly.

Noah smiled awkwardly. "Do you know how we can return to our world? When can we leave?" he suddenly asked, causing Lilian to pause.

How had she never thought of finding a way back to her world? She stopped.

"I can't go back yet. I need to confront my father once and for all. He must atone for every sin he has committed against me, my mother, and the people of this realm. I can't leave now, Noah."

"Do you have to? This isn't your fight, Lilian," Noah insisted.

"But I believe it is. My father won't stop until he has the power he desires. He will continue to use me, and he was determined that I could make every creature in this realm bow to him."

"I'm here to take you back, and now that you've found your mother, shouldn't you focus on making the most of the time you have with her? This world is beyond us, Lilian. Choose your happiness. Be with your mother in peace," Noah urged.