ACROSS THE DEPTHS OF THE UNIVERSE

*THE BIRTHMARK FADED*

***author's pov***

Alexander's eyes locked onto Valeria’s neck, where the four distinct black dots of her birthmark had once been. His breath caught as he realized that only three dots remained. The absence of the fourth mark was a clear and painful indication of Jerone’s rejection.

“Her birthmark,” Alexander said, his voice laced with shock and concern. “The fourth dot is gone. It means Jerone has rejected her.”

The revelation hit Kian and Asher like a tidal wave, their panic deepening. Kian’s face paled as he processed the significance of the missing dot. “Jerone’s rejection is causing this? But why would he…?” His words faltered, unable to fully grasp the impact of Jerone’s actions.

Asher clenched his fists, anger and frustration flashing in his eyes. “This is the worst possible timing. How could he do this to her?”

Alexander’s expression hardened with determination. “We need to find a way to reverse the damage. Her pain is not just from the rejection—it’s affecting her physically and emotionally. We have to act quickly.”

As they struggled to come to grips with the situation, Alexander continued to examine Valeria’s condition, trying to find any signs or clues that might help them alleviate her suffering. The urgency of their task was clear: they had to find a solution to not only ease Valeria’s immediate pain but also address the deeper issues caused by Jerone’s rejection.

A thick, dark smoke suddenly filled the room, causing Kian, Asher, and Alexander to step back in surprise. The smoke swirled and twisted before coalescing into the form of Emilia, the dark witch. Her arrival was as abrupt as it was unexpected.

Emilia's eyes scanned the room, taking in the scene before her: Valeria on the floor in agony, her black veins pulsing ominously. The witch’s gaze then settled on the three remaining elemental kings and Alexander.

“What happened?” Emilia demanded, her voice sharp with concern and irritation. “Why is Valeria in such a state?”

Alexander stepped forward, his expression troubled. “Jerone has rejected her. The rejection has caused her immense pain and affected her physically. We need your help to understand and alleviate her suffering.”

Emilia’s eyes narrowed as she approached Valeria, her focus sharp and assessing. She knelt beside Valeria, placing a hand on her forehead and then examining the black veins and the missing birthmark dot.

“This is serious,” Emilia said, her tone urgent. “Rejection from a mate can cause profound emotional and physical distress, especially when it’s done abruptly and without proper resolution.”

Kian and Asher watched anxiously as Emilia worked, their worry evident. Asher’s frustration was palpable. “Can you help her? Is there a way to reverse this?”

Emilia nodded, her demeanor turning more resolute. “There is a way, but it will require both magical intervention and emotional healing. I’ll need to perform a ritual to counteract the effects of the rejection and soothe her physical and emotional pain. It won’t be easy, but it’s the only chance we have to save her.”

With determination in her eyes, Emilia began to prepare for the ritual, her presence offering a glimmer of hope amid the chaos. The room fell into a tense silence, broken only by the sound of Emilia’s incantations as she worked to heal Valeria and undo the damage caused by Jerone’s rejection.

As Emilia chanted ancient incantations, her voice weaving a complex tapestry of magical words, she placed her hand gently yet firmly over Valeria’s heart. The air around them seemed to vibrate with the intensity of the spell, the room filled with a soft, pulsating glow that accompanied Emilia’s chanting.

Valeria’s screams of agony, which had been sharp and piercing, began to soften. The intensity of the pain seemed to diminish as Emilia's magic worked to counteract the effects of Jerone’s rejection. The black veins on Valeria’s skin gradually started to recede, their pulsation slowing down in response to the soothing magic.

Emilia’s concentration was absolute, her eyes closed as she focused all her energy on the healing spell. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead as the spell took its toll on her, but she remained steadfast, her hand never wavering from its position over Valeria’s heart.

Kian and Asher watched with bated breath, their worry slowly being replaced by a cautious hope. Alexander stood nearby, his eyes fixed on Emilia, silently willing the spell to succeed.

As the pain in Valeria’s body subsided, her breathing became more regular, and the sharp, agonizing screams turned into softer, intermittent whimpers. Emilia’s spell was working, gradually easing the torment that had gripped Valeria.

After what felt like an eternity, Emilia finished the chant, her voice trailing off as she completed the ritual. She removed her hand from Valeria’s heart, her own exhaustion evident as she leaned back slightly, her breathing heavy but steady.

Valeria, though still weakened, now looked more peaceful, her expression no longer contorted with pain. The black veins had almost completely disappeared, and the remaining three dots of her birthmark were still intact.

Emilia wiped her brow, glancing at the others. “She’s stable for now. The immediate pain should be alleviated, but she will need rest and emotional support to fully recover. The effects of Jerone’s rejection can’t be fully reversed immediately, but this will give her a chance to heal.”

Kian and Asher moved to Valeria’s side, relieved to see her in a more tranquil state, while Alexander expressed his gratitude to Emilia. The tension in the room began to ease, though the unresolved feelings and lingering issues remained.