Timeless | rorasa

Chapter 24: The Desperation and The Consequence

Asa lay peacefully asleep, a soft, content smile playing on her lips after a night of tender kisses and shared moments with Rora. The warmth of their connection lingered in the air, an unspoken promise of love that stretched beyond words. Yet, beneath Rora's joy was a quiet, consuming dread. They hadn't gone all the way-Rora had held back, knowing that if Asa had to return to her timeline, it was only fair that Dain, Rora's past self, deserved to keep that part of Asa. The thought of losing her gnawed at Rora's heart, casting a heavy shadow over the sweetness of their time together.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed, shattering the peaceful silence with a series of persistent calls from her manager and producer. Rora sighed deeply, the familiar weight of her career falling back onto her shoulders. She glanced at Asa's peaceful face, then quickly typed out a message, instructing them to move forward with her comeback plans while giving her at least a week off. She needed space-a chance to breathe, to think, to figure out what really mattered.

Taking a deep breath, Rora carefully slipped out of bed, mindful not to wake Asa. The soft glow of morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle, warm light over the room. Rora dressed quickly, her mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. The burden of her career felt heavier than it ever had before, but the looming reality of Asa's potential departure was an even greater weight on her heart. The thought of losing Asa sparked a fierce determination within her, one that outweighed any fear.

She needed to find a way to keep Asa in this timeline.

Rora navigated her car through the quiet streets, the early morning light painting the buildings in soft gold. Every turn of the wheel mirrored the anxious churn of her thoughts. The rhythmic hum of the engine matched the pounding of her heart. Time felt like it was slipping through her fingers, and the urgency gnawed at her. Master Kai was her only hope-he had knowledge of the timelines, of the forces that governed them. If anyone could help, it was him.

But as her car drew closer to his small, secluded house, doubt crept into her mind. What if Master Kai couldn't help? What if he told her that there was no way to save Asa? What if... she had to let go? The thought was unbearable. No, she couldn't think like that. A life without Asa was not an option. She had to try.

Arriving at Master Kai's door, Rora hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering above the intricately carved knocker. She took a deep breath, steeling herself, and knocked firmly. She couldn't afford to hesitate anymore.

The door creaked open to reveal Master Kai, his expression warm yet knowing, as if he had already expected her. "Rora," he said softly, his deep voice filled with understanding. "I've been expecting you. Come in."

"Master Kai," Rora began, her voice trembling but resolute. "I need your help. I... I can't lose Asa."

Master Kai's eyes softened as he regarded her. "You know the risks, Rora. The balance of timelines is delicate. What you're asking may come at a steep price."

"I don't care about the price," she said, her voice tinged with desperation. "Asa deserves to stay here. She's fought too hard to be with me. No matter what it costs, I'll do it."

Master Kai studied her intently, the weight of his wisdom pressing heavily into the space between them. "Sacrificing Eisa could mean damning her while potentially saving Asa," he said, his tone measured and serious. "Are you prepared to bear that consequence?"

Rora's heart clenched painfully at the mention of Eisa, the alternate version of Asa in this timeline. She hadn't met her, but the thought of taking away her chance at life was a bitter pill to swallow. But her love for Asa burned stronger. "I can't lose Asa," she said, her resolve solidifying. "If this is the only way to keep her, then so be it."