Forbidden Love

A Summons to the Tower

The sun had already set, leaving a soft twilight over Orario. I made my way through the garden of Volkvangr, my body aching and sore from a tough day of training with the Low-ranking members of the Freya Familia. Each step sent sharp pains through me, a reminder of the intense sparring and practice battles I had faced. I was worn out, eager to fall into bed and forget the day's challenges. 

The pain was overwhelming, so I chose to take a break in Folkvangr's lovely garden. The soft moonlight illuminated the flowers surrounding me, their petals shimmering in the glow. I settled onto a stone bench, letting the cool night air ease my sore muscles.

The garden was alive with fragrant night-blooming flowers, their sweet aroma enveloping me like a warm hug. I closed my eyes for a moment, allowing myself to soak in the beauty of the night. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets created a soothing backdrop, helping to alleviate my discomfort. 

As I relaxed in the tranquil garden, I saw Lira walking towards me. Her vibrant red hair glimmered in the moonlight, and her green eyes were filled with worry.

"Hey, Bell," she said gently as she sat beside me on the bench. "You seem really exhausted. You should push yourself a bit more in training tomorrow."

I smiled faintly, appreciating her encouragement. "I get it. I'm just really exhausted after everything today," I said, massaging my aching muscles. "The training was intense."

Lira nodded, her face a mix of seriousness and encouragement. "You've come a long way, but there's still more potential within you. Don't let the pain hold you back. Every bruise is a sign that you're growing stronger."

Her words sparked something inside me, filling me with determination. "You're right," I said quietly, feeling motivated. "I want to improve not just for myself but for everyone who believes in me."

The garden felt alive as we relaxed, supporting Lira's cheerful atmosphere. A gentle breeze whispered to the leaves, making them dance and creating a soothing sound that calmed us both.

Lira finally got to her feet and gave me a warm smile. "I should get back to my room," she said gently. "Sleep well, Bell." With one last wave, she turned and strolled away, her bright red hair glistening in the moonlight.

I watched her leave, a blend of gratitude and resolve washing over me. As she faded into the darkness, I inhaled deeply, the cool night air refreshing my weary body. My thoughts drifted to how inviting my bed would feel after such a long day. I could almost picture myself sinking into the pillows, allowing all the fatigue to melt away.

After a brief silence, I got up and headed out of Folkvangr. Just as I was about to exit the garden, I noticed Ottarl standing by the exit, his face serious. "Goddess Freya has called for you to her chamber," he stated, his tone making clear there was no room for debate.

I nodded, a flutter of nerves stirring within me. The thought of talking to Freya always sent my heart racing. As I made my way to the Tower of Babel, the cool night air was a refreshing touch against my skin. I strolled through the bustling streets of Orario, where laughter and chatter filled the air, yet my thoughts kept returning to Lira's words.

When I finally reached the grand entrance of Freya's chamber, I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. I located the door to Freya's chamber and knocked gently.

"Come in," her warm and welcoming voice beckoned. I opened the door and walked in, immediately drawn in by her stunning presence. The room was softly illuminated by candlelight, and Freya sat gracefully in her chair, her silver hair flowing over her shoulders. She wore a lovely gown that appeared to sparkle in the glow.

"Welcome, Bell. How was your day?" she asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.

I paused to collect my thoughts. "It was rough, Goddess. I got pretty badly beaten during training with the Low-ranking members," I said, lifting my shirt a bit to reveal the bruises on my sides.

Freya's gaze moved from my face to the bruises dotting my skin, worry evident in her expression. "Oh, Bell," she murmured, "you overdid it today." Her tone was soothing, like a warm hug. "It's normal to feel exhausted; it shows you put in the effort. "Take care of yourself, and remember, I'm here for you. You're doing an amazing job."

"Yes, it was intense," I confessed,  pain washing over me as I spoke. "But afterward, Lira came to find me in the garden. She urged me to keep moving ahead."

A flicker of something—jealousy?—passed over Freya's face. She swiftly covered it with a smile, but I could still sense the tension in her expression. "Lira? Who is she?" Freya inquired, her tone light, yet there was a deeper intensity behind her words.

I felt a bit nervous as I explained. "She's a level 2 adventurer with red hair and green eyes. She genuinely cares about helping others grow."

Freya's smile wavered briefly. "A level 2 adventurer," she echoed, her tone contemplative. "And she encourages you? That's intriguing."

"She does," I replied, excited to express Lira's support. She has faith in me, pushing me to train even harder."

Freya's eyes were piercing, examining me as if trying to gauge my feelings for Lira. "Having someone like that in your life is important, Bell," she eventually remarked, her voice carrying a hint of tension. "Support from friends can truly change everything."

I nodded, feeling the depth of Freya's feelings. "Yeah, she reminds me of the reasons I keep fighting."

"Good," Freya replied, her voice softening again. "But don't forget who is always here to guide you." I felt a warmth at her words. "I won't forget, Goddess. Your support means everything to me."

After a brief pause, Freya reclined in her chair, her posture returning to a more dignified position. "You should get some rest now. Return to Folkvangr and gather your strength for tomorrow. There will be more challenges ahead."

"Thank you, Goddess," I said, feeling a sense of relief. I bowed slightly before turning to leave her chamber, the weight of our conversation lingering in the air. As I stepped back into the hallway, I could feel Freya's gaze following me.

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Freya's POV

As Bell stepped out of my chamber, a whirlwind of emotions surged within me. His strength, determination, and how he spoke about Lira ignited a feeling I hadn't expected—jealousy. I didn't want to share him.

This woman had entered his life and offered him support—a level 2 adventurer. Lira seemed to have caught his eye, and I was curious about her. Why did Bell speak of her with such admiration?

I couldn't shake the feeling that she was more than just a friend. How he talked about her—how she believed in him and her words motivated him—made my heart tighten. I had always been there for Bell, but now it felt like someone else was taking my place, lighting a fire inside him that I had tried so hard to spark. The thought ate away at me. Lira's support seemed to matter to Bell. What if she became a distraction? Or even worse, what if she took him away from me? I couldn't let that happen.

I moved to the window and looked at Orario's twinkling lights, my thoughts racing. I needed to find out more about this Lira. She was a level 2 adventurer; if she meant a lot to Bell, I had to understand her better. Who was she beyond her red hair and green eyes? Why was she so eager to help him?

I decided to watch Bell's training and this Lira closely. I couldn't let our bond fade. He was mine to guide, and I would make sure he remembered who had always been there for him.

As I considered my next steps, I realized I needed to be smart about them. If Lira were genuinely supportive and kind, I could use that advantage. I could encourage their friendship while gently reminding Bell of our connection.

"Bell," I whispered, a smile creeping back as I pictured his determined face. "You're destined for greatness, and I'll be the one to help you get there." My heartfelt steadier with that thought. I would protect what is mine, no matter what.