the books of hidden worlds

chapter twenty-five: Elias

   🎶Easy they come, easy they go
I jump from the train, I ride off alone
I never grew up, it's getting so old
Help me hold onto you
I've been the archer
I've been the prey
Who could ever leave me, darling?
But who could stay?🎶

After five years, Kaelion ascended to the throne, becoming king, while his sister Seraphina was crowned Queen of Elyndor. “Long live the King and Queen!” the people chanted in joyous celebration around them.

Elias, too, had found love in the town of Elyndor. While buying food in the bustling marketplace, he met his future wife, whom he later married. Together, they had a son named Peter.

Kian married as well and was blessed with a daughter, Olivia. He met his wife at a quaint bookstore, and they built a happy family together.

Rowan, on the other hand, remained single, dedicating himself to looking after Peter. Though he had his own home, there was still a quiet loneliness about him, despite his contentment.

The Grey siblings had also found a new place to call home, opening a bookstore of their own, while the Arcana siblings built a bakery. Yet Ursula made a bittersweet choice, traveling back to the past to reunite with her family.

Elias suddenly awoke from his sleep, realizing that it had all been a dream. Stepping out of his room, he saw his siblings and friends gathered around. “Looks like you’ve had another one of those dreams,” Rowan commented.

“Huh… yeah,” Elias responded, slightly dazed. “It felt like I was seeing all of our futures.”

“Interesting,” Salem said with a curious smile. “What kind of dream was it?”

“Oh, nothing,” Elias replied with a shrug, as he joined them for breakfast. “Just a dream.”

"So, are you all planning to return to your world soon?” Lucan asked.

“I’m not sure,” Elias replied. “We might stay a few more days.”

“Feel free. Just don’t forget about us when you leave,” Lucan said with a warm smile.

Then, Dorian handed Salem a letter, saying, “Your aunt left this for you.”

Salem unfolded it and began reading.

Dear Nephews,

I’m sorry I couldn’t properly say goodbye. I’m thankful for the time we had together, though it was short. I know you, Salem, will read this first, so take care of your siblings. Don’t forget Lucan’s favorite bread recipe; bake it for him whenever he craves it. And teach your youngest brother, Evander, to grow strong and fearless. No matter what hardships you face, remember your parents are watching over you. You’re strong, Salem. And remember, I love you all deeply.

love
Ursula

As Salem finished reading, he felt a tear slip down his cheek. “Are you okay, Lem?” Evander asked softly.

“Yeah… yeah, I’m fine,” Salem replied, quickly folding the letter and slipping it into his pocket. He stood up and walked outside, where Alden noticed him and followed.

“Wait up, Salem,” Alden called.

“What’s wrong?” Salem asked, still trying to brush away his tears.

“You… you’re crying?” Alden asked gently, wiping the tears from Salem’s face. He pulled him into a comforting embrace. “I don’t know what was in that letter, but we’re here for you. I’m here for you.”

Rowan, watching them through the window, chuckled as Cassian appeared behind him. “They’re cute together, aren’t they?” Cassian remarked.

Rowan smiled wistfully. “Yeah… they are. Wish Peter were here with me too.”

“Did you say something?” Cassian asked.

“Nothing,” Rowan replied, chuckling to himself as rain began to fall.

Back outside, Salem looked up at the rain, smiling as Alden held him close. “Let’s go back inside,” Salem suggested.

“Not yet,” Alden replied, grinning. “Let’s just enjoy this.”

And so, they danced in the rain, laughing freely as the storm grew around them, as though it were washing away every worry in the world.

Later that night, while the others slept, Salem, Elias, and Dorian were in deep discussion about the strange book that brought them here.

"Do you remember exactly how you arrived?” Dorian asked, curiosity lighting his eyes.

“Hmm… I remember we were in a library, and I found this book,” Elias began. “Alden thought it was some sort of cookbook, and suddenly, the pages started glowing. Next thing we knew, we were here.”

“Do you know how you’ll return?” Dorian asked.

“I’m not sure,” Elias replied, frowning. “Maybe I’ll remember something soon. I’ll let you know if I do.”

“Alright. We’ll continue this tomorrow,” Dorian said, stifling a yawn.

Meanwhile, Rowan was dreaming of finally returning home.

“Dad… have we really made it back?” he asked in his dream.

His father smiled, replying with a laugh, “Son, you never left.”

Rowan awoke with a start, chuckling to himself. “Just a dream…”

“What happened?” Kian asked, hearing him stir.

“I just dreamed we’d returned home, and Dad said we hadn’t even left. Ridiculous, right?”

Kian laughed. “Come on, let’s go down and get breakfast.”

The brothers emerged from their room to find everyone else already up. Salem and Lucan were busy baking, while Cassian and Dorian prepared breakfast. The table was brimming with food.

“What’s going on?” Rowan asked, a smile playing on his lips.

Orion explained, “You’re all leaving tomorrow, right? We wanted to celebrate before you go.”

Meanwhile, back at the palace, Prince Kaelion was preparing for his coronation. Inside his chambers, he practiced his speech, talking to himself to ease the nerves. A knock on the door startled him.

“Come in.”

His sister Seraphina entered, smiling. “Are you practicing your speech, Kaelion?”

“Yes, I am, Hina. I’m nervous,” he admitted.

“Don’t be,” she replied. “After all, your beautiful sister will be by your side.” They both laughed as she offered her hand.

“Are you ready, Aeli?” she asked, smiling as he took her hand.

They walked out together, stepping onto the platform before the cheering crowd. As the crowns were placed on their heads, the people shouted, “Long live the King and Queen!”

In that moment, all of Elyndor celebrated its beloved rulers, as Kaelion delivered his speech with newfound strength and pride, his voice echoing through the kingdom.