Between Realms of Love

Resolve

The air in the palace felt heavier than ever as Leila moved through its gilded halls. Each step felt like a weight pressing down on her chest, each glance from the nobles a silent reminder of her place—or lack thereof. The realization that she could leave, that she might finally reclaim her life on Earth, filled her with both hope and dread.

But leaving Lucian… the thought was unbearable.

She had avoided him for most of the day, claiming she needed time to herself. In truth, she wasn’t sure how to face him. He had always been her anchor, her shield against the storm of Cyrithiel. But his love, as fierce and consuming as it was, had become a double-edged sword.

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A New Push from the Nobility

In the late afternoon, Leila found herself cornered in one of the palace corridors by a group of noblewomen. Lady Eryndra was, of course, at the center of it, her eyes gleaming with malice.

“Miss Leila,” she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “We were just discussing the future of Cyrithiel. A future that requires… strength and unity.”

Leila crossed her arms, her heart pounding. “And what does that have to do with me?”

Lady Eryndra’s smile widened. “Oh, everything, dear. You see, the king’s focus has been… divided as of late. Many of us are concerned that his attention to certain distractions might weaken his ability to lead.”

The words struck like a blow, but Leila refused to let them see her falter. “Lucian is more than capable of leading this kingdom. Your opinions don’t change that.”

“Perhaps,” Lady Eryndra said, stepping closer. “But opinions have power. And the opinion of the court is that you don’t belong here.”

The other noblewomen murmured in agreement, their voices low and venomous. Leila clenched her fists, her anger bubbling to the surface.

“I’m here because Lucian wants me here,” she said firmly. “And nothing you say will change that.”

Lady Eryndra laughed softly, the sound sending a chill down Leila’s spine. “We shall see, Miss Leila. After all, even the strongest chains can break.”

With that, the noblewoman turned and walked away, her entourage following like shadows. Leila stood frozen in the corridor, her breath coming in shallow gasps. The cracks in her resolve were widening, and she wasn’t sure how much longer she could hold herself together.

---

An Evening with Lucian

That evening, Lucian found her in the gardens, her favorite place to escape the pressures of the palace. The moon cast a soft glow over the flowers, and the cool air was a welcome reprieve from the suffocating tension inside.

“You’ve been avoiding me,” he said, his voice low and steady.

Leila turned to face him, her heart aching at the sight of him. He looked tired, his usual confidence dimmed by something she couldn’t quite place.

“I’ve just needed some time,” she said softly.

Lucian stepped closer, his gaze searching hers. “Time for what?”

“To think,” she admitted, looking away. “About… everything.”

He reached out, gently cupping her face and turning her to meet his eyes. “Leila, whatever you’re feeling, you can tell me. I’ll fix it.”

The desperation in his voice caught her off guard, and she felt a pang of guilt. She wanted to tell him, to confide in him the weight of her doubts and fears. But how could she, when her thoughts were leading her to a decision that would break his heart?

“I’m just… tired,” she said instead. “Tired of fighting.”

“You don’t have to fight alone,” he said firmly. “I’m here. I’ll always be here.”

His words were a promise, but they felt like a chain tightening around her. She loved him, but his love was too much, too overwhelming. And it was breaking her.

“Lucian,” she said softly, her voice trembling. “What if—”

“Don’t,” he interrupted, his voice sharp. “Don’t finish that sentence. Whatever you’re thinking, stop. You belong here, with me. That’s all that matters.”

The intensity in his gaze left her breathless, and for a moment, she felt herself falling into his conviction. But the doubts remained, gnawing at the edges of her heart.

---

A Final Clue

Later that night, Leila returned to the archives, unable to shake the feeling that time was running out. She pulled the book on portals from its hiding place, flipping through the pages with trembling hands.

As she read, the strange sensation she had felt before returned, stronger this time. The air seemed to hum with energy, and the diagrams on the page seemed to glow faintly in the dim light.

She closed her eyes, focusing on the feeling. It was as if the knowledge was already inside her, waiting to be unlocked. And as she concentrated, she felt a spark of understanding—a connection to the energy around her, to the world beyond this one.

When she opened her eyes, she knew. She could do it. She could open a portal.

But as the realization settled over her, so did the weight of what it meant. Leaving Cyrithiel meant leaving Lucian. Leaving the life they had built together. But staying… staying would destroy her.

She placed the book back on the shelf, her hands shaking. The decision was made. It was only a matter of time.