Fates Entwined

Chapter 20: The Pain of Letting Go

Risha woke before dawn, her mind swimming with the memories of the night before. Sol's peaceful face rested on the pillow, her hair tangled and luminous even in the dim light of the apartment. For a fleeting moment, Risha allowed herself to admire her, but the sharp pang of reality shattered the tranquility.

"What have I done? What on earth have I done?" Risha felt utterly dejected, but these thoughts kept swirling in her mind.

In Risha's world, the Sacred Code of Immortality forbids any intimate bond between immortals and mortals, as such unions disrupt the delicate balance between their realms. The Code exists to prevent power imbalances, ensuring that mortals remain untouched by the overwhelming influence of immortals and the divine energy they possess. Such relationships blur the boundary between mortality and immortality, risking the creation of hybrid beings with uncontrollable powers that could destabilize existence itself. Moreover, the emotional vulnerability immortals might experience from love or grief could corrupt their eternal nature, making them susceptible to mortal weaknesses. For mortals, the divine energy of immortals is too potent, often causing irreversible harm or even death. By breaking this sacred law, Risha has not only endangered Sol but has also risked unleashing chaos across both realms, a consequence the immortals cannot allow. Also, Risha may not be an immortal if this keeps happening. 

The weight of the truth bore down on her. Falling for Sol had never been part of her mission. Their worlds were too different, their futures incompatible. Worse still, what they had shared last night could lead to complications Risha wasn't ready to face. Sol deserved a life free of immortal chaos.

Her phone buzzed on the counter. She had texted Miri hours ago, desperate for her cousin's advice, but there had been no response. A sense of helplessness began to creep in when a faint, commanding voice filled the room, reverberating with otherworldly authority.

"Risha."

Risha froze, recognizing a divine tone, but not knowing it was Ursula's. Her presence wasn't visible, but it felt tangible, filling the space.

" What have you done, child?," Ursula said, her voice steady but devoid of judgment. "You're torn, and it's affecting your purpose."

"I—I don't know what to do," Risha whispered, keeping her voice low to avoid waking Sol. "I can't let her remember last night, Oh divine being. It's too much for her, for me. But I can't bear to hurt her either."

"You need her to forget," Ursula stated. "That can be arranged, but it comes with a condition."

"What condition?"

"That you remain focused on your mission," Ursula said firmly. "No more distractions. This mortal connection is making you vulnerable. One moment, you're a roaring flame, untamed and fierce, and the next, you're a gentle ember, warm and subdued."

The words stung, but Risha knew they were true. She closed her eyes, swallowing her pain. "Do it," she said softly. "Make her forget."

There was a brief, chilling silence before Ursula's power stirred the air. A soft hum resonated in the room, a subtle glow enveloping Sol for a moment before dissipating.

"It's done," Ursula said. "She'll wake with no memory of last night."

As the divine presence faded, Risha sat on the couch, her heart heavy. Sol stirred moments later, her brow furrowing as she woke.

"Morning," Sol mumbled groggily, sitting up and glancing around. She pulled the sheet closer to herself, her face puzzled. "Why... why am I...?"

Risha forced a casual smile. "Wine," she said quickly. "You spilled your glass, and things got messy. You were feeling bad about it, so you stripped out of the dress. Don't worry—I didn't mind. I slept on the couch."

Sol blinked, trying to piece the fragments together. "Oh, God, I'm so sorry! I can be so clumsy after a few glasses."

"It's fine," Risha lied, waving her hand dismissively. "You didn't do anything embarrassing."

Relief crossed Sol's face, and she nodded. "Thanks for being so chill about it. You're amazing."

Risha offered a faint smile, her chest aching. "Here, I'll grab you something to wear so you can get home."

As Sol got dressed in borrowed clothes, Risha tried to focus on the mundane tasks—folding the blanket, fixing her hair—but every movement felt heavier than it should. When Sol finally left, hugging her goodbye and thanking her again, Risha closed the door behind her and collapsed onto the couch, her composure shattering.

Tears streamed down her face. Falling for Sol was never part of her plan, but the rawness of her emotions made her question everything.

Her phone buzzed, jolting her from her thoughts. It was Miri.

"Risha," Miri's voice came through, breathless and worried. "I just saw your texts. What's wrong?"

Risha wiped her tears and steadied her voice. "It's... nothing urgent now. But I need your help. I think I'm losing myself in this mission."

"I'm here," Miri said firmly. "Whatever you need, we'll figure it out. Promise me you're okay?"

"I will be," Risha said softly, glancing out the window at the still-falling rain. She wasn't sure if the words were for Miri or herself.

For now, she could only hope.