IMMORTAL LOVE | one

24 - Glorified

The next few days leading up to Alana's twenty second birthday was very busy in Lylas' realm. To celebrate it, everyone—the people whom stayed in the palace—decorated the palace in pink and gold. They also arranged for a birthday party, inviting every known creature in Lylas's realm into the palace for celebration.

Although, they were celebrating her birthday, there was a sombre mood deep in their eyes and hearts. Alana couldn't describe it, however, it felt as if they were in mourning.

She was the centre of the party. In the huge hall where the party was held, Alana was seated high above in view of everyone. The new faces she saw looked upon her with eyes filled with curiosity and admiration.

Alana was astonished at the mixture of creatures in the Hall. Some had come in their human form, others had come in their original skin. It was a walking nightmare and Alana felt as if she had went to hell and was put into a pedestal for everyone to view. However, instead of being frightening, these creatures partied and talked with one another similar to how anyone back home in the mortal realm would.

It was their idleness that made Alana feel calm about their unnatural appearances. Zenos explained to her that those in human form were in higher ranking than those that weren't. Some were immortal and some were on that road to immortality. Those powerful enough could change to their human form, compared to those whom were still practicing the art of mastering human form.

And thus, Alana began viewing everyone  in awe and respect. It did occur to her that they were very much powerful than her, but their serenity made her aware that they would not at all harm her.

They had come wanting a glimpse of this mortal whose birthday they were celebrating. Because only a few had known about her relationship with Lylas, the rest were curious as to why she was so important to him.

Only the people who stayed in Lylas' palace knew about her carrying Lylas's heir. Alana planned to keep it that way. She didn't want anyone else involved when it came to her death.

Throughout the night, with the help of Mena and Zenos, Alana had greeted many human faces and monstrous faces of people wanting to congratulate her on her birthday. There were also little demons and goblins children wanting to glimpse a mortal as they have never been close to one.

After the greetings, everyone then partied and mingled in the hall, showing off their tricks and skills. Alana and Mena had sat at the balcony to watch this intriguing commotion down them. After a while, Alana got bored and wanted to excuse herself for fresh air.

Alana wandered outside the palace which were filled with all these different species. There was a curiosity she wanted to figure out; why all of Lylas's disciples had a hidden sombre expression on their faces?

It didn't fail her notice earlier that even though Mena had been attentive toward her the whole day. There has also been a constant look of sadness in her eyes that was hidden deep.

"It's the anniversary of her death. Master Lylas' wife, Naala." She heard one woman speaking to her companion.

"Ah, is that why Dessim is so dim tonight?" The other asked.

Alana skidded to a stop and hid around the corner from detection. She began to eavesdrop on the conversation between the two demon women in human form.

So it turns out it was the death anniversaries of that woman. It now made sense to her why sadness filled the air of Lylas' disciples. And why Lylas had disappeared since last night.

Although the past few day leading up to her birthday, he had slept with her in her room. Alana held him tight each night, never wanting to let go. She knew fully well that in the upcoming months she wouldn't get this privilege any longer. It would become pointless for him to spend time with her.