Escape from Eden

Chapter 8

["The past cannot be changed, the future is yet to be in your power." - Unknown]

Night has fallen upon Dimir. The star twinkled, creating a soft glow on the open land. "The natives will rest. We should do that same." Marks glanced out from his tent, Leviathan grumbled under his breath, "Demons don't sleep, cowboy." he snickered devilishly, linking his left arm alongside mine. The heat of his skin is subtle, not too hot, calmingly soothing. Marks stood up, clearly agitated with what's happening around him, he grabbed his things and moved to a different tent. " 'scuse me, Miss. Mind if I hit the hay here?" Not knowing if she understood his speech, she nodded quietly.

"I do not mind anything, sir." Her voice was soft, quiet, like a sweet gust of air. "The name's Marks. Jonathan Marks. What might your name be, Miss?" He removed his hat from his head, placing it on the right of his chest, "Calliope. But, the village calls me "Callie," for short." He chuckles lightly. Meanwhile, Leviathan became concerned as I stared fervently cross the horizon. "Are you okay? You barely said anything since we've arrived." No answer spews out of my mouth for this time, but the tears from earlier began to swell back into my eyes.

"I yelled at the prince...how shameful of me. I did not even think about the consequences of my actions after what happened!" I grabbed my hands quickly and rocked back and forth, causing Leviathan to take me into his arms. "Can I say something about that?" He asked as I nod. "Why are you so hung up on this guy's feelings? You should focus more on how you feel for others, romantically. Now, I don't know much about romance and all that lovey-dovey stuff, but I know that someone like me, would be happy to be with someone like you." His piercing blue eyes seeped into my soul, soothing every nerve in my body. A sheer pink streak appeared on my pale skinned cheeks, making it noticeable to express how I am feeling at that moment.

The morning sun has risen and the birds began to sing once more. "We have to go..." The heat between Leviathan and I parted away slowly. I stepped out of our shelter and allowed the rays trickle along my skin. "Good morning, friends. It is time to head for our next destination. Land of Noor, there lies the River of Souls. Another land of those who have banished to the darker part of Hell." The chief has nodded, alongside the cowboy and the demon.

We gathered the horses and prepared the wagon for our departure, Marks had tapped my shoulder, apologizing for his inappropriate behavior. I forgave him, of course. I am not a hateful person...unlike my father. As we say our goodbye to the villagers, we opened up to the portal networks and travel to our next destination. Marks sees me shivering, he could feel the temperatures once again change. But as he stands up, Leviathan rushes to my side and slithers his arm around my waist, placing his head upon my shoulder. Marks rolls his eyes and grumbled in silence, Henshaw plops over to his side and pats his shoulder in comfort. "It is alright, my friend. Sometimes, when you wait for a girl who waits to another, you'll never be able to allow yourself to love, as well. Let her go and just stay good friends." Marks shook him from his uncomfortable state gently and reassured him with a smile.

As arriving to Noor, the river howled with the lost souls, that continue to flow to their main source of power. As we row through, Her Imperious Condescension of Noor presented herself, planting her bottom on her throne of melted skin and soulless wax. Her son had arrived just in time, Lord of Wax and Flesh, Sir Reinds Noor. Marks quivered and cringed as his hand glided through the river's viscous surface, "Ew..."

"Halt! You are all in the presence of the Goddess and Rightful Heir of Noor, Present yourself now, or the river will determine your fate." I rose up, proclaiming our main purpose of being here, "My Condesce, My Lord! Heed my call! I, Honaleih Jae, Princess of the Iron, present thee to you for a request." She stared at me, smiling at how sincere I was at that moment, "Proceed with thy call, my love." I nodded, looking towards the friends before me, " I have a plan to bring my father, King Pama, into justice and revitalize the town to what it used to be. I cannot do so if I do not have your son alongside the alliance. Together, with our strengths combine, I believe we can put on father in his place. Will he join us, My Condesce." Leviathan's jaw started to drop slowly, "The voices are telling me to marry this girl...hm. Maybe I will."

She looked at Reinds, nodding. She opened her mouth to speak her answer, silence fell upon us as we waited.