Golden Era (Book 2)

77. Unraveling

There was a click at the door. 

Ayuna jerked awake and struggled to sit up. A week had passed since Sachi's injury. Immediately after visiting him, she'd contract a serious flu and become bedridden. To the sudden disintegration of her health, Noa declared it a result of long-term stress. Ayuna, however, saw it as a manifestation of the guilt she carried.

Smoothing her hair, Ayuna threw on a sweater and padded into the living room, expecting to see either Noa or Fuji. Instead, she was temporarily blinded by a sheath of gold: standing before her was none other than the Creator.

"Long time no see, Ayuna," He said with a dazzling smile.

Ayuna's knees buckled and she staggered a step back. She curtsied to Him and tried to suppress the nameless terror gripping her.

He motioned for her to rise up.

As she stood, Ayuna reassured herself there was no reason to be fearful. Although she'd made many mistakes in the past few months, crossing the Creator wasn't one of them. Meeting His gaze, she asked, "To what do I owe this visit?"

"Is it so hard to believe that I want to check on one of my ambassadors?"

Ayuna kept her head bowed.

"Seeing you like to cut to the chase, I suppose I should be straightforward as well." Taking a step closer, the Creator asked, "It's a question raised by your own sister."

"Ayuri?"

The Creator nodded. "Are you aware she's filing a report against you?"

Ayuna tensed up.

"She claims you've had intimate contact with a mortal. I wanted to verify in person: is her report true?"

She remained silent. The Creator appraised her then widened His smile, "The fact that I'm visiting in person means I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. As such, I want you to speak your mind. More importantly, I want a full, truthful account."

"As you wish." Bracing herself, Ayuna began, "Ayuri's claim is true."

"Do you understand what such a breach might mean for immortals?"

"Of course I do. However, I thought my purpose of being in this world is to have these contacts so I can document the mortal experience."

"While that may be true, it doesn't mean you can run off with any mortal man," said the Creator. "You were designated to be with Yozei Sachi, whose family holds a long-standing allegiance with the immortals, to prevent leaking out confidential information."

"In other words, it's not about a real experience, but a staged one."

"This mission has to be controlled. Any aberration is a violation of the immortal code of conduct."

"Am I subject to these rules when I'm not a true immortal?"

The Creator appeared amused. "So you think you're exempt from the code of conduct because you're from a 'superior' lineage?"

Ayuna kept her eyes down.

"Answer me."

Struggling to keep her voice even, she said, "I don't believe I'm superior. I'm only stating a fact: I don't belong in the immortal realm and was never recognized as an immortal. I don't see why I should follow their rules."

Pain struck her and instantly knocked her to the ground. Ayuna doubled over from the sickening crunch of her calves. She covered the point of impact with her hand even though she had no clue what struck her.