The Alchemist's Journey | Book 3

Chapter III

This week's artist shoutout goes to Hope1234658907652341

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"So it really could be true? The Ever Realm is real?" Quirin looked shocked as he looked at Rosamund's research. He couldn't believe that the childhood fairytale his parents had told him could actually be real.

"Yeah! It's amazing! Actual magic! Magic doesn't exist in this realm, but in the Ever Realm, it's said to be filled with magical creatures! The Maruvians were known to be magical beings!" Rose was so excited to find out more about this new realm. She was a woman of science, but if this magical realm was real, she just had to understand the magic.

"But wouldn't that make you magical? You're a direct descendant of the original queen of Eden who is said to be the former princess of Maru," Quirin said and Rose nodded.

"I know! I've been trying to see if I have magic, but nothing I do seems to work. I don't know if there are spell books or something. My old friend Lucia and her mother were able to use magic." Rose slumped slightly, but she then smiled when she looked at Quirin. She closed her journal and hugged him. "I couldn't ask for a more supportive lover. You mean the world to me. I love you."

"I love you too, Rosie. I will always love you. If we are ever parted by anything, I promise you that I will never take a new lover. You are my one and only," Quirin murmured and she rested her head on his shoulder.

"Nothing can separate us, Quirin. Not even death can stop me from loving you and returning to your side eventually," she replied softly and closed her eyes happily.

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Aquaria woke up with Varian's face snuggled into her neck from behind. She hummed softly and listened to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore outside their window.

Ruddiger was snuggled up against her chest and she couldn't help but smile.

"Morning, princess," Varian murmured and Aquaria let out a slight huff.

She did have to admit that she honestly did like when he called her princess. It made her feel special because she knew he wasn't just calling her that since it was her title.

"Morning, freckles," Aqua replied softly as he pressed a gentle kiss to her neck and then he let out a soft breath.

"Did you sleep well?" He asked gently, keeping her close to him.

"I slept amazing," Aqua replied before she turned in his arms so she could look at him. "What about you?"

"I always get good sleep with you around," Varian said with a slightly flirty tone.

"That's because I actually make you sleep." Aqua booped his nose with her finger gently.

"You're not wrong," Varian agreed with a light chuckle.

Aquaria snuggled her face into his chest and he kissed the top of her head.

Varian couldn't help but think about how his mother used to live in this exact castle as a child. He remembered his mom telling him stories about the Ever Realm. He had no idea she had been planning to go there.

There was a knock on the door and Aqua sighed softly as she looked up.

"Come in," she called and the door opened to the maid Orion had introduced them to the night before. "Oh, Daliah, right?"