Fractures of Eternity

My words caused both boys to gaze at me, while their eyes felt heavy on me.

“Wait… So, I have to die to keep the timeline as it is?” Loki asked, catching onto what I meant.

“That or create chaos,” I answered.

Which… will probably mean the end of the world, but can I say that to you? No… You can’t die.

The simple thought of his departure from this world, even if he weren’t linked to me, shattered my heart. Luckily, my death would soon follow his and would cause the end of the realm we lived in.

Chaos reigns in me. Does this mean the final piece of this puzzle…

“So… to keep the peace, I have to accept, I’ll die?” Loki scoffed.

I shook my head, “No, fates can change, but there’s always a cost, and that price is what we won’t know until later.” I replied, letting go of Eli, who quickly coiled around my hand.

No… matter what happens, we’ll never be apart now.

“So basically, I’m free from the link, but I’ll have to watch Loki die?” Oswald questioned, lips curling downward as a fire rose in his eyes.

“Hah… Yes, that’s what destiny wants.” I sighed, shifting my gaze around the room.

Nonessential staff were free until further notice, which meant the halls beyond the door were emptier than usual.

“One that can only be changed by a god,” I added in a mumble.

I… don’t even know if I can change it without…

Oswald’s eyes narrowed, yet there was no genuine shock in them upon learning everything, which meant this boy already knew about me.

If… it was because of what we were doing when you walked in or before then, I don’t think I’ll ever know. Even so… you helped Loki save me from having to expose myself fully. Why? Aren’t I a monster in your eyes? Or is it because I’m linked to him?

This twin was becoming hard to read, yet I couldn’t help but feel his change came from losing Emma before they could resolve their issues.

Perhaps that’s your reasoning—a happiness taken from you, as Jin called it. Will Yama steal it from me? Is that my destiny? Can I win against another god who knows my binding?

Even though the horizon was darker than ever, there was no stopping my love anymore. We were connected in such a way that I could never part from Loki, which meant there was no reason to hide it anymore.

Kissing you is a dream.

All that Vera and Edna had sacrificed their lives for was undone by a foolish moment—a delusional one.

Damn it!

“So, you really are—” Oswald began, yet I wouldn’t let him finish.

“Yes, I’m the useless divine who can’t even save those who are devoted to me,” I assured, gazing at him. “Though I suspect you already knew that, didn’t you?”

Loki grabbed onto my arm, but it wasn’t to pull me away from Oz, whose eyes appeared tired of hating.

“If you really are, then…” He trailed off, wincing, before gazing at the casket. “Can’t you save her?”

“No.” I instantly shut down.

“What?” He bit his lip as Zephier purred against his cheek.

“A power like that would bring certain destruction on us, and her life isn’t worth a world.” I sighed, leaning on Loki for support. “Plus, I think her soul has already moved on. Emma wasn’t one to hold grudges.”

Even if… It’s just a bit more time for this dying world.

“Vivi…” Loki breathed as I turned to him before smothering myself on his chest.

This warmth… without it, I…

“I see, crap… I know it wouldn’t come without a cost, and I’m well aware she wouldn’t want that, but why do I feel like it’s more than what you’re saying? Vivian, what’s happening?” Oswald asked, gazing back at us.

Loki’s grip on me tightened as I slightly shifted towards his brother.

“There is tare between the celestial planes and this mortal realm—one that my mortal father is currently investigating,” I informed, hearing footsteps from behind us.

Oswald and Loki appeared fully aware we weren’t alone, but unlike them, I didn’t have super hearing.

“Is that why you couldn’t use your magic for Jin and Oliver?” Thea asked, joining our conversation.

“Huh? Since when have you been there?” I huffed, eyes twitching.

A second later, she dragged me away from Loki and into her arms.

Eh?! This wolf is too touchy!

“Since the beginning! I was worried about Oz, but then I saw you run here. So, I hid. It’s a miracle Loki didn’t give me away.” She giggled, holding me like a stuffed doll.

“It isn’t like you don’t know everything already.” Loki shrugged.

I couldn’t help but glare at my vampire, who could’ve given me a warning.

You!

All my valor quickly dried when I saw how tried Oswald was. Sadly, there would be no one to bring him coffee as Emma did anymore—a life lesson not to hold back when something good appeared. A soft puff of air left my lips as I pouted within my captor’s hold.

No! No! No! I deserve to be treated with respect! This mutt knows no bounds!

“Oi, let me go!” I growled, attempting to flee, yet her arms tightened around me while her eyes locked on the warlock before us.

“So, I knew everything before Ozzy? Sweet! I beat you!” She giggled.

“Hah…” He breathed, while I continued to squirm in her grip.

“Hey! I’m talking to you!” I grumbled.

“I already knew before today.” Oz sighed, gazing at me.

The moment his eyes fell on me, I froze a bit.

Hah… Is that why you were like that during the ball?

“Well, suspected,” he shook his head with a soft smile. “Seems I was wrong about a plethora of things, and my idiotic brother loves you so, my hands are kind of tied when it comes to you, Vivian.” He added, turning back to the casket.

“Oswald…” I mumbled.

Luckily, that moment of vulnerability was cut short by Thea squishing me like a plush.

“Oh gosh, she’s too cute! Mom kept saying she’s a monster, but she’s adorable!” Thea squealed, prompting my eyes to twitch.

“Oi, she’s mine,” Loki growled at his little sister, who shifted her gaze towards him.

“Hm? Oh, don’t worry, brother, I won’t steal her from you.” She giggled.

Having had enough, I shoved my hands on Thea’s face, attempting to pry myself from her grip.

“Oi… I’m not an object, and let me go already, you oversized mutt!” I snapped.

Instinctively, Thea let me go, only for Loki to catch me; if he hadn’t, I would’ve been on the floor.

“Why does she have such a foul mouth?” she sighed, frowning.

I scowled at her from Loki’s arms.

This mutt…

“She’s best like that.” My vampire interrupted my train of thought as I turned towards him to see a gentle smile on his lips.

In an instant, I felt a flush of jitters rush through my entire body.

“You’re a freaking masochist!” I growled at him.

“So, what if I am?” Loki chuckled before his lips met my cheek.

I love you. He mouthed against my skin before a soft kiss followed the words of affection.

Ah… You…. You…. Why do you know how always to melt me?