Fractures of Eternity

Watching Alistair smile and gaze at me with warmth, part of my chest ached as I once believed he would be nothing more than a pest, yet had evolved into much more than a simple bug to be squashed.

I… Should’ve never judged you before, and now… I…

Before I knew it, I was in his arms as he hugged me tenderly, leaving me with my eyes wide open, unable to pull away from this prince who had also wormed his way into my heart. The whole motion even surprised Gerta, who had been silently watching us, as I couldn’t help but feel safe in his arms.

“Thank you.” He breathed, prompting my eyes to sting, knowing how much I was hiding from this poor boy who wished nothing more than returned affection.

On his shirt, there was the scent of vanilla, leaving me to grip it as the warmth surrounded me, as muffled sounds erupted, allowing something to rise within me.

“What an awful fate awaits us.” A familiar female voice said.

Eh?

Sadly, it wasn’t clear.

“What makes you say that, Edna?” Another recognizable voice asked.

When…

Nothing was clear; everything was fuzzy.

“Just a feeling…” Edna sighed.

“Hmm… do you think our baby can hear us?” A familiar male voice queried.

“They say a fetus can hear after noises from twenty-four weeks onward.” The unnamed female informed.

“Maybe… But she isn’t like a normal baby. She’s a full soul placed into a soulless body. I’ll seal away her memories when we finish the bond. So… I think she can hear us right now.” Edna giggled.

“How are you feeling?” The other female questioned.

“Hah… I don’t think I can hold her in me for much longer, Lilith,” Edna informed.

“Isn’t it too early? You got pregnant after Vera.” The male voice worried.

“She’ll live, Cain, and she’ll have you to guide her,” Edna assured.

A soft groan left her lips, as I could feel her distress ripple through me.

“Argh… I’m sorry, but it seems our deal will have to be fast-forwarded a month, Vera. Your babies have to be born before for this to work.” Edna added, yet her voice wasn’t as clear as before.

“Shit… your water broke? It’s too early.” Cain voiced.

“As I said, I can’t hold her. Be a dear and prepare to send the gate with the ancient god in it to the Silver Fangs. It’s time.” Edna dismissed his worries.

“I understand, mistress.” The warlock sighed.

Edna hummed a lullaby while she soon became the only presence I felt near me.

“The crown prince will kill his brother, and the world will turn on him. Vivian… how I wish I could know how everything will turn out for you, but this is the only thing I can do for you.” She mumbled, groaning soon after. “Please… hold on for a little longer. Mommy must make sure you’re safe.”

Before I knew it, the memory melted away while I was still in Alistair’s hands.

What was…

“Stay safe, okay?” He whispered, tugging away, as I met his eyes momentarily before nodding.

That memory… Why now?

Alistair gazed at Gerta, bowing his head.

“Good day, young master.” She responded the same way.

Though the moment he was out of view, Gerta turned to me again. “Seems you have tamed all three demons. Call me impressed.”

I could feel cold sweat slowly breaking out.

Oops… I forgot there’s a shark here.

“Ah… I don’t know what you mean. All I did was lend him a listening ear.” I dismissed, trying not to gaze at her.

Sadly, Zoe didn’t help as she giggled at her assessment, which wasn’t bad since it was the first time I had seen her laugh the entire day.

“Hah… I don’t know why you’re chuckling at me since you also tamed a certain wolf.” I mumbled, prompting her eyes to widen.

“Eh?! No way! He’s just a cute kid!” She quickly defended herself.

Hah… You’re completely unaware of how Leo looks at you. It’s so similar to… Wait… no, we aren’t in a relationship! Why is he even in my mind so much?! Argh!

With a simple thought of my vampire, my lips burned from the lingering kiss we had before we left the room. His scent radiated off my skin, too, even if Alistair’s had mixed with it somewhat. However, the moment Gerta hummed, I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

“Well, let’s see… Loki’s utterly in love with you. Oswald cares about you since he stood up for you, and he wouldn’t have done so otherwise. Now, Alistair is happier than he has been in years. In fact, I think that is the first time I have seen him hug anyone other than Tania.” Gerta pointed out. “Call me jealous, Vivian.”

I could not even see her expression, though I could feel how smug it was.

“Well… All I hope is that Alistair’s happiness keeps and doesn’t get tarnished by someone else.” I sighed, turning towards her.

“If it’s what I suspect, the queen won’t tolerate it,” Gerta informed, without holding back.

All that means is the queen needs to be eliminated. Once the rift is closed, it’ll be the first thing I do.

“All because of an heir? Right?” I asked plainly.

How hard can it be to kill a queen without it falling on anyone? Too hard with my limits in place. Argh… I won’t allow the world to turn on you, friend. I really won’t.

Though from all my time there, I had only seen her once, as a part of me couldn’t help but think she was hiding from everyone.

“Yes,” Gerta answered. “Every crown prince must produce an heir, especially before they ascend the throne.”

I gazed at Zoe, who quickly caught my unspoken words from my expression alone and nodded. This coven was well adapted to making people disappear, especially in moments of chaos.

“Well… hopefully, everything will work out.” I sighed, shifting my gaze towards Gerta.

“Hopefully.” She shook her head, closing her eyes.

“I’ll excuse myself, I have to call family.” Zoe bowed, turning away from us and heading down the hall.

Unfortunately, I had little time to worry about any issues when Tania was coming towards us, turning everything into secondary concerns.

Crap… The last person I wanted to see.

From the way she walked, it seemed there weren’t any lasting effects of what I had done to her, yet I couldn’t help but avert my eyes from her. Luckily, she opened the door without addressing me at all, which washed over me with relief.

Haha… The spell worked.

A couple of hours of standing there with Gerta passed as we spoke about simpler, lighter things. Until…

“You’re a sweet little thing. I don’t think I’ll mind a great-grandchild coming from you and Loki.” She suddenly declared.

“W-What?!” I slurred in my words, “N-N-No way!”

“Well, you should, for now, use protection, my dear. Though, oops, events are pleasant too. I would know.” She giggled as I found myself defeated by her when the doors suddenly opened.

Loki finally emerged from the room with a solemn expression, and he suddenly grabbed me before pulling me behind him, without even acknowledging the old woman who bowed as he took me away. Luckily, Eli was still pitch black as my beloved didn’t utter a word the entire time. However, the moment he opened the door to his room, he threw me onto the bed, leaving me feeling like a doll being dragged around.

Eh?! Are you angry about me stomping on your foot earlier?