Celeste bit her nails, a habit she had when she was beyond the level of worry, and overly tensed. Her green eyes are on the iced doors that lead to Nicklaus’ chambers. It has been sealed for weeks.
"Should we go in?" she considered.
"I don’t think that will be a good idea," Alaric said, sighing and rubbing his temples, still thinking if they should find their way in or not.
"Then why are we here then? We’re here for him right... he has been locked inside there for weeks, we have to get him out" she reasons, desperately worried for her brother.
"I know that sister... but" Alaric intoned, his jaw tightened in response. "What if we don’t control what we see there, maybe it’s best for him to stay put and not wreak bloody havoc when he comes out"
"Are you implying our brother will rampage on like a mindless beast when he finally steps out of his chambers?" she was merely stunned he thought that way... but she wouldn’t blame him though, she was also considering it.
His gaze fell on her and he gave a shrug. "Maybe"
Suddenly the ice that barrages the large door slowly dissolved.
"Alaric!"
"Yes... seems like Brother is about to come to us"
Their heart slammed loudly in the chest as the ice retreated leisurely and then the door spread open revealing Nicklaus, he stood before them in his royal attire, all-black clothing with golden designs, his long hair let down completely and a C curve golden crown around his head, somewhat backward.
His dark green eyes fell on his two siblings still as a mountain unable to speak.
"Brother," Alaric said, finally breaking the intense silence. "You’re..." he took in his looks, he seemed more reserved than what he expected. "...Out"
He made a hmm sound.
"We were worried Nicklaus, you have been locked in there for weeks"
Nicklaus’ eyes scanned the grand lobby, most parts covered in ice, seeing this he knew his mood was the cause of it.
"He’s not saying anything" Celeste whispered to Alaric who cleared his throat.
"Broth-"
"I found Yelena"
They froze at his words.
"She’s in the Spirit Forest" he adds before walking past them.
"What? I thought that Realm doesn’t exist anymore" Celeste said, they both followed behind him.
"Unless she erased it" Alaric intoned.
"She’s not powerful enough to do such," Nicklaus said, coming to a halt.
"Aside from you... no one has the power to do that" Celeste said.
"There is" Nicklaus intoned. "It’s time to meet an old friend", he walked ahead.
Alaric and Celeste shared looks before following him.
At a far corner, a dark figure’s crimson eyes were on them as they exited the halls, the dark figure retreated into the dark.
Nicklaus’ eyes moved to the corner, he sensed a presence but he couldn’t tell who it was, but he was sure of it... someone or something was tailing them.
"Alaric, Celeste," he said faintly but they heard him.
"Something is at play, stay alert"
They stroke a nod even though they didn’t completely understand. Alaric somewhat got it, he has been conscious of his surroundings ever since he deduced the fact that the enemy responsible for altering their memories was somewhat amongst them.
☆☆☆
Unknown Location
The dark figure with crimson eyes walked into a dark area that looked like ruins, the skies were pure red and held dark thunder that struck clamorous.
"They are on the move, your grace," the dark figure’s stretchy voice said like he drew harsh breaths with each word he spoke. "It seems the Emperor has a clue where the goddess is and more... I feel he may now sense my presence"
The thunder stroke. "Seems like the spell is getting weakened, your grace, I fear the goddess might come to remember" he adds in an unpleasant tone.
There was a figure that stood before him, back turned, in a dark cloak, the hood up.
"Once again Edwina thinks she’s wise, she was after all the only one our spell didn’t work on," the figure said.
"It is as it seems your grace, but she’s dead now, she will no longer interfere, all we have to do is stop the goddess from recovering her memories or our plans will fail"
"No! Leave it be, she’s the key, it will work in our favor when she remembers, after all, I saw it coming"
The thunder struck clamorous once again.
"Your words are wise, your grace" the crimson-eyed figure bowed his head.
"Observe the scene closely and carefully"
"Yes your grace"
☆☆☆
Nicklaus came to a halt at the entrance of the Palace, Beowulf and Mint waited there.
"Emperor" they bowed their heads.
"Mint there’s no need to come, stay within the palace, Beowulf you’re coming with me," Nicklaus said.
"As you wish Emperor," he said as his crimson eyes lowered to the floor and then he vanished to the in-between awaiting his name to be called by his master.
"Is this wise Brother? they both should stay back" Alaric said.
"There’s no need" Nicklaus stated, his dark green eyes on Mint.
"Mint... there’s a leech in this palace, do a round of search for whatever ominous presence" he gave his order.
"Yes, my Liege," he said bowing deeply.
"Are you two coming with me?" he asked his siblings.
"Of course!" Celeste barked, before facing Alaric. "You should stay... you know it only gets worse when you come"
"Then I shall keep my distance but I’m coming," he said in defiance, he knew she was right but he just couldn’t sit still he would find a way to bypass it.
"gods, you’re so stubborn, Nicklaus are you okay with this?"Celeste asked, knowing this might not be a good idea.
Nicklaus was silent as with a wave of his hand a portal opened and they stepped in. He was awfully silent and they pondered what could be going on in his head.
’I’m coming for you... my love’