Earthly Realm, Year 2010 of the Second Earth

Lualhati stood at the foot of the garden in front of her ancestral home, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and disbelief. After three years of studying abroad, the sight before her was almost unrecognizable.

Tall walls now surrounded her family's home, transforming it into what resembled a fortress rather than the warm haven she remembered. Babaylans-priestesses and spiritual guides-moved purposefully around the perimeter, their presence both comforting and foreboding.

As night fell, the warm glow of lanterns flickered around the estate, casting dancing shadows that seemed to beckon her closer.

Yet, a sense of unease settled within her. She longed to step through the familiar threshold but felt an invisible weight upon her shoulders. Just then, her father, Jose, called for her to join him in his study. "Lualhati! Come here, we need to talk," he said, his voice echoing through the hallway.

Curiosity piqued, she made her way to the study. Jose sat behind his desk, his expression serious yet welcoming. "I'm glad you're back, but there are urgent matters we must discuss."

"What's wrong?" Lualhati asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

He gestured for her to sit. "Tomorrow morning, at dawn, you will undergo your rite of passage to be my heir as the senior babaylan of our eastern realm."

Lualhati blinked in surprise, her heart sinking slightly. "But I just got back! I thought... I thought there would be time to settle in."

Jose leaned forward, his eyes steady. "I understand, but it's necessary. All the senior babaylan from the four realms are present, and the ceremony must coincide with your debut celebration the same evening."

She hesitated, her thoughts racing. "But...about my debut. I thought we said it was going to be an intimate affair. Lola Casey just died---"

"Lualhati," he replied gently, "We have respected the babang-luksa and have mourned for a year. We can't let such an opportunity slip by. This is a significant moment for you, and we're celebrating your coming of age. You are ready for this, and we must honor our traditions."

Lualhati took a long breath as if in preparation, "Well, there is no stopping mom for sure, so, where do you need me?" She smiled and Jose placed na arm on her shoulder.

"I'm glad you're onboard, anak. That is my mission accomplished." He smiled at his daughter and kissed her on her cheeks. "Just try to get some rest while you can, tomorrow is a big day."

The bustle of activity outside the study confirmed the excitement of her family and the whole clan. Coordinators for food and decorations hurried about, transforming the garden into a lavish venue for her debut.

Lualhati feeling overwhelmed by it all quietly slipped out to the brook behind the ancestral home.

As she stood by the gentle flow of water, memories flooded her mind. She thought of her angel, the one who had always been by her side. "Where are you?" she whispered into the night. His absence ached like a wound. She remembered the way he would tease her, the warmth of his presence that had always made her feel safe.

Three years had passed since her father sent her to Europe for training. She had immersed herself in the teachings of senior babaylans and spiritual warriors, learning about alchemy, incantations, and spiritual warfare. It felt as if she was preparing for battle, and yet the knowledge she gained was invaluable. "But what good is it if you're not here with me?" she lamented, gazing at the water.

Suddenly, a rhythmic drumming broke her reverie signalling the dawn of her rite of passage had arrived, the sacred ceremony waiting just beyond the brook. The weight of her responsibilities overwhlems her, but she couldn't shake the eerie tension in the air.

The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight broke over the horizon, Lualhati stood in the garden, surrounded by the gathering of the Church of the Keepers of Secrets. Her father, adorned in ceremonial robes, prepared to conduct the rites. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation.

"Welcome, Lualhati," he intoned, his voice resonating through the air. "Today, you step into your role as my heir to be senior babaylan, protector of our eastern realm."

As he performed the ceremony, Lualhati felt a deep serenity wash over her, reminding her of the rituals she had observed during her training. Memories of her angel, flickered in her mind. Would he have been proud?

Once the ceremony concluded, her father embraced her tightly. "You have made me proud," he said, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You are ready."

The day moved swiftly, filled with preparations for her debut. Lualhati was fussed over by her beautician, her heart a mix of joy and anxiety. When her mother, Luisa, entered, Lualhati noticed a shadow of sadness on her face.

"Why do you seem so down?" Lualhati asked, concerned.

"This is an important chapter in your life, my dear. We want to celebrate it properly," Luisa replied, her voice soft but firm. "You're becoming a woman, and this is your introduction to society. I cannot help but wish for more time with you as my baby. But look at how you have bloomed!"

Lualhati stood in the dim light of her dressing room, her heart racing as she gazed at the midnight blue ballroom gown that enveloped her like a second skin. The fabric shimmered softly, catching the light with every subtle movement, as if woven from the very essence of twilight.

The bodice of the gown was elegantly structured, featuring delicate lace accents that traced intricate patterns across her shoulders and décolletage, accentuating her graceful neck. The gown flared out from her waist, cascading into a full, flowing skirt that swirled around her feet like the night sky enveloping the earth.

Layers of satin and tulle created a sense of depth, the hem adorned with tiny crystals that twinkled like distant stars, drawing the eye and enhancing the gown's ethereal quality. The sleeves were sheer and lightly puffed, giving her an air of regal elegance while allowing her arms to move freely.

As she turned, the gown caught the light, revealing hints of deep azure and indigo that shifted like shadows, making her appear both enchanting and powerful. The intricate embroidery along the waist glinted subtly, hinting at the rich history of her lineage.

Lualhati raised her chin, she looked in the mirror and felt like a queen, ready to embrace her destiny with grace and strength. The midnight blue gown encapsulated her spirit, merging the elegance of a formal debut with the undeniable essence of a true babaylan, poised to lead with both heart and power.

"No matter what happens tonight, anak, always know how much I love you." Her mother gave her one final hug before quickly leaving Lualhati suddnely worried of what her mother meant.

Later that evening, as guests filled the garden, the grandeur of the celebration overwhelmed Lualhati. The middle-earth theme brought the world of her childhood dreams to life, but Lualhati felt like a deer caught in headlights.

The air was filled with laughter and excitement as Lualhati stepped into the massive tent as she was introduced as the debutante, her heart fluttering with anticipation. Her traditional Filipino debut was in full swing, and the atmosphere buzzed with energy. Colorful lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the elegantly decorated tables filled with family and friends.

"Lualhati! Over here!" her childhood friend, Jannah, waved her over. A group of her classmates had gathered, their chatter a joyful melody amidst the festivities.

"Can you believe it? This is finally happening!" Jannah exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "You look like a queen!"

"Thanks, Janna!" Lualhati smiled, feeling a rush of gratitude for her friends. They gathered around her, each carrying a lit candle, ready for the "Eighteen Candles" ceremony that marked her transition into adulthood.

When the program started and her friends and families took turns lighting their candles and offering wishes, Lualhati felt a warmth in her heart.

But as the ceremony came to an end, a wave of nervousness washed over her. The emcee's voice cut through the cheerful chatter. "Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the 'Eighteen Roses' ceremony, where our debutante will dance with eighteen gentlemen who are significant in her life."

Lualhati's thoughts immediately turned to her angel. She wished he could be part of this moment, her heart aching with his absence. The music swelled, but just as the emcee began to introduce her first dance, a commotion erupted outside the tent.

"Everyone, please remain calm," her uncle called out, signaling for the emcee to continue. Lualhati's anxiety spiked as she noticed her three uncles moving away from the queue of men waiting to dance with her.

The first waltz began, and Lualhati's father, Jose, stepped forward to take her hand. His expression was serious, almost worried. "I'm so proud of you, anak," he said softly as they began to move in rhythm. "I wish I could do more to prepare you for what lies ahead."

Tears filled Lualhati's eyes. "Dad, thank you for everything. The past three years have shown me how important our role is in balancing our realm. I'll step into my responsibilities with pride."

Jose kissed her forehead, his love palpable. "Just remember, I'll always be here for you."

As they danced, Lualhati felt a deep sense of love and security, but soon the next partner approached, and her father had to let her go. Relief washed over her when she saw her uncles return to the queue, and for a moment, she lost herself in the joy of dancing with her childhood friends and cousins. Each twirl and laugh momentarily chased away the nervous energy buzzing within her.

But then, as her seventeenth dance concluded, the lights flickered and went out. Gasps filled the air, and Lualhati's heart raced. She quickly became alert, sensing the underlying tension that had been building throughout the night.

Suddenly, a rush of footsteps echoed, leaves rustled, and a gust of wind swept through the tent, sending guests into a frenzy. "What's happening?" Lualhati whispered, her heart pounding.

Just as quickly as the chaos had begun, the lights returned. To her astonishment, everything remained untouched; not a tablecloth was out of place. But then her uncle signaled again, his expression grave as he announced the arrival of new guests.

Lualhati's breath caught as a striking entourage entered the tent. They moved with an air of authority, but Lualhati did not recognize any of them. Then, through the crowd, a familiar figure stepped forward, and her heart skipped a beat.

It was Abaddon. The King of the Abyss.

His beauty was blinding. His dark hair shimmered in the dim light, silver eyes piercing through her, seeing her in ways no one ever had. Her heart raced, and in the space of a breath, she felt herself drawn to him, despite the fury she felt bubbling beneath the surface. Her breath hitched as his gaze locked with hers, the world around them falling away.

The intense attraction she felt for him flared back to life, stronger than ever. He never took his eyes off her as he approached, his presence magnetic. Without acknowledging her dance partner, he extended his hand, his voice low and smooth. "I believe I am to have the pleasure of this dance?"

Again Lualhati's breath hitched. She couldn't help herself. She placed her hand in his, and as they glided onto the dance floor, the world around them faded.

As they glided across the dance floor, Lualhati marveled at how effortlessly he led her. Abaddon looked stunning in a dark blue suit, his presence igniting a whirlwind of emotions within her. The melody of the waltz enveloped them, and for a moment, everything felt right.

"Why are you here?" she finally managed to ask, curiosity laced with concern.

"I am here only because you wanted me here, Lualhati," he replied, his gaze steady, as if searching for something deep within her.

The applause of the guests brought them back to reality, and Abaddon escorted her away from the crowd, leading her toward the brook that meandered behind their ancestral home. Lualhati marveled at how his touch felt warm and familiar, as if they were meant to be together in this moment.

As she looked up at him, mesmerized by the perfect sight of him, she hesitated, unsure of what to say. But then, out of nowhere, her father confronted Abaddon, a protective edge in his voice. "You cannot take her!"

"Take me?" Lualhati exclaimed, shock rippling through her. "Where are you taking me?!"

Abaddon's expression grew serious as he met her gaze. "You are of age now, Lualhati. I am staking my claim on you. We are to be wed, and you are to be my wife."

The weight of his words hung in the air, and Lualhati felt a whirlwind of emotions crash over her. Excitement, fear, and an undeniable longing swirled within her as she stood at the edge of everything she had ever dreamed of. The night, once filled with joy and laughter, now shifted into an unknown realm where her fate intertwined with that of the King of the Abyss.

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