It was warmer here compared to Myrindel, yet cooler than the Lantern Islands. Auretta thought it was the perfect warmth as she followed Melione through the forest, squinting her eyes whenever the sunlight got into her sky blue eyes.

The atmosphere had been less awkward, she felt like she could breathe. The branches and leaves kept rustling. It startled Auretta slightly, but she regained composure shortly after.

The sound of rushing water could be heard nearby, making Auretta's thoughts drift back to the time she nearly drowned in the ruins. All she did was search for a stone from a legend–now, she was surrounded by supernatural beings.

Auretta hurried, quickening her pace. She walked beside Melione, sneaking small glances at the girl. Auretta's expression shifted to a sullen one, studying Melione's features, from her dark hair, moving to her sharp amethyst eyes and figure–she looked attractive in appearance despite having a hostile aura.

"I'm sorry for asking, but where are we?" Auretta asked, gripping tighter on her skirts as her gaze shifted to the floor. "We're at the westernmost parts of Lumerionth," "Lumerionth?" Auretta perked her head. She heard the word Lumerionth before but couldn't recall.

The ebony haired girl facepalmed, puffing irritatingly. "You Pyralites know nothing, do you?" she hissed, glaring daggers towards Auretta, making her step backwards as Melione crossed her arms.

"Your people invaded our land five hundred years ago–the rest of us Lumerionthians have been hidden ever since! And now you're telling me you've never heard of Lumerionth before?! This land which you invaded is originally the Lumerionth Empire." Melione yelled, gritting her teeth and clenching her fists.

Auretta furrowed her brows at Melione, holding a stern gaze at the ebony haired girl. "I have nothing to do with this." she muttered. "Who knows what you're even planning to do here." Melione retorted.

"How about a switch of atmosphere–it's too heavy here!" Auretta flinched at a sudden touch on her shoulder, turning around to see Jaemi resting both of his hands on Melione's and Auretta's shoulders.

Melione's stern expression softened subtly, then she rolled her eyes, shifting her gaze away from both Jaemi and Auretta.

The storm within Auretta calmed down. The atmosphere felt lighter just as Jaemi popped up–though Auretta was frightened for a moment. Where did he even come from?

"Where were you?" Melione muttered, squeezing her arm as she blew a strand of her hair away from her face. "Speaking with Heron," he replied. "Ah, so he's back with the wagon."

Auretta remained silent, gripping the hem of her sleeves. Seeing Auretta's shoulders were tensed, Jaemi let go of her shoulder, resting his arm atop of Melione's shoulder.

"Well, our friend just returned with a wagon. He should be willing to bring you back to Myrindel." Melione tightened her jaw. Her eyes narrowed at Jaemi, yet he seemed to be unbothered by it–perhaps he thought it was amusing to see Melione angry. Auretta furrowed her brows at the thought of this–Melione's frustration was something large enough, large enough to give Auretta the need of burying herself.

"What's with the face?" he grinned. Melione said nothing–clearing her throat. Jaemi's gaze shifted back to Auretta–Melione still believed she was a threat.

A small laugh escaped Jaemi's mouth. His lips shifted back into that cheeky grin again–Auretta felt the need to punch him whenever he looked at her like that–it was irritating. "I'll repeat it again, when you reach the city–don't let anyone know about this area. Pretty sure you know the consequences." he muttered.

The pale pink haired girl couldn't do anything else but swallow bits of air as she curved her lips into a small smile. She slightly nodded her head, having the need to cower again into one of the corners out there.

The sound of shimmering burst forth as Melione rubbed a bit of her necklace–it seemed ordinary, seeing it was carved out of wood until it glowed subtly.

A dome, painted with streaks of lilacs, sprung behind Auretta. Her eyes widened. She stepped back, accidentally bumping into Jaemi. The golden haired boy chuckled again. He rested both of his hands on Auretta's shoulders, pushing her towards the portal.

Doubt rose in Auretta's thoughts–her legs fought against the strength of Jaemi's arms. "W-Wait," she stuttered. Jaemi tightened his grip on her shoulders, pushing her harder into the portal. "Get in–don't be a scaredy cat."

A scream escaped Auretta's lungs as she was pushed into the dome. She shut her eyes, shielding her face with her arms.

The bright light soon faded away–Auretta's lashes fluttered as Jaemi took his hand away from her shoulders. She gaped her mouth, gazing at the clear blue sky and houses–made of straw and timber with a thatched roof attached onto them.

"Where are we?" Auretta flinched backward as a group of children ran past her. "Sorry miss!" they yelled, waving at her. "Ah–no don't apologize!" she shouted, waving at them as a smile formed on her face.

Melione stood beside them, still with that stern expression painted on her face. "You're inside Melione's necklace–this is where most Lumerionthians hide." Jaemi stated.

Auretta rubbed her chin, finally understanding the meaning of all these.

As they walked through the busy streets, listening to the sound of the flute playing, Auretta glanced at Jaemi and Melione–what kind of secrets did they hold to possess such magic?

"Are we going to pass by Heron's now?" Melione asked harshly, earning a nod from Jaemi. "He's probably unloading the wagon." Jaemi said, whistling as he tugged on Melione's sleeves. Auretta remained silent, but she felt something going on between these two. It's just like in the novels.

Jaemi gestured at them both to follow him. "So, this Heron person is a friend of yours who's supposed to send me back?" Auretta asked, tilting her head. "Yes–well that's if he agrees. If not, I could always make up different ideas." Jaemi replied. "I guess that's something we have in common." Auretta chimed.

A small cottage could be seen from the distance–it looked quite old, seeing some parts of the walls were cracked. There were several villagers in the front, unloading different supplies from a wagon.

As they were nearing the cottage, the pink haired girl caught a glimpse of children, filled with so much enthusiasm, skipping, hopping and running towards them. Auretta gaped slightly, shifting her fearful expression into a small friendly smile as she waved at the children.

They ran past her as if she was a ghost, not minding her presence. Instead, they ran towards Jaemi, wrapping their arms around him as he lost his balance, falling onto the ground. "Hey–calm down." A laugh escaped Jaemi's lips as the kids around him grinned.

Auretta felt the need to disappear as her face turned red. Of course they would walk past her. Melione crossed her arms, glaring at the children and at Jaemi, but it seemed that they didn't have a care in the world.

"Just leave Jaemi be–let's go." Melione muttered, not bating an eye at Auretta.

Murmuring filled the silence between both of them. They arrived at the cottage, standing at the entrance, next to the wagon.

"These supplies belong to the barns. Could you please take these there?" Auretta heard a voice behind the wagon.

"Heron, you've arrived." said Melione, standing on the sides as the villagers continued on their way to their destinations. "It took me a while to find the ruins, so I've delayed a bit–sorry about that." Auretta froze, eyes widening and mouth gaping open, as the young man stepped foot away from the wagon, carrying a box of hand tools.

Black hair and eyes as dark as the seas–the stranger who saved her that day in the ruins.

As their eyes met, he too froze, furrowing his brows. "What are you doing here?" they asked in unison.