(Our Realm)
Alethia and Jen strolled through the school corridors, their destination set on their usual meeting spot. As they passed the library notice board, Jen's sharp eyes caught sight of Zepher, David, and Sara amidst the throng of students. Jen beckoned David over with a wave, and he, along with Zepher and Sara, made their way through the crowd. "Hey, sweetheart. Hey, Alethia. How's everyone doing today?"
Jen beamed. "Fantastic! What had caught everyone's attention over there?"
Alethia observed Zepher wrapping his arms around Sara's waist. "There's going to be a Valentine's Day dance."
Jen's grin widened. "Oh, that sounds like a blast."
Alethia nervously bit her lip, noticing Zepher's concerned expression fixed on her. "It'll be a lot of fun. I can't wait. All of us girls should go shopping for the perfect outfit to wear."
Jen practically pounced on her. "That's a splendid idea! This weekend, we'll all go out and find the most exquisite dress for the dance."
Alethia chuckled at Jen's enthusiastic reaction and turned to Sara. "You should join us. It'll be a blast. No guys allowed, just us girls."
Sara squirmed slightly but nodded. "Sounds like tons of fun. Count me in."
Alethia smiled. "Great. I'll go find Corie and inform her of the plan." She waved goodbye to everyone and set off down the hall, searching for Corie. However, she accidentally collided with Russell, nearly stumbling backward. Russell swiftly grabbed her wrist, steadying her. "Whoa, are you alright?"
"I'm so sorry. I wasn't paying attention. Have you seen Corie?"
He gave her an odd look and shook his head. "No, I thought she would be waiting for everyone in the cafeteria."
"Alright, I'll go look for her." She smiled and walked past him before turning back. "Oh, umm, what are you doing tonight?"
Confused, he looked at her. "As far as I know, nothing. Why?"
Blushing, she felt her cheeks warm up. "Well, I was wondering if maybe you'd like to come over, watch a movie, and have dinner with me. I could meet you at my house around five, if that works. I have some errands to run after school."
He stared at her, momentarily silent, making her feel foolish for even asking. "You mean, like a date?"
Blushing even more, she glanced at her feet. "If...that's what you want." Her heart raced in anticipation.
He smiled, a genuine smile she had never seen before. "I'd love to. I'll see you at five."
Alethia nodded. "Great. I can't wait." She hurried off to find Corie, filling her in on the plan for the weekend shopping trip in preparation for the upcoming dance.
The end of the day arrived swiftly, and Alethia made her way down the street to Tim Hortons, where she was to meet Chris. There he stood outside the main entrance, holding two large French vanillas, handing one to her with a smile. "Are you ready to go?"
Nodding, she took the French vanilla. "Yep. But how long is this going to take? I have a date tonight."
Chris grinned mischievously. "Maybe twenty minutes. You have a date? With whom?"
They began walking toward the bike path. "Russell."
Chris halted his steps, glancing back at Alethia. "Russell?" he called out.
Alethia nodded, feeling a sudden unease. "Yes, why?"
Chris turned away, shaking his head. "Just... just be careful, alright?" He continued walking, explaining the location they were heading to. "This place isn't exactly secluded, but it's tucked away behind a few houses. It's a beautiful spot, in tune with nature. Right by the waterfall outside of town. Many students come here when they want to escape their classes."
Alethia nodded, still puzzled by his earlier warning. "It sounds lovely. I can't wait to see it."
After ten minutes, Chris stopped and pulled back a tree branch, revealing a breathtaking clearing next to the river where the waterfall cascaded into.
Alethia looked around in awe. "This place is remarkable."
Chris chuckled. "I'm glad you like it. I had a feeling you would."
Alethia continued to admire the surroundings. "So, this is where we'll be practicing from now on?"
Chris nodded. "Yes, this will be our meeting spot."
Smiling, Alethia exclaimed, "Wonderful! I absolutely love it here."
Chris grinned. "Great. Well, let's get you back to town so you won't be late for your date."
Alethia nodded as they made their way back along the path. Chris bid her farewell when they reached the parking lot of Tim Hortons, wishing her luck before heading home. Once Alethia arrived home, she tossed her bag on the floor and checked the time. She had ten minutes before Russell was supposed to arrive. Heading into the kitchen, she found a note from her grandmother, along with some money for supper. Grabbing the house phone, she quickly called the pizza place to order two medium pizzas and a bottle of pop. As she hung up the phone, there was a knock on the door.
Running a brush through her hair, Alethia approached the door, but before she could unlock it, Galen appeared in front of her, questioning her actions. "What are you doing? What's wrong with you?"
Confused, Alethia asked, "What are you talking about?"
Galen scowled. "You know who he is, Alethia. He's a demon. Why are you doing this? You're supposed to be with Zepher."
Glaring at Galen, Alethia turned her attention back to the door. "One minute, Russ!" She then faced Galen again, her tone firm. "First of all, he may be a demon in the other realm, but he has never harmed me. Secondly, Zepher broke up with me and has been dating Sara for quite some time now. I deserve to be happy, Galen."
Galen huffed in response. "Father won't be pleased with this."
"Funny how Father is never pleased with anything I do," Alethia retorted. "Tonight, I would appreciate some privacy. You and Phraan are to leave me alone. And if you don't, I'll use the barrier spell Chris taught me, and it will keep even the two of you out."
Galen crossed his arms, still trying to dissuade her. "You're making a mistake, little sister. He's only going to hurt you, if not kill you."
Alethia closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "Leave... now."
When she opened her eyes again, Galen had vanished. She reached to unlock the door, smiling as she stepped back to let Russell in. Her anger began to subside as he entered. "Sorry I took so long. I was on the phone with the pizza place."
Russell raised an eyebrow, his tone tinged with concern. "I heard another guy's voice." Nodding, Alethia explained, "I had it on speaker." She shut the door and locked it once more.
Russell gave her a searching look. "I could hear the conversation, Alethia. Your brother doesn't want me here."
She sighed softly. "Yes, well, he doesn't dictate my life, does he?" She motioned towards the living room. "Make yourself comfortable. Supper should be here soon."
Russell went and took a seat on the couch, and Alethia joined him. "So, what kind of movie would you like to watch?"
He shrugged. "Your call. I'm just happy to spend some time with you. It's been a while since I had you all to myself."
Alethia blushed, grabbing the remote to turn on the TV. "I don't remember you having me all to yourself, except for those two times you walked me home."
Shaking his head, Russell clarified, "I didn't mean in this realm or this life. And you wouldn't remember anyway." Just as she was about to inquire further, there was another knock on the door.
"Oh, that must be supper. I'll be right back." She handed him the remote and went to answer the door. Returning with the boxes of pizza, she set them on the coffee table and went to get glasses for the pop. Taking a seat back on the couch next to Russell, she said, "Take what you want. I've got plenty."
He gazed at her for a moment, his touch caressing her cheek before his hand settled at the back of her neck, his eyes locked with hers. "Anything?" he whispered.
Her cheeks flushed with heat as she met his intense gaze, her heart racing at his touch. She could sense his energy, which made her head swim, and she nodded in response. But before she could utter a word, his lips descended upon hers, and she closed her eyes, wrapping her arms around his neck, savoring the softness of the kiss. She didn't want it to end, but as their connection deepened, a sharp pain pierced her mind, accompanied by a blinding light, causing her to gasp and break away.
Breathless, she held her head, her eyes tightly shut. It felt as if a vision was struggling to break through, but she couldn't grasp its meaning.
"Alethia? Are you okay?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.
Slowly nodding as the pain gradually subsided, she replied, "I...I think so."
Russell averted his gaze, his voice filled with regret. "I'm sorry...it's been..." His words trailed off as he shook his head.
Alethia let out a sigh. "No...it's okay. I...I'm grateful that you did it. I just can't comprehend what happened."
He nodded, his eyes meeting hers once more. "It was a memory attempting to break through the spell that was placed upon you."
Confusion etched across Alethia's face as she looked up at him. "What do you mean? Who erased my memory?" "
“They erased your memory, Alethia. It's what they do in every lifetime, so you don't remember anything. So you don't remember Kakaron. So you don't remember me."
She shook her head, disbelief evident in her voice. "Kakaron mentioned this in the other realm as well. Was he being serious? Did the elders truly wipe my memories?"
