THE HANDSOME KEEPERS

“Iris? Iris! Wake up!”

The voice that called me was familiar, even though I was certain I had never heard it before. Yet it tugged at something deep inside me, as if I should know it.

I must be dead.

That was the only explanation for the weightlessness I felt in my body. There was no pain anymore. In fact, I felt amazing like I was floating on a puff of clouds.

If this was the afterlife, then maybe dying wasn’t so bad after all.

“She must still be sleepy.”

“But I saw her eyes moving, she’s definitely awake.”

“Then she must be tired. Ren, you were with her yesterday. You must have worn her out again.”

“Me? I didn’t! I’m not as rough as you.”

“How dare....”

“Shhh… she moved.”

I heard footsteps approach the bed. My eyelids fluttered, still heavy.

What was happening? Where was I?

“Luna? Are you awake?”

I forced my eyes open, and the sudden flood of light nearly blinded me. I squinted, waiting for my vision to adjust, and finally focused on the voice.

“You’re awake!” A lean, blonde man stood before me. His muscles were defined but not bulky, his aquamarine eyes gleaming like sunlight on the sea. He wore a simple white sleeping robe, and the way he smiled at me made me feel like he was glowing. I turned my head to the other side and froze.

Another man stood there broad-shouldered, tanned skin, hair a little tousled, holding a tray of food covered with silver lids. He wore a dark blue hoodie, and despite the casual look, he radiated raw strength.

What the actual hell.

I looked down at myself and my heart nearly jumped out of my chest. I was half-naked. A skimpy red nightdress clung to me, short and scandalous.

Heat rushed to my face as I let out a scream and yanked the fluffy blanket over me. Both men flinched at the sound.

The blonde one hurried closer, his expression tightening in concern.

“Luna, are you okay?” His tone was soft, gentle, almost protective.

“I… wh… who are you?” I stammered, barely managing the words.

They exchanged glances, confusion flickering between them before looking back at me. Their expressions shifted from startled to… worried.

The blonde reached forward and placed a cool hand on my forehead. I flinched at his touch, and he scowled as if my reaction had insulted him.

The darker one calmly set the tray on the side table and sat on the bed, his presence solid and intimidating.

“What exactly do you mean by who are we?” he asked, sounding more offended than confused.

My heart raced. Are they the keepers of the afterlife?

“I think she has a fever,” the blonde declared flatly.

“Ahh, one of those days again?” The darker one’s lips curved into a smirk, as if something suddenly made sense to him.

His handsome face was unfairly perfect, carved like some ancient Roman god. It was only now that I realized how breathtaking they both were.

The blonde looked like an angel, radiant and untouchable. The tanned one looked like a god of war, dangerous and magnetic. Am I sure I’m not dead?

“What are you talking about?” I asked, genuinely curious and slightly panicked.

“It doesn’t matter. You should eat first,” the blonde said with a smile so dazzling it could melt steel.

“But… who are you?” I pressed again, needing answers. He sighed. “I’m Ren. Your favorite Lykora.”

“Favorite? You’re the least,” the other snapped furiously, his dark siren eyes flashing as he moved closer to the bed.

Ren instantly scuttled closer to me, glaring back. “No, I’m not!” He turned to me with wide, pleading eyes. “Right, Luna?” I froze, caught between them.

Both pairs of eyes bore into me.... Ren’s desperate and hopeful, the other’s dark and intense enough to shatter me if I answered wrong.

“I… I like you both,” I whispered nervously. Survival instincts told me to keep both of these intimidatingly beautiful men on my side. But which one was actually the good side?

“Luna only said that out of pity for you, Zayen. Everyone knows she likes me more.” Zayen’s jaw tightened in anger. He shot me a look, and I forced a shaky smile at him.

To my surprise, his expression softened instantly, his anger melting away.

“We should let Luna eat,” Zayen muttered, voice low but firm.

“You’re right. You can go. I’ll feed her.” My eyes widened. Feed me? Not that I minded the idea, but still, what?

“You’ve done enough. I’ll do it,” Zayen cut in, lifting the plate. Ren pounced onto the bed in a blur, gripping the tray.

“It’s my day with her.”

“As I said, you don’t have to worry. I’ll do it.” Zayen tugged the tray back.

“No! Don’t you have duties today? I’m sure Luna wouldn’t want you neglecting them.”

Both turned to me at the same time, their gazes burning, waiting for me to choose between them. I scrambled to my feet, forcing a smile.

“Why don’t you both stop worrying yourselves and let me do it myself....”

“Impossible,” they chorused, resuming their tug-of-war.

I sighed, silently calling to the Goddess. Really? Is this the afterlife? Did you send me not one, but two of your most handsome angels because I’ve suffered too much? It was… nice, but wasn’t this a bit much?

I decided not to interfere and let them argue. Instead, I scanned the room and spotted a red robe draped over a chair.

Quietly, I slipped it on, tying the sash tightly, and tiptoed out of the room.

The hallway stretched endlessly, massive and lined with golden sconces. The floor shimmered like polished marble, the walls etched with faint markings that looked strangely familiar. Familiar. Like I had been here before.

“Iris!”

A voice I knew better than my own rang out. I turned, and my breath caught. Violet bambi-like eyes stared back at me.

A girl with short blue-black hair rushed toward me, smiling.

“You’re finally awake! I think you slept through half the day,” she giggled.

“Lily?” My voice cracked. It couldn’t be.

“Yes, Iris,” she answered softly, her smile tender and real. Something was wrong.

Terribly wrong. I ran to her, my hands trembling as I cupped her cheek. She was warm, solid real.

My eyes burned as tears threatened to spill.

“Why… why are you here? Please, don’t.... don’t tell me you died too.” Lily froze, stunned.

“What are you talking about? Dead? Who died?” My stomach dropped.

She didn’t even know.

“You… you don’t know you’re… if you’re here, that means…” My words crumbled in my throat. I couldn’t finish.

Hot tears streamed down my face as I pulled her into my arms, sobbing into her neck.

“I’m sorry… I wasn’t there to protect you.” She hesitated, then hugged me lightly before pulling back, confusion etched into her features.

“Iris, what are you talking about?” “I mean… if you’re here with me, then that must mean you died in the real world too, right?”

My tears fell harder, streaking my cheeks. Lily blinked, then suddenly laughed.

Not a chuckle, full-on laughter, clutching her stomach, tears welling in her eyes.

“Why are you laughing?” I asked, bewildered. “No… no, I… I guess it’s just that time of the month.”

“What.... ” I began, but before I could finish, the heavy door behind us creaked open.

“Luna…”