Chapter 5

Aurus’s gentle strokes along Gaia’s back gradually eased the tension in her body. Little by little, the burning sensation on her face subsided until everything felt normal again.

“I-I’m sorry,” Tana said softly. “We’ll talk later, Gaia.”

Gaia heard her sister’s footsteps retreating. Once she was certain Tana was out of earshot, she stepped away from Aurus’s embrace. He released her without protest.

“Thank you... for what you did,” she whispered, careful not to let Tana overhear. “Because you protected my secret, I promise you’ll leave Forbideria safely. Consider it my way of repaying the debt I owe you.”

Aurus said nothing. His eyes remained fixed on the side of her face where the mark had appeared.

“You should return to your tent,” Gaia continued. “Bring your companion here first thing tomorrow so he can see Tana. I’ll also make the necessary arrangements for all of you to leave Forbideria.”

Aurus let out a quiet sigh before speaking.

“The mark that appeared on your face is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, Premier Guard. Black veins spread across your cheek toward your eye, like the legs of a spider crawling over your skin. And when they converged... one of your eyes changed color. The mark also left your skin with a grayish tint.” He paused. “Do you know what it means when your illness reaches that stage?”

“I know.” Gaia’s voice was cold. “You don’t need to explain it to me. Just leave.”

She turned her back on him, making it clear she had no intention of continuing the conversation.

She already knew how much worse her condition had become. If Aurus hadn’t been there, she might not have survived the attack. At least he had been able to keep Tana from seeing the mark.

“If your twin truly matters to you,” Aurus said before leaving, “then search for the ingredients. Save yourself, Premier Guard.”

After saying goodbye to Tana, Aurus finally left.

That night, Gaia stayed in the cottage. She endured Tana’s restless sleeping habits without complaint. After all, this might be the last time they would ever sleep side by side.

Before going to bed, Tana gave her a bracelet woven from braided rope. It was the first gift Gaia had ever received in her entire life.

***

The next morning, Aurus returned to the cottage with Zeus. Tana’s face immediately lit up the moment she saw Zeus. It was obvious how much she had missed him.

Gaia quietly stepped outside, leaving the three of them alone. Moments later, Aurus followed her.

“Your right cheek is turning gray again, Premier Guard,” he said. “It won’t be long before another attack begins. The pain will keep returning until your body can no longer endure it.”

He looked at her seriously.

“You should at least drink a broth made from one of the medicinal ingredients. It won’t cure you, but it can temporarily suppress the symptoms.”

“I’m not interested.”

She brushed him off and started to walk away. Before she could, Aurus caught her arm. Gaia reacted instantly, knocking his hand away. But he caught her other wrist instead. His grip tightened, preventing her from pulling free. She stiffened her arm, matching his strength.

“You’re strong,” Aurus admitted. “No one could deny that. But no matter how powerful you are... you’re helpless when your illness strikes.”

“I’ve already accepted what’s going to happen to me, stranger,” Gaia replied emotionlessly. “Nothing you say will change my mind.”

She looked him straight in the eye. “You can let go now.”

Aurus studied her for a long moment before finally releasing her.

“You and Tana may share the same face,” he said quietly, “but your hearts couldn’t be more different.”

His expression softened. “I know neither of you had an easy life. I’ve seen that in Tana. I don’t ever want to see those lifeless eyes of hers again.” He lowered his voice. “I don’t want her to become the empty shell she once was.”

His gaze remained fixed on Gaia.

“Think about how she’ll feel if she loses you. You’re the only family she has left.”

His persistence irritated Gaia. She knew he meant well. But what he was asking was impossible. She had no idea where the ingredients were hidden. And with her body already failing, she might die long before finding even one.

“You’re right,” Gaia admitted. “I’m the only family Tana has.” She glanced toward the cottage. “But she’ll still have all of you after I’m gone. You’ve been part of her life much longer than I have.” A faint smile touched her lips. “If she believes we’re simply living far apart, she’ll move on much more easily.” Her expression turned serious once more. “No matter what happens... don’t ever tell Tana about my illness.”

Nothing Aurus said could change her mind. Leaving the cottage behind, Gaia made her way toward the shoreline. She followed a narrow cave passage until she reached a hidden inlet. There, concealed from prying eyes, was the boat she had secretly smuggled into Dooms Gate. It would carry Tana and the others safely out of Forbideria.

***

By late afternoon, everything was ready. The boat waited quietly at the shore. Gaia stood beside it as Tana pleaded with her one last time.

“Come with us,” Tana begged.

Gaia shook her head. “I can’t. I still have my duty here in Forbideria.”

Tears welled in Tana’s eyes. “Please be careful, Gaia.”

She reached out and held her sister’s hands. “When you’re finally free to leave, come visit me in Maleferia.” Her smile trembled. “I’ll be waiting for you. Promise me, please.”

Gaia smiled gently. “I promise.”

The sisters embraced tightly. For a moment, Gaia never wanted to let go. But she had to. Tana deserved a peaceful life beyond the kingdom—with the people who had loved and protected her long before Gaia entered her life.

Even if it meant Gaia would return to what she had always known. With no one to rely on but herself. She would face her illness alone until her body finally surrendered.

When they finally pulled apart, Tana boarded the boat with Zeus. Aurus remained behind.

“I hope you haven’t forgotten what I told you,” he said. “Even one of the medicinal ingredients can extend your life. It may buy you enough time to find the rest.”

Gaia gave him a tired smile. “When you leave this place... pretend we never met. Your reminders won’t change anything.”

She turned away. “Go. Your companions are waiting.”

Aurus drew in a slow breath before finally boarding the boat. As it drifted away, Tana continued waving until the distance swallowed her figure.

Gaia watched in silence. Only after half the boat had disappeared through the Halo Exit did she finally turn around. She had just reached the mouth of the cave leading back to Dooms Gate, when the illness struck without warning.

“Argh!”

She collapsed onto her knees, clutching both her chest and her right eye. Her scream echoed throughout the cavern, bouncing endlessly from the stone walls. It sounded as though the cave itself were crying out with her. She pounded desperately against her chest. Again. And again. Nothing eased the agony.

Eventually, she crumpled onto the sand. Hot tears streamed down her face as she writhed helplessly, rolling across the ground in search of any position that might lessen the pain.

“Please...” Her voice cracked into a desperate scream. “Just kill me!”

She sobbed uncontrollably. “I’d rather die than keep feeling this over and over again!”

Yet heaven offered no mercy. It refused to grant even that wish.

“I don’t want this anymore!”

Her cries grew louder.

“Please... just end my life!”

She knew no one would hear her. No one else knew this hidden place existed. If she died here, no one would ever find her body.

Another wave of agony tore through her. Her breathing became shallow. Her body convulsed as she struggled against the unbearable pain.

Then...

Someone grabbed her. Strong arms restrained her flailing body. At first, Gaia thought it was nothing more than a hallucination—a desperate illusion born from her wish for someone to save her.

“Calm down.” The gentle voice pierced through the haze.

Slowly, her panic eased. Her mind was too clouded by pain to recognize whose voice it was. Something was pressed gently against her lips. Instinctively, she swallowed. Gradually, the pain faded. Her body weakened instead. Unable to support herself, she slumped against the person’s chest. Gentle fingers brushed away the tears on her cheeks. Then she felt herself being lifted into someone’s arms.

Fighting against the exhaustion, Gaia forced her heavy eyelids open. The blurry face before her slowly came into focus.

“A-Aurus...?”

Her voice was barely more than a hoarse whisper. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing.

 She had watched the boat carrying Aurus pass through the Halo Exit. So how was he here beside her?

That unanswered question lingered in her fading consciousness, until darkness finally claimed her.