Serene’s POV

Zian and Crimzon got down from the carriage to give us some privacy.

"So I guess I will see you back at the academy in a few days." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"Yes," I glanced in his direction and he was already staring at me. He held my chin with his index finger and thumb and kissed me softly on my forehead. I didn’t want to leave him.

"Thank you, for the wonderful time..." he didn’t let me finish as his lips landed on mine. My hands instantly gripped his hair as I returned his affection. This time his lips were hungry and they were leaving me breathless, he pulled me closer to his body.

"Hey! lovebirds come out now," Ralph shouted from the outside. Thankfully, he didn’t open the carriage door.

Zeph stopped kissing me but didn’t pull away, his hands were still holding me as our foreheads touched. "Be safe," he whispered before letting me go and stepping down from the carriage. I did the same.

Ralph gave me a warm brotherly hug. "Stay safe Serene, will meet soon. We hope you had a great time here except for that one incident. I apologise for it."

"Don’t be ridiculous, it wasn’t your fault. And if you ever feel like sharing anything remember I am here for you as well."

"I know," he patted my head.

Kilamin had arrived already and was talking to the two guards which had been sent by father to accompany us back. They took our luggage.

We said our goodbyes. Zian hugged both guys and thanked them. I stole one last look at Zeph and he had a smile on his face, I smiled back. With a heavy heart, I turned around and stepped inside the portal.

Stepping outside the portal my head spun. Crimzon steadied me. "Are you ok?"

"My head is spinning." I could sense something was wrong. Compared to Folkshel Realm, our Realm’s shared boundary with Dark Realm was fairly close. And today I could feel the pull of the Dark Realm. Although I was conscious I could sense something sinister and I knew exactly what it was.

My head began to throb and pain made me bend over. "What’s wrong?" Zian tried to help me up.

"My head," the pain was excruciating. I wasn’t losing control it was like something was trying to get in my head but my conscious was fighting back.

I let out a scream as I held onto my head. The beads of perspiration began to appear on my temple. Kilamin instructed them to move away from me. He placed his hands behind my waist and under my knees and picked me up in one swift movement. Spreading his magnificent wings he flew toward the castle.

I screamed again and his hold tightened on me. "Hang in there, Princess Serene." As he flew toward the castle. Landing just outside the main door, he carried me inside. Guards quickly opened the doors as he carried me to my room and placed me on my bed.

The pain began to dissipate as we entered the castle along with that gnawing sensation in my head.

"What happened? Does it still pain?" He stood in front of me with a grim expression.

"No, it’s almost gone now. It was like something was trying to get inside my head and take control of my mind."

"It was possession, that thing wanted to possess your brain and drag you toward the Dark Realm." I nodded at his conclusion.

"It’s becoming stronger, its range has increased just as I feared. Our portal is near the Dark Realm so it’s affecting you. The barrier can’t hold its mind-controlling abilities. It going to get worse, you will have to be mentally strong to defeat it." His analysis was right but how was I gonna train my brain to be strong?

"How to train my brain to be that strong?" I asked in a confused manner.

"I will teach you." He was back to his calm and collected self.

The door opened and Zian and Crimzon rushed in. "Are you alright?" Zian asked trying to catch his breath.

"Yes, it stopped once I entered the castle." They both sighed in relief.

"Both of you stay with the princess, I will be back soon. Just don’t leave her alone." Kilamin instructed before walking off.

Crimzon came and sat beside me before speaking: "We were at quite a distance from Dark Realm and yet the effect is spreading this far. It’s very concerning."

"True, at this rate, you won’t be safe anywhere. We must prepare ourselves for the worst-case scenario." Zian added.

We sat quietly for a while until Kilamin returned. Zian and Crimzon took their leave and I went to meet my grandmother and father.

"Don’t tell father about this. He will only get worried." I instructed Kilamin on the way.

"I can’t lie to him nor can I hold any information from him. It’s for your safety, he should know everything so I can start your training as soon as possible."

"Start my training? Can’t you listen to me for once?" I turned around to face him but met an expressionless wall.

"No, can’t do that. Sorry, Princess Serene." I sighed and turned back to keep on walking. It was useless to negotiate with this man.

Father and grandmother were having their afternoon tea in the back garden. Their faces lit up as they saw me. I went ahead and gave them hugs and sat down.

"How was your trip?" Father inquired.

"It was a very new experience for me and I had fun. Met my friends and their families. Folkshel Realm is very different from ours."

"It is indeed and it has its own beauty," Grandmother added.

We talked for a while and then I excused myself to go get some rest. Grandma decided to accompany me so Kilamin stayed with father to give him the full report of our visit and what had just transpired.

The next day father summoned me to his study. Once I had settled down he began: "Serene, Kilamin informed me about what happened. We discussed this among us and have concluded that he will take you under his wing and train you. Not only that, he will accompany you to the institute and will be your Sensei there as well. Since The Institute doesn’t have a Fae Sensei, Kilamin will be a perfect choice. I have spoken to Artins as well and he agrees with the decision."

My head spun at this revelation: "What?"