Aridalle's jaw nearly dropped as she stared at the man standing at the front of the lecture hall.
What the hell was he doing here?
Was he really here to forcefully take her back to cold heaven?
"Good morning, professor Sariel," the class muttered, still shocked.
Sariel smiled, but his gaze stayed fixed on Aridalle like she was the only person in the room.
"Well then," he said calmly. "Shall we get down to business?"
The lesson began.
Time moved strangely.
Aridalle tried to focus on her notebook, but she could feel his eyes on her far too often. It wasn't the normal kind of attention a lecturer gave a student. It was heavy. Personal. Like he was watching a ticking bomb.
When the class finally ended, the bell rang loudly, pulling everyone out of the tense silence.
"All right, that will be all for today," Sariel announced. "Don't forget your class task. I want you to draw natural objects."
"Yes, professor," the students replied as they packed up and left.
Sariel leaned back in his chair and flipped through his lesson notes, but it was obvious his mind wasn't on the pages.
Aridalle and her friends were still seated at the front row, talking quietly.
Maelynn leaned close to Aridalle's ear with a mischievous grin.
"Is it just me, or was our new professor staring at you in a very unusual way?"
Aridalle stiffened.
"I-It's just you, Mae," she stuttered. "That's absurd."
Courtney burst into laughter immediately, and Maelynn followed.
"Look at your face," Courtney teased, pinching Aridalle's cheeks. "You're so cute when you're flustered."
Aridalle rolled her eyes while they kept tugging at her cheeks.
"S-seriously, let go. And why are we still here?"
Maelynn finally released her and looked around.
The lecture hall was almost empty now. Only a few students remained, and professor Sariel was still at his desk.
"Okay," Maelynn said, standing. "Let's go then."
The three of them packed their bags and headed for the exit.
Just as they reached the doorway, a deep voice echoed from behind.
"Miss Aridalle."
Aridalle stopped.
She turned slowly.
"Yes, professor Sariel?"
"I'd like to speak with you," he said. "Alone, please."
Aridalle hesitated, then nodded.
"Okay, sir."
Maelynn and Courtney walked out, but not without throwing Aridalle one last teasing look that made her want to melt into the floor.
Sariel walked closer.
Without thinking, Aridalle stepped back.
His presence was too much. Too familiar in the worst way.
"I'm sure you know why I'm here," Sariel said quietly.
Aridalle sighed. Of course he didn't know how to give up.
"I've already given you my answer, Mr Sariel," she said firmly. "I can't go with you to cold heaven."
Sariel's eyes narrowed, frustration flashing across his face.
"You know the key inside you is very important," he said. "If it falls into the wrong hands, there will be chaos."
Aridalle folded her arms.
"What kind of chaos?" she asked. "It's just a key to cold heaven. What else could it do?"
Sariel's expression darkened.
"It's not just a key," he said. "Once my brother gets hold of it, he will fly straight to heaven. And there will be war."
Aridalle's heart tightened.
"Mankind might be eliminated in the process," Sariel added.
Aridalle stared at him, shaken.
"Why was he kicked out in the first place?" she asked softly.
Sariel's jaw clenched.
"He tried to dethrone father," he replied. "So he was cast out… along with his accomplice, Vaelric."
Aridalle shook her head slowly.
How did she get caught in all of this?
Family grudges, heavenly politics, ancient keys, war… none of it was supposed to be her life.
She took a deep breath.
"Professor Sariel," she said, trying to stay calm, "I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do. I'm married to Lord Seraphim already, and he has marked me. It's impossible for me to follow you."
She bowed quickly and turned away, walking out of the lecture hall before Sariel could say anything else.
Sariel stood there for a moment, holding back a groan.
His brother was always one step ahead.
Of course he had already marked the key bearer.
Sariel's hands tightened into fists.
"Well," he muttered to himself, "I'm not planning on giving up anytime soon. Father entrusted this mission to me, and I won't fail."
---
flashback
cold heaven, solmai's suite
Sariel entered slowly, his steps cautious.
He was nervous.
Maybe father had finally discovered that he had ventured into the human world without permission.
"I hope my punishment won't be too heavy," Sariel muttered.
He stepped into the main chamber.
Solmai was already seated, waiting.
"Father," Sariel said, bowing.
Then he looked up and froze.
Solmai looked completely different.
Younger.
The long beard was gone.
His face was smooth, almost unreal, and his presence was even more powerful than before.
Sariel stared, stunned.
"What did you do to yourself?" he asked.
Solmai chuckled.
His long ashy-white hair shimmered under the crystal lights, and he looked like an ancient elf from a forgotten legend.
"I simply blessed myself with eternal youth," Solmai said with a grin. "I can't let you be the only hot one around."
Sariel rolled his eyes.
"Seriously, father…"
Solmai's smile faded as he stood.
His expression turned serious.
"I know you went to the mortal world, Sariel."
Sariel immediately dropped to his knees.
"Forgive me, father," he said. "I couldn't sit back and let things unfold."
Solmai's gaze remained calm.
"Hm. I see. What did you discover about the key bearer?"
Sariel scoffed.
"I think she's charmed," he replied. "Nothing I said made her believe me. Her life is in danger, yet she still went back to the very person who will end it."
Solmai nodded slowly.
"I expected nothing less."
He stepped forward.
"I have a task for you, Sariel. Go to the human world and watch over her from afar. Report every update to me."
Sariel placed one hand to his chest and bowed his head.
"As you wish, father. I will do as you say."
end of flashback
---
Sariel left the lecture hall, heading for his office.
As he walked through the corridor, he could still feel the lustful stares of female students following him.
He ignored them.
His mind was only on one thing.
Aridalle.
---
velvet void
Hidden underneath an abandoned cathedral, the place was a shadow of its former glory.
Golden-flame candles burned along the walls, emitting ruby-red light.
This was where Seraphim carried out his interdimensional trades.
And today's guest was Grimore, the dream stealer.
He was a smoky entity with three heads.
Each head had one red eye.
No mouth.
His entire body was cloaked in a black robe, hiding whatever else he truly looked like.
Seraphim walked in majestically, his black robe swaying behind him like living darkness.
He sat on the chair prepared for him, his presence instantly suffocating the room.
"Let's cut to the chase, Grimore," Seraphim said. "What do you want?"
Grimore chuckled, his heads bobbing slightly.
"You're as blunt as I remember, Lord Seraphim," he said. "Anyway… I need the happy dreams of two young girls."
Seraphim stared at him without expression.
"And how is that related to me?"
Grimore leaned forward.
"You see, the problem is… those two girls are protected by guardian angels. High-ranked ones. It's impossible for me to sneak in and steal their dreams."
He paused.
"But if they see your symbol on me, they will flee."
Seraphim's cold gaze flickered.
"My symbol doesn't come easily."
Grimore nodded quickly.
"Yes, yes, my Lord. I know."
He snapped his fingers.
Two treasure chests appeared out of thin air, overflowing with gold and diamonds.
Seraphim barely glanced at them.
"You think you can buy my symbol with the things of this world?" Seraphim asked softly. "How worthless do you think I am?"
The air thickened.
His aura expanded, pressing down on Grimore like a crushing force.
Grimore dropped to his knees immediately, trembling.
"Forgive me, my Lord," he cried. "I went out of hand."
Seraphim stood, looking down at him with disgust.
"You wasted my time, dream stealer."
Grimore screamed.
His third head began to get sucked inward by an invisible force, as if something was tearing his soul apart.
"My Lord, have mercy!"
Seraphim vanished.
And left him to his fate.
---
outside everland college
Outside the school building, the girls walked toward two guys waiting for them.
Miguel was leaning casually, headphones around his neck.
"Finally, you're here," he muttered.
"Baby!" Jace squealed.
He practically launched himself at Courtney, hugging her tightly and raining kisses on her face.
Courtney giggled, hugging him back.
"Jace, I was only gone for three hours."
"It felt like three million years," he said dramatically.
Maelynn rolled her eyes and dragged Aridalle toward the bench where Miguel sat.
"Get a room," she muttered. "You're creeping Aridalle out."
Jace stuck his tongue out at her, then suddenly paused.
"Aridalle?"
Courtney smiled proudly.
"Bae, this is our newest cute friend. Aridalle Morrel. She's that helicopter boss lady the school was talking about."
Jace's eyes widened.
Then he stretched his hand out with a grin.
"Whoa. We've got a baby in the group. Nice to meet you. I'm Jace Morgan."
Aridalle smiled and shook his hand politely.
"Nice to meet you too, Jace. I hear you're Courtney's boyfriend. When are you going to marry her?"
Silence.
Maelynn almost choked on laughter.
Courtney's face turned bright red.
Maelynn slapped Miguel's arm, laughing harder.
"It's nice to know I'm not the only one worried about that," she teased. "Brother, tell Jace to marry my friend and stop delaying."
Miguel gave her a blank look.
"I believe I have no say in that matter."
"Of course you do," Maelynn insisted. "He's your best friend."
Courtney hid her face in Jace's shoulder.
"Seriously, Ari," she mumbled. "I'm only twenty. I'm too young for marriage."
Aridalle pouted.
"But you're two years older than me and I'm already married," she said.
Jace pulled back, shocked.
He stared at her bare fingers.
"Wait… you're kidding, right?"
Maelynn sighed.
"Of course not, melon head. She told us the first day she came here."
Jace looked at Miguel, holding back a smirk.
"And I was thinking of ways to hook her up with you, bro. Very unfortunate."
Miguel glared at him.
"You know I'm in every position to punch you, right?"
"Hehe. Sorry, bro."
Aridalle blinked, confused.
"Hook up?" she repeated. "What's that? Are you hooking Miguel up on a wall or—"
Jace froze.
Miguel froze.
Courtney froze.
Maelynn wheezed.
"You're kidding," Jace muttered.
---
nyxeria villa
Nyxeria sat on her sofa, munching popcorn, her eyes glued to the television.
She had given her maids a day off, and they had accepted gladly.
"I'm super bored," she muttered. "I wonder if my Lord has removed that barrier preventing me from entering the castle. I want to see him."
The air shifted.
The temperature dropped.
A dark shadow formed in the room.
Nyxeria stood up instantly, her expression sharpening, her palm glowing faintly as she prepared to attack.
"Calm down, Nyx," the shadow said. "It's just me."
Nyxeria frowned.
"Constantine," she said. "What are you doing here?"
Constantine chuckled and stepped closer.
His long robes swept the floor. His hood covered his face.
"Remember what we talked about?" he asked.
Nyxeria scoffed.
"I told you I'm not interested," she replied. "I have no interest in joining whatever plans you have."
Constantine's voice lowered.
"You have no interest in the death of the key bearer?" he asked. "I believe she's standing between you and Seraphim."
Nyxeria rolled her eyes.
"It's Lord Seraphim," she corrected coldly. "And I don't see her as a rival. Lord Seraphim doesn't have any use for her other than the key."
Constantine clenched his fist, irritation rising.
How the hell was he supposed to convince her?
"I'll give you time to think about it, my dear," he said.
Nyxeria's face twisted in disgust.
"My answer will still remain the same," she snapped. "Why do you even need me to join you anyway?"
"It will be made known once you join," Constantine replied.
Nyxeria's eyes glowed.
"I serve Lord Seraphim only," she said. "Now leave before I lose my patience."
Constantine stepped back slowly.
"My offer is always open," he said. "Whenever you need me, I'll be there."
Then he vanished.
Nyxeria hissed.
"So annoying."
She raised her palm.
Her eyes glowed brighter.
The wind picked up violently.
"un ërï barrier, activate," she chanted.
A blue void spread over her villa like a dome, sealing the space.
Constantine would never enter again.
---
enchanted castle, seraphim's study
Seraphim sat in his chair, expression unreadable, as Vaelric delivered the update about Sariel.
Nyxeria also reported Constantine's visit.
"My Lord," Vaelric said, "what is your next move about Constantine? I think he's after the key too."
Seraphim leaned back, closing his eyes briefly.
"The key is under my wings," he said calmly. "There's nothing he can do… unless he gets through you."
Nyxeria bowed.
"That will never happen, my Lord," she said. "I cast a barrier spell on my villa. He won't enter again."
Seraphim nodded once.
Vaelric stepped forward.
"What about Sariel, my Lord?"
Seraphim's lips curved slightly.
"Let him think he's in control," he replied. "Then attack where he least expects it."
"Yes, my Lord," Vaelric answered.
---
downstairs
Aridalle entered the castle smiling widely.
She had actually enjoyed school today.
"Welcome home, madame," Justin said, bowing as he took her bag and handed it to Merida.
"Welcome back, my lady," Merida murmured as she carried it.
Aridalle nodded and started climbing the stairs.
"Where is Zenovia?" she asked.
"She's in your room, my lady," Merida replied.
"Oh," Aridalle said softly.
Then a female voice spoke from above.
"Now what do we have here?"
Aridalle looked up.
Nyxeria stood on the stairs, staring down at her with a smirk.
Aridalle's smile faded slightly.
"Hello, Nyxeria," she said, then continued walking.
Nyxeria's eyes flashed.
Did this pathetic human just brush her off like she was nothing?
Nyxeria grabbed Aridalle's wrist, stopping her.
"I'm still talking to you."
Aridalle looked down at her hand on her wrist, then back up.
"Oh," she said calmly. "What do you want to say then?"
Nyxeria's eyes gleamed.
"You see… what you witnessed in Lord Seraphim's suite was not intentional," she said. "You should get used to it. And don't cry over it."
Aridalle blinked.
Honestly, she had been hurt…
But not enough to cry.
"Thank you for your concern," Aridalle said politely. "But I wasn't crying."
She smiled sweetly and gently pulled her wrist free.
Nyxeria's expression twisted.
"Don't you dare brush me off, human."
Before Aridalle could react, Nyxeria shoved her roughly.
Merida gasped.
Aridalle stumbled backward, her foot slipping.
Her eyes widened as she began to fall down the stairs.
But suddenly—
She vanished.
Merida stared around in panic.
"Where did she go?!"
Nyxeria's mouth fell open.
"No… no way."
Nyxeria spun around and dashed toward Seraphim's study.
"My lady, where are you going?" Merida called after her.
But Nyxeria was already gone.
---
seraphim's study
Nyxeria burst into the room, panting.
Then she froze.
Her mouth slowly dropped open.
Vaelric stood beside Seraphim like a personal guard, his red eyes glowing faintly.
And Aridalle…
Aridalle was in Seraphim's arms.
Her face was buried in his chest.
She was seated perfectly on his lap, held like she weighed nothing, like she was something precious and fragile.
Seraphim stared down at her blankly, golden eyes glowing faintly.
His arms tightened around her as though instinct had claimed her before his mind even caught up.
Nyxeria stood frozen.
Her blood ran cold.
Then Seraphim lifted his gaze to her.
His voice came out like velvet ice.
"On your knees."
Those three words shattered the air.
Nyxeria dropped to her knees immediately.