Elena remained in a state of sheer awe, yet a soft smile grazed her lips as she spoke:
"I think I understand... Thank you, truly, for everything today. But I feel an immense exhaustion washing over me... I wish to go inside."
Rash replied with a serene smile:
"Indeed, the hour has grown late. Go in and rest. Do not worry; you will come to understand everything in due time. As you fall further into harmony with this place, there will be plenty of time to discover more."
Rash escorted her to her doorstep, then drifted back quietly, suspended in the air. At that moment, a light breeze brushed past, playing with his hair and sending silver strands dancing across his eyes, causing him to squint slightly.
Suddenly, Elena flew toward him with swift grace and stood by his side. She gently brushed the hair away from his eyes and said with a tender smile:
"Don't let your hair shroud the light in your eyes... because the dancing light within them is the truest thing I have ever seen in my life."
Time froze for a heartbeat. Rash stood paralyzed in visible astonishment; his eyes widened, and the light within them ceased its dance from the sheer shock of her words.
Overcome by a sudden wave of shyness, Elena retreated quickly into her house, leaving Rash behind to watch her clumsy footsteps with a quiet, joyful smile before he, too, withdrew to his home.
Inside, Elena sank to the floor, whispering to herself in self-reproach:
"Was what I said real? I must be dreaming! What will he think of me now? Why couldn't I control myself?"
She pressed her hands against her face in frustration:
"That half of me... the one belonging to the Shadows of Light... my honest side... couldn't you have just stayed silent?!"
Suddenly, a calm, warm, and familiar voice reached her, like a gentle breeze whispering near her ear:
"Do not worry... you will get used to everything. Beginnings are always difficult."
Elena looked around quickly, searching for the source. She asked in bewilderment:
"This voice... it sounds exactly like Ziil's! Could it be? Are you... are you Ziil?"
The voice replied kindly:
"Technically... yes. I am your home. A part of your consciousness. And 'Ziil'... was always you. And I... I belong to you."
Elena looked toward the horizon with a tinge of sadness and said:
"You know, my dear home... I truly miss Ziil. She was with me my whole life. In the beginning, I couldn't stand her presence inside me, but over time, I became attached to her. Even though I sometimes pretended otherwise, the truth is... life without her is very difficult."
The House answered quietly with a sweet resonance:
"Ziil never left you, Elena. The only difference is that she was buried deep within you, and now she has emerged to reveal your marks and allow your light to flow through every human part of you. There is no need for longing."
Then, it added with a playful warmth emanating from the depths of its consciousness:
"Since it brings you joy, you may call me 'Ziil.' After all, I consider myself a part of her."
Elena looked at her surroundings, her eyes brimming with gratitude.
"Really? I can do that?"
Ziil replied sincerely:
"Of course. Whatever makes you happy makes me happy." Then the voice added gently: "I can see that exhaustion has grown heavy on your eyes, hasn't it?"
Elena nodded and whispered wearily:
"So much."
A glowing door appeared on one of the house walls—an invitation to peace, waiting to be crossed. Elena stared at the forming portal and asked:
"Should I open it?"
Ziil replied with a softness like a summer breeze:
"Yes, Elena. This door leads to your room. It is exactly like your room on Earth. I know you miss it, so I chose today to recreate it for you, so that you may find rest."
She didn't hesitate; she rushed toward the door and threw it open. Her eyes widened in amazement.
"Truly, Ziil! It's exactly like my room! Oh my God, I never thought any of this was real. I feel like I'm living in a dream I never want to end."
She stepped slowly into the room, as if walking upon childhood memories, and whispered:
"You know, Ziil... if Ryo, my mother, were here... this place would be a true paradise. Everything here is beyond imagination. I even feel like there is something 'wrong' inside me. I'm not okay... it's as if I'm losing control."
She continued, her tone a mix of melancholy and wonder:
"You know, if I wanted to tell you about the beauty of Azaveria, I would dedicate a huge part of that story to Rash alone."
She paused, surprised by her own confession, then added:
"When I saw him, I felt as if I had found something I had lost—something that belonged to me. I have never felt this way before."
Ziil remained silent for a moment, then said hesitantly:
"Elena... based on your memories, it seems you are deeply attracted to him."
The voice stopped, as if weighing the words.
"Go on, Ziil," Elena urged, her curiosity tinged with anxiety.
Ziil spoke in a calm cadence:
"You haven't seen the mark yet. From your memories, it seems you never noticed Rash's marriage mark. Look at the small of your back."
Elena placed her hand on her lower back. "I regained my mark a long time ago," she murmured, "but I never thought to touch it until now." As she felt the skin, she gasped:
"Yes... I feel it! A small, glowing mark... and it's pulsing."
Ziil said:
"I will project its shape before you so you can see the details clearly."
In the air before her, a soft, shimmering light traced the intricate pattern of her marriage mark.
Elena looked at it in admiration. "I carry something this beautiful on my body?"
Ziil replied playfully:
"Yes, Elena. But look closely. Do you see those ridges along the edges?"
Elena scrutinized the glowing image. "Yes... it looks like there are pieces missing."
"Exactly," Ziil replied. "If you come across a mark that fits these missing parts... then its owner is your husband."
The voice added: "I will show you a close-up of the mark that matches yours."
"Can you do that?" Elena asked with intense excitement.
Ziil displayed the two marks together, showing how, when merged, they formed a single flower with tiny musical notes nestled inside it.
Elena whispered in awe:
"This is so magical... marriage here is so simple!"
Ziil smiled through the air and said:
"Technically, it is so for humans. Here, love cannot exist except between those who are married. Outside of marriage, it is impossible. The beings of the Shadows of Light cannot even attempt it."
"If you were a being of pure light, I would say with certainty that Rash is your destined husband. But your human side... it can still feel attraction repeatedly."
Elena pulled her blanket over her face, blushing.
"No, I'm not like that! This is the first time."
Then, she kindly asked Ziil to be silent, for she finally wanted to sleep.