" Mira, wait... Mira waits up... " Kian ran after her as she stormed her way out of Yvonne's place.
" Leave me alone... I don't feel alright. "
Mira yelled. Her tears were big and they fell relentlessly.
" Mira, I know how you are feeling... " That was a mistake.
She suddenly stopped and turned around, colliding on Kian's chest.
" You could never possibly understand how I am feeling Kian. " She poked at his heart. " I feel like dirt. People have been telling me how I was a big mistake that my mother made... I think she was forced to love... My father.... Oops sorry... they call him my birth giver... they call him Devil.... tells you what they think of me doesn't it? They don't say it because of my mother... but they say it with their eyes.... Do you think I am blind? I can see Kian... I can see it alright. "
Mira was panting so heavily, the air around her began to heat up.
Kian noticed the moisture from the land around them evaporate. He knew he needed to act quickly. Mira's powers were getting out of hand once more.
Kian pulled her on his chest and hugged her with all his might. He planted a kiss on her forehead and stroked her hair gently.
" You are not dirt Mira. No way. Did you not realize? I felt everything behind... my whole life and identity and am following in your footsteps. Do you think it was only because of our Chemorian connection? Did it never occur to you? I could have easily gone back to my daily routine. My powers would have never been exposed if I maintained a low profile. "
He caressed Mira's back with his other hand and whispered in her ears as if singing her a lullaby.
" I can possibly not explain what you mean to me, Mira. From the moment you came in front of my car, to this day when I get to hold you in my arms... each moment... every second... has been precious. "
He waited for her to respond but she remained silent. So he let her be like that for a few more minutes.
He gently pulled her away when the beating of her heart subsided and the air around them cooled down again.
He placed his hand under her chin and pulled her face up.
" So don't you ever doubt your self worth Mira. You mean the worth to me. Let's go back and see if the potions are ready. The sooner we find that Heartstaff the faster we will be able to stop your nightmares. "
Kian locked his fingers with Mira's as they walked back towards Guardian Yvonne's house.
***
The Dark Devil's lair
" Was it done? " The Dark Devil asked from behind his veil.
" Yes my Lord. " Answered one of his minions.
" Let me ask again. Was it done seamlessly? No hitches, I presume? " His voice was cold, sharp as a knife.
" Yes my Lord. No mistakes this time. We left no trace. Even their scanners failed to detect any anomaly. The seeds were carefully placed. "
The Dark Devil breathed aloud.
It seemed like he sucked some darkness away from the bodies of his minions as he breathed in the air.
He pricked his finger and then conjured a glass out of thin air.
He made a few drops of his blood fall on that glass and it oozed with a crimson liquid.
The minions scurried forward, trying to catch a handful of that liquid and drink it till their hearts were full.
When all of them were done claiming their shares, they went back to their previous positions.
The Dark Devil then raised a toast, " To the ones who volunteered for this mission. Their souls will forever flourish within the Darkness, till they are ripe enough for rebirth and eternal bliss in the next life. "
He drank from that glass as the rest of them cheered on.
Suddenly all heads turned.
There was a winged creature that had just entered, without prior notice or appointment. A Gala, loathed and looked down even amongst the worshipers of darkness.
But the Dark Devil met her with open arms and a warm laugh.
" Welcome, soldier. Should I call you by your Gala name or do you prefer your human name? "
He asked, greeting her as the Dark Mages parted, making a way for her.
" I think I got used to the name Layla. Let's stick with that Dark Lord. "
She kneeled in front of him and kissed his hands.
" It's time my Lord. I wished to have stayed a little longer to get to your daughter... "
The Dark Devil gave her such a dreadly look that she forgot what she had been talking about.
" Treasure, Layla... call her the Treasure. " The Dark Devil corrected the Gala.
" Yes my Lord. I beg your pardon. I wanted to help you retrieve the Treasure but my cover was blown. But I have enough research information about the pure breeds and mix breeds, to help in strengthening our reinforcement. It can help us revive my kind. My stay was fruitful on planet earth, my Lord. I did not return empty handed. "
The Dark Devil motioned her to rise.
" Very well then. Get to work. We will need to replenish our army. I lost too many of my men back on earth... It's a one way journey for them to that planet, as you know... The Treasure will be retrieved when the time is right. But my army must be ready for me when that is done. The universe awaits our awakening. "
Layla bowed and left as the meeting was adjourned.
Only the Dark Devil remained seated on his chair.
He tapped the glass which was still in his hand.
" Hide and seek, huh? What new game are you planning Kiara? Why is your stupid brother sending her after the Heartstaff? Even if she were to retrieve it, do you think you will succeed in using that? Stupid woman. You keep me entertained. "