Chapter 32RUBIN“It’s far too late – the factory closes at 6 pm and they are currently in a meeting about the product. Let’s go down and check the stations while they are gone.” I raised a brow and tried to see pass the darkness only to sigh, following him out of the room. I was quickly intoxicated by the scent of something so fragrant, wafting in my nose, as though it was the very air we are breathing in. “What is a factory and what products are you talking about? And what’s that smell? It’s intoxicating.” “Oh, I’m sorry, it definitely slipped my mind that you are ignorant of this mundane terms. Well, a factory is a place where certain products are produced, developed or processed. In this case, this factory is purely dedicated to making chocolates and other sweets – what you are smelling is cocoa, the main ingredient for making chocolates.”My mouth widened as Caelum led us inside a room where big whirring things circulates the dark fluid from the transparent glass. The process

Chapter 34CAELUM I squinted my eyes and noticed Carlos, pulling his trousers up from his waist as he struggled with the basket of grapes, balancing it on his hips, “Mon signore! Grande. Migliore uve – very very supple!” He said between huff and puff, stumbling as he beckon us down at the bench, facing the stomping place. Rubin sat and her eyes widened when Carlos put the basket of grapes down at her feet, “This are the best harvest so far, try it, rufina!” Carlos held out a piece in front of her face and Rubin takes it, popping the grape in her mouth. “Hmm,” She takes another piece and Carlos claps his hand, “This is like our grapes back in Eros. How did—”“Eros? Where is that place, signore?” Carlos looks at me, his sweaty face full of curiousity. Shaking my head, I asked for him to direct us to the stomping place. The ladies are already there, cheering while Zita held out some clothes for us to wear. I threw the shirt and shorts at an unsuspecting Rubin who sneered as it hit her

Chapter 36 RUBINI was shocked to see the both of them dissolved from the room.I wonder where they have disappeared to. Settling on one of the sofa, I reminisced about the things that happened during the day – was it all a dream? I held the sides of my face, feeling the warmth from them. It felt incredible. My heart thudded inside my chest like I have ran a thousand miles making it seem as though I was floating, like I weight nothing, like I have became a vapor, one with the clouds…Still smiling, I didn’t notice it that it has gotten dark outside, the fireplace dim as all of the wood was now consumed by the fire. I stood from the sofa and stretched my back, only to jump to the side as I noticed someone leaning down on me. I shrieked out loud, collapsing back at the sofa, “Aeon! What did you do that for?” I scrambled up from the sofa and crossed my arm over my chest. “I saw you – smiling like you won something,” he squinted his eyes, waving a finger in front of my face in a suspic

Chapter 38RUBINThe floor lurched making my eyes widen.Newman looks at me as though he would laugh but I’m glad when he cleared his throat and stared at the other direction with no emotions in his face. The doors open with a ‘ ping’ again and I was startled as a couple more Gaeans entered. Soon enough, the whole room is full of them, making me remember the time when I first arrived here on earth which is roughly a month ago. Which means – I only have 70 days left!When our number turned dull yellow, Newman tugged me out of the cramped room. I stood for a while, trying to steady myself so as to avoid from falling face first on the floor for I felt dizzy. Newman held my upper arm and said in a stern voice, “Did you get dizzy? Do you have claustrophobia?” he whispered in a concerned voice as he steadied me with both hands now. I shake my head and straightened up. “What’s claustrophobia?” I asked him and he rolled his eyes. I breathe in and out, “It was my first time to ride that thin

Chapter 40RUBINEntering an alley, I grabbed a vial of potion from my satchel and poured it on top of my head. Warmth flooded my insides as I walk back outside the sun, now unnoticeable. I took an arrow from my quiver and lined it with my bow while I choose my desirable victim.The park was sprinkled here and there with children and adults – all occupied with their own business. I couldn’t decide on whom should I target. I bit my lip. I scurried behind a tree and let the arrow fly across and hit a guy who is running after a dog. I watched as the dog pulled harder and the leash tangled with the girl’s roller skate, making her stumble on top of the guy. The dog sniffed its owner before licking the girl’s face as though, the dog approves. “Not bad for today,” I counted my arrows and recheck the tally on my notebook – 23 couples to go. I am past my quota. I just have to work harder to spot which of these Gaeans deserves my blessing of undying love. Slipping the bow on my shoulder, I no