As I stood on the stage for receiving an award, I couldn't stop smiling. It felt like a massive thing for me. The murmurs and whispers had stopped as I stood on the podium next to Yama. He was beaming at me for beating him.  Persephone was waiting for Hades. They both need to announce the winners. Even Lukas was nowhere to be found. I thought that hearing the announcement he would come back. I shifted on my feet, feeling all eyes on me.   The shuffling sound from the gate made me lookup. Hades and Lukas were walking together. I let out a sigh. What took them so long?   &nbs

I whimpered, staring at him. For a few seconds, I stared at him without blinking my eyes. He felt like a dream. The disco lights streaming from the crack of the window made it seem like he was glowing. All his features were illuminated.    My eyes shifted towards his large hands, softly stroking the side of my thighs. I lifted my head and met his eyes, a glint in them.   "Please give it to me."   Lukas was easy to nod his head and sit back on his heels. My eyes automatically shut as I heard his elevated breathing. Suddenly everything felt too real, and my breath hitched in my throat. I let out a loud exhale, my heart racing

I felt Lukas eyes on me as we sat down for breakfast, a curious look on his face, "I thought you didn't like peaches."     My face flamed at the mixed peach jam all around my mouth. I nodded my head, wiping the sticky substance from my top lip before responding. "I don't. But I think the baby likes it."    I didn't even realise that I had picked the jar and scooped a dollop on my pancake. Was it my pregnancy brain? I questioned. Fortunately, Lukas didn't say anything and just smiled at me. He was so sweet to me. 

I blinked my eyes as soon as we were on the other side of the portal. That was quicker than I anticipated. Did Lukas use some kind of trick? I will ask him later. My body felt light, entire leaning against him for support.     "Talia" He breathed when I tried to close my eyes.   "Hmm?"    "I called fairies. They will help us out."    I nodded my head, a pitiful sigh escaping my lips. As much I tried to act like it didn't affect me; I was scared. What if the baby was not okay? Should I not have put myself in risk?     "Let's get you to your room" Lukas softly smiled, his grip firm on my waist. I let him lead me towards the room, resting my head on his shoulder.    

I frowned, staring at the entrance of the lawn. There was no moment from anywhere. The silence surrounding the garden was defending. Where is Talia? I thought to myself. She should be here by now. Did she even read my note? What if she didn’t get it? It was impossible to miss, but there was a possibility.     My stomach twisted at the thought of her still being angry and refusing to see me. Was I reading too much into it? Even though she told me she understood it felt forced. I did not want her to lie to me.    This is stupid! I muttered under my breath. I should have stayed back and woken her up instead. That way, I would have known if she got my message. With that thought in my mind, I took a step further only to see a tiny figure at the door. Blinking my eyes, I squinted trying to get the clear picture of the sight in front of me.  &