King Arthur paced restlessly in his chambers, his mind consumed by worry. Zara, his beloved wife, seemed unwilling to forgive him for his ill-fated journey to the dark realm. The burden of guilt weighed heavily upon him as he feared his actions had inadvertently caused Maya, the dark witch, to be engulfed by the dark forces that had put her to sleep.
Arthur’s heart ached at the thought of Lara, their daughter and Princess, having to face Lucy in the alternate realm. Lucy who had always been of strength, always by Maya side, but now she may become their adversary and tear down the kingdom if she succeed over her mission against Lara in the alternate universe. The mere idea filled him with anguish and despair. How could he have let this come to pass?
His greatest fear, however, was his inability to communicate with Zara. Their once unbreakable bond had been strained by the events that transpired. Arthur had tried to explain himself, to justify his actions, but Zara remained distant and unyielding. It seemed as though a wall had been erected between them, and he longed to tear it down.
Desperate to find solace, Arthur left his chambers and made his way to Hellas's private quarters. As he approached, he could hear the faint sound of Zara sobbing. His heart sank, and he knew he had caused her immense pain. Summoning all his courage, he knocked on the door.
The door creaked open, revealing Hellas in an adorable night gown, Zara’s trusted handmaiden. She had been a loyal confidante to Zara and Arthur for few months. Her expression was somber as she regarded the troubled king.
“Arthur,” Hellas said softly, “Zara needs time to calm down. She lies on her bed, her heart heavy with sorrow. It would be wise to give her some space.”
Arthur nodded, his eyes filled with regret. “Thank you, Hellas. I never intended for any of this to happen. I must find a way to make amends.”
Hellas placed a gentle hand on Arthur’s arm, her voice filled with understanding. “Your intentions were pure, my lord, but sometimes our actions have unforeseen consequences. Zara knows this too, deep in her heart. Give her time, and perhaps she will find it within herself to forgive.”
Arthur’s shoulders sagged with the weight of his worries. “I fear I have pushed her too far, Hellas. The darkness has tainted our lives, and I must find a way to set things right.”
Hellas’s eyes sparkled with determination. “And you shall, Arthur. But first, you must mend the rift between you and Zara. Have faith in your love, for it has endured countless trials before.”
As Arthur contemplated Hellas’s words, a glimmer of hope flickered within him. He realized that he couldn’t undo the past, but he could shape the future. With renewed resolve, he vowed to himself that he would let his wife fight for herself, never again will he fight for his wife, for their daughter, and for the love they shared.
Leaving Zara’s quarters, Arthur retreated to his own chambers. The road ahead would be arduous, but he was determined to find a way to bring light back into their lives. And he knew that, with patience, understanding, and unwavering love, he could rebuild the trust he had inadvertently shattered.
In the depths of his heart, King Arthur prayed that Zara would find it in herself to forgive him, to trust in their bond once more. For only then could they face the challenges ahead as a united front, ready to reclaim their kingdom and protect their loved ones from the darkness that threatened to consume them all.
After conversing with King Arthur, Hellas noticed upon returning to the room that her once-golden bracelet had inexplicably turned silver. Although the bracelet still appeared silver, she tapped the queen’s shoulder, drawing her attention to her wrist. Zara, observing the bracelet in Hellas wrist, was at a loss for words, realizing that her daughter had not yet found her true love. Filled with desperation, she attempted to communicate with Lara, urging her to leave the person she believed to be her true love and embark on a quest to find her real soulmate. Despite her best efforts, Zara couldn’t reach Lara. Frustrated, she stormed out of the room and flew to seek counsel from Lord Sylas.
Unaware of Zara’s absence, Arthur noticed Hellas approaching him as she greeted him with a bow. Hellas, revealed to Arthur that she had shown Zara the silver bracelet on her hand. Arthur examined her wrist and indeed saw the silver bracelet, but within moments of their gaze meeting, the bracelet miraculously transformed back to gold. Realizing the significance of this event, Arthur swiftly made his way to his father, Lord Sylas, upon learning that Zara had been unable to contact Lara. Hoping that Lord Sylas could establish communication with their daughter, Arthur flew off to seek his father’s aid.
Zara’s heart raced with anticipation as she embarked on a journey to the heavenly order to visit Lord Sylas in his magnificent home. The path before her seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow, and a gentle breeze whispered of the wonders that awaited her.
As Zara arrived at Lord Sylas’ abode, her eyes widened in astonishment. The once modest dwelling had transformed into a resplendent palace, its walls adorned with shimmering gold. The building stood tall and wide, exuding an aura of grandeur that captivated Zara’s senses.
Everything had changed since the day Zara and Arthur had been wedded in this very house. Zara marveled at the fascinating sights that greeted her. Male and female mortals who had transcended the earthly plane now resided here, dressed in opulent attire befitting their newfound celestial existence.
Approaching the entrance, Zara’s gaze fell upon a group of maidens clad in vibrant bikini attire. Their beauty and grace seemed ethereal, and she couldn’t help but smile at the playful and enchanting nature of this heavenly realm.
Stepping into Lord Sylas’ chamber, Zara’s eyes widened with amazement. Other gods, resplendent in their divine presence, were seated in regal thrones. Before them, a troupe of maidens danced with elegance, their skirts swirling and their bras adorned with intricate designs. Zara found herself both intrigued and mesmerized by this captivating display.
Lord Sylas, radiant in his celestial splendor, caught sight of Zara’s presence and immediately instructed the maidens to leave. With a gentle and commanding voice, he pleaded with his godly companions to grant him and Zara a private moment.
As the room cleared, Lord Sylas gestured for Zara to take a seat beside him. She obliged, still awestruck by the innovation and beauty of his expansive chamber and the breathtaking transformation of his home.
With a warm smile, Lord Sylas turned to Zara and began to speak. “What brings you all the way from the mortal realm to the heavenly order?” Sylas asked, his voice echoing with authority.
“My daughter Lara, Supreme Lord,” Zara replied.
“Ah, your beautiful daughter who seeks a true love’s kiss,” Sylas remarked.
“Yes, Lord Sylas,” Zara confirmed.
“Has she found the one your husband, my son, spoke of when I visited the castle?” Sylas inquired.
“Yes, Lord Sylas. That’s why I have come. The one she kissed isn’t her true love. I tried reaching out to her, but…” Zara’s voice trailed off as Arthur walked in on their conversation. Arthur bowed before his father, and Sylas motioned for him to sit beside him. Arthur took his place, while his wife, still offended by his earlier actions, refused to meet his gaze.
Sylas noticed the tension between them and asked, “Zara, what is going on between you two? You don’t seem happy to see him here.”
“Father, I have wronged her. My actions in visiting the dark realm have angered Lucy against Lara,” Arthur confessed.
“What happened in the dark realm?” Sylas pressed.
“Father, I went to seek answers from Queen Maya. She tried to attack me, and I struck her first, causing her own power to put her to sleep,” Arthur explained.
“Bravo, son! You truly are my son. I am impressed,” Sylas praised him.
“Bravo?” Zara interrupted. “I can’t seem to reach my daughter. What if Arthur’s actions have caused Lucy to hurt her? What if she’s dead?”
“Slow down, goddess. If anything had happened to Lara, Lucy would have entered the realm of mortals, and the Lord of Universes would have grown angry at my son. But neither of those things has occurred,” Sylas assured her.
“Then why can’t I or Arthur reach Lara?” Zara pleaded.
“Father, can you try reaching her on our behalf?” Arthur requested.
“Zara, the only way to know is by doing what my son has asked of me. Give me a moment to reach her,” Sylas responded.
Closing his eyes, Lord Sylas called out to Lara. “Lara,” he repeated.
Lara, who happened to be lying in her bed, suddenly heard her grandfather’s voice calling out to her. “Grandfather,” she sighed with relief.
“Lara, my granddaughter, your parents are with me. They are concerned that they haven’t been able to reach you,” Sylas informed her.
“Grandfather, I haven’t been able to reach my parents either,” Lara replied.
Lord Sylas turned his gaze toward Arthur and his wife. “It seems you both are the reason for breaking the link with your daughter. Your daughter is the goddess of purity, and only those with pure hearts can reach her,” he explained.
“Grandfather, tell my parents that I have kissed the man whom I love. I am awaiting the opening of the portal for my return,” Lara requested.
Hearing about her kissing her lover, Lord Sylas turned his eyes to Zara. “You were talking about your daughter not kissing her true love. Now she seeks to return home. Shall I tell her she hasn’t kissed the right person?” he asked.
“Yes, please, Lord Sylas,” Zara agreed.
“My grandchild Lara, your parents have come before me, asking me to let you know that you haven’t kissed your true love,” Sylas conveyed.
“But he loves me so much. How can it be that he is not my true love?” Lara responded sadly, cutting off the
Communication link, wishing not to speak to anyone. For the one she had fallen in love with was never her true love’s kiss.
Observing the severed connection, Sylas turned his attention to Arthur and Zara. “Your daughter has cut off the link because I believe this wasn’t the news she was hoping to hear. Now, the two of you must forgive each other and cleanse your hearts of anger. Only a heart filled with love can contact your daughter. Let us not forget that she is the goddess of purity,” Sylas advised.
Arthur rose from the throne and knelt before his wife. Zara lifted him up, embracing him tightly as she whispered, “I am sorry for getting annoyed with you.” They embraced each other, and Sylas nodded, creating a portal to transport them back to their castle.
As they mysteriously appeared in the castle, Arthur chuckled and said, “Father, you are full of surprises.”
As Lara lay on her bed, closing her eyes, she reflected on the day Steve had approached her. She relived that moment in her subconscious, desperately trying to understand why Steve wasn’t her true love. She couldn’t find any evidence to prove that he wasn’t. Frustrated, she opened her eyes, filled with anger towards the universe.
Among all the young adults in her world who sought her as a partner, none of them compared to Steve, the man she had fallen in love with. She wanted to scream at the universe, but she feared its punishment. “Isn’t this punishment enough? You have the power to free me from this curse, yet you burden me with it. Aren’t you cruel?” she exclaimed in anger.
As her anger grew, her mind transported her back to the image of Lucy standing by the window, unable to scream or break free from the constraints. Lara flew out of the window and soared into the clouds. There, she unleashed all her rage through a piercing scream that echoed down to her school, reaching the ears of everyone in her class.
Collins, upon hearing her voice, paused for a moment, wondering what was happening to her. Jane, too, feared for Lara’s safety, suspecting Joan’s involvement, but was proven wrong as Joan was present at school. At the end of the day, Jane and Collins encountered their mother, who was about to get into her car.
“Mother, don’t tell me you didn’t hear Lara scream,” Jane said urgently.
“Yes, I did. That’s why I’m heading home now,” Stella replied.
“Is Jane back home?” Collins asked, concerned.
“Yes, Mom, tell us, is she?” Jane added.
“Yes, she is. I think I need to check up on her to find out what could have triggered her scream, making it audible to everyone,” Stella said.
“I’m coming with you,” Jane declared.
Collins nodded in agreement as he and his sister hopped into their mom’s car, unaware that Lucy had been observing them invisibly. Meanwhile, as their mother drove home, Lucy deduced that Lara’s scream could only mean one thing: her cry of anger. It was known among the gods that when they couldn’t contain their rage, they released it into the world for all to hear. Lucy understood at that moment that Lara’s outburst could only be caused by one thing—discovering that Steve was not her true love.
Convinced it might be Collins, as he hadn’t mustered the courage to confess his feelings for her, Lucy decided to visit him later on. She hoped to gain an advantage by manipulating his pure energy into something darker. Lara, as a pure energy, letting out such a cry of frustration could only mean she was growing annoyed. Lucy prayed silently that Lara’s annoyance would be directed towards her or the Lord of the Universe, as only he possessed the power to create and destroy. The Lord of the Universe never intervened unless it pleased him to do so, whether it was helping others or ignoring their pleas.
As Stella, Jane, and Collins returned home, they found Lara sitting on the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. Outside, in Lara’s world, it was pouring rain, mirroring her emotional state. The unusual downpour worried the people of her realm, as it wasn’t the rainy season. King Arthur and Queen Zara could only pray for the rain to stop, knowing that Lara’s powerful emotions had the ability to affect the weather. All they could do was wait for Lara to regain her composure.
Approaching Lara, Stella, Jane, and Collins tried their best to comfort her and understand the cause of her distress. Collins, aware of Lara’s telepathic abilities, struggled to suppress his own thoughts. Despite never having expressed his feelings to Lara before, witnessing her tears moved him deeply, and he silently pleaded, “Please, stop crying, my love.” To his surprise, Lara heard his thoughts and ceased her weeping, rising to her feet. Startled by the sudden change, Stella realized that Collins must have unintentionally upset Lara with his innermost thoughts. Filled with fear, Stella begged for forgiveness, as she had earlier been terrified of Lara’s power. Collins retreated to the wall, feeling trapped. Jane, bewildered by the situation, joined her mother, reminding Lara of their once-close bond before things took a turn. Collins, with nowhere to escape, took responsibility for his actions, sincerely apologizing for his mistake.
Sensing Collins’ fear, Lara questioned him, “If you truly love me, why have you hidden it away?” Collins felt a surge of relief and responded, “I thought you wouldn’t be interested in me like everyone else.” Stella and Jane stood frozen, realizing that their previous pleas had been misguided. It was Collins’ secret affection for Lara that had caused her intense reaction towards him.
Lara then made an unexpected request, “Will you kiss me so I can return home?” However, Collins swiftly rejected, “No, I won’t allow it. If I do, I won’t be able to see you anymore.”. In a moment of hesitation, Lara tried to initiate the kiss herself, but Collins gently pushed her away and left the room, shocking Stella, who watched her son’s actions in disbelief. Recognizing Stella’s fear, Lara reassured her, apologizing for her behavior, and requested some time alone. Stella and Jane silently left the room, granting Lara the solitude she sought.
As Stella and Jane approached Collins to discuss the situation, they heard a knock on the door. Stella opened it to find a girl she didn’t recognize. “Is Collins here? I need to speak with him,” the girl, Joan, inquired. Stella, unaware that Joan was actually Lucy in disguise, allowed her to enter. Collins was surprised to see Joan and asked her, “Joan, what are you doing here?”
Apologizing for the previous evening, Lucy, disguised as Joan, suggested, “I’m sorry about last night. I forgot about it. How about you and I hang out in your room today?” Collins agreed, saying, “Sure, I’ll show you the way.”
As Collins and “Lucy” entered his room, Stella regained her composure. Confused, she turned to Jane and asked, “Wasn’t I at the door? How did I end up here?” Jane realized that Joan was not who she seemed and explained, “Mom, the person you let in was Joan.”
Alarmed by the revelation, Stella grabbed Jane and hurried back to Lara’s room. Annoyed by their return, Lara expressed her frustration, exclaiming, “Didn’t I ask you both to leave me alone?”
Stella, feeling uneasy about Joan’s presence, replied anxiously, “Joan is here, and I still don’t know who she is.”
Lara inquired, “Where is she? Why is she here?”
Jane explained, “She’s here for Collins. They are in his room.”
Sensing impending danger and betrayal, Lara moved closer to Stella and kissed her eyes. Startled, Stella fell to the floor, confused about what had just transpired. She questioned, “What just happened?”
Even Lara was taken aback by her own actions. She checked if the spell was still present in her eyes but found it had vanished. In that moment, Lara realized the power of a true love’s kiss. Without hesitation, she stormed into Collins’ room, only to find Joan kissing him. Anger surged within Lara.
“Joan!” she shouted, “Or should I say, ‘Lucy!’” Lara confronted Collins and forcefully pulled him away from the bed. Collins, realizing how easily he had succumbed to Joan’s allure and feeling ashamed for his weakness compared to Steve, left the room, leaving the two girls alone. Stella, seeing Collins leave, embraced him, bracing herself for a potentially explosive confrontation that could destroy their home. However, as they waited, they were surprised by the absence of any noise or commotion.
Driven by curiosity, they cautiously entered the room. To their astonishment, they saw only Lara, radiating a brilliant light. It was so intense that they had to shield their eyes. Lara had closed her eyes when Joan attempted to harm her with negative energy. In doing so, her own radiant light overwhelmed Joan, forcing her to flee.