Upgrades

"Huh?" Cara could only say those words; she could have swallowed her tongue in shock.

"I like you. I mean, you are a pleasure to be with. I used to despise you because serving you took over my life. And now that I realize how important you are in this world…." Ashton lifted Cara's chin so their eyes could meet.

"It makes me feel that all my sacrifices are worthwhile. I believe you can do it. Use me; I am at your disposal." He said in his tone filled with sincerity.

Cara smiled. Hope bloomed inside of her. One person believes she can do it, that one person who hated her to death is now her biggest ally. "Thanks, Ash. It means a lot." She said, as she wiped her teary eyes.

That heartfelt conversation lifted their mood up.

They reached the center of the maze, still with a smile on their faces.

"Shall we start?" Ashton asked Cara, who seemed a little nervous.

Cara bobbed her head in agreement. She does not know what to expect, but she is ready to take on the challenge.

Ashton grabbed Cara's hand and pulled her to another path. He was laughing. Cara was clueless about what's happening.

"Where are we going?" She asked him as they were walking away from the center of the maze.

"First rule, babe. For rituals like this, we have to wait for the moon. It's barely seven in the morning. You have the entire day to rehearse." He explained to Cara.

The two reached Ashton's cabin. There is a wooden table set with a lavish breakfast for two.

The table was placed under a gigantic tree beside the cabin. The scenery in this place is truly breathtaking. It is overlooking the whole Crafter estate.

Ashton pulled out a chair for Cara. "You need to fuel your body this good food. I'm sure your energy will be drained tonight." He said in his deep, seductive voice. He unbuttoned his coat and hanged it at the backrest of his chair. He was wearing a plain white v-neck shirt; it fits faultlessly on his body, inadvertently exposing his broad chest.

Cara's dirty mind picked up on it yet again. "Drain my energy, tonight?" She rubbed her temples, trying to hide that blush on her cheeks because of her naughty thoughts.

"Thanks." Her brief answer was enough for Ashton.

"You are very welcome, master. Now, let's munch on these before anything else." He replied with a smile.

"Don't call me master. I'm just a guest here in your house." She said as she took a bite of her sandwich.

"Hahaha. No. I am the guest. Remember, you signed everything in your name already. So basically what was mine is yours." Ashton reminded Cara of their setup.

"Heh, you make it sound like we are a real married couple." Cara rebutted.

"But we are really married." Ashton winked at her.

Cara put down her fork. It finally dawned on her; the sad consequences of their situation, and how it will affect them both in the future. "So, you will die unhappy with me? I mean you won't even have a family of your own."

"It is the same for you. Besides, I am used to being alone." Ashton answered with a grin.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Too bad that now, you don't really have a choice but to be with me." Cara answered with sincere empathy.

"Being with you is not that bad, babe. I told you earlier, I am actually enjoying my time with you." Ashton's eyes gleamed.

"Strange enough, I am enjoying too." Cara smiled at Ashton.

"Your time with me?" Ashton wanted clarification.

"No, this food." She replied with sarcasm.

They both laughed and chatted more until they finished their hearty meal.

"We still have a few hours left, before we start the ritual." Ashton said while he was stretching his back and arms.

Cara tensed her shoulders as she suddenly felt the pressure of the task ahead of her. "Tell me, what should I do?" Cara tied her hair in a high ponytail, as if she is preparing for battle.

"Here." Ashton handed Cara a small bottle of orange liquid.

"What is this?" Cara took the bottle and started examining it.

"Why don't you tell me what's in it?" Ashton dared her.

Cara opened the bottle and fanned her hand so the scent would go towards her nose. "Flowers of Flame tree, feathers of a crow, a few drops of morning dew, and skatole?" Cara enumerated the scents she recognized.

"The system upgrade was successful. No bugs detected." Ashton cackled.

"Hmm, so fire, air, water and earth." Cara realized the underlying meaning of the contents of the potion she is holding.

"Exactly, you are a fast learner love." He handed Cara a book about the ritual. It satisfied Ashton that he is seeing Cara embracing her destiny as the Sakalam. He stared at her lovingly. His heart can fully understand that this is not an easy point in Cara's life.

It took so much of him to accept his fate, but he knew about it growing up and Cara… She just woke up one day with all the responsibilities on her shoulders.

"I'm a fan of this woman. I'm glad I have the rest of my life to spend with her." He thought to himself. "Am I too selfish for being happy right now? This setup is clearly a misfortune for her. I don't want to be stuck with me either?" Ashton's conflicting thoughts are driving him crazy.

Ashton smacked his forehead to clear his thoughts. He stood up and fixed the things they will use tonight for the ritual, while Cara is busy reading the book he handed her earlier.

Ashton looked at his watch and was surprised how fast time flew he barely noticed. He decided to head inside the cabin and to get some snacks for them. He asked his staff to prepare food in his cabin for he knows he will spend more time with Cara in here from now on.

"Take a break, love." Ashton handed Cara a glass of tea and freshly cut fruits.

Cara looked up at Ashton and again, his actions make her feel that tingly sensation in her chest. "Thanks, babe." She replied.

Ashton tilted his head to the sky and they both watch the sun set in front of them. "The moon will appear in a few minutes. Are you ready?" He asked the obviously nervous Cara.

"I'll do my best." Cara nodded.

"I know." Ashton confirmed his confidence on Cara.

The evening sky slowly appearing as the sun is setting down. The purple and orange haze in the sky is gradually revealing the constellations that bring so much sparkle and contrasting the elegant darkness. The moon and its radiance are Cara's favorite part of the evening. It brings so much life to the emptiness of the night. It was the signal for Ashton to prepare for their paraphernalia for later. He stuffed everything in his duffle bag.

Ashton stood up in front of Cara and extended his hand to her. "It's time, love."

Cara smiled and accepted his hand. She really can get used to this version of Ashton. She decided to show off her newly learned skills; upgrades as Ashton calls them.

"Silab," Cara said in a low voice as she lay her palms open.

"Woosh" A small fire ball floated on top of her palm.