0004 Opening The Gift

At precisely midnight, the door to the house creaked open, and Reema stepped inside. The atmosphere shifted in an instant—there was an eerie stillness in the air, as though the world had paused. The chirping of the crickets and the rustling of leaves ceased. The night held its breath.

Frost stirred from his bed and walked toward Reema. His eyes met hers, and he knew it was time.

"It's time," he said softly. "Are you ready?"

Reema nodded, her eyes filled with sadness. "Though I'm not ready to part with him, it can't be delayed any longer."

Her gaze softened as she looked at Shakti, who was still peacefully asleep outside, unaware of what was about to happen. "Besides, you're going to be with him. It shouldn't take as long as it did before,"said Reema thinking of the thousands of years they were sealed in Frost's body not being able to interact with each other.

Frost nodded, understanding her pain. "Bring him in, and let's get it over with."

Reema nodded, her hands extending as she closed her eyes, guiding the magic within her. Slowly, as though floating on an unseen breeze, Shakti's form gently levitated through the door. His body was still asleep, his expression calm and serene, unaware of the change that was about to come. He floated softly into the room and was laid down on the bed beside Nile, who was still peacefully resting.

Frost couldn't help but sigh in exasperation as he watched Shakti, still oblivious in his slumber. "What exactly is it that you see in him?" Frost muttered under his breath, though there was no malice in his voice—only a mix of annoyance and familiarity.

Reema wiped the small traces of sleep from Shakti's face and closed his mouth, her expression tender. "It's nothing you need to understand," she replied softly, her voice unwavering. "Just hurry."

Frost sighed again, his resolve firming. "Love really does make people blind."

With a wave of his hand, he gestured to both boys. His fingers brushed the foreheads of Shakti and Nile, and a surge of energy coursed through the room. The air crackled as Frost's power intertwined with Reema's, their combined magic weaving around the boys. Slowly, Shakti's form began to flicker, growing transparent.

Frost's own body began to shift, becoming more translucent. He could feel the strain of the ritual, the energy draining from him as he forced the magic to flow through. Time seemed to stretch, and for a moment, he felt the weight of the spell threaten to overwhelm him.

Eventually, Shakti's body vanished completely, leaving only an emptiness in the room. Frost flickered as well, nearly disappearing before he staggered back against the wall, barely maintaining his form.

Reema, now on the verge of tears, gently caressed Nile's face. "My love," she whispered, her voice trembling. "It wasn't death that separated us... it was my selfishness to keep you with me. I'm sorry. I hope we can meet again soon."

Frost, regaining his strength, stepped closer to her. "I've returned all the memories. The only thing that worries me now is whether Desolation will understand the significance of what we've done, and whether he'll be ready for what's coming."

Frost paused for a moment, his thoughts weighing heavily on him. "You and Shakti... you lost your physical bodies when the Black Sea Army attacked. The bodies you once inhabited were destroyed, and now, to move forward, new forms must be forged. Nile will help Shakti. He's ready to assist. But you, Reema... You need Kritika from the Rain Empire. She has the power to help you construct a new body—one capable of housing your spirit once again."

Reema nodded, absorbing the gravity of his words. "And once this is done… will it be permanent?"

Frost gave her a faint, reassuring smile. "It's the only way. Once Nile has helped Shakti, we will immediately leave to find Kritika. She will help with the fusion. Time is pressing, Reema. You can't stay here any longer."

Reema nodded, her resolve firming. She had made her choice, and whatever came next, she would face it.

Frost shook his head, a wrapped gift appearing in his hand. He unwrapped it to reveal a simple wooden bracelet, engraved with a few words. He sighed. "Such an innocent child. I hope he can hold on to some of it after all that's coming."

He handed the bracelet to Reema. "Keep this. It may help in the future."

Reema nodded, holding the bracelet close to her chest. She gave Nile one last loving glance before turning to Frost. Together, they disappeared without a trace, leaving no evidence of their presence.

The night returned to its quiet state, and the sounds of crickets and insects resumed as though nothing had happened. The village remained asleep, oblivious to the unseen forces at work in the world around it.