Epilogue

The atmosphere hung heavy with a dense layer of mist, cloaking the city in an almost ethereal beauty. Despite the fog, the city itself appeared enchanting—a small civilization where inhabitants lived unburdened by the rules of the outside world. Surrounded by water on all sides, it seemed as though the very hands of God had crafted this picturesque haven. Abundant in both food and water, it was a place of serene existence.

Amidst this captivating setting, a woman sought the guidance of another. "Miss Delilah," she inquired, addressing a young and strikingly beautiful lady. Delilah, adorned in a corset dress that gracefully brushed her ankles, bore evidence of her recent foray into the outdoors, with mud and stray leaves clinging to her attire.

"Can you enlighten me on the properties of this plant?" the woman continued; her gaze fixed on Delilah.

"Meet Difla," Delilah grinned warmly at the woman, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "It's a stunning flower plant, isn't it? But, here's the catch - as beautiful as it may be, it's a bit of a double-edged sword. The aroma is divine, but trust me, you wouldn't want to ingest it. That could be downright fatal."

As Delilah shared this cautionary note, a tiny face popped up from behind the woman's back – a carefully wrapped baby, peeking out curiously. Delilah couldn't help but notice and gestured towards the little one. "Speaking of little ones, if you've got a young baby there, I'd advise against Difla. Instead, consider this," she turned her attention to a collection of plants, singling out one with vibrant red flowers. "Meet Rose. Even if your baby decides to have a little nibble, it's completely harmless." Delilah's eyes twinkled with assurance as she presented the safer alternative.

Delilah's charm was undeniably captivating; she was adored by everyone. However, she had a way of keeping those around her on edge due to her penchant for embarking on perilous adventures to expand her collection of flowers. Delving into challenging places to explore seemed to be her specialty. On occasion, she would venture into the depths of the sea to uncover exotic seaweeds, while other times, she'd scale mountains and cliffs in pursuit of aesthetically pleasing blooms. Her daring exploits left those who knew her both fascinated and concerned.

On one of those unforgettable days, Delilah found herself on a boat, slicing through the deep waters. Secured by a rope fastened around her waist, she took a daring leap into the sea. Moving with the grace and skill of a seasoned swimmer, Delilah possessed an uncanny ability to hold her breath, allowing her to explore the ocean depths.

As she immersed herself in the underwater world, searching for sea grasses and algae, her keen eyes spotted something unexpected—a man, sprawled on the seabed with an appearance akin to lifelessness. Without hesitation, Delilah swam towards him, propelled by a mix of curiosity and concern. Upon reaching him, she swiftly brought him to the water's surface.

The man lay limp, not drawing breath. Determined, Delilah initiated mouth-to-mouth resuscitation in a bid to restore life. His pallid face and cold body seemed ominous, but the steady thump of his heart beneath her touch offered a glimmer of hope. Delilah persisted, performing CPR for what felt like an eternity, until, at long last, the man began to draw breath on his own.

"Thank goodness," Delilah sighed with relief as the man began to breathe, though he remained unconscious. Taking note of his cold condition, Delilah decided to help by removing his wet clothes and wrapping him in a spare sheet she had on hand. She carefully laid out his soaked attire on the boat, hoping the sun's rays would aid in drying them.

As she attended to the man, Delilah couldn't help but scan the surroundings in surprise. There were no signs of other people or any indications of a broken ship near the spot where she had discovered the man. It left her wondering about the circumstances that led to his current state.

As the man shifted in his sleep, Delilah gently took his hand. Despite basking in the bright sunlight for quite some time, his hand felt unusually cold. Concerned, she held his hands and began to rub them, hoping to bring some warmth. The man stirred, gradually opening his eyes to find a smiling face before him. As his vision cleared, he was taken aback by the unexpected proximity and let out a scream, recoiling and clutching the sheet tightly.

Startled, Delilah quickly backed away, raising her hands in a reassuring gesture, indicating that she meant no harm. The man, still in a state of shock, peered under the sheets and realized he was now naked, prompting another shout of surprise.

Attempting to calm the situation, Delilah explained, "Relax, you were cold, so I had to change your clothes. We're close to land, and your clothes are almost dry. Go your way, and you'll never see me again."

With that, she gave him some space, hoping to alleviate the awkwardness of the moment and assure him that her intentions were merely out of concern for his well-being.

For the next 10 minutes, an awkward silence hung in the air as they navigated the waters. The man, grappling with his now dry clothes, motioned for Delilah to turn around in the small boat. Trying to maintain balance on the swaying vessel, he struggled to dress himself, stealing occasional glances at Delilah to ensure she didn't catch him in an unseemly moment.

Upon reaching the shore, Delilah broke the silence, her curiosity evident. "I didn't catch your name, young man." The man furrowed his brows, avoiding eye contact and mumbling something indistinct. "Are you mute?"

Sighing, the man retorted, "I won't tell any pervert my name," his voice carrying an edge of frustration. "Pervert," Delilah exclaimed in disbelief, "I saved your life, and you're calling me a pervert. Unbelievable." With the boat secured to the dock, Delilah began to drift away towards the city.

Surveying his surroundings, the man realized he was in an unfamiliar place, and a sense of fear crept in. Desperate, he called out to Delilah, yelling a series of 'hey's, but she paid no heed. Panicking, he shouted, "How can I find you? I don't know anyone here."

"Ask for a pervert in the city!" Delilah's parting words echoed as she disappeared into the bustling crowd, leaving the man alone in a sea of strangers.

The man continued to wander around the city, finding himself in a predicament as he had no money on hand, and this unfamiliar place posed a challenge for him. His journey had taken an unexpected turn when the boat he was on sank during the voyage. A simple traveler, he had set out to escape from his home, but fate had different plans.

As the day progressed into evening, he struggled to persuade anyone to offer him a place to stay or some food to eat. Weary and disheartened, he dragged his feet through the unfamiliar streets, attracting curious gazes from the locals who regarded him as if he were an alien. 

"Ah, Dylan, how many times do I have to remind you? I won't sell you flowers; last time, you let them wither away," the man heard a familiar voice nearby and whispered, 'the pervert,' before darting in that direction.

"I want to help you. Let me buy at least one; I swear I'll take care of it," another voice chimed in. The man recognized it as Dylan's, the same person the woman had referred to earlier.

"No way."

"Then you can come with me to take care of the plants at my home." Delilah, the woman, made a disgusted face and flung some mud at him.

"Get lost."

"Pervert," the man shouted, charging towards her. Delilah, who had saved him earlier that morning, wore a surprised expression as she processed being referred to as a pervert. Despite the unexpected accusation, she scoffed to herself. Dylan, standing by her side, eyed the man from head to toe, clearly annoyed.

"Thank the heavens, I found you," the man exclaimed, almost falling to his knees. He collapsed immediately; relief evident in his voice.

Dylan leaned in and whispered to Delilah, "How long do you think he's planning to crash here?" Delilah responded with a nonchalant shrug as they both occupied less-than-ideal chairs in front of the somewhat uncomfortable bed. Dylan, feeling a bit exasperated, turned to Delilah and asked, "By the way, what's his name?" Delilah, once again, just shrugged, indicating her lack of knowledge. 

Dylan sighed, giving Delilah a questioning look. "Why was he calling you a pervert?" Delilah responded with another shrug, leaving Dylan increasingly frustrated with the lack of answers. He rubbed his face in annoyance and sighed, pressing further, "Well, what do you know then? Why did he come to you?" The context clarified that Dylan and Delilah had found the man and brought him to Delilah's home.

In a huff, Delilah crossed her arms and explained, "I found him sinking in the sea, I saved him, changed his clothes, and now he's labeling me a pervert." The tension between Dylan and Delilah continued to escalate, oblivious to the fact that the man they had rescued was now seated upright on the bed, attentively listening to their argument.

"I apologize," the man spoke up, signaling his awakening. Dylan and Delilah turned their heads in surprise. "I'm sorry for labeling you as a pervert without even knowing your name," he admitted, a hint of embarrassment coloring his words. Delilah maintained her silence, fixing him with an unwavering gaze. 

"Thanks," he added, scratching his nape awkwardly.

"What?" Delilah queried, having heard him the first time but desiring confirmation.

The man huffed, repeating his gratitude a bit louder, anticipating Delilah's potential insistence on hearing it again.

"See, that wasn't so hard. You could've spared us some time and energy by saying that earlier," Delilah remarked with a touch of arrogance, while Dylan observed the interaction.

"Let's start over. What's your name, young man?" Delilah inquired.

"I'm Alpheus."

"Nice to meet you, Alpheus. I'm Delilah." She extended her hand for a handshake, and Alpheus accepted it with a polite smile. "And this is Dylan. He lives at the end of this street," she said, pointing toward Dylan.

"You could've mentioned that I'm your friend, at least," Dylan remarked as he also shook hands with Alpheus.

"But you're not," Delilah deadpanned, earning a snicker from Alpheus at her straightforward response.

In a twist of fate, Delilah, Alpheus, and Dylan found themselves brought together by the threads of destiny, forming an unbreakable bond of friendship. They immersed themselves in each other's company, spending countless hours sharing laughter and experiences. Alpheus, captivated by Dylan's work in repairing things, decided to join him in his endeavors and even took up residence in Dylan's home.

Their days were filled with adventures orchestrated by Delilah, who had a penchant for collecting various flowers. She would often invite Alpheus and Dylan to join her escapades, creating cherished memories that seemed to cement their camaraderie. However, the harmony within their trio was about to face an unexpected challenge.

Alpheus, unable to suppress his feelings, eventually confessed his affection for Delilah. This revelation, oblivious to Dylan's enduring crush on her, cast a shadow over their friendship. To Dylan's dismay, Delilah accepted Alpheus's proposal, sparking a silent storm of emotions within him. Despite the inner turmoil, Dylan chose to keep his grievances to himself, prioritizing the preservation of their friendship.

Yet, the fragile equilibrium shattered when Dylan discovered Alpheus sneaking out of the house one night. Initially suspecting a clandestine meeting with Delilah, Dylan's anger intensified. Unable to dismiss the nagging feeling that something was amiss, he decided to shadow Alpheus, plunging into the depths of the night to unravel the mystery that threatened to disrupt the bonds they had so carefully woven.

"I told you I need some time." Dylan heard Alpheus was arguing with a few people, they were wearing hoods and Alpheus was always showing gestures to them. 

Dylan retraced his steps, making his way back home in silence. Once there, he sought refuge under the comforting embrace of his sheets, closing his eyes to replay the recent unsettling scene in his mind. "Alpheus is not what he seems to be; he's here for a reason," Dylan pondered, his thoughts echoing in the quiet recesses of his consciousness.

In the hushed ambiance, Dylan discerned faint footsteps and the subtle creaking of a door. Alpheus returned quietly, perhaps under the impression that Dylan remained oblivious to his movements.

Choosing to keep the disconcerting revelation to himself, Dylan refrained from discussing it even with Delilah. He suspected she was deeply infatuated with Alpheus and would dismiss his concerns without a second thought. Nevertheless, Dylan maintained a cautious distance from Alpheus and embarked on his own investigative journey.

When Dylan excused himself, citing a need to venture to the other side of the sea, it wasn't merely an excuse but a strategic move. Through his research, he uncovered a significant detail – the ship that had sunk on the day Alpheus arrived had set sail from a place called Drana. Alpheus had mentioned the tragic demise of his parents, and Dylan was determined to unearth the truth behind this mysterious connection.

As they strolled down the streets, Delilah couldn't help but express, "For the first time, I'm missing Dylan." Alpheus, her companion, stole a glance at her and abruptly halted. Intrigued, Delilah turned to him, asking, "What's wrong? Why did you stop?"

Alpheus, wearing an expression of disappointment, placed his hands on his waist and remarked, "Seriously, you're mentioning another man, and that too, my roommate, before your fiancé."

"Fiancé who?" Delilah responded with a singsong tone. "You never asked for a marriage," she stated bluntly.

"Oh, I see." Alpheus took a few deliberate steps towards Delilah, maintaining intense eye contact, trying to convey something seductive that left her feeling uncomfortable. "Well, I won't do it. Ask Dylan," he declared, perhaps expecting an apology from Delilah, but he was proven wrong. 

"Alright, well, Dylan would actually agree to that. Please do come to our wedding," she deadpanned and mocked him, earning a huff from Alpheus. Scoffing, Alpheus stepped forward, but Delilah was quick. She bolted, and Alpheus trailed behind her. They sprinted for a few minutes until Alpheus made a turn, overtaking her from another path. He circled his arms around her waist, earning a surprised gasp from Delilah. Flustered, her cheeks flushed a brighter shade of pink.

"I won't let that happen, in this life and the next. You're mine," Alpheus whispered into Delilah's ear as he leaned in to capture her lips, his intentions clear.

"You need to be alive for that!" Dylan's shout echoed from a distance, catching the attention of both Alpheus and Delilah. Initially thinking it was a joke, the serious expression on Dylan's face dispelled any doubt as he approached them, holding a scroll in his hand.

"I came back yesterday and went straight to the authorities for this," Dylan explained, raising the scroll as he jumped from a rock, finally coming face to face with Alpheus and Delilah.

Perplexed, Delilah asked, "What is this?"

"Notice to send Alpheus to dungeons," Dylan replied, earning surprised glances from both Alpheus and Delilah.

Confused and in disbelief, Delilah questioned, "What are you saying?"

Dylan took Delilah's hands in his, gently pushing Alpheus away. "Trust me, I went to the other side of the sea. This man we call Alpheus is not Alpheus. I met the real Alpheus's parents; they told me their son had died a year ago when the ship sank, exactly two days before you found this person," Dylan pointed at Alpheus.

"Stop messing around, Dylan," Delilah pleaded, tears welling up in her eyes.

"I'm not," Dylan insisted. "I saw him talking to two people wearing hoods, saying he needed time for something. Look at him; his silence says everything." As Dylan spoke, Alpheus's eyes widened, and in a fit of anger, he struck Dylan.

"Stop it!" Alpheus shouted, and a scuffle broke out between him and Dylan. Delilah desperately shouted for them to stop.

"It's not going to work, imposter. The authorities are on their way to get you," Dylan warned. Just as he uttered those words, armed men with swords and knives emerged, rushing towards them. In the chaos, they swiftly captured Alpheus, leaving Delilah confused and speechless as she watched the guardsmen take him away.

The scene underwent a sudden transformation; clouds once again permeated the air, and Delilah stood amidst a peculiar setting, surrounded by shattered glass and scattered Difla flowers. The ambiance resembled that of a dungeon, and before her stood Alpheus, with numerous lifeless bodies strewn across the floor.

Curiosity and wariness marked Delilah's expression as she queried, "Who are you?"

"We have no name," Alpheus responded, "We came here for an excursion, but your people locked us in. I won't let them escape now. Take my hand," he offered, his tone hinting at a sense of urgency and determination.

Amidst the change of scene, they found themselves standing in the grandest hall perched on the cliff—the epicenter of revelry. Delilah, donned in dance, twirled with a mysterious masked partner. Abruptly, a low growl resonated, and the very structure surrounding them began to crumble. Delilah's eyes widened as she caught sight of a luminous yellow halo hovering in the sky. She recognized it as the work of Alpheus and knew immediate action was required.

In an instant, Delilah propelled Alpheus over the cliff's edge, a knife firmly embedded in his chest. The world lauded her as the savior from extraterrestrial peril, but an unease settled within her. Days later, she was discovered lifeless in her abode, Difla flowers strewn across her table, and a spilled glass revealing a mysterious liquid. The city of Atlantis paid homage to her memory by laying her to rest in the heart of the metropolis, an honor befitting her sacrifice.

The memories began to play in rewind, revealing that Leah, during an accident, inadvertently reopened the portal. Contrary to belief, Alpheus was not dead; he sought a suitable vessel and found Aiden. However, everything came to a decisive end, and the city of Atlantis once again succumbed to the depths.

 Leah awoke with a jolt, saved by someone she recognized as Jeff. To her relief, a few other passengers had also survived. Grateful for their safety, Leah chuckled, "You're lucky we found you, but we couldn't locate Aiden," Jeff informed her.

 "And your child is okay too," he added casually. Leah was taken aback. "What child?" she whispered in disbelief. Glancing at her abdomen, she suddenly realized that she was carrying a child, a tangible connection to Aiden. A mixture of emotions overwhelmed her, and a cry escaped her lips. Despite the unexpected revelation, she embraced the reality, closing her eyes to immerse herself once more in the memories of the events that had transpired.