Chapter 5: A Love Across Lifetimes

As the company traveled into the mysterious world and encountered the challenges of the gods, the weight of the Moonlit Heart pressed on Sienna's soul. With each stride, the ethereal glow of her power intensified, but so did the questions in her heart. She had Lucian and Reyna at her side, fighting and laughing and, unknowing to them, opening doors to long-forgotten memories. Her mind was filled with visions of them together—not only in this planet but in several realms across the centuries.

In one, she was a vampiric queen defending their realm while standing erect in armor with Lucian at her side. Under the moon's glare, Reyna was a formidable leader, leading troops in her wolf form. In another, they were a part of a simpler era—a little hamlet where all they did was farm, yet their relationship remained just as solid and profound. Their souls entwined over many incarnations; they had found one another in every existence, every universe.

Overwhelmed by the realization, Sienna grabbed her chest. Was this the reason they instantly seemed so familiar? She was perplexed by these recollections, even though they were as genuine as the oxygen she breathed. Why had she been pulled from her home planet in the first place if she was destined to find them in every universe? Had she been sent here by God, or was this enchanted world really her home?

As they strolled, Lucian's icy fingers touched hers, sensing her agony. "There seems to be a problem with you," he said. His argent and his eyes had a depth of comprehension, as though he was starting to remember bits and pieces of their common history as well. However, Sienna found it difficult to respond to him. Not quite yet. She required the truth to be known.

A shimmering doorway revealed the lost Temple of Time, where all souls and destiny came together as they triumphed over the last test. It was believed to have all the answers, but it also came with a high price.

Aldric showed up right as they were about to go inside. The entrance was blocked by the enormous shape of the beast demon, whose intensely blazing eyes caused Sienna's heart to accelerate. Although he had followed them, it was unclear why. At first, he had intended to seize the Moonlit Heart's power for himself, but something had altered in his presence.

Reyna stepped forward protectively and hissed, "I thought you wanted to destroy us." Her amber eyes widened with mistrust.

A sorrowful grin curled Aldric's lips. He said, "I did," in a deep voice that surprised me with its sensitivity. However, things do change.

At that moment, Aldric started telling them his story—a horrible past spanning generations. He had formerly been selected to preserve the Moonlit Heart's power as one of its guardians. However, the people he trusted had deceived him, and he was thrown into the abyss, where he transformed into the very monster he now seemed to be. His spirit was warped by retaliation and wrath, and his heart had grown hard. However, something inside of him sparked when he saw Sienna—an echo of who he was once.

Aldric spoke with a lot of emotion in his voice, "I've seen that power of the Moonlit Heart destroy lives, including mine." "My goal in taking it was to prevent anyone else from meeting the same end." I'm not sure whether destruction is the solution, though. Maybe there's something worthwhile to preserve.

Sienna's heart softened toward the devil as her eyes grew wider. Now she saw it: Aldric was not the evil man she had thought him to be. He had similarities with her, Lucian, and Reyna, being entangled in a web of destiny and connected by historical ties. She felt strangely, unquestionably compassionate toward him, like if she was supposed to be there for him.

Lucian moved forward, his expression expressionless. Aldric, what are you saying? that you desire to accompany us?

"After what I've done, I don't expect forgiveness. However, I would like to assist in breaking the curse of the Moonlit Heart if it is possible. He turned to look at Sienna. "If she consents to it."

Sienna paused. She was beginning to feel more and more connected to Lucian and Reyna, but she was also drawn to something in Aldric's damaged heart. His monstrous demeanor belied his tenderness, which made her heart ache. Is it possible that Aldric was also a part of her existence in an other universe? The enchantment of the Moonlit Heart operated inexplicably, and she couldn't get rid of the notion that, more than she knew, his destiny depended on hers.

Sienna said, "We're stronger together," as she looked from Lucian to Reyna to Aldric. "We're all obligated" through this. Perhaps this is what the establishment has always desired. To get together and break the cycle.

Although Aldric was clearly surprised, he gave a serious nod. "I'll follow you then."

Together, they went into the Temple of Time. An old and ominous power pervaded the air. A massive crystal ball glistened with a thousand starlights, floating in the middle of the temple. The cause of all their tribulations and the secret to their fates was this moonlit heart.

The voice of the system resounded in Sienna's head as she got closer to it.

"The connection is complete. You hold the power to go forward, Sienna. Decide if you want to stay in this world or go back to the one you left behind. However, be aware that there is only one way to everlasting love."

Her heart pounded. She sensed Lucian and Reyna's gaze upon her, anticipating, putting their confidence in her to choose their destiny. Aldric, on the other hand, was distant, his history painful, his future unknown. Now that they were all connected by fate, they were all characters in this story.

Sienna slid her eyes closed. She was aware of her obligations. She had an everlasting love for Lucian and Reyna that was etched in the stars of every lifetime, not simply a transient romance. Still, Aldric's atonement was significant. Maybe love may overcome even the limits of fate in this life.

She took a long breath and decided.