Deep within the forest, down an old, long-forgotten dirt side road, through a particularly dense copse of sequoias, the troupe proceeded slowly, walking their bikes to avoid calling undue attention. Trepidation hung thick in the air around them, and all chose to keep their thoughts to themselves, lest their fears of being caught be brought to life. Even in the afternoon, little light pierced through the thick canopy into the understory, so Pyro lit the path with a strong flame.

  The trail ended abruptly at a wall of trees and brush too thick to see past. Pushing a large fern aside, Dásos gestured for the others to proceed. Last in line, Eurynome stared at Keshiema as she disappeared into the woods. As he approached to enter behind her, Dásos stopped him with a forceful hand on the demon's chest.

  His eyes spoke volumes, but the words needed to be said aloud. "Know this, Reaper: you will mind your every step. Control your hunger and keep that temper of yours in check, because if any harm comes to Keshiema, I will kill you, curse be damned."

  Fighting every urge in his body, Eurynome pushed past the Primordial without a word. He had hunted shortly before they left, specifically to keep himself sated enough to endure being close to Keshiema, but he had not fully anticipated the allure of a pure-blooded Primordial. Even after only a few hours, his hunger had grown immensely.

  Being near Keshiema for that long during training never caused his appetite to act up so fiercely, so it had to be Dásos. If he could just get the creature alone, he could be satiated. Killing Dásos would also have the benefit of eliminating his rival for Keshiema's attention.

  "Leave the bikes here," Dásos commanded as he entered behind Eurynome.

  The forest had completely changed; no longer were they surrounded by the majestic giant redwoods. Instead, they walked among the serene Elysian Fields between worlds. The soft wheat shimmered under the eternal twilight sky, fireflies dancing over the golden grains, winds singing through unseen reeds.

  "Dásos!" Lilith shouted, unabashedly using his true name. "I know where you're taking us, and I refuse to go back there!"

  Nodding, Dásos gestured back to the direction they came from, "You know your way out." He was too sick of her for niceties, but kind enough to ignore her calling out his true name.

  "Lilith!" Asmoday caught his sister's arm. "You don't need to leave. Adam may not even be nearby. And even then, the Creator left long ago."

  "It's not a risk I'm willing to take, Azzy. If what you told me is true, then my being there will put him in danger." Lilith looked at Keshiema. "Before I go, can I talk to you for a minute?"

  'What the hell could she want now?' Keshiema wondered as she followed Lilith a short distance away from the group.

  "I'm sorry." Lilith offered, rubbing her arms, looking at the ground, "I know I've wronged you, and there's no good excuse, but I still think you should know why I've acted so brash towards you."

  "This should be good." Keshiema rolled her eyes, sick of being the punching bag for misdirected anger.

  "Adam and I-"

  "Were supposed to be married," Keshiema interrupted. "I know. You still love him, right?"

  Lilith gaped at her, completely dumbfounded. "Uh, I mean, yes. But it's not just that. You know Adam had several children with Eve. The oldest of which was a woman named Azura."

  "And?" Crossing her arms, Keshiema tapped her foot impatiently.

  This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  "Well, Azura had a certain, how should I put it, fascination with fire."

  "Wait, wait, wait. You're saying your problem with me is that Eve is my great grandmother?" It was horrible and twisted, but too emotionally drained from her recent traumas, she found the princess's excuse almost laughable.

  "It sounds so terrible out loud," Lilith winced.

  "Because it is terrible." Keshiema retorted. "You've been absolutely wretched!"

  "I want to make it up to you, if you'd allow it. If it helps, I'll keep my eyes peeled for the Davis siblings and their people." The princess was desperate for forgiveness.

  "Lilith, I don't know if I have it in me to forgive you," bitterness clutched Keshiema's heart. "But I can kind of understand, I guess. I know jealousy can make people act a bit...out of sorts. You prove you can be better, and I'll consider forgiveness."

  "Thank you, Keshiema." Lilith bowed to her respectfully before disappearing through the hidden doorway.

  The fields rustled in the breeze, and fireflies buzzed melodically as the group followed Dásos. "Stay close," he reminded them. "Elysium will take you wherever it pleases, should you wander without knowing your destination."

  Again, the world changed suddenly, the amber fields replaced by a luscious rainforest, the trees brimming with fruit of every color. A tiger slept soundly, curled up with a wild boar. Birds chirped and whistled. Everything in the grove lived in peaceful harmony.

  "Welcome to Eden," Dásos said after giving everyone a moment to take everything in. "You are welcome to explore as much as you'd like. If you get hungry, help yourself to the flora. Carnivores," he stared at Eurynome, "ask the predators to guide you to the foods that will sustain you. There will be no hunting within the sanctuary. If you absolutely have to eat meat, Asmoday can lead you out of the garden. We can reconvene here in the morning to discuss Keshiema's training. For now, I think we can all agree a bit of rest is in order, so go find a corner to call your own." As everyone dispersed, Dásos held Keshiema back, his eyes softening, "What is it, Kesh?"

  "Day, are we truly safe here? The king is ancient, doesn't he know how to get Eden?" Gray consumed her, dulling her radiance with the shadow of fear.

  "When I stole the trees back, I also had Aether move the entrances to Elysium, Ethera, and Eden. While Eden is still technically in Vitera, you have to cross through the Elysian Fields to come and go, and I already told you what the realm does with wanderers." His answer wasn't much, but it was enough to ease her gnawing anxiety. "I have something for you," he said abruptly.

  Taking her hand, Dásos guided her through the lush forest, slow enough to let her admire the wondrous world around her. A clear stream wove through the forest haven, a gentle background in the garden symphony. To be alone with Dásos in such a gorgeous, serene setting was to be at peace. Breathing deeply, she took in the subtle aromas of fruit and nectar.

  They walked upstream until they came to a waterfall, cascading over enormous cliffside crystals. The basin the water fell into sparkled in the bright afternoon sun, and the crystals reflected the sunbeams, casting rainbows on the water and ground.

  "This corner of Eden is just for you," he whispered. "From here, you can escape to Ethera any time you'd like. A gateway to The Tree of Life is just behind the falls, and no one can go through that gate unless they have express Primordial permission."

  From her metallic hair to her shimmering galaxy eyes, Keshiema's colors turned gold. "Thank you," she hugged him tightly, brought to tears by the sheer, overwhelming joy the gift brought her, because he was not just gifting her a beautiful grotto. He was giving her a peaceful getaway, equipped with a path to safety. "Thank you, a million times, thank you!"

  Seeing her so overjoyed filled Dásos's heart to the brim. "Keshiema," he spoke into her hair, holding her as tightly as she held him, "if there is anything in this world you desire, you only need tell me, and I will stop at nothing for you to have it."

  Placing her hand on his chest, she stared into his deep green eyes, colors shifting to pink, voice trembling, "Well, now that mention it..."

  "Say it," he pleaded, brushing her hair away from her face.

  With butterflies and a pounding heart, she unleashed the words he longed for, "Will you kiss me?"

  Their hearts beat in time as their lips connected, green and lavender swirls spiraling around them, filling the cool air with a sweet and earthy bouquet. Aura flowed freely between Dásos and Keshiema as their kiss deepened, sensitizing them to each other's essence.

  Breaking away, Dásos cradled her gently as he nibbled on her neck. "I think we should stop," he whispered, the points of his teeth grazing her skin, jolting her with a subtle ecstasy.

  "Mhm," she mumbled in agreement. While she craved more, she also wanted to take things slow. They stayed in each other's arms, swaying to their heartbeats, letting themselves enjoy their moment, despite the chaos of the world around them.