"Indeed, a lot of changes have occurred in the last year. Most of them for the betterment and I hope all species can work towards peace and love," Frila added, remembering the price she had paid for the peace and yet Xiran couldn’t keep his love.

"We can’t have peace until these vermins called vampires are still alive," Aselia’s words rang out in disgust and Frila had to gulp hard. She was reminded that Aselia was still at a point where she despised them. A tense vibrancy had surrounded them and Frila didn’t know what to say. She peeked at Yurian and he took the hint.

"Let’s have dessert. Frila what would you like to have?" Yurian cut in, trying to ease the tension.

"Bread Pudding will do, thank you," Frila averted her gaze and smiled.

"Partner, chocolate cake for you?" Yurian’s question made the anger on Aselia’s face dissipate and she found herself nodding at him.

They had dessert and some easy conversations after that. Yurian told them jokes to keep the conversation light and flowing.

The restaurant was near a Mall. After lunch, Aselia insisted they visited it. She wanted to buy a gift for Frila, so they went shopping.

Frila was fun and Aselia enjoyed her company as both of them tried on and bought dresses and shirts. Although Frila insisted, Aselia didn’t let her pay.

"They are a gift from my side, please accept them," Aselia handed her the shopping bag containing two dresses which Frila had chosen. Frila’s heart swelled with the happiness she experienced. She had always wanted to go shopping with Aselia. She did today but she was like a stranger to Aselia now.

"Thank you, A... I mean Leia," Frila quickly caught herself before she would call her Aselia and let out a sigh.

"No problem I am very glad to meet you and I hope our friendship will grow from here onwards," Aselia shook hands with her and Frila could sense she wasn’t scrutinizing her anymore.

"Likewise and it will," Frila offered her a small hug before Aselia took her leave. She wanted to give them some privacy and had asked Yurian to take Frila to the waterfall and show her around before she had to return.

"I wish you could stay the night but I know you have work. Don’t be a stranger, call me if this thick head ever gives you trouble," Aselia instructed making Yurian pass her an exasperated look while Frila cackled.

"I will do that, goodbye Leia."

"Goodbye," Aselia left the mall after that. She had called Jaguar who had picked her up and they went for the long drive they had planned.

Once alone both of them sighed in relief as Yurian spoke:

"I hope she bought our lies. I have never lied to her my entire life as much as I have done these past nine months. Sometimes guilt eats me Frila."

"I feel you Yurian. I have never lied to Señor but I couldn’t bring myself up to tell him that Aselia is dating someone and he kissed her. Although he has taken her memories, she is the only one he still loves and I am afraid will continue to do so. If only we can bring them back together."

They conversed as Yurian took her to the waterfall. Other than Aselia he had never felt such a natural conversation flow with anyone.

He helped Frila get inside the water basin where the waterfall dropped.

"It’s beautiful and so soothing to the senses," Frila reached out with her hand and touched the flowing water which felt cold against her skin.

"Yes, I love this place. It’s refreshing."

The water gushed out from the mountain and fell in a pool of water below, spraying all around. The water under their feet was so clear that they could see their reflection in it. A few fish swam around them and a small giggle escaped Frila as one of them pecked her foot, thinking it was food.

"Thank you for bringing me here. Your city is beautiful. I hope one day you can visit Fritez under better circumstances too," she said while reaching for the cascading water again.

"Me too. I still remember meeting you for the first time."

"Ohh! I wish we had met under better circumstances," she stopped in her tracks as memories of Carios flowed in torrents.

"No, we met at the hotel for the first time. Not really met but I saw you with Aselia. You were taking here somewhere and I bumped into her and acted as if I was drunk," he sheepishly added rubbing the back of his head.

"Ahhh! That was you? I remember that incident. Is that how you two communicated while both of you were undercover?" she asked in astonishment her hand flew to her wide-open mouth. Her eyes were twice the size in shock.

"Yes, sorry," and both of them burst out in laughter.

"It’s alright. You people fooled us well. I am impressed," they stayed there for a while till it was time for Frila’s flight back home.

They got in the car and she completely altered her appearance so no one would be able to recognise her. She put on a red wig and large sunglasses. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Reaching the airport, they awkwardly stood in front of each other, smiling as if they had really been on their first date.

Frila then stepped closer to him and gave him a warm hug and he felt his heart pick up its pace. She smelled like refreshing flowers. For the first time in a long time, he wanted to hold a woman in his arms. But he didn’t want to make her uncomfortable and let her go after a few seconds. They finally separated and Frila lightly kissed his cheek and whispered:

"Thank you, you are the sweetest and the cutest," leaving him in a bewildered state. He became tongue-tied and no words escaped him. She waved at him and headed back home, while he stood there watching her retreating back until she disappeared.