(One Month after the attack on Phantom) 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Xiran attended countless meetings with Amonidus, Aldridge and the hierarchy of the three continents. Although everyone praised his effort they were disappointed that they couldn’t bag him. It was decided that next time they will be going all-out against Phantom because he would be expecting them.

Back in Fritez city, everyone had begun to settle in their lives and become comfortable. Irlana had joined Rivan’s company while Elrine started helping out at the orphanage. Arimie was still struggling but was on the road to recovery.

Xiran consulted with Frila and they arranged a party for everyone so they could become acquainted with each other and feel at ease.

"We will arrange it at the hotel’s party hall, all preparations are in your and Rumail’s hands," Xiran informed her.

"It will be my pleasure Señor, leave it to me," Frila beamed in return.

"Any news on Aselia?" he reluctantly asked, he had been keeping himself extremely busy so he won’t even have time to think about her, but she never left his thoughts.

"She is fine, keeping up with her routine. She knows about the attack on Phantom but surprisingly she hasn’t asked any questions from Yurian. He was a bit apprehensive about her silence on the matter," Frila confided in him.

"That’s very unlike her. She always asks a thousand questions," this troubled Xiran. It could only mean that she was investigating on her own. The incident related to her memories had troubled her deeply and she was not someone who would just give up.

"We have to be very careful Frila. We can’t take any more risks concerning her, my father is out for blood now. Under no circumstances we will visit her," Frila had already passed the information to Yurian that they needed to be extra vigilant now concerning Aselia. They had even stopped using her name when they talked on the phone, just in case.

"Understood, Señor."

Xiran gave her a few more instructions before leaving.

Later that night, the hall was closed for the private event and guests began to arrive one by one. Arimie and Zirius were the first ones to reach. She was wearing a gorgeous A-line coral dress and her hair hung loose on both her shoulders. Zirius was clad in a black tuxedo with a white bow tie.

"Oh my! you guys look spectacular," Frila couldn’t contain her excitement as she welcomed them.

"Thank you!" Arimie shook hands with her as Zirius made the introductions.

"Frila, thank you for inviting us," Zirius flashed her a grin while holding Arimie closer.

"My pleasure, enjoy the party," they both made their way inside.

Irlana, Elrine and Rivan were next to arrive and were warmly greeted by Frila. After exchanging pleasantries, she guided them inside.

Rumail arrived alone as Amoris was away on a mission again. His boyish smile was missing, his shoulders were hunched.

"Why so glum?" Frila teased him, knowing well he was missing his girlfriend.

"Everyone is here with a partner and look at me," he clicked his tongue in annoyance, making Frila laugh.

"Well, not everyone Rumail. Señor is going to arrive alone as well, and you know how burdened he is. At least you have Amoris," there was a slight heaviness in her voice and Rumail sensed that she wasn’t only talking about Xiran. A rudimentary sadness had settled in her eyes. Rumail secretly cursed himself for being insensitive.

"I know, I am sorry. We are going to dance together tonight, promise me you will," he slightly touched her arm.

"I will," she half-smiled at him and he nodded his head before heading inside.

Xiran was the last one to arrive but he looked dandy in his all-white attire of jeans and shirt which snug tightly over his ripped muscles. His silver hair was neatly tied in a ponytail today.

"Señor! I am glad you are here," Frila greeted him and he offered his arm to her. She was taken aback for a second but then took it as they made their way inside.

"You did well, Frila. I am proud of you," he patted her hand and her heart filled with joy.

Xiran greeted everyone and they waved at him with smiles. Frila let go of his arm and began to tend to the guests.

The hall was beautifully decorated with gaudy coloured decorations, flowers and ribbons. Frila had done it on purpose to make everyone feel at ease and accepted.

Rumail had taken his position as bartender and was fixing colourful cocktails for everyone. There was laughter and merriment and Xiran couldn’t help but smile.

Irlana was slow dancing with Rivan on the light music that played in the background. Frila walked over to Elrine and they both took drinks from Rumail and began conversing. While Zirius and Arimie made their way towards where Xiran was standing.

Xiran could sense Arimie’s tension, the girl who had been giggling when he walked in seemed terrified now and it didn’t take a genius to figure out, she was frightened of him. Xiran tried to offer her a reassuring smile but her hand tightened around Zirius’s arm, she was not comfortable.

"Ari! I want you to meet Señor," Zirius patted her hand and made the introduction.

"Hi!" her voice quivered and Xiran’s heart clenched in pain. She was looking anywhere but at him.

"Hello! How are you Arimie? Are you enjoying the party?" Xiran softly asked, so as not to rattle her.

"I am," she then turned to Zir and nodded. He let go of her hand and kissed her on the forehead with so much affection that Xiran had to avert his gaze.

"I will go help Rumail with those drinks," leaving her there as if they had planned it beforehand, Zirius walked away. Arimie didn’t make eye contact with Xiran, her eyes bore into the ground as she stuttered:

"I...I wanted to talk to you alone. Will that be alright?" she timidly questioned.

"Of course, of course, please talk freely," anticipation build up, Xiran kept his voice as low and soft as was possible for him. He didn’t want to intimidate the girl any more than she already was.