Serene’s POV

It had been three days since that fateful day had passed which took my grandmother from me. The sorrow and pain I felt were indescribable. No words could comfort me for I would never be able to sleep in her lap or hear her sing to me, or get wisdom nuggets from her. It was all gone for she was gone, forever.

The attacks through the Dark Realm had ceased for now but our remaining forces were on high alert. We had suffered heavy losses, 47 Fae soldiers were massacred in the attack and a massive part of our castle was destroyed.

Artins Sensei and my father infused their magic to put up a permanent shield back around our castle. They fortified it with different spells. The castle was being rebuilt as well and we received support and builders from Folkshel Realm.

Arlo was still unconscious but alive, somehow I felt he was important to her, she had ordered for him to be sent back. Maybe she understood he was close to me and just wanted to use him as her puppet.

Today was grandmother’s funeral and people from all the realms were gathering to offer their respects to the former queen of the Fae Realm. Even Alpha Anmadius was making an appearance. Zeph and his family were arriving today as well for the funeral.

Kilamin was still busy making arrangements for all the guests that were expected to arrive today. I was to meet and greet them, although I didn’t feel like facing anyone, let alone talking to them. But I knew I had to do it for my grandmother.

Standing in the window of my room I gazed at the rising sun as the new day dawned. I had adorned a simple floor-length white dress, my hair was neatly tied in a bun and I waited for the father’s order to start receiving the guests as soon as they will begin to arrive.

Hearing a slight knock on the door and without turning, "Come in," I said. The door opened and Kilamin stepped inside. He quietly approached me and stood beside me, watching the sunrise.

"Have all preparations been completed?" I asked.

"Yes, how are you holding up?" He inquired in a sad voice.

"I am trying, trying to stay strong," I replied in a small voice, making sure not to choke on my words.

"She was my comfort person, Serene. Someone, I could openly talk to, who kept all my secrets and loved me unconditionally. She was like a mother I never had." I could feel the heaviness of his heart reflecting the gloominess it felt at the loss of our grandmother.

"She was the same for me, big brother. I just wish we could have gotten more time as a family. I just discovered the truth and we never even sat down to spend time together." I placed my head on his shoulder and he lovingly patted it, I continued talking to him:

"I can’t take her place but I will make sure to be your comfort person, so you can feel free to discuss your heart’s content with me."

"I know you will be, Serene." We stood there silently for some time. Once the sun had risen, Kilamin said quietly to me:

"Let’s go say our final goodbye to grandma." I simply nodded, unable to form words.

We headed down and made our way to the portal. Reaching it, Kilamin and I stood near it side by side with a few of our royal guards. Special carriages had been arranged to transport the guests to the royal cemetery where grandma was to be buried.

Guests began to arrive under tight security and we received and welcome them. They offered their condolences, some had brought flowers along, and others brought wreaths or special pieces of red clothes which were to be tied to the coffin as per tradition.

Prince Zhoun Li and Xin Li arrived early, we greeted them and they offered their sincere condolences. Kilamin lead them to the carriage so they would head over to the cemetery where father waited for their arrival.

Alexis and Artins Sensei were next to arrive. Artins Sensei patted my head, trying to console me as he said: "She was a brave woman who fought valiantly with the enemy. You should be proud of her."

"I am Sensei, thank you for the kind words," I spoke calmly trying to keep my emotions in check. Kilamin then led them to their respective carriage.

Next, all my senseis arrived together except Lavaria and Sarim Sensei. Shumal Sensei hurried towards me, clad in a black dress she held extreme sorrow ness on her face. Engulfing me in a tight hug she said: "I am so sorry Serene, my girl. How are you holding up?"

"I am barely hanging in there, Sensei, thank you for coming," I replied in a sad tone.

"Stay strong, Lavaria and Sarim wanted to be here but someone needed to stay back at the Institute in case we had an unexpected attack. They send their love though." She squeezed my hands and offered me a small smile. I nodded.

Mariela Sensei gave me a small nod too and held my hands. I could see she had lost a lot of weight. She used to be bulky but now she almost looked thin. There was tenderness in her eyes when she met and offered condolences to Kilamin.

Zeph, Ralph and Zeph’s mother were next to arrive. I encountered a fresh wave of emotions washing over me and my whole body began to shake seeing him step out of the portal and hurry toward me. He had adorned all black as usual, his face wearing a solemn expression and reflecting the pain he held for me.

He embraced me, wrapping his sturdy arms around me and all those tears I had been holding back came streaming down. I sobbed into his chest and he rubbed my back, trying to console the raging storm inside my heart.

We didn’t speak for he knew I didn’t need words right now, just his comfort, which he provided in an ample amount. I finally let go of him and he cupped my teary face, holding my gaze he whispered: "I am sorry," I just nodded at him as fresh tears welled up in my eyes. He wiped them with his fingers and kissed my forehead. We finally let go of each other. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Ana and Ralph gave me warm hugs too and consoled my heavy heart. "I am glad you people could come but I wish it had been under better circumstances," I stated, humbly.

"We are very sorry to hear what transpired here. Hopefully, these hard times will pass soon and we will be able to gather under jovial circumstances." Ana replied while patting my shoulder.

"I wish the same," Ana offered me a small smile before Kilamin led them to their carriage. Zeph had decided to stay by my side. He clasped my hand in his and stood with me.

We received all the remaining guests. Mikasim and Tanzil arrived too, they offered their condolences and comforted me. I thanked them for coming.

Almost all the guests had arrived and it was time to head over to the cemetery to initiate the final memorial services for my grandma. We sat down in the carriage Kilamin had reserved for Zeph and me.

"Serene, you go ahead. I will catch up shortly. I have a few more errands to run." Kilamin instructed me before heading off. The carriage started and Zeph pulled me toward him. I sought his warmth and buried myself in his embrace with him rubbing my arm, while my head rested on his chest.

"How many more people are we going to lose before getting rid of her?" I questioned in a monotonous tone. Zeph stiffened a bit, hearing my question.

"I don’t know Serene but let’s hope that our next encounter with her would be the last one. I am sure Slayers and Senseis will be strategizing a plan to end her life once and for all." He took my hand in his and kissed it lightly.

"I am not ready to lose more people, Zeph. This will kill me." I confessed to him what my heart had been feeling, it was in a tortured state.

"I understand, Serene. But this is war, we have to prepare ourselves for every kind of circumstance. That’s the only way to ensure the survival of our loved ones." I sighed at his words, he was right, and yet my heart ached knowing she wasn’t the only person I was about to lose in this forced war.

How many more lives would be lost because someone was power-hungry and wanted to disrupt the peace we all sought and had striven hard to achieve?

Soon we arrived at the royal cemetery. Zeph helped me down the carriage and I almost gasped at the sight that lay ahead of me.