The Eclipsed Bloom
Chapter 89: Zara awaken

Chapter 89: Chapter 89: Zara awaken

As the three walked in silence, Patricia led them to the edge of the curb, where a sleek, glossy black object waited under the dim glow of a flickering streetlight.

Grace stopped in her tracks, frowning. Her eyes scanned the strange box with suspicion. "Patricia, why are you stopping in front of this... thing?"

Patricia blinked, then gave a polite, professional smile. "Miss, this is the carriage used in this realm. They call it a car."

Grace tilted her head in mild confusion, looking at the ’car’ as if it were some exotic beast. "But how do they drive it? There’s no horse pulling it. And can’t we just fly instead?"

Patricia chuckled softly. "Unfortunately, Miss Grace, flying is not recommended in city areas. These days, nearly everyone carries small ’camera’ devices. They capture us—and the Church does not wish for us to be exposed so carelessly."

Grace crossed her arms and scoffed. "Hmph. Let them try. We’re not so weak we’ll be captured by a few humans."

Patricia’s eyes widened slightly at the misunderstanding. "N-no, Miss. I didn’t mean that kind of capture. I meant the kind with ’catcher lens spell’—or what they call photography. A captured image, not imprisonment."

"Oh..." Grace blinked. "That kind of capture..."

Lilith, still cradling Zara in her arms, frowned as the conversation dragged. "Grace. You can ask about their strange machines later. We need to find out what’s wrong with our wife."

Grace flinched slightly, then nodded sheepishly. "R-right. Sorry. Let’s go, Patricia."

Patricia gave a small bow and walked to the side of the long black vehicle. She pulled the back door open with a smooth gesture, stepping aside respectfully.

Lilith entered swiftly, settling into the wide leather seat. She carefully positioned Zara in her lap, gently resting her beloved’s head on her shoulder. Grace slid in beside her without another word.

With a quiet thump, Patricia shut the door.

Then she circled around to the front, opened the driver’s side, and gracefully seated herself behind the wheel of the black limousine.

The engine purred to life with a soft hum, and the —car—slid into motion, gliding through the sleeping city streets.

Grace leaned against the window, her crimson eyes wide as she gazed out at the unfamiliar world speeding past. Skyscrapers loomed like steel giants, their mirrored surfaces catching moonlight. Humans moved in crowds below, some chatting happily, some with glowing rectangles in their hands, others sharing food or laughter as they wandered between brightly lit shops.

Her voice was barely a whisper. "Wow... these merchants have so many things... I don’t even know what half of them are." She paused, frowning thoughtfully. "And not a single one is using magic... What a strange world."

Lilith said nothing, her gaze fixed ahead while her arms stayed securely around Zara, whose frame remained trembling.

Eventually, the sleek car rolled to a stop in front of massive wrought-iron gates. The metal doors creaked open slowly, revealing a stone path lined with well-kept hedges and glowing garden lights. Patricia tapped gently on the accelerator, and the vehicle glided forward until it came to a stop at the foot of a grand stone staircase.

Patricia turned her head slightly. "Miss, we have arrived."

Lilith gave a slight nod, reaching for the door. But before her hand could fully grasp the handle, Patricia quickly stepped out and circled around to open the rear door with practiced grace.

Lilith paused, watching Patricia’s movement closely, memorizing every detail. Ah... so that’s how it opens—pull the lever sideways.

She stepped out, adjusting Zara gently in her arms. Zara’s head nestled into the curve of her shoulder, breathing shallow but steady.

Lilith turned to Patricia, her voice low and cool. "Where is the bedroom?"

Patricia bowed slightly. "Miss, if you go upstairs, there are several rooms prepared. You may choose whichever one suits your liking."

Without another word, Lilith entered the manor. The motion-sensor lights blinked on overhead, casting a soft golden hue across the polished marble floors and high ceilings.

She squinted slightly, narrowing her eyes at the sudden brightness, then glanced up.

What an odd design... Why would they hang tiny glowing lamps from the ceiling?

Ignoring the strangeness, she turned her attention to the grand staircase that curved upward in elegant arcs. Without hesitation, she ascended, her footsteps light and swift.

At the top, she selected the first door that caught her eye, pushed it open, and disappeared inside with Zara in her arms.

Behind her, Grace stepped inside the mansion, blinking at the lights before hurrying after them.

Lilith gently laid Zara on the large velvet-draped bed, tucking the sheets around her small form with delicate care. The faint hum of the manor’s quiet stillness surrounded them. She brushed a few silver strands from Zara’s forehead before seating herself at the edge of the bed, watching over her.

Moments later, Grace entered the room, her usual energy subdued. Without a word, she settled on the other side of the bed, reaching out to gently hold Zara’s hand. The quiet settled once more, interrupted only by the soft rhythm of Zara’s breathing.

Time passed.

Then, a low mutter escaped Zara’s lips. Her body twitched under the sheets, head shaking slightly from side to side. Suddenly, she gasped and bolted upright, her chest heaving as she sucked in air, eyes wide in panic.

"Zara?" Lilith jerked upright with a surprised yelp, having dozed off beside her.

Seeing her wife awake, a relieved smile bloomed across her face. "Dear, you’re awake... how are you feeling?"

Zara blinked rapidly and little disoriented, then turned her head toward Lilith. Upon seeing her, her tense shoulders relaxed and she let out a slow breath.

"I... what happened?" she asked, her voice still hoarse from sleep.

Lilith reached for her hand gently. "You fainted after seeing the body. are you feeling better."

Zara’s eyes widened as the memory of the lifeless corpse flooded back. She stiffened slightly but forced herself to breathe deeply. "Y-yeah... I remember now. I’m alright. Don’t worry."

She looked around the elegant room, her expression softening. Her gaze returned to Lilith. "Where’s Grace?"

Lilith blinked and glanced toward the other side of the bed—only to frown when she found the spot empty.

Before either of them could react further, a soft snore came from the floor.

Zara leaned over and peeked beyond the edge of the bed. Her lips twitched into a smirk as she whispered, "Found her."

Grace was sprawled on the carpeted floor, half-covered with a blanket she must’ve dragged down in her sleep. One arm was extended, as if she’d been trying to stay connected to Zara even while dozing off.

Zara shook her head fondly, a tiny laugh escaping her lips. "She really is something else..."

Lilith sighed, but there was amusement in her eyes too. "She must’ve fallen asleep while watching over you."

"I can tell," Zara murmured, then lean down and pick her in princess carry lying her back down on bed beside her, as the tension slowly melted from her body.

Zara blinked in surprise as she felt a warm arm wrap gently around her waist. Lilith nuzzled into her shoulder, her soft breath brushing against Zara’s skin.

"Wife..." Lilith’s voice came out as a quiet murmur, slightly shaky. "You know... I was really scared when you suddenly fainted. W-Was it your first time seeing... a dead body?"

Zara turned her head slightly, and seeing the worry in Lilith’s eyes, her expression softened into a warm smile. With one hand, she began to gently smooth Lilith’s silver hair, fingers moving slowly through the silky strands.

"No, dear... it wasn’t my first time."

Lilith hugged her a little tighter, curling against her like a frightened child seeking comfort, even though she was the stronger one magically.

Zara let out a small sigh, her voice low and nostalgic.

"The first time I saw a body was when I was six. Assassins came to my room one night............ since then i was little afraid seeing dead peoples, but now I’m alright but still it can happen sometime if I suddenly see some dead body without notice"

She paused, not because she couldn’t speak—but because she suddenly felt something wet against her shoulder.

Zara gently looked down, only to see Lilith’s eyes shimmering with tears, silently falling down her cheeks.

"Oh, Lilith..." she whispered. Zara cupped Lilith’s chin with her hand and tilted her face up so their eyes could meet. "I’m okay. Really. I just wasn’t prepared for it earlier. That’s all. It won’t happen again, I promise."

Lilith sniffled, quickly wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand.

"I-I know... I just... hate seeing you like that, and i hate that i dont know your fears if i know i can protect you better" she mumbled,

then suddenly added with unexpected fire, "Do you know who those fucking assassins were? I swear—when we go back to your home, I’ll kill those bastards myself."

Zara raised an amused eyebrow. "Language, love."

Lilith flushed slightly but looked away with a huff.

Zara couldn’t help the little chuckle that escaped her.

Wow... since when did my sweet wife start swearing? I mean, I know she’s the type who told me she wanted to kick Omar between the legs cut his arms and legs, but this is definitely a new side of her... and honestly, it’s kinda cute.

She leaned in and kissed Lilith’s forehead gently.

"Those assassins are already dead. My father wiped out their base long ago."

Lilith grumbled something unintelligible under her breath.

"But..." Zara added, her tone a little more serious now.

"Father said they never revealed their client. Even after... well, torture. Whoever ordered the hit was careful enough to hide their identity. later my father found about them and know about client but father dint tell me who it was"

Lilith’s expression turned cold at that, the fire in her eyes reigniting.

"They’ll regret ever trying to hurt you," she whispered. "I don’t care how long it takes—we’ll find them."

Zara smiled again, heart swelling at the sheer love and protectiveness in Lilith’s voice. She leaned in, resting her forehead against hers.

"I believe you my wife we can find them."

Lilith toes curl up and close her eyes as Zara kiss her with her tender lips,

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Avery narrowed his eyes. "What are you talking about? And why are you suddenly standing so far away, Megan?"

Megan blinked, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

’Huh? Why is he not screaming like in the horror reels? His eyes are still normal... I thought ghosts turn people’s eyes white when they possess them.’

She squinted at him suspiciously.

Avery watched her in silence, a visible twitch pulling at the corner of his mouth.

’Why is she looking at me like that now? Didn’t I already show her real power? Literal i already break wall with this power?’

Megan slowly inched closer, hesitantly reached out—and tapped his shoulder like she was poking a sleeping lion.

Then instantly jumped back with a startled yelp.

Avery blinked, utterly baffled now. "What... are you doing?"

She didn’t answer immediately Just stared at him with wide-eyes.

Sighing deeply, Avery rubbed his temple, clearly losing patience.

"Look, I’m not going to beg you. You saw what I can do. You heard what I said about the Church. Whether you believe it or not—doesn’t change the danger you’re in."

He stood up, brushing dust off his clothes. "If they come for you again, and you still refuse the thread’s power... don’t expect me to save you."

Megan watched him, frozen.

He still sounds like a lunatic... but... he’s not glowing, and he’s not possessed, and he literally shattered a wall with mist.

She nervously glanced at the spot where the concrete had cracked earlier.

I mean... he’s not asking for money, not dragging me into a cult, and if this is a prank, it’s the most elaborate one I’ve seen. But what if it’s not?

She bit her lip, deep in thought.

’I’m just a normal girl... what would they gain by killing me? But if that invisible "thread" really grants power... and the Church really kills people over it...’

Megan looked at Avery again.

’Should I... trust him? Should I accept the offer if it is true then it is my benefit?’

Her eyes met his, and he stood silently, waiting—arms crossed