Alexei scratched his cheek. "Yeah. I met someone in New York but let them go. I mean, you're kinda right that people like us prefer not to be disturbed. Plus she looked like she was already content with her life."

"So it was a girl?"

"Why did it matter if it was a girl?" Alexei frowned. "But yes, she was a girl who seemed to have lived her life under the radar without knowing the full extent of her powers. I don't get how she'd be here if she was in New York… but then again, she did live in a very nice penthouse."

"It may be fate," Baron remarked.

"What?"

"The beauty of being reunited with someone you crossed paths with.." Baron looked at Alexei. "There must be a reason for it."

***

It was around midnight that Loriel woke up in cold sweat and quickly sat up, making sure not to disturb his wife. Loriel looked at the slumbering face of Elise and knew that his life was complete and now had a purpose.

Everything that happened before in the centuries of the past was no longer relevant to him.

And yet what Loriel encountered earlier during his stroll with Elise made him relive and recognize the immortal energy that charged the air.

Loriel thought he'd never see any of their faces again, but he was wrong.

Instead of becoming holed up in their mountains, some of the gods started to blend in and dwell amongst the humans as well, just like him. He almost never met them. The last time he encountered one from his kind was probably fifty years ago.

So, it was quite surprising to see not only one but two today. Whether or not they recognized Loriel as well, and even Elise earlier, it didn't matter to him.

Loriel would not let anything ruin his life with his wife.

After everything that he went through to become immortal and meet up with Elise again… the gods, witches, or anyone else couldn't stop him.

Elise sleepily rubbed her eyes and opened them to see Loriel deep in contemplation. "Honey, are you alright? Can't sleep?"

"I'm alright, sweetheart. Just a little nightmare…" Loriel chuckled softly. As if the things he encountered back then were nothing more than little obstacles to get what he wanted. But what were monsters when he was to imagine a life without Elise?

They were small compared to Loriel's fear of never getting the chance to mend his relationship with Elise. That was what he was more afraid of than anything, and now, Loriel never wanted to lose Elise again.

"You could tell me about it if you'd like?" Elise sat up and joined her husband in leaning against their bed. Elise gave Loriel a warm smile and touched his arm. "I know that I feel better when I tell someone what's bothering me."

Loriel glanced at Elise and thought about how he decided not to tell her anything about their past life. It was for the best… and yet he wanted Elise to know him again and accept him for everything.

What a selfish desire of his… Loriel should be living to make it up to Elise and not the other way around.

"I think I just remembered an old movie or book I read about the Roman gods," Loriel admitted. "Something about a mountain, monsters and what awaited at the summit… it's actually quite a blur."

"It's really hard to remember dreams," Elise said. "I um, I actually dreamt something before too. Something about a princess I think and a wonderful castle… but it's not really a nightmare is it?"

Loriel looked closer at Elise's face.

"Did I say something wrong?" Elise blushed and thought about it. "I guess my example isn't that great. That was a little callous of me."

"No, no." Loriel shook his head. "Maybe you just dreamed about being a princess? Perhaps in a past life, you were one? At least, that's what some people believe about reincarnation."

"Me. A princess?"

"Yes." Loriel's voice was a little hoarse.

"That would be nice…" Elise said with a sweet smile. "But that might just be my mind making up nonsense. Just like that nightmare of yours. I do hope that you'll be able to sleep better though."

"I will," Loriel reassured her with a smile. "I know that you're here and there's nothing to be afraid of. I know for a fact that I'm the luckiest man alive so why would I be bothered by nightmares?"

"Even now you don't know when to stop flirting with me." Elise cupped Loriel's cheek and then kissed his forehead. "Shall we go back to sleep? Didn't you mention that we have plans later this evening?"

Loriel nodded. "A renowned designer is hosting a fashion show today and revealing their new line of clothes. Italy and France are both known for that, so I'd like for you to maybe pick something up that catches your eye. Or maybe the entire wardrobe is good too."

"You really don't have to spend that much for me," Elise pouted. "You've already booked the entire theatre last night, the two of us already enjoyed the gondola… actually you've already taken me to countless countries, Loriel. You spoil me too much."

"It's just showing you my love and it's me being selfish." Loriel chuckled at his wife's cuteness. "I don't think I'd like the idea of you returning back to work when I know I'm capable of providing for you…"

"And we've already discussed this," Elise told him.

She really liked working and her office mates. For the first time, she could have many friends and she could learn and do many things to keep her busy. She already asked Loriel to understand that she liked to be independent in some sort.

"Yes, I know that you also want to work." Loriel smiled. "So now that we're at our honeymoon, I just want to maximize the time we have together and experience everything that we can before we return to New York."

Elise rested her head against Loriel's shoulder. She rubbed her eyes sleepily and bit back a yawn. "Mhmm, you told me that and I want that too, Loriel. So let's get to sleep now, okay? We have a big day later."

.

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************

So, one by one, the gods and goddesses appear in the book. I can't wait to introduce them all to you! ^^