"Alright," Minerva stared at Ivan's face and waved his right hand, "Time to bid farewell—" he took another glance at her and smiled as if she was no longer a stranger, then he bowed his head, "Nice meeting you, your Highness."
And he disappeared.
"Ivan—"Edmund called out Ivan's name but was a second too late. Minerva saw how he heaved a sigh as he was just there; three seconds paused out of nothing, "How will I ever get home?"
He shook out of disappointment and it made her smile to see this awkwardness. He seemed more handsome with his frowning face and how he brushed his hair out of uneasiness.
Calming herself, a huge portrait caught her attention. It was a wedding picture of her brother and his gorgon wife, Fate. Happiness and contentment plastered on their faces. Just by staring at the portrait made her feel like she was there too—with them.
She was not welcome in that kind of event. Even her own brother didn't bother to give her an invitation.
"Edmund?" a man's deep voice called out to her companion. Minerva didn't need to look back just to know who that man was.
She knew her voice all too well. How could she not?
Plotting vengeance and hiding her love, Minerva wasn't so sure if she could get things over. Her heart pounded so fast, her skin became cold, and her eyes blurred instantly. She was there, standing just few meters away from her beloved brother, who looked at her the same way as before.
His silver eyes met hers at that instant. She froze on the spot, knowing how near he was, but still it felt so far. She wanted to utter a word but her mixed emotions made her silent. This was the funny moment where she wanted to turn herself into a childish, little girl that she'd always been, and ran towards Ayden and asked for a simple hug.
He was there, watching her, too. He didn't change a bit, at all. His eyes still held warmth and even before she could make another response, he walked towards her and hugged her so tight. And her tears fell instantly as she closed her eyes, savoring this one sweet, little moment. She missed him. She missed the only soul who loved her as her. She missed her big brother so much and she hated it. She cried even more for she remembered their past and her mission.
"I'm so sorry that I left you," Ayden murmured through her ears, "But not even a single day passed that I didn't think of you..."
She let herself be sweep by his warm words before she simply let him go.
"I will never believe you again, Ayden." Her eyes were full of accusations. She stepped back, gazing at those silver eyes with hatred.
"Minerva—", Edmund finally interfered, "—this isn't the right time to say it."
"You have no right to interfere, Edmund." She tried to act as if her words were not painful for her too, "Your business with me is over. You may go." Her heart skipped a beat at that word, "go", but at this point of time, for her, there was no turning back.
"Leave us, Ed," Ayden gently said. He tapped his left shoulder and smiled, "Thank you for doing everything to keep her safe. I just need a little word with my little sis. I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all." He replied but Minerva could still feel his anxiety.
After Edmund shut the door and leave them two inside a guestroom, Minerva didn't waste any time. She gently held her necklace and a portal was created. It was her last chance to go back to Atlantis with him. Cold air filled the room and the strong wind brushed the entire place instantly. Her hair swept by the wind and her gown was flying back and forth. Ayden's hair was messy as he was standing in front of her with his silver eyes.
"It's time to go home, big brother…"
Time to die.