Caela jolted awake, her lungs filling with air. She had awoken from the dream—and the voices of the Gods—that had grown clearer over time. She tried to recall what had happened, only to realize she was no longer in the temple. She lay beneath warm sheets in a sunlit room, the scent of herbs still lingering in the air. A gentle breeze moved the curtains softly. She was back in her chamber at the Riverbend castle. Beside her sat Rieva on a chair next to the bed.
"Caela, thank goodness... you're awake..." Rieva said with her usual soft smile.
"Aunt Rieva... How long have I been asleep?" Caela asked as she tried to sit up.
"Not long, perhaps just one night," she replied.
"One night? That feels long enough..." Caela sighed softly. In a flash, memories of meeting Varuna returned to her. And now, she was the vessel of Varuna. So, the real Hosts still exist? and Caela had become one of them. She had many questions, but slowly, she began to believe the stories Rieva and the King had once told her.
Rieva fell silent for a moment, her smile still present like usual. Then she said, "Anyway, I have to return to Tevira."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Caela asked in shock.
"I can't stay here with you," Rieva said gently.
Caela was quiet, her heart stirred. Since childhood, she had never been separated from Rieva. And now, suddenly, they had to part. There was still so much she wanted to ask. Especially about becoming the vessel of a God.
"But Aunt Rieva… why? Stay here with me! There's so much I want to know," Caela said, her voice rising with emotion.
Rieva gave a small smile, then picked up the empty blue crystal pendant—once meant to house Varuna—and placed it in Caela's hand.
"That would be lovely, but… it's better if I'm there," Rieva said.
"Why?" Caela asked quietly.
Rieva went silent, her expression turning serious and somber. "There are things I'm not ready to tell you yet. What matters now is that you must be ready for the truth. Follow the voice of the God… This is your journey, not mine," she said.
Caela said nothing, still confused about everything. She held the empty crystal tightly and closed her eyes. There were still so many things she didn't understand. She wanted to ask Rieva everything, one by one, but she knew Rieva wouldn't reveal it easily—just like when she'd asked about her origins.
"Don't tell anyone that you're the true Host and that Lord Varuna resides within you," Rieva said.
Caela nodded. "I understand. But I will visit you, Aunt Rieva. And when I do, promise me you'll tell me everything."
Rieva hesitated, then nodded with a smile. Not long after, she said her goodbyes to the King of Riverbend and departed. Caela escorted her to Tevira, and as they reached the ship dock, Caela felt a wave of emotion. She was still curious about what Rieva was hiding, but she couldn't force her. Rieva boarded the ship and waved at Caela.
"May the Gods bless you always, Caela," Rieva said, offering a respectful gesture.
"Promise me, Aunt Rieva! Promise you'll tell me everything when I come visit!" Caela shouted.
Rieva only nodded from afar, smiling—but this time, with a sad expression.
Caela waved until Rieva's ship disappeared from view. Then she stood in silence, feeling the breeze against her skin. She touched her chest and closed her eyes. A whirlwind of emotion swirled inside her, but amidst it all, she felt a mysterious warmth as she remembered once more: Lord Varuna was within her.
This is my journey, Caela murmured.
***