Eternal Melody

SUMIRE

A few hours later

As far as wedding ceremonies went, Sumire quickly found herself getting tired not only physically but mentally too. She is really exhausted. However, her gaze fell on the man who was chatting away with some guests. This is worth it isn't it? It has to be worth it, because if not-

'I can return your memories to you.' To say she wasn't tempted at Hino's offer to return her memories was something. But, she knew that the her who had memories didn't hate Lucifer. She definitely would hesitate to give birth and refuse to do the ceremony.

Sumire didn't realize how bad she was with crowds until she stepped into the ceremony. There were so many people. Her stomach has been doing summersaults since earlier. She thought the feeling would vanish after being in the ceremony for long. But even after a few hours, her anxiety hadn't faded.

She managed to slip away and the moment she exited the hall. Sumire exhaled deeply. 

She closed her eyes and let the cool gust of wind blow across her face. "Yuhi, I'll come back to you soon and this time. Let's talk properly, about the things we couldn't before." She paused. "Do you, still remember what you promised me?"

 ___________________________

SORA/ YUHI

Sora woke up to screaming. He opened his eyes weakly and found himself laying down on the ground, a heavy weight on his leg. He reached over to use some of his magic to move it away. Thankfully he still had enough strength since his leg broke free. His head was throbbing badly, and he felt fresh blood drip from his head to his cheeks. 

Despite being in pain, he forced himself to his feet and scanned his surroundings. He was in a clearing surrounded by debris. He looked up at the manor, signs of the crumbling balcony visible. But no, what caught his attention was the flames.

If he was panicked before he was now.

Where is she? 

Sora scanned his surroundings. She isn't here. Of course not, she was on the other side of the room. 

Sora reached through the bond searching for Nanaka. But as he did so, he froze in fear. He can't sense her. How come? Think Sora, what just happened? They were in the middle of the pre wedding banquet before the actual ceremony. They split up to greet and mingle with the guests, and suddenly the ground shuddered.

He tried to reach for her but something separated them. A black shadow and then he must have blacked out. Did he not get close to her? She ought to be nearby. Damn it, Sora cursed. Why does his body feel so weak? It's true that he fell but his magic feels off. 

Most of the balcony seems to have disappeared. Was Nanaka in the balcony? Is it because he is panicking? But he can't remember exactly where she was. Those in the balcony would have been hit the hardest. 

She can't be gone.

Sora dragged his body across the debris and flood of people.

The entire manor was covered in flames. The flames seemed to be spreading faster, almost like someone was feeding the flames with something. The servants and guests from the wedding were running around trying to find the exit. He helped as many people as he could, however when he found one of his betrothed servants. He completely lost his composure and demanded where she was.

'The- the mistress went to get her younger siblings.' Of course she would. Of course she wouldn't leave them behind. 

 __________________

When he finally reached the wedding ceremony hall, he found his wife to be. But, it wasn't a happy reunion. There she lay in the middle of the room surrounded by flames, with a large knife dangling from her chest. 

No.

No.

No!

Sora frantically rushed over and scooped Nanaka up in his arms. Her complexion was pale and there was so much blood coming from her chest. He doesn't know how long since she had this knife on her chest, but - the bond isn't completely gone. She is still here.

'I can do this, calm down. I can't use my magic without a clear mind.' Sora wanted to move the knife but, if he does, she may lose even more blood. 

'My love, hang in there just-'

Sora pulls out some scrolls and proceeds to write on them, but suddenly someone hit him on the back of his head.

 _____________________

When Sora opened his eyes again, he saw a man wearing a familiar black and lilac coloured cloak standing over Sumire's body. He removed the knife and then plunged it back inside her repeatedly.

"Not enough, her soul hasn't shattered yet."

'That bastard. It's not enough to just kill her. Now he is destroying Nanaka's chances to be reincarnated?' Sora couldn't believe who he was seeing. But, there was no doubt. The one who hit him just now is Nanaka's cousin Hikaru.

Hikaru was too occupied with repeatedly stabbing Nanaka that he didn't realize he was awake. Sora summoned his blade. One shot, he will only get one shot to do this,

 He quietly approached from the back. Hikaru finally notices when the sword was mere inches away. Hikaru managed to land a blow to his side but Sora used that chance to stab him with the sword.

Hikaru fell on the ground with a thump and Sora didn't bother checking if he was alive or not. He limped over to Nanaka and scooped the girl back in his arms. 

Examining her wounds again Sora glared at Hikaru's limp form. 'When I'm done healing her, I will shred you to pieces.'

Sora knew he would be losing blood quickly due to the wound but his gaze fell on Nanaka He needs to hold out. Seeing her move, he wanted to talk to her but decided to focus on the spell instead. 

Nanaka weakly extended her hand towards him. "S-so-sora?" She stammered.

"It's me. I'm so sorry I didn't get you."

Nanaka shakes her head. "A-are y-you hurt? Y-you-need to get out of here. The fire-"

"Like hell, I'm not leaving you. I'm pushing the flames back for now. Just wait, I'll heal your wound and then-"

"I-I think this is it for me." Nanaka mumbled.

Sora shakes his head in denial. No, no. She can't go. How could she leave him? She finally accepted his feelings. They were going to get married and spend the rest of their lives together.