The Weight of Loss Part 5

It's been nearly a year since I watched Syvis vanish before my eyes. I've replayed that moment countless times in my mind, questioning if there was anything more I could have done to save her. Despite my failure, I've clung to the hope that I'll see her again one day. Yet, when I received the news that Syvis had returned to the capital, it felt surreal, almost too good to be true. I could hear my own heart beating rapidly as Ilene's eyes locked onto mine, her face a mixture of shock and happiness.

"D-did you hear that?" Ilene asked, tears running down her cheeks and her voice barely more than a whisper, "M-My son... has returned..."

"I-I hear..." I responded, still processing what was happening.

Ilene wasted no time; she hurriedly grabbed her clothes from the floor, her eyes wide and frantic. She hastily threw her garments on, not even bothering to smooth out the wrinkles or adjust her hair, "I need to go find my son."

"Of course, go ahead," I replied, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil within me as I saw Ilene exit the room in a hurry.

With a shaky breath, I dressed quickly, too, struggling to wrap my mind around the fact that Syvis would soon be within my reach once again. As much as I loved Ilene, there was something intoxicating about Syvis that I couldn't resist. I need Syvis as much as I need Ilene. I love them both equally, and soon, all I wanted will come true.

Hundreds of questions ran through my mind as I hurried out of the mansion and got into my carriage towards the guildhall, which is where I think Syvis would go first. Where had Syvis been all this time? How did she get out of the portal? How long ago? Would Syvis reject me now that she was back? Or would she fall into my arms as she did in the cave? The uncertainty gnawed at me.

My steps quickened as I approached the building entrance, "Syvis must be here," I muttered under my breath, my heart pounding as I entered the guild building. My eyes scanned the surroundings, desperately searching for any glimpse of her.

Not seeing Syvis at the entrance, I headed to Agnes's office, which is where Syvis would most likely be. Bursting through the door without bothering to knock, "Syvis!" I called out her name, scanning the room in a rush without seeing anyone inside.

Fuck! Where is she?

I left the office, walking through the hallways, "Hey, have you seen Syvis?" I asked one of the guild staff members who was passing by, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Y-Yeah," He replied hesitantly, "I was taken aback by her return. For a moment, I thought it was a ghost. I spotted Lady Syvis heading into one of the waiting rooms down that hall. I suppose she went there to pass the time while waiting for the Guild Master, as the Guild Master Agnes is not in the building at the moment."

That's all I needed to hear. I rushed towards the indicated hallway until I finally reached the only waiting room in this hall. As I entered the room silently, my heart was beating fast. The room was not very big. The first thing I saw was a window on the wall opposite the door. I turned to my left side and saw a sofa and a small table with some books on it. Then I turned to the right, and there, I spotted Syvis standing near a bookshelf holding an open book, her red hair now longer than before, cascading down her back, reaching her big and round ass. My heart swelled with joy at the sight of her alive and well. As Syvis noticed my presence and was about to turn toward my direction, I couldn't contain myself any longer, and I ran towards her, wrapping my arms around her waist from behind in an embrace.

"I can't believe you're back!" I exclaimed, holding her tight in my arms.

Syvis's body tensed beneath my touch, and she quickly pulled away, her green eyes wide with surprise. Confusion marred her beautiful features as she stared at me.

"K-Kase...!? W-what are you doing?" Syvis said in a loud voice with a shocked expression.

"Sorry," I said, attempting to regain my composure, though my heart raced within my chest, "It's just that when I saw you, I couldn't contain myself. I can't believe you came back. I have a lot of questions, but I... I just... I'm so happy to see you again."

I couldn't help but try to approach Syvis once more, my heart pounding with the desire to kiss her. As I leaned in, she quickly rejected me, placing a firm hand on my chest and pushing me away.

"S-STOP!" Syvis yelled, her eyes filled with confusion, "What do you think you are doing?"

So it's going to be like that... I can't say I was surprised, but I was hoping we wouldn't have to return to the beginning again.

"What's wrong, Syvis?" I asked, pretending not to understand what was happening, "Aren't you happy to see me?"

"What? Why would I? We are nothing, so don't approach me like that." Syvis said as she took a step back, putting distance between us. Her initial expression of surprise now turned to one of anger.

"Syvis... What happened to you? Where were you all this time? Are you okay? How are you here now?" I reply, taking a step forward.

Syvis, her expression cold and distant, raised her hand with her palm facing me, signaling for me to stop and not approach her. Briefly meeting my gaze, Syvis then averted her eyes, her tone firm, "What happened is complicated. I don't have time to explain now. I'm waiting for Agnes, so you'd better go."

"Syvis... why are you acting like this? Did you forget what happened between us in the cave? How can you ask me to go? I have searched for you since the day you disappeared and have been waiting for your return all this time. I can't leave now just like that." I responded, trying to make my expression look sincere.

Syvis's gaze flickered away from mine momentarily once again, and I could see the conflict swirling within her, "What happened in the cave... it was a mistake," Syvis responded as she put her hand on her forehead, almost looking like she had a headache, for just thinking about it, "I-I wasn't myself... I didn't have my potions. I want to forget about it."

"What are you saying?" I reply, "It wasn't a mistake. At that instant, I saw the real you."

"You are wrong!" Syvis responded, raising her voice and her expression reflecting more anger. Although I got the impression that that anger was not directed at me but at herself, "It was a mistake which cannot be forgiven! Now, just go! I don't want to deal with this right now."

I remained silent, looking at Syvis, who was avoiding my gaze, before my next question, "Did you tell Darx? Did you tell Darx what happened between you and me?" I asked while clenching my fists.

Syvis's expression seemed to betray a hint of panic as she turned towards me. However, before she could utter a word, the door to the room swung open with a forceful bang.

"Syvis!" Agnes' voice rang out. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she took in the sight before her, "I-Is it really you?"

"A-Agnes!" Syvis replied, her gaze shifting from mine to Agnes, still with panic on her face.

"By the gods! I thought we lost you!" Agnes exclaimed, rushing forward to wrap Syvis in a heartfelt embrace.

The tension in the room was palpable as Syvis and I exchanged a quick glance, silently acknowledging that our conversation was far from over. But for now, we had **** but to maintain our composure.

"Y-You really miss me, ah!?" Syvis said with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

"You really gave me a scare this time," Agnes said, her smile warm and kind, a rarity reserved usually for Syvis and her grandchildren, "Where did you disappear to this time? I searched high and low, and you were nowhere to be found."

"It's a long story..." Syvis replied.

"In that case, I will cancel all my appointments for today so I can listen to that long story," Agnes exclaimed, sounding happy.

After the emotional reunion, Syvis seemed to realize Agnes's health condition, "Agnes, are you okay?" She asked as she looked at Agnes from head to toe with a worried expression, "Why are you using a cane? And you are so skinny and pale."

Agnes lowered her gaze, remaining silent for a few seconds. After the awkward silence, Agnes spoke, "Come, let's talk in my office. We have a lot to catch up on."

"A-Alright," Syvis agreed, turning towards me one last time before leaving with Agnes.

Agnes didn't even turn to look at me and just took Syvis by the hand to her office. I still had many things to say and ask, but for now, all I could do was bide my time until Agnes and Syvis concluded their discussion so I could resume the conversation with Syvis. I waited for Syvis for hours near the guild entrance. Time seemed to slow to a crawl, and my impatience grew with each passing minute. At last, after several hours, dusk settled, and Syvis finally emerged from Agnes' office. Syvis seemed to notice me but tried to ignore me and walked at a fast pace, trying to avoid me.

"Syvis, wait!" I called out as I approached her, stopping her in her tracks.

"K-Kase, Why are you here? There's nothing more to talk about!" Syvis spoke, her voice strained and mad as she passed beside me, trying to leave.

"Syvis, please," I implored as I followed her, standing in front of her, "We need to talk."

"There's nothing to talk about," Syvis said, brushing me aside, "I have too many things on my mind right now, and I already told you that what happened was a mistake, so just forget about it."

As Syvis tried to ignore me, I noticed the grim expression on her face. Thinking about it, I imagine Agnes told her about her health problems, and that's what has Syvis this way.

Syvis tried to walk away once again but stopped as soon as she heard what I said next, "Not only do I want to talk with you about what happened in the cave, but I also need to talk with you about Agnes."

Her body language told me everything. She froze in place, slowly turning to see me with an expression full of remorse. It seems she took the bait.

"Syvis, there's too much I need to know, and what I have to say also interests you. " I continued, hoping she would stop and agree to talk with me.

Syvis looked down at the floor, and after seeing no escape, she finally agreed to speak, "Fine," Syvis sighed, relenting, "I will answer your questions, but after that, I will consider everything concluded."

"Let's go to a quiet place where we can talk without interruptions," I said. Then I started to walk back to the guild building, towards one of the rooms where I knew no one would bother us, while Syvis followed me.

We enter one of the many rooms that are far from the entrance, where I know we will not get interrupted. This room is elegantly arranged with dim lights. It is one of the many rooms in this building that has no actual use and is just here because of how big this guild is. Once inside, Syvis didn't sit on the couch or one of the chairs and instead stood still, facing to the side, her gaze fixed anywhere but on me, radiating a palpable discomfort that made it clear she had no desire to be here with me.

I half-sat at the desk facing Syvis and started with something that Syvis could answer without much problem before taking the conversation to what really interested me, "First and foremost, I want you to know that I'm genuinely relieved to see you return," I began, trying to initiate the conversation on a positive note.

"Kase, let's skip the pleasantries and cut to the chase, shall we? Spare me the small talk," Syvis retorted sharply, her tone cutting through any attempts at easing the tension.

Syvis appeared determined to maintain her usual facade of coldness and sternness, but I sensed that beneath the surface, she didn't feel as confident as she was making out.

"It's not small talk. I was really worried about you, but I'll get straight to the point just like you want," I reply, "After you went through the portal, I spent months looking for you, but I couldn't even find a clue that would tell me what happened or where you were, so I would like you to tell me what happened after you disappeared?"

Syvis went on to tell me how, after she was trapped in the portal, the demon inside died, and that was when the portal disappeared. After that, she exited the portal, not knowing how or why. After leaving the cave, Syvis discovered that months had passed when it had only been hours for her. After that, she returned to the capital, reaching this point. Syvis's explanation is incredible, although I am sure she is not telling me the whole truth. There is something she is not telling me. I'm sure of that.

"I already answered one of your questions. Now answer mine," Syvis said with a serious expression, "Agnes... she told me about her illness. Still, Agnes avoided talking about that too much, saying that she didn't want to overshadow our meeting with sad things, but it is clear that her condition is quite bad. How long has she been like this?"

"When I left the cave and returned to the capital shortly after, her condition was already bad, but with the passing of each month, she has been getting worse," I reply, "This was something I wanted to talk with you about. You were able to cure my sister when all the alchemists and healers couldn't find a way to save her. Can you do something for Agnes? If there is anyone who can help her, it is you."

Syvis lowered her gaze, and her expression became one of pain and remorse, "Agnes' disease is treatable if treated as soon as the first symptoms appear, but if almost a year has passed since then, I don't know."

"I-I see..." I said in a melancholy voice, "If you could try, I would appreciate it very much. You can count on me to get you whatever you need."

"You don't have to tell me. I planned to do it from the beginning." Syvis replied, sounding mad, "If that's all, I'm leaving."

"Wait!" I hurried to stop her, "Now I know what happened after you were trapped in the portal. However, there is still something I want to know. ...From our brief meeting, it is clear to me that what happened between you and me in the cave is not something you want to continue."

Syvis seemed annoyed by what I was asking her but seemed to try to calm herself, and her expression relaxed before she answered me, "I already told you. What happened in the cave is something I deeply regret. It is something that should never have happened and which I would like to forget," Syvis leaned her back against the wall and crossed her arms, involuntarily causing her large breasts to rise, "You know why it happened. Being without my potions makes me act that way... i-it's not something I can control..."

Looking at Syvis discreetly, I see she is as beautiful as ever. Syvis' erotic figure among the shadows makes me remember the moments we spent in the cave. I can remember her naked body pressed against mine. How I wish I could get between Syvis legs and take her right here and now; however, now, it is not possible. Besides, I would like to avoid using my skills on her.

"So what will happen between us?" I asked, "I know it's something you regret, but for me, it's something I want and can't forget."

"What you want or desire is not something that has to do with me," Syvis responded with a serious expression and a firm voice, "You knew why everything occurred, so I don't owe you anything, and I don't need you to apologize to me either since in the state I was in the cave, as it was you, it could have been anyone else with whom I would have made that mistake," After a short pause Syvis continued, "We've talked about everything that was pending so I'm leaving."

Syvis tried to walk away, but she stopped as soon as she heard my next question, "So you told Darx what happened between you and me? You told me that night, in the Inn, that you would tell him."

I saw Syvis freeze in place in front of the door. I knew it! It seems that Syvis didn't tell Darx. I can use that to my advantage.

Syvis's voice, barely above a whisper, with her back facing me and her hand on the door handle, "I-I haven't..." She began, her words trailing off momentarily, "I decided to wait until Darx and I were back in the capital. But tonight, I will tell him the truth, and I will beg for his forgiveness."

Syvis opened the door, but before she left the room, I told her what I knew would stop Syvis from telling Darx the truth, "Syvis... there is something you should know before you tell Darx about what happened between us."

Syvis stopped and turned to look at me, confused by what I had to say.

"Syvis, I'm married. I married Ilene a month ago. I'm married to Darx's mother."

Syvis's confused expression turned to shock and panic in a second, "W-What did you say?" Syvis asked in disbelief.

"If you're going to tell the truth to Darx, you should know that it won't be a pleasant surprise for Darx to know that the man his girlfriend was unfaithful with is now his mother's husband," I said as I saw Syvis petrified in shock.

"Y-You are lying..." Syvis stammered, her expression one of horror unlike anything I had seen before.

"I'm not lying," I responded, taking a step closer to her, "Ilene went looking for Darx as soon as she found out about his arrival, so I imagine Darx must already know about Ilene's relationship with me."

Syvis turned around and ran out of the room.

This is not how I wanted you to be mine, but I can't lose you again. I know that now you won't be able to tell Darx the truth, and if you don't want me to tell him, you'll have to love me.

I returned to my mansion, my heart pounding with anticipation. I was curious about what Syvis would do next. Would she tell Darx the truth or not? My mind raced with countless scenarios, thinking about what I would do depending on each circumstance.

Upon entering the mansion, I found Ilene in the living room, her face stained with tears and her eyes red from crying. She looked up at me, her expression a mixture of devastation and anger.

"Kase..." She whispered, her voice trembling, "I found Darx... but when he discovered I'm married to you, he got furious and left."

My wife told me everything that happened, her meeting with Darx, and how they ended up fighting after Darx found out that Ilene and I were married. It doesn't give me any pleasure to see Ilene cry, but I admit that I found it hilarious imagining Darx's expression when he found out that I was fucking his mother.

"Let me try to talk to him," I offered, "Maybe I can make him understand that I have changed and we never meant for this to happen."

Ilene looked up at me, her eyes filled with doubt, "Are you really saying that? I-I'm not sure it's a good idea."

"I want him to see that you are with a good man and that you are happy by my side. After that, we can give him some time to calm down," I suggested, taking Ilene's hand, "We'll figure this out together."

I'm not at all interested in Darx's opinion. However, I want to rub it in his face that his mother is my wife and that he can't do anything about it. Plus, if I see Darx tomorrow, I'll find out if Syvis told him the truth.

The next morning, Ilene and I went to the outskirts of the Midnight Dawn building. The anticipation of encountering Darx and Syvis was making me feel a mixture of excitement and curiosity. Ilene looked nervous, her eyes fixed on the ground as we walked side by side.

"Darx will understand," I reassured her, "He'll see that I've changed."

"Kase... thank you," Ilene whispered, squeezing my hand, "I-I hope you are right."

"Of course," I replied with a smirk, though my true intentions remained hidden beneath that false façade. All I cared about was finding out whether Syvis had told Darx the truth or not.

As we waited for them, I could sense the uneasiness growing in Ilene. I tried to keep her calm with small talk, but I knew it was just a matter of time before things would escalate.

Moments later, Darx and Syvis appeared holding hands, their faces tense and guarded as soon as they saw us. Darx's eyes burned with anger as he glared at me while Syvis couldn't hide her panic.

Seeing them together holding hands makes it clear to me that Syvis didn't tell him the truth. I couldn't help but smile, knowing that I would make the most of this chance that Syvis gave me, and this time, I would make her mine forever.