Star Crossed In Time - Chapter 216

I chuckle in his arms and pull back to look him in the eyes as I say “I’m not saying that I want you to hurt me but by you doing this, it gives others less of a chance of hurting me, understand?” He lifts his hand up to my cheek and gently strokes it as he says “Yeah, I got it.”

My stomach growls again causing both of us to laugh as he and I both get ready to go out. When we make it to the garden where everyone always hangs out, I see Chyou placing snacks on the table with a smile.

When Zhen looks up, the others do too. I smile at them and they all return the smile with a shake of their heads. Zhen lifts a drink and says “I’m no longer surprised when you disappear. To be honest, I don’t think any of us really are.”

My mother nudges his arm and says “Don’t let him fool you, he was so worried he couldn’t eat or sleep.” Zhen awkwardly clears his throat as the rest of us laugh. True to what Bai Lei said, little Bun comes flying over with three large fruits.

“Master! I’ve collected all of these for you. Guozhi even helped!” Little Bun says with excitement causing Guozhi to choke on his food. He tries to swallow it as he beats his ċhėst and waves his hand ‘no’. Ted reaches over and smacks Guozhi on the back as everyone begins laughing again.

Zhen places his cup down and says “What was it this time?” I give him a knowing smile and sit across from the others as Bai Lei places a bowl in front of me. As I tell everyone what happened, they all sit around in complete silence.

Of course, I tell them the same story I told Bai lei and Ai doesn’t try to correct it. She seems to understand and gives me a grateful smile. Even though they all nod their heads as if they understand, they can’t help but turn and look at each other with knowing looks.

They probably know I’m twisting things but I appreciate the fact they don’t call me out. Ted’s the first one to ask “Were they real mermaids?” I pause with the food right by my mouth and shrug before saying “I’m actually not sure. I didn’t stay around long enough to get a good look at them.”

Bai Lei places his hand on my lower back and says “We have other important things we need to worry about right now. Eli is here and I have no doubt he’s planning something. The stars show a disaster is coming.”

I silently pop the food in my mouth and nod my head in agreement as I chew the delicious food. My mom puts her chopsticks down and says “I’ve been having the same vision… Nova, do you remember the pit I showed you?”

I slowly nod my head as I swallow my food and say “Unfortunately. Is that what you’ve been seeing?” My mother nods her head with a distant look in her eyes. I lower my own chopsticks and ask “I’ve always wanted to ask, Who is ‘he’ you always tell me I have to stop?”

My mom frowns and slowly shakes her head saying “Even I don’t know. I’m only showed so much and all I know is that he’s male… And that you have to stop him.” Bai Lei suddenly pulls me against his side and picks up my chopsticks.

He hands them to me and says “You need to eat.” before turning to my mother and asking “Does she have to stop him or can I?” My mom tilts her head in thought before saying “I don’t know. Maybe you can for her and it would be the same thing… maybe?”

I grab another piece of food and shove it in my mouth as I say “Let’s say he tries to ‘stop’ this man… Will he really stop him or would this man get away?” My mom snaps her fingers before pointing at me saying “Could very well happen or something worse. Maybe this man would kill Bai Lei if the two fought… you might be the only one who can stop him, my dear.”

Bai Lei grits his teeth and asks “Why does it have to be Nova? She’s been through enough.” My mom gives Bai Lei a sad smile as she nods her head saying “What you say is right but… We don’t get to decide these things. And even though you’re a Deity, you can still die. Nova has unlimited power at her fingertips. She just needs to grab it.”

I silently listen as I eat the food Bai Lei keeps putting in front of me but I can’t help but think about my mother’s words. Unlimited power at my fingertips? What does she mean by that? I look down at my hand holding the chopsticks and try to think about this ‘Unlimited’ power.

I slowly look up at my family and friends as I say “I think it’s safe to ȧssume that this man is Eli. It would also explain why only I am able to stop him.” Bai Lei’s cup shatters in his hand, making all of us jump before he waves his hand, cleaning the whole mess.

Chyou walks over and places another cup in front of Bai Lei as I ask “Would it be safer if I went alone?” The second cup shatters in Bai Lei’s hand making Guozhi snort with laughter. Bai Lei cleans the mess once again but when Chyou tries to give him another cup, he waves her off with a strained smile.

I try to keep from smirking but I’m pretty sure I was failing as Bai Lei suddenly says “I don’t like the idea of you going alone. Especially with that bastard…” I smile and nod my head saying “I understand that but I’m concerned about you and everyone else. If I’m the only one who can stop him… I’m afraid everyone would be hurt or worse… killed.”

I place my chopsticks back down as I say “I just found everyone… I can’t lose you all.” Bai Lei reaches over and says “Only I will go. That way the others will remain safe. I’m a Deity, I won’t die that easily.” Guozhi snorts again but this time it’s with disbelief.

He leans back in his seat and says “If you’re going, I’m going. I’m her play toy after all.” My mom chokes on her tea as Ted looks at Guozhi with confusion. I bite my lips to keep myself from smiling as Bai Lei grits his teeth in annoyance.

Suddenly, one of Bai Lei’s servants show up. The black mist slowly turns into a male as he lowers his head saying “My Lord, leaders from the Higher Heavenly Council are asking for your presence.” He waves the servant off as he turns to us saying “Nova and I will go speak with them. The rest of you should stay here.”

The others nod, including my mom but she wears a worried expression as she says “Be careful…” Zhen reaches over and gently places his hand over hers as he gives her a kind, warm smile. Everything suddenly disappears before we’re both walking into the grand entrance of the palace.

Two of the men suck in as they take me in but the old man with the white beard glares at me. I can’t help but smirk at him as we walk over. “What can I do for you all?” Bai Lei says with a cold voice. The old man ‘hmphs’ and looks away as the other two stare at me with large eyes.

Bai Lei places his arm around my waist as he repeats “What can I do for you??” The two Deities clear their throats and awkwardly look to Bai Lei as they say “There have been some disturbances in the Lower Realms and we wanted to know if you knew of anything about it…”

They’re both back to look at me as Bai Lei sighs in irritation saying “No, but I’m sure that’s not the only reason you’re here. Are you wanting to see her?” The two men nervously laugh as they say “We… we were told about her and were curious but they failed to tell us how beautiful the new Deity was.”

The old man snorts with disdain as I smile and say “It’s a pŀėȧsurė to meet you two. Could you tell me what’s happening down in the Lower Realms?” The two Deities smile at me, nearly blinding me as they both say “Yes, it’s truly a pŀėȧsurė to meet you, my lady! We actually don’t know ourselves but we will be sending investigators to check it out.”

They both nod with large smiles making me chuckle as I say “If you do find out something, could you please let us know?” The two quickly nod their heads again as they both say “We will come and personally tell you what we find.”

I giggle at the two making Bai Lei’s hand tighten on me. The old man snaps and slams his new golden staff down on the ground saying “Have you two lost your minds!? She’s a monster! She shouldn’t be and yet you two idiots are drooling over her!!”

I feel Bai Lei’s anger spike but I quickly put on my most “abused and pitiful” look as my eyes instantly fill with tears. The two Deities quickly panic and say “Oh no, please don’t listen to this old man. He’s always grumpy. We’re both glad you’re here!” The other Deity quickly nods his head with a large smile.

I sniff and couple of times as I say “Thank you, you’re both so kind… It would be a blessing if all the Deities were as nice and great as you two.” The two blink a few times before bursting into belly laughs with bright red cheeks. The old man loses it and swipes his staff, instantly disappearing with the other two with a look of outrage.

The last thing the old man sees is me winking at him.