This is probably one of my favourite chapter to write as I can finally put the Vayne's plot device to rest. 

Also, double chapter drop today but no post on weekends.

Thank you to the patrons for always supporting me! OdeToAKite, Danielle Warvel and Michael

Aric and Seraphina remained in the room even after an hour of talking. They enjoyed each other's company far more than either would care to admit. As the conversation continued, they both became increasingly conscious of the other's presence. How Aric's newly white hair caught the light, how Seraphina's blue eyes sparkled when she smiled.

They were in the middle of discussing Thorin's and Callista's payments, as well as the Crown's lingering debt.

Seraphina took a book from the drawer using her shadow tendrils and opened it.

"So, we got notes from each of them."

She held it up for Aric to see, smiling faintly.

Ivy whistled inside his mind. [Well, looks like money is NOT going to be an issue. I wager you can pay off the Crown's debt before they even come knocking.]

"Jesus. Isn't this absurd? We can basically pay off the debt right now, Sera."

"…Who?"

Aric paused. "Huh?"

"You said a name. 'Jesus.' Is he one of your debt collectors in your Earth or something?"

He stared at her while Seraphina had genuine curiosity and confusion,

"Do you owe this Jesus money? Is that why you're stressed? Does he work for someone evil?"

"…No, no. It's—" Aric facepalmed himself. He breathed in and collected his thoughts,

"It's an expression. Like, back where I'm from, people say 'Jesus' when something's shocking or insane."

"So this Jesus was… known for shocking events?"

"Well...uh, yeah, in a way. You could say he had a flair for the dramatic. Like...really alot of them."

She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Hm. So every time you say his name, you're invoking a man famous for chaos and surprise?"

"Technically, you're not wrong."

"I see." She nodded sagely.

"This Jesus fellow sounds powerful. Perhaps we should summon him."

"No! No, no, no. We are not and will not summon Jesus."

"Oh? Afraid he'll collect his share of your debts?"

Ivy burst out laughing, [Hahahaha. Okay, this is stupid funny. Please let her keep thinking Jesus is a loan shark or something.]

Aric coughed and trying to revert the conversation back to course,

"Anyways! We can pay off the debt now, Sera."

Seraphina's smile faltered slightly, as though his words had struck a nerve.

"Yes… we can."

Ivy crossed her arms and was surprised by the shift in tone.

Huh. Would you look at that.

Aric noticed her reaction but kept his composure.

Aric looked confused but kept his enthusiasm, "Right? It's great news for you. Ah, you don't have to worry about rich people banging on your door like some loan sha-"

Seraphina cut him off, "So! Are you...still going to be around even after the debt?"

Aric was caught off guard by the question, "Well…uh...I don't know? I mean, I'm not your husband by every measure beside legality and-"

She cut him off again, "So, you don't want to stay?"

"I mean, it's not that. It's just...I don't know. Your reputation is in the dumps because of this body. Logically, you should not be with me any longer than you have to."

Aric looked down to the bed, "I don't know, Seraphina. I like talking to you and I...enjoy your company despite us only having one good month together. But, think about it, Sera. I am still, Vayne. Despite the soul thingy, my face is still his."

She murmured something with a low voice that Aric couldn't hear.

"Alright." she began abruptly, "I'm going to be honest with you. My heart knows you're not Vayne. You're Aric Lawson. But…"

"I acknowledge that you still wear his face. And trust me, there are days when I want nothing more than to punch that motherfucker straight into the ground all over again. Like you did with that demon."

She sighed audibly, shaking her head in frustration.

"It's conflicting even for me. On one hand, you've proven yourself different from him. You're kinder, stronger, more determined. Hell, even your new look is… well…"

She gestured vaguely toward his new hair and eye colour,

"It's really cool. Like, great even. But it also looks weird because… well, it's you wearing his face. I wish I could've seen your real face but this look is cool you know?"

Aric blinked rapidly, startled by her candidness.

"I apologized to you when you told me here, on this bed about who you really were. But now… I don't know what to do. Vayne is no longer here anymore but you are him. But at the same time…you're not him."

"But like...I also don't want you to go. It's not because you're my husband because of legality or whatever...I just feel like I still haven't done enough for you. And especially the fact that you gave me that..."

She couldn't recall what Aric gave her.

"That..."

The memory didn't play in her mind. It's black, it's empty and there's nothing there. There's no sound to refresh it, no sense nor even a dialogue.

Why can't I remember what he gave me?

She coughed as if trying to cover it up, "Ahhh and you know, I owe you an apology you know? I want to show it by action for all those times I was wrong. I want to show you what real noble life is and what you can do. I also want to bring you everywhere..."

Her shoulders sagged slightly, "What I'm trying to say is…"

She clenched her fists tightly, struggling to articulate her thoughts.

"…that I don't want you to go, Aric. But at the same time, it's unfair for you to be tied up into a noble life and deal with things you don't even know. I hate how conflicted I feel about this entire situation. I want to make proper amends with you but..."

She facepalmed herself out of guilt,

"There's also the fact that I get angry just by looking at you because of that stupid face. I don't mean like you're ugly or whatever. You just have his face. It irks me."

"I have been practicing self control but if for some reason I snap at you, it's not entirely directed at you . Does that make sense? Do I sound insane?"

Aric nodded slowly, "Yeah, it does and no. Even if you jump the conversation, it's okay. I understand."

Seraphina studied him intently for a moment longer before leaning back slightly,

"So, do you still plan on leaving me after you finish cleaning up all the debts that deadbeat fuck left behind?"

The question caught him off guard, and he hesitated, searching her face for any hint of mockery or sarcasm. Finding none, he answered honestly,

"If that's what you want. Then yes, I'll leave. No strings attached. Just like what I promised to you months ago."

To his surprise, Seraphina frowned deeply, "Don't be stupid. Why would I want you to go? After everything you've done for me and for everyone? There's no way in hell I want you to go. Especially after the fact I gave my everything to get you back. I can't let you leave."

"Despite how harsh I've been to you, you've never raised a hand against me. Never yelled unless I pushed you too far. Do you realize how rare that is? How much strength does it takes to endure someone like me?"

Her voice softened slightly, "You've earned my respect and trust, Aric Lawson. Whether you believe it or not, you've shown me kindness and patience even when I didn't deserve it. So no. You're not leaving. Not unless you yourself want to."

Aric stared at her, stunned by the conviction in her voice. For several moments, neither of them spoke.

"So…" he began hesitantly, "Do you see me as your husband or something? What exactly am I to you now?"

Seraphina considered his question carefully, "Honestly?"

"I don't know. I'm still getting used to this whole…merge thing. Plus we barely know each other. We can just keep pretending to husband and wife until you decide what you want to do."

She leaned forward slightly, her blue eyes locking onto his with unwavering intensity.

"That being said, I'm not entirely rejecting the idea of seeing you as a husband. We can get to know each other even more but it's complicated isn't it? You have your own feelings and I have mine. I have a duty I need to do and it will probably take time to figure out where we stand."

Aric laughed a little, "Fair enough. We'll take it one step at a time."

"Speaking of steps," she teased lightly, "do you still plan on staying in the same room with me?"

"Uh…" as he rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

"I mean if you want to. Plus like, it's more economical you know."

Seraphina chuckled softly, "Well you're staying in my room from now on. When we return to our estate, you'll move into my chambers permanently. Just to get used to this new dynamic, of course."

"What?!" Aric's jaw dropped slightly, "Are you serious?"

"Dead serious." she confirmed.

"Think of it as a test for both of us. You need time to know if you want to stay and I need to learn how to separate the man in front of me from the ghost of my past. Besides…"

She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "…if you really are as strong as you claim, then controlling yourself shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Aric swallowed hard, his heart racing wildly in his chest as he processed her words,

"Alright. If that's what you want, then… okay. We'll try."

Aric shifted slightly on the bed, "I know it's bad and I should probably stay in bed but, I want to see outside. Help me up?" `

With her support, Aric attempted to rise from the bed. His legs wobbled unsteadily beneath him, muscles weak from disuse and exhaustion. For a brief second, it looked like he might manage but then his knees buckled, sending him crashing downward.

Before he could hit the ground, Seraphina's tendril wrapped around his waist and steadied him.

"I'm sorry." Aric said as he leaned heavily into her embrace.

"I wish I could use my Creation Magic right now, but… my body feels like shit."

"You're lucky you can even stand." she replied dryly, "After everything your body just went through? Don't push yourself too hard, idiot."

When they stepped out of the room, the hallway was filled with expectant faces. Thorin, Lira, Evelyn, Penelope and Kayla. All of them had been waiting anxiously for news of their resolution for a long time.

"Well?" Thorin prompted impatiently.

Seraphina sighed audibly, rolling her eyes at his impatience.

"As the representative for the both of us, we've come to an understanding. He is indeed Aric and he is still my husband."

Evelyn moved closer, supporting Aric's right side while Seraphina took his left. Together, they helped him shuffle down the hallway, his steps still shaky but growing steadier with each passing moment.

Lira spoke up while following them, "Hey Aric. After you're feeling better, come meet me with Seraphina later. I need to look into your body."

"Huh, why?"

"Just to confirm something. Don't worry, I will also help you in healing your body. I can see that your muscles are all loose."

"Sure thing then. Thank you...Ms Lira? I don't know what to call you. Princess Lira?"

"Just call me Lira. It's easier that way."

"Oh yeah, where is everyone?" Aric asked curiously,

"I haven't heard of anyone else but you guys in this inn."

Penelope chuckled, "Why don't you see it for yourself? Lord 'Aric'." she gestured toward the main entrance of the inn.

When they emerged outside, Aric froze mid-step. The once-devastated streets of Ashwick had transformed almost completely. Buildings were being rebuilt, debris cleared away, and new structures taking shape.

But what truly caught Aric off guard was the reaction of the crowd. As soon as the townspeople noticed him standing there, leaning heavily on Evelyn and Seraphina, a wave of cheers erupted throughout the square.

"The Hero of Ashwick!" Adam shouted, raising a fist triumphantly into the air.

"The Saviour of Ashwick!" Beth spoke up, followed by laughter and applause from the audience.

"Our hero!" The little kids said in unison.

More heroic nicknames flew freely, echoing across the plaza as people cheered and clapped enthusiastically. Aric blushed deeply, his mismatched eyes widening in surprise as he struggled to process the overwhelming display of gratitude.

Seraphina whispered into his ears, "Get used to it, hero."

Ivy crossed her arms and smug like a proud mother,

[I'm proud of you, Aric. You deserve this.]