The elegant Ars Pherians had treated Ava with nothing but kindness from the moment her eyes first beheld the Ars Pherian sun after emerging from the darkness of the portal. She felt at ease and empowered, as though nothing could harm her. On Ars Pheria, Ava felt both protected and cherished.

  Since the moment she set foot on Ars Pheria, the most nerve-wracking moment for Ava occurred when she entered the Emperor’s chambers to meet the royal family. For long moments, the family members studied Ava, and she, in turn, studied them. She could see the disbelief in their eyes, as though they were seeing a ghost. The Emperor sat in a chair next to a towering vase overflowing with white roses. His eyes, strikingly similar to Alessandro’s, were a deep blue, framed by dark lashes, shining like sapphires. To her left sat Perla, ever elegant in her pearls, which accentuated the white sheen of her hair. Her large moonstone ring complemented her violet eyes, making her look nothing short of extraordinary.

  Ava’s gaze then shifted to Aurelia, seated across from Perla. Had Alessandro not told her who she was about to meet, Ava wouldn’t have guessed that Aurelia was his mother. Though Alessandro shared his father’s eyes, his charm and beauty were undeniably inherited from Aurelia. The wide, welcoming smile that spread across Aurelia’s face instantly melted Ava’s nerves, and she smiled back.

  It was Emperor Sephianos who finally broke the silence.

  "Ms. Ava L’Ambert, we welcome you to Ars Pheria. Please, take a seat," he said, "and please forgive our astonishment. It is the first time we have ever seen an Earthian on Ars Pheria. Not that Earthians are unwelcome here, far from it, but no other Earthian has ever passed through the portal before."

  "Thank you, Your Highness," Ava said with a graceful gesture of courtesy. "I am more than dazzled to be here on this beautiful world. I’m still not sure if this is a dream or reality."

  "I understand," the Emperor replied with a nod. "There is much for you to take in, and you will learn in time. You are Prince Alessandro's guest, and you are more than welcome to stay in our family chambers for as long as you wish. Allow me to introduce my daughter, Princess Perla, and Alessandro's mother, Lady Aurelia."

  "I am honored to meet you all," Ava said with a polite bow of her head.

  "Your colors are much fainter than anyone on Earth," Perla remarked with curiosity. "And you have a white glow on your skin. May I touch you?"

  Alessandro quickly intervened, his voice light but firm. "Excuse my sister, Ava. She’s passionate about learning. Perhaps now isn’t the best time," he said, casting a quick glance at Perla before turning back to Ava. "But I can assure you, the white glow around her isn’t some emotional fume."

  "Welcome, Ava," Aurelia said warmly. "Alessandro told us about your ability to control light over the dark fume. Thank you for helping him clear it. I look forward to having time with you to assist other patients here on Ars Pheria."

  "I would be more than happy to help as much as I can," Ava said, her voice filled with sincerity. Aurelia’s passion for healing and saving others warmed Ava's heart. She felt a deep sense of admiration for her, though she kept forgetting that her emotional fume colors were still visible to those around her. As she spoke to Aurelia, her colors shifted to soft pinks, a clear reflection of her growing affection and joy.

  Alessandro and Aurelia both smiled as the pink hues radiated from Ava. He noticed her slight unease and was about to remind her that her emotions were visible to everyone, but decided to let her enjoy the moment. For now, he would let her embrace her feelings without the worry of being too self-conscious.

  Alessandro felt a quiet satisfaction with the smoothness of the introduction, but he knew this would be a long night. Ava's presence had already shifted the course of his plans. Her arrival had completely altered his strategy for the upcoming Senate speech. He could no longer hide the truth; he had to reveal everything to the people of Ars Pheria. Ava's healing powers were a gift too important to keep secret any longer. The time had come for transparency.

  There was no room for more political maneuvering or hidden agendas. If Alessandro was to regain the trust of the senators and his people, he needed to speak honestly and openly, starting with Ava.

  The Emperor leaned forward slightly, his interest piqued. "Ava, now that you know about the Sumerians and that you communicate with another type of existence called the Ghull, what is your opinion on our current situation and the perils we face?" He paused, clearly curious if Ava's presence could offer Ars Pheria more than just a cure for the sickness.

  Ava’s gaze shifted as she collected her thoughts. "I trusted the Ghull with my life when he crossed me through the portal. I believed he meant no harm," she began, her voice steady. "But I think he has his own agenda. He’s making moves to achieve something, though he’s never told me what that goal is. As part of that agenda, I believe he protects me, and in turn, he wants to protect the Ars Pherians as well." She met the Emperor’s eyes, her tone thoughtful. "I’m not sure what the Ghull ultimately seeks, but I sense that his protection isn’t random. It’s part of a larger plan."

  Perla’s eyes narrowed with skepticism. "How can you be sure he will protect us? What power does he have against a nuclear spaceship?" she asked, her voice laced with doubt.

  Ava hesitated before responding. "I don’t know," she admitted, her voice thoughtful. "But I have reason to believe he will. He protected me, and he helped me find Ars Pheria. He can open portals. Maybe that ability is something we can use to our advantage, to help defend Ars Pheria. He also mentioned that the portal you still use to Cappadocia was opened with a light healer like me, together with the Ghull."

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  "What do you mean, together?" Alessandro asked, his brow furrowing in confusion. Ava hadn't mentioned this before.

  Ava glanced at him before responding. "He says I’m a light healer. I can manipulate light, that’s how I cure the dark fume. He told me that he opened the portal to Ars Pheria together with a light healer. That's how the portal survived. The Ghull can open a portal on his own, but he can't keep it open for long."

  Alessandro's expression shifted, a hint of unease creeping into his voice. "He wanted you on Ars Pheria because he has a plan for you," he said, his tone uncertain. "Can you reach out to him and ask him what that plan is?"

  "I can try," Ava said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "To be honest, he was always there when I really needed him, but somehow, I don’t feel like I need him now."

  The Emperor’s gaze hardened slightly, his tone firm. "But we need him right now. We need all the help we can get..."

  What is Your Name?

  Ava sat alone in her room after Alessandro left to prepare for his Senate speech. She tried to shake off the dreamy sensation that clouded her mind. She felt as though she were walking on air, untethered, as though nothing could touch her. The Ghull would handle everything when the time came. She didn’t understand why she still felt the need to hide from Ars Pherian people, to remain distant locked in a palace room.

  The view from her window caught her attention, the lights of the piazza below twinkling like stars. The scene felt so romantic, yet so distant. People were walking and laughing, dancing to the rhythm of street musicians. But Ava felt alone, disconnected, as though she didn’t belong. She was a refugee, she reminded herself. An outsider in a world that wasn’t hers. Darkness slowly crept over her heart.

  She reached for the rose liqueur on the table, pouring herself another glass, hoping it would ease the ache. But the more she drank, the deeper her emotions spiraled. The overwhelming sense of not belonging, of being lost between two worlds, pushed her to tears. Her sobs came uncontrollably, each one heavier than the last, and with every tear, she drank more, searching for some escape from the weight of it all.

  When the exhaustion finally settled in, she wiped her eyes, her hands trembling. Her gaze landed on the decorative candles on the coffee table. She reached for the matchbox, striking one and lighting the rose-scented candles one by one. The gentle glow of the flames pulled her attention, and she sat, transfixed by their dance.

  "Ghull, are you here?" Ava asked softly, her voice cracked and her throat sore from muffling her sobs.

  For a moment, there was only the flickering of the candle’s flame. Then, slowly, the Ghull's eyes began to appear behind it, piercing and luminous, his form rose steadily from the darkness.

  He reached forward, his touch warm as he gently lifted Ava’s chin, urging her to raise her head.

  "I am always here for you," he said in his deep, resonant voice, the words echoing in the quiet room. For a brief moment, Ava felt the weight of her loneliness lift and the tightness on her chest ease.

  Ava's voice trembled as she spoke, her words hesitant. "They want me to learn what will happen when the Sumer queen arrives?"

  "I will tell you when the time comes," the Ghull replied calmly. "But what troubles you is not the Sumer. Confide in me."

  "I don’t belong here," Ava whispered. "I don’t want to stay." The words spilled out, and before she could stop them, her tears returned, blurring her vision.

  The Ghull's presence seemed to envelop her in a quiet comfort. He lowered himself, his eyes glowing softly as he gazed at her. "You belong to this universe," he said, his voice both soothing and firm. "And this universe is your home. Where light can reach, you can reach."

  Ava's voice was heavy with regret. "These people will not accept me. They see my colors. I feel naked."

  The Ghull’s eyes softened, his presence like a gentle pull toward calm. "I will teach you everything you need to know," he said. "But it seems patience is not one of them."

  Ava let out a shaky breath, her thoughts clouded by doubt. "They are interested in how they can use me to defeat the Sumer threat. They will not want me after the Sumer is banished."

  "That is true... and sad as well," the Ghull agreed. "Ars Pherians are practical and functional by nature. Their refined emotions don’t help them much in terms of empathy or selflessness."

  Ava felt a pang of sorrow. The distance between her and them felt vast, like an ocean that she couldn’t cross. But the Ghull’s words continued, offering something more.

  "His mother will help you," he said. "Cure their sickness, and you will be welcomed. They will see your true value then, when you give them what they need."

  He was now closer, his presence almost tangible as the flames in his eyes raced into Ava's eyes. She could feel his familiar warmth radiating from him, his promised strength that wrapped around her like a protective shield. The kindness in his eyes was unmistakable, she felt the same sense of peace as she always did in his presence.

  Ava’s hand hesitated slightly as she reached out toward him. Her fingers brushed the air before finally touching his face. The sensation was like nothing she had ever felt, smooth, warm, and almost ethereal. The Ghull’s eyes closed gently, and he allowed her touch, his presence softening, as though he welcomed it.

  He slightly opened his eyes, his gaze intense and calm. "I know about loneliness more than you can imagine," he said softly, his words carrying centuries old melancholia.

  Ava, moved closer, drawn to him in the way she knew very well. In that moment of trust, belonging and yearning, she kissed him. His lips were smooth and warm, inviting her for more of his existence. The flames inside him flickered rapidly, like the fast beat of a heart, growing intense.

  She reached for his chest, her hand trembling, but before she could touch him, he swiftly pulled away. His eyes, now filled with an intense, flickering flame, met hers. He stepped back, retreating into the shadows behind the candlelight.

  Ava stood still, her breath shallow, her heart pounding. She knew he was leaving, fleeing, as conflicted and lost as she was.

  “Wait,” she said. “What is your real name?”

  I, the loyal Ghull of the Asaha, once had a name of my own.

  A name for the many, to call me only.

  A name is necessary where there are so many.

  Where there is one only, a name is redundant essentially…