Leonora’s dream ended, but instead of waking with control of her own body, she felt herself pushed aside.
She could still see, hear, and even feel everything, but her will wasn’t what moved her limbs.
It was the Supre of Water who held the reins.
’Rember your promise,’ Leonora’s voice echoed sharply in her own head.
"I know," the Supre of Water answered aloud, though no one else was there.
A smile curled at her lips.
Her figure blurred and then streaked across the Underworld, tearing through distance in seconds.
She stopped only when she reached the massive gates of the palace that guarded the path to the Gate of the Underworld.
And there, waiting, was Agares.
The rank three Grim Reaper’s form was imposing, broad-shouldered with a mane of golden hair that frad his sharp face like that of a lion.
His piercing blue eyes locked onto her instantly, and there was nothing friendly about the weight of that stare.
Agares commanded the Grim Reapers now.
Since Bael’s disappearance and Barbatos’ reassignnt to secure the Underworld itself, all direct orders had co through him.
That authority carried a presence as heavy as a chain, and it fell on her now.
"Where are you going?" he asked, voice calm but laced with accusation.
The Supre of Water stopped a few paces away.
Her expression remained casual, and her tone was light. "To the surface world. Soone should be calling for soon."
"My orders were clear." Agares’ gaze sharpened, and his pressure began to swell, spreading across the courtyard in waves that made the air feel thick. "All Grim Reapers and disciples are to remain here.
"No contact with the princess is allowed. That rule applies to you as well, even when you’re the one controlling her body, Supre."
"You’ve always been too uptight, Agares," she replied without losing her smile. "You should learn to relax. It isn’t healthy to carry that much tension."
The golden-maned Grim Reaper didn’t so much as twitch, holding his ground firmly in front of the gates.
His eyes never left hers.
Her lips curved further, but her own pressure began to climb.
It wasn’t explosive, but it was steady, rising like water filling a basin, subtle but undeniable.
A faint ripple of tension spread between them, and for a mont, it seed like a battle was unavoidable.
Then she spoke again, as if soone in her mind stopped her from using force. "I’m doing this to help the brat, Neo."
Agares’ eyes narrowed.
"Now," she added, her smile never faltering, "let leave. Or do you believe I’m lying to you?"
Silence stretched between them.
The air was so heavy Leonora, watching from inside her own body, felt her chest tighten.
Finally, Agares exhaled through his nose.
His posture didn’t relax, but he stepped aside, opening a path.
His voice followed her as she walked past.
"I hope you refrain from interfering too much in Underworld matters. Balance must be maintained. For everyone’s sake."
"If you say so," she replied breezily, waving her hand without even glancing back.
She entered the palace and strode through the long, echoing hall until she reached the chamber of the Gate itself.
Gremory was already there, standing primly near the side. She dipped into a graceful curtsey. "Welco, Lady Supre."
The Supre of Water gave a slight nod of acknowledgnt.
Her gaze shifted toward the massive three-headed guardian that trotted up to her eagerly.
"Cerberus," she said warmly as the giant hound wagged its tail like an overgrown puppy.
She crouched slightly and rubbed his heads affectionately.
"Did you miss ? I missed you too."
Cerberus rumbled happily, each head leaning into her hand as though starved for attention.
She played with him for a mont.
Her expression softened before her gaze snapped to the Gate as its ancient surface stirred.
Ripples of power spread out.
The Gate of the Underworld was activating.
Layla had used her Grim Reaper badge from the other side.
The Supre of Water straightened and patted Cerberus one last ti. "I will return soon."
She stepped into the Gate.
Light swallowed her, and in the next instant she appeared in the surface world.
Around her stretched the overlapping fabric of Layla’s Death World.
Layla had rged her World with the true world instead of creating a separate sub-dinsion.
That way, Leonora could remain in the world of death while navigating through the true world.
Layla stood waiting.
The Supre of Water walked toward her and, with an almost motherly gesture, patted her head. "Where is the child?"
"In her chamber," Layla answered.
"Good. Keep your World active so I can remain here without disruption."
Layla nodded silently.
The Supre of Water moved through the halls until she reached the chamber she sought.
She raised her hand and knocked.
"You can enter," ca the voice from inside.
She stepped in, wearing her usual smile.
Alia sat within.
Her posture was straight but her eyes already narrowing the mont she saw Leonora’s face.
Recognition flickered in her gaze after a few monts.
"Leonora—" she began, then stopped herself, and her gaze sharpened. "No. You’re not her. Who are you?"
The Blood Sea inside her pulsed violently, warning her of the overwhelming power standing before her.
The Supre of Water didn’t act offended.
She simply walked in, pulled out a chair, and sat with grace.
"I’m the Supre of Water, mother of Leonora von Villiers, and the Divine that has killed a Supre."
"Do you expect to believe—"
"That blood of yours should already be screaming at you," the Supre cut in lightly. "It tells you I’m strong enough to crush you here and now. That should be proof enough of what I am."
Alia’s mouth closed, but her eyes stayed sharp.
"I didn’t co here for conflict," the Supre continued. "I’m only here because my daughter asked . She wants to help you."
Alia hesitated.
The urge to question, and demand answers was there, but Layla’s presence lingering outside the chamber kept her from assuming hostility.
"My daughter is a friend of Neo Hargraves," the Supre said, folding her hands neatly. "That’s why she’s so persistent about this.
"She wants you to understand him, and erase the grievances between you two by showing you what he has endured for fifteen thousand years, and why he couldn’t return."
Alia’s eyes widened slightly. Then her suspicion deepened. "What do you an by that?"
"You should already have guessed that he could not return due to a reason," the Supre answered.
Alia clenched her fists but stayed silent.
The Supre leaned back slightly.
"But I don’t believe simply showing you the past will change anything. Hatred doesn’t vanish with context. You would have hated him regardless. You already hate too much, child—yourself, the world, your weakness. Hate has beco a ho you live in."
Alia stiffened.
Those words cut sharper than a blade.
The Supre’s gaze softened only slightly.
"That’s why I won’t help you with mories. I’ll help by erasing the root of your grievances instead."
A divine aura spilled out of her.
It was heavy and pure, filling the chamber with pressure that bent the very air.
Her voice carried the weight of authority as she extended her hand toward Alia.
"Child," she said softly, almost tenderly, "be my Loved One."
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