Luminary Amulet

Crystal and Ambrose found themselves wandering through the aisles of the library, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished marble floor. While most students relied on the convenience of the Ex Pleutio spell to summon their desired books, there were a few who explored the shelves to find interesting books.

As they strolled past rows upon rows, Flare darted ahead, flickering with excitement. She finally came to a stop in front of a weathered book, her tiny voice resonating with enthusiasm. "Crystal, over here! I have found something!"

Intrigued by Flare's discovery, Crystal quickened her pace, her eyes fixated on the book that had captured Flare's attention. Ambrose trailed behind her, like a loyal shadow.

"What is it?" Crystal asked, her curiosity piqued. Flare's flames danced with excitement as it replied, "I can feel it. This book contains certain knowledge that aligns with the powers of an Aether faerie."

Crystal believed Flare's claim as it was the Aether Faerie gaurdian's words, and she gently took the book in her hands, her fingers trembling slightly with anticipation. However, as her eyes fell upon the title, her expression shifted from excitement to confusion and disappointment. The words etched on the cover read, 'Recipes of the Ancient Artifacts.'

Crystal's brows furrowed, and a sigh escaped her lips. She had hoped for something more directly related to the colossal or even to herself.

"I don't understand," Crystal voiced her confusion, her brows furrowing in puzzlement. "This is a book of recipes? How is it related to Aether faeries?"

Ambrose stood by her side, his expression patient as he waited for Crystal to converse with Flare. It fluttered closer to the book, her fire emanating a soft purple glow. "Let me open the book for you," Flare chimed, her voice tinged with excitement.

Flare's magic enveloped the book, causing its pages to turn of their own accord while still held within Crystal's hands. As the pages settled, Crystal and Ambrose found themselves staring at a particular entry on the newly revealed page. It read, 'Artifact One Hundred and Sixty Eight.'

Confusion and curiosity flickered across their faces as they exchanged a bewildered glance.

...

Crystal and Ambrose had shared the discovery with Marina and Aurelius, huddled together beneath the serene shelter of the tea-pavilion. The ancient book had unveiled the ingredients needed to create the 'Luminary Amulet', a mystical artifact known to guide its owner along forgotten paths.

It revealed that three extraordinary ingredients were required to fashion the Luminary Amulet: the Essence of Celestial Light, the Crystallized Element of the owner faerie, and the elusive Stardust Elixir.

Marina's eyes held a mixture of curiosity and concern as she couldn't help but voice her apprehension, "These ingredients seem to be special and rather hard to attain. Would this artifact really help to guide us to the pathway to the colossal?"

Among the gathered group, it was Marina and Ambrose who appeared most troubled.

Flare had already shared the insights with Crystal, revealing that it sensed a profound connection between the book and Aether faerie powers. Crystal, being one of those rare faeries capable of Crystallizing her element, had trusted Flare's judgment wholeheartedly. As she delved deeper into the pages of the ancient book, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was indeed on the right pathway.

Aurelius, on the other hand, wrestled with his emotions, attempting to maintain control over the tumultuous thoughts swirling within him. Crystal's decision to venture into the library with Ambrose instead of him had hit a nerve. It was their sanctuary, a place where they had spent countless hours together, and now Crystal was exploring it with someone else.

Nevertheless, the gravity of the situation compelled Aurelius to set his personal feelings aside.

Crystal, her voice filled with conviction, responded to Marina's concern, her words carrying a sense of determination. "I understand your concern, Marina, but every other way seems to be blocked for us. This is the only pathway that holds even a glimmer of hope. We have to try, no matter how challenging it may be. I can assure you it won't be as treacherous as risking becoming the siren's next meal." A shiver ran down Crystal's spine as she vividly recalled the harrowing encounter with the siren, and despite the gravity of the situation, she couldn't resist a lighthearted jab. Marina scoffed, seeing through Crystal's attempt at humor, but deep down, she knew her friend was right.

Aurelius, eager to contribute to their cause, wasted no time in offering his assistance. "I can arrange for the Essence of Celestial Light in just two days. It can be easily extracted from the Cosmos Starflowers," he declared, his voice carrying an air of confidence.

Crystal's face brightened with gratitude, and she extended her hand, giving Aurelius a thumbs-up. "I knew I could count on you," she exclaimed, a smile breaking across her face.

A warmth bloomed within Aurelius. He couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness, knowing that he could still be the reason behind that beautiful smile.

Crystal, attuned to the subtle energies around her, could sense the emotions radiating from Aurelius's aura. It made her pause for a moment, a strange sensation stirring within her.

Curiosity tugged at Crystal's thoughts as she observed Ambrose's composed demeanor, even in the moments when Aurelius looked at her with an intensity that hinted at something more than friendship.

It struck her as peculiar that Ambrose showed no signs of jealousy or possessiveness when he was boring his eyes into her when she was holding hands with the sapphire-haired Marevate. Making a mental note to address this matter with Ambrose later.

...

Crystal's eyes widened in astonishment as her mind raced, trying to process his confession, and she blurted out, "What!"

Ambrose repeated his words, "Because you kissed me." Amidst the sudden surge of emotions, Crystal could hear the amusement laced in Ambrose's voice as he chuckled softly.

She rolled her eyes, a mixture of disbelief and endearment washing over her. "I heard it the first time," she replied, a playful tone tingeing her words.

Ambrose's eyes sparkled with affection as he regarded Crystal. With a smile playing on his lips, he spoke with gentle sincerity, "I trust you, Crystal, you are my mate and I trust in the love we share. I may not possess the innate ability of an Aether faerie to assess others' emotions just like you, but your love for me is undeniable. It resonates in the depths of my being, and there is no reason for me to be guarded or doubtful in any way."

His words carried an unwavering trust and devotion, touching the core of Crystal's being. A warm blush crept up her cheeks, and she instinctively covered them, unable to contain her reaction. The love radiating from Ambrose's eyes and seeping through his aura enveloped her, filling her with a sense of awe and adoration.

"It's your fault that I keep kissing you. You are just so--" her voice trailed off as she couldn't resist the temptation any longer, reaching out to lightly pinch Ambrose's cheek. He blinked in bewilderment, his eyes narrowing as he tried to comprehend her words.

Crystal fought back the urge to give in to her impulses to kiss him, mindful of their current location in the botanical garden bathed in daylight. With a playful twinkle in her eyes, she continued her sentence, feigning nonchalance, "--adorable."

Ambrose's bewilderment slowly transformed into a lopsided grin, his eyes sparkling with amusement. He was a changed being around Crystal and he preferred it that way.