Eclipsed Souls: A Tale of Twin Flames

Morning Proposal Tease

The golden morning sunlight filters through the blinds, casting a warm, gentle glow over the apartment. Saliza stretches as she wakes, still feeling the lingering fatigue from their recent battle on Dayang Bunting Island and the exhausting journey home the day before. She slowly pulls herself out of bed, savoring the peacefulness of the morning, a stark contrast to the turmoil they’ve endured.

Dressing in a soft cotton dress, her favorite comfort after days of wearing practical clothes, she descends the staircase to the bookstore below, ready for her first day back at work.

As she reaches the bottom, she’s greeted by the sight of Arnaz, kneeling on one knee, holding a pot of daisies, his signature mischievous smile plastered across his handsome face.

On a serious note, he says, "Will you marry me…" and pauses, " Lila?"

Saliza froze, her eyes widening in shock. “What?!”

Arnaz can barely hold back his laughter. "Relax, my love. This is how Kelby should propose to Lila....on bended knee, bouquet in hand."

Realizing she’s been teased, Saliza huffs and pulls a daisy from the pot, swatting Arnaz on the shoulder with it. “You’re impossible!”

Arnaz’s laughter spills out, rolling onto the floor dramatically, his chest vibrating with mirth. "Just joking, baby! I swear! But don’t worry, I’ll propose to you soon… in another chapter of our life."

Despite herself, Saliza smiles, a soft blush creeping onto her cheeks as she imagines that moment someday.

She retreats to the counter, picking up the cup of coffee Arnaz had thoughtfully prepared, along with a perfectly toasted croissant filled with chicken.

As the comforting aroma fills her senses, she steals a glance at Arnaz, who’s still chuckling to himself, and her heart feels lighter, content in the quiet peace of their ordinary life.

As the day unfolds, the lighthearted mood shifts when the bell above the entrance rings, announcing the arrival of a familiar figure, the mysterious man who had visited their bookstore once before.

His entrance immediately shifts the energy in the room, the once-calm atmosphere now charged with tension.

The man steps forward, his gaze piercing as it lands on both Arnaz and Saliza. His voice is low, carrying a weight of something unsaid. "Your battles are far from over. Forces beyond Sakara are watching. You will be called upon again… soon."

The cryptic warning leaves an unmistakable chill in the air, and before either of them can ask more, the man turns and exits the bookstore as quietly as he had arrived.

Saliza watches him go, her brow furrowed in concern.

There’s something about him, a connection to their past struggles, and her intuition tells her that they’re not yet free from danger.

The day moves along with the usual buzz of the bookstore, Arnaz tending to the café customers while Saliza helps readers with their purchases.

But by 3 p.m., Saliza notices something odd, Arnaz is folding up tables, stacking chairs, and cleaning up the café section far earlier than usual.

"Why are you closing so early?" Saliza asks, a curious smile tugging at her lips. "We still have hours left."

Arnaz approaches her with that familiar mischievous grin. "We're closing early because I’m planning something special for us. I want to take you outside, to our front yard, where we’ll have a perfect view of the KLCC Towers. I’ve prepared a beautiful dinner for just the two of us."

Her heart flutters at the thought, and though she feigns annoyance at his secret plans, she can’t help but feel excited for what he’s planned.

As the sun begins to set, Arnaz leads Saliza out into the front yard of their bookstore, the twilight air cool and crisp with the promise of a perfect evening.

The setting is nothing short of magical. Fairy lights are strung between trees, casting a soft golden glow over the small outdoor dining area Arnaz has set up.

The sky above is painted in hues of lavender and amber, a breathtaking backdrop to the iconic KLCC Towers that loom majestically in the distance.

In the center of the yard is a simple yet elegant table, draped in a white cloth, with candles flickering softly in the gentle breeze.

The smell of smoked brisket, the same one Arnaz had prepared before their trip but hadn’t had a chance to enjoy, fills the air, making Saliza’s mouth water.

The rich aroma of the slow-cooked meat mingles with the scent of freshly baked bread and the delicate perfume of jasmine from nearby flowers.

As they sit down, the world around them seems to fall away, leaving only the two of them in this intimate space. They share quiet conversation, their laughter light, as they savor each bite of the meal Arnaz has lovingly prepared.

Suddenly, as dusk deepens into night, something extraordinary happens. The KLCC Twin Towers, visible in the distance, begin to shimmer with an ethereal glow.

Saliza’s breath catches in her throat as she watches the transformation unfold.

One tower becomes bathed in a soft blue light, and as she squints, she can make out the shape of a majestic phoenix, its wings wrapped around the structure, its body encased in translucent blue flames that seem to flicker in and out of reality.

The other tower glows with a deep, fiery red, and spiraling around it is a fearsome dragon, its body surrounded by soft red flames, coiling protectively around the building.

Saliza gasps, her eyes wide with wonder. "The twin towers… they’re on fire."

Arnaz gazes at the translucent blue and red flames swirling around the Twin Towers, his face reflecting both awe and amusement. "You’re probably right," he says with a playful grin. "Though I’m guessing we’re the only ones who can see this, otherwise, the whole city would be in chaos by now," he adds with a soft chuckle.

Saliza’s heart swells with emotion as the significance of the moment sinks in. The KLCC Twin Towers, symbols of strength, power and unity, have acknowledged their bond as Twin Flames, mirroring the energy that flows between them.

"The Twin Towers have been here all along, right in front our bookstore," Saliza murmurs, her voice soft with realization. "But we never understood what they are meant for us until now."

Arnaz takes her hand across the table, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. His eyes are full of love, the flames from the towers reflected in their depths. "The Twin Towers has always been us, my love. We’re the Twin Towers. Our flames burn brighter together."

For a moment, time stands still. The towers glow with celestial light, casting their flickering blue and red flames over the city, but in this private world of their own, it feels like the universe is giving its blessing to their bond.

As they sit together, basking in the ethereal glow of the towers and the warmth of their shared love, Saliza suddenly feels a dark presence, creeping at the edge of her consciousness.

Her smile falters, and she turns to Arnaz, her voice laced with concern.

"I fear.... not everything has been resolved," she says softly. "A fragment of Sakara’s darkness may still remain… in Lila."

Arnaz’s expression shifts to match her unease. He nods, his voice steady but serious. "If that fragment of darkness takes root, it could grow into something dangerous."

They share a quiet, somber moment together.

A shadow flickers in the glass of the bookstore window.

Lila’s reflection appears for a brief moment, her eyes darkened with the faintest trace of Sakara’s lingering influence. It’s a subtle, haunting reminder that while peace has been restored, darkness still lurks, waiting for the right moment to strike again.

Elsewhere..........

Lila, standing alone in her apartment, staring into a mirror. Her face is pale, her expression troubled. She reaches up to touch her cheek, and for a moment, a dark, flickering shadow passes across her reflection.

In her eyes, there is a faint, yet unmistakable glint of Sakara’s lingering presence.

~~THE END OF ECLIPSED SOULS: A TALE OF TWIN FLAMES~~

Dearest Esteemed Readers,

Arnaz and Saliza have lovingly crafted a small Wishing Well just for you.

For every tip you donate into this Wishing Well, you are invited to make one wish.

May your wish be absorbed by the essence of the Twin Flames, and may it bring you the very best in return.

Your generous support will also aid Arnaz and Saliza on their magical journey ahead.

Thank you, kind readers, for being a part of this enchanting tale.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Arnaz and Saliza