Eclipsed Souls: A Tale of Twin Flames

The air inside the cave was thick, as if time itself had been waiting for their arrival. Arnaz and Saliza stepped cautiously into the darkness, the soft glow from the crystals embedded in the walls casting strange, shifting shadows on their faces. The rhythmic sound of water dripping from the cave ceiling created a haunting melody, echoing through the passageway.

“This place,” Saliza murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “It feels like it’s alive. Like it's watching us.”

Arnaz nodded, his amber eyes narrowing as they adjusted to the dim light. “It’s more than just a cave. This place... it knows us.”

They moved deeper into the cave, the sense of foreboding growing with each step. The shadows seemed to lengthen, taking on strange forms that shifted and flickered at the corners of their vision. Saliza reached for Arnaz’s hand, her fingers cold despite the warmth of the island.

Suddenly, the cave around them began to shimmer, and the air grew heavy with an overwhelming energy. The walls rippled like water, and visions started to form around them, ghostly yet vivid. Arnaz stiffened, his heart pounding as he recognized what he was seeing.

They stood in an ancient temple, surrounded by tall, flickering torches. He was dressed in armor, his reflection shimmering in a pool of black water at his feet.

The Morningstar, a title whispered from the shadows, a name he had forgotten and yet had always known. In his past life, Arnaz had been more than a man. He had been a being of immense power, a ruler of realms, the Morningstar, once an angel of light, now caught between heaven and hell.

Saliza stood at his side in the vision, but her appearance had changed. She was cloaked in shadow, her dark almond eyes glowing with an unnatural light. She was a queen, his queen. Together, they had ruled both light and darkness, balancing between worlds in a never-ending struggle for power and unity. The visions were fragmented, chaotic, but one thing was clear, their bond stretched across lifetimes.

Saliza gasped, stepping back from the vision. “Arnaz, what is this? I feel like we've lived this before, but . . ” Her voice trembled as she glanced at him, her mind swirling with confusion.

Arnaz’s jaw tightened as he spoke, his voice heavy with realization.

“We have. I was... someone else, love. I was the Morningstar. I always believed it was just a figment of my imagination, a delusion born from my readings and spiritual experiences. I never truly thought it was real. But this place, it’s unearthing memories I had buried deep within myself, memories I wasn’t ready to confront.”

Saliza took a step toward him, her empathy flaring. “You were always meant to be more than what this world sees, Arnaz. I see it now. How can I stand by your side when we’re so different?”

Arnaz turned to her, his eyes softening despite the intensity of the moment. “We’re not different, love. We balance each other. That’s what this cave is trying to show us.”

Before she could respond, the vision shifted, and they were pulled into a future, a potential one, where they stood together, their powers fully awakened, fighting a force that threatened to consume everything they held dear.

The island was in flames, spirits of the realm twisted in agony, their once peaceful energies now tainted by something ancient and malevolent. Arnaz and Saliza stood at the center of it all, struggling to maintain the balance they had always fought for.

Just then, a distant sound echoed through the cave, footsteps, hurried and frantic. Lila. She had followed them.

“Arnaz? Saliza?” Lila’s voice broke through the dense energy of the cave, a sharp contrast to the spiritual depth they had been immersed in. “Where are you?”

Arnaz tensed, his protective instinct flaring. “She shouldn’t be here.”

Saliza, her empathy already heightened, felt a surge of jealousy and curiosity radiating from Lila. “She’s been drawn here by something... but this place won’t let her in.”

As they turned toward the entrance, they saw Lila standing just beyond the threshold, her face pressed against an invisible barrier that shimmered like the surface of a calm lake. She reached out, her hand sliding over the barrier, her frustration growing.

“Why can’t I enter?” Lila's voice trembled, her obsession with Arnaz spilling over into desperation. “What are you hiding from me?”

Arnaz took a deep breath, stepping toward the barrier. “This place... it isn’t for you, Lila. It’s showing us something you wouldn’t understand.”

Lila’s eyes narrowed, her jealousy now a palpable force in the air.

“Why? Why do you always choose her? I know you feel something for me too, Arnaz. I know you do.”

Saliza stepped forward, her voice calm but firm.

“This isn’t about you, Lila. This is something else, something far beyond what you can see. Let it go.”

Lila pounded on the invisible wall, her anger boiling over. “I won’t let it go! I can help you, Arnaz. I know I can!”

But before she could say another word, the cave itself responded, a low rumble shaking the ground beneath them. The barrier flared with light, forcing Lila back. She stumbled, and with one last look of frustration, she turned and fled back down the path.

Saliza exhaled slowly. “She’s lost to her obsession.”

Arnaz nodded, his mind still reeling from the visions. “She doesn’t understand what she’s playing with.”

As the cave returned to its eerie stillness, Arnaz and Saliza stood in the center, their connection deepened, but the weight of what they had seen left them shaken. The visions had shown them their past and a possible future, but they knew now that their greatest test still awaited.

They turned toward the mouth of the cave, now open and waiting for them to emerge. Holding hands, Arnaz and Saliza waded back from the cave mouth, their hearts still heavy with the visions they had just witnessed. The cool waters of the lake swirled around them, and as they stepped onto the shore, they felt the connection between them pulse even stronger.

The picnic spot came into view, where Lila, her boyfriend, and Sir Shakes were waiting.

Lila stood apart, her arms crossed and her gaze fixed on the ground, the jealousy she had tried to suppress earlier now evident in the stiff line of her shoulders.

Her boyfriend, sensing her distress, gently coaxed her, whispering soothing words that fell on deaf ears. “Come on, Lila, it’s been a beautiful day,” he murmured, but she barely reacted, her mind elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Sir Shakes was packing up the picnic blanket and gathering their things. The remnants of their half-day picnic were scattered across the soft grass, empty plates, folded napkins, and the lingering scent of sweet tropical fruit.

As Arnaz and Saliza approached, Sir Shakes glanced up, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

“Well now,” Sir Shakes said, his deep voice smooth with approval. His eyes twinkled as if he knew exactly what had happened in the cave. “You two look like you’ve had quite the adventure.”

Arnaz nodded, his grip on Saliza’s hand tightening slightly. “More than we expected,” he replied, his tone measured, still processing everything they had seen.

Saliza smiled faintly at Sir Shakes, appreciating the unspoken understanding. There was something about the man. An energy that made her feel like he was more than just a yacht captain. He seemed to be part of the island, part of its ancient, mystical heartbeat.

“We should be heading back to the yacht,” Lila’s boyfriend said, trying to inject some lightness into the tense atmosphere. He shot Lila a quick glance before looking back at Arnaz and Saliza. “We don’t want to miss the sunset.”

Sir Shakes gave a curt nod. “Best to head back before the evening tide shifts.”

Lila’s silence hung in the air, her eyes downcast and her mood sour. As Arnaz and Saliza approached, she refused to meet their gaze, instead shifting uncomfortably in place.

Her boyfriend, ever patient, wrapped his arm around her waist, attempting to pull her closer, but she barely moved.

The group made their way back to Sir Shakes’ yacht, the tension following them like a shadow.

As they set sail across the calm waters, the beaches began to shrink into the distance, the mystical energy of the place fading with every passing minute.

Lila’s boyfriend cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “Hey, Arnaz, Saliza,” he began, his voice light with excitement, “I was thinking...how about we hit up a dance club tonight in Langkawi Town? There’s this great spot near Cenang Beach. You’ll love it.”

Arnaz exchanged a glance with Saliza, feeling the weight of their earlier experience still settling in, but the idea of a night out in the town wasn’t entirely unappealing.

“Sounds fun,” Arnaz said after a beat. “What do you think?” He turned to Saliza, who nodded, a small smile playing on her lips.

“We could use a change of pace,” Saliza replied.

Lila’s boyfriend grinned, clearly pleased. “Great! I’ll ask Sir Shakes if we can borrow his speedboat to get to town.”

Sir Shakes, who had been steering the yacht in comfortable silence, turned slightly, his eyes twinkling again. “Of course, lad. Take good care of it. And be careful out there tonight.”

With the plans set, the yacht continued its smooth journey back toward the Bed and Breakfast, the sun dipping lower in the sky, casting warm hues of gold and orange over the water.

As the wind picked up, Lila’s hair fluttered in the breeze, but her mood remained distant, the jealousy still clinging to her like a second skin.

Her boyfriend gently kissed her temple, whispering something soft and affectionate in her ear. She leaned into him slightly, but her eyes remained fixed on Arnaz and Saliza, her mind swirling with thoughts she couldn’t quite contain.

For Arnaz and Saliza, the day had been transformative. The island had revealed more than just its beauty, it had laid bare the truths of their souls. Yet, despite the weight of what they now knew, there was a quiet strength in the air between them.

And tonight, under the stars and the neon lights of Langkawi Town, they would dance, leaving the shadows of the cave behind, at least, for a little while.

------------END OF CHAPTER 17------------

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