Eclipsed Souls: A Tale of Twin Flames

The days stretched on, and Saliza felt like she was caught in a storm that never ended.

The bookstore, with its cozy café and serene kitchen garden, had grown into a bustling three-in-one establishment, a cherished space for the community.

But for Saliza, it had also become a labyrinth of stress, emotions, and decisions. She no longer moved with the calm, measured pace that had once defined her. Instead, her steps were quick, her gaze sharp, her temper even sharper.

Why am I so angry all the time?

She wondered, wiping the sweat from her brow as she rearranged a display of new books. Her heart thumped heavily in her chest, an undercurrent of frustration always simmering beneath the surface.

I used to be so patient so in control. But now… everything sets me off.

Ever since their journey into Arnaz’s realm, something in her had shifted. She felt as if her darkness, which had once been a quiet part of her, had been touched by fire, ignited in a way she couldn't quite understand.

She would flare up at the smallest provocation, her voice rising, her words cutting. It was as if the flames had fused with her soul, making her volatile, and impatient. Far from the serene and thoughtful woman she had always been.

Saliza watched Arnaz from a distance as he busied himself in the café, charming the customers with his easy smile and attentive demeanor.

Her gaze narrowed as she noticed Lila again, lingering at the counter, her eyes following Arnaz’s every move. Her heart burning with a mix of anger and contempt.

There she is, pretending to be all sweet and pious. I see right through you, Lila. You and your fake kindness. I know what you really want,

she thought.

And, her heightened empathy was another curse. She could sense everything, the insincerity in someone’s compliments, the hidden envy behind a smile, the deceit behind false kindness. Every time she felt it, it was like a thorn piercing her heart, and she couldn’t help but feel anger and disdain.

I hate it. I hate how people camouflage their evil intentions behind a mask of sweetness. I can’t stand the fakeness,

she thought.

Trying to keep her anger at bay, she focused on her work, but her mind kept wandering, spiraling deeper into frustration. She didn’t want Arnaz to hear her thoughts, but sometimes she couldn’t help it. Her thoughts became louder, and more intense, especially when she saw things she didn’t like. She knew he could hear them, and that always led to arguments.

As if on cue, Arnaz’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Love, are you okay? I can feel your anger from across the room,” he said gently, but there was a hint of weariness in his tone.

Saliza shot him a sharp glance. “Can you not hear everything I think? I’m trying to keep it in, but it’s hard when everything irritates me so much.”

Arnaz sighed, walking over to her. “I’m trying not to, but it’s not like I have a switch to turn it off. And when your thoughts are so intense… it’s hard to ignore them.”

I wish you could ignore them, I need space in my own mind. This is suffocating,

she thought bitterly. But she knew saying it aloud would only add fuel to the fire.

Her sensitivity wasn’t limited to emotions alone, it extended into a strange intuition about the future.

If they planned to go somewhere, her spirit seemed to know without her conscious awareness. Her spirit would create obstacles or delays, as if guiding them toward a particular outcome or timing. This drove Arnaz crazy. Being a punctual person, he couldn't stand it when Saliza wasn’t on time.

Like yesterday. They had planned to meet a supplier in the next town over, but Saliza felt herself dragging her feet. She couldn’t explain why, but something in her resisted the idea of leaving immediately. Arnaz, already on edge, mistook her hesitance for defiance.

“Love, why are you stalling?” Arnaz asked, irritation clear in his voice as he stood by the door, keys in hand.

“I’m not stalling,” she replied defensively. “I just… I just feel like we should wait a bit.”

“There you go again,” he snapped. “You’re always doing this... delaying, second-guessing. Are you trying to make things difficult for us?”

Her temper flared. “You think I’m doing this on purpose? I don’t know why I feel this way, Arnaz! It’s like something is telling me we shouldn’t go yet! These things are beyond my control, and I’m just trying to follow it.”

Arnaz shook his head, his frustration palpable. “You expect me to believe that? Some invisible force is telling you when we should leave. Seriously Saliza?”

“Fine, don’t believe me!” she retorted, her eyes blazing. “But don’t blame me if things don’t go the way you want. I’m trying my best to navigate this madness, just like you are!”

Her words hung in the air, heavy and unresolved. Arnaz turned away, the tension between them thickening like a storm cloud. He didn’t understand, and maybe he couldn’t. She wasn’t sure she fully understood herself.

As she watched him walk away, her anger slowly began to dissipate, replaced by a deep sadness.

Why is this happening to us? We used to be so close so in sync. Now it feels like every step we take is a step away from each other,

she wondered.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but the fire within her continued to rage. She hated feeling this way.

So lost, so angry, so out of control.

Her compassion, once her greatest strength, now felt like a burden. She could feel too much, sense too much. And it was tearing her apart.

I need to find a way to control this. I need to find a way to calm the fire inside me, or it’s going to destroy everything. My relationship with Arnaz, my peace, my life,

she thought desperately.

She looked out at the bustling café, at the customers chatting, sipping their coffee, oblivious to the turmoil brewing inside her.

I wonder if any of them have any idea what it’s like. To feel everything so deeply, to have every emotion amplified, every thought exposed. I wonder if they know what it’s like to fight a battle inside yourself every single day,

she mused.

Saliza sighed heavily and returned to her work, her mind still swirling with thoughts and frustrations. She knew she couldn’t keep going like this. She had to find a way to balance the light and darkness within her, to regain control of her mind and heart.

But how? How do I find harmony in a world that keeps pulling me apart?

she thought.

As the evening wore on, she knew that this struggle was far from over. The strain of their new abilities, the weight of their responsibilities, and the creeping distance between her and Arnaz would continue to challenge them. But deep down, she also knew she wasn’t ready to give up.

She couldn’t, because something in her still believed in their bond, in their love, and in their ability to weather this storm together.

We’ve come this far, her resolve hardening. I’m not letting it all fall apart now. Not without a fight,

she thought.

------------END OF CHAPTER 13-----------

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