The Tale of the Lotus Heart novel Chapter 8

*Aivi's POV*

I felt a rush of energy before I was standing beside a desk in a strange room. I was conscious as I grew as a white lotus flower, but I still had no idea how it was possible, how much time had passed, or even where I was, but I remembered Yong and his promise. I still couldn't believe I wasn't dead.

"Aivi," a relieved voice called to me. Cloth came from different directions to cover my naked body. The cloth made up the undergarments, dress, and robe. It was unlike anything I'd ever worn. I was pulled into a set of familiar arms. I knew this scent. I knew this touch.

"Yong, how am I still alive," I asked as my eyes watered with the threat of tears.

"I told you I would take you to a safe place. I told you I wouldn't let you die. I'll have to explain slowly, but to start with, I was never a mortal human. I'm a high ranking immortal god who lives in the Heavenly Realm," he started. He slowly explained the three realms and how they worked. He explained how he saved me and how he concealed the Lotus Heart. No one should be able to detect it for now.

"I've waited 12,000 years for you to cultivate your human form," he finished. My eyes widened.

"12,000 years! How is that even possible?" I asked in denial.

"One day on the Heavenly Realm equates to a year in the Mortal Realm. Time is irrelevant here as everyone lives far longer than human do... including you now," he explained as he held my hands in his.

"I've been a flower for 12,000 years?" I asked again in disbelief.

"You'll get used to it slowly. All beings here have an original form or spirit animal. Mine is the Golden Dragon," he replied. It was too much for my brain to handle at the moment.

"Come sit, let me make sure the concealment is still in tact," he said as he led me to his bed. He sat me down before pointing his index and middle finger at me. I closed my eyes as I felt a calming energy rush through me. After a moment, I felt a pair of lips on mine as Yong's hand went to my cheek gently.

"I'm so happy that you're okay. Do you want to rest?" he smiled gently when he pulled away. I hesitated before I nodded. He laid me down before pulling the blanket over me and sitting beside me on the edge of the bed.

"We can handle everything else tomorrow," he promised.

~