"I am sorry, but I don't think I can agree to your proposal."
The first one to reject the idea was Vivienne.
"I would like to be the only person to have you. I don't want to share you with anyone."
Celeste raised her thoughts, "I don't think I will want to share you with anyone, if I had the opportunity. I think we should handle the soul-link issue."
Having voiced their thoughts, naturally, all of us turned towards Iris.
Iris was deep in thought with her eyes closed.
"I wouldn't mind it, if you took me as your main wife and them as your mistresses."
She was the one who dropped the real bombshell.
Everyone in the room was shocked. I was shocked even more, considering her behavior and actions until now.
"Why exactly are you okay with me having multiple wives?" I asked curiously.
"Well, in our past life, it was common to have multiple wives. Even you had a few mistresses because of the time's politics and status. I am not against it if I am the main wife."
"I think you should give it more thought. I feel your past life experiences are influencing your current decisions. You should not allow your past life memories to rewrite your current common sense."
The other two nodded at my words, while Iris shrugged at my words. I feared a little, if her past life experiences had started to overwrite her current self.
"Now that we know that no one wants that arrangement, it would be wise to understand what the soul-link actually is. I would like all of you to explain it according to your understanding and if you have any specific information about it."
And so, they began explaining about soul-links according to their understandings.
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The information they shared was the same. The only differences were how each of them was performed. Though they didn't go into the details of the process, as it was simply part of their past life's culture. So, the specific method carried no real importance. As they had explained the first time we met, it was clear that the soul-link partners were meant to be together. It couldn't be changed and forcing it to change would only affect both individuals in the link to be inflicted with health issues. I would be in a more dangerous position if even one of them was forced to separate from me.
I didn't mention the fourth person I was soul-linked with, for two different reasons. One, I didn't even know who the other person was. Second, the problems placed on the table right now were yet to be solved. So, I had the new issue of having to find that new fourth person.
The mid-terms were also approaching and all this stuff was happening all at the same time. Man, I did wish for an eventful life. But not one this overwhelming. I sighed. I lost count of how many times I had sighed since coming here. It was taking a toll on my small brain.
As everyone was thinking on what to do, I noticed Iris going through her phone as if all this never concerned her. I asked her,
"Hey, I would appreciate if you would at least act a little worried just like us."
She put her phone away and simply stared at me.
I sighed again.
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Meanwhile, in an alleyway, a black-haired girl was seen covered in blood. Around her were the corpses of all the monsters and humans she had killed. It was the same girl who Cole had seen in the subway. She had an eerie smile on her face, as if she was enjoying the slaughtering.
Looking above, she saw the red-colored moon shining brightly.
"Now, it is only a matter of time till we meet, Luke. Ahhh, how I wish to hug you right this very moment."
Soon, laughter similar to that of a mad person could be heard outside from the alley.
________________________________________________
The sun was still shining brightly, as Cole walked out to get some fresh air.
As Cole excused himself for a walk, Iris asked him to buy coffee, prompting him to ask the others what they wanted. Along with their orders, Cole left for his walk.
Inside the apartment, except Iris, the other two were racking their brains to find even a single clue of how the soul-link could be broken, if it could even be broken in the first place. Iris leisurely got up and went to grab water for herself.
After quenching her thirst, she brought some for the others too. Placing it on the table, she slightly leaned on the table, grabbing the attention of the two.
"I think the only way to move forward would be to reveal our pasts to each other. I believe none of you revealed everything to Cole, just like me."
Celeste nodded.
Vivienne spoke up, "I have told him everything."
Iris and Celeste were both shocked at her words.
Iris cautiously asked, "Like everything?"
"Yes, even how many kids we had."
They didn't think she had already progressed that much with Cole.
Clearing her throat, Iris spoke, "Anyway, I do believe it will be good to exchange about our past lives. I will go first. I was part of a nomadic...."
And, so each of the girls began revealing each of their stories one by one.
When Celeste completed her past life walkthrough, Vivienne hugged her without a word while Iris looked at her with a pitiful look.
After a moment of silence, Vivienne proposed an idea.
"I believe we should just head straight into the memory manifestations. It would be wise to tackle the important issue head-on, rather than worrying about when the next manifestation will be, all the time."
She turned towards Celeste, "I understand how difficult this has been and will be for you, Celeste. I am sorry, but it is important for us to experience them, so that we can at least make an informed decision."
Celeste could only nod while her body shook from remembering the experience, while Iris had been thinking the same as Vivienne.
And so, they agreed on a collective next step, while Cole was standing in the shop, wondering what he would like to have.