Mother

'Where am I?'

The white lights were blinding me, making it difficult for my eyes to open, but my ears could hear murmurs and little sounds around . Just where I am.

"Wake up Lucia."

'I am awake.'

"Wake up Lucia"

'Strange voice I am already awake'.

It was the voice of a woman, maybe a few years older than me, but gentler.

'…'

"Lucia, wake up darling, we are meeting your uncle today."

What is this woman talking about? Is she talking about another Lucia?

I felt a hand touching my cheek, but I couldn't do anything to defend myself and my dignity. Who dares to get fresh with me? One and only one person has the right to do that and that is the handsome Duke with amazing dimples hidden in my chamber, and he can touch me only when I allow it.

This woman is touching me again, now my hair. Who does she think she is? Wait, why does it feel strange? Her hand is huge. Is she a giant?

"Baby Lucy wake up for mommy."

'Mommy?'

I didn't die, right? I came back as someone's else daughter with the same name as mine. Did I die? No, no, how could that be? Irina, where are you? Stupid Duke? You have my soul. You are dead too?

"Whaaa!"

Wait, why my voice sounds like a baby. I am crying like a baby too. Nooo.

Finally, my eyes opened. The woman before me was so beautiful and looked like… she looked like… me?

'What on earth is going on?'

"Pretty Lucia let's meet your uncle. He is very handsome. I had a feeling that you would like him."

She took me in her arms. It was a whole new experience in life. Who could say that they remember how they were as babies? Me!!

It felt so good and warm. So, is this my mom? Or was my mom? I kind of feel a connection, something I forgot long ago.

She took me out of the house. It was a very beautiful small villa filled with flowers but how is she no affected by the sun? Her hair is black and her eyes bright red. I know she is like me but more powerful? How? Tell me your secret, come on, I won't tell anybody.

'Mother you had a lot of explaining to do.'

My blabbers make my mother laugh.

"Baby Lucy are you happy to meet your uncle Ethan?"

'Not exactly. But if he is handsome maybe.'

"Baby Lucy, he is the most handsome man you would ever see."

'Excellent! More handsome than the idiot Duke?'

"Baby, somehow I have the feeling that you will get a shameless personality."

'…'

We passed the plaza where some people were talking and whispering. I could only see a little because my mother was carrying me very tightly in her arms preventing me from falling. However, I could sense evil gazes immediately directed at us.

'Mother, what's going on?'

"You! disgusting woman, get away from here, you are not worthy of being a member of our clan!"

"Go away, we don't want you here!"

More insults were thrown at us. I don't know who was there, but my nose could smell their blood. It was very similar to mine. Are they my other relatives?

"Go away from our Nerum clan, you are not welcome."

They were turning more aggressive. I could feel anxiousness in my mother's heart. Suddenly, someone threw something towards us, it was a rock. I could smell the blood from my mother's arm. Then I heard someone preparing to throw more rocks and instigating the others to do the same, however, a formidable and deep voice silenced them.

"Stop!"

I could feel a powerful aura pressuring the others, making them scream and cry. Mother and I were fine, a shield was protecting us from the strong energy. Then, the pressure lowered and the people around ran away extremely fast. Such cowards.

"Older brother Ethan!"

"Helena. Are you alright?"

"Yes, thank you, brother."

"I told you to not come outside the house."

"I am sorry, I felt you near and I wanted to welcome you. And you know my power is stronger than them."

"I know but we cannot take risks, do you understand?"

"Yes, I am sorry."

I could see the man called Ethan, my uncle? For sure he is handsome, a god among men. Tall, long black hair, red eyes, beautiful face resembling mine. It is evident that I am his niece.

"Ethan, I want you to meet Lucia, my daughter."

She shoved me into the man's arms. Not that I didn't want it. He was a total hunk. But the warm and gentle gaze he used to stare at Mother was nowhere. He just looked at me with a cold gaze without emotions. What? I am the cutest of the cutest babies. You should be loving me now. Giving me lots of kisses and smiles, please smile man.

"Brother, she is my daughter, our family's blood."

"I know."

'Come on, just stop looking at me like that.'

Again, my baby babbles attracted their attention. They were both making funny faces. My mother started to laugh, and my uncle was making a silly face.

'I know you want to smile, come on, smile.'

Finally, he let go of a hidden gentle smile while looking at me. I could only give the final touch and he will fall into my cuteness. I started laughing, a baby laugh would always make everyone happy.

"Lucia."

Yes, that is my name.

"Lucia."

He repeated my name. I felt like if I was the adult and he the baby.

"Lucia."

Alright, we all know my name. Stop calling me.

"Lucia!"

His scream shattered everything. My mind transported me to a dark moist cave. I couldn't see anything and the sounds of chains were disturbing my senses.

"What is this?"

My voice came back and my body too. The humidity was deep and cold, I didn't mind it but the aura inside the cave was full of malice, and the evilness I felt was beyond comparison.

"Where am I? Hello!"

I walked carefully trying to adjust my eyesight. Usually, with my red eyes, I would be able to see in the darkness but now I can't use my powers. Why? I am starting to get scared.

Again, the sounds of chains told me that I was not alone.

"Who is there?!"

Come on, I am not scared, the darkness is my friend, and I am the Great Predator of the darkest night.

More chain sounds approaching me…

Damn, I am scared. I am seriously afraid. Mom! Irina! Handsome Duke! Where are you? Please.

"Lucia?"

That voice.

"Mom?"

"Lucia, you should go now. You cannot be here. Go away."

"Mom? How can you…? Where are you? I can't see…"

"Focus Lucia, think about where you should be. Focus my darling, quickly or…"

A sudden bang interrupted her words. It sounded like a door and steps coming our way. A dreadful feeling invaded my senses. I was trembling uncontrollably. What the…?

"Quickly Lucia or he will come."

"Mom! But…"

"Now!"

Again, a powerful punch pulled my mind.