Chapter 38 - Investigation

Serefina had only one option if she wanted to know the complete answer. The Time Crystal of Future didn't exist. So how would have her mom known these events were likely to happen?

She had started seeing the future. Could her mom also have the same abilities as her or did she really used the time crystals?

Serefina made her way towards Grandma Hannah's room. It had lost all the colour without her. The yellow walls looked dull seemingly to be a hundred years old. The flowers had dryed out from not being watered. The mirror on the wardrobe had it's shine faded away.

She swiftly ran her hand over the wooden door, blinking back tears. Her feet moved after a long pause of her trying to bare up the courage to step inside.

She directly went towards the drawers beside the bed hoping to find just a single clue. The first drawer had some postcards. She took them out and climbed up the bed.

Two cards had a seal of a spice delivery service. The one of three cards had a seal which unrecognizable. The fact that Serefina knew all the seals that existed in Timeland not knowing this one was a surprise. The seal had some kind of a creature. It looked a sprite with dragon wings.

Serefina opened the envelope. The card inside had a texture which seemed quite familiar. The only thing new was the writing. Whoever had written it was definitely in a hurry. Serefina took a deep breath trying engulf the fear she had and read what was on it.

Dear Aunt Hannah,

I know I haven't been updating you at all. The Time Lake has been getting unstable and I am trying my best to do something about it as soon as possible.

I am really very sorry for not letting you know this earlier. You have to take care of Serefina. She really needs you right now. I wish I could be there for you. But if Zophie would've been here to see you, she would have been proud.

Lastly I wanted to say that don't worry too much. It'll all be okay. Keep the Time Crystals safe like you always have. Take care of yourself and Serefi.

Love,

Emira

"Zophie," Serefina whispered out loud. "Grandma knew her?" And who exactly was this Emira calling Grandma her Aunt? The Time Lake. The one in Timezium inside which there was a stopped clock. Queen Zafina's clock. She had to talk to Bryan.

She didn't try to call since he was busy with the pre-coronation ball. So she decided to talk to him when he comes to pick her up for the dress fitting.

Serefina had agreed to go to the dance with Bryan though she thought if she did the right thing. Bryan was a Prince and she was just some ordinary girl.

Yesterday night...

After teleporting back in Serefina's bedroom, Bryan carried her to her bed. He put her on the bed.

Serefina was devastated. All her grandma's memories came rushing without any invitation.

"Have a good night Sef," Bryan said as he was about to leave.

Serefina grabbed the sleeve of his coat. "Can you stay a little longer?" She didn't know from where those words were coming from but they just did. Not knowing the reason, she didn't want him to leave yet.

Bryan looked startled in the moonlit darkened room. Then his face softened as he sat in front of her facing the giant window beside the bed.

"You know, I always think that I am leading you to dangers everyday," he said.

"Why is that?" Serefina asked.

"I...don't know. It's just that everytime I am with you. All that happens is that you get involved in things I don't want you to like today..." he looked at her. "I care about you too much to let anything happen to you."

Serefina's eyes widened. "Well, you do your duty towards the people you care about. And I am doing the same too. I care about you too Bryan. And I'll always jump in even when you say you don't need me."

Bryan smiled, "My typical Serefina."

Serefina blushed. She was glad the room was dark. Though she ment every word she had said. "It's pretty late. I think you should go. You look really tired. Sorry I stopped you before."

"No Sef. I'll always stay when you want me to." He tucked a strand of Serefina's hair behind her ear making her heart stop for a second. "Good night."

He stood up. "Are you sure you'll be fine?"

"Yeah," she said.

Bryan nodded giving her a gentle smile as he made his way towards the door.

Then Serefina remembered that she had to say something very important before he left. "Hey Bryan?" she called as he turned. "I'd love to dance with you at the ball."

"Didn't you already agreed to go?" he asked.

"Yeah. But I wanted to say yes in formal way, you know? You being a Prince and all."

Bryan closed his eyes still a smile on his face and when he opened them he said, "Thank you Sef, I'll be honored to dance with the person who's most special to me."

He left after that and Serefina found herself whispering, "You're also the person most special to me."