CHAPTER#34:Broken memories

The palace seemed to procure a different vibe. People around us ran back and forth.

"What's going on?"I looked back and forth anxiously.

"This is the day when my older brother was born."She smiled.

It was the same room that Adrielle used to visit every night and then strolled in the gardens.

"Look."She directed me to the gorgeous woman panting in the bed.

"Congratulations Madam! It's a boy!"The midwife exclaimed in joy.

A small shrill cry filled the room. It was a nostalgic moment for me. I recalled the time I was reborn. I heard myself cry for the first time like any baby would.

"Adrielle!"The doors banged open and a tall figure with a fairly handsome face appeared. The man hurried to the bed beside the woman.

"Ignacio... "she muttered. Her breathing was barely stable. She was lying on pillows that partially made her look like she was sitting.

"You've worked hard my love."He took her frail hand into his and entwined his fingers into hers and gently kissed her forehead. It procured a faint symbol in the center of her forehead.

"Those two are the most beloved people to me."The girl said in a low voice.

The man had traits that looked strangely familiar to me. Deep red hair and black eyes like that of a dragon.

"WHAT THE HELL!?"I blurted out in shock. With sudden realization, I covered my mouth and glanced at Luminaire. She did not pay attention to me. Nor did Adrielle and the red-haired man. The servants were busy at work. We were like an illusion.

After a brief moment, the hourglass forwarded to the next year. This time Ignatius was in Ignacio's lap and intently stared at the wailing baby.

"Luminaire."Adrielle named her holding the infant in her hands. Time slowly forwarded again. This time it was a grand hall that was filled with laughter and voices. People gathered around them congratulating the couple on their second child on her first birthday. Some looked exactly the same as Adrielle's husband.

"Why are you showing me all this?"I asked out of curiosity.

"I'm giving back the answers to your questions."She replied.

"How do you know all of this when you didn't exist?"I inquired about the disturbing aspect.

"Good question."She pointed out.

"It's because I belong from the realm of the dead. The dead know the lives of those who died before them. We know each other's lives pretty well. I'm glad... Ignatius and Father are by my side."She replied as if to reassure herself.

"But mother... She is alone. It's not a long time for me in the dead. But to her, it's almost three millennia."

It was then my heart ached to listen to such words. In the previous world, I used to wait by the doorstep for my mother to come back. Just to welcome her with the nanny and receive a hug to make her feel better. But as time passed she never cared to look at me. She shoved me away if I ran to her as if I were some kind of a parasite stuck with her.

Days passed by and time came when she never came to the house.

That was when I was abused by people around me. They used to call me an orphaned child. An abandoned child. That's when that idiot helped me in the name of justice.

"There comes a day every three years when the dead enter the human world. Although they are spirits but they can meet either through dreams or illusions in the mirrors or any other reflection."She told me about all the nights they visited Adrielle. But many a time it was tough luck for them to meet her due to her busy schedule.

She snapped her fingers and the place and time changed again. This time it was the front garden with the big statue of the red dragon and the woman.

"Elle look! I asked the sculptors to make it for you."Ignacio waved at her.

"What have you brought this time Ignacio?"She called out to him.

The small boy of three chased a small pixie.

"Ignatius! Be careful or you'll fall."Adrielle was holding the sleeping girl in her arms.

"That's my son. Always ready to take risks."He chuckled and tickled the small boy making him burst into laughter.

"Don't encourage him now. I'm already worried about his transformation."

"Well, that's why he's our son. He will make us proud once he grows up strong like his father."

"What will I do once he grows up to be as mischievous as his father?"She sighed hopelessly.

"And when are you going to stop bringing in weird statues? The palace is filled with them everywhere."

"Now don't be stingy. It's your birthday present my dear."He covered Ignatius' eyes and kissed her.

-"My he is a passionate one."I blushed.

"Father was deeply in love with Mother. He was oftentimes possessive of her too."Luminaire smiled.

"Did he kiss her in front of everyone like that?"I asked sarcastically.

"Yes. He would leave no chance to make sure everybody knew that Mother was his. He would easily get jealous but restrain himself for her comfort."

She snapped her finger again. This time it was again the grand hall.

"This is where it all starts."She said.

"What exactly?"

"Our demise."She replied. Her face was sullen after her reply.

"Congratulations once again young master."

-"Nothing seems to be out of the ordinary yet."I looked at her. Luminaire stood with an unchanged expression.

The crowd gathered to hear Ignacio's speech.

"This is the day when the elder of the dragons bestows his grace upon the future heir of the house."

Adrielle handed Luminaire to her nanny and held Ignatius' small hand and gently led him up the stairs to the dais where an elderly man sat on the iron seat. He had a dark air around him. The hall went silent. It was as if there was not a soul in the room.

He took out a black colored gemstone and extended his hand. Ignatius was sent forth by his father. The boy looked back and then at the stone.

"My boy. Put your hand on it."He instructed the young child. He was an elderly man well built. He had wrinkles on his forehead and cheeks. A thin line of reddish grey beard lined his visible jaw. The mass of his reddish hair which was mostly covered with grey and white demonstrated his age.

Adrielle became anxious. She was about to step forward when Ignacio held her hand.

She looked back at him with a convincing look. But he refused to let her go and solemnly shook his head.

She looked at her son just when he placed his hand on the black stone.

An immense flash of light rocketed through the ceiling that turned everyone blind for a split second.

"Don't look!"Luminaire shouted back at me and threw herself at me.

"What's happening?"I inquired her alarmed. We were hit by a gust of wind.

The hall was engulfed with white light. The pillar of light remained there for a few moments.

"Ignatius!"Adrielle cried out. That was the last thing every person present in the hall witnessed on that day.