I woke up peacefully to my surprise. No dreams, no loss of time. I don't want to think about it anymore, so I won't.
Relieved by the present circumstances, I jump out of my bunk to eat some more of the delicious breakfast. After devouring my plate of food, I've come to the conclusion that Rose doesn't have working tastebuds. After everyone eats, Thomas instructs us all to get packed up and put on our armor. The multi-seals can arrive at any time and we should be prepared.
I grab my briefcase that has the armor inside of it and struggle to carry it back to the main car. Our armor is supposed to be "lightweight." I suppose it is for everyone else, but I"m small and pretty weak. I open the briefcase and fall in love with the color. It feels like love at first sight, every time. This, this is where I feel like the colors of our house shine. Not in the tacky-colored mansion.
The armor literally shines though, not too much but not too little. There's a sweet spot. It's more burgundy than the red of the Valentine rose. A golden rose crest sits at the center of the breastplate. Our soldiers wear it on their backs. The gold of the crest appears throughout the design of the armor in the breastplates collar, the chausses, and the sabaton.
The metal was forged with a material called graphene. The thinnest material known to man, yet incredibly strong. Two hundred times stronger than steel to be exact. On top of that, it's a great conductor for element seals. The armor partially absorbs elements when it's attacked. Access to graphene is becoming scarce though, just another thing the royal families are fighting over.
After getting into my armor, the train comes to a slow stop. Standing outside are two soldiers and an elderly gentleman in a white robe and holding a wooden cane. As we step off the train and onto the platform, I get a better look at the soldier's uniform. They still wear the old pink crest.
The elderly man steps out in front of the soldiers and steps up to Elijah. "Oh, bless the Goddess," he says placing his hands on his cheeks. "You've grown so much."
"It's good to see you, Alejandro," Elijah says as they both hug. Elijah then turns to Brianna and I. "I've wanted you all to meet for years. Alejandro is the lord of District Three, and these are the two princesses. The tall, meaner-looking one is Brianna. The short, frail-looking child is Alyssa."
He looks my way and there's a look of familiarity in his eyes. As if he recognizes me from somewhere. His attention quickly shifts Brianna's way as he smiles and shakes her hand. "Pleasure to meet the future queen. We may have never met but I feel like I know you just based on the stories and your presence alone." He nervously chuckles.
"How do you know two know each other?" Brianna asks pointing to Elijah.
"Your father brought Elijah on a mission way back when. Said he was searching for something or someone. I forget. But, I was in charge of looking after Elijah. He had to be about six or seven, he's been bothering me ever since. I'm surprised he's never mentioned me."
"All our brother speaks of is liquor and women," Brianna says.
"What women?" Rose steps in.
"None! Just you," he smiles after giving Brianna a mean stare.
"Glad you're home, Rosie." Alejandro laughs before facing me. Again, the look as if he's staring at an old friend.
"Alyssa Valentine, huh? A pleasure to meet you." He shakes my hand with a smile.
"Likewise," I say politely.
"Let's get to why you're here I suppose," he says turning back to everyone. "We've set the perimeter as you've asked. My men haven't seen anything yet."
"Where's your captain?" Thomas asks.
"Helping with the perimeter," Alejandro replies.
"Take me to him. Lauriel, you're with me. The rest of you go get settled at Charlotte's. We'll ring the alarm system when we've spotted them," says Thomas.
We go our separate ways and Rose walks us through the city. People are leaning out of their windows, standing in front of their homes to watch us as we walk. "When's the last time a Valentine visited this district?" I ask.
"It's been a long time," Rose says. "But don't mind them, everyone is just nosey here. The house just up here," she says pointing to a brick home on the left. We approach the front door and Rose knocks twice. A woman opens the door. I'm struck by her long white hair flowing down her back, it's beautiful. "Praise the Goddess, Rose!" She says stepping out and throwing her arms around Rose.
"It's been so long since you've visited, and you've brought….guests!" She says turning to Elijah, Brianna, and I. She has the same look in her eyes as Alejandro.
"Hello everyone, my name is Charlotte," she says bowing.
"You didn't get the letter I sent you?" Rose asks as we all wave. "I don't check those things and why would I? It's not like you write me regularly. Anyway, you all come in. Leave your bags at the door."
We enter and it suddenly it seems as if it's nighttime when the door closes behind us. It's so dimly lit, every window has a black curtain over it. The main light source comes from the various candles spread about. There are books all over the floor in stacks, a full bookshelf, and a table with more books spread open. Even with all of that, it's still cozy.
"Have a seat!" Charlotte says gesturing to the long couch to our left. "I'll make some tea!"
"Your hand looks worse. What're doing?" Rose suddenly asks. On her right palm, there looks to be a burn of some sort. It's a dark spot that almost covers her seal.
"It's nothing. I'm not sure what it is. I've been meaning to go to the doctor"
"You say this everytime, grandma."
Charlotte waves Rose off and goes into the kitchen. The rest of us head to the couch. Elijah points to the torn leather and its faded color as if we're all supposed to complain. It's the only part of this first floor that's free of clutter. Even the coffee table in front of the couch is naked. Rose takes a seat and pulls Elijah by the arm, forcing him down.
"This looks a bit….occult-ish, no?" He whispers.
"I said to be respectful!" Rose demands.
"I am!" He quietly shouts.
"Oh, two black cats." David suddenly points out. We all look over to the corner of the room, and all I can see are four glowing eyeballs staring right at us.
Charlotte comes back holding a tray with five mugs. "Here we are," she says placing the tray on the coffee table.
"It's so dark in here, grandma. You should open up the curtains," Rose says grabbing a mug.
Everyone except Elijah grabs a mug as Charlotte pulls up a chair and candle to the opposite side of the coffee table. "The sun is too bright for me these days," She says placing the candle on the table.
I take a sip of tea, and it's extremely sweet, but…good at the same time. It's a fascinating feeling.
"Well, I may not have read a letter. But, I know why you all are here, of course. I've seen Alejandro and Captain Hughes walking around, beefing up our security. Terrible what happened to districts one and two. Something like that was inevitable."
"Inevitable? Why do you say that?" Brianna asks with her eyes slightly squinting.
"Well, I've been around a long time," Charlotte says. "I was around when during the height of traditional magic. You royals have always treated 'witches' and 'warlocks' the same no matter the era. It's not a good feeling." Traditional magic?
Before seals began appearing, humans were able to harness the power of magic through spells. That's what the history books say at least. It died out once element seals were brought into the picture. There are cases of traditional magic that pop up here and there but nothing too serious. Some children born without element seals may seek out and find an old book with information about a spell and try it. I don't blame them, they just want to feel what a little bit of power feels like. They always eventually get snuffed out and caught by our soldiers before they get the chance though.
"Grandma," Rose says in a stern voice sending me out of my thought. I look over to Brianna and see she's trying to reserve herself. She hates multi-seals like no one I've ever seen. I don't know why, and I think it's better that I don't.
"What, child? It's the truth." Charlotte replies. "People fear what they don't understand, no matter the era."
The room is silent for a few moments until "You're all just like my grandson," Charlotte says. "I begin to discuss the unbalances in this world and he zips it. It's also the best way to make him fall asleep." She chuckles. "How's little Theodore anyway?"
"He's fine, still annoying so I guess he brings an ounce of purpose into our lives," Rose says.
"Theo isn't that bad," I say.
"I don't mean this in a snarky way. But you are a princess, a part of the royal family. He idolizes all of you. He hates us, trust me."
"Don't you talk about little Theodore like that, Rose. He's your younger brother, you're part of raising him as well. You're like a third parent almost," Charlotte says. "Anywho, I'll make some food. Who knows how long you'll be waiting? Make yourselves at home." She heads back to the kitchen. I'm still so mesmerized by her hair, it flows and bounces behind her anytime she moves with such grace.
"I don't think I wanna stay here guys," Elijah whispers. "You failed to mention she's a traditional witch!" He faces Rose.
"If you can call her one, sure." She replies. "She's not very good at traditional magic. You don't have to worry your big head."
"She's just an old lady who thinks she knows everything," Brianna says.
About fifteen minutes go by and Charlotte returns with another tray.
"Noodles?" Elijah asks.
"A favorite in our family," Charlotte replies. "Eat up. How long do you all think it's going to take for them to show up anyway? You look awfully uncomfortable in that armor," she says taking a seat.
"King Harris anticipated a few hours. And the armor? It's not much of an issue," David says. We all grab a cup of noodles. They look delicious honestly, maybe Rose was right. I go to take a bite when I feel something brush up against my left leg. I look down to see green eyes staring up back at me, it's one of the cats.
"Oh, I apologize. They love those noodles," Charlotte says.
"It's fine," I reply with a smile.
"Out of everyone here, you don't talk much do you?" She asks, with the same look again.
"It's not that, I just like to observe….I'm sorry, I have to ask. You and Alejandro stare at me like an old friend. Why is that?"
"Oh, I'm sorry." She laughs. "You might just remind us of your mother is all." What about me specifically? Why not Brianna or Elijah?
"Brianna looks more like Mother than Alyssa," Elijah says.
"Sometimes it's more than just looks." Charlotte chuckles. "Anyway, we don't mean anything by it. I apologize for my stares." I suppose I'm being paranoid.
"Let's get to it, huh? The Goddess. You've met this person?" Elijah suddenly asks.
"Oh my God! Elijah! You never listen!" Rose shouts.
Elijah gives a nonchalant shrug.
"I studied under The Goddess." Charlotte smiles. "And like my grandchild, most people don't take me seriously."
"A woman made out of light sounds like it'd be an intriguing interaction," David says.
"You can believe in whatever you want, grandma. But where I need it to stop is you thinking you actually encountered her," Rose says.
"I've come to see it's better to just ignore you, child," Charlotte says. "Anyway, her being made out of light is partially true. That was her ability, her light seal. I thought she was a Valentine but she was poor just like me."
"That's just nonsense," Brianna says. "Light seals don't manifest outside of our family."
"That's what I thought, but she had one." Charlotte smiles. Brianna is right, maybe Charlotte is just….out there, maybe? I don't mean that to be harsh.
"You studied what exactly?" Elijah asks.
"Traditional magic….dark magic…seal magic. The Goddess knew every type."
I take a bite of the noodles, and again...they're amazing? The texture of the noodle, the juice, the smell, the spices. Everything is perfect.
One of the cats suddenly grabs my attention out of the corner of my eye. The all-black cat with green eyes again. It's sitting motionless, just gazing at me. It's like its eyes are locked onto mine and I begin losing myself in it. So much so that everything besides the cat becomes blurry, and their conversation drowns out.
I continue to stare at this cat, transfixed in its gaze and unable to look away. "Darling." The woman's voice returns to ring in my head.
I feel dazed. My body begins rocking back and forth….am I doing that?
No, someone else is. I'm being shaken by someone. I feel their hands grip my shoulders. The cat turns and walks away and I feel like I can breathe again.
My blurred vision becomes clear, and in front of me is David. We're not seated on the couch….but standing in the middle of Charlotte's dining room.
I look over to see the others waiting by the door, the emergency alarm is ringing outside. "Hey! What just happened?!" David asks.
I open my mouth to speak. "I-"
"Get it together!" Elijah comes over putting his arm around me. "We have to go," he says walking me out of the door.