With gentle care, Zilla lowered me onto the backseat of the van, setting me down as if I were a precious relic. A cascade of shivers raced across my weary form, tendrils of sensation that seemed to dance with the currents of the unknown. The interior held a frigid embrace, courtesy of the open air conditioner, and as my eyes fluttered open, I was greeted by its chilling touch. My attempts to rise were thwarted by the relentless agony that coursed through my very bones, as if they were being woven anew in a mesmerizing, agonizing rhythm. Waves of distress crashed over me, a symphony of pain that threatened to overwhelm. It was as though my limits were stretched to a realm uncharted.
The very air seemed to echo with Zilla's command, a whisper that trembled with the aura of power. My senses caught fragments of his dialogue with Rumina and Kelvin, their words woven into the fabric of urgency and purpose. The weight of gratitude lay in Kelvin's voice as he acknowledged, "Thank you, 11th," his words carrying the weight of camaraderie beside Rumina.
Zilla's voice receded into the distance, a fading echo as I closed my eyes, giving in to the rhythmic motion of the van. It surged forward like a shooting star, hurtling away from the realm of Phelan's abode. Speed blurred the edges of my consciousness, leaving no room for complaint. The very landscape melted into an indistinct blur, a whirlwind journey that led us back to the hidden sanctuary of our squad, where bonds were forged in the fires of fate.
Hours unfurled like a tapestry of inexplicable anguish, each thread of torment weaving into my being. Stillness clung to me like a cloak, a temporary respite granted only when we nestled against the hillside, beneath the enigmatic moon. The fortress of Kelvin's design awaited us, a sanctuary that embraced both technology and secrecy, the heartbeat of our collective purpose resonating within its walls.
A sigh of relief escaped me as the van found its haven. Kelvin held the door open for me, and with Rumina's unwavering support, I stepped onto the earth beneath. "I assure you, I'm well now," I proclaimed, a tremor of astonishment in my voice as the pain dissolved as mysteriously as it had arrived.
Rumina's quirked eyebrow carried concern in its arch, a contradiction to her stern demeanor. Beneath her façade, a current of apprehension flowed. With a nod and a restrained smile, I acknowledged her worry, a silent pact forged in the intensity of shared experiences.
A triumphant air filled the space as I surrendered the black box into Kelvin's awaiting hands. The joy radiating from their features was palpable, a manifestation of our collective astonishment. We had triumphed, our unity prevailing over adversity.
Celebratory gestures followed, hands meeting in a triumphant collision before Kelvin turned to the black box. With a press of his fingers, the vault's defenses yielded, revealing the prized Zero artifact. The day's journey had led to this, an artifact that whispered of untold mysteries and grand adventures.
And as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a tapestry of colors upon the sky, it was an ending that felt like a beginning, a prelude to the enchanted chapters yet to unfold.
***
As I made my way home, my senses, strength, and thoughts gradually returned to their usual state. It was past three in the afternoon, and hardly anyone could be seen around Diamond Hills. The surroundings were quiet as I stepped out of the taxi a few meters from the gate of the Roberts' residence. With a deep sigh, I entered. This wasn't the scene I had anticipated for my 18th birthday.
In my imagination, I had pictured myself adorned in a designer gown, a tiara gracing my head. As I descended the grand staircase, eyes would be fixed upon me, hands applauding in unison. I had expected my university friends to be my guests. Friedan would be my first dance partner, declaring me the most beautiful maiden of the evening. That alone would have sufficed. My debut would be complete in its simplicity.
But reality unfolded differently on the day of my birthday.
I nearly met my end on my 18th birthday. Almost.
Heavy-hearted, I walked through the mansion's courtyard towards the house. Darkness shrouded the residence. No disco lights. No guests. No party. Perhaps Friedan had forgotten my birthday. Maybe he had prior commitments related to the LOU. His life had always revolved around the LOU. I had never been a priority to him—this truth was difficult to digest.
With another deep breath, I opened the main door. The house was dark, yet I sensed the presence of people inside. It felt strange; my heightened senses from the lunar eclipse remained. I could hear even the softest sounds, the breath of sleeping creatures nearby. Movements resonated stronger than before.
A switch was flicked, and suddenly, chandeliers and bulbs illuminated the surroundings. A deafening melody erupted from built-in speakers—a rendition of 'Happy Birthday.' As the song played, rose petals began to cascade from the second floor, gently filling the receiving area. Following the initial tune, the air filled with the romantic notes of a violin and piano, playing in harmony. The music began to dispel the negativity that had taken residence within my heart.
I was taken aback, on the verge of stomping my feet with exhilaration.
As the purely instrumental piece reached its chorus, the sound of footsteps echoed from the top of the staircase. I turned and saw Friedan standing there, a triumphant grin on his face. In his hands, he held a bouquet of red roses and a white 80 cm teddy bear. His hair was disheveled, his eyes dreamy, and his smile was a kaleidoscope of light.
My dream had come true.
It was the first time I saw him laughing. His gaze transformed. The previous look, which I'd interpreted as "brotherly," now held something different—desire and admiration danced in his eyes. He descended the stairs barefoot, his gaze unwaveringly locked onto me. His smile remained as he bridged the gap between us.
He handed me the bouquet of roses, followed by the teddy bear adorned with a heart-shaped emblem on its chest. A deep sigh preceded his words, "Happy birthday, Kiera. Did you think I had forgotten?"
My heart raced so forcefully it felt like it might burst from my chest. I nodded repeatedly, nearly unable to speak. My speechlessness left me gazing at him, my skin flushing as blood surged beneath it.
"You are the sweetest thing in the world, and you know how I cannot resist doing sweet things for special people like you," he confessed, his words brimming with emotion. He took my trembling, cold hands in his, dropping one onto his shoulder and locking the other with his own. His hand brushed against my back, sending shivers down my spine. The music continued to play, accompanied by the violin and piano, their harmony weaving around us.
His body swayed as he moved to the rhythm of the music. Instinctively, my body followed suit, swaying in time with the melody. Friedan's gaze remained fixed on me, our eyes interlocked. He drew me closer to him, and I could feel the warmth emanating from his body. It was a comforting embrace, a balm for the weariness that had plagued me throughout the day.
"You don't need elaborate gowns to look stunning, Kiera," he murmured, his palm brushing against my back.
A sheepish laugh escaped me, and I lowered my gaze as my cheeks warmed. "Thank you, Friedan. Now that I'm eighteen, will you grant me my freedom?"
His brow furrowed slightly, a hint of displeasure in his expression. He shook his head, a bemused smile forming. "Have I been so overbearing that you're yearning for independence?"
"No, it's not that I want to be away from you. In fact, having you around makes me feel secure, makes me happy. That's how it is when you love someone."
"What?" He asked in surprise. The rhythm of our dance faltered, his face transforming from the smile of before to one marked by confusion and a cascade of questions.
I realized I had slipped, that my pounding heart had propelled words to my lips before I could process them. I struggled to find an explanation.