The first thing Alexander noticed was his bed. It was soft, far too soft compared to the hard, cold carton and floor of the alley where he had spent his final moments. He blinked, his vision readjusting to the dim light filtering through ornate curtains. His gaze inspected the room, which appeared lavish, with rich tapestries adorning the walls and intricate furniture that spoke of wealth and power. He knew he wasn't in the alley he was in a few moments ago.
"Where am I?" he asked himself. Suddenly, a torrent of memories crashed into his mind. Names, faces, places—this body's history in this world—overwhelmed him. He discovered he had the same first name. He was Alexander Vale, the heir to the prestigious Vale family, a lineage of power and influence in the empire of Clovek, a superpower in the current Yenith. The memories were vivid and detailed, as if he had lived them all his life. They interwove with his past life on Earth, creating a confusing tapestry of experiences and emotions.
With these memories came an excruciating pain, a splitting headache that felt as if his skull were being cleaved in two to birth Athena. He clutched his head, groaning in agony. His body convulsed, the pain radiating through every nerve.
Just as he battled with the pain, the door to his room creaked open, and a young servant girl entered. She was petite, with auburn hair tied back in a simple braid, her eyes wide with fear and curiosity. As she approached the bed, her eyes widened in shock and she let out a terrified scream that further disrupted Alexander.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! Ghost!!!" she screeched as she burst out of the room in fright, her footsteps echoing down the corridor. Moments later, the door burst open again, and the maid ran back with two individuals, one a tall, dignified man dressed in fine clothing and the other a woman in flowing robes. The man was the butler, his face an array of emotions: shock, fear, disbelief, relief, and joy, while the lady following after him was the healing mage who radiated calm authority.
"Young Master Alex, it is good to see you have woken up from your coma," the butler said as he bowed to the still-in-pain Alexander. Turning to the healing mage, he said, "Miss Judith, your assistance would be of help."
The raven-haired mage replied with a calm and kind smile, "I am already on it. Young master, please hold still," her voice soothing. She placed her hands on either side of Alexander's head, and a cool, calming sensation began to spread, dulling the pain.
Alexander's mind swam with confusion. The memories of Yenith and his life as Alexander Vale clashed with his life on Earth, making it hard to think clearly. He tried to focus on the butler's face, searching for something familiar.
"Harvey, what is happening? How long have I been out?" he asked while he filtered through his newly acquired memories.
"Young master, you have been asleep for eight weeks now. We feared you would never wake up from this, sire." Harvey turned towards the mage, who still had her hands on Alexander's head. "We hired Lady Judith, the healing mage, to help in alleviating your symptoms, sir."
Elara's hands continued to emit a healing light, and as the pain began to subside, she looked at the butler and nodded her head at him, to which the butler released a sigh of relief. Clarity had begun to return to Alexander, who noticed the gesture to the butler. Suspicious, he decided to question the butler, his voice a whisper.
"What was the meaning of that, Harvey?"
"Young master is as sharp as ever. We just wanted to ensure no other soul possessed you, sir."
Alexander turned to Judith and then said, "Thank you." He whispered, his voice still hoarse from his earlier pains.
"Rest, young master. Your body is still recovering from the illness. It is natural to feel disoriented."
Alexander decided to heed her advice, closed his eyes, letting the calm wash over him. The pain finally receded, as he began to filter memories that he had received.
"Master Alexander," Harvey's voice broke through his thoughts, causing him to open his eyes and tilt his head to better see his butler. "Is there anything you need, anything we can do to make you more comfortable?"
Alexander looked at his butler. "Just … some water, please," he said as his voice steadied.
"You heard the young master, Vicky, get him some water." Harvey said to the young maid who had been hovering near the door for a chance to run for her life if need be. She quickly went out the door to fetch Alexander a glass of water and returned with a tray containing a bottle of water and a glass cup. She filled the cup with the water and trembling, handed it over.
"Here you go, young master."
"Thank you, Vicky," Alexander said, offering a small smile. He took a sip, the cool water soothing his dry throat.
Judith stepped back, her healing light fading. "I will return tomorrow to check up on you, young master. For now, rest and let your body heal. Mister Harvey, the young lord should only have fruits to eat in small portions."
Harvey nodded in agreement. "Yes, Lady Judith, I will head to the kitchen to instruct them on the meal the young master is to eat." He then turned back to Alexander. "Young master, you have been through a lot. Take all the time you need."
As the butler and healing mage left the room, Alexander began to fall asleep. His drowsiness was briefly interrupted by the curious maid. Vicky lingered and finally spoke up.
"Is there anything I can do for you, Master Alex?"
"No, Vicky, you have done enough for now. Thank you," replied Alexander while he shook his head. She curtsied awkwardly and left the room, closing the door.
As Alexander drifted into a peaceful sleep, a blue screen appeared before his eyes. Believing he was dreaming, he ignored it. ***Downloading**** 50%