The Mysterious Ring
Lucian couldn't remember putting a pouch like that in his bag. It was made of a velvety red cloth, soft to the touch yet surprisingly sturdy. It was decorated with strange patterns that resembled circuits.
He opened the pouch, curious about its contents. What he found inside was a ring with intricate patterns, forming a design he didn't understand, and a translucent gemstone that pulsed with a light, slowly and steadily, as if it were alive. The unfamiliar alloy felt quite heavy.
He was instinctively attracted to it, and wearing it gave him a comfortably warm sensation. One he had never felt before. It was soothing—so much so that he wished he would never have to remove the ring.
Just as he was admiring the ring, he heard a girl's voice: "lu.ci..a.n.?" It said in a fragmented voice. A shiver ran down his spine, and he threw the ring across the room, quickly placing it back in the pouch and trying to forget about it.
The next few days went by normally. Lucian worked hard and made delicious meals. Cyrus was impressed by him. He managed to gain everyone's trust in the mansion.
A Mother's Tears and A Father's Regret
But every night, Lucian had recurring dreams where he saw two dark figures. The rest of the dream was a blur. He couldn't make out who they were, what they were doing, or what they said.
Lucian tried wearing the ring because the dreams had started the day he first wore it. But the ring was clearly futuristic, and if anyone saw it, it could get him into trouble. Just as he was thinking about it, the ring turned into a simple silver band.
Lucian couldn't believe his eyes. But now, he could wear it anywhere. This time, he didn't hear a voice.
The strange dreams stopped, but after a few days, he had the dream again. This time, it was clearer. He finally understood what the dream was about.
It was a memory from when he saw his parents for the last time. They were still two dark figures, but now he could hear them.
The memory was of the moment they abandoned him.
What he heard in the dream was:
"Do we really have no other option, dear? He is our own son!"
"I'm sorry, dear, but for our child's safety, we have to... (tears began rolling down his father's face)"
(They placed the cradle in which Lucian lay)
"Sorry, baby. (Tears fell continuously) Mama and Papa love you, but for now, we can't do anything about this."
"I don't know if you'll remember this, Lucian. But if you do, and you have questions... Automara holds the answers."
His father's voice was firm, yet filled with regret, as he placed the pouch with the ring beside him.
Lucian instantly woke up, unable to stop crying. The dream had felt so real. He could feel the sadness and regret in their voices. The ring was the only source of comfort he had found at that moment—the only piece of his parents he had left.
For a child who had grown up as an orphan, just feeling his parents' love and holding onto this one memory was enough to stir something deep within him.
To him, Automara was no longer just a forbidden place. It had become a place connected to his lost family. He decided that he would need to visit Automara.
But he couldn't tell anyone about this. He needed to provide a reason for leaving his position as the chef. So, he decided to tell them that he wanted to explore the land, as he felt quite inexperienced in the ways of the world.
He went from his room to Dorian's study, planning to meet Cyrus along the way. But the butler's quarter was empty. In the hallway, he saw Cyrus entering Dorian's room.
Lucian followed, deciding that it would be easier to tell them both at the same time. Just as Lucian was about to knock, he overheard Dorian and Cyrus talking about something he did not expect to hear.