Flinch: Forbidden Prophecy

Nine: The Descendant of Rangda

It has been an hour since Ashera settled by the car’s passenger’s seat. So far, it’s the greatest time of her life. She has never been in places, ever since she was young. It was all home and school for her. Not once did it occur to Ashera that she would be able to explore some places, away from her comfort zone, all alone by herself. “I am pretty sure that this place is so much better during the daylight. I mean, you can not possibly see any worth seeing scenery now, since all you can see is the wavering snow and the very little light from the before bright moon, but has now been overcame by the clouds. Am I not right?”

As the night went colder, Ashera can not deny that the Wilyard of the countryside is emitting a vibe she’s yet to get used to. “Yeach, for sure. I shall show you around some other time. That, if it’s all but fine to you. I suppose you wish to stay longer here, do you not suppose so?” Reeve stepped on his brake. Slowly, the engine of the car died down. “Well, I am not yet certain about that, but of course I would love to wander around the place.”

Ashera unfastened her seatbelt as soon as Reeve climbed off the car. She looked around, and her gaze froze by the sight before her. “What on earth is this place?” Reeve has parked the car in front of an enormous black gate. Not just a mere gate. The gate has the word ‘Flinch’ carved on it.

Reeve helped Ashera climb off the car by assisting her by the arms. “This is Lady Ofelia’s residence. Surprised?” Ashera gave Reeve a sarcastic look in response to his words. “Surprised? Look at that mansion. It is massive. Real massive that even the house of the president can not be compared to it.” Reeve laughed at her. “You sure laugh a lot. Does she leave here, alone?”

Ashera stood behind Reeve as he pressed on something on the gate's lock. ‘What the– It is nothing like I expected. This is truly beyond expectation. I thought the house would simply be a native one.’ Reeve held Ashera’s hand and ushered her back to the car.

“Servants, I, and my younger brother live together with Lady Ofelia.” Her ears echoed by his words. Was he playing jokes with her when he told her that he lives near Ofelia T.? Ashera lost her might to speak. She’s lost of words, to be exact. “Don’t worry, I was just joking when I told you I live next to her.” Reeve gave her a meaningful smile as if he knew that he just answered her thoughts. He stepped on the gas and they entered the place by driving through the distant path towards the front of the mansion.

As they were entering the place, Ashera could not help but notice that the gate slammed rather than closed. Moreover, the fountains that were placed symmetrical to each other from left to right, caught her attention. It’s magnificent. The carvings on the body of the fountains were purely unique. They were nothing like she had ever seen before. Reeve once again assisted Ashera from climbing off the car and waited for her to settle her ground on. “Wait for me, here. I will drive my car at the garage, by then we shall enter the mansion, together.” Ashera did not say anything. She simply gave him a shallow nod before clasping her hands before her. She’s cold. The snow is still heavy. Fortunately, she has her gloves and scarf on.

The gigantic pair of doors behind Ashera creaked open with a deafening sound. It startled her. It scared her for a moment, that’s for sure. There stood a middle-aged man. He was clothed with a butler suit. Despite his aged face, he still has the look of a man that any girl would certainly be drooling over. Like the pair of doors, he’s gigantic. He towered Ashera with a feet over her. He’s indeed a strong built one, for he still got a flex of muscles bulking underneath his clothes. And, literally have a hard rock expression on his face. However, his face softened as soon as he laid eyes on Ashera.

He placed his left hand on his chest as he placed his right hand on his back, gesturing a low bow before her. “Young lady, you have come. Such delight flusters me by the mere sight of you. We have longed for your presence, shall we abide you on this abode. I, Ulkios Moore, descendant of Rangda — demon queen of the Leyaks — and loyal fellow of the your mother — a banshee–feydemon — and your father — sylphids —, welcome you.”

Ashera looked at him with complete confusion. ‘He must have mistaken me for someone else.’

She was convinced that Ulkios mistook her for someone else. However, he let out a scoff. She gazed up at him, giving him a death stare. She has never been used to insults. No one has ever insulted her. She does not tolerate such behavior, for her parents had taught her how terrible it is to do unto others. “Thousand apologies, young lady. However, I assure you, I mistaken you not for someone else. Ashera, daughter of Ersly Bain and Fredrin Bain, or so.” His last two words were implausible to be of ear, for he had nonchalantly whispered those through thin air. Yet, Ashera has a keen hearing. “What was it? Are you mocking me or something?”

Somehow, Ashera felt the rush of irritation in her, even so, she had the urge of laughing. She has no idea why, nevertheless, she bursted out laughing. To her shock, Ulkios did the same thing. They both shared a deep laughter for a moment. “It’s felt so good to be able to laugh again so dearly, Ashera.” It was then that something came back to her senses. “No matter. Thus, I beg your pardon. How did you— yeah my parents have been here, right. Notwithstanding, how did you know my name? How did you know that I am the daughter of my parents. And, what demon thingy were you talking about? I do not understand a thing.” Ashera cracked her head for answers but could not find any. It started to ache like barmy. She’s got a lot of questions. So much that she refused to take any more information for her brain to dissect. It is just too much for her to process.

“Ashera, are you alright?” Reeve appeared beside Ashera like a silent wind. She did not hear a step or two beforehand. “Yes, I am. I might have been flooded by so much information that my head started to ache.” She gave Reeve an assuring smile and turned to Ulkios who happened to have a worried look on his face. “I did not mean to flood you that much, young lady. Perhaps, it was my silly intuition that took me ahead of my words. I apologize.” Ulkios once again gestured a low bow before fixing himself in a formal way. “It is alright. Please, do not sweat yourself over the matter.” Ashera smiled at Ulkios and smiled at him. Although she tried to reach for his shoulder, for her to pat, she failed. Rather, she held his hand and caressed it, consoling his worried expression.

Ashera was nowhere to be certain what had happened to Ulkios, but then his face produced an astonished expression. ‘What, now?’ Ashera let go of his hand and turned to Reeve to question him, what he had done to cause Ulkios such expression. It was both pure astonishment and horror.

As though he understood the look in her eyes and the thoughts behind those questioning look on her face — Reeve shrugged her off, raising an eyebrow. “Ulkios do you mind showing us the way in? It’s freezing here, outside. Thus, I fancy some heat and something to stuff our stomachs. Would that be fine?” Ulkios understood Reeve’s words to such an extent, that he moved aside, letting them in. As soon as they walked past the door, Ulkios closed it. ‘Wow, this place looks like a museum inside.’ Ashera complimented on her mind. “This way, Lady Ofelia’s settled by the hearth.”