Aurelia

Chapter 2

Patricia's POV

"Well, you sure are famished." Lucas chuckled as he put more plates full of food on the table. The boy's eyes immediately lit up at the mere sight of foods that he hadn't eaten before.

We are currently gathered in the Lunar Eclipse's private kitchen. Axel keeps on shoving food down his throat like it was his last day to be able to eat. Samantha sat beside him sipping her coffee silently. James is leaning on the wall while watching the scene in front of him silently. Lucas, the only person in our group who knows how to cook besides Captain, is over the kitchen counter making more foods. For the young boy.

"So, Axel. Since you two have been in that lab for years, what did you do most of the time that you aren't called?" I popped my chin on my hand as I looked at Axel who's still eating quite fast.

He chewed the food on his mouth until it was gone, then wiped his lips with the napkin. It's surprising that someone who's been isolated for years knows proper table manners. Where did they teach?

"I mostly stayed in my room reading books. Aurelia's always in the lab being tested on so I had nothing to do. There are times where we barely see each other, when they're finished with her I couldn't go to her room because the nurses were strict on keeping us apart. I read a lot of books so that I could tell them to Aurelia, but she's always too exhausted to listen to my stories. So I'll just read her books until she falls asleep."

"Did they teach you how to read?"

She shook his head, "No, we weren't taught or anything. We'd always be locked up in our respective rooms until they tested us again."

Samantha c****d her head to the side, "How did you learn to read then?"

"It's a part of their experiments. They would put knowledge into our minds, basic things that people should know about."

Samantha looked shocked at the news, "They were put into your minds? That means your knowledge on how to read and proper manners are caused by them?"

He nodded cheerily, "Yup!" Once again he returned to eating his food.

"This is really good, Sir Lucas! I've never eaten something like this before."

Lucas paused for a minute, "What do you mean? Where have you not given proper food?"

"Only canned foods."

All of us shared a look, once again feeling the anger towards those sick bastards. Not only did they take their life away, isolate them from the world, use their bodies, they also messed up their minds, and weren't even given proper foods!

"Oh! Aurelia! I'm so glad you're okay!" Axel's sudden words jolt me out of my thoughts. We looked towards the stairs where he ran off. Aurelia's walking down the stairs, her gaze down, her movements in motion like a hollow puppet. Behind her Zavian stood, he was probably trailing after her.

Axel reached his sister half way through the stairs, his skinny arms wrapping themselves at his sister who looked shocked with the action for a moment. She looked down at her brother with that same clouded look on her eyes, "Aurelia, I'm so sorry."

"Axel..." The mist on her eyes seemed to go away as her mind processed that it was her brother in front of her. Tears swelled up in her eyes, not wasting a second any further, she clutched Axel to her chest.

Axel pulled away a moment later with a grin on his face, "How are you Aurelia? I'm so happy that you're safe now. Thanks to the Lunar Eclipse for saving us, we won't have to suffer anymore!"

"Lunar Eclipse...?" She removed her eyes away from her brother and scanned the room. That's when she noticed the four of us looking at their exchange of words.

When she saw us, the clouded look in her eyes returned. Axel was right, there's something wrong with his sister. Aurelia's eyes look dead without any warmth or sparkle of life in it.

"Come, Aurelia! They have so many foods that we've never eaten before! I don't think I can taste all of it just by one day." Axel cheerily pulled her sister down the stairs, Zavian following after them silently.

They came into a stop in front of us, "Everyone, this is my sister, Aurelia." Axel introduced with a grin on his face, "Aurelia, they're the one that saved us! I'll introduce you."

"This is Miss Patricia," I waved my fingers at her when she looked at me, recognition falling on her eyes. She must've remembered me from the time when I had made her fall unconscious.

"That over there, is Miss Samantha." Samantha silently brought her mug of coffee to her lips once again.

"Sir James," Axel motioned to James who's leaning on the wall. "Yo!"

"And that's Sir Lucas, he makes delicious foods!" Lucas smiled from his place at the kitchen.

"It's a pleasure to be your... acquaintance." Aurelia spoke in such a low and smooth voice. I couldn't help but shiver at the cold edge of her voice.

She really is different.

"Captain, do you want anything?" Lucas asked, only noticing Zavian just now.

He shook his head and spoke in that cool manner that he's the only one who can manage to do, "No, I'm good."

"Hello, sir." Axel stepped in front of him, his grin still present on his face. "I heard that you're Captain Zavian of the Lunar Eclipse. I'm truly grateful to all of you for saving us. If it weren't for any of you..." His voice went lower, "My sister would've continued to suffer."

Zavian ruffled Axel's hair. "Don't mind it."

Axel grinned at him, the sullen look on his face now gone. He turned towards his sister, "You should try the food Aurelia, it's really good!" Aurelia let herself be pushed down on the chair by her brother.

Pushing a plate full of food towards his sister he waited patiently for her to try the foods Lucas made.

Aurelia looked down at the food in front of her, her expression blank all the while. Axel frowned when he realized his sister wouldn't start moving any time soon.

"Aurelia, you don't have to worry. The food isn't drugged. See?" He emphasizes his point by taking one of the strawberries on the plate.

Aurelia seemed to snap out of it when her brother put the food in his mouth, she looked like she wanted to stop him, clearly in doubt with the foods.

Axel's eyes widened as he chewed the food, making Aurelia more tense and worried with his reaction. Before Aurelia can open her mouth, Axel was already purring in delight, "What is this? It's so good!"

His reaction made some of us chuckle, "Axel, that's a fruit called strawberry." Samantha supplied for him.

"Really? So this is what strawberries taste like. I've only read about them in books. Here, Aurelia try one." He gently took her hand, putting a strawberry on it.

With a look of uncertainty, Aurelia brought the fruit into her mouth and took a bite. Everyone waited for her reaction with the food but her face remained stoned and expressionless.

"It's... sweet." Her voice remained small and cold, almost robotic without any emotions.

Axel's shoulder slumped, clearly wanting to get a reaction from his sister. Now I understand what he meant about his sister looking so... Dead. She's like an empty vessel of her former self. Void of any emotion with that same cold look in her midnight eyes.

Although he's clearly upset about his sister's lack of light, he forced a smile on his face. "I know right? Here, eat more." He pushed another set of plates towards Aurelia.

He sat back at his chair, watching Aurelia silently and cautiously eat her food. An awkward silent falling over us. Luckily, Samantha spoke up.

She cleared her throat, "If you don't mind me asking, what did you mean about the drugged food?"

Aurelia immediately stilled in her chair, her bangs falling over her eyes, hiding her expression.

"T-The doctors would give us candies, drugged candies that make us feel weak, feeling faint, or pass out. Some of it makes us lose control with our bodies for a certain amount of time, and some of it paralyzes our bodies." Axel responded uncertain if he should speak about this while his sister's in the room.

Samantha nodded to herself as she processed his words, sipping her coffee once again.

"So Captain, what are your plans?" James looked at Zavian who's looking outside the window, listening to the conversation the whole time on the quiet corner.

"It's not for me to decide really." He said with a shrug as he looked towards us, "The choice is for the both of you to make." He looked pointedly at Aurelia who's already looking at him.

"What choice?" Axel c****d his head to the side.

"The Council took full responsibilities of what happened to the both of you, so in exchange they gave the both of you full scholarship at Viradale Academy. It's an elite school where people like us, Enchanted goes to study. Viradale helps Enchanted to learn more about their Elements and how to use them properly." I filled in for him.

His eyes lit up, "An Elite school? I read about them in my books! It's the most extravagant school out there isn't it? I'd like to study under a school before."

"You can, Axel. The Council gave both of you scholarships. You two can stay at Viradale for as long as you like, and you don't have to worry about anything since it's a boarding school. Viradale also provides each and every student's needs. If you're worrying about money, Viradale gives missions to students, and if you complete that mission you'll get paid in exchange. And that's not all, the missions are hella fun too! Not only do you get money, you'll also have a lot of fun." James said with a cheeky grin.

"Really? That sounds amazing! What do you think, Aurelia? Can we stay? We have nowhere to go anyway." Axel looked at his sister hopefully.

Aurelia had her eyes down cast, "I'll agree to whatever you want... As long as I can stay beside you."

She meets her brother's gaze, who's looking at her with full of happiness and a smile on his face. My heart melted at the scene, indeed it's true that the only important person for Aurelia's life is her brother. If the glimmer of light in her dead eyes wasn't any sign of it, then I don't know what else.

"Now, that's settled. We'll arrange your enrollment at once. Tomorrow, we'll show both of you around Viradale so that you two can be familiar in your new home." Zavian commanded with authority, the one he usually used on us. "All of you are dismissed." That was his final words before walking off.

James shrugged and followed after him, leaving the kitchen at once.

"I'll just clean this place up." I glanced at Lucas who's already starting to tidy up the kitchen.

Samantha pushed herself out of her chair, "I'll help you."

I looked at Aurelia and Axel with a smile on my face, "I'll accompany you to your rooms."

Axel nodded before walking off, Aurelia trailed after him as if in a trance. Her movements were small and collected. If there's one thing to describe her the words would be a hollow puppet.

I went with them up the stairs, making sure that both siblings were in their rooms safe and sound.

"Good night, you two." I waved at them before walking towards my own private chambers.

---

Axel's POV

It was past midnight when I felt something strange. Immediately opening my eyes, I pushed myself to sit.

She's standing at the door, fidgeting with her hands as she looks uncertain. She's anxious and scared. Scrambling to my feet, I walked towards her.

With a gentle voice I approached her. "What's wrong, Aurelia? Are you alright?"

"Axel... I'm not used to this."

I grasped her hands in mine, "Don't worry, it's alright. Everything's okay now. No one will hurt us here."

"Why do you trust them so much? For all we know, this might only be a ploy to get on our good side, to make us trust them! What if they're going to sell us again? What if they're only going to use us? What if--" Her breathing ragged, her thoughts going faster than the wind, she's having a panic attack.

"Aurelia, stop! Breathe, okay? You're fine. We're fine. We won't suffer anymore. The Lunar Eclipse saved us. there's nothing to be scared of." Unable to support herself with shaky legs, Aurelia fell on her knees. I don't want to see this kind of scene any longer. I don't want to see my sister in pain anymore.

I'm upset with myself because all I can do for her is give her comfort. I embraced her under the moonlight from the window, her shoulders shook as she sobbed into my chest, clutching my shirt. I rocked her back and forth, gently stroking her raven hair.

When she calmed down I gently talked to her under my breath, "Don't you trust them, Aurelia?"

With a shaky breath, she shook her head, clutching my shirt tighter. "No."

"Well," a small smile graced my features, "I do. Although I've only known them for a few hours, I can tell that they're good people Aurelia. I'm certain they won't hurt us, that's why I trust them."

"How can you say that?" She croaked.

"I... I had a dream. Long ago, before they saved us. I saw them Aurelia, we were with them. We were happy, you were laughing along with them, and all of us are together. In my dream, you looked so happy I didn't want to wake up, because for the first time in a while, the warmth and mirth in your eyes finally returned. And... And I think they're the people that can help us. They would help us get through this." 

They will help me make you happy.

"A dream?"

"Yes, when I woke up, my left eye kept on throbbing and it won't stop glowing. The arms of the clock kept on moving clockwise at a fast pace."

She looked up at me shocked, "Axel... D-Did you...?"

I gave her a toothy grin, "Yes! I think I was able to use this power of mine for once. Although I didn't think of anything about it for a while, now I understand what that dream meant. I saw our future Aurelia, with them. And they made us happy. They made you happy."

She shook her head, removing herself from me. "You can't be sure of that."

"I can hope."

"Hope will only lead you to disappointment, Axel. You of all people should know that." Aurelia shook her head as she moved to her feet. Walking silently towards the window where the vast sea of darkness can be seen.

"There's nothing wrong with trusting them, Aurelia." Still on my knees I looked at her, she had this far away look in her eyes.

"I won't trust them." Her harsh and sudden cold voice shocked me. She hasn't used that tone with me before. The coldness in her voice reminds me of that scene back at the lab, where she was strapped into the steel chair while screaming and thrashing madly. I shook my head, trying to remove that scene in my mind.

"I understand that you can't find it in yourself to trust them now, but I hope someday that you give them a chance to enter your heart Aurelia." I pushed myself to my feet, padding towards the bed.

I went under the covers looking at her for the last time. "Good night, Aurelia."

She remained silent as I closed my eyes. Before the world of dreams can fully take me away I heard her broken whisper.

"I can't, my heart has already been long dead."

---

Aurelia's POV

After staying in Axel's room for a little bit longer last night, I finally decided to head back to mine. With shaking fingers I closed the door behind me, the fine cream walls of the room welcomed my presence.

I kept on reminding myself that this room wasn't the same white walls of my prison. While that room had been empty and cold, this room I'm in now held so many things and warmth that I could never think of.

Walking towards the bed, I went under the covers. Curling into my sleep as I pulled the covers over my head, the covers becoming my small sanctuary for the meantime as it hid me from the world. The darkness surrounds me, it's all that I can see.

My mind went to Axel's words. He saw a future, with me and him together with the people I had met earlier. I don't think I can see myself with them, and to be actually happy? I don't think that's possible. I have long since forgotten how to laugh. It's alright for me though, since I don't really remember how it feels to be happy anymore.

After all, the only feeling I've known is pain. Endless pain and suffering.

"Humans lie without a second thought." I mumble underneath my breath before I fall asleep.

The next morning I woke up because of the light hitting my face. I stared at the window for a good while, dumbfounded that there's an actual window where I can see the outside that exists in this room. The view of the world gave me a reassuring feeling. As much as possible, I would like to see the outside even for just once a day, just to remind me that I'm no longer in that hell.

Pushing myself out of the covers, I went towards the bathroom, showering myself for proper hygiene and other things that Dr. Theo had put into my mind. When I was done, I entered another door which led me into a room full of clothes.

Looking at them funny, I took one of the clothes out. I've never seen such a strange type of clothes before, all I've ever worn was that old white patient gown before. Here before me, are sets of clothes in different colors.

Grabbing the only familiar clothes I can see from the rest, I took the white button down shirt and put it on. Surprisingly it was larger than it looked on me, with the sleeves ending on my palm while the shirt ended on my mid thigh.

I looked at myself, is this fine? This is what I would normally wear back at the lab. Undergarments and just plain patient gown and nothing to wear at the bottom. So I guess this is alright? I thought of what the Lunar Eclipse wore yesterday, it's the same foreign grey outfits. I didn't know how to wear them, and I didn't have those kinds of clothes.

Deciding that it doesn't matter I left the room. I stilled when I saw him leaning on the wall with his arms crossed, his silver eyes piercing through my midnight ones.

"You don't plan on going out looking like that don't you?" One of his eyebrows raised as he looked at the clothes I'm wearing pointedly.

Cocking my head to the side I met his silver ones. "Yes, is that a problem?"

"Yes, that attire is barely appropriate."

I let my gaze shift to the side. "I don't know how clothes work."

I heard him sigh, when I looked at him he's already striding towards me past the door towards the room full of clothes. I stared after him, wondering what he'll do. He looked through the set of clothes first before taking one cloth out. It's similar to the ones the women from last night wore, a blue cloth that has a top and long sleeves with a flowing cloth that falls freely down their legs.

He handed it out to me, "Here put this on. It's called a dress. You'd look more decent in it. Take that oxford shirt off and put this on."

Nodding I took it from him, he went out of the room closing the door behind him while I put on the blue dress. Strangely it felt nice.

When I'm done putting it on, I went out of the room to find him looking at my form up and down. "That's better, you look good on it. Now, all you need to do is tame down that wavy hair of yours."

His words made me look at my hair. What did he mean? Back at the lab I didn't really have to fix my appearance.

"I don't know how." I pursed my lips, staring at him blankly.

He made a motion of grabbing my hand but I immediately flinched away, ignoring my reaction, he took my hand firmly like what he did yesterday. He pulled me towards the vanity table, making me sit down.

That's when I had a good look of what I'm wearing: a blue dress with white trimmings and some ruffles. I look good in it... Somehow.

As I stared at myself in the mirror, the one they called Captain stood behind me, our gaze met through the glass. "I'll do your hair for you." He said in a low and cool tone while reaching for the brush.

I could only watch as he started brushing my long raven hair that I haven't touched in years, it's all tangled up and dry.

I didn't know why it was oddly satisfying to have him brush my hair with his gentle hands or it's only the thought of someone taking care of my hair.

"You know what you remind me of?" He murmured in a smooth voice, our eyes meeting through the mirror. "You're like a doll, beautiful and porcelain. Delicate to the touch and hair like silk. When you're taken care of, your beauty shines brighter. Yet, just like a doll you express no emotions. A doll can hold out on her own for a while, even with the rough treatment from her peers, but in the end dolls are still fragile. They intend to break at a certain point of time."

He thinks I'm a doll, fragile and weak. Perhaps I am, I don't know anymore. I'm merely a vessel of my former self, I don't even know what having feelings feel like anymore. The voice inside of me made sure that emotions should get rid off before it becomes too much of a distraction. It had coated my feelings into a block of ice, with no way of melting. If there's one thing I can feel inside me, it's a vast never ending coldness.

"Say Aurelia," he trailed off, setting the brush down back on the vanity. "Do you want me to show you the world again?"

Silver met Midnight

As we gaze at each other, I feel like I'm being drowned into his deep pool of silver, his stares are always intense and promised so much more.

A moment passed before I spoke. "Yes." It came out as a breathless whisper.

He smiled, his dimples showing once again, he looked pleased with my answer. "Good, let's go then? Your brother's probably downstairs waiting for you already. I did say we'll give the both of you a tour around Viradale didn't I?"

I didn't bother responding as I followed him out of the room, and true to his words, Axel's already waiting for me eagerly. "Good morning, Captain Zavian! Morning Aurelia!" He's cheery voice and cheeky grin immediately welcomed me as I walked towards them.

He chuckled lightly, "You sure are energetic." Ruffling Axel's hair, my brother smiled back.

"Of course! It's my first time seeing the outside after all." His eyes then darted towards me, "Are you ready, Aurelia?"

Pursing my lips I stared at him blankly. "Axel... your eye."

"Oh, yes! I forgot." With a sheepish grin, he looked at the girl who's name is Samantha if I recall correctly. "Do you perhaps have anything that can cover my eye?"

Nodding, she padded towards a drawer. Pulling something out from it, the familiar equipment she held sent shivers down my spine. I quickly darted my eyes away, trying to erase the thousands of painful memories from my mind.

"An eye patch should do just fine."

"Thanks!"

I blinked down at the ground, not once did I remove my stare from the white tiles of the room. But to my quick horror, the white tiles only reminded me of that cold white floor of my prison. I squeezed my eyes shut, thankful for the bangs that fell on my eyes. I clenched my fists to stop myself from shaking. I can already see it in my mind's eye, the memories, the tortures, the endless pain and suffering.

"You need help." I staggered backwards when I felt gentle and familiar fingers gripped my chin lightly making me look into his silver eyes.

"W-What?"

"You're not okay." He muttered under his breath only the both of us can hear.

Giving him a blank look, I forcefully pushed his hands away. Me, in particular, do not like being touched.

"Are you worried about anyone seeing your eye, Axel?" The one named Patricia walked into the room. "No one's around here though so no need for the eye patch just yet. The school year will begin tomorrow and that's when the students will start to arrive."

"Really? I'm glad I don't have to wear this yet." Axel sighed in relief while looking at the eye patch Miss Samantha had given him.

"According to the information I've gathered, you can change your left eye into its original color once again. It's just that you don't know how to control your Element properly yet."

"That's okay! I'll learn how to manage this soon, hopefully." He grinned once again.

"Breakfast is ready!" The man who cooked the food they call Lucas informed everyone from his place in the kitchen.

The Captain, Miss Patricia and Miss Samantha wandered towards the kitchen with Axel trailing after them. Unsure of what to do, I silently followed.

There were various different kinds of looking foods on the table with a set of plates. Everyone took their place on the empty chairs, Axel also sat on one and I sat beside the empty chair beside him. To my right at the head of the table sat the Captain, across from me sat Miss Patricia who always had the soft smile on her face. Sir James also sat beside her, next to him is Miss Samantha who's already sipping on her mug.

Sir Lucas approached the table with a plate full of eggs, "This is the last one. Dig up!" He then proceeded to sit beside Axel.

I watched them quietly as they took different kinds of strange foods into their plates, the food looked good, I wonder what it tastes like.

Miss Patricia, who noticed my lack of movements, looked at me curiously. "Are you not gonna eat, Aurelia?"

"Do you not like the food? I can make another different dish." Sir Lucas questioned worriedly.

I only stared blankly at them in return. My lips set on a straight line.

"Aurelia, don't you want anything?" Sir James also questioned while Miss Samantha silently sipped her coffee content on just observing.

"I'm sorry, Aurelia and I haven't really eaten anything like this before until yesterday, so... she doesn't really know what to eat...?" Axel looked like he wasn't really sure if what he's saying is correct.

"That's easy, then! Here, Aurelia try these pancakes, they're my favorite. It also tastes good with chocolate syrup." Miss Patricia beamed at me while grabbing the plate full of those stacked flat and fluffy brown looking food. She then proceeds on puring the brown looking liquid on it.

"Try it, it's good."

"Let me have the first bite then!" Axel suddenly exclaimed, with his fork he took a small portion from it. He put the food into his mouth and his pupils dilated in pure bliss. "It's good!"

He glanced at me with a smile on his face that says there's nothing I need to be worried about. "See? There's nothing wrong, try it."

Silently, I took the fork and took a bite myself, and indeed it tasted nice. Even better from that fruit called strawberry from last night.

"Well?" Miss Patricia questioned eagerly waiting for my reaction.

Dropping my gaze down on my plate, I spoke on what's on my mind. "It's... good."

"T-that's it?"

I didn't bother responding and continued on eating the food called pancake silently.

---

When breakfast had finished, the Captain had taken it upon himself to give us a tour on Viradale. He led us out on a huge door in the color of grey, a lunar eclipse had been carved into the wood. Once outside, we were met by a long set of corridors and hallways, my attention immediately drawn to the gold lining on the walls, portraits, statues, the white marble, the floor to ceiling windows that showed the beautiful garden outside, and a set of doors.

He led us down a hallway and we were welcomed by a set of stairs. We came into a large entryway, "This is the Castle's entryway."

Axel turned to him sharply, "Castle?"

An amused look settled onto his face, "Did I forget to mention that we're in a Castle?"

"Yes, you did!" He then looked around in amazement, "No wonder everything's so beautiful. Never once did I think that I would be in a castle the first time I'd ever get out of that place."

"Well, now you are. How about I show you the garden first? There's a spectacular view outside. I'm sure you two wouldn't want to miss."

"I'd be glad to!"

We went out of the massive doors while I followed them silently. What caught my attention immediately is the calm breeze and green creations nature has to offer. It reminded me of yesterday, when I first had a glimpse of the world.

"Before we proceed, we need to wait for a certain someone to arrive first."

"Who?"

"Don't worry, he should be here soon."

I didn't bother glancing at them as my eyes were too busy taking in the beautiful scene before me. There were trees, grass, and flowers everywhere. The bright blue sky above our heads and the calm whisper of the wind. It all felt nice, as if I was in a dream.

A dream where I never want to wake up, ever again.

My eyes darted towards a moving figure not far from us, he's running as fast as he could until he came to a stop in front of the Captain.

With a panting breath he leaned forward on his knees, "One moment," he wheezed out before taking a deep breath trying to compose himself. When the air had finally returned to his lungs, he stood straighter. He has brown hair that's a mess on top of his head, crooked glasses and a shaky grin.

"It's nice of you to join us."

"Yeah, sorry for my late appearance, I had to do... certain tasks that you assigned me to." The newly arrived boy grimaced.

"Don't you want to introduce yourself?"

The Captain's voice jolted him to stand straighter, he seemed tense. "Ah, yes! Yes! Sorry..." Clearing his throat he tried to fix the tie on his neck, "My name's Stephan Kings, Second Commander of the Sapphire Gemstone." He held out his hand.

"I'm Axel Winter. Pleased to meet you!" He shook his hands with the man called Stephan.

He's eyes widened, shocked by the name. "Winter...?" He looked like his thoughts were running around his mind faster than he could catch up with. A moment later, he snapped out of his thoughts and once again, awkwardly cleared his throat. "Pardon me. You must be...?" He let his words trail off, asking for my name.

I only looked down at his open hands still in the air, waiting for me to shake. But I remained still where I stood. There is no need for formalities, there's no need to shake our hands.

He stood awkwardly for a minute before letting his hand fall limp on his sides. "My apologies, did I somehow offend you?" When I looked back at him, he looked genuinely sorry for his earlier actions, he kept on shifting on his feet.

But I know better, people are quite skilled in the art of acting.

Someone gently tugged at my sleeves making me look beside me, Axel's looking up at me with a pleading look on his eyes as if to say that for even just for once, I brought down the block of Ice that I let myself surround myself with.

I glanced away, knowing that I can't refuse anything he asks me to do. Although I can't really bring myself to take down those walls, I'd let myself become approachable, even for a second.

"No, it's... alright." Sir Stephan looked shocked for a minute that I had spoken when he was so sure that I wouldn't talk. "Aurelia Winter."

Silence befalls us once again after that.

---

Stephan's POV

I stirred in my sleep, opening one eye groggily only to be hit with sunlight. With a yawn I pushed myself to a sitting position, my hand lazily reaching for my pair of glasses.

I had the most ridiculous dream ever, can anyone believe it? In my dream, Commander Zavian went into my room personally, and had requested for my assistance! Who would believe that the mighty Prince himself would go to such lengths just to ask for me? I mean, he could just send Patricia over, something I'd much prefer than him being here himself. I've always been intimidated by the Prince of Darkness. Nevertheless, all of those were just a dream so I have nothing to worry about.

Pushing the covers off me, I made my way towards the bathroom and did my usual morning routine. Tomorrow would be the proper Year Opening for Viradale, things would surely be busy on making sure things go according to the way it should be. I sighed, remembering the tasks that await me tomorrow, for sure Commander Leah would abandon all her responsibilities again and would just let me do all her work, which makes my work two times more than it should be.

I sighted once again, there are times where I regret winning that damn tournament for the ranks. It's not like I planned on winning, I just wanted to get through the battle and finally get it over with but before I knew it, I had already won. Much to my horror.

My title as the Second Commander of the Sapphires had brought me more trouble than it's worth.

After taking my shower and dressing myself, I went to open the windows, the Kingdom is already bustling in this hour. As I look outside and just let the peace settle in because I know that once I'm back at Viradale, I won't be able to feel this simple peace anymore.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed something on my bedside table. My body going cold as I saw the familiar tendrils of Darkness hang in the air with a note.

"I'll be waiting."

As if a bucket of cold water has been thrown at me, dread settled on the pitch of my stomach. So it wasn't a dream after all, Commander Zavian had come to ask for my assistance! Not wasting a second any longer, I sprinted out of the house into the busy streets of the Kingdom towards the famous castle on the mountains.

As I ran, memories which I thought were dreams came rushing into my mind.

---

"Y-Your Highness, what are you doing here at such an hour?" The famous Prince of Darkness is in my room, leaning casually on the wall with an amuse glint on his well known silver eyes.

"I have a task for you that only you can accomplish."

Gulping the slump on my throat I looked at him with uncertainty. "T-Task, you say?"

"Yes, and an important one. It's a task only you and I should know of."

"What is it, your Highness?"

"Aurelia Winter, someone we retrieved from the human world. I'm going to put her in your care, Stephan."

"W-Why me?"

"Simple, because I trust you."

I couldn't speak, shocked by his news. The mighty Prince trust me? What did I do to have such honors?

"Aurelia, she's an important person. But right now, she's not stable. She needs assistance and care. I hope you help her, Stephan. I need you to always be there for her, your loyalty for her."

"But Sire, why go to such lengths? Why me? I'm sure someone from your team can handle this task far better than me."

"You can, and you will do it. She's different from the rest. I know that overtime you two will get along. You can teach her many things. You will help her grow from the vessel she is now. Stephan, I need a blood oath from you to swear your loyalty for her."

"But, isn't this a bit too much for just a person? A blood oath is sacred! Something that's not to be taken lightly."

He smirks, "Do you think of me as a fool?"

I immediately shook my head, "No, your Highness. Please forgive my rudeness. But Sire, let me think this through first, I cannot do a blood oath swearing my loyalty to a person I've never met!"

He sighed, pushing himself off the wall and towards the open windows where he must've come from. "You can think it over, Stephan. I'm in no rush, I just need someone who will never betray her even if the world does."

He then looked over his shoulder where I sit still on my bed, "I expect to see you at Viradale first thing in the morning, you will tour Aurelia around Viradale and get to know her, perhaps you'll change your mind."

"You have a brilliant mind, Stephan. Always remember that your intelligence has always solved you out of your problems. I know it won't be long before you put two and two together as to why I want you to form a blood oath for her. And if you do, I can guarantee you that it won't be the biggest mistake of your life." With a swish of his cloak he's gone before me, a shadow already wandering through the night.

---

The Castle gates immediately opened up for me, knowing that I am someone with the title for Viradale. Running through the long pathway towards the great doors of the castle I already saw three people standing there, waiting for my arrival.

I immediately sensed Commander Zavian's strong and powerful presence, while a boy stood beside him with tousled raven hair and a wide grin on his face. While on his other side stood a girl with a blank look on her face as she looked around the garden, but then her gaze settled on me before I could approach.

Once fully in front of them, I can't help but lean down on my knees from my lack of air. Even though I'm expected to be naturally fit because of my title, my body has never been fond of physical movement. "One moment," I managed to wheeze out as I tried to take in as much air as possible. When my breathing finally returned to normal, I composed myself.

"It's nice of you to join us." Commander Zavian's smooth and cool tone sent shivers down my spine. It's pretty obvious that I had come late, I briefly wonder if he's mad about it.

"Yeah, sorry for my late appearance, I had to do... certain tasks that you assigned me to do." I grimaced to my obvious lie, since all the tasks given by him had already been dealt with weeks ago.

He only raised a brow, his silver eyes glinting with his obvious amusement. "Don't you want to introduce yourself?"

"Ah, yes! Yes! Sorry..." I breathed a sigh of relief in my mind, not only was I late but I also lied straight to his face without getting into trouble. Normally such circumstances wouldn't be approved of. Clearing my throat I continued, my hands going to my tie attempting to fix it since I knew that it had been messed up by my running. "My name's Stephan Kings, Second Commander of the Sapphire Gemstone." I held out my hand, not really sure on who would hold it first.

Luckily, the boy beside Commander Zavian shook it, "I'm Axel Winter, pleased to meet you!" 

I was taken aback when the boy named Axel looked at me with those eyes. Not because of the golden clock eye he has but because of that pure ocean blue color of his right eye. A color well known amongst the Enchanted Waters, only a certain family has those dazzling eyes. The Royal Family of "Winter...?" Was it possible? Is he a descendant from the Winter Family? It would make sense because no one in Lilura other than the Winter Family has these eyes, and his last name is Winter too. Commander Zavian had said that they retrieved them from the human world.

Awkwardly clearing my throat, I then looked at the girl beside Commander Zavian. "Pardon me. You must be...?"

To my surprise, she only looked down at my open palm. That's when I noticed what was wrong with her. For starters, she's dressed nicely. She didn't have any expression on her face, her pink lips set out on a thin line. You would think on the first impression that she's the timid kind of girl who prefers silence. But then, I caught a glimpse of her eyes.

Those midnight eyes so pure of blackness you'd be drowned in it. Just like the boy named Axel, she has a gorgeous set of eyes, but the beauty in it gets lost by the dead look in her eyes. Indeed it is beautiful, but the sparkle of life, the warmth that means you're spiritually alive are nowhere to be seen. Instead there's the emptiness and plain nothing. Just simply... Dead.

When she didn't show any signs of moving, I let my hand fall down. Did I do something wrong? "My apologies, did I somehow offend you?" I couldn't help but shift on where I stood.

The boy, Axel, approached the girl and gently pulled her sleeves. This caught her attention and a look of understanding passed between them. Only the two of them can only know.

"No, it's... alright." Her voice, low but melodic reached my ears. I didn't know why, but for some reason, my heart felt the nostalgic feeling when I heard her voice. "Aurelia Winter."

Aurelia Winter, the girl who I'm supposed to take care of and pledge my loyalty.

So they were siblings after all. Winters. The Royal Family. Commander Zavian had said they retrieved them from the human world. Was that it? They were hiding there all along? But why? The Commander wouldn't go to such lengths as form a blood oath if the girl isn't important. On the other hand, he did say she's important.

There's a great possibility that they could be...

But I can't just base my judgement on what I saw, I need proof and facts before I make something out of this conclusion.

"Aurelia, you'd be with Stephan on the rest of the day, he'll give you a tour. Specifically he'll show you around the places you need to remember most while I go with Axel. There's something I want to discuss and show him. Is that alright for the both of you?"

Axel shrugged, "I don't mind."

Aurelia remained silent, just staring at her brother with a twinge of worry in her eyes, so small it could've easily gone unnoticed.

"Don't worry, Aurelia. I'll be fine." Grinning he glanced at me, "Take care of my sister alright? See ya!"

I could only stare at them as they went into another way, the two lost in their own talk.

"I'll show you around, then?"

I winced, she only glanced at me blankly. Was that all she did? Only stare and stare?

I showed her the gardens, the lake, and the park. She only looked around all the time, if what I think is true, I might say she's curious and amazed by the beauty nature has to offer. I, myself, like to be in the gardens because of its calming feeling.

I tried talking to her, although all I get in return is silence. That's fine by me if she isn't interested in the things I kept on blabbering about. At least she was there to listen to my words, unlike when I talk to myself who looks like a lunatic. I took this opportunity to actually talk to someone who will listen even if she doesn't respond, I don't know why. But I have this feeling that she's actually interested about the things I say, or is it just because of my loneliness and my desire for someone to talk to.

I enjoyed the peaceful feeling the garden has to give before the harsh reality of my responsibilities for tomorrow.

"Let's have a break, shall we?"

I lead her towards the swing, although it looks old, it's still actually in good conditions. The swing had veins wrapping over it and flowers of different color.

"Would you like to try? I used to play on the swing when I was young with someone. She would sit on the swing while I pushed her, we always had fun on those times. But then, suddenly she didn't show up on the swing anymore so I played all on my own since then."

Again, with the blank look on her eyes, she just stared at the swing. But beneath the empty nothingness of her eyes, I can see the curiosity.

"This is how to use it," I sat down on the swing and pushed myself lightly, the swing going back and forth. "Would you like to try? It's fun. I'll push for you." I smiled at her, somehow I can read through her dead eyes.

I moved out from the sit and let her sit down on the swing herself. I went behind her back, "Remember to grab the chains." When she grasped the chains on her hands, I lightly pushed her on the swing.

"Do you like it? It's fun isn't it? It's like you're flying. I can push you more and then you'll go higher." Making my point, I pushed her stronger this time and she did raise into the air higher than earlier, her form swinging back and forth.

She didn't respond, her eyes cast down low. Maybe I went too far? Did she not like the swing? Is she afraid of heights?

When the swing stilled she didn't move, everything about her was still.

"What does fun feel like?"

I jumped in surprise when I heard her voice. I didn't expect her to respond since her introduction earlier. "What does it feel like? You know when you do something you like, you feel joy inside of your heart?"

"Heart... I don't have one. Do you have one?" For the first time, she met my gaze. Those penetrating midnight eyes that seemed to trap me in on pure blackness.

"Of course, I have one. Everyone does. Even you, there's no way you don't have one."

"How do you know you have a heart?"

"Well, you know you'll have a heart if you can feel emotions. Our feelings come from our hearts after all."

"What are these... emotions?"

I looked at her funny, she spoke as if she didn't have any feelings or whatsoever. "Emotions are also known as happiness, excitement, love, anger, sadness, and fear."

She reached for her chest, where her heart is beneath her flesh, "My heart... I think it's broken. It's not the same as yours. I don't feel those things."

"Your heart isn't broken, you just don't know how to express your emotions. I'll help you. Right now, what do you feel?"

"I feel nothing."

I looked at her ridiculously, "There could be something in there. Try again."

"Content perhaps?" She looked up at the bright blue sky, "I don't know what this is but I like being outside, without the walls surrounding me and just trees and grass."

I smiled at her, "That's one of the feelings out there, Aurelia. It's called peace, you're at peace. And it's a feeling I like too. I like to go out here in the garden just to embrace the peace and calmness nature can bring."

She didn't respond after that, she looked deep in thought. Since her moment of talking finally passed, we proceed with our next destination.

The training grounds are also set on the outside, there's a platform for fights and weapons on display that are used for training.

"This is the training ground, students are required to train to help them with their physical strength and to let them become stronger. Those who get to train here are the Rank D and C students while the B and A's training grounds are indoors." I showed her around the training grounds.

"You must be wondering why students need to train and become stronger, well it's a requirement here you see. There is no place for the weak. Only for the strong. If you're weak, everyone will look down on you, but if you're strong you can protect yourself and those around you."

"Are you strong, Sir Stephan?"

I tried to smile at her, "No, I've always been weak, and I only have my intelligence. That's how I got the title of being Second Commander of the Sapphire Gemstone. I think I should tell you how Viradale works so that you won't get confused for tomorrow. Viradale Academy specializes in each and every individual's strength and Elements. You'd get your proper education but at the same time Viradale would also teach combat skills and fighting stances. There are also missions given by the Council to the students by Rank, the missions will allow you to get out of Viradale's bounds and also help you gain money. The missions aren't no big deal, just problems around the kingdom that needs help."

We moved towards the tables where dozens of different kinds of weapons lay. "Every year there would be a tournament against all Ranks, and whoever wins will get the most wanted titles at Viradale. I didn't plan on winning actually, I didn't want to participate in the tournament but everyone is required to. My goal since the beginning was just to get through the tournament until it's over. I wasn't physically strong nor my Element, so I only did what I always do in situations just like that. I think my way through, and before I knew it I was already on the finals." I chuckled when the memory entered my mind, "The finals were the toughest part, I managed to use my brain but my opponents were far stronger than me. Not just in strength but also in mind. Those are the current Commanders of each Gemstone."

Laughing quietly I gave her a sidelong glance, "You probably don't know what I'm talking about, but there's a purpose for the tournaments. On each start of the year, the students would get sorted into their rightful Gemstones. Since there are five Elements, there are also five Gemstones. Water Elements belong to the Sapphire Gemstone, Fire Elements to Ruby Gemstone, Earth Element goes to Emerald Gemstone, Wind Element belongs to the Amethyst Gemstone, while the Rare Element goes to the Moonstone. Each Gemstone gets to have their two Commander, and whoever wins the tournament shall be given the title. I know it's still hard to process but you'll understand it more through your stay here at Viradale."

After showing her the Gardens and the Training Ground, we moved on into the Castle. I showed her the Dining Hall where everyone gathers to eat, the Dormitories of each Gemstone, the Classrooms, the indoors Training area, the Mission Hall where they get the missions, the Meeting room, the Arena where the tournament and other events usually happen, the ballroom, and many more that I can't name. By the time we ended it was already past lunch.

"Are you hungry? We can stop by at the Dining Hall to grab some lunch."

She shook her head, "There is something you still haven't shown me."

My brows furrowed, "Really? What is it?"

"The library... I want to learn more than I know right now."

"Oh, yeah. That's a great idea, since we're already done with the tour so we can spend the rest of the afternoon there reading books. Luckily, we'll pass through the Dining Hall before arriving at the Library so we can grab something to eat first before heading there, and let's just eat our lunch inside the library, Viradale's pretty empty right now anyways so it won't be a problem."

As usual she didn't respond but I didn't mind, I know she's listening.

We stopped by the Dining Hall and then proceeded to head towards the library. The huge doors carved with book design welcomed us at the end of the hallway. Pushing it open, the familiar aroma, stacks of books, parchment and thousands of shelves of books welcomed us. "This is the Sacred Library of Viradale, everything you need to know is in here. People from the kingdom also often come here if they can't find the book they're looking for in other kingdoms. Viradale has every book there is out there, you see."

We stepped inside, books line the shelves, the afternoon light slipping past the large glass windows. We moved towards a set of table where we would read the books. Setting down the foods that I got from the Dining Hall, I looked at her who's already observing the whole place in awe, but she didn't have any expression on her face. I just know.

Or am I just getting weirder.

"So, what books in particular do you want to read?"

"I want to read books that contain knowledge about what a person should know about."

"That's easy, wait here or you can start eating lunch while I get the books."

Once again, she didn't respond but I shrugged it off, already used to her silence. I skipped through the shelves of books, already familiar with the whole place and I just know where to get the right books. Giving a content sigh as the smell of parchment and books filled my nostrils, I always loved the Sacred Library. The thousands of knowledge you can get in here is beyond imaginable.

Getting the books she wanted from their right places, and grabbing some of my own to read I went back towards our table. Aurelia's already sitting on her chair, her form still like a corpse, her head tilted towards the window, watching as the birds flew in the air.

"Here's all the books you need," I dropped the books into the table softly, "You didn't touch your food yet?" I looked at the food we brought pointedly, none of it had been touched yet, it looked just the same when I got it except for the missing fruit on the side. I looked at her in surprise, she had a strawberry on her hand, rolling it on her fingers.

Does she like to play with her food?

"Aren't you going to eat?"

Removing her gaze from the window, she looked at the fruit in her hands. "No..." I looked at her with furrowed brows when she put the fruit in her mouth when she clearly said she wasn't going to eat.

Shrugging her odd behavior I started digging in, quite famished since I haven't had anything yet all day. While I ate silently, she took the first book from the stacks and started reading. Not long later, I'm already done with my lunch, my hands are already itching to grab a book and turn the pages on my fingers.

I joined Aurelia with her reading who's already on her third book, surprisingly. A comfortable silence befall upon us, hours and hours of silence while losing track of time.

Setting down my sixth book for that afternoon, I stole a glance at the window, surprised that the sun had already set.

"Time sure flies by fast, it's already sunset." I leaned in on the table, propping my chin into my hand as I watched the sunset over the mountains outside the window.

"Sunset... It's the very first thing that I have ever seen." When I glanced at her, she's also gazing outside towards the sunset.

"The sunset was my very first view of the world. It's so breathtaking to watch... I would like to see it again tomorrow."

I narrowed my eyes, her words made no sense. She came from the human world, didn't she have a decent life there? Aurelia, from the first moment I had met her earlier, she had always looked empty and just nothing. Like a living vessel, a body without a soul. She also asks strange questions too, and the way she speaks now, it's as if she's never been outside at all. The books she asked for were also odd. But Axel, her brother seems like the exact opposite of her.

While Aurelia is cold and silent, Axel's full of warmth and pleasant to talk to.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm grateful... because he showed me the world, he let me see the beauty I've longed to see for years... He gave me the freedom I've always wanted."

---

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