My Lady Chef { La Vita Series } - Volume 1

Chapter 63: Assimilation

Ely's POV:

I dreamed that I was at a clearing in a forest that felt familiar but I know I have not been here before.

And yet this body of mine remembered.

Was this....the North Forests that borders the lands of the Beaucamp family?

"Beautiful...is it not?"

A voice echoed as I walked towards the east by instinct till I saw a modest-looking manor, surrounded by trees and gardens rich with mana. I felt a lump form in my throat as memories of a younger Alaina playing with her brothers suddenly formed in front of me like a mirage.

And vanished in a split second....

"This is Beaucamp Manor, where we grew up..."

We?

I felt a warm hand touch my shoulder and I looked and saw....the real Alaina.

Then I looked down and realized that my hands were different.

I ran my hands on my hair and saw black curly strands.

Do not fear. I know who you are. It is just best that we use your form from Earth so that you won't be confused.

I looked up and saw...the form I have been borrowing ever since I opened my eyes.

She was wearing a flowing dress that looked pretty and her long blonde hair was braided and adorned with crystals and flowers. Our faces are identical in some ways and it felt so surreal.

How many times have I seen those silver blond tresses and gorgeous blue-green eyes and yet the soft way the "real" owner looks at me...

It feels so foreign and yet so familiar...

"Alaina?"

She smiled serenely.

"Yes."

"I have so many questions...Why did this happen and what will come to pass now that we met."

She took my hand and I felt her hand grow warmer.

"I knew you would be asking them. Well, you see. You and I...are the same. Your soul and mine are cut from the exact flow of mana regardless of our appearance. When your life ended in your world; your soul travelled past the barrier and joined with mine. This was meant to be. "

"I-I don't understand."

"You think you are a fraud, don't you? Because you became conscious the moment I was drowned in the bath...."

"Wait....what?"

Was...drowned? Does that mean she did not drown herself?

"..Ah. The distorted memory you inherited from me must not have shown you the whole picture..." she sighed before she pressed her forehead against mine.

And I suddenly felt breathless...

Like I was deprived of air as I remembered a missing piece of the puzzle that night I emerged gasping from the clawfoot tub.

A shadowy figure and two hands roughly grabbed Alaina's head and forcibly plunged her head down face first.

I felt her panic and she tried to fight for her life but her hands were too strong plus the tub was wet and slippery, leaving no room for escape.

The air suddenly entered my lungs as I gasped sharply when Alaina pulled away from me and I felt her sadness.

Someone...drowned her by force.