Rising Stars

XXII - Alone

"Alone. That was all I felt during those months."

- Yeng Seraphine

February 3rd, 2021

Ever since last November, Seraphine's life remained at a standstill. As much as she sought after her brief hurricanes, her momentary whirlwinds, they didn't keep her occupied enough for it to really matter. These days, her mind wandered around as lazily as she did.

She knew that she wasn't getting anything done. And whenever the girls came back home from their busy schedules, it was hard— near impossible, basically— to not compare herself to them.

But today, Seraphine was going to get something done.

Last week, she'd found the courage to call the only person of her past life that she believed would meet up with her: Luxanna Crownguard.

"Hello?" Seraphine asked. She held her phone fast against her ear, listening intently for even the slightest sound. "Lux?" She tried.

There was some light shuffling. "Sera?" Lux replied. "Wow, I'm surprised you still have my number."

"Oh." The underhanded insult didn't go unnoticed, but Seraphine didn't let it deter her. "I... I guess I'll get straight to the point, then. Do you mind if we meet up?"

"You want to meet up?" Lux hummed. "Okay, sure. But on one condition."

"Really? Okay, sure. Yes." Seraphine nodded furiously, even though she knew that Lux couldn't see her. "Whatever you want, whatever you need. As long as you and I can see each other."

"Then we'll meet at the Vastaya."

"Wait, the Vast—"

"Next week, I'll be there at 12 P.M.," Lux said quickly. "See you there!"

And the call ended before Searphine could even respond.

She sighed, setting down her phone. Guess it's time to face the music.

[;]

Seraphine adjusted the sleeves of her jacket as she stepped out of her car. Despite the fact that she hadn't been to the Vastaya in the last six months, she still knew the way there.

But the Vastaya itself was different. It'd changed. Seraphine was expecting the same building, the same employees, and the same environment to greet her as she entered, but she could not have been more wrong.

There were a few new faces working, and a couple old ones.

The host, as always it seemed, was none other than Orianna. She spotted Seraphine, and her normally blank and stoic eyes lit up.

"Good afternoon, Seraphine," greeted Orianna. "Do you have a reservation for today? Or are you just visiting?"

"Nice to see you again, Ori." Seraphine ran a hand through her hair. "Is Lux here? She and I are meeting up today."

"Very well, I will take you to her." Ori moved from her position behind the desk and began to walk to the back of the Vastaya.

As they walked, Seraphine frantically glanced around, desperately trying to see whether or not Jae was working.

"Are you looking for someone, Seraphine?" Orianna asked.

"I— No, I'm not."

Orianna glanced at her. Then, without a single word, returned her attention back to where she was walking.