Strangely Familiar - The Stolen Fate | On Hold

Chapter 5

"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." – John Lennon.

***

Standing on the Vantage tower, Anya gazed out over the gorgeous castle. The Mansion glowed in the moonlight.

The stars shone bright and clear in the night sky, something Naina had never seen before. She knew that in her own universe, where pollution had run rampant and consumed any chance of truly seeing the expanse of the night sky, the view in front of her was majestic. The spectral bi-verse Shaurya had created was strictly controlled, and no one dared to destroy or pollute it for fear of harsh punishment. She still couldn't figure out how he had managed to connect the two universes, though Bran said he'd simply partitioned a portion of the planet and integrated it into his own. Was this her old dimension or his novel one? Or maybe, it was an intricate combination of both, like a piece of each had been melded together, forming something entirely new, which would explain why they called it a 'bi-verse.'

"You appear to be deep in thought."

Anya turned to face the speaker and smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm just admiring the view," she said.

Although Naina did not believe her, she remained silent.

Walking casually, she stopped beside her and followed her gaze at the mansion.

"What do those shiny blue and red lines mean?" Naina thought to switch the topic. She pointed her finger to form a curve above the Manor apex point.

"The what?" Anya puzzledly turned to face her.

Naina gave her a strange look. "Don't you see?" She fixed her gaze forward. "It's right there."

Anya followed her finger-point and switched her attention back to her. "I don't see anything."

Naina could see the lights glowing, intensifying to the point that she had to close her eyes before they dimmed and returned to their origin.

"Did you not see anything?" She asked curiously.

Anya made a shaky motion with her head. 

She sighed audibly. "I know you barely know me," Naina paused, "but you can talk if you want, like a 'girl-to-girl' talk."

"Pray tell, what is meant by 'girl-to-girl talk?'" With a hint of perplexity, the other girl enquired.

Naina wanted to speak, but the words wouldn't come. How could she explain a girl-to-girl chat with someone who had been asleep for centuries? Would they even have had conversations like this way back when? She found herself wondering.

"It's about anything and everything you want to share but can't for whatever reasons." Naina attempted to explain. When Anya's expression did not change, Naina sighed and turned away. "I could use a friend. I assumed you could as well. I suppose I misinterpreted."

"That isn't accurate. You are my Saviour," Anya said. "I don't want to worry you about my concerns."

"I have met Cian before," Naina said.

"Oh?" There was no hint of insecurity in her voice. It was just curiosity.

"I didn't like him at all," Naina recalled the past events, and her face turned sour.

Anya took no offense. She only grinned in response. "You would be the first one." When she saw confusion ran across Naina's face, she clarified. "You already know that Novas are exceptionally good at manipulation. It's one of the reasons why you can't hide anything from them. The definition of manipulation goes beyond words. They can charm anyone they want."