✓ | The Borrowed Identity (Fate's Transgression Series, #4)

TBI 13: Truth

[ Chapter 13: Truth ]

Selene | Selvy

In the blink of an eye, we were transported from the outskirts to an unfamiliar room adorned with opulent ornaments. The sudden change in surroundings left me momentarily disoriented, trying to take in the grandeur that surrounded us.

The room exuded an air of elegance and extravagance, with lavish furnishings and intricate details adorning every corner. The walls were filled with tapestries, while the floor beneath our feet was painted with a plush carpet, softening our footsteps.

My eyes scanned the room, taking in the gleaming chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the space. Expensive paintings were attached on the walls, depicting captivating landscapes and regal figures, hinting at the wealth and power of whoever owned this place.

As I continued to explore the room with my gaze, I noticed a large, ornate desk positioned near a grand window that offered a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. The desk was covered in papers and books, a sign of diligent work and intellect.

Naibalik lamang ako sa huwesyo nang bumagsak ang katawan ni Valan. Kung hindi pa siya nasalo agad ni Lutch ay ang sahig ang kahahantungan nito. A surge of panic enveloped my system as I evaporated the distance and helped Lutch carry his weight.

"What is happening to him?" I asked in worry.

"Burned core, he must have gone all out," Lutch said.

With a sense of concern, I joined Lutch in carefully carrying Valan to the nearest bedroom. His limp body felt heavier than I had expected, a stark contrast to his usual strength and vitality. As we laid him down on the bed, I couldn't help but notice the exhaustion etched on his face, as if he had endured a tremendous battle.

My mind raced with thoughts and questions, connecting the dots between Valan's condition, the explosion at Jasmine Lake, and his encounter with Sigrid. It was becoming increasingly evident that something was amiss, and the information he had shared with me about being human seemed questionable.

His features, now in a state of rest, revealed subtle hints of a different truth. His complexion held a subtle iridescence, resembling the gleam of moonlight on water. The gentle rise and fall of his chest seemed to follow an otherworldly rhythm, betraying the existence of a power beyond mere mortals. The realization struck me. His true nature remained shrouded in mystery, and I found myself standing at the cliff of a revelation that threatened to upend everything I thought I knew.

"What is he exactly?" I asked Lutch since Admiral left the moment we entered the portal and was transported to this hotel. Bakas ang seryoso sa aking boses at alam kung makikita din ito sa aking mukha. I want to know what is the truth from the broken information I was given. "Sinabi niyo sa akin na isa siyang tao, pero base sa nangyari kanina parang malabong maniniwala na ako kung ipagdidiinan niyo pa rin 'yon."

"Selene," Lutch started by saying my name. "Valan is a human."

Mas lalo lamang kumunot ang aking noo at lumalim ang aking paningin kay Lutch. He is truly sticking to that lie. Subalit, kung isa itong kasinungalingan, bakit nakikita ko sa kanyang mukha ang katotohanan.

"It is best if he will answer your query than me," he continued. "I am just a shapeshifter. When I was captured from the smugglers, and then saved by Valan when he was just starting his quest as the Commander of the Blue Steel, I had sworn I would not spoil any information regarding his identity."

Lutch's gaze bore into mine, his expression mirroring the weight of worry and responsibility that he carried as Valan's loyal servant. His eyes, usually filled with a mischievous glimmer, now held a seriousness that I had rarely seen before. The lines etched on his weathered face spoke of years of loyalty and unwavering dedication to his master.