The world is divided into two categories of individuals: those who believe that destiny is preordained and those who believe they can shape their own path. Lianne identifies with the latter group. However, growing up in the dazzling light of Lys, sh...
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The next day, I woke up exactly where I had fallen asleep, in his arms on the chair. I heard the cheerful chirping of birds outside the window and thought that I was right where I had always wanted to be, by his side. The last thing I remembered was him whispering sweet words to me with a warm and loving tone. He probably decided not to wake me once I had fallen asleep. He was still sleeping peacefully; his fair complexion was radiant, illuminated by the morning sun. His jawline was well-defined, and his thin lips were slightly curved in a crooked smile. I wondered what he was dreaming about. I didn't remember his eyelashes being so long; I was tempted to touch him, but in the end, I decided to gently run a hand through his thick black hair. I regretted it immediately when he suddenly opened his eyes, looking at me while still half asleep and confused.
"Sorry," I said mortified. He smiled and held me tightly.
"The chair is more comfortable than I could ever have imagined," he said. We shared a knowing chuckle. Reluctantly, I got off his legs, imagining they must have gone numb after bearing my weight all night. It took him a while to get up; he stretched and opened the window, looking outside.
"There's such a beautiful sun outside today," he said with genuine warmth.
"It couldn't be any other way," I remarked.
"You're right," he smiled. "But when you spend five days in a place with so little light, so little warmth, under a gray sky and tons of snow, you realize how much you've missed the sun you've always lived with."This reminded me of the discussion from the previous evening; I had to give it another shot! I was curious about why he had left secretly, without telling me anything, and especially without reaching out. What did he have to do in Siyah? Why couldn't he tell me? While lost in my thoughts, he was already heading towards the door.
"I'll see you in a little while for breakfast," he cheerfully sang out as he bid farewell from the doorway.
"Wait!" I involuntarily exclaimed, my tone coming out louder than I intended, almost sounding like a shout. I hurried to catch up with him. He furrowed his brow, curious about what I had to say.
"Promise me you'll tell me why you left without saying anything and explain what you had to do in Siyah!"
His expression turned dark and apprehensive."In due time, I will, Lianne," he replied, gave me a hasty kiss on the forehead, and left the room. I felt like all the bliss and tranquility from a few moments ago had vanished into thin air. The feeling of being kept in the dark about everything wouldn't leave me; I didn't understand whether he and Lucifer didn't trust me or something else entirely. I picked up the bag I had placed on the small table the previous evening, carefully placing it in the drawer where it had always been.
But I noticed something different. I rubbed my eyes to make sure of what I was seeing: a brown letter envelope that seemed familiar. There it was, I wasn't sure whether to open it or not. I examined it closely and wondered how it ended up in my drawer; it was impossible that I hadn't noticed it until now – it was in plain sight, and it was clear it didn't belong to our time. Hardly anyone wrote letters anymore, let alone sent them. Devertech managed a dense communication network as fast as it was useful. The envelope bore a seal with the emblem of our family, a small sun with eight rays, representing the eight most important generals who had served the governor before me, my ancestors. I decided to tear open the envelope to discover its contents. When I read the signature, I was taken aback: "To my sunshine Lianne, with love from your dad." My father? What on earth! I began reading the letter:
