Sanguine Rose

Chapter 10

While Lystrana was still in the hospital room, Dr. Rodriguez stepped out to speak with Damian, Don Frederico, and Doña Isabelle, who were waiting anxiously outside. The doctor's face carried a mix of concern and reassurance as they approached the worried trio.

"Mr. and Mrs. de Aragon, Mr. Guevara, I've just finished examining Ms. Lystrana," Dr. Rodriguez began, his voice calm yet empathetic. "Based on the examination and her medical history, it seems that the dosage of Ms. Lystrana's anxiety medication may have contributed to her fainting episode."

Don Frederico's face filled with worry as he quickly asked, "Dr. Rodriguez, how is my daughter?"

Dr. Rodriguez nodded understandingly and continued, "She's awake and stable at the moment, Mr. de Aragon. However, it's important to note that there might be other factors involved as well, she mentioned about it. The dreams she's been experiencing, which have led to an increased need for medication."

Damian's eyes widened in realization, recalling the distressing dreams that had plagued Lystrana. He felt a mix of concern and relief, grateful to finally have an understanding of the possible causes behind her health scare.

The doctor offered reassurance, saying, "Rest assured, we will take a comprehensive approach to Ms. Lystrana's treatment. Along with adjusting her medication, we will explore therapeutic options to address the emotional impact of the dreams she has been experiencing."

Don Frederico and Doña Isabelle exchanged glances, their worry tempered by gratitude for the doctor's thoroughness and understanding. They knew that supporting Lystrana's recovery would require both medical intervention and emotional support.

Dr. Rodriguez concluded, "We will closely monitor Ms. Lystrana's progress and schedule regular check-ups to ensure she is responding well to the adjusted medication. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to me or the medical team."

With a renewed sense of hope, Damian, Don Frederico, and Doña Isabelle expressed their gratitude to Dr. Rodriguez for their expertise and care. They found solace in knowing that Lystrana was in capable hands.

☬۝☬

In the dimly lit hospital room, Damian stood vigilantly by Lystrana's side. He had taken on the responsibility of watching over her, allowing Don Frederico and Doña Isabelle to find respite from their exhausting flight from Spain back to the Philippines. The weariness etched on their faces was evident, and Damian understood the weight they carried.

"Thank you, Damian. Please inform us immediately if anything arises," said Don Frederico.

"Please take good care of our unica hija while we're not around, Damian," added Doña Isabelle.

"I will. Don't worry," Damian assured them.

The late evening arrived. Damian gazed intently at Lystrana as she peacefully slept, holding her hand. He felt guilty for the turmoil that Lystrana was experiencing. He had no idea that her dreams and past memories could have such a profound effect on her. But in the other corner of his mind, he was happy that Catarina was reborn as Lystrana, with such amazing parents. She would never have to experience the life that Don Santiago had imposed on her before.

"You look exactly like him..." Lystrana whispered softly.

Damian was slightly taken aback. Lost in his thoughts, he hadn't noticed that Lystrana had woken up.

"You look exactly like him, Damian," Lystrana repeated.

"W-Who?" Damian stuttered.

"The man in my dreams. Catarina's lover. Sebastian, Sebastian Guevara," Lystrana revealed, surprising Damian.

"It's as if your memories entered my mind while I was gazing into your eyes. He is you. You are Sebastian Guevara."

Speechless, Damian found himself suspended in time, his mind grappling with the profound implications of Lystrana's revelation. The realization struck him with a force that shook the foundations of his soul.

"Lystrana..." Damian's voice quivered, his emotions swirling like a tempest within him.

"Don't deny it, Damian. I saw it, and I am certain. You were... cursed... with eternal life. You've been waiting for her to return to the realm of the living. Damian, I want you to answer me honestly... A-Am I... A-Am I the vessel for Catarina's soul?" Lystrana spoke with a mixture of awe and trepidation, her eyes searching his for truth.

"I guess the right time has really come," Damian said.

"Lystrana, I don't know how to begin," Damian expressed, feeling the comforting touch of Lystrana's hand on his arm.

"Just yes or no, Damian. Just yes or no. I just want to be sure if my dreams are telling the truth," Lystrana softly spoke, sensing Damian's struggle to find the right words.

"Lystrana, you are not merely a vessel for Catarina's soul. You are the embodiment of her essence, her spirit reborn in this realm. Yes, Lystrana. You are Catarina," Damian declared, his voice resonating with a profound sense of reverence.

"I have lived for centuries, cursed with eternal life," Damian continued, his voice carrying the weight of sorrow and acceptance. "But when I saw you, when our paths intertwined once again, everything changed. My heart stirred from its slumber, and I found solace in your presence."

"When I saw you, I longed to hold you tightly, to express how much I have yearned for the years for your return, I wanted to tell you how I waited and endured for a long time because I love you, I wanted to kiss you... But I didn't want to startle you with the truth. I am also afraid that revealing my vampire nature would only push you further away from me."

As Damian poured out his emotions, Lystrana listened intently, her eyes filled with understanding and compassion. In that moment, their connection transcended the boundaries of time and reality. Their souls danced in the delicate balance between ancient memories and the present, entwined in a love that defied the constraints of mortality.

"I now understand the meaning behind my dreams... They were my heart's way of urging my mind to remember you. My heart remembers you, Damian. My heart remembers you," Lystrana uttered, her voice filled with tears.

Without a word, Damian embraced Lystrana, and she reciprocated the embrace. In that moment, it felt as if their hearts were engaged in a silent conversation, understanding each other without the need for words.

Their souls intertwined, their hearts beating in unison, as they found solace and understanding in each other's arms. The depth of their connection transcended the boundaries of time and existence, a testament to the enduring power of love.

In that embrace, Damian and Lystrana discovered a sanctuary, a place where their souls could find solace and belonging. Each heartbeat echoed with the resonance of their shared memories, a symphony that spoke of a love that had spanned lifetimes.

Tears mingled, cascading down their cheeks, as their embrace became a sanctuary of raw emotion. In the depths of their union, they found solace and strength, knowing that their hearts had recognized each other across the vast expanse of time.

And as they stood there, locked in an embrace that defied the limitations of the mortal realm, Damian and Lystrana understood that their love was not bound by the constraints of mortality. It was a love that had endured the test of time, a love that would continue to burn brightly, illuminating their path as they embarked on their extraordinary journey together.

In the gentle rhythm of their intertwined hearts, they discovered a language that surpassed words, a language that spoke of a love that was eternal and unbreakable. And as they embraced, they knew that they were no longer alone, for their souls had found their eternal home in each other.