Leah continued with her usual classes, and everything went smoothly. Leah suddenly noticed during her leisure time that her brother was on campus. "Julien? Big brother, why are you here?" Leah was shocked to see him. Today was the day he was supposed to have an opening ceremony for his new branch of the Arts Organisation. "I was just trying to convince a beautiful lady to accompany me with her piece of art to the ceremony," Julien replied, gesturing with his eyes towards Kiara. "I already told you, Julien, my art will not be in the exhibition. No one would like to see it either way." Kiara replied. "Leah, can you tell him not to ask me about that any more? Pretty please."
"But your art is beyond beautiful. I'd like to agree with my brother on this." Leah said. "See you both around. I've got something to complete today." Leah said and left the two to sort their business out. She headed towards the office to get the addresses of the Xerxes, Darius and Louis families. 'Well, that's sorted out.' She thought to herself. She then hailed a taxi and arrived at her first stop, the Xerxes family mansion. She stood on the foot mat outside and rang the doorbell. A woman who looked like she was in her late 30s opened the door. "Good afternoon. Miss, may I know who you are?" the lady asked. "Leah Serpico. I'm here to talk with you about something important. May I come inside? It's something that has to do with Talia." Leah said. At this moment, she saw the lady tear up. "Please enter. Would you like something to eat or drink?" the lady asked. "No, thank you," Leah said and took a seat. "I'm Talia's mum, Rowana. It's been a long time, and I can't forget her last words written on paper. I still wonder why she chose suicide." She said, holding back the tears that were rolling out profusely.
"Ma'am, I'm so sorry for your loss. But, I have to inform you that Talia did not commit suicide, but rather she was murdered." Talia said. "What do you mean by that, murdered? Who? Why?" "Mrs. Xerxes, please calm down. I know it must be hard for you to accept this, but my words hold truth." Leah helped her calm down and then continued. "There are four large families involved in this mess. Talia, along with her best friends Rosalina and Laura, three of them were not suicidal, but they suddenly committed suicide. Did that not make you feel that something was up?" Leah asked. "Everything felt wrong when they died. However, the court ruled it as suicide since there was no situation for murder to occur. Miss Serpico, please tell me everything you know about the murder." Leah explained the situation and the injustice they suffered at that time.
"They have committed such atrocious deeds. Do they deserve to live in human society?" Rowana was angry about the deaths of her child and her best friends. "Miss, what do you want from me?" Rowana asked. "Justice. I want justice for those three lives lost." Leah said boldly. "I have a favour to ask of you. Please relay all the details to Darius' and Louis' families. If we want this case reopened, we'll need their cooperation." Leah said. "What do you gain from it?" Rowana asked, puzzled. "Me, I gain revenge. And maybe your respect," she answered. "I'll take my leave now. I hope to hear from you soon. I've left my contact details on your table." Leah said and departed. By the time she left, it was evening. She stood out and let the flurry of air blow by.
Leah felt at ease as she hitched a ride to Julien's 'Life and Feelings' new branch, opening today. She noticed that he had prepared quite a lot for this one. Upon her arrival, she was stunned by the marvel and splendour of the opening ceremony. When they met each other, she said, "Oh my God! Brother, this is so grand. How'd you have the time for all this while handling projects abroad?" Leah asked him. "Well, I didn't plan this whole event alone. A couple of my mates lent a helping hand here and there." "You made quite the companions abroad, didn't you." Leah smiled at him. "The best ones I've had so far." Julien returned the smile. "Okay... So, what's the highlight of the ceremony, the main piece?" Leah asked inquisitively.
"Before I say anything, Leah, do you know that Kiara Leandro is the half-sister of Kristine Lamira?" Julien asked. "You're kidding me. If Kiara Leandro is half-sister of Kristine, doesn't that mean that the Kiara who was by your side three years ago was her?" Leah asked. "But then why would she change her family name from Lamira to Leandro? As far as I know, the Lamira family is more powerful than the Leandro family. So what made her do so?" Leah was shocked by this piece of news she heard. "I'll ask her myself. Thinking about it, she looked like she knew me when we met at your campus. There's more to know about her origins, isn't there?" Julien pondered. "Anyways, I convinced Miss Stubborn to lend her painting for tonight. Hopefully, people recognise the beauty from within this piece of work." He let his worrisome thoughts fade into the back of his mind as he decided to enjoy the ceremony.
However, Leah couldn't let this situation slip. She sneaked into a corner of the room and looked around her to ensure no one noticed her presence. She closed her eyes and said, "Snake of darkness, come to light." As soon as she said those words, the bite mark left on the night in the mystic woods began to burn her skin. In front of her appeared a snake with its jaws open. The snake hissed. "Princess, may I know the reason you've called?" "I read your name from the book. Ruth, I need to know the history of Kiara Leandro, or should I say Kiara Lamira." "Cut to the chase. I like that attitude very much. You truly don't disappoint." The snake said, "I'll deliver the history to you in a few days." Then it slithered away. Leah felt bored, so she poured herself a glass of wine and waited for her brother to finish entertaining the guests. There was one last event in the exhibition after the opening ceremony, and that was an auction. Only the wealthiest families would be present, and those who were present took pride in art and considered it a privilege to hold a captivating piece of art.
YOU ARE READING
Obscuratus Anima
FantasyLeah is tired of feeling weak. What can go wrong if she embraces the darkness of her soul? Will she be a slave to it or, will she use its power to bend the wills of thousands in her world?
