Blooming from the Ashes

Ch 11: Dreams and Deliberations

♫♩♯ ♪ ♬ ♪ ♫♩♯ ♪ ♬ ♪ ♫♩♯ ♪ ♬ ♪ ♫

"In the empire of Emberland, where flames inspire,

The Saintess soars on wings of fire.

Through the night's embrace, her light does gleam,

Guiding us gently, in a radiant stream.

Beneath the canopy of stars aglow,

She sings her lullaby, a soft, warm glow.

Emberland's children, in her care we rest,

In the Saintess's embrace, we feel truly blessed."

♫♩♯ ♪ ♬ ♪ ♫♩♯ ♪ ♬ ♪ ♫♩♯ ♪ ♬ ♪ ♫

"Sleep well, my darling. May the stars above watch over you as you dream of the wonders that await. And remember, no matter where life may take you, you will always carry the flame of the Saintess and the bloom of the blossoms within your heart."

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I opened my eyes to find myself in a room full of darkness. What was that sweet dream? Who was that lady? Was she someone from my family?

Suddenly I remembered the past events and reached out to find my pouch placed next to me. Relief washed over me as I realized that the seeds and petals were still there and I was in the safety of the orphanage. But how did Father find me?

My thoughts were interrupted by his voice

"You're awake, Liliana," Father's voice cut through the darkness, warm and familiar. "I've been waiting for you to wake up. You had quite the adventure last night."

I sat up slowly, my eyes adjusting to the dim light filtering in through the small window. "Father, how did you find me?"

Father smiled gently, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I found you sneaking out and followed you," he said "But it seems you had quite the dream."

"Yes, I did," I replied, recalling the vivid images that had filled my slumber. "It felt so real, like I was somewhere else entirely."

Father nodded understandingly. "Dreams have a way of doing that, my dear. They can take us to places we've never been and show us things we've never seen."

"But, how did you find the Tangerine Twilight?" he asked full of curiosity

"Father, you know about my Floral Mastery right? It gives me the power to communicate with flowers too. I helped a patch of lavender flowers yesterday and they guided me on the way to the tangerine flowers."

"But not everyone can touch those flowers, Liana."

"I had to pass some kind of test, though I myself have no idea how I was able to do so."

"Nevertheless, you mustn't put yourself in danger again."

"I am truly sorry for worrying you Father." I apologized as he nodded

"What do you plan to do with those?" he asked indicating at the pouch

"I plan to brew Twilight Tranquility Tonic, and sell it in the Alchemy Emporium. It will earn me good fortune, and even if the Marquess doesn't sponsor any three of us, we all will still be able to attend the Phoenix Academy of Enchantment." I replied looking away

"You truly do care for them." he says smiling softly, "But I still do not understand how you know how to brew a Tonic."

My eyes widened at his reply. I had only learnt how to brew potions after going to the academy. How am I supposed to explain this? I can't just say I learnt it in the library without practical knowledge.

"Something inside you has changed Liliana. I will not question it, but I do hope that it leads you to a good life. As for the tonic, you will make it under my observation and I will take you to the Academy Emporium as it is not safe to go alone. And I do not wish to see you doing anything dangerous again." he says as I nod approvingly.

Father bid me goodnight and left the room, and a sense of solitude settled over me, allowing my thoughts to drift back to the words of the mysterious fairy.

"It is because of your powers, you have reached level fifteen."

In my past life, I only reached till level 10 before I was executed. The number of levels a person can achieve in their magic is unknown, but the person having the highest level is said to be Commander Hillard, which is 45. No one has ever reached the limit, and the Saintess's level has always been kept a secret.

A moonlight stone is usually used to measure the level, and it is mostly done at the academy.

Maybe if I had discovered more of my powers last time, then I could have achieved more levels and maybe I would have been able to save myself from the execution.

I lay back down as I think.

In this life, will I again be framed for poisoning Terra? But if I stay out of their love story, will I not be able to avoid the misery?

The reasoning for me poisoning Terra was given as being driven out by jealousy, but this time I won't ever fall in love with Vincent. So there will be no valid reason for which they could accuse me of something I never did.

As I drifted back into a restless slumber, one thought lingered in my mind: I don't need Vincent. I am happy with what I have.