My Precious Flower

Chapter 13: The Denbrough Family

Lily's heart raced as she and Sergio closed the distance between them and Tobias. The memories of Lord Raiden, the feared master vampire, were still vivid in her mind. She remembered the fierce battles and the terror he had once instilled in the hearts of those who crossed his path. Yet, as she looked at Tobias now, he seemed different. The man before her was a far cry from the menacing figure she had known. The magic that Caleb had used to turn him human again was powerful, but the thought of what might linger beneath the surface made her nervous. As they drew nearer, Tobias looked up, sensing their approach. His expression was calm, his eyes reflecting only mild curiosity. There was no trace of the dark, commanding presence that had once defined Lord Raiden.

"Hello there," Tobias greeted them with a gentle smile. "Do you need help with something?"

Lily took a deep breath and nervously said, "Hi, Tobias...I don't know if you remember us, but...we met before in the forest."

She gestured to Sergio, who stood beside her. "I'm Lily, and this is my big bro, Sergio."

Tobias's eyes brightened with recognition. "I think I recall your names. They do sound familiar. But how did I end up in that forest?"

"Well, that was months ago, man," Sergio replied. "You woke up after almost getting mauled to death by a giant grizzly bear who ripped up some parts of your sleeves."

He continued, a grin tugging at his lips. "Our family came to the rescue while we were out hunting. We fired our gun to scare the bear away." 

Lily added, "And my boyfriend and his family showed up soon after to tend to your wounds and give you water."

Tobias sighed. "What a wild situation I was in. Still can't fathom why I was in the forest in the first place."

He looked at them with gratitude. "But give your family my thanks. They must be really kind and compassionate people."

He glanced at Lily and Sergio with a warm smile. "Just like their daughter and son."

"Do you truly not remember anything from before?" Lily asked one more time. 

Tobias shook his head. "No, I'm afraid I don't. However, I kept having flashbacks and dreams of one special person who remained in my absent mind."

He looked off into the distance, a wistful expression on his face. "It's like I've known her for a century."

Sergio made a terrible joke. "Really? Is she the loud, always on the go, daredevil type like my sis here?"

Lily shot him a disapproving look. "Sergio!"

"Not particularly," Tobias responded candidly. "She's innocent as a rose, dreamy like the moonlight shadow, and elegant like a hidden gem."

He paused, his gaze turning introspective. "Her hair being golden like the sunshine and eyes watery like the seven seas."

Sergio grinned. "Oooh, she indeed does sound like a mystery worth the chase. Anyhow, we better get going 'cause our parents are waiting for us. Have a good day, Tobias."

Tobias nodded, his smile warm and genuine. "Same to you both, Lily and Sergio. It was nice meeting you both...again, I guess."

He looked up at the sky, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I'm just trying to figure things out and pray I'll remember everything."

Lily smiled reassuringly. "Maybe it's for the best. Sometimes it's good to have a new fresh start."

Sergio gave a friendly wave. "If you ever need anything, we're around. Take care okay, man?"