Gift of a Miracle

Chapter 3

Present Day;

Tenebrous clouds shrouded Iliana. Murmurs rippled through the crisp air. Her eyes lowered to her bare feet where dark waters gently undulated around her ankles. The longer she stared at the depths of the water, the stronger she sensed some kind of presence below her. The thick clouds began to stir in a circular motion. At the corner of her eye, she noticed a tall figure farther ahead and simultaneously the murmurs grew louder, and the water strengthened in movement. A flash of blazing fire caught her attention opposite the figure. Suddenly, the loud whispers changed its tune... shrill screams erupted from the waters below. Iliana instantly covered her ears with her hands and shut her eyes tightly.

She felt her head smack against something hard. She reopened her eyes and found herself sitting awkwardly inside a car with cream leather seats. She readjusted the seatbelt then sat up straight, wiping the beads of sweat from her forehead with her other hand. Father turned around from the front passenger seat, his pale blue eyes met her ice blue.

"Are you alright Blossom?"

She forced a smile and she nodded in response.

"Seemed like you had a bad dream... you were moaning quite loudly." Father continued.

"Yeah... it was rather strange... but it was just a dream."

She hoped. It was the same dream she'd had since a strange stabbing sensation sent a shockwave through her heart and soul weeks after she'd ignored the Unknown World, and began a normal life... well, as normal as she could've lived. She gazed at Father who carried on his conversation with the driver. He swiped a hand over his mass of dark brown hair as he chuckled at the driver's response. She was glad to finally live back with him and Mother... a united family was all she wished for, they'd been apart for far too long.

The last year and a half hadn't been how Iliana expected it to unfold. Mother had been unsuccessful in finding a placement at the prestigious school she was adamant to send her into. Her refusal to have her attend a community school outside Bayle City was unshakable, and resulted Iliana to stay with Aunt Jenny and Uncle Dale in central London and schooled privately until a placement was made available. She'd seen Mother no more than thrice within the time apart. Father had visited her as much as he was able, bringing expensive presents (requested by Mother) and reassurance of the family reuniting once again. There were many times when she wanted to throw a tantrum like two-year-old... or cry until her eyes would bleed... or have an onslaught of thoughts about being forgotten and unloved... but she somehow remained hopeful.

She turned her attention to Yuki. The dog's dark eyes looked up at her as she rested her head on Iliana's knees. Loneliness had been one of the biggest battles she faced during her time in London. Her aunt and uncle led their own lives, leaving her alone most days. Insanity had been another battle she struggled to conquer... maintaining her disregard of the Unknown World was exceedingly harder than she realised, almost to the point of losing control of her mind... but Yuki was always by her side. A company and a loyal friend she needed at the darkest of times.

The driver turned into another road, where beautiful houses rivalled its neighbours in grandeur and size. He slowed as he drove through an open wrought, iron gate. Iliana gasped when her eyes settled on the huge classic Georgian style house at the end of the paved driveway. The driver parked in front of a black Jaguar car left near the steps of the house. Simultaneously, the front door opened and Mother hurried out with her mobile pressed against her ear and in mid conversation.

She looked stunning in her slim fit navy dress with her raven black hair tied back in a high bun. A smile stretched across Iliana's face at the sight of her. She immediately swung the car door open and ran to her like an excited young child.