Kinlanture Vol I: The Kingdom of Forgotten Misfits (Completed)

Chapter 11

Selina and Adara came into the room, hearing the small bang. Selina looked at the man confused. It looked like a much more proper, more poise version of Aden.

Adara kept blinking her eyes, having trouble believing what she was seeing. It was Vartan, no question about it. She remembered him well. He was a very respectful, very proper man. He was the prince all the princess' wished they had. Most girls were drawn to him, but he only had eyes for one. Claire.

"I don't understand... you have been missing for years..."

Vartan slowly made his way into the room and carefully sat down on a couch. He felt a bit painful and weak, but Aden did fight quite hard to contain him, so it wasn't unusual.

"Surely you understand the capabilities of magic. I was sealed away in my own body, replaced by the man Aden."

Claire stood in the doorway. She was so silent no one had noticed she had been there, except for Vartan. His eyes lit up when he saw her. He felt his heart race. She was just as he remembered, maybe even more beautiful, if that were even possible.

Vartan stood up, forcing himself to walk to meet Claire. He stood in front of her with a smile on his face. Gently, he lifted her hand in his and softly kissed her hand.

Claire's face went red. She knew this man from her dreams. Here he was standing in front of her. He was a reality now.

"But why? Why would they seal you away to begin with?" Valen asked.

"I'm not sure why. I just know that I was sealed away..."

Vartan looked into Claire's eyes. "Surely you understand. I know they sealed you too, just in a different way."

Claire shook her head. "I don't know what you're talking about" she said, really confused.

"You and Selina both were sealed. The other world you knew. The world where you were just normal girls? The family and friends you grew up with and grew to love?"

Selina looked at Claire. Vartan seemed to be the only person who knew this. Everyone else had acted like Selina and Claire were always in this universe. No one ever had mentioned the life they lived before coming to this magical universe.

"Don't you find it strange that after being here only a short time you already forgot about the people you loved? I'm sure you barely ever have that world cross your mind anymore."

It was true. Both Claire and Selina seemed to forget everything. Sure, when they first came to this place, they did think of them but now it was like none of their past lives had ever happened.

"It wasn't real. It was all a way of concealing your real lives, just as they did to me. You accepted this world so easily because the world you knew was all fake."

It was weird, but what he said was making sense. This world felt more real. The emotions here felt more real. Still, Claire felt overwhelmed. She was still learning of this universe and so many things were so complicated. Even if the other world they lived in was all a lie, right now she wished she was there. Things were way easier there.

"It's all okay now. We found each other" Vartan said, wrapping his arms around Claire's waist.

Claire felt her heart race. His hands felt so warm. She starred up at him, into those icy blue eyes. She could feel that he loved her. It was easy to see in his eyes, but she did not know him. They man she knew was Aden. This man was a stranger.

She backed away from him, forcing his hands off of her waist. He was hurt but he understood. Her memory was a bit off after everything. She would need time to remember and need time to love him again.