Claimed By Zodiacs

Chapter 29

# Aria Fireheart

I dared not breath, unless the brunet hear me again. Only when he was out of earshot that I dared breath again.

"They're gone," the priest told me once they're gone, urging me to come out of hiding.

To which I did. "Thank you Brother."

He shivered at the remark.
"Oh please. You never voice out gratitude. Where is the brat I've always known?"

I blinked, quite surprised by his distaste. *Am I really that bad?* My thoughts slipped out of my mouth.

He laughed. "You're acting funny," he replied, ignoring my question. "Come,  His Holiness is waiting for you and here-" He flung his coat towards me. I caught it in one hand. "Wear that. I can't have you loitering the temple naked."

I could feel my face turn hot at the remark. I'm wearing nothing but this thin, flimsy, hospital robe. There's nothing to be ashamed with my body, but now that he mentioned it...

I wore the coat nonchalantly and followed him. I can't have him thinking I'm embarrassed or anything.

"Do you know me?" I asked, not having a clue on who he was. The memories ceased to come. I was back to my hollow self.

He gave me a stern look but that wasn't enough to faze me.

"Do not give me that innocent look brat. That doesn't work on me."

"Thank you for the compliment. I believe I'm pretty innocent looking myself."

He snorted at that, was about to laugh but caught himself. He cleared his throat.
"Tooot, tooot! You're blowing your own horn again."

I chuckled. "I'm not!" I sobered when he didn't join in the laughter. "Seriously though, I don't remember a thing."

He gave me a curious glance, eyes traveling head to foot.
"You don't remember me? I was once your brother's guardian."

"I have a brother?"

"You're kidding."

"No, seriously. Where is he?"

He froze, body once ramrod straight now turned to stone. It took him half a minute to reply, I almost thought  he was turned to a statue.

"He is dead."

A flash of memory came. Of a prince in his prime. Burgundy hair burning wine red under the sun. A dashing figure. A pretty smile. Honey-colored eyes crinkled in eternal amusement as he laughed. Eyes wide with horror as he met my gaze for the last time, knowing death is to come. Lips  kissing my forehead, whispering the words 'Be safe.' The same lips set in determination as he pushed me to Michael's arms, intending to stay behind.

* Be safe. * The words echoed in my head over and over again. As if by magic, his name fell from my lips, as it should always be.

"Ambrose."

My vision blurred, my feet glued to the pavement. Calloused fingers reached out to wipe my tears. His expression changed from incredulous  to panic in the span of seconds.

"I'm sorry," I apologized with a chuckle, furiously wiping the tears from my eyes. "There's something in my eyes."

He dropped his hand, deciding not to push further. "Gilbert."

"What?"

He faced me fully then, looking down on me with those penetrating blue eyes. "The name's Gilbert. Gilbert Rho."

* Gilbert Rho. * I turned the name in my head. Nothing.

"I can't remember."

"Well I'll be damned," he cursed under his breath, sensing I was telling the truth. "I can't show you to his Holiness like this."