Astra || Tale Of The Night ||

Chapter-1

ASTRA'S POV

''And then, the moon goddess left the old man and woman to return back to her home.'' Her smooth voice narrated the story till the end.

But many doubts arised in my five year old mind regarding the story.

''But mommy why did she leave? She was happy with them right?'' I asked.

My mother just smiled back at me and responded as she caressed my hair.

''Yes, but she does not belong here. Besides, she was a princess and she had to sacrifice her happiness to be in her world to serve her people.''

That statement made my eyes to tear up.

''Mommy, you and dadda calls me princess, will I have to go away like she did?'' I cried on the thought of going away from my parents.

My mom giggled and wiped my tears with her soft hands.

''You're our princess, you won't go away from us and we will never let that happen.''

I looked up at her with teary eyes. ''Promise me that we will be together.'' I lifted my pinky finger in front of her face.

She just returned me her warm smile and placed her pinky finger onto mine.

''Promise.''

15 years later....

''A promise.'' I whispered to myself as I stared onto my mother's grave that was built 10 years back, in a graveyard very far away from my hometown.

It was my mother's death anniversary and a gloomy day. Rain pouring out from the dark clouds made me and my clothes drench.

Earthly aroma struck my nostrils, it made me feel that my mommy was was around.

''You promised me that we will be together. But you left me alone.'' I stated.

When she died, not only me but my dad was stuck with his life too. Our both life turned dark like this day.

But my dad, recovered from it soon for the sake of a woman who confessed to have feelings for him.

At first I was furious with my dad when he decided to marry her, thinking that she would turn into a evil step-mother and drift my father away from me.

But then I realised that she was a kind person who wanted a place in my heart as a mother, so that she can take care of me and see me happy.

But I couldn't. My father managed to, but I couldn't. It's not because I didn't like her, it's because no one can take my mother's place. No child could do that. I thought.

Few minutes later, I decided to go back home. Besides, it's raining much more heavily than usual.

I turned towards the graveyard front gate and walked off, wondering about my future plans. I'm about to go to college and I haven't yet found my dream.

My friend, Eliana would blabber about becoming an archaeologist if I asked her. But when she asks me, I just shook my head and remain silent.

''What's your dream Astra? What do you wanna do?'' Eliana questioned. I shrugged my shoulders and stayed silent.

She sighed and stated ''Look, tomorrow is your mother's anniversary. When you meet her, ask her. Since she is your source of happiness, she will lead you to another source. Okay?''

I reached my till car as I thought about the words Eliana said to me yesterday. I wondered if my mom would help me to reach my goal. A goal that I've not set....yet.

As I placed myself on the driver's seat, I looked over the graveyard once more, mentally bidding goodbyes with my mother. Then I slowly drove away through the silent road.

NARRATOR'S POV

Her car drove off from his sight, but he stayed there, staring at the empty road.

When he arrived, he saw her standing there, with her eyes closed for a long time. He didn't mind her first but soon enough observed her features.

When she opened her small eyes, it had a certain glow, a glow that could make him stare into it for all eternity. Her plumpy lips made him curious how it would taste.

'What am I thinking?' He thought.

He tried to shrug these thoughts off but then she observed her walking away from there. Her short drenched hair sticked onto her face, which made her to knot it behind her ears.

After a few minutes she left, he walked towards the grave she was standing in front of and read out the name.

''Laila Rymonds.''