Chapter 43 VOL II: The Trip to Calma (10) The Luminous Festival (4)

Chapter 43 VOL II: The Trip to Calma (10) The Luminous Festival (4)
VOL II: The Trip to Calma (10)

The Luminous Festival (4)

"Met before?"

He smirked and leaned in close to my ear.

"I don't think so, my lady. But with a beauty like you, I wish I did know you before."

I stepped back.

Ugh. Men.

He hadn't even seen my face. How did he know I was beautiful?

"So you're only dancing with me because you think I'm beautiful? Well, I'm sorry, because behind my mask, I'm really just an ugly duckling."

He pulled me back by the waist, his sharp gaze fixed on my face.

"When I talk of beauty, I don't only talk about your facial appearance, my lady. I'm talking about your heart. You're kind, caring, compassionate, and loving. These qualities are what I find beautiful, and you, my dear, have them."

The fireworks burst into the sky, giving the atmosphere a beautiful neon glow. Everyone rushed outside to see them. Only the two of us stayed behind, staring at each other.

"And yes," he said, inching closer to my face as if looking beyond the mask, "you have a beautiful face."

"You don't even know me," I whispered.

His words left me stunned and speechless.

"Maybe I do. Maybe I don't."

Who was this man?

Over his shoulder, I caught sight of Kyla returning to the arena from her changing room.

"I have to go," I said.

"Alright, my lady. I hope we meet again," he replied, kissing the back of my hand.

"Goodnight".

His warm lips left a strange sensation.

I gave a slight bow before making my way toward Kyla, who was waving at me.

"Who was that?" she asked in an amused manner. "I've never seen him before, and I know most of the people who came here."

She was panting. She had run all the way over.

"I don't know him. We just danced briefly."

"Oh, you don't know him? But the way he was looking at you..."

She grinned.

"His gaze was intense. Like the way Papa looks at Mama."

I looked back at the man, and he winked at me.

I quickly turned away, overwhelmed.

"He's just a playboy and a smooth talker. You're overthinking it."

Kyla laughed softly.

"Maybe. Or maybe he likes you."

I laughed.

"That's impossible, darling. Now, enough about me and more about you. You were amazing tonight, Kyla."

I said, gripping both her hands.

She smiled widely.

"Thank you, Lua. I wouldn't be this good if not for Papa. He's my inspiration. You used to watch me practice when we were younger. We had so much fun together."

"About that... when you were performing, a brief memory flashed into my head."

"Oh wow! That's good news! What did you see, Lua?"

"Both of us. Running through the forest, laughing and giggling. Then us jumping off a cliff, and you falling into an eel's mouth. Just like you did on stage."

Kyla covered her nose and mouth with her hands, her red eyes softening.

"Oh, Lua, you're starting to remember. Thank goodness!"

She pulled me into a hug, and I melted into her embrace.

"Now," she said, breaking the hug, "go get your things ready for tomorrow, because I'm going to Calma with you! Ta-da!"

"What?" I asked.

"I'm going to Calma with you. I've already told Mama and Papa."

"No, Kyla. It's too dangerous. I don't want you to get hurt."

She was human. She could be seriously injured. I had the necklace for protection, but she had nothing.

"I'll be fine. Don't worry. I'm good at fighting."

She threw imaginary punches into the air.

I still wasn't convinced.

"I'll be fine, Lua. You have Raga and protection. It's going to be okay."

"You don't know the three towns the way I do. I've been traveling around them my whole life. I know the shortcuts and the safest routes to get to Calma. You need me. And..."

She paused.

"I don't want you to be alone."

Her eyes were filled with worry and concern.

"But..."

"No buts. It's settled. I'm going with you."

There was no use arguing now because it seemed like nothing I said would get through to her.

\---

"Did you pack everything you need, Kyla?"

"Yes, Mama! I'm all set."

"Did you remember the food items I told you to carry?"

"Yes, Papa. They're here in the bag."

Kyla and I were ready to leave for Calma.

Her parents hugged and kissed her before letting her go. I knew they would miss her dearly.

They hugged me too and wished me good luck.

I was really looking forward to seeing them again.

Kyla was right about knowing faster routes to Calma.

We went from Argento to Oro in ten minutes. As we raced on our horses and the forest breeze fanned our faces, a feeling of nostalgia washed over me, filling me with exhilaration.

We continued our journey and reached Diamon, the last city before Calma, in another ten minutes.

Kyla was simply amazing. Even the way she navigated through the forests and towns was impressive.

After a few detour stops at some shops, we finally arrived in Calma.

"Finally," I breathed.

As we strolled into town, I noticed it was oddly quiet.

Too quiet, in fact.

We continued walking until we reached the tower Papa had described as Aurelio's residence.

I got down from my horse and was about to knock when the door opened by itself.

A tall, handsome man stood before us. He had long grey hair, icy blue eyes, and a stern expression.

"To what do I owe this visit, Golden Witch?" he asked, turning to me.

Then his gaze shifted to Kyla, who hadn't yet gotten down from her horse.

"And you..."

His eyes narrowed slightly.

"Vampire Countess of Fieldmoore."