Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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​​

~ Genoa ~

Maria was styling my hair as I was thinking about the upcoming event organized by the Council.

Aldus said that it's on the property in the Alps, within the Austrian border, and that we will be there in about half an hour with the helicopter.

The good news is that after the event we can go home. The bad news is that we will all go and return together, so I will need to wait for Aldus and Calista to finish their official mingling with the members of the Council and their guests before we can head home.

I wished that we are staying there overnight. It's not that I wanted to linger more than necessary, but an overnight accommodation would give me an opportunity to grab a few snacks, exchange a few smiles, and then go to my room.

Aldus told me that there will be a variety of creatures present and that I should not assume that anyone is friendly. I wonder if that's his paranoia talking.

Why are we going to spend the evening with a bunch of hostile creatures? OK. Maybe not hostile, but I can already imagine a tense atmosphere if people are not friendly.

It's a party for crying at loud! Parties are meant to be enjoyed, and how can I enjoy if I'm always watching my back?

Ugh! We are leaving in one hour and my stomach is already tied into knots.

To make things worse, Aldus emphasized that I'm not allowed to use my abilities.

It's not that I was planning to, but the restriction put me in a state of suspense.

"You said they are not friendly, and now you tell me that I can't defend myself. What if they attack me?", I asked while wondering if something is wrong with his head. I'm staying home and that's it.

"It is imperative that those people don't find out how special you are, Serina. No matter what their intentions are, it's a high-profile event and they will not attack you. They will not risk offending me, my family, or the organizers. For your peace of mind, I will be there with Cali and Killian."

I exhaled dejectedly.

"What about Fynn?" I assumed that someone of a high profile like Fynn would be there.

Aldus shook his head. "Fynn avoids such events. He is a warrior who likes his life without complications."

A quick knock on my door got my attention and pulled me out of my thoughts into the present.

"Why are you not dressed?", Calista asked while making her way into my room.

Her hair was slightly curled at the edges, and the dark red lipsticks drew a stark contrast to her fair features while not taking away anything from her enchanting red eyes. The silky black gown was simple, yet it hugged her curves and oozed elegance and sophistication. A true royalty.

My eyes darted at the clock. "We still have more than half an hour before we leave. My hair is nearly done and I only need to put the dress on. What's the rush?"

"I want you to get ready so that we take some photos.", Calista said while bobbing her head excitedly. "I need proof for my parents that I'm spending time with my niece."

I couldn't stop my eyes from rolling dramatically.

For more than two years Calista is traveling through Europe and having fun while stopping by here occasionally to take photos or make a call as proof that she is under Aldus's care.

Aldus is watching Calista no matter where she goes, and so far he sent men to clean up after his mischievous sister many times.

Aldus said that once Calista returns to Lemuria, he will take a vacation (which probably means that he will lock himself inside his lab).

I enjoy watching them bicker. It's amusing how Aldus is always stiff and firm, yet Calista gets her way in the end.

It tells me that Aldus really loves his sister and he is a softy, even though he will never admit to such a thing.

On the surface, Aldus and Calista don't get along, but they have each other's back. Their sibling bond is strong.

I noticed Calista tapping a tan envelope against her thigh.

"What is that?"

She followed my gaze. "Oh, I nearly forgot. It arrived for you."

She handed me the envelope.

I saw 'Seraphina Mezzanotte' written in neat handwriting with sharp edges and flipped it on the other side. There was nothing else to indicate the origins of this envelope.

This is not Aldus's handwriting. Who could send me something like this? All my business correspondence doesn't come here, and this one doesn't even have an address.

'Oh, maybe it's an official invitation for the event tonight', I thought.

I opened it and took the paper that was folded in half, closing my eyes for a second when a faint scent of pine trees mixed with the ocean hit my senses.

I froze while looking at the name written. 'Sanya Bogdan'.

"How did this reach here?", I asked when I found my voice.

"Our courier brought it this morning and it was on the table in the hallway, so I thought of bringing it inside. What's the matter?", Calista eyed me suspiciously and then looked at the still unfolded paper in my hands. "Who is Sanya Bogdan?"

I glanced back. "Maria, can you leave us for a moment?"

Maria nodded before exiting the room soundlessly.

I wanted for Calista to leave also and to call Aldus, but I knew that Calista will not just leave. She is nosy and protective, and she already noticed that my mood is off.

Aldus on the other hand, is busy with preparations for this event. For me, it's dinner with some socializing, but I know that for him is much more. I will talk to him about this later.

I looked at the paper in my hands apprehensively.

Whoever sent this, knows who I am and who I was.

I was not sure how to answer Calista's question but then I remembered that she is family and that Aldus said how it's fine if people know about my past as long as I don't mention my strange circumstances.

"That's my old name…", I responded while opening the paper with shaky fingers.

My mind was racing. Is this some blackmail? Did my parents found me and now want money? Or is this from the person who kidnapped me?

The inside of the paper had golden decorations on the corners and neatly printed cursive…

[ You are invited to attend a high school reunion… ]

I recognized the address of the building where I spent four years of my education, and I saw that the date is ten days from now. The schedule included a meeting in the classroom, lunch in a restaurant I didn't recognize, and socializing in the afternoon.

How did this reach here?

Last night, Mona called and informed me that a letter is coming my way, but I was distracted because the tailor was here for my final fitting, and I told Mona that we will talk later. Is this it?

"High school reunion?", Calista asked. "That would be fun."

I cringed. Imagining those faces brought up many feelings, and fun was not one of them.

I glanced up at Calista. "What makes you think so?"

Calista smiled slyly. "You told me that they looked down on you. Doll up, dear, and strut into that reunion. Show them that you are above them and if they don't recognize your superiority, crush them."

I shook my head in disapproval. "I don't want to have anything with those people. They are toxic. If I go there, some of their filth might rub on me."

I threw the invitation on the desk in front of me and a smaller piece of paper separated from the main one and landed on the side.

Calista was faster to get it. "Who is Duke?"

My heart stopped. "What? Give me that!"

I snatched the paper from her hand and my eyes took in hungrily the words...

[ We need to talk, Serina.

Duke ]

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