Chapter 90: Forget-Me-Not

Chapter 90: Forget-Me-Not

The train rumbled on through the night, its rhythmic motion failing to lull me into slumber.

Despite the late hour, sleep eluded me, and my mind became a battleground for intrusive thoughts I desperately wished to avoid. They came unbidden, like unwelcome guests crashing a quiet gathering, refusing to be turned away.

Amidst this internal chaos, a flicker of solace appeared in the form of a delicate fragrance that permeated my compartment—an enchanting aroma that transported me to a realm of tranquillity.

It was the scent of Agarbati, a fragrance that held a special place in my heart.

Previously, I made the request to train stewardess to burn one in my room.

Soon the midnight hour faded to greet the arrival of dawn, but Sleep Goddess refused to grant me her embrace.

Peering out of the window, I observed a gentle transformation unfolding before me.

The darkness of the night gradually surrendered to the soft embrace of delicate rays of light that pierced through the horizon, a symbolic reminder that even the darkest of nights eventually succumb to the promise of a new day.

As per the daily weather report, the temperature outside the train had significantly dropped , even though it's currently summer. This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Well,.. there was hardly any issue inside the train, since it was a luxury express ,but the scenery did change as I started seeing snowy mountains through the window.

Apparently, Noah's home is located in hilly areas.

Naturally the temperature near the hills remains chilly, doesn't matter summer or winter.

Frostfall Province. Noah's home.

It was where he was born and grew up, and the very soil that witnessed his growth and development. However, his life's journey took him thousands of kilometers away to the bustling city of Krenada.

After the death of Noah's parents, he spent his childhood under the care of his aunt and uncle, Ethan Moonshade and Ava Moonshade.

Although Ethan and Ava were not Noah's biological relatives, they stepped up in taking care of him after the loss of his parents.

Ethan Moonshade—the guy was actually a close friend of Noah's father.

Soon the train stopped and an announcement was made through the speakers: "Attention, passengers. We are pleased to inform you that we have reached Frostfall Province, our final destination. We hope you had a delightful journey..."

Along with the announcement, a train stewardess entered my luxurious compartment to assist me with the necessary formalities.

When I stepped off the train, I was greeted by the cold air and a subtle shift in the scent surrounding me. The lighting had changed, and I could sense a gentle chill that sent a shiver down my spine.

Taking a deep breath, I hurriedly made my way towards the outskirts of the station where a line of taxis awaited.

Promptly paying for a taxi, I informed the driver of my destination, saying, "To Tranquil Meadows please. "

***

Through the car window, my gaze fell upon rows of picturesque half-timber houses, their charming facades aligned with precision. The sight was reminiscent of a delightful painting brought to life.

"So, where are Seraphina and Sabrina?" I inquired, curious about the whereabouts of the twin sisters.

Uncle Ethan's smile wavered slightly, revealing a flicker of nervousness in his eyes, as he responded, "I believe they will be back tomorrow." The subtle tension in his voice hinted at the strained relationship that existed between Noah and the twin sisters.

Living in a conservative society like Frossfall Province, the notoriety associated with being the sisters of someone with Noah's tainted reputation added further obstacles to fostering a healthy bond between siblings. The ripple effects, similar to a cascade of falling dominos, created a challenging dynamic within the family.

As time passed I found myself at my room.

I changed my previous attire to long, black shrugs, resembling a coat, while a crisp white inner shirt and fitted black painted jeans completed the look.

After refreshing myself and changing my cloths I spent myself in the warm embrace of Noah's family, their presence almost tricking me into believing they were my own.

Noah's parents exuded a genuine warmth, their kindness permeating the air as we spent the afternoon savoring the delectable pie lovingly baked by Aunt Ava.

The hands of time slipped away unnoticed, swept up in the joyful company of this family—a precious experience I had yearned for during the long months I spent in the academy.

...

It was afternoon and I observed Ethan Moonshade donning an attire which more suited for outdoors.

"Are you going somewhere?" I asked.

"I am visiting their grave," Ethan replied, his voice carrying a tinge of melancholy. Pausing momentarily, he added, "Would you like to come?"

At those words, my heart quickened its rhythm, and my eyes dilated in response.

In an instant, it became abundantly clear whose grave he was referring to.

Without uttering a single word, I simply nodded.

***

After some time, I found myself strolling into the hallowed grounds of Sacred Sleep – the cemetery, which happened to be just a few blocks away from my home.

In my hands were cemetery flowers of Forget-me-nots.

The grass which should have been vibrant green, appeared yellow, almost lifeless, and the land seemed barren.

As if joining forces with the grey clouds blanketing the once bright sun, the wind howled in a mournful symphony, as if beckoning me towards death's embrace.

Death had long been my constant companion, a somber thread woven throughout my existence.

Surprisingly, my mind remained blissfully empty, shielded from the usual unsettling thoughts that haunted my consciousness—a strange respite in the face of these solemn surroundings.

Before I had a chance to fully grasp the weight of my surroundings, I found myself standing before two tombstones.

The marble, slate grey granite of the gravesites refused to reflect any semblance of light.

Grey... a color that not only marked their final resting place but also happened to be my last name. It seemed as though some twisted strings of fate interconnected us all, binding us in a silent dance.

The names engraved on the tombstones read: Aurelius Grey and Aradhya Grey.