Amara – Reunion

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

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I thought that being seen crying by Lazarus was bad, but then I realized that there are other people present in the room also!

Other than Maria, there was another man next to Lazarus, and Vesper was still on my left. They all watched me sob in Aldus's embrace and I was not sure if their conflicting expressions were because of my sorry state, or because Aldus held me and allowed me to ruin his shirt. Probably both.

This must be the perfect example of showing my ugly side to others.

It would be a miracle if after this Lazarus still wants to take me on a date. I was not craving for that date, but I wanted to preserve the little dignity I had.

The only thing that made it bearable was that my face was hidden in Aldus's chest and they couldn't see me. But they definitely heard my sobs.

The unknown man wore a black shirt and pants that didn't hide his toned physique. He was handsome with a head full of raven black hair that was short on the sides and longer on the top, disheveled slightly, increasing his level of attractiveness by several notches. 

"Who is that man?", I asked Aldus in a low voice, only for him to hear.

To my surprise, the man stepped forward and gave me a devilish half-smile. "I am Graike, the Lord of Lightning, at your service, Miss Seraphina. I dispelled the electricity from your body."

I nodded to acknowledge his greeting and then I shrunk in embarrassment. I whispered my question, forgetting the possibility of how that man could be non-human and he probably has enhanced senses. Of course, a man that handsome can't be human.

There was another thing that caught my attention. It was what Graike said. I looked at Aldus questionably. "Electricity?"

Aldus glanced at other people in the room without trying to hide his irritation. "Can you give us some privacy? Maria, instruct the staff to prepare a meal. I'm sure that Serina is hungry."

"I will join also.", Lazarus said immediately.

"Me too!", Graike said to what Lazarus frowned.

"Of course, you will…", Lazarus grumbled, and I understood that there is some friction between Lazarus and Graike.

When the door closed behind Maria, Vesper, Graike, and Lazarus, Aldus and I were left alone in my room.

"What's the last thing you remember?", Aldus asked.

"I remember being in the sunroom with Lazarus.", I said. There was more, but the details were fuzzy.

Aldus reminded me that I got a call from Mona which made me emotional, and I unlocked another ability.

He described the storm with powerful winds and lightning that raged around me. He didn't go into details about the damage I caused, but I guessed that it's substantial.

"I believe that you can control air, but we will need to confirm that." There was confidence in his voice.

"Control of air? What makes you think that?"

"Because you were in the middle of a tornado. Tornado is created around a low-pressure area, so my guess was that you pulled in the surrounding air toward you, lowering the air pressure and triggering the creation of a vortex…"

"I know what a tornado is.", I interrupted him. "What makes you think that I can manipulate air?"

Aldus paused and I could see that he was hesitating.

"The truth, father.", I demanded.

"Harpies."

I remembered what I read about harpies.

They are humanoid creatures, identified by their pale hair and bright, luminescent eyes. Harpies consider themselves superior to all other beings (I found this point in common with several other ancient creatures).

Harpies were very advanced in magic and technology, but their arrogance caused their downfall.

Harpies used to live on a floating island that was destroyed many centuries ago. During a war with humans, the island crashed and now they live on Lost Isles and as the name suggests, they are not easy to find.

Harpies have wings that are created of pure light, and the size of their wings reflects the power they wield. Harpies derive their magic from the stars and there was a short description of a singing ceremony where harpies establish a connection with their fated star after which their wings get created. 

But how is any of that related to me creating tornadoes?

"Explain, please."

Aldus shifted a bit before responding, "Harpies are creatures of wind and light, and when I revived you, I used life essence that belonged to a harpy."

"Why do you seem happy about it?"

"Because finally, I can see an ability that I added."

"What about my healing?"

"I admit I administered a strong serum that would promote healing, but that should wear out of your system after a few days. You woke up on the third day after I started the procedure, and your healing was more potent than I imagined it would be. Day after day I ran tests and I confirmed that it's not weakening. I thought that maybe it was a combination of things I used, but after you told me that on the night I found you, you started shifting… I am more inclined to believe that the astonishing healing you have is not because of what I did."

I frowned while remembering the knicks and bruises I got as a teenager. "I didn't have fast healing while growing up."

Aldus shrugged. "Some creatures develop their abilities later. And some need a trigger."

"Like an assault in a dark alley."

Aldus nodded in agreement with my words.

I didn't like that there are so many mysteries about me. I was willing to leave the past behind, but I can't do that if it keeps on coming back unexpectedly. How many more secrets my body holds?

In order to avoid creating a tornado or causing a riot, I need to keep my emotions in control, but all these unknown variables were making me nervous.

I was desperate for answers and the man in front of me had plenty.

"What else did you inject me with?"

Aldus got defensive. "Serina… I told you that by revealing this information you might develop impossible expectations that will lead to disappointment."

I couldn't believe him. "You are concerned that I will be disappointed? Why aren't you worried that the next time when I get upset I might self-destruct or blow up the city or end up in a different dimension? I need to know what you used so that I can prepare myself mentally for the next time when I'm ready to burst. I know that it's a long shot, but there are no guarantees that this was the last of my abilities. What if there are more?"

Aldus let out a long exhale. "Alright."

I was surprised that he gave in, but then… I had a point, and he is a reasonable man.

I was curious about his claim that wind control was the first ability he introduced in my system.

"What about my pheromones, realistic dreams, perfect memories, and speed?"

"How about we discuss this in the lab after you read the data related to your revival?"

I thought for a moment before agreeing with him. The best approach is to read what he has, and then ask questions.

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