✓ | The Borrowed Identity (Fate's Transgression Series, #4)

TBI 07: Damsel

"My lord," I uttered with impatience. The weight of uncertainty settled upon my shoulders, adding to the already heavy burden of the unknown.

My hopes crawled up when Valan looked at me. "The Queen of Zegordia, Seisha Duexeviz-Liorn issued an order to protect the West Waters. The Blue Steel was established to uphold such order, and I am commanding it. You belong to the ocean that I'm protecting, and with such benevolent duty, it is my responsibility to secure your safety until you are subjected to return."

"I cannot return," I firmly said. "The answers to my questions are here."

His response resonated with a firm resolve, "You possess the allure of a mermaid, a captivating fragrance that beckons these creatures to pursue you. The longer you remain in this place, the greater the chaos I must confront and mend," he explained.

His words carried a weight of responsibility, as if he yearned for me to grasp the gravity of the situation. However, despite his intentions, I couldn't bring myself to fully comprehend or accept his reasoning. Deep within me, I sensed a profound purpose, a reason that had brought me to this very moment.

I have known in my heart that there was a greater significance to my presence in this world, a purpose waiting to be fulfilled. Hindi ako maaaring sumuko na lang at bumalik sa kung saan ako nararapat, lalo pa at hindi ko rin maalala kung ano ba ang buhay ko sa ilalim ng karagatan.

"If you uphold such conviction, would you dare sleep at ease knowing that you discarded the plea of a damsel in distress?" agad na tanong ko sa kanya. "I had plead my case, my memories are lost, I don't know where I should go nor even know why I am being chased. I am hopeless, do you not pity me?"

For the first time, anger flickered in Valan's gaze as he locked eyes with me. The air around us crackled with an intensity I had never witnessed before. It was as if the mere mention of the word "pity" was a profane curse, stirring a deep resentment within him.

"You said that you talked to her," he uttered, drawing near. "Fate of Esher, she said something to you, didn't she?"

I nodded in response, because if I didn't, I might hit the anger button. His features hardened, his expression clouded with a mix of frustration and resentment. In that moment, I realized that my choice of words had struck a nerve, revealing a vulnerability he had concealed so carefully. Umiwas siya ng tingin at bahagyang napabuntong-hininga.

"Is that all?" he continued. "Has she spoken about anything else aside that I will help you?"

"Nothing that I can remember," I replied.

It became apparent that my response did not align with his expectations. Valan's face tightened, his brows furrowing slightly as he processed my words. It was as if my answer had disrupted his preconceived notions or challenged his perspective. A flicker of disappointment passed through his eyes, betraying a hint of frustration. In that moment, I realized that my words had not satisfied him, and the gap between our understanding seemed to widen.

"I swear, she didn't say anything else," I quickly said to supplement my response but Valan only raised a corner of his lips. He didn't say anything, and suddenly flicked his right fingers. Napaigtad ako ng biglang sumulpot si Admiral sa tabi niya.

"Disable him," Valan commanded.

My forehead furrowed in confusion as I processed what I had just heard. However, my surprise quickly turned to astonishment as I witnessed a sudden transformation in Admiral's appearance. In an instant, his innocent-looking features gave way to a fearsome manifestation of a black and white tiger. His eyes glowed with an intense ferocity, and his body exuded a powerful aura. I couldn't help but gasp in awe and disbelief, my eyes locked on the magnificent creature before me. It was as if a whole new side of Admiral had been unleashed, revealing a hidden strength and primal energy that I never knew existed.