[ Chapter 24: Remember ]
Selene | Selvy
The night enveloped us with its gentle embrace as we walked away from the bustling crowd. The air was refreshingly cool, carrying a hint of salt from the nearby sea. The sound of distant laughter and music faded into the background, gradually replaced by the soothing rhythm of waves crashing against the shore.
As we strolled along the quiet streets, a sense of tranquility washed over me. It was as if we had escaped into our own private sanctuary, away from the prying eyes and judgment of the world. The weight of the formal event and the expectations that came with it lifted from my shoulders, leaving behind a feeling of liberation.
With each step, I could feel the tension melting away, replaced by a growing sense of serenity. The moon illuminated our path, casting a soft, silvery glow that danced upon the cobblestones. It painted a picture of enchantment, where the ordinary world took on a touch of magic.
I savored the quietude, relishing the freedom to simply be in the moment. The absence of noise and distractions allowed me to focus on the gentle rhythm of our footsteps, the soothing murmur of the nearby ocean, and the warmth of Valan's presence beside me.
Valan held my heels in his hand while I walked comfortably in my slippers. The night air was cool, and Valan kindly draped the outer layer of his clothes over my shoulders to keep me warm.
"I believe they have some connection to Selvyna," I mentioned, breaking the silence between us.
Valan nodded, his expression serious. "I've instructed Admiral to conduct a background check on them. If it turns out they do know you, it's likely that they are merpeople."
"That's what I was thinking," I agreed. "The man with the green hair and violet eyes, and the woman with violet hair and green eyes... They almost look like fraternal twins."
Valan's brows furrowed slightly as he processed the information. "If they are indeed merpeople and have a connection to Selvyna, we need to proceed with caution. There may be more to their presence here than meets the eye."
I shivered slightly, whether from the cool night breeze or the anticipation of unraveling the mystery, I couldn't tell. But I was determined to uncover the truth about my past and the identity of Selvyna, even if it meant delving into the depths of the merfolk world.
"Kailan mo nalaman na hindi ako ang totoong nag-ma-may-ari sa katawan na 'to?" tanong ko sa kanya habang nauuna ng ilang hakbang, dahil sa kakamuni ko sa paligid.
Valan's silence hung in the air, filling the space between us with a palpable tension. I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as I walked ahead, trying to gather my thoughts amidst the quietude. His lack of response to my question gnawed at my curiosity, leaving me with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. What was he hiding? And why couldn't he share it with me?
I forced a smile, hoping to ease the tension that lingered between us. "I hope that whatever you're keeping from me, it's something that will benefit us in the end." My voice carried a hint of optimism, masking the uncertainty that brewed within me.
Valan's gaze met mine, and for a fleeting moment, I saw a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. It was as if he knew the weight of his silence and the impact it had on me. But still, he remained tight-lipped, unable or unwilling to reveal the truth.
As I continued to walk, occasionally stealing a glance back at Valan to ensure he was still following, I found solace in the beauty of the night. The moon bathed the surroundings in a soft, ethereal glow, casting shadows that danced with the gentle breeze. The stars twinkled above, providing a comforting presence in the vast expanse of the sky.
But amidst the serene backdrop, my mind couldn't help but wander back to Valan and the unanswered questions that hung in the air. I wondered if his silence was a protective barrier, shielding me from something I may not be ready to face. Or perhaps it was a sign of his own internal struggle, a battle between his duty and his feelings.
With each step forward, the gap between us widened, both physically and emotionally. The silence became a palpable void, and I yearned for Valan to break it, to provide some semblance of clarity in the midst of my growing confusion.
But for now, I walked on, appreciating the beauty of the night while silently hoping that Valan's silence would eventually give way to the truth.
"Valan," I called out his name as I stopped and looked at the sea. It took a while before he arrived at my side and we both looked at the horizon. "I've been keeping secrets."
"And are you going to tell me now?" he said, still looking forward. His calm despite what happened, and I couldn't help but to copy his process of calmness.
"Would you like to hear them?" I said, pertaining to the secrets I've been keeping. "It has been a while since I found it out, but I don't want it to stay hidden any longer."
"It's up to you," he said.
I took a heavy sigh and swallowed some saliva before I parted my lips. "After my conversation with the soul of Selvyna, I have found out that she unlocked her mermaid abilities for me to use."
I sensed he was alarmed.
"I don't know how it works, but I've been mastering some techniques," I continued despite Valan showing nothing but stil silence. "My super hearing is not acquainted with my ability but as a normal characteristic of a mermaid. All mermaids hate high frequencies. Aside from that, I also learned that I can only transform with an internal force."
"Internal force?" It seems like that's the only thing that piqued his interest.
"Yeah, something like that," I said.
I started to walk again, and this time, Valan and I walked side by side. As we continued our walk along the shore, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Opening up about the secrets I had been keeping felt liberating, even if Valan's response remained stoic and composed.
Silence enveloped us once again, but this time it felt different. It was a comfortable silence, one that allowed us to process the information shared without the need for immediate words.
As we walked side by side, the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore provided a soothing backdrop to our conversation. The moonlight danced on the water's surface, casting a shimmering reflection that mirrored the emotions swirling within me.
Valan finally broke the silence, his voice calm yet filled with curiosity. "Can you elaborate on that?"
"Ayaw mo atang bitawan 'yon ah," natatawang sabi ko. I pondered his question for a moment, searching for the right words to explain what it means. "It's difficult to explain, but it's like tapping into a wellspring of energy within myself. It's an internal strength, a force that enables me to access and control my mermaid abilities."
I glanced at Valan, noticing a flicker of intrigue in his eyes. It seemed that the concept of this internal force resonated with him, perhaps drawing parallels to his own experiences as a seasoned warrior.
"But there's still much I need to learn," I admitted, my voice tinged with a mix of determination and uncertainty. "I've only scratched the surface of what these abilities entail. There's so much more to discover and understand."
"I can see that you're growing mature of your own decisions right now," he said and that made me smile widely. "You're optimistic, which is good, but perhaps you need to step back a little and ride the tide slowly."
I considered Valan's words, letting them sink in as we continued our leisurely stroll along the shore. The sound of the crashing waves provided a rhythmic backdrop to our conversation, adding a sense of serenity to the moment.
"You're right," I replied, my voice tinged with gratitude. "I've come to realize that rushing headlong into every situation may not always yield the best outcome. Sometimes, it's important to step back, observe, and allow things to unfold naturally."
Valan nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. "The ocean teaches us many lessons, Selene. It teaches us to be patient, to adapt to the ebb and flow of life. Just as the tides rise and fall, so too must we navigate the currents of our own journey."
"I've always been eager to uncover the truth and understand the depths of my abilities," I admitted, a hint of excitement lingering in my voice. "But perhaps there's merit in taking a step back, allowing the tides of life to guide me. In doing so, I may discover insights and growth that would have otherwise eluded me."
Valan didn't answer but only expressed his overall thoughts with a smile. We continued our walk and arrived at the inn. The lights were off and when I turned them on I almost jumped in shock when Lutch and Admiral were sitting on the wooden stools facing the door with grim faces.
"Anong oras na?" tanong ni Admiral.
"Do I look like a clock?" Valan said, completely missing the point of what these two are up to.
Then, I sensed their stares rested on mine. I end up gulping. "We walked from there, and might have spent too much chit chatting while walking?"
Lutch's face darkened, but I know it was just his mischievous act. Even Admiral suddenly smiled but had to retain his acting. It is only Valan who seems to think this is serious.
"You two should know how curfew works," Lutch said like a father. "It is right to bring home a woman past midnight, Valan Verlarez?"
"What is this all about?" Valan replied with a question. "Did you have too many sweets from the celebrant that you became hyperactive?"
"This is not about me, this is about you two! Why return home past curfew?!" Lutch insisted.
"She already explained," Valan said.
Admiral facepalm himself. He then stood and put his palms at each side of his waist like a mother about to reprimand their child. "You two are grounded."
I couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected turn of events. Lutch and Admiral's serious act had caught me off guard, but their attempt to impose a "grounding" on us was too amusing to resist.
"Grounded?" I repeated, a playful glint in my eyes. "I didn't realize we were in need of discipline, Admiral."
Lutch's stern expression cracked, and he couldn't hide the mischievous grin that formed on his face. "Alright, alright, we were just trying to have some fun with you two. No need for actual grounding."
Admiral sighed dramatically, shaking his head. "You ruined the moment, Lutch. I was about to lay down the law."
I walked over to Lutch and Admiral, playfully tapping them both on the shoulder. "Next time, make sure you have a better script prepared. Your attempt at disciplining us needs some work."
The three of us laughed, filling the room with different voices, but Valan was still there standing. We ended up shutting our mouths and looking at him with apologetic eyes. I don't even understand why I am guilty.
"Into a lizard," Valan said, and instantly, Lutch and Admiral suddenly disappeared and two lizards were left in their seats. "I have a tiring day, and a joke is not what I am expecting."
"Hoy," hindi makapaniwala na sabi ko. "Did you just turn them into lizards?!"
Valan's stern expression softened as he looked at the two lizards, realizing the impact of his action. He let out a sigh and nodded. "Yes, I did. They can shapeshift into anything I want. It's a bond of the master to his slaves."
I couldn't help but feel a mix of surprise and amazement at Valan's ability. It was a reminder of the depth of his powers and the unexpected twists that could occur in our lives.
"But why?" I asked, still in awe of what I had just witnessed. "They were just joking around. Turning them into lizards seems a bit extreme."
Valan's expression even falters over my concern. He didn't reply to my concern and glanced at the lizards, hinting that he doesn't care. "They will be fine, Selene. It's just a temporary transformation. They will return into human's shape in three hours."
I nodded, understanding that Valan had acted out of his own personal frustrations. I couldn't be angry at him for long, especially knowing that the spell would wear off soon.
As we waited for Lutch and Admiral to return to their human forms, I couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and gratitude for the unique dynamics of our friendship. Life with Valan was never predictable, and it was one of the things that made our journey together so thrilling.
As I was alone in my quarter, I couldn't help but to think. I wish it will always be like this. But, I know it's not. I remembered what Selvyna said before she vanished through the water.
"Remember, Selene. You are a mermaid with a virgin power. It needs to be unlocked, and to do that, find your mate. He will help you fight for our Kingdom's freedom, it will help you unlock your power, your full potential. Find him, and when you are ready, save Adelaide, save the world beneath the sea."
The weight of Selvyna's words lingered in my mind, adding an extra layer of uncertainty to my thoughts. Finding a mate, unlocking my power, saving our kingdom—it all seemed like a daunting task. I wondered if I was truly prepared for such a responsibility.
Sitting on the edge of my bed, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm the racing thoughts in my head. I knew that I couldn't let fear and doubt consume me. Instead, I needed to focus on understanding my abilities and fulfilling the destiny that seemed to be calling out to me.
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