Chapter 25: Chapter 25
I wasn’t sure if Kellar heard my question or was pretending not to hear it, but the silence that he left after I asked my question is enough to make me anxious.
“Where did you hear such a rumour?” When he finally decides to speak, he does not even bother to raise his head.
“Rumour? It’s not a rumour if it’s true, right?” In order for Kellar to understand that I'm not wasting any more time, I lower my voice to ice cold. I see that Kellar is moving his eyes so he can look at me without moving his head.
“It’s not the truth if you can’t prove it.”
“Would you rather have me ask Serena? You know, I am pretty sure that she would gladly tell me if I asked her. You better tell the truth now, Kellar.” I’m not good at threatening people, but living with my brother-in-law who only speaks that kind of language, manages to influence me in some way.
“You’re nagging like you’re my mother.”
“Then stop acting like a child or I will treat you like one.”
With my continuous nagging, I got chills when Kellar looked at me with his red eyes. Before I could even react, he had already closed the distance between us and locked me at the edge of the spring with each hand at my sides.
“You are not and will never be my mother, Stella. Keep that in mind.”
I should feel afraid of him, but somehow I feel like I am more disturbed than ever. A memory from a long time ago flashes in my mind as he is wearing that same gaze that I saw on him the day that he took the life of his brother to save us.
Could it be? I should test the waters first.
“Kellar, does your reason have something to do with taking a life?”
Kellar’s eyes suddenly became alert and afraid. He quickly drew away from me and got out of the water. “I’m done talking.”
And there he goes again. Walking away.
“The hell you won’t!” I always take pride that I am related to my sister, Rosalie Amber Stan, which means that we both share the same attitude of doing something stupid. In my case, I pull Kellar back by his hair, making him fall backwards into the water.
This is it. No more playing normal or nice towards him. I have just about had it with this guy.
“Do you think that you’re so cool acting cold heated like that, you punk!?” I scream the moment he emerges from the water with a bewildered expression.
“S-Stella?”
“Don’t act like a docile puppy now, because you asked for it. You should have known what happens when I get angry and yet you were not careful. If you think my sister is crazy, too bad. I am even crazier than she is when I lose my temper.” I gather enough magic on my right fist to cover it with ice as I raise it for him to see. “Are you going to answer me now or do I have to make you?”
I don’t have any idea what I must look like in Kellar’s eyes right now, but I must look like a monster to him because he genuinely seems terrified.
Kellar casts his attention to the side and grits his teeth.
“It’s not as easy as you think, Stella. I’m afraid.”
“I know you are afraid of me, which is why I am going to use your fear of me to-”
“I am afraid of becoming my father!”
I seem to have become meek, and it took a while for me to find my voice again. Kellar’s father, late king Ferius. The notorious king of the ruined lands of Tereau. He is someone who hunted my sister for her blood and even killed thousands of people just to gain power. He is wicked and cruel. He was the one who almost drove the Kingdom of Gija into extinction.
“Kellar, you are not like your father! You are nothing like that man!”
Kellar starts to laugh. “How can I not be like him when I killed my sibling? I am no better than him. These thoughts. These racing madness in my head…it will only be a matter of time before I completely lose my mind.” His pupils seem unfocused and shaking like he’s going to go crazy. He looks so vulnerable and dangerous at the same time.
“Is this the reason why you separated your soul? In order to get rid of the part that you think that would make you similar to your father?” It would seem like I have struck the jackpot because Kellar seems to freeze.
“You don’t know people’s hearts as much as you think you do, Stella. Sometimes, there are darkness that not even a friend can quench.” I feel Kellar’s gaze on me the moment I lower my attention to the water while I try to absorb what he just said. “Still, I doubt that this is enough to convince you to leave me alone. As such, I will no longer stop or try to tell you to leave me alone.”
I follow Kellar with my eyes when he starts to move out of the water, offering me his hand so I can get out as well.
“Well? Are you just going to stay there and gawk at me?”
“Do you mean what you said? You won’t avoid me anymore?”
For the first time since I have been here with Kellar, his expression finally softens a bit to smile at me. “Not like I can do anything about it. I'd rather see you for myself than you risking your life to find me.” Kellar grabs my hand and pulls me out of the water gently.
“How will I find you? Where are you staying?” I feel so happy that I start to ramble.
“You’re only free on the weekends, right? I will have Javi pick you up in the cemetery of Uncle Luke. I know that it is not an appropriate place, but-”
“No, that’s perfect!” I move my hands and grasp his shoulders, not caring if I am holding on to his bare skin. “Uncle Luke would love it if you went and visited him. How long has it been since you visited him?”
“Too close - I mean - too long!” He steps back after swatting my hands away. “It’s been too long since I visited Luke.” His voice seems to shake and I can’t see what he looks like since he already has his back to me. “Your wounds seem to have healed and there are no more bruises. I’ll escort you back as far as I can, Stella.”
I pushed all my worries aside and happily followed him.
Somehow, I feel like I am being reminded of the old days. I used to lead the way for us, but now it seems like I am the one who has to look behind him.
***
When I got back to Gija, I was relieved when Ace and my sister were not home yet, which gave me the opportunity to go and visit my niece and nephew - Arcie and Klaus.
They are currently in the playroom with Viex guarding them.
“Auntie Stella!” Arcie is the one to first head over to me. Her innocent smile makes her cheeks blush when she hugs me. “Where were you?”
“Somewhere. I was out for a walk. Klaus, stay there darling.” I picked up my sister’s baby toddler when I saw him crawling on the floor. “You should be watching the kids properly, Viex.” I grumble when I see the white fox sleeping without a care.
Well, I guess that’s the most reaction that I’ll ever get from that fox.
“So, kids. What kind of games should we play?”
“Blocks!” Klaus grumbles and points at the scattered blocks on the ground.
“Oh? Does our little boy want to build a castle?” Klaus nods his head enthusiastically at my question. I can’t help but smile. What an adorable child. “Well, Auntie Stella will help. I’ll help reinforce everything with my magic, okay?”
“Auntie Stella,” Arcie suddenly pulls at my skirt.
“Yes, Arcie?”
“Were you with…” She trails off, her eyes looking at Viex to check if he is asleep. “Were you with a friend today?”
I remember, Arcie can speak with spirits, but not in the same way as a tamer. Apparently, this is her gift for having royal elf bloodline.
I have to stay calm or Viex might listen to our conversation and tell my sister about it. Something tells me that whoever Arcie is conversing with doesn’t want the fox spirit to become aware of his presence.
“Yes. Why do you ask, Stella?”
“Did your friend lose something recently?” I can see Arcie leaning to one side, like she’s trying to hear what the invisible ghost is whispering to her.
“Afraid so, but don’t worry. I’ll be sure to help my friend look for it.”
“My mother always relies on Custard and Viex when she loses something.” Arcie smiles. “If your friend has a pet or partner, maybe they can help as well.”
I stared at her in shock. Did Arcie just give me a major clue on how to find Kellar’s other half? If she did, then that clue can only lead me to one particular partner that Kellar has been keeping all these years.
Javi.