I stepped out of my room, navigating the opulent hallways of the Morningstar mansion.
Portraits of our ancestors lined the walls, their stern faces seemingly judging me. The soft glow of Candelabras cast eerie shadows, and the polished marble floor reflected the flickering light.
As I walked, memories flooded my mind - not mine but those of the original Lucas. Our family's dynamics had changed dramatically after mother, Yennifer Morningstar, fell into a coma.
Father became distant, Adel detached, and Isabel too young to understand.
But I remember the pain, the isolation. They had rejected me, pushed me away, shunned me. And I still don't know why.
But nonetheless, the resentment from that simmered beneath my surface.
I passed by the grand ballroom, where lavish parties once filled the space with laughter and music.
Now, it stood empty, a haunting reminder of happier times.
The dining hall came into view, and I steeled myself for the impending dinner.
Upon entering, I took in familiar faces.
Father, Reynolds Morningstar, sat at the head of the table. His sharp jawline and piercing blue eyes seemed chiseled from granite. His dark hair flecked with gray, was slicked back, revealing a prominent forehead.
Adel, my twin brother, looked like a younger version of Father. His eyes, however, held a cold detachment, a contrast to the warmth I remembered. He glanced at me with disdain, his expression a clear warning to stay away.
Isabel, my younger sister, once full of warmth, now shared Adel's chilly demeanor. Her curly blonde hair framed her heart shaped face, but her bright green eyes flashed with hostility.
"Lucas", Father said, his tone formal. "Welcome back. How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine, thank you", I replied, my voice even.
Adel snorted. "You look pale. And weak."
I met his gaze, my voice laced with sarcasm. "How touching. Concern from the next Morningstar puppet. Tell me, Adel, do you aspire to be as ruthless and heartless as father or just as cunning?"
Adel's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched. His fist as well.
"Lucas, that's enough," Father warned, his tone firm.
I leaned back, my gaze still locked on Adel. "Oh I'm just acknowledging Adel's remarkable ability to emulate Father's calculating nature. A true heir apparent."
The room fell silent, the tension palpable.
Father then cleared his throat. "Lucas, focus on your recovery. You have responsibilities as a Morningstar."
Responsibilities.
A reminder of my predetermined role. "I understand, father", I said, my tone measured while slightly clenching my fist.
But Father continued, "Your... antics will no longer be tolerated. You must focus on your studies and noble duties."
Antics?
Memories surfaced. The previous Lucas' desperation for attention, his rebellion against Father's expectations.
My resentment boiled over.
"Antics?" I repeated. My voice rising. "You mean my attempts to get your attention? To be acknowledged as your son?"
The room now once again fell silent.
Father's face darkened. "Lucas that's enough." Saying so he released a bit of his aura pushing back on my seat.
Adel had an annoying smirk on his face while Isabel shifted uncomfortably.
I leaned back, my heart racing from the pressure and also the argument.
The System whispered in my mind.
[Emotional Flux detected. Calm down.]
I took a deep breath, composing myself.
Huuuuu.
"Sorry, father. I... forgot myself."
Father's expression seemed to soften slightly before returning to his unreadable expression.
"We'll discuss this later, Lucas. For now let's focus on dinner."
The conversation turned stilted, the tension earlier still lingering.
As the meal concluded, I excused myself, citing fatigue.
However as I rose up from my seat, a sudden dizziness hit me. The room spun. Visions flashed:
Adam Davis, fighting for survival in a desolate world.
Lucas Morningstar, standing in this very hallway, tears streaming down his face.
Two lives, colliding.
I stumbled, catching myself on the table.
"Lucas, are you alright?" Father asked, his voice sounding almost concerned.
I straightened, my gaze cold. "I'm fine, father. Just ... need some space."
My tone was clipped, dismissive
Father's eyes narrowed, his expression still unreadable but his eyes carried a hint of frustration.
"Don't push yourself too hard Lucas. You are still recovering," he pressed.
I stepped back, my voice firm. "I said I'm fine."
The distance between us grew, tension palpable once more.
Adel snorted. "Typical Lucas. Always so fragile".
I shot him a warning glance and started leaving the dining hall. As I departed, the system's voice echoed in my mind.
[Integration Progress: 27% Memories merging]
Suddenly, fragments of my past and present selves intertwined. A name etched itself in my mind: "Everlyn."
A face materialized - a woman with piercing green eyes and raven black hair. Adam's memories stirred.
Evelyn... My love, my loss
The connection clicked.
Evelyn was Aurora's mother.
Aurora, the girl who would betray me.
The pieces were starting to fall into place.
My reincarnation wasn't random. There was a reason.
A reason tied to Evelyn, to Adam's past.