Year 2010,
It was a glorious morning to start the day with music, arts, and laughter from the children filling the courtyard of the Knightrose manor. Everyone was enjoying their moment innocently, but I, Mirxalyn Knightrose, a knight and the family head, caught interest in one odd child. She was the kind of child who preferred the piano and crafting materials rather than playing with other kids of the same age. She was a simple child from the Moon's Gypsys' strongest gamma family, the Daquila, and her name was something I could not forget, Bernila.
I frowned when I read the first paragraph of the page after the drawing. I was puzzled because I don't recall meeting my wife when I was five. Then that's when it clicked for me, and I started guessing, "Is this what Grandpa wants me to know, or is there something more?" I checked it again, read it one more time, and began recalling the old telegram my biological mother had saved for me, and I sighed. I rested my back on the headboard, wondering, "If I was born a clever oddball, why don't I remember this meeting?"
I was in my thoughts when the journal mysteriously glowed. It should have scared me, but I had plenty of nightmares, and the mysterious glowing item was not even close to it anymore. Instead, I curiously check it, and then it blinds me. I wasn't sure how magical the journal was, because at this moment, I was turned five—to be precise, I was inside my five-year-old body and inside the journal in 2010.
***
"Bernila, would you like to play a song for us?" A gentle music and art teacher, Jhenny Garcia, asked me.
"Okay," I replied, but I was nervous. Then I wondered, "But what song should I play?"
Teacher Jhenny noticed my agitation and crouched down in front of me. She gently grabbed my hand and guided it to the piano before saying, "Music is used for unsaid words or unexpressed feelings. Hm, like when you can say what you're feeling from your heart, music can help you with it." Her voice was soothing, and her smile was genuine, making me nod. Then she added, "Try it. Feel your heart. You'll find it."
I nodded and watched her leave me in my thoughts. I turned and faced the piano; in the corner of my eye, I saw a shadow of a woman watching me tenderly. I closed my eyes and felt the security draped around me. My hands were against the piano's keys, and I began playing a melody called "At The Corner of Your Eye" by ATeens.
"If you knew how many nights I've been sitting by your bed
Running fingers through your hair while you're asleep
Every time I call your name, softly whisper in your ear.
You turn around to look for me, and no one's there..." I started singing the song, cracking a little since I don't sing much, but I know how to be in the rhythm.
"Wherever you are
Wherever you go, I'll be around.
I'll be around, just want you to know.
Just want you to know…" I continued, trying to enjoy singing the song until it changed. I could hear my voice singing now as I thought of that familiar shadow that has been giving me security whenever I'm at the Knightrose manor.
"If you're lost without me,
Wondering where I might be
I'll be waiting just around the corner of your eye.
(The corner of your eye)
Like an angel watching
Meet me when you're dreaming.
I'll be waiting just around the corner of your eye…" I continued singing the chorus when I sensed it again. I feel the same presence that keeps me protected, and I feel a young, innocent joy. I felt warm and cradled, but it didn't last when I felt something dripping, and I froze. I saw blood on the piano's keys, and I panicked. "Teacher..."
"BERNILA!" Jhenny called out, alarming the adults nearby, and rushed to check on us.
I wasn't sure what happened next because I blocked it out.
But once I woke up, I heard voices talking about the mate bond. I don't understand it, but I needed my mother. "Mom..."
A woman turned when she heard me. Melissa Kim Daquila, the woman who looked like me but was strong, like a fighter, and had bluish-violet eyes. "Hey, little one. I'm here." Her voice was soothing and held me with such care. I cried. "Sshh, you're okay. You're safe."
I cling to her arms, crying, before I try saying something, "Mom, why does my head hurt?"
"Oh, baby..." She tightened her hold around me while racking me before starting with a question, "Remember when I told you about how I met your Dad?" Her voice was careful and gentle. I nodded, and then she continued, "It's the same, but it had a different approach to you. Little one, would you believe Mom if I said that you had found your mate?"
I was quiet, carefully digesting her words before asking, "If I do, where is my mate?"
My mother, Melissa, smiled and then answered, "Working." I frowned, and she laughed before explaining gently, "Your mate is old enough to carry her world. You."
"I hope that's my mate...the shadow...it has been securing me...whenever I'm here..." I mumbled softly as I closed my eyes and drifted to sleep.
After the day I heard about having a mate, I felt light and happy.
I was even excited to be at the manor where I was chased by my father, Makisig Daquila, a gamma. "BERNILA, STOP RUNNING! WE'RE NOT IN OUR PACK!"
I run freely through the lush courtyard of the Knightrose manor, laughing as my father runs after me. But my laughter died when I bumped into a cold, stiff form. Startled, I braced myself to fall, but the figure steadied me, keeping me upright and secured.
Carefully, I opened my eyes, only to be surprised to meet a pair of stunning, cold, and unreadable bloody mauve eyes. Then I stared, lost and mumbling, "Beautiful."
My innocent voice had softened the icy stare of the woman who felt familiar with me. Her gentle hand on mine seemed to ignite. I felt a rush of familiarity—a spark of old love mingled with something new. I don't understand it, but with that simple contact, in a rare moment, I saw a faint smile touch her cold exterior, and I was mesmerized.
But her eyes flickered to my temple and saw something. Then she asked gently, "What's your name, young lady?"
Fidgeting nervously, I innocently answered, "Bernila Daquila. And you?"
Her eyes softened tenderly as if she found what she had been waiting for but didn't name it. Instead, she replied calmly in a friendly manner, "Mirxalyn Knightrose, queen of this land."
When the name echoed in my ears, I straightened up, thanking her politely, "Thank you for letting me and my family stay here."
There was a soft giggle, an amusement on Mirxalyn before reassuring me, "As long as you need, you may stay—even here, in my house."
My ears twitched, and my eyes sparkled with an ecstatic interest before asking, "Really? Can I do that?"
"Only if you behave." She snickered as she gently caressed my head.
"I will, but…" My smile dimmed, making her look at me with concern.
"But?" Her voice asked me gently as she held my hand preciously.
With sadness and fear, I honestly replied, "I don't think I deserve it."
Her expression shifted. She became serious and then said. "Whoever said that, don't believe them." Her voice was cold and firm, making me flinch. I was frightened a little. But her eyes were soft and steady before continuing, "When I say you deserve to live here, then you do. Can you promise me that?"
I wasn't sure what to say, but when I met her eyes again, I nodded, grinning. Then I innocently demanded, "Since you're beautiful when you smile, okay—I'll marry you."
My innocent proposal echoed through the courtyard, surprising our parents, who were watching. Despite the surprise, Mirxalyn softened even more since it was a proposal she never expected. I watched her close her eyes as if she was channeling something inside before meeting me again.
I saw a threatening tear in the corner of her eye. I wiped it, and she held my hand before asking, "Marry me?" Her voice trembled a little, but she asked carefully, "Why would you want to marry me?"
For a second, I innocently thought of it before answering with wide arms and grinning, "Because you're beautiful, and you let me stay here—just like Mama and Papa live with me."
She chuckled, amused. But her eyes held sadness and hope before saying, "It's me who doesn't deserve your kindness, young lass."
"You do," I firmly corrected her. But seeing an adult cry, my chest tightened. Without hesitating, I wiped her tears away before reassuring her, "So don't cry anymore. I'm here now. Smile."
Our giggles floated on the wind, traveling to the dusk sky where the moonlight wrapped around them, illuminating a vow blessed by the heavens.
She caressed my face tenderly, and I gave her my toothiest grin. She took a deep breath before deciding, "Then on your twentieth birthday, come to me—and marry me.'
"Promise?" I asked innocently, showing my pinky finger.
"I vow it." Without hesitation, she entwined her pinky finger with mine. Her smile was radiant and warm. I like it with me.
Ever since I met Mirxalyn, we always hung around during her free time. We're either turning the kitchen into a disaster kitchen, annoying her young brother Mikyle, reading books, or teaching me how to wield a sword. It was fun and warm. But what I loved the most when we were at her space was the greenhouse, isolated from everyone. We played music there until I fell asleep, and it was our routine.
But our peace did not last.
By mid-year, danger suddenly shook the entire Knightrose. Swords clashed, fangs bared, and claws raked through the stormy night. The blood was spilled, soaking the earth, screams filled the air, and innocent lives were lost. But what enraged Mirxalyn was her worry for my safety. Those creatures who couldn't fight along with the kids were taken to safety. But I was the weakest omega; I tripped and was ignored. I tried to get myself into safety, crawling, but rogues came out of nowhere, breaking my leg. My scream was enough to trigger Mirxalyn's rage, and I witnessed how she got her title, the Bloody Conqueror Queen.
She became terror incarnate—slaughtering rogues and nomads alike. Yet, her fury was worrisome and frightening, and she was losing herself with rage.
I had no idea what came into my innocent mind, and despite the limping, I ran to her with all of my might. I embraced her from the side as tightly as I could, shouting and crying, "STOP! Please, Mirxa… no…"
She paused, but her rage was still burning. I could feel it radiating around her body, but as I was holding her, something stirred in my chest, helping to ground her. Her knees immediately buckled, kneeling, allowing me to cup her face, crying for her.
Despite my innocence, I noticed my voice had a strength, a kind of power that touched Mirxalyn deeply, saying, "Don't cry anymore. I'm here." Mirxalyn trembled against my hold. I cupped her face, resting her forehead against mine, not wanting to let go before calming her beast, whispering, "You're safe now. Sleep, my love."
I glanced to meet her eyes, and I smiled. But my body was tired, and my lips brushed against hers as I collapsed on her arms. I was about to drift into a sleep when I heard her faint and crying voice, saying, "Tonight, we slumber in one beat; one remembers, and one is sealed. But in due time, together we'll become one where no force could even stop us."