Chapter Six: Paranormal Realm - 6
I blinked a few times, trying to steady the memories in my head. My parents and Maxx had taken me out of that place, I was then placed on my father's back as he carried me through thick forest and carried me into a small sitting room in a beautiful mansion built far away from other houses,. It was cozy but not over the top, a mix of warmth and authority. I could feel the echoes of the previous Rowan's memories here, his parents had always been protective, always alert. But something… something felt off.
I let my gaze wander. "Mum, Dad… I just need a minute," I said, my voice quiet but firm. I needed space, a moment to figure out exactly what had changed.
My mother looked concerned, lips pressed together. "Rowan… are you okay? You've been through so much." Her hands hovered near me, but she didn't touch. Something told me she wanted to, but there was hesitation, like a flicker of doubt buried deep in her instincts.
I nodded slowly, taking a careful step back. "Yeah, I'm fine… just trying to collect my thoughts."
Maxx raised an eyebrow, leaning casually against the doorframe. "You look like you're planning something. Don't tell me you're plotting revenge already."
I forced a laugh, though it came out weak. "Not plotting… just… analyzing. Someone tied me up, remember? I need to know exactly what's different this time."
"Different?" My dad tilted his head, eyes narrowing slightly. "What do you mean?"
I swallowed, keeping my tone light, even though my brain was racing. "You know… compared to the sto. . . Some things aren't exactly like I remember." I almost let it slip.
The mother's eyes flickered. "What?" she asked softly, trying not to show her emotions so, I wouldn't be scared.
I clenched my fists discreetly, praying they wouldn't smell my panic. "Yeah… . Don't worry Mum. I'm just… trying to recall something, my brain feels jumbled."
Maxx snorted. "Of course you'd overexert yourself after being tied up." He smirked, but his eyes scanned the room carefully, like he was ready to jump at any danger.
I let my head tilt, taking everything in. Furniture, decor, even the placement of windows and paintings… subtle differences. A vase that had been on the table in the corner was now on a shelf. A portrait of the family… slightly different expressions. My father's suit jacket, hanging on the chair, looked well ironed.
"You're staring too much, don't you recognise your house again," Maxx muttered, clearly amused.
I ignored him, mentally scanning the room. Everything else was familiar, but the energy… the vibe… it was different. Emotions of the previous Rowan, layered on top of mine, clashed in a strange way. Panic, fear, confusion, curiosity, all tangled.
I muttered under my breath, "Okay… first, evaluate the people."
My mother moved closer, finally letting her hand brush against mine. Gentle, warm, and soothing, I was growing addicted to this feeling "Not now," I thought. "Focus on the facts, not the feelings."
My dad sat down across from me, eyes sharp. "You're acting… different. But I can't place it. Is there anything you want to say."
I gave a small shrug, carefully hiding my panic. "Just tired. Everything's… intense. First day back."
Maxx leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "First day back? Careful, man. You're making it sound like a vacation." He grinned, but I caught the slight tension in his jaw. He could tell something was off too.
I rubbed my temples subtly, trying to ground myself. "No vacation… just… evaluating."
The mother's gaze softened again. "Rowan, you're pale. Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yes, Mum. Really." I forced a weak smile, trying to sell it. My head throbbed as flashes of the previous owner's feelings hit me, memories of fear, betrayal, and anxiety. I had to hide that, let them feel I was Rowan, even if part of me screamed that I wasn't. Yes I want to claim his life but not at the expense of losing my existence.
"Good. At least you're honest," my father said, relaxing slightly. "But… I feel.youre keeping something important from us. you don't need to say it now, but I hope you tell mum and dad if there's anything troubling you"
" I will dad." I didn't want to continue with the topic.
Maxx's smirk returned. "I like that. Keep them guessing. It's your superpower."
I shot him a glare. "Not helpful."
He chuckled. "You're welcome."
I have this feeling that I'm forgetting something important. Very important, I just couldn't place my finger on what exactly, so I'll just look around the house.
"this was not just a house. This is a mansion in the paranormal world. Anything could happen." My eyes scanned the walls, windows, even the small cracks near the door.
My mother noticed my scrutiny. "Rowan… what are you looking for?"
I turned to her, giving a calm smile, hiding the twinge of panic. "Just… making sure nothing surprises me. Can't be too careful."
Maxx chuckled. "Ah, the classic Rowan paranoia. I missed this."
I muttered under my breath, "Not paranoia… it doesn't hurt to be careful"
Then father leaned back, observing me. "You've changed… but in a good way. More cautious. I like it."
I tilted my head, noticing something in their expressions. A flicker of doubt? Curiosity? It wasn't much, but enough to make me aware that my cover wasn't perfect. I had to be careful.
I rubbed my forehead subtly, hiding my internal groan. The previous owner's memories continued to pour in, each one making it harder to differentiate between Rowan's instincts and the inherited emotions. I needed a plan.
My mother frowned slightly. "you sure you don't want to talk to mummy, baby."
I nodded slowly, letting the memories guide my expressions. "That's all I needed to know. Keep me updated if you notice anything unusual. It's important to me if you tell me."
Maxx smirked. "Acting out already? You just got here, man."
I narrowed my eyes. "Observing is acting. Don't forget that."
The three of them shared a glance, sensing my seriousness. My heartbeat slowed slightly. At least they didn't question too much. For now.
I allowed my gaze to roam one last time, noticing the subtle shifts, the furniture, the smells, the energy, the faint magical traces. It wasn't the exact same as the plotline. Things had changed, slightly, and I had to account for that. Survival now meant observation, calculation, and blending in with inherited memories, I didn't want to die unexpectedly.