Nyxara
The moment I saw the Ajei crest on the silver-blue metal gates, my blood stirred. A diamond sun with a glyph at its center etched in silver, spiral edges catching the afternoon sun, whispered a promise. The words "Etched in Essence and Blood" told me that promise was one of home and belonging. A heady pressure bloomed in my chest—it felt a lot like pride. My lips pulled into a smile as I let the euphoria of coming home envelop me. This feeling of stepping into purpose, into legacy, into something vast and waiting brought tears to my eyes.
Then, as if yanked from a safe place, I was plunged into icy waters. My skin prickled, and my muscles tightened. The switch was flipped so fast that my whole body was aching. My parents' voices reached me like muffled echoes through water. Guilt wrapped me in its embrace, while regret sat in my belly like a stone I wanted to throw up.
The whiplash dulled my thoughts long enough to realize—this body remembered. It had left this place, never intending to return. Grief poured out of me to the point I would not be surprised if my tears drowned us in this car. Logically, I knew I was wanted—but my body insisted we didn't belong. As I began to wonder why my parents weren't showing any concern about my tears, the car stopped, causing the bubble of regret, grief, and guilt to burst, vanishing like an illusion.
My face was dry, my body wasn't stiff, and my emotions were calm. What in the world was that? If that was any indication of what to expect from Hollow-bind side effects then I was not sufficiently warned. I was not expecting sudden hallucinations and emotional whiplash. No warning. Just thrown into the deep end with no life jacket. I shoved my hands into my jacket pockets to hide their shaking.
Taking a deep breath, I step out of the car to find my surroundings are awe-inspiring. Gardens and trees create natural borders. Distant buildings and domes sparkle and gleam in the sunlight. Strategically placed uniformed men are doing security checks. House staff are carrying my shopping into the long, elegant building. Made of stone that shifted between various cool-tone colors, two stories tall, this place breathed prestige.
"If you're staring this hard at the Solvarin Pavilion—and it's just our public hall—I can't imagine your face when you see the rest." Azrail came up beside me, placed an arm around my shoulder, studying everything around us as if it were new to him too in a calculating manner. "It is pretty impressive looking, I will give you that. Did you miss it that much?" Taking comfort in his presence, I leaned into him. Sensing something different about him, I pulled back a bit to really look at him.
He has shifted. Either the relaxed chaos persona before was a mask or this cool, calm, and collected is the mask. Curious. This must be how he is in public, and he is only relaxed among family. His golden eyes take in my observation of him, to which he raises an eyebrow in question. If I wasn't good at reading people, I wouldn't notice the minor anxious tick of his finger against my shoulder. I smiled wordlessly, and his finger stopped tapping. A smile appeared in his eyes on his otherwise cold face.
He is really embodying the immortal aesthetic I first saw him as.Looking at him now, I wouldn't ever think I would have to bribe him out of a bin of plushies. Now, he looks dangerous—untouchably superior.
Impressed, I consider for a moment if I want to have a persona too. Realizing this isn't something I need to figure out right now, I don't adjust my behavior or actions for the time being. "No, I don't have memories of this place, but I do have some feelings about it. Wait." I realize what he just said and take another look around. "Solvarin Pavilion? Public Hall? Then where are the living quarters?" I ask, my curiosity getting away from me. With a twinkle in his eyes, he guides me into the building. As we walk in behind Korran and Nimra, we are greeted by rows of people.
"Welcome home Patriarch, Matriarch, Crown Consort and Lady Nyxara." They all say in unison. I didn't know how to react so I just kept a pleasant smile on my lips and my hands clasped behind my back like Nimra.
"We accept your welcome and appreciate your efforts. Since we are immensely happy that our daughter has returned home safely, we will allow all non-essential staff to leave after they finish their current duties. We have prepared a celebration gift and dining voucher for each of you when you leave for the day." There was a series of squeals and fist pumps, along with a few resigned mutterings from the staff. I took note of everything. It will be wise to familiarize myself with the staff. I've read in my past life that house staff can be an unexpected information network and allies in times of need. "Those that won't be leaving tonight will get their gift and voucher when you leave in the morning and will not need to report back in until the following day. Rakesh and Mrs. June, you two can take leave tonight since it should be an easy night."
In the center right of the row in front of us, a 6'2 snow-white haired man in middle-eastern traditional flowing robes bowed. His amber-yellow eyes told me he was a man one did not trifle with lightly. Next to him on the left, an amazon of a woman nodded her head respectfully. Her crossed arms did nothing but emphasize her well-endowed chest. She too was wearing middle-eastern traditional garments, but they looked more like they belonged on a fighter than house staff.
Turning to face me, Korran gestured for me to come beside him. Rakesh and Mrs. June came to stand in front of us. They appeared to be examining me as much as I was examining them. "This is Rakesh, our head steward and manager, and Mrs. June, our head housekeeper and chef. They are our left and right hands on this compound. If you ever need anything, they can help you get it." Korran introduced them to me, and this time both of them bowed.
"We are pleased you have recovered from your incident, Lady Nyxara. I am at your service." Rakesh peered deeply into my eyes as if he could read my soul. Then I blinked, and I was being embraced by the Amazon. "Oh, little lady, I have been worried about you ever since I heard what happened. We will have to sit down and compare notes on your likes and dislikes. I noted things you bought today, and I must say I approve. Talk later, I'll schedule it." I was released, and immediately I took a deep breath. Nimra kept me stable as I tried to get my bearings again.
Nimra's amused smile made me pout as I let myself snuggle into her embrace. "Nimra, don't laugh at me; that was borderline traumatic. Mrs. June isn't anything like I was expecting." Patting my head with a chuckle, she released me from her embrace. "Mrs. June is someone it could take a while to adjust to. You will be able to handle her exuberance in time. Now let's head to your room so we can get the major items settled before you have dinner with your brothers."
Korran and Azrail disappeared at some point along with the staff. As we exited the building, I felt a brief pressure as we crossed the threshold. "That brief pressure was the permission scan checking if you are authorized to enter the enclave's private residential court. For non-authorized, they would find themselves confined to the patio and only seeing the gardens." Nimra explained when I paused. With a wave of her hand, she brought my attention to the scenery. From here, I could see a central courtyard with a fountain and herb gardens. The north path would take us to a winged single-story mansion. Nimra led me onto the north path, then we branched off onto a side path that brought us to a side entrance of the mansion.
"We could go through the front door, but I figured letting you explore later at your own pace may be best. Entering the residence from this side entrance will take us to your suite of rooms quicker. You and Keir reside in this west wing. Aspen and Lux reside in the east wing. Your two fathers and I reside in the north wing.
If we had taken that eastward path from the courtyard, that would have led us to the Kin-Branch residence where my brother Cornelius and his family live when they are home. Right now, they are away inspecting our branch clinics and pharmaceutical locations. They should be home soon before the upcoming holidays." Nimra's calm voice, with her scent of eucalyptus and lavender, soothed my anxious nerves. Walking the halls, passing room after room, made it all suddenly real. One step at a time, Nyx. This is just step one of building my life here.
We reach a set of double doors. It looks like a crest was previously set on them. Now there is nothing but vague discoloration to show that something was once there. Nimra did not comment on the absence, so I did not ask now, but I would investigate later what was once on the doors of what I assume to be my suite. "These are your rooms. I will let you check everything out first, then I'll return with all the men so we can get you settled in." She pulls me into a hug, and with a kiss on my forehead, she leaves me standing before those double doors.
"Well, let's see what I'm working with and where I want everything before they get here." I touched the door handle—ready to take my first real step toward making this life my own.