Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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Maria waited on the steps of the mansion to welcome me.

"How was your trip, young Miss?"

"It was good, Maria. Thank you for asking. How are things here?"

She smiled warmly. "Good, as always. Would you like a bath?"

"Yes, please. A bath and a breakfast.", I requested. I slept on the plane and didn't eat anything yet.

After those few necessities like hygiene and food were completed, the time dragged painfully, and I was restless.

The vast knowledge that waited for me in the library couldn't keep me satisfied, and online resources didn't do much better either. I was hoping that my tutors will provide some distraction and help me pass time until Aldus returns. I checked my schedule, only to see that my classes were canceled and that reminded me how we were planning to stay in Paris for some time and Aldus said that he will notify my tutors when I'm ready to resume lessons.

The mansion felt empty or maybe that was me.

My stay in Paris was short, but it was packed with events. I met a witch, I was with Aldus, I saw Eiffel Tower, and… there was Duke. For a few fleeting seconds, he was with me, I'm sure of it.

I was dejected by the fact that I was useless. I couldn't help Aldus in taking care of rogues, I couldn't remember my past unless I was sleeping, I couldn't even get out on the street without fear of causing a riot. My heart yearns for Duke, yet I can't go and seek him.

What am I good for? What is the point of me being revived and immortal with this super-healing ability if I'm stuck in a limbo created by my incompetence?

I refuse to be helpless and useless!

With newly found determination, I informed Maria that I don't want to be disturbed. I went to my room, sat on the bed in a lotus position, and placed the spiky measuring instrument in front of me.

After a few deep breaths, I closed my eyes.

Just as Vesper instructed, I was focused on my breathing, imagining how air enters my lungs and spreads through my body… I was focused on my heartbeat, feeling the blood rushing through my veins… I was focused on every part of my body as I observed the smallest of changes while trying to relive the fear that made my pheromones surge, with the goal to grasp that sensation and make it mine.

Time passed and unknowingly I sank into a strange, oblivious mindset. I forgot about the time, I forgot about the sense of self, and I forgot about all distractions. I was filled with perseverance and tenacity to control the power which was sleeping inside me because only like that I can step out of this mansion, accompany Aldus, and meet Duke.

After an unknown measure of time, I felt a warm breeze on my cheeks, and I opened my eyes.

I found myself in the back of the group of girls who were watching Mr. Maloney, my high school PE teacher, demonstrate how to construct a raft. We were on a small clearing, surrounded by mature trees, and there was a wide calm river behind Mr. Maloney. Oh… this is the field trip during my third year of high school.

Did I sleep off and I'm seeing my memories through this dream? I didn't fight it and I let the scene unveil in front of me.

Why was I in the back? I was born with poor coordination so every time there was anything remotely resembling a physical activity, I would move away from the spotlight and try to diminish my presence.

"Pssst!"

Leaves rustled behind me and I smiled, knowing that only one boy would intrude on the girl's side of the camp when we are about to compete boys vs girls in raft-making.

"Pssst!"

This one sounded more urgent, and I turned to see Duke peeking behind a bush and waving at me to join him.

I glanced at Mr. Maloney and saw that he was completely immersed in his talk, and other girls were focused on what he was doing like their lives depended on it.

I took a step back. And another, and another…

"Why are you here? You will get in trouble.", I whispered when I reached the bush, and Duke grabbed my hand and dragged me behind him as he moved between the trees, down the invisible path.

I wanted to ask him where we are going, but I didn't. As long as I was with him, I didn't care where we are. I held onto his hand firmly because I would follow him anywhere.

Duke was the fastest boy in our school. He dominated every sports event and he held a number of speed records in our high school. I appreciated that he kept his pace slow so that I can keep up. He was always considerate of me.

Among everyone in my life, Duke was the only one who made me feel accepted. He was the only one who never admonished me for my shortcomings or asked me to change, and when he was around, I was fine just being me. This should be a sad thought because I have parents, but I was aware that they saw me as a ticket to get their hands on my grandmother's wealth, and somehow, I was used to it.

My memories were spotty, but I was aware that my grandmother, Amelia, didn't approve of my mother marrying my father. Not because of his background or status, but because both of them wanted to enjoy fine things in life without working for it. When my parents realized that my grandmother cut them off financially, my parents decided to have a child with the hope that my grandmother will take them in. My mother was disappointed that I am not a boy, thinking that Amelia will prefer a boy-heir, but the exam showed that something was wrong with my mother's body and that if she aborts me, the chances for her getting pregnant again were slim, so they decided to keep me.

Unfortunately for them, my grandmother saw through their scheme. Unfortunately for me, she passed away and left me with a fund and since I was a minor, my parents were my guardians.

The sun blinded me as we emerged from the thicket and my eyes widened at the sight of a calm body of water that formed in the curve where the riverbank swelled. The grass around us was filled with wildflowers and dancing butterflies added another layer of colors. It was breathtaking.

"I'm glad you like it…"

Duke's words broke my reverie, and I realized that he was watching me. My cheeks warmed and before I could respond, he was pulling me again to move, this time toward the water.

"What are we doing here?", I asked.

"Rafts are boring. I wanted to take a swim.", he responded without looking at me.

"You wanted a swim. Why am I here?"

Without halting his steps, Duke threw me a quick glance and I saw that his lips were curved into a smile with a hint of mischief. God, how I love that smile.

"I saw you doing not much, and I thought of rescuing you.", he said cheekily.

We were next to the water now and he let go of my hand. I felt the loss of his touch and I looked after him as he took a few steps to the side.

In one swift move, Duke removed his t-shirt and as he discarded it to the side, he was eyeing the calm waters. His Bermuda shorts doubled as swimming trunks.

Duke climbed a big rock that bordered the water and looked for a good spot to jump in as I stared at his exposed torso. I knew that gaping at him was indecent, but I couldn't look away. His lean body was landscaped with muscles that rippled as he moved, and I hoped that my mouth was not open.

His body arched before he jumped straight like an arrow, and he plunged in water with a barely audible splash as he disturbed the calm surface.

A few seconds later, his head emerged, and he shook the droplets of water off his face before focusing on me.

"Are you going to stand there or join me?"

I panicked when I realized that he was calling me to join him in the water. On instinct, I took a step back, and he frowned as he asked: "Where are you going?"

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