Another day passes. Time carries ever onward. Sirius is still acting strange. Every interaction leaves the recipient with an uncomfortable feeling of awkwardness.

Night muffles the noise of daylight.

Soft candlelight disperses through the silent room.

The lord sits at his desk, paperwork scattered across. Another long day has to an end. It's time to unwind.

Rawlin grabs the blindfold shrouding his eyes. He slides it up and past his teal hair, the tiny top hat sitting firmly in place atop his head.

He sighs in relief, almost setting down the cloth.

knock knock

Scrambling, the lord wraps the blindfold around his head and locks it firmly in place.

"Come in."

The door pushes open, revealing an older gentleman.

"Pardon me. Were you without your fold?"

"Welcome, Wilphrey. Think nothing of it."

"Of course, my lord." The old man closes the door behind him, leaving the two in isolation. A private conference between them.

"So, anything out of the ordinary?"

"No, relations with the squallers have remained stagnant. Niara hasn't made an appearance, so it is unclear if she is plotting anything either."

"I see... and what of the boys?"

"Teachings are proceeding smoothly."

Rawlin twiddles his thumbs. The two sit in loud silence.

"Anything off? Do you believe they could be lying?"

"No, I don't believe so, they understand little. They have no knowledge of basic reading and writing abilities."

"No alternative motives? Any sign of aspiration for the throne?"

"I do not sense anything of the sort. I overheard them on the carriage ride here, they laughed with her without an inkling of yearn. From what I could tell, they weren't aware of her position even then."

"They must have just arrived..." Rawlin presses his fingers into his half-covered forehead. "No sign now since they know?"

"She remains in her room throughout the day, they have little time to interact, let alone try and sway her. I don't believe either of them have such desires."

"Hm... and what of Cilas?"

"He mentioned they have no knowledge of Lunalir's history either. They are foreigners through and through."

...

"And what of the witch? Do they know anything?"

"...I do not believe so my lord. They have shown no sign or mention of her."

"Hm... What do you think of them, Wilphrey? Truthfully."

"I see great kindness in them, but also great despair."

"Meaning?"

"I have grown fond of the two. They are a pleasant change of pace."

"Oh? That's quite an achievement, especially from you."

"..."

knock knock

The office door creaks open.

"Rawlin I just finished, about the forest..."

Aureole freezes in the doorway. She is welcomed by the stares of the two men.

"Oh, sorry... am I interrupting?"

"No," the lord motions her inside. "In fact, would you give us your opinion?"

"My opinion?" She politely enters the room and fiddles with her fingers.

"What do you think of them? Sirius and Korlin?"

"Oh! Er, I think they're very interesting."

"Is that all? Forgive me if I'm mistaken, but you and Sirius have been getting quite close, have you not?"

This takes her by surprise. A saddened smile emerges on her candlelit face. Her moon irises drop to the floor.

"You...think so?"

"Am I wrong? Do you dislike him?" A malicious grin spreads from under his nose.

"I don't dislike him... but recently, he's been a little... off."

"Off?"

"I mean, I haven't seen him much as of late, and I enjoy his presence... But he's been acting strange... like he's uncomfortable."

"Is he simply showing his true colors, perhaps?"

Aureole remembers their time in the capitol together. How Sirius curled in her arms and cried his lungs out. How he exhausted himself trying to help a girl he'd never met. His banter with Korlin, their moonlit conversation, how he acts when he's tired...

"No... that's not it. This may be presumptuous, but I believe I've seen his true colors. I think he's scared right now, overwhelmed by all of this."

"You did suddenly drag him here without permission..."

"I'm sorry, okay? He didn't have anywhere else to stay and I had to thank him somehow."

The lord chuckles softly. "It's quite alright... I thank you."

"Thank me?"

"Mm, he... they will be valuable assets, assuming they know as much as they lead on."

"What do you mean...?"

The lord sinks back into his chair.

"It's gotten rather late, yes? Perhaps we can continue this another time?" No humor or light pokes through his masked complexion.

"...Right. Goodnight."

Aureole takes her leave, forgetting what she came in the first place for. The door quietly shuts and clicks, Rawlin observing the entire exit.

...

"My lord-"

"That's enough for tonight, Wilphrey." His blindfolded gaze burns into the man. "You have a class to prepare for tomorrow, no?"

"..."

The old man departs the dimly lit room, leaving the young lord to himself.

Candlelight flickers until it sputters and dies. Cloaking the room in a quiet moon veil.

⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗

~Hyacinth~

I try not to pry into other people's business.

I keep my distance from the world. It gets lonely sometimes, but I have no room to complain. Aureole and Pholy are the only ones I've attempted to communicate with. Despite the way I am, they gave me a shot.

I'm proud to call them my friends.

We may not see much of each other, but the time I spend with them is more than enough. I'm sure if we spent too much time together, they'd see me for who I am.

For the cold, lost, and forgetful person that I am.

For the lack of a person I am.

I wonder how I ended up this way...

Regardless of how, it's a fact that I am here today. Things have been going smoothly for months now. After the sudden appearance of Rawlin, life has been surprisingly tame. I no longer have to work; I only need to go out into the capital every now and again for errands. I get to read books and research while Wilphrey and Cilas do the heavy lifting. I appreciate it, but those men get on my nerves. That is not to say I loathe them, but I have no desire to speak with them. I wonder why...

It's a quiet existence. Filled with peaceful, everlasting days.

Which leads me to him...

That day in the capitol I went to purchase a new tomb.

The Lost History of Moor

A book I've always wondered about from afar. I felt it was time to cave in and really start digging. But alas, bookshelves are never properly sized. Should I have just grabbed a stool? Yes, but my own stubbornness never ceases to delay me.

As if to add insult to injury, he appeared to mock my very existence. Or so I thought. The height difference between us didn't bother me, he stood on the tips of his own toes. Was it the gesture itself that annoyed me? Probably.

It annoyed me, annoyed me more than I've felt in months. I took for granted the quiet life laid out before me, I forgot how vulnerable I am. How susceptible to irritation I am.

It's as if an instinct deep inside me activated and grimaced at the kind boy. Why... He helped me, but I felt no gratitude. I felt disgusted both with him and myself. Why...

I don't understand myself.

My voice is soft. Quiet. Speaking up is hard, and yelling is hard even for myself to imagine. So, he must not have heard the silent "Thank you" I whispered.

Regardless, I never thought I'd see him again, so it didn't matter. I forgot about the instance and him as soon as I opened the book that night. Its wisdom flooded my mind and washed away the day.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

So, when he was walking through the halls that day... it surprised me.

I've never cared about how others perceive me. If someone hates me, that's that. Oh well. I've probably always been this way.

But for some reason, I felt like I owed him an apology. The boy himself looked shocked to see me too, I was sure he held some resentment. And so, I swiftly retreated into my room.

What surprised me was after the encounter.

The other boy, being overly loud per usual, made some stupid comment. And from behind the door, I overheard the boy from the bookstore say he remembered me. I was sure he'd curse my earlier transgression, but instead, he simply made a joke of it and carried on.

It was fascinating for a moment. But I soon realized I simply was thinking too much of my actions. Why would someone stress over the look a stranger gave them? Why was I stressing over the look I gave a stranger?

I almost wanted to thank him. Thank him for allowing me to feel this strange sensation. These complex thoughts that aren't based on a single stagnant emotion.

But, at the same time, I wanted to curse him. Why did he make me so self-conscious? It's so much easier to think about anything other than myself.

I planned to avoid him. Why was he even here in the first place? It didn't matter, he'd leave soon anyway...

Then came the first house meeting in months. The last time we all sat in a room like that was when Rawlin first showed up. That feels so long ago.

Aureole.

She's been my best friend for the better part of the last year. Ever since she immediately excepted me with that warm embrace of hers. At first, her hugging irritated me. Why are you being so touchy? Why are you so willing to be friends? Thoughts such as these plagued my mind in those first couple of weeks.

I have yet to find answers to many of those questions, but that night... when I cursed her... she cried in my arms. Desperately wanting to be held...

How could she possibly become queen?

But in that moment, those depriving thoughts of mine ceased. For the first time, I saw who she was. And when she was done, she allowed me to spill my own heart out...

I hadn't told anyone that before... and yet, she accepted all of it. She embraced me in her arms and mind. And I didn't want her to stop. I still don't. I want to keep being her friend.

She's amazing. It's just that sometimes... she gets a little... ahead of herself.

She told us she brought those two boys in. I couldn't help but express my confusion and unease.

She seemed embarrassed, no... bashful perhaps? She was so happy to announce it and yet I almost soured her stride.

Thankfully, without missing a beat, Pholy hopped in and started banter with the other boy.

Pholy.

In a similar sense to Aureole, at first, I wasn't a fan of Pholy's personality. I don't think she was that fond of mine either. Since the moment I met her, she has always been her blunt self. Her sense of humor lends itself nicely to someone with an upbeat attitude, not one like mine.

Yet, through a miracle, Aureole drew us closer together. I learned how fun it is to tease her. I learned her triggers, her weaknesses, and she learnt mine. In terms of friends, I am truly blessed.

It made me feel fuzzy inside when I realized she found a kindred spirit. That other boy and her bickered like they'd known each other for centuries. I couldn't help but join in on teasing her.

Pholy seems to be openly emotional with that boy. She let her flames rise with hardly any hesitation. She hasn't done such a thing since I first met her. We really didn't get along back then. I'm so glad that has changed...

Then, Rawlin arrived at the scene, I hadn't seen him in weeks. Almost immediately, he began accusing the boy from the bookstore, whose name I learned to be Sirius. He accused Sirius of being a threat to Aureole's candidacy.

It was then I grew suspicions of my own.

But I also saw how worried he was. Not a worry about being caught, but a fear of not being accepted. So, when Rawlin asked if I trusted them, I saw no reason to say no.

Sirius gently smiled at me, and for some reason, I smiled back.

The next day he appeared in my doorway. Unfortunately for him, I was in the middle of my research, so I wasn't the most kind. Yet, the next thing I knew, he was thanking me. Such a needless display of gratitude, not that I'm one to talk...

I don't know how to respond to "thank you." Why...

So, I avoided the subject and told him how it is. He's trapped here, whether he likes it or not. Rawlin has been searching far too long for Witch Spawn like Sirius and his friend. As for the why, I have no idea. I've never cared to ask.

I will say though, Witch Spawn are nothing like I envisioned. I've read about them in bedtime stories and folklore, but in reality, they're just normal people. Right?

I didn't want to depart from my studies, but the boy's blatant anxiety told me I needed to distract him. I have no idea why Rawlin assigned me to help them learn how to do chores, I haven't done them since the second day he arrived.

I made their tour quick, I had to keep reading. That other boy was quite the hindrance... though I can tell he has an affection for Pholy. That makes me both happy and worried for her.

After continuous questioning, I led them to my room. I think Sirius has figured out my knack for reading and used it against me. The other boy continues to be a question mark, I mean... why was he somersaulting in my room?

A mirrored scene to the one from the bookstore transpired, when given the chance, I let him hear my thanks. Though it's embarrassing it happened twice. I'm not even the short one, Pholy is...

I quickly exited them from my room and continued my studies. Everything seemed normal...

I don't know when it changed or if I was just blind before, but that boy, Sirius, is acting odd. I ran into him in the hallway a night or two ago. His movements were frantic and overly animated. He donned a rigid smile, but his eyes told me everything I needed to know. He was more apologetic than usual and carrying around a strange book.

My suspicions of him grew. What is inside that journal? Is he really not who he appears to be? Is he even a Witch Spawn? What of the other boy?

Too many questions. I try not to pry into other people's business. I don't usually care about these sorts of things.

But if they are opposed to Aureole's pursuit of the throne, I can't just stand back and pretend not to watch.

It's suspicious, isn't it? Too convenient.

This random guy I met in a bookstore, somehow ending up where I live... And he just so happened to be affiliated with Aureole? She was only gone a few days in the capital, that's not enough time to ask a random person to live with her.

He had to have manipulated her.

I consulted Aureole about this, but she refused. She simply restated what she had said during the meeting. He saved her, she wanted to thank him. Something more must have happened. She complimented him, saying how sweet and easily funny he can be. How he's vulnerable but will do anything to help others.

It got on my nerves.

I snoop around the corner to find Sirius gleefully conversing with Pholy. She looks uncomfortable. They both do.

If you don't want to be here, leave.

This is my chance.

I take the long way around the halls and make my way to Sirius' room. Thankfully, it is unlocked, and I sneak my way inside. He didn't appear to have the book on him out in the hallway, so it must be around here somewhere.

Dark leather with a strap... I think there was also a ribbon.

The room has the same basic layout as mine, so I know all the ins and outs. His bed doesn't look slept in; it's not made either. The clothes he had on when I toured him are piled in the corner. Why is he still wearing that one-sleeved shirt?

I check the bathroom connected to his room. Nothing out of the ordinary, except some carvings in the mirror. Two eyes and a mouth, smiling. Did he carve a smiley face into the mirror? Is he insane?

Or am I thinking about this all wrong?

Maybe he's actually just an overly happy person. Kind, understanding, if that is the case... we're complete opposites.

But if that were the case... I would feel bad for snooping. But I don't. He's suspicious and I can't have him harming Aureole or her image. He makes Pholy uncomfortable, that alone is its own sin.

I make my way over to the desk and slide open the top drawer.

There it is.

I unlatch the strap and open up to the first page.

...What is this language?

I can't read a single sentence. The writing itself is completely horizontal, this should be a crime. I came to find secrets not to build up more questions. I could take this to my room and try deciphering, but he'd definitely notice.

I flip through the pages, searching for any pictures. Apart from some random sketches, only one thing catches my eye. Twelve rectangles dispersed across three pages, all with thirty-one boxes. A few boxes are circled, and some other tiny words are written inside.

What is this? Is he really hiding something?

Before I can come to a logical answer, the door creeps open. I shot of fear and adrenaline pulsates throughout my body. Please don't be him please don't be him please don't be him...

It's him.

~Sirius~

"What are you doing?"

I must say, it's oddly embarrassing to walk in on a girl in your own room. It's not like there's anything in here to hide. Except for maybe the bathroom mirror... that'd be hard to explain. I can't even explain it myself.

"Uh- nothing!"

She slams my journal closed. Why was she trying to read it?

You're forgetting to smile.

"Are you curious?" I ask kindly. It would be rude of me not to tell her.

"...I suppose."

Her soft-spoken way of speech reminds me of a lost kitten. The only thing is that a glaring sense of agony lies beneath it. At least from what I can tell.

I'm good at reading people.

I stroll over and she hands me the journal without resistance. She must be very curious.

"You can't read this, right?" I do my best to act friendly. Why am I getting frustrated?

"Mm."

Finally, a chance to show someone how amazing I can be. I'll show her who Sirius is meant to be. Not that fraud from before.

I turn the pages, explaining each one as I go on. I tell her my understanding of nem, of temperature and age conversions. My discoveries of the daylight system and Lunalir. But she doesn't seem interested.

"What about these?"

She slips halfway through the book, landing on the pages I've written at night.

"Oh, don't worry about those-"

"What do they say?"

My frustration boils up... no, not frustration. Fear.

If I don't answer her, she will think of me poorly. She won't see me for who I am... How great I can be... How honest and perfect I am.

"Well, these are fragments of my past I've jotted down."

At this, her amethyst eyes squint. Is she mad at me? What did I say??

"..."

"I don't know why, but I keep writing down memories and facts about myself. Knowing I'll lose these memories in my head, I need to store them somewhere so they can never really disappear."

"What do you mean?" Her ears perked up upon hearing the word "memories."

"Well, I am a human, so you know..."

"Know what?"

Does she really not know? Is this not common knowledge people have of Witch Spawns? I suppose not... why would the Witch of Death create a being with waning memories? Right, the people of this world have too many misconceptions about humans. But then, how did Rawlin know?

"My memories are fading away."

"You're losing your memories?" Her tone shifts into one of concern. She's suddenly very intrigued.

"I am. In less than a year's time, when this timer reaches zero..." I hand her my beating stopwatch. Seriously, why is that thing so loud? "All the memories of my past life will disappear."

She freezes. Stone cold like a statue. A single flick to the forehead would probably shatter her into pieces.

"Are you alright?" I enter Mr. Nice Guy mode once again. I need to stop slipping up. I tap her gently on the shoulder. She jolts abruptly.

"Oh- yes... I'm alright." She shakes her head around, clearing out whatever that daze was. She sets down the watch and starts flipping through the pages of the journal, her hands are so small compared to the pages. "Was your old life great? Will you miss it that much?"

"...Probably not, I don't have many fond memories." Shit. Why is it so hard to act like this in front of her? My smile is wearing down, I pray she doesn't notice.

"...Then why are you so hung up on it? Wouldn't it be nice to forget?"

I haven't thought of that. Maybe it would be... but I can't say that. It's not right for me to want to forget.

"I..." I laugh off my indecisiveness. What am I supposed to say? What do I do in this situation? "Maybe, but I still have an obligation to not forget."

"Obligation?"

"My mom, my dad, my brother... what would they think if I forgot them?"

"Does it matter?"

...

"Of course it does. They're my family. They're important to me."

"Are they?"

What is she saying? Of course, they are... they're family... I need them to be important to me. I should care about them, shouldn't I? That's not wrong.

"Yes..."

"...Would it be so bad to live without your old memories?" Who is this girl, anyway? What's with all these questions?

"It'd be scary..."

"So, you're just going to write down everything in here? What good will that do you? You'll just forget, and everything written here will sound like nonsense."

"You don't know that..."

"..."

"..."

"Tell me, is this how you acted back in your old world?"

Right now? How I'm acting? I've fallen right back into my own trap. So, yes...

"It is."

"..."

Come on, answer. Say something. Don't you like this version of me? Aren't I better this way?

She continues flipping through until landing on the calendar I drew.

"What is this?"

I blink my eyes until they strain. Stop acting like this. Be normal.

I put on the best smile I can muster.

"That's the calendar from my homeland. It has all the months and days laid out."

"Oh... there's a lot of days."

I proceed to explain to her the main differences between Earth's and Mirgaia's calendars. I flip between my notes from Alzir and the calendars I drew. It would be easy if I had the actual calendars Alzir gave us. I think Korlin has them in his room... for some reason, I don't want to talk to him.

Hyacinth listens, paying attention to everything I say.

"What are these?" She points to the days I've circled and noted on.

"That is the day I died and was reborn into this world. In other words, when I became a Witch Spawn."

March 9th

I still get nightmares of that night. Recently, I haven't been able to sleep. Every time I try it feels like I'm strapped to that hospital bed again. I feel the crushing weight of a truck and forget to breathe.

It's terrifying.

Sometimes, when I close my eyes, I open them again and find myself back on Earth. Like I'm right back into those classrooms. Right back in my car driving from soccer to my dad's house. Right back in my bedroom doing nothing with my time.

Right back hating everything again.

"...What about this one?" She directs her finger to another circled mark a month or so down.

"That's my birthday."

April 17th

I sound nonchalant, but that day is the bane of my existence. Nothing more nothing less.

"Birthday..."

"Haha, yeah... I'm not the biggest fan of them." I need to divert this attention off of myself. I can't let her notice. "What about you?"

"I don't know..."

"A-ah... I get it. They're not always the best of days. When is your birthday?" I curl my cheeks up into a pleasant grin. What I get in return is the complete opposite.

"I don't know..."

Melancholic. That's a word that comes to mind. She must have a pretty messed up past to not know her own birthday.

"...Um-"

"Sorry," she rubs her eyes with her sweater's sleeve. "I'm going to borrow these."

Before I can react, she rips out the three pages of my Earthen calendar straight from my journal. Not even a clean rip... it's jagged.

"Um, what-"

"Sirius."

Her tone is frigid, if I were to take one step I would probably freeze over. She stands in my doorway, facing out towards the hall.

"Yes?"

In a complete one-eighty of tone, her sound softens.

"You and I are more alike than I thought."