Zaira
I was getting ready as I packed my things. It was late morning and still the halls of je floors were peaceful because of last night. Callista has a hangover from the liquor that he consumed together with Stella. Ainsley on the other hand had a few shots but she backed down after. I left a note for Callista, I've made her soup for the hangover and some meds that she can drink. 
Last night I was lost in the moment with my friends and forgot to say good-bye. Before I left the school I assumed that he's in the faculty’s office and trying to look for her. Immediately, someone opened the door and I almost got hit.
Her long haired ponytail, that perfect shaped body—Astrid Dali. 
“Oh dear” she exclaimed and startled. “How can I help you?” he asked, her voice softened looking at me. She's not as intimidating as she looks. 
“Good Morning, I was wondering if Professor Ackerman is around, he asked for my presence today” I lied yet I did my best to stay calm. 
“I was hoping that I might find him here, but he's not. It's either he went home or in his apartment. I'll let him know that you visited him” she smiled warmly. 
“I really appreciate it, Thank you!” I said and left, I grabbed one huge bag with me as me. As I was walking out from the campus I spotted a A black carriage with gold design, I hurriedly walked towards it as the footman smiled at me—I gave him a warm hug. 
“It's good to see you too, Lady Zaira,” he smiled. He helped me carry my bags and went inside the carriage as I sat down leaning and sighed, glancing around at the interior. It hadn't changed one bit the white mattress seats, the delicate white curtains swaying slightly with the movement. Just how she liked it. 
She always believed white was a symbol of peace, health, and cleanliness. I couldn't blame her; it made sense for someone with a doctor's mindset. It was a reflection of her desire to bring order and peace to a world that often felt chaotic and unpredictable. 
I leaned back, letting the familiarity wash over me, feeling a mix of comfort and tension. This place held so many memories, some warm and welcoming, others colder and more painful. But today, I was here for a reason, and I needed to face it, no matter what.
After a few hours, the carriage stopped, and the footman opened the door for me. As I stepped out, I was immediately struck by a sudden wave of nostalgia. The overwhelming feeling.  
Yet the unanswered questions still lingers in me, from the nightmares, the deja vu’s I couldn't take it anymore—I couldn't let it affect me. While I'm here I'll try my best to uncover my past. 
As the goyarged stopped I stepped outside and the footman helped me carry my bags. 
"We are glad that you decided to come home, my lady," the footman said softly.
“Thanks for your help” I smiled.
I offered him a small smile and began walking towards the house, a clean, imposing structure that hadn't changed a bit. The garden surrounding it was still filled with a riot of colors, various types of flowers blooming in full splendor. The sight of the flowers, each petal meticulously cared for, brought back memories, both good and bad.
"Lady Zaira! Oh my goodness, we're so happy that you're here!" 
It was Rose. She had been the one to take care of me whenever my aunt was too busy with her work saving lives, trying to push me to be the best version of myself. 
Sometimes it felt like pressure, but I couldn't blame her. Without my aunt, I wouldn't be who I am today.
"Rose," I greeted her with a smile.
She didn't hesitate; she rushed forward and wrapped me in a tight hug. I was surprised at first, but then my face softened, and I hugged her back just as warmly.
Rose and a couple of male helpers assisted with my bags as we entered the house. It was clear that nothing had really changed.
"How are you, my dear?" Rose asked, her voice full of warmth.
"I am fine, Rose," I replied.
While I was away, Rose, as the chief of helpers, had taken on significant responsibilities in the house. With her guidance, the household had run smoothly, even in my absence. 
When my aunt passed away, I had to shoulder the responsibilities of managing the house and its staff, an unexpected burden for someone so young. Yet, Rose had become like family, leading the household with the same care and attention she always had.
"I’d love to hear all about Hipocralis Academy if you have the time," she said, smiling.
"Actually, I’d like to rest for a bit. Maybe when I wake up? You won’t be too busy then, right?" I asked with a smile.
Her face softened, and she smiled back. "Of course, my lady," she said. She then started unpacking my bags and arranging my clothes in the drawers.
My room greeted me with a wave of nostalgia. The white and blue decor remained unchanged, with white sheets and blue-highlighted walls.
The mini living room where I’d often call Rose to bring tea, my study table lined with neatly arranged academic books, shelves filled with storybooks, and the little vanity table by the window everything was just as I remembered it.
"Do you want me to bring you some tea?" Rose asked as she finished arranging my things.
I shook my head. "That wouldn’t be necessary. Thank you, Rose."
She smiled, bowing slightly. "We are delighted to see you, Zaira," she said warmly before leaving the room.
As Rose left, I was conflicted between resting and exploring. I sighed and decided to leave my room. A few steps away, I paused in front of a large white door, The same as my own room. It was my aunt's room.
Swallowing hard, I opened it. I rarely entered her room. It was darker than mine, with grey cushions, beds, and sheets, and curtains that matched. 
The walls were a mix of white and green highlights. The fireplace was clean, and her large portrait hung above it elegant, beautiful, and strict. The last time I had been here was the day she passed away. I closed the door gently behind me and walked a few steps to a dark brown door.
This door led to the room where I endured much of the pressure and punishment. I opened it to find a dark, peaceful atmosphere, with a large table in front, filled shelves of books, and a small chandelier hanging from the ceiling. 
The table, once used for hosting guests, had also been the site of many punishments and relentless studying sessions that left me exhausted and bleeding.
I went roaming around inside, the room was filled with dust, and cobwebs were spotted. I sneezed as I continued to roam around, Her single dark wooden desk filled with her favorite figurines. As I walk another more—I winced in pain as my toe hit one of the drawers. 
“Shit!” I cursed. 
I gazed down and noticed a small drawer left slightly open. I crouched and reached to close it—inside was an old box, and my curiosity sparked when I saw my mother's name written on it.
“My Lady?” 
Startled, I turned to see Rose with a concerned expression. 
"Rose?" I let out a sigh of relief. 
“I'm sorry for startling you, dear,” she said. 
"I was just wondering if you'd visit your aunt tomorrow so Laura could order some flowers for her," she added. 
“Yes, that would be lovely. Thank you” I said as I stepped out from my aunt’s office. 
“Dear, you shouldn't be here, this place is dusty and a mess” she said with a gentle yet concerned tone.
“Have you forgotten to clean it up?” I asked with curiosity. 
“I haven't, dear, but your aunt’s last wish is to leave it unclean. We respected her wish. Even though I wanted to clean it so badly I chose to close it just to respect her wish” she replied. 
Rose has a lot of superstition that's why I can't blame her for it. She lives in a far away village where they believe in herbs and superstition. 
I had taken the box that I found from my aunt’s drawers. I kept it safe with me as I was about to go to my room.
Rose noticed my distraction. "Did you find something?" she asked.
I went inside the room and began opening the box, old handwritten letters greeted me. It was from my mother to my aunt. Until three letters caught my attention.
To my dearest friend Therese, 
Two days from now, the full moon will rise—before the sun sets, the carriage will be waiting by the treehouse where we once picked blueberries. 
The one that truly loves you will be waiting. You deserve a love that fills your heart with joy, not one that shatters piece by piece. 
Happiness is yours to claim, my dear friend, and I'll be there to see it. 
Until Then, 
Zenith 
As the sun rose, its warm light spilled across the table, illuminating every corner. Rose was cooking me breakfast, she smiled at me. Yet, the letters that my mother had written for Therese sent me into curiosity. According to the letter, Therese is married to an abusive man named Owain Grimes. 
Apparently I found a wedding invitation, and my mother and auntie were invited. I figured out that their wedding will be held at night where my mother helped her get away. 
It was a good source but it's enough to know what happened to my mother or how this is connected to their deaths. I don't even know what place I live with my parents. I wasn't done reading the letters yet and I have five more to read, hoping that it was something interesting that I could connect the lines in my past. 
I looked at Rose who was pouring me tea. Rose is one of the oldest employees in the manor. She has taken care of my auntie and my mother since they're children. She might know someone named Therese.
“Rose you've been taking care of my mom and auntie right?” I asked out of curiosity. She smiled at me as she removed the dishes that weren't used. 
“That's right,” she answered warmly.
“How are they like?” I asked. 
“Oh dear, your mother was just a ball of sunshine. She's very friendly, she even got scolded since she wanted to help me with the laundry. Your aunt she's also gentle and very friendly but she spends her time in the library. I remember she got scolded since she touched blood from me when I accidentally pierced my finger from a cutter” She said laughing, I can see in her eyes that she really misses that memory. 
“Did they come home with some friends too?” I asked. 
“Oh yes they have, they kept playing doctor and patient. I always baked them cookies for them to enjoy” she smiled at me. 
I was hesitant but my mind craves for answers. Just say it! 
“A-are you familiar with someone named Therese?” I asked. 
She paused looking at me, her brows raised. “Therese…” she said “Oh yes dear, I can remember her, it's one of your mother's best friends when she went to university” she said. 
My face brightens as she remembers it. “Do you know where she is right now?” I asked my voice with a hint of excitement.
“Oh dear me, no dear, I heard that she died a long time ago” she said. A hint of disappointment spread on my face. 
“I'm surprised you're giving interest to your mother’s friends,” she said. 
“Well I just want to know more about her” I forced a smile. 
She hummed “As far as I remember her name was Therese Sanchez” she said. 
“I am not familiar with the last name Sanchez in our kingdom” I said looking at me. 
“That's because she isn't my dear, I forgot where she from your mother always told me that she lived somewhere out of the kingdom” she said. 
Rose got the used dishes and went to the kitchen. This made no sense. I should really read those letters to know more. 
The urge to read the letters as if they're calling me to read it. I was about to stand up when Laura came with a bouquet of beautiful roses. I suddenly remembered that I have to visit the cemetery today. 
“My Lady the roses that you requested are here, The coachman is also waiting for you down stairs” she said and placed the roses at the table. 
“Alright, thank you” I said. 
I wore a long black dress to visit my aunt today. I left the manor and stepped into the carriage. 
The letters that my mother had written were still in my mind. How does this connect to my past? 
The flood of memories had overwhelmed me, consuming my thoughts so completely that I lost track of time and space. 
My heart was still racing from the rush of emotions stirred up by the memories of that day. 
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, the carriage rocking gently beneath me as it began to move. I spotted the sky, grey clouds starting to move forward. 
A few minutes later, we arrived at Mairi Cemetery, a place that was part of my childhood. As we pulled up to the black gate, engraved with ‘Mairi Cemetery,’ the footman opened the carriage door for me. 
I stepped out, holding a bouquet of white roses in my hand.
"My lady," the coachman said, "it seems the carriage needs some repairs. The wheels are quite worn."
I looked at him, surprised. "I thought it was repaired recently?"
"The mechanics were unavailable yesterday," he explained, bowing slightly. 
"We still need to replace the wheels. I apologize for the inconvenience."
"It's fine," I replied. "Just make sure it gets done. Will it be ready soon?"
"It shouldn't take long to change the wheels. Would you prefer to wait here for us?" he asked.
I nodded. "I'll wait for a bit, but if it takes too long, I'll find another carriage. I'll let the guards know if I decide to leave."
The coachman bowed again. "Understood, Lady Zaira. Please be safe."
I entered the cemetery, the sky overhead a somber grey, my hair swayed in the wind carrying the scent of the approaching rain. I glanced up but didn't pay much mind. 
After a few steps, I found my aunt's grave, a beautiful stone with a sculpted angel at the top. Her name was carved in elegant calligraphy.
The cold wind brushed against
my skin as I placed the bouquet of white roses on her grave. A bittersweet of nostalgia overcame me, pulling me to the moments with her from the beginning until her last breaths. 
There were a few happy moments, But I still felt thankful for everything that she did for me. 
"Hello, Auntie,"