⚠️ Warning: Slight mentions of blood and death. If affected, please read with caution. ⚠️

~~~~~

{•Lynette•}

I closed the book and looked back at Remington in his coffin.

Ironically, I had grabbed A Thousand and One Nights to read to him this time.

I smiled as I admired his still face.

It almost looked like he was sleeping... He always seemed so peaceful when he was....

I took a deep and reached over, holding his hand as I smiled softly.

Its been almost a week since I found out Remington's body was resting in the Warhol chapel.

Ever since then, I've felt myself only improve slightly. I guess once seeing my mate was near, my mind calmed itself a little, according to Genevieve.

I've mostly since then spent time with him. I usually just talk to him, read books to him, occasionally sing to him or replace any flowers that are wilting with new ones.

Of course with it being winter, the best I can do is a few snowdrops, primroses, pine needles, and a few other plants that can resist the frost and snow.

Whenever I'm not with him though, I'm helping with any research or just resting and taking treatments to heal what's left of my injuries.

Andrew and Billie had gone to the Academy almost 2 days ago to search for something that can help us look into the vampire revival spell. They'll be a while, however, since they have to remain hidden, as to not get any attention, especially from the Visigoth's.

I decided to take a break from helping Victoria and Thomas this time, since we were looking at old Warhol records trying to get anymore clues from them.

Just like the spellbooks and grimores we've been looking through to find the revival spell, no luck on any of them, aside from what we already know.

We did manage to find the original birth certificates for each Visigoth child, however, stored away in some locked drawer that Thomas had found in one of the record rooms.

I looked up at Remington's still face, and softly placed my hand on his cheek.

Another thing we had discovered is something that made my skin crawl.

Dopplegängers.

The apparition or double of a living person. A counterpart of them. Something that is a bit rare in Obsidian, but not completely unheard of.

There's the possibility that I am the dopplegänger of Lilith Visigoth, given how scarily similar we both are.

Same hair. Same facial structure. Same figure. Same features. Same everything.

Only difference is I have blue eyes. She has brown eyes.

An almost perfect clone.

Nonetheless, this theory opened even more questions on my past than I'm comfortable with.

Just the idea of being this woman's clone, let alone related to her, made me sick to my stomach and disgust with myself.

I sighed and looked down at the book, tracing the gold designs of the leather, then adjusting the skirt of my dress as I stood up.

(Picture: Example of Lynette's current Dress, minus the hat)

I took a deep breath and looked back at Remington, carefully reaching over to comb his hair and stroking his cheek with my thumb.

"Kind of feeling like Scheherazade, telling the king stories every night...." I joked half-heartedly to him, looking down at the book.

I looked back at him, seeing he was still.

"Of course, only difference is you're technically a prince instead of a king, and well.... I'm not trying to save myself from an execution or anything...." I laughed softly, looking up at him.

I know its near impossible for him not to respond back to me, but it keeps me calm and like I'm not going crazy.

A part of me hopes he would suddenly wake up and answer back whenever I do talk....

I took a deep breath. "I can... I can remember times when we were back at Blackwell Castle, and.... You would read this to me.... You would teach me how to say some the poems and quotes in Arabic, and.... Even whisper them to me at night whenever I woke up from my bad dreams.... Tell me everything will be okay.... Holding me close in your arms, where I felt safe......"

I felt tears start to form as I sniffled.

"I don't know if you can hear me, but... I miss you......" I murmured. "I'm so sorry I couldn't be there sooner.... If I had, then... Then you'd already be here.... We'd be okay, just like you always told me we would be....."

I sighed as I felt some tears fall, looking back at his face.

"You know, we sometimes said that... That you and I, we can go to Vancouver together, just you and me... Like before all this happened...... We can still do that.... We can see the mountains.... Explore the woods... I always wanted to smell pine trees all around me, and watch the colors change in fall....The castles and palaces too... I know Emerson would kill us if we don't...." I giggled softly, stroking his dark hair, which was still soft.

The preservation spell Genevieve put in him would keep him in a sort of stasis, where his body won't rot or crumble to dust, and he'd be exactly as if he died not even hours before Sebastian found him."

I sniffled and held his cheek in my hand.

"I need you to come back to me, though..." I said behind tears. "Remington, I.... I need you to wake up...." I whimpered softly. "I can't go on without you...."

I sighed as I held back tears. "Everyone's worried.... I keep seeing things that aren't there.... Its scaring me...." I said. "And then there's... There's that whole thing of being a dopplegänger to a psycho who tortured me, and most possibly being her graddaughter somehow..... I don't even know what's real or not.... Its all so confusing...."

I sighed as I stood up, walking over to his side, placing my hand over his chest

"I keep going back to the night... Before it all went dark.... I can remember you looking so scared...." I murmured to him. "And..... I can't explain what happened, because.... How am I even still here?"

I pursed my lips and tried to keep it together.

"Then there's something bothing me, like... Something I'm forgetting..." I sighed. "With everything happening, I..... Its hard to think..."

I looked back at Remington as he laid still in his coffin.

"None of it makes any sense, and.... I don't know how to even talk about it...." I said. "I try talking with Emerson or Sebastian, but.... What can I even say? They're already worried enough...."

I sighed as I wiped my tears away before leaning over and kissing his forehead and gripping his hand.

"I really hope they bring you back...." I said.

I sighed as I leaned over, kissing his head before placing the book on the seat nearby.

"I'm going to go get some fresh air. just for a little bit, but... I'll be back in a while," I said, gripping his hand beofre letting go and exiting the room.

Once I got to the door to the gardens, I grabbed the winter cloak Emerson had made for me once the snow started to fall and I could go outside again.

(Picture: example of Lynette's Winter Cloak)

Its a little heavy, but it'll keep me warm.

I button it on it on and stepped outside, and my eyes widen.

"Whoa..." I said as I looked out at the garden.

(Picture: Example of the garden)

I walked across the snow, seeing as small snowflakes softly fell from the sky as I admired the trees and bushes.

The snow was sparkling and looked so clean, not a single speck of dirt in sight.

It's like being inside a snow globe....

I smiled as I walked through the snow, admiring the scenery, then seeing some of the flowers that had wilted from the snow, smiling sadly.

At least there was still the plants that can survive in cold temperatures blooming here and there, which just added to the beauty.

This is way better than the snow back in Seattle...

I reached up, poking a leaf covered in frost from a tree, and some small flakes floated off and down to my feet.

It almost look like white glitter. I knelt down and scooped some in my hand, giggling softly.

Its so freezing cold.. Like holding ice chips.....

I smiled softly as tossed the snow back, dusting it off, and then stood back up.

I admired evreything, then taking a deep breath, thick white fog from my breath blowing into the air, as I closed my eyes and just let myself relax in the cool air around me.

Remington would have loved seeing this....

I opened my eyes and frowned softly as I crossed my arms.

"My duchess," a voice spoke, making me turn to see Leda walking outside, dressed in a beautiful black shawl over her uniform dress.

"Leda...." I mumbled as she hurried over to me,

"Milady, you shouldn't be out in the snow when you're still in recovery. You'll fall ill again..." she said worriedly.

"I know, I-I just... I haven't seen snow in a while, and I needed some cool air," I admitted, looking put at the wintery scenery. "At least for a few minutes... Plus, the view is so beautiful... You don't see snow like this back on Earth... Especially in Seattle..."

She smiled softly. "It is very beautiful, isn't it?" she said.

I smiled. "Yeah.... Makes me wonder if snow in Vancouver looks something like this...."

She looked over. "That is the place in the Earth Realm that Lord Aldous promised to take you.... Correct?"

I smiled sadly and nodded. "Yeah.... W-When I met him... Before I knew what he was.... We were planning to escape there...."

She gave me a sad smile.

"Told me he was an inn keeper," I smiled, making her giggle a bit. "Said that we can stay at one of his inns.... That he'd keep me safe...."

She smiled and looked at me as I took a deep breath.

"Leda... Do you think we'll get him back?" I asked.

She pursed her lips before taking a deep breath. "I believe in moments like this.... We need to have faith."

I took a deep breath. "We all need a lot of that."

She pursed her lips and nodded, as I looked up at the tree branches.

"My duchess... I... I wanted to ask you something," she said. "Well... Some of us did, but, I feel you'd be more comfortable if it came from me...."

I furrowed my brows. "What is it?"

"I-Its just... Austin mentioned about the autopy they performed of Amadeus...." she mentioned.

I looked curiously at her.

"He said that a vampire killed him that night... However it made no sense.... Lord Aldous was the only vampire on the premises, and... He was captures....."

I frowned and looked away.

"Also... Amadeus was found clutching a piece of fabric from one of our Blackwell jackets...." she said. "Which.... Which you also wore...."

I sighed and looked down.

"You can tell me, milady..... I won't say anything unless you order me to...." she said.

I pursed my lips. "Its been on my mind ever since that night...." I said. "Thing is, I can't talk about it to anyone.... Only because I can't make any sort of sense of it myself...."

She furrowed my brows.

"I barely remember much after Lilith shot me.... I can remember the pain.... Feeling cold.... Hearing Shy crying, you calling out for me..... The last thing I was able to see was Aldous's face before it all went dark....." I said.

"Y-You had passed on.... King Frederick read you your final rights...." she said.

"Then.... Then why did I suddenly wake up to Amadeus's blood in my mouth and him dead?" I mumbled.

Her eyes widen, then looking shocked. "Y-You had..... So... Its true....."

"However... I was back to normal... I'm a vampire one second, and then a human the next. How is that possible, Leda?" I asked. "How could I explain that to anyone? Not even I can make any sense of it..."

She pursed her lips and tried to think. "You are right... It makes no sense.... If your body had rejected any change, you would have died again...."

I took a deep breath.

"Milady... Why don't we talk to Duchess Shy?" she said. "She's an expert in the Change.... After all, she's transformed me, and Billie, Ethan, Austin, Jay..... Many of us have been changed and given a second chance at life because of her...."

I sighed and nodded. "Okay... However, this stays between us... There's too much to worry about, and I cannot have more hanging over our heads.... Just until there's a way to bring Remington back...."

She nodded. "Of course, milady...."

I took a deep breath when a sudden gust of freezing wind then blew at us, making me shiver.

"Wow, that was a strong breeze," I shivered as she then held my hands.

"Your fingertips are almost blue, milady, you're shivering," she scolded.

"I'm alright, Leda, really.... Just cold, that's all," I assured.

She sighed, but then smiled at me.

"Well, come... I've made coffee to keep us warm, and there's creamy soup for dinner tonight," she said with a smile. "Jay's special recipe. I'll also have someone fetch some gloves for you."

I smiled and nodded as we headed back inside, where it was thankfully warm.

Just as Leda was helping me with taking off my coat, when Larisa and Shy approached.

"Surprise!" Shy smiled excitedly. "Everything's ready for the journey!"

I furrowed my brows as Leda hung my coat nearby. "Journey?"

"Well, Shy and I were talking, and we thought about doing something for your birthday," Larisa explained.

My eyes widen. "M-My birthday? Wait, what... What day is it?" I asked.

My god... I've been so distracted... It's winter for Christ's sake, how did I not notice...??

"Yes, your 26th birthday, silly," Shy encouraged. "Four days away."

My eyes widen. "Wait, no, I... I know what day my birthday falls on," I said. "I don't want any sort of celebration on that day.... Especailly with the current situation we're facing."

"We understand... That's why we decided on doing something else for you," Larisa said.

I furrowed my brows. "Where are you going?"

"To the Earth Realm," Shy explained. "We know your necklace is still missing, and how important it is to you, so we thought about getting it back for you...."

My eyes widen. "Girls...."

"We thought it would also help cheer you up a little, after everything you've been through...." Larisa explained. "We know its not much... However its the least we can do, given the circumstances... Plus, the necklace is something valuable of yours....."

I couldn't help but smile at them, and then walk over, hugging them both.

"You two are the best....." I smiled as they hugged me back. "You've been like sisters to me, and I'm glad you are here.... Same for you, Leda... I'm glad I have you three at my side...."

They smiled as we pulled back.

"I... I just want to say I'm sorry.... For how I've been acting lately, ever since I've been back, and..." I said.

"Oh, honey, no," Shy said, gently holding my shoulders. "You have nothing to apologize for, Lynette.... You've been through so much, and you're hurting... We'd be surprised if you weren't feeling conflicted and upset...."

I smiled softly and took a deep breath. "You know, I do appreciate it, girls, and I'm grateful but..... I rather have Remington home first before thinking about jewelry.... The necklace can wait for now...."

They look at each other, but then smiled softly and nodded. "If you say so... However, once Remington is awake, we're taking the journey for you..."

I smiled and nodded. "Okay.... Plus, I rather not risk anyone going missing again. Sebastian's still trying to search for Samuel's army, and its getting concerning...."

"Where could they have gone?" Leda asked worriedly.

"That's a good question..... I'm good friends with Queen Onyx. I'll try and communicate with her, see what's happened..... She must have some sort of protection spell over the Golgotha realm, that's why we can't get through to them....." Larisa said.

"Many realms did close off like Wismont once word got out that that both Remington and Alexander were dead, and Lilith was on a rampage," Shy said. "They didn't want to take any chances..."

We then jumped when there was a loud gust of wind blowing outside.

"Damn.... A snowstorm's coming and we didn't even notice...." Larisa sighed. "All this chaos happening, its no wonder...."

"Can't blame anyone. We've all be quite preoccupied," Shy said.

"True.... Ashton," Larias called to a nearby butler of the manor, who was passing by but walked over.

"Your majesty," he said with a bow.

"Gather some of the other men and help barricade the windows of the manor, please," she said. "The Venetian stainless glass ones here are valuable antiques that are too priceless to replace..."

He nodded and bowed again. "Consider it done, your majesty,"

She nodded. "Thank you, and do be careful, please," she said as he then walked off, taking some more male servants with him as she then faced us. "Ladies, let's go to the parlor, we can warm up with the coffee Leda's made."

We all nodded and followed behind her.

"Also, umm, Shy," I said as we walked.

"Hmm?" she asked curiously.

"Is there a chance we can talk privately later tonight?" I asked.

"Of course. Meet me in the library, " she smiled.

I smiled back softly, nodding my thanks as we continued.

Just as we were approaching the parlor, however....

"Vostre altezze! Vostre altezze!!" someone's voice called, making us turn to see Ethan rush over to us. (Your highnesses! Your highnesses!!)

"Lord Ethan? What's wrong?" I asked as he approached us.

He took a deep breath before composing himself a little.

"Andrew and Billie have returned. They may have found something to save Lord Remington!!"

~~~~~

Picture: Shy 🖤💋

Anyone have any theories?? 🤔🤔

I think I finally managed to fix that weird problem regarding my drafted chapters and trying to get them in chronological order. Not sure what was going on, but at least it stopped hopefully. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Here's a chapter for the meantime while I finish drafting some more stuff and work on other stories as well. 🌻

🎹Currently in Sapph's playlist:

Eyedress & Dent May
"Something About You"

♡~ sapphire.