Poison Rose of Avalon

LIORA POV:

Daran submitted an application for a work and study visa to L.A. for six months, resolved to manage his own expenses without assistance from Mama or me. He intended to live with his close friend Rachel, splitting the apartment expenses. Additionally, Rachel had already taken care of all the arrangements for him.

Rachel has been his friend since they were kids. If I'm right, they grew up together in an orphanage. Daran doesn't often talk about Rachel, not certain why.

My strategy was straightforward. He would assist me in extracting all the information from Sven, and after dumping him at the right place, I would end things with Daran, providing my family with a reasonable explanation, I was unable to juggle my studies and my romantic life simultaneously. The heartbroken Daran would then return to Italy. Easy as cake!

My mother selected a single-student occupancy room for me, desiring that I have my own space. There was also a hint of selfishness in her decision; she hoped that I would call her at night for comfort, just as I had called Caspian when Mama wasn't around.

'My sweet Mama, I cherish her!'

She didn't know how long it had been since I'd had a good night's sleep just because I was good at pretending to sleep. Or how much I craved for that peaceful rest to finally embrace me.

Standing at the departure area at the international airport, my mother stood before me, holding her tears back. Her face and eyes had become swollen and red.

"Liora, eat well, study well, stay out of trouble and remember your promise to call us every day." her voice trembled.

"Absolutely, mama, I will!" Although I felt like crying as well, witnessing my mom's strength during this overwhelming time inspired me to reflect on her demeanour.

I wish she would let her emotions flow and cry, but ever since her father's passing, she hasn't shed a single tear. Was this normal?

"Daran, take care of yourself and Liora. It's my sole request to ensure her safety," Dane said to Daran in a gentle tone. Unlike previous days, he showed kindness and warmth towards Daran and he nodded in response.

After our final hugs, Daran and I finally boarded the plane after a farewell at Rome airport with Mama and Uncle Dane.

It was my and Daran's first time flying, and the experience was nothing but enchanting. When the aircraft ascended, I experienced a mild pressure in my ears. Gazing out the window, the city beneath us turned into a quilt-like pattern and slowly disappeared into a blanket of clouds.

The flight attendants moved gracefully through the aisles, offering drinks with warm smiles. 

Nearly everyone on the plane appeared composed, except for me. My legs fidgeted uncontrollably, and I kept adjusting in my seat, struggling to get comfortable. The tingling feeling traveled from my chest to my fingertips, causing me to feel dizzy.

It wasn't due to a fear of flying. Rather, the idea of seeing Caspian filled me with excitement. The surge of anticipation inside me was uncontainable, like a multitude of tiny electrical sparks flickering on my skin, making it difficult to stay still.

'Someone, anyone, please take care of my heart,' I pleaded in my thoughts. My love story with Caspian is about to start, and it only made my heart race more.

Daran, who was next to me, shot me a sideways look as if he thought I was insane.

"I'm curious if it will be you who discloses her true identity to her so-called long-distance boyfriend," he remarked with his characteristic sarcasm. He even gestured with air quotes, dousing my intense feelings with a reality check.

I was on a mission to make Caspian work hard to find me. After breaking his promise to return in two years and not being in contact for nearly four months, I decided to change my appearance.

With my mother specializing in facial transformations using simple techniques, I appeared entirely different from my true self. I wore brown contact lenses, had golden blond hair, and adopted a new comfortable clothing style. Caspian would need to recognize me before I could consider forgiving him.

However, Despite my efforts, I remained unable to understand Daran's issue with Caspian. I threw him a glance, saying, "Daran, he genuinely has a heart of gold. You'll witness his kindness soon enough."

Daran sighed and reclined. "Sure, sure. Just make sure you don't do anything that will reveal your identity before he discovers it."

I took a deep breath, "I understand, truly. But it's been nine years, Daran. Five years of hoping, of yearning. The idea of reuniting with him... it's just so intense." I bounced my feet in excitement, shutting my eyes in expectation.

I thought he might say something... anything, but my idiot friend simply inserted the ear pods into his ears, placed an eye mask over his face, and fell asleep just like that. Just like that… without uttering a single word!

I questioned why we were unable to engage in a typical human conversation whenever I brought up Caspian. I had always hoped we could discuss this topic openly.

When Daran starts dating someone, I would be thrilled to learn about her and connect with her more. Perhaps we could take a trip together or something similar. However, Daran's distant responses to Caspian's subjects and his sarcastic comments dashed my hopes.

'God, why Daran is so irritating? I hate him!'

If I had a substantial book with me at this moment, I might have hit him in the face with it. Yet, before my aggressive instincts could overpower me, I glanced out the window. If he preferred to sleep, then fine by me. I could use this time to relish my first experience of flying.

The clouds appeared more magnificent. The sun's rays filtered through the clouds, creating a mesmerising glow. It reminded me of the Nova's diamond stud, which sparkled brightly whenever sunlight hit it.

'What on earth?' Why would I think about that 'Psycho Bear' who was so uncertain about what he wanted? One moment he was warm, and the next moment was giving me a cold shoulder. I despise him, too! Yes, I genuinely do!

I pushed my thoughts aside as the plane carried on with its flight. Not long after a beep echoed, followed by the flight attendant's message over the intercom: "Meals will be served shortly."

The overhead lights brightened, enveloping the passengers in a cozy glow, rousing many from their slumber. Daran heard the announcement loud and clear. He removed his ear pods and eye mask and stared at me intently. Clearly, he had something on his mind.

I attempted to brush it off initially, but when his gaze wouldn't shift from my face, I sighed internally before confronting him.

"What? Just say what you need to say," I provoked. I was still mad at him.

I caught a flash of victory cross his face as if he was confident his scheme would succeed with me quickly. At times, I wonder if he does that purposely to irritate me in every possible way. Perhaps that's the reason he won't allow me to discuss Caspian.

He brushed his fingers through his dense, auburn-blonde hair, "Why didn't we seek advice from Captain Dane and your mother about Sven Valentine?"

"The Serphant, you mean," I replied.

The question remained in his mind for quite some time. He had many opportunities to ask me previously, but he dismissed it, and I also chose not to recognize it. I hoped he would eventually bring it up. Now, I could see just how profoundly it impacted him.

"My mother hasn't cried at all since my father's passing. Can you picture how she would react if she heard the name that serphant again?" I remarked, gazing at Daran with a serious look. "I want to shield her from a mental collapse. That's the reason I chose not to tell them."

"What about your safety and your PTSD?" Daran inquired without flinching, his face expressionless. We locked eyes briefly, and the silence grew between us.

Is he concerned about me? In contrast to Daran, who had numerous friends in the orphanage, I only had him as a friend. I was not at ease talking to men. I felt shy before, and now, because of the camping incident that caused PTSD, I completely shunned any form of communication or connection with strangers.

Just then, the flight attendant interrupted our staring contest, bringing both of us back to reality. "Ma'am, would you like vegetarian or non-veg?" Her inquiry ended our silent duel, grounding us in the current moment.

"I'll have the vegetarian, please," I managed to smile politely at the flight attendant.

"I'll go with non-veg," Daran mentioned as he shared his choice.

We consumed our meals in quietude. And it was comforting in certain ways.

My mind drifted to Serphant. Each day, I prepared myself to confront the murderer, contemplating various ways to punish him.

Although I had trained in Kali for close-range combat, certain circumstances could trigger my PTSD, making Daran's concern valid. Yet, that wouldn't deter me from my mission; I was resolute about that!

My anxiety arose from the painful loss of my father, making it difficult to be alone at night.

Hadn't I been struggling enough already? The horrifying incident caused by those four beasts only heightened my PTSD. I still found it challenging to cope with any physical contact from men, not even from Daran. Each time I attempted it, it returned memories of that dreadful night in the tent.

Just when I began to feel normalcy, Silvia introduced new horrors, pushing me further into the abyss. 

I was filled with fear—authentically frightened—at the thought of confronting Sven. Still, the urge to make him pay burned inside me with equal intensity. I needed to find out the truth about those responsible for my father's death.

I was already a broken soul, shattered by my grief and trauma. Another hit wouldn't change anything for my already fragmented self. However, I was resolved to shield Mama from this darkness. I owe it to my Papa to seek justice, and I owe it to myself and my Mama. 

I might find some peace after that. I hoped I would get to sleep better at night. I hoped…

After 14 hours, our plane descended, and the Valtham International Airport expanse came into view. 

During the flight journey, Daran kept a safe distance from me, and I doubted he got any proper sleep. I felt guilty for him.

"The dangerous adventure starts now, Liora." Daran winked at me while pulling our bag packs from the cabinet. We were the last ones to deboard the plane. 

The view of the airport was breathtaking, with modern architecture and bustling international travellers. Valtham ranks among the largest airports in California, and it certainly had that feel.

The vast terminal stretched far, with polished floors reflecting the overhead lights. Tall ceilings with enormous skylights invited natural light to flood in. What a futuristic design and functional space, with wide corridors and expansive seating areas! I was deadly impressed.

Digital screens flashed with flight details, advertisements, and welcome messages in multiple languages. Duty-free shops, high-end boutiques, and various restaurants lined the walkways while the distant sounds of luggage carts being moved echoed through the space.

"Could you pick up the pace, Liora?" Daran appeared somewhat irritated with me.

"I'm moving quickly. Should I break into a run with the luggage cart?" I retorted, just as irritated.

"Please rush. Rachel has probably been waiting for us for quite a while. I don't want to keep her waiting."

I was stunned by this guy. With Rachel around, did I no longer count? "Daran, does Rachel hold more significance now?"

"Yes," he answered, pulling his lips into a grin. "Similar to how Caspian will eventually be more significant than I am, just like that. I'm letting you experience the feeling in advance, Liora."

"Listen, I'm not like that, alright?" I shouted back, my brows knitted together.

Waving his hand dramatically, he rolled his eyes at me. "Yeah, yeah, Liora, I don't believe you. Every girl I know, the moment they get a boyfriend, friendships take a back seat." 

"I won't do that. You are the only friend I have in this world. " I mumbled, looking down while pushing the luggage cart.

"Sure," Daran chuckled. "We'll see about that."

I wanted to defend myself, but he walked further, leaving me trailing behind him with the luggage. 

As soon as we stepped out of the airport, Daran gestured towards a girl wearing a mustard yellow dress. He didn't even bother to glance around. He had spotted her immediately.

She possessed long, silky red hair, almond-shaped blue eyes, a perfectly proportioned nose, and full, light red lips. Her physique was one that women would admire, and she stood tall, just three inches shorter than Daran at approximately 5'9".

An Phoenix tattoo adorned her skin just above her voluptuous chest, and her left hand bore an orchid flower tattoo.

She is the woman Daran didn't mention about much, just as he didn't allow me to discuss Caspian.