Blink (Chapter 1: Detestation)

Kyra Elizabeth took a fleeting look around the quiet forsaken room, her arms crossed affectionately to shield and warm her from the wintry cold that presently surrounds her. She sighed, feeling the utter loneliness of the room wholly. Her presence did not help much in engaging the gloomy space; to be frank, the area remained bitter and murky as ever, and she did not like that— not at all. She felt the need to satisfy herself, and centered her attentiveness on the contemptuous blaze on the fireside before her; the flames waltzed somberly and aped the princess’ current fetid atmosphere. Kyra heaved a sigh. Beyond doubt, fear has a comical way of tarnishing everything, and she was no exception to that.1

There was a sudden sharp knock and Kyra was thrown back to reality, much to her displeasure, for it reminded her of the dark monsters that loomed her very existence, disturbing her then-serene being. 2

“Come in,” she said in her silky small voice, though can surely be heard from the other side of the door since it gradually opened, revealing a grey-haired man. 3

The said man held the door wide enough for him to go through and gallantly entered the room without further vacillation; his pale skin reflected the vivid moonlight from the outside, parallel to Kyra’s own.4

“Good evening, Lady Kyra,” he greeted her in his most principled tone after bowing once to acknowledge his own arrival before the eminent personage. “The feast has started. You are awaited before the honored guests.”5

Kyra nodded as a response, her eyes not faltering the mound of badly lit cinders. She held out a finger towards the flames, and the little ashes subtly danced around the scorching fire, creating a diminutive sculpt of a whirlwind. The embers continued to encase the blaze; Kyra finally turned her back on the fireside and proceeded to the door, the man from before held it for her and eventually followed her heel.6

Outside the window, a massive hurricane from nowhere abruptly formed, uprooting trees and dragging along the wandering bats of the night.7

*-*-*-*8

“You look glorious as always, Kyra, my dear,” a duke complimented her as she crossed the threshold of the entrance outside the banquet hall. “You resemble so much of your father. He was a bright man, I am sure you know. It is a shame, however, that he passed away in such a young age.”9

Kyra forced a spurious idyllic smile; she did not feel like talking about her father just yet. Oh, how she wished to be accompanied now so as to not be assailed with such matters regarding her concealed being. 10

“I thank you, Your Grace, but I would rather if you address me as Lady Kyra instead of just my name.” She didn’t mean it to sound disdainful, but she had no choice for it was what is required to someone with a position as high as her. 11

The duke turned red in the face, and Kyra silently excused herself with a decent curtsey. Not even daring to look back, she walked quickly towards the marble staircase, only to be stopped by a seemingly adolescent girl, haggard with some strands of her brown hair sticking out from the tight bun held beneath the white bonnet. 12

“Lady Kyra!” she exclaimed in surprise, finally kneeling down before her, tired and weary from all the searching and the running, “Where have you been, my lady?”13

“I went to my room,” she explained with bated breath, “I forgot my pendant.” To prove her point, she showed the girl the silver ornament that hung on her neck. She held it dearly, and the girl before her knew how very important it is to Kyra for it was a gift given by her father a few years back. “I apologize for making you worry, Linda.”14

“No, I should be the one to apologize, Lady Kyra, for I left you behind. Please forgive me, my lady,” Linda looked down as she seeks for clemency, “It will never occur again.” 15

Kyra wasn’t surprised at all with the notion. It was an emblematic attitude of Linda to blame herself to whatever wrong that she has committed. 16

“I am fine, Linda,” Kyra said as she offered a hand to the girl, “Now, stand up and lead me to dinner.”17

*-*-*-*18

Kyra gripped tightly on her brother’s arm like a koala on a tree. Aiden Ciel did not seem to mind, though, and continued to walk as he led his sister to the doors. 19

“Where have you gone, may I ask?” he asked, though not acting as if he cared much with his sister’s business.20

“Nowhere you need to know” was her brief yet sharp reply, but Aiden was not fooled, and Kyra knew it as well.21

“Then, if you shall,” his taxing voice went on as they came to a halt before the huge mahogany door, “might I ask why you are quivering with fear?”22

“This is not fear, Aiden,” she snapped at him in a low whisper, “this is merely a tense feeling. Please avoid your being excessively vigilant; it is making me uncomfortable.” 23

From the corner of her eye, she saw the edge of his mouth twitch a tad bit. Kyra bitterly ignored this, however, and waited for the doors to be opened for them. The scene outside wasn’t any good; it mimicked Kyra’s foul temper once more. The hurricane left awful traces, but everyone knew that no matter what damage it may be, it shall be set and resolved the next day.24

Kyra and Aiden heard moments later after deafening silence the loud trumpet from the other side of the room. She swept a stray strand out of her face and to the back of her hair, while Aiden simply stood up straight, seeming ready to enter the premises of the massive banquet hall. Gradually, the doors opened wide, finally permitting them to enter. The laughter and chuckles from before they stepped their feet inside immediately died at once, replaced with a serious atmosphere and utter stillness. 25

Keeping an immobile face, the two siblings walked down from the carpeted stairs to proceed to their mother who remained motionless with barons and viscounts at the far end of the room, looking at their every movement as well. Guests bowed when Kyra and Aiden passed, and not one of them straightened their backs until they were a good meter away.26

Bridgette Louella drank a bit from her glass as she uncomplainingly waited for her son and daughter to approach her. When the tip of the schooner reached her lips, she depleted it at once without much say. The delectable taste of the thick liquid flowed inside of her, satisfying her severe thirst. How she longed for that divine savor, of its feel as it drains down to her throat and the way it simply pleases her very existence.27

Kyra amicably curtseyed before her majesty, while Aiden merely nodded with a gracious yet straightforward “How do you do, Mother?”28

“Good, very good indeed,” Bridgette replied without so much as a blink, “I must say, both of you are looking splendid tonight.”29

“Why yes, Mother,” Kyra said sweetly yet with an acidic hint, “After all, it is quite rare that her majesty spares a time such as this.” 30

Bridgette did not speak more of the matter, and instead pointed to the empty seats on the high table behind them. “Shall we sit down for supper?” she asked, giving the empty glass to a wandering maiden who was balancing a circular steel tray and added, “Another one, if you may.”31

“How repulsive.” Kyra muttered as she and Aiden walked towards the table. Aiden merely shook his head as he pulled out a seat for his sister. 32

When she had comfortably sat down, he placed his lips close to her ear and whispered, “I beg of you to oblige. This will only be for a while.”33

Kyra did not show any acknowledgement of his words and instead placed the table napkin on her lap. Aiden took the empty chair beside her and did the same. On the head sat Bridgette, who currently held a full glass with much bearing.34

“How do you do, My Lord?” For a second, Kyra considered laughing loudly at the baronet’s addressing of her brother, but she knew better than that. To be frank, she never would have thought she’d hear anyone call Aiden ‘My Lord’.35

“I am flattered of your preferred title towards me, Sir Coinneach, and excuse me for being blunt but please drop the civility.” Aiden glanced sideways at Kyra who was focused deeply on her nails, “It is making me uncomfortable, you see.”36

“It will be my pleasure,” Coinneach bowed his head with a refined beam, and the conversation did not prolong.37

“Where is the food?” Kyra mumbled with irritation as her eyes wandered from the table to the door ahead.38

Aiden clicked his tongue teasingly, “You should not be such in a hurry to get up from the table, Kyra. You know better than I that it is not a proper manner.”39

She gave him a murderous glare and managed to say through gritted teeth, “Do not speak to me like you are older.” 40

Aiden gave her an uncaring shrug, yet the palpable glint in his eyes was without a doubt seen by her.41

Still impatient, Kyra passed time by allowing her eyes to wander around the large hall. The noise from before was restored, and everyone seemed to be having a good time already. They clink glasses and talk boisterously as if they have not seen each other the previous week.42

The sudden thought went through Kyra’s heart like a razor-sharp, painful stake. The memories of that week were too much for her. It was enough to being asked about her father, but recalling the time when he was permanently separated from her was too painful. She remembered how it felt to be standing at a distance as huge red flames took his body, swallowing his every bit. It was indeed an unusual way of burying him— and even more bizarre for their kind— but Kyra insisted that he be laid to rest in the most normal way as possible.43

She felt someone shove her in the ribs, and though it did not hurt as much, she glared evilly at her brother, only to realize that everyone’s eyes and except his were on her. 44

“Kyra? Are you feeling unwell?” Bridgette asked anxiously. 45

She hated it.46

“Yes,” she replied firmly, her eyes refusing to leave her mother’s, “Please excuse my unwieldiness.” 47

The guests continued to talk after that, and though Bridgette did the same, her eyes meandered to Kyra’s way from time to time, which greatly goaded her.48

Aiden, however, knew his sister as much as she knew him. He turned to her with a hint of genuineness in his handsome features and asked, “She heeded your attention thrice. Why did you not respond immediately?”49

“I was deep in thought,” she said hastily, “That is explainable, is it not?”50

Aiden sighed. “I believe so.” He did not speak more of it, and neither would he have had a chance for that moment, the waiters approached their table with trays and plates. The engaging scent went all the way through their noses penetratingly, enticing their being.51

“How ironic,” Lord Kimball commented as he watched his own plate being set down before him, “We should not bother eating such.” He ran a hand through his long light-colored hair as he spoke.52

“I guess so, dear Lord,” Bridgette nodded solemnly, “But it seems quite indecorous to only sit and talk. Drinks cannot constantly be there.”53

“I agree. Well, let us all eat, then.” 54

Bridgette smiled at him. She reached for her cutlery and sanctioned the rest to do the same.55

Aiden was already on his fourth bite when he noticed that Kyra remained still, as her evening meal. “Eat,” he hoarsely whispered under his breath as he continued to slice his own. “It is not bad for my own preference.”56

Kyra sighed; she had to take a nibble somehow. It would be awfully disrespectful to whoever made it, and she did not want to be so. Slowly, she reached for the knife on her right and the silverware on her left. Though he tried to be discreet, Kyra noticed her brother looking her way as she took a small bite.57

“Surprisingly, it is good,” she remarked rather loudly, taking in everyone else in the table’s attention, “There is no mark that it has been held at all.”58

“I have always desired blood-spattered steak,” Aiden suddenly said, covering up for his sister, “It satisfies my thirst, somehow.”59

Bridgette then shook her head. The two have always been the one with surprises— they speak liberally as if they do not hold something grave on their shoulders. Yet, there was something in her daughter’s tone that bothered her for a moment.60

“Though it is not of a mortal’s, a deer’s do not taste as horrendous.” Kyra went on. 61

Aiden bit his lower lip. His sister is going a bit overboard, and he has clearly been plastering everything she has been doing and saying all night. 62

“You seem to be enjoying your meal, Kyra.” he said, pressing his foot against his sister’s. Kyra did the same to him and answered as if she was not doing anything wrong at all.63

“Who would not, my dear Aiden? As you have said earlier, this is a meal worth longing for.” 64

He sighed deeply. There was no way he can stop his sister when she started talking. 65

“But I must say, a boar’s is better, still. I would like to ask for that next time, dear Mother. You will permit me to do so, will you not?”66

Bridgette let out a small smile before putting her fork closer to her mouth. “Certainly, Kyra.” There seemed to be something wrong with where the tête-à-tête was heading to, and Bridgette is not stupid to not recognize that.67

“I am grateful, Mother. May I ask, who made this meal?”68

“I will be more than glad to tell you, but alas, I do not know. Perhaps you can try asking when you pass by the kitchens.”69

“Mother, Kyra,” Aiden suddenly butt in, “May we please stop this kind of conversation at the middle of the table? We have visitors, as you see.”70

Bridgette blinked, but she replied nonetheless. “Yes, yes, certainly, Aiden.” She exerted a wide smile towards the rest of the table. “My apologies; please continue with your meals.”71

“Ah, it has not given us a problem,” a countess waved her request for forgiveness away, “For my part, I am quite glad that Lady Kyra has decided to talk.”72

“I agree with Madam Jacqueline,” a marchioness said, “I expected Lady Kyra to remain hushed the whole evening.”73

“Her father’s death affected her very much,” Sir Coinneach noted, “It is greatly understandable, particularly for her.”74

“Yes, you were quite close with Lord Edgar, were you not, Lady Kyra?”75

Aiden looked up to her sister in alarm, not at all quite surprised to find her shuddering, although it was not that obvious to the rest. She dropped her fork and tightened her grasp around her sharp dinner knife.76

“What a shame it is that he has to die.”77

“In an accident, moreover. I happen to know that Lord Edgar is one of the most careful.”78

“Yes, indeed, but this establishes the thought that even the intelligent can be dim at times.”79

“It was not an accident.” Silence engulfed the large table, and everyone turned to Kyra with quizzical eyes. Her deep red orbs were filled with pure detestation, and Aiden was suddenly packed with worry. He cannot guarantee anything that Kyra will do, and he is sure that he has no strength to stop her.80

“Kyra?” Bridgette called her out, but Kyra remained still in her place. “Dear, do you want to leave?”81

“It was not an accident.” Kyra repeated firmly. She curled her fists, and her left hand was moving to the blade of her knife. 82

“Kyra, my dear, you can go up to your room now if you desire.” Bridgette proposed her idea, but Kyra did not hear any of it. The knife was slicing her palm, injuring herself. “Kyra—”83

“He was not dim!” She suddenly burst out, standing up from her place. All eyes in the whole banquet hall was now on hers, and the whole place was now hushed. “Please do not call him such!”84

“I apologize to what I have said, Lady Kyra!” the marchioness from before said suddenly, “Please do not think more of it.”85

“You do not know what you are saying!” Kyra cried, slamming her bloody hand against the table, “You do not know him!”86

“Kyra—” Bridgette tried to cut in, but her daughter did not permit her to do so.87

“Father is not what you think he is!”88

“Indeed we know, Kyra,” Bridgette tried to calm her down, “but please understand, they did not mean—”89

“Then it would have been better if they did not speak of it at all! They know not Father’s—”90

“Kyra—”91

“They think he was officious! They—’92

“Kyra!”93

Tears in her eyes, Kyra jerked her head towards her mother, whose light cerulean eyes were glaring at her warningly, though the notion would be thought as something affectionate to the others.94

But Kyra knew more than that. She had known Bridgette Louella for centuries, and that glower was not a normal one. In a soft voice, she added to her son, “Aiden, take your sister to her room, please.”95

In a swift movement, Aiden was up on his feet and had his sister standing beside him. He nodded to the guests and bowed to Bridgette. As he guided Kyra through the door, he comically, and quite resentfully, muttered after heaving a deep sigh, “I enjoyed the steak.”96

*-*-*-*97

“Do you have enough sense now to tell me why you have gone berserk during supper?”98

In her barely lit room with the scarlet silky blinds draping over the large bay windows, Kyra stood before a tall antique mirror, brushing her golden hair which reached almost to her waist. On an elegant upholstered chair beside a dresser sat Bridgette, and behind her an exasperated Aiden who looked like that he would rather not watch the scene at all.99

“Kyra, we had guests in here. They, I know that you are quite well-informed, are from respectable places with respectable names. Kyra, what monster drove you to act so infantile? Needless to say, that attitude of yours was embarrassing.”100

“They were speaking callously about Father,” she defended without meeting her mother’s glaze, “I can not just sit there, pretend that I enjoy the banquet and pay no interest to their disparagements towards my own father.” She sighed deeply before adding, as if hesitant if she should say more, “I am afraid that only you, dear Mother, have the competence for that.”101

Furious, Bridgette stood up and glared irately at her. “Have you forgotten who you are before, Kyra? Have you developed poor eyesight along with your uncouth manner?”102

“No, Mother,” Kyra said just as severely, “I am stating what I see. Mother, we are the monsters you speak of, I am sure you know. Please do not pretend that we are not.”103

Bridgette did not reply. Instead, she turned her back behind her daughter; Kyra remained still. Her mother closed her eyes, as if simply arguing with her daughter is agonizing as it is. “Aiden, take care of your sister. I cannot face someone as obstinate as her at the moment.” Without so much as a farewell, she headed towards the door without another word. As soon as she closed it, silence encircled the room once more, and Aiden was the first to break it.104

“Kyra?”105

She sighed, putting down her brush and finally making herself comfortable on her bed. “I apologize for my behavior earlier.” She lowered her head and suddenly became interested on the floor. Though quite indistinguishable, she noticed tiny marks on it, like small droplets of stains. The color seemed indistinct as well, but she was quite sure they were beads of moistures. Before she can think more of the matter, however, Aiden spoke.106

“You are apologizing now?” her brother shook his head. “I believe you should have done that when she was here, Kyra, and not when she is evidently out of hearing.”107

“I refuse to.” The tone of finality on her voice made Aiden’s eyes widen; Kyra has always been someone full of surprises, but this might be one of the firsts. She had always been persistent and stubborn, but speaking in a concluding voice does not really suit her.108

“Kyra,” Aiden heaved a big sigh before continuing, “I am aware that you are older, but I can be an ear during these times. Please, Kyra. Speak.”109

Kyra shook her head. “Not now, Aiden.” 110

“Kyra, please, this game of yours is getting old.”111

“Aiden, our father died.” She stretched the last word, as if her brother lacked the efficiency to understand a thing she was saying, “We both know that he was too smart to get in an accident. Everyone believes that.”112

“But does anyone believe you, Kyra?” He crossed her arms, eyeing her exigently. “They think you have become mad since he died.”113

Kyra looked up to him with her eyes diluted. Somehow, they looked a bit hopeful, but not a bit optimistic. “You do not think so, am I correct?”114

Aiden seemed to have vacillated for a fraction of a second, but obliged to a beam. “Of course.”