He walked toward me.
There was no way to escape now, so I forced a small, nervous smile, greeting him as if nothing had happened, even though my mind was still filled with everything I had seen earlier.
"I'm sorry" he said, his eyes fixed on me, studying my expression carefully."I told you I had an appointment… but it ended earlier than expected."
"It's okay," I replied quickly, trying to sound natural.
But my thoughts shifted instantly.
Giulia.... Her warning.
What I was supposed to do.
"Actually… Kael" I said, tightening my grip on the golden book against my chest.
He looked at me, slightly curious.
"Yes?"
For a brief moment, I hesitated, wondering how to make this believable, how to say it without raising suspicion, until the first idea that came to my mind slipped out before I could stop it.
"Do you remember my full name?"
He frowned slightly, confused by the question.
"Yes…? Liora Vance. Am I wrong?"
I looked straight into his eyes.
"Yes."
A pause.
"You're wrong."
For a second, I almost lost my own confidence, my gaze shifting away as I searched for something, anything to make this lie sound real, and that's when I noticed the name written on the book in my hands.
Daniela Carter.
Without thinking any further, I spoke.
"My name is… Liora… Carniel."
The words felt strange, unnatural, like they didn't belong to me, but it was already too late to take them back.
Kael watched me closely, trying to understand my sudden change, before letting out a small smile.
"That's strange… I'm pretty sure you said Vance" he said calmly."But it's fine… Liora Carniel..."
His eyes dropped to the book.
And his expression changed.
The smile disappeared.
"I've been looking for that everywhere" he said, pointing at it."Where are you taking it?"
My heart skipped.
The way he looked at it… it wasn't normal.
"I… I'm going to borrow it" I replied, trying to stay calm."Why? Do you want it?"
He hesitated for a moment.
"…Yes. This time, I really do."
"But…" I said, opening the book and showing him the pages,"There's nothing inside. It's completely blank."
He ran a hand through his hair, clearly uncomfortable, as if he didn't want to explain but had no choice.
"Liora… this book belongs to someone in my family. My grandmother."
He extended his hand toward me.
"I need it back."
"And no… it's not blank."
That was enough to confirm it.
There was something wrong.
Something hidden.
And for some reason… I didn't want to give it back.
"I'm sorry" I said, holding the book tighter."I want to borrow it. Just for decoration… maybe take a few pictures… you'll get it back later, I promise."
His expression hardened.
"You don't understand" he said, stepping closer."I really need that book."
I took a step back, keeping it behind me.
"I said no."
In a second, everything changed.
He moved forward, grabbing my arm firmly and pulling me slightly closer before taking the book from my hands without hesitation.
"When you don't understand something don't get involved!" he snapped, his voice filled with frustration.
Silence.
I didn't respond.
Not because I agreed.
But because I realized something.
Since I arrived here… nothing made sense.
And no one was telling me the truth.
Anger rose inside me.
Without saying another word, I turned away and left, ignoring him completely as he stood there, focused only on the book.
I walked through the streets, my steps fast, almost aggressive, my thoughts tangled as I made my way back home.
Inside the bus, my phone vibrated.
A message from Kael.
"Liora… I'm sorry about earlier. I wanted to explain, but I don't know if I can trust you yet. Can we meet tomorrow? I'll invite you to a restaurant."
Despite everything, I couldn't stop the small smile forming on my lips.
It didn't make sense.
Nothing did.
But still…
I replied.
"It's okay. I don't understand anything either, even in my own house. Yes, we can talk tomorrow. Thank you for the invitation."
Two minutes later, he answered.
"Tomorrow, near my property, next to the manor. We'll walk to the city together. 8 PM."
I agreed.
Then I turned off my phone, resting my head against the window, watching the scenery pass by, unable to stop smiling as I started thinking about what I could wear.
When I got home, the whole family was gathered in the living room, watching a movie.
My father had returned from work and had already fallen asleep on the couch, while the children were completely absorbed in the screen.
Only Giulia noticed me.
She looked at me and smiled.
"Did it go well?" she asked.
"Yes…" I replied softly, not wanting to say more in front of everyone."I'll go change and come back."
A few minutes later, I joined them again, sitting quietly as the movie continued, the atmosphere warm and peaceful, so different from everything else that had been happening lately.
At the end of the night, Giulia prepared blankets and pillows for everyone.
We were all sleeping in the living room.
And strangely…
I loved it.
As sleep slowly took over, my mind was still focused on one thing.
Tomorrow.
Would I finally understand something?