Searing Burst of Rage (Fireheart 2)

Chapter 46

I finished my last trial before I take my leave. The case I handled lasted for almost a year. I wanted to conclude it in only half a year but I couldn't. Alfe and I had a talk about going back to Soralia. He already know about my plan with Papa and he fully supported me. I am not really looking forward to going back because I'm not only facing Papa but also Alfe's family.

I have met Axe twice, he stopped by to say hello when he had a business appointment here in Manila. I'm still not comfortable with him but he improved in having a conversation with me.

My heart is racing fast for an unfathomable reason as we closed the distance to the mansion. The thought of coming here is giving me chills. I'm not feeling good. It's feeding my head a vile idea. Soralia is dangerous, that's what comes into my head whenever the name crosses my mind.

I glanced over at Alfe who was focused on the road. He promised me that I'll be fine so long as I am with him. I found myself reaching for his available hand– the feeling of certainty and assurance– that's what he brings. Having me without on his side despises him the most, and I feel the same.

I witnessed the quick smile on his lips before he tightened his grip on my hand. I was calmed and my smile didn't fade as I watched the familiar hills, trees, and farms here in Buenacarte. By the looks of the healthy vegetables and fruits, I could say that it's a harvest season.

"May gusto ka bang puntahan bago tayo dumeretso ng mansion?" tanong ni Alfe.

Umiling ako. "Baka sa susunod na araw ko na bibisitahin si Papa."

Except for Alfe's family– Lottie and Art are the only people who know I'm coming home, though it's not a big of a deal. Sila lang naman kasi ang malapit sa akin dito, ilang taon na ang nakalipas at wala na din akong contact kay Mia.

Mas lalong kumabog ang dibdib ko nang matanaw ko na ang matayog na gate ng mansion nina Alfe. I don't understand why I feel nostalgia. This huge mansion was basically my shelter since I arrived from Australia and it didn't actually feel like a home to me, but somehow, I've missed it like it was my own.

"We're back," Alfe said the moment the gate opened.

I looked around, the flowers, the topiaries, and the cabanas are in the right places like a complete puzzle. Even the green golf zone is greener than it was. The mansion looked the same, it looks primitive yet sturdy. Everything that I see right now is familiar but brings up a different energy. I lost count, is it over 10 years already?

Servants appeared from the front door one by one as we set closer. I see new faces and younger. Nang makababa kami ni Alfe ay tsaka nila kami binati. Ngumiti sa akin yung katulong na laging nagsisilbi sa akin noon, nandito pa pala sya.

Wala kaming masyadong dala na gamit kaya hindi nahirapan ang dalawang katulong na nagpresenta na dalhin sa kwarto ang mga gamit namin. Hinawakan ni Alfe ang kamay ko habang paakyat kami ng steps para pumasok na din ng mansion.

"Did you prepare for lunch?" Alfe asked one of the servants.

"Opo, Signore. Si Sir Malvo ay naghanda po sa inyong pagdating."

"Malvo? He's here?" gulat na tanong ko.

"Opo. Pumunta po talaga sya ngayon dito dahil sa inyo, Signorina," nakangiting sagot nung babae na malapit sa akin.

"You seem happy," Alfe snorted.

"Of course! Oh, don't be ridiculous," I laughed at him. "I almost forgot about Malvo."

Akala ko ay si Alfe lang ang nag-iisang tao na gusto kong makasalamuha dito sa mansion. Gumaan ang loob ko na nandito si Malvo. Wala ngayon sina Signora ani Alfe, hindi ko alam kung bakit pero mabuti na din at hindi ko sya makikita sa unang araw ko dito.