Adriel’s Point of View:
I went back to the birthday party. I was careful, so as not to touch or drink anything, because I didn’t know what my enemies were planning. But I was sure about one thing though, the enemies were closer to me than I can imagine.
I realized I was alone in this world, and I’d no idea who my foe or friend was.
The party was going on as if nothing happened, but to me, thousands of mischievous eyes were watching my movements.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to figure out who the real enemy was because hundreds of people, both men and women were staring at me, some seducingly, while some suspiciously.
“Whoever poisoned me must be in this gathering,” I muttered to myself as I tried to fit in. But It wasn’t hard, I mean, ‘why wouldn’t it be hard when everyone wanted to be my friend for their own selfish reason?’
“Adriel, ba wo nii?” I heard Lady Gazelle’s fake face, a broad smile was on her face as she moved towards me.
I sighed softly, and squeezed my face. “Lady Gazelle, the last I heard was that you’d returned back to Africa.” I said with a cold voice.
Lady Gazelle didn’t look offended, infact, her smile widened. “Well, Prince Adriel, I did return back to Africa; but I heard that rogue vampires and shadow hunters are disturbing the town, so I came back.” She replied, still shining her teeth at me.
“Good for you. Now, I have somewhere I need to be, so excuse me,” I curtly informed her and turned to leave, but Gazelle stood in my front, obstructing my way.
“I noticed that the Lupa’s are leaving the party one by one. In fact, the celebrant has left, so I guess a meeting was called for. Please, can I tag along with you? I want to know more about what is happening. If not for anything, but for old time sake?” She asked with raised eyebrows, looking at me with a pitiful eye, thinking I would pity her, but if she knew that I’d almost died a few minutes ago, she would be the only one pitting me.
“Gazelle, n”
“Please don’t tell me no! How about I tell you a secret in exchange for a follow?” She proposed with a menacing voice.
If it was a normal person, I would have turned them down, but I knew that Gazelle wasn’t the type of lady to joke, especially when secrets are involved.
“Fine, what is it? Whose destiny have this young seer seen?” I asked with a sarcasm filled voice, stressed and tired with the day’s occurrence.
Gazelle smirked, and began to giggle. “Firstly, keep an eye on your step sister, Lola.” She advised me with a serious voice, and I squinted my eyes at her.
I looked around the hall, Lola was not there, she’d joined the family at the chamber.
“I didn’t see any prophecy about her, but I noticed the way she was looking at you when you came out of the balcony. Also, she kept monitoring you when you were on the dance floor, so I guess she is up to her mischievous games again!” Gazelle advised me wisely, and I nodded my head at her.
I didn’t really trust Lola, but she hadn’t given me a reason to suspect her.
She barely interacted with any of my siblings and preferred to chat with people from her father’s side. Also, she listened to my mother and was always protecting my junior ones; Lora, Lily and Liam from bullies. So hearing that she’d been acting strangely came as a shock to me.
“You should know that I can’t be bought with such a little information, Gazelle.” I commented after a momentary silence, my eyes darting around the hall.
“I know.” Gazelle replied and smiled, “twelve years ago, while consulting with a few other seers, we received information that Arella’s crystal ball went missing.” She informed me with a very serious voice and paused, so that her words would sink into me.
“What do you mean? Twelve years ago? And you’re just telling me now?” I was furious, and my eyes burned in anger. I clenched my fists and gritted my teeth.
“I would have told you, but I didn’t want to give you false hope. I thought the elders saw the wrong crystal ball.” Gazelle explained with a remorseful look on her face.
I wasn’t convinced by her apology sentence, but nonetheless I pushed it aside. “Then why are you telling me all of a sudden?” I asked, my eyes curiously scrutinizing her movement and expression.
Gazelle took a deep breath, and whispered into my ears. “Arella has been reincarnated, and she’s here for revenge! I confirmed it last week, and my crystal ball found traces of her visions!”
Her words came as a great shock to me, and I didn’t know how to react. I stood still, wondering what to say or think.
“Where is she? What is she doing presently? Does she remember me? Does she remember how she died?” Different questions left my mouth, and I tried to muster up courage, but I felt helpless once again.
“I don’t know where she is, no one does. I also don’t know if she remembers you or how she died in her past life, but I know one thing for sure, if you are meant to be together, fate will intervene.” Gazelle said like a wise seer; but I was speechless and covered with the same guilt I felt when I held her cold lifeless body in my hands.
My mind immediately went to Annabella and her cryptic words. “Is she the one? Or does she just have her same face?” I thought carefully, my eyes fixed on the marble floor.
“Okay, that’s it. I have fulfilled my own end of the bargain, I must join Lupa’s family meeting!” Gazelle announced happily, and raised her fits triumphantly, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I didn’t reply to her. As we both walked out of the birthday hall, different people asked me different questions. Some about my mother’s whereabouts, while some wanted my phone number, but I paid them no attention.
“You really are Prince Adriel Dai Lupa!” Gazelle smirked at me mischievously. She called me by my full name, knowing that I hated it.
Seeing I was in no mood for jokes, we both kept quiet, enjoying the silence as we walked in the dark corridor, leading to the chamber. We weren’t the only one in the corridor, two of my aunties were also headed in the same direction.
My mind was filled with a lot of unanswered questions, and I couldn’t believe l was the same cold hearted vampire who wasn’t moved by anything.
As I took my first step into the family’s chamber, I knew there would be a lot of quarrels between my mother and my paternal grandmother. Also the people involved in poisoning my drink will be shocked to see me alive and well.
By the way:
Ba wo nii: means how are you in Yoruba, one of Nigeria’s languages.
It is used to ask about the welfare of a loved one.