Rowena thought there was no point in hiding what was already so clear. Her spontaneous and natural reaction had probably already given Usher a clue. She was sure it wasn’t difficult for him to figure it out, and her assumption was met only with curiosity. Usher didn’t seem surprised by the question and that made her wonder even more.
On the other hand, Usher was convinced that he had just realized it when he saw Rowena arrive with such overwhelming concern. It made no sense for Rowena to be so worried about Vione unless there was something going on between them. Even if Rowena was the kindest witch in the world and cared deeply for the Frostholm Pack, there was no reason for her to feel such deep sorrow upon hearing of Vione’s critical condition. Besides, Usher couldn’t ignore Rowena’s disheveled state. She had completely neglected her own well-being as she rushed to the palace.
Strangely, a part of Usher felt that he had known this for a long time. He didn’t know exactly when, but he was sure of it. That’s why he wasn’t surprised by Rowena’s arrival and her reaction, as if it was only natural.
Usher took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I’m not sure,” he replied quietly. “Maybe just now, or maybe a long time ago.”
Rowena remained silent. Something was on her mind, but she hesitated to say it out loud.
“I’m sure Vione will be fine. Scott is a very experienced doctor,” Usher said a few moments later. He sounded confident, but it was unclear whether that confidence was meant for Rowena or for himself. “So, there’s nothing to worry about.”
Rowena’s fear and anxiety couldn’t be so easily dispelled with mere words, even if they came from Usher. But there was nothing else she could do at this point. All she could do was hope that Usher’s words would come true. She couldn’t imagine losing Vione.
“Actually, there’s something I need to confirm with you, Rowena. But I’m not sure if this is the right time to ask.”
Rowena turned to Usher. She sensed a hesitation in his words. A possibility crossed her mind and she asked, “What is it you wish to confirm, Alpha?”
Usher paused for a moment, trying to gather his thoughts, slowly unraveling his confusion piece by piece. “I don’t know where to begin,” he said uncertainly. “But I feel like you can answer the confusion I’ve been feeling. You know? For some reason, I feel like this isn’t the first time we’ve met.” His eyes narrowed, catching a slight change in Rowena’s expression. “Isn’t it?”
Rowena looked at Usher. “Tell me, Alpha. What’s on your mind?”
“Strange memories, memories that feel strangely familiar,” Usher replied directly, without pretense. Rowena’s reaction only spurred him on to discover the cause of all the strange things he had been experiencing lately. “There are so many strange memories, showing events I don’t know about, but I feel like they’re really mine.” He took a breath and rubbed his face roughly. “This may sound absurd, but I’m convinced that you saved me from death before.” He shook his head quickly. “No, it wasn’t the antidote you gave Garth, but you performed a ritual on me. I died and you brought me back. You…”
Usher closed his eyes. He looked frustrated and Rowena understood.
“Perhaps we have met before, Alpha,” Rowena said, with the thought that this was also the right moment to clarify something. She needed to know if she was talking to the Usher of the present or the Usher of the future. “At least you asked me for an antidote long before Garth did.”
Usher’s eyes widened, and with them another strange memory flashed through his mind. He was stunned, and without realizing it, he asked, “What is really happening to me?”
Usher’s answer gave Rowena an indirect answer. She was now certain that the Usher with her at that moment was the Usher of the present. Meanwhile, the strange events he spoke of indicated that the Usher from the future no longer existed in this world.
“Everything you’re experiencing is the effect of time travel, Alpha. All these memories are of your future self.”
Usher frowned. “What did you just say?”
“I’m sure, given the strangeness you’ve experienced, I can guess that you’ve met him, haven’t you?” Rowena asked without restraint. She clarified her point. “You met your future self, didn’t you?”
Usher’s mouth opened, but no words came out. It was then that he remembered the event. He had indeed met a man who looked just like him. This man had come to his room and told him many things, and that was when all the strange things began.
Usher became more and more frustrated. His expression showed deep confusion. “This is completely impossible.”
Rowena knew there wouldn’t be a better opportunity. So, she explained everything without waiting for Usher to ask. “Your future self came through a time portal. He tried to help you, change your destiny, and the only reason you have so many strange memories is because you met. You two have merged.”
“None of this makes any sense,” Usher muttered, shaking his head repeatedly. He felt a surge of frustration from all the confusion, and clenched his hair in his fists. “How did my future self get here?”
“The moon necklace.”
Usher froze.
“The Moon Necklace opens a time portal at the Mystoria Falls and takes its wearer to the desired time.”
Usher stopped and instinctively reached for his neck and chest. But there was nothing there. The moon necklace was gone.
Rowena let out a long sigh, realizing that this wasn’t the first time the Moon Necklace had disappeared. She began to wonder-who had come this time?
For the rule applied to all. Not only was it forbidden for two of the same persons to exist at the same time, but so was the Moon Necklace.
“Rowena, I need to clarify one more thing.” Usher had managed to regain control of his confusion, but another thought suddenly plagued him. “Were you that maid?” He emphasized the question, though there was some doubt in his tone. He couldn’t remember the maid’s face, and he suspected that all of this could be Rowena’s manipulation as a witch. “Were you the maid who reported to me every time Vione was bullied?”
Rowena didn’t deny it. Instead, she nodded several times. “Yes, Alpha. That was me.”
*