25 The Stillborn (1/2)

The Bewitched Soul Alison35 20050K 2022-07-22

”Why am I still alive?” Alexander asked as an ocean of questions swirled inside his head.

”You really want to know, Alex?” Gerard asked.

”I want to,” Alexander couldn't stop.

”Because your brother died.” Gerard finally revealed.

This was something Alexander couldn't take it. Every part of his went on pause, while he tried harder to catch his thoughts. He shuddered listening to those words. Now everything he thought was true, everything that defined him is now a lie. When he was younger, he thought the Queen was his biological mother, till the day he found that she wasn't his mother but a white witch.

'Did she abandon me?'

'How did she die?'

'I had a brother?'

All these thoughts piled up in his mind to form a huge wave to hit his head hard.

”My brother?” blood drained from Alexander's face, mouth opening and shutting like a goldfish with no sound coming out.

”Yes, he was stillborn. You both were born on the same day,” Gerard continued, his face showed no emotions at all. His eyebrows furrowed as he continued,

”Queen Leora's son died as soon as he took birth. Lady Rowena gave birth to a healthy baby, you. The mix-blood powers in you made your body weak, as a baby couldn't withstand the powers of a highly ranked mixed-blood. You were in a critical condition. Rowena tried her best to save you, my boy.”

”She saved me...” Alexander's face stuck in an incredulous expression

”She gave all her powers to you before she died. Yes, she did.” Gerard's voice was calm.

”As you know, your identity was kept a secret for some reason. Forbidden love it was, Alexander.” he continued.

”That night, you were taken away from mother. Randolph replaced the stillborn baby with you while Leora was still unconscious. The reason why she loved you as if you were her real son. She never knew that even when she died.” Gerard stopped, waiting for Alexander's response.

There was no response from him. There was complete silence except for the muffling sound of the large leaf trees from outside, allowing the breeze dishevel their hair as they stood in front of the large window.

”Why didn't you tell me, Lord Gerard?” Alexander didn't look at him but at the fluttering leaves going along with the direction of the soft breeze.

”I made a vow to your father,” Gerard smiled as he knew that the had to answer this question someday.

”A vow is meant to be kept a vow,” Alexander lifted his left brow.

”He's dead. Centuries have passed, the secret was safe. Your father had asked me to reveal it only when you would come and ask me all by yourself. And you did, Alexander.” Gerard kept smiling as he adored Alexander. Today was the day, he had been waiting for centuries.

Alexander stood there all quiet. The quietness grew deeper as he heard his own steady loud rhythm from within. The secret was now spilled. The silence now caressed his soul, smoothing away his thoughts.