"Wait, who again?" I asked, looking flabbergasted.
"Viktor. Do you not like the name?" Tessron asked with a small chuckle, an amused look on his face.
He started to explain how he and his wife came up with the name for me, but nothing got through. It felt like time had stopped. I had become the person I once deemed the devil in my past life.
I was happy when I got another shot at life—desperate for it, even. The number of regrets I had when I died was so overwhelming that I was genuinely grateful just to be born again, even in a prison. I had a feeling—my gut never lies. The moment I saw Tessron, I knew we were related. There was this strange sense of familiarity I couldn't explain.
My heart began to race, and sweat formed on my forehead. Suddenly, I couldn't breathe. Everything blacked out.
Everything was dark. I couldn't see or feel anything.
Am I dying again?
"No, you are not," I heard a woman's voice.
Who are you? Wait—I didn't say anything! You're reading my thoughts!
"Yes, my child. I am," the voice chimed back.
Is this some kind of sick joke? First, I die. Then I get thrown into hell for five years. And now I'm about to die again? I don't care who you are or what happens to me anymore—just come in front of me. We have a score to settle, don't we?!
I was tired. Exhaustion hit me like never before. I didn't care anymore.
Suddenly, I saw the rooftop I had fallen from. The tall buildings surrounding the secretariat, the roads bustling with people, the sound of aura gates zapping and vehicles moving—it all filled my ears.
Did I go back?
"No, you did not," the voice came again—closer, this time.
I turned to see a woman. My deceased mother, to be exact, was standing in front of me with a warm smile.
"Mother...? No... Viktor's mother?" I was beyond confused. Am I Viktor, or am I Lucas?
"I am not your mother," she said softly. "I just took her form. She is the only thread you've attached yourself to in this life."
"Then who are you? Why am I here? Who am I, exactly?" I asked, clutching my head.
"You need to clear your mind. We'll talk later," she said—and pushed me off the same fateful rooftop.
I closed my eyes, bracing for the impact. But nothing came.
I slowly opened one eye… and saw a chandelier.
I wiped my eyes to get a better view. I was in a large room. A glass chandelier adorned with blue crystals hung above me. The room was painted ivory with blue accents in the corners. I was lying in a king-sized bed.
Facing the bed was a massive painting. And guess what? It was a blue phoenix.
At this point, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
I sank back into the bed, one hand over my forehead.
If I reincarnated as Viktor, then what happened to the real Viktor? Does the real 'me' still exist in this world? I didn't just go back in time—I took someone else's place.
This isn't just weird. It's wrong.
In my past life, I despised Viktor. And I hate to admit it—but it was rooted in jealousy. I, Lucas Silvaires, was handed the title of patriarch only after my brother Edrik died in the war. I was a researcher. But Viktor, who was my age, was racking up achievements I could only dream of.
And now... I feel like I snatched the legacy he built with blood and sweat right out of his hands.
There was a knock at the door. It opened to reveal Russ holding a tray with a teapot and two cups.
"How are you feeling, young master? I'll call the doctor right away to check on you," he said, pouring a cup of hot water before leaving.
He returned shortly with a blonde doctor wearing an aura visor over glowing green eyes.
The doctor ran a quick aura scan. I felt a shiver run down my spine as he did.
"You passed out from exhaustion," he said, adjusting the visor. "You'll be fine with rest and a nutritious diet. I've given you a few aura infusions—they'll keep you active while your stamina builds back up."
The rest of the day passed quickly. I barely moved. Lost in thought, staring at the ceiling, processing everything.
Russ brought me food every half hour, but for some reason… I couldn't taste any of it.
I didn't know if it was the medication.
Or the depression.
Or both.
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I assumed I could get some well-deserved rest tonight, but guess what? No!
I was summoned to have dinner downstairs with the rest of the family. I bet someone thought it would cheer me up!
I took my first proper bath this life, got dressed up in the fanciest trousers and dress shirt possible. I was told to follow one of the maids; her name was Eri. She was responsible for taking care of me. She looked young but looked like she was carrying all of the world's burdens on her shoulders, with all the greys mixed with her black hair and her eyes, brown, baggy and tired.
We reached the dining room, I took a quick notice of how all the doors in the house were made with sandalwood. Dread filled me as I walked into the room. It was well-lit, but the air felt eerie for some reason.
At the head of the table was the patriarch; he kept his flute down and gave me a warm smile. Sitting next to him was Tessron, whose expression turned warm upon my arrival. Valeria was sitting right next to Tessron, She was too hooked to her phone to give me any attention. Arxia, who was in his human form, was peeking over her shoulder, seeing what she was up to.
On the other side of the table was Dumont's first son, my uncle, Theron; he had a book in his hands, and he gave me a judging look, adjusting his monocle over his blue eyes. He had his blonde hair slicked back, somehow reminiscent of the doctor. Next to him was his wife, Elma. She looked way too young next to him. Calling her a beauty wasn't an exaggeration; she had radiant purple eyes and light brown hair. They had two kids. The older daughter, Almira, looked like she was 10, with dazzling blonde hair, purple eyes and a curious expression; the younger one, Ray, looked like he was around my age and was spitting the image of his father, who was busy slicing his piece of steak.
Last but not least was Dumont's only daughter, Lyra. She was elegant, to say the least, with her sparkly blue eyes, silver hair and a warm smile.
To think I would have the pleasure of dining with the prolific Voltaries family. I feel blessed!
It took me a while to adjust to this dynamic, with three of them giving me friendly smiles, one blatantly judging me, and the rest just ignoring me.
"Sit next to Val, dear," Lyra said softly. I did as I was told.
I waited as Eri filled my plate up with meat and some vegetables. I was about to stuff my face with food to avoid talking.
CLANG!
Theron kept his fork down on his plate and wiped his face with a napkin.
" I knew you had a low-born child with muddled blood, but to think I have to share a dining table with it," he sneered.
Ah! Yes, Viktor's mother and Father had different element types. Tessron married his second wife for love. With all the chaos, I completely forgot about this stigma I had to deal with.
CLANG!
This time, it was Tessron, who had an irate expression and was ready to pounce on his brother.
CLANG!
"Ugh, does anyone have an aura charger?" Valeria asked, clearing her throat.
"Enough, all of you. Let us have a civilized dinner. It has been so long since we all sat down like this. I wanted to welcome our youngest to our family. I hope you can keep your narrow-minded thoughts to yourself, Theron," The patriarch warned.
AHAHAHA!
Arxia let out a loud laugh.
"I'm so sorry. I just love family dinners," he said, wiping his eyes.
I would've laughed along with him if not for the mental baggage I was carrying.
I think I would get along with Valeria and Arxia better than anybody else.
"How's the mining deal going, Theron? Will we get the tender for the next ten years? How much are you quoting?" The patriarch enquired.
No, you won't be getting it. I wanted to say so badly, but I held myself back.
Theron would lose the tender so badly; he will end up quoting five times less than the final amount. This would push Tessron ahead in the inheritance game.
" I finished my market research. We would win the contract this time," Theron said, trying to sound confident, adjusting his monocle again.
"I hope so, " the patriarch replied with a hint of warning attached to his tone.
"I want to give you a welcome present, Viktor," Dumont said.
I flinched upon hearing my name and looked up hesitantly.
"What would you like, little one?" Tessron joined in.
Way to put me on the spot; I had all the eyes on me now. My mouth was full of steak. I'm sure I looked like a fish out of the water. Theron let out an annoyed sigh upon that sight, while Arxia let out a snort.
"Probably... some books and a teacher.." I said after contemplating for a bit. I was sure reading books would put me at ease for a bit.
"Tessron hire instructors and buy him all the books he wants," Dumont commanded while Tessron nodded obediently.
The rest of the dinner was uneventful. I went back to my room after spending the entire dinner trying to shrink back and stay out of the spotlight.