26 WHEN DESTINY IS THE ENEMY

RACHELLE'S POV

        I finally stepped out of the tub after washing off the dirt and mud that I got earlier, grabbing the towel that hangs next to me- I covered myself. The hot steam from the bath created a mist inside the bathroom that fogged the glass surfaces inside. Walking towards the mirror I mindlessly drew a heart just like I usually do, shaking my head I exited the bathroom to change.

As I enter the bedroom I saw a note neatly placed on the bed, as picked it up I could fill the partially rough texture of the parchment. And when I opened the note, it revealed a neatly written message. Written in thick black ink the message was addressed to me,

Dearest, Rachelle

        My apologies, however, due to the recent event Andrea will not be able to assist you. But she would like me to tell you that you may pick any clothing from the wardrobe. And please do, everything that is mine is as good as yours.

Sincerely, 

Alexander.

His simple and kind words made me smile however I noticed that he placed the comma in dearest and not in Rachelle, was that a mistake?

After contemplating that it is an error I decided to finally get dress.

The wardrobe was huge its white paint shines faintly while elegant curving decorated its wooden material.

Holding its metallic handle, I slowly pulled it open- revealing an array of colorful dresses lined neatly in the drawer. However, I light blue dress caught my eye, carefully I took the dress out of the wardrobe. Looking closely it's one of the prettiest dresses I've ever seen, its color of blue is so faint it is almost white but was nicely contrasted by the black ribbon in the collar, it also has a black belt in the waist although it is made out of soft fabric. While the end of the shirt is decorated with black lace.

I quickly put the dress on which, as always fits me perfectly as if the dress was actually made just for me. The skirt is not too long, it reaches just below my knees while the sleeves stop -about two inches before my elbow.

Below the hanging dresses, shoes with different designs are lined up waiting to be worn. But among them, I took the black doll shoes to fair it up with my dress. The design was simple just black plain doll shoes with a small ribbon on top.

After finally getting dress I closed the wardrobe doors and move to the vanity mirror- placed beside the bed. Sitting down I quickly took the brush to untangle my hair, I started combing- thinking how should I present my hair.

Taking my time to let my hair dry, I could help but think of the events earlier.

        Upon arriving in the mansion Andrea quickly took Kristy from Alexander to change her clothes and help her settle in and rest, while Hannah went into the kitchen to help Sofia prepare our dinner. It looks to me that Hannah was still bothered by the events earlier, I should talk to her later. Then I remembered that I need to talk to Alexander about the woman.

After patting my hair some more with the towel to help it dry, I quickly stood up to search for Alexander.

Exiting the room I run into Andrea, who's holding a bowl of soup most likely for Kristy.

"Ah Miss, I'm glad I run into you dinner's ready. The master is in the study room waiting for you, so both of you can walk together to the dining hall" she said while holding the tray with both hands.

"Now if you'll excuse me" she bowed before leaving me in the hall.

        I currently stood outside the study room contemplating whether to knock or not. I mean from what Andrea said Alexander is waiting for me in here, but for some reason, I can't gather the courage to knock.

I sigh deeply, alright it's now or never- I thought.

I knocked on the door twice and immediately Alexander answered.

"Andrea, just leave me alone" he said a bit annoyed.

"Uh…actually this is Rachelle" I replied.

Suddenly there was a shuffling on the other side of the door.

"One moment please!" Alexander shouted, I wonder what he's doing inside.

The door finally opened and in front of me is Alexander, he has sweat on his forehead and his breathing is labored.

"Are you alright?" I asked as I raised a brow in suspicion.

"Y-yes I am, absolutely fine!" he answered with a sheepish smile.

"Alexander, I need to tell you something" I started.

"S-sure, come inside" he said gesturing for me to walk in.

The study room is consisted, of a huge table at the far end of the room topped with several papers and a bottle of ink with a quill, while behind the table is a chair. There are also two sofas placed in the middle of the room making a circle however was divided by a center table and space to walk through. While there are built-in shelves on both left and right walls, all are filled with books.

Alexander gestured towards the sofa for me to sit down, which I gladly did.

At this moment both of us are occupying each of the sofas, as we faced each other.

"Well?" Alexander spoke, waiting for me to tell him what I have to.

"W-well… remember when I told you that there was a woman in the lake?" I started, while Alexander only nodded to assure me that he's listening.

"When she appeared the time seemed to stop, everything around us froze motionlessly. She also said that it was their job to make sure everything that must happen, actually happens" I paused for a moment.

"But most importantly she gave us a clue, she said 'we spin, we weave and we cut'. She also said that there are three of them and they are sisters." I swallowed a lump in my throat, while I stared at Alexander waiting for an answer.

"You have to be kidding me…I thought it would be a simple demon case" he started.

"Who are they?" I asked curiously.

"You don't know? She practically told you everything there is to know. Those sisters are the three fates, they are from the Greek mythology. They are the so-called 'minor goddess' that ties and manages the fate of humanity. I can give you a book about them to read if you want" he stated.

"That'll be nice... Alexander, you said that you thought it would be simple, why? Would it be more difficult if it's them?" I asked him a bit worried.

With a sigh, Alexander answered "Well… yes, they have more power than a demon, and not to mention their actions can easily affect every living being in this world. With that said they don't have that much power against otherworldly beings."

"Now that we know who sent you here, we can start looking for an answer to actually deal with them." he said as proceeded to stand.

"Wait she also said that you shouldn't have requested those phoenix ashes" I told him.

Alexander stood still as if thinking deeply.

And with furrowed brows, he told me "Why? It's complete harmless besides, I have a good reason to do so"

I shook my head not having any idea why.

"What is it for though?" I asked curiously.

Alexander looked at me with beautiful sparkling eyes, "well…that is a surprise for another time" a smile etched in his pink lips.

As I stared at him, I felt a sudden rush of blood in my cheeks.

My heart feels like it's going to explode.

Why all of a sudden, I…

Feel so... attracted to him?