CHAPTER 390: THE PAST

Orion gently opened the mansion doors, ushering Fiora inside with a comforting hand placed lightly on her lower back.

Together, they stepped into the mansion’s welcoming interior, the soft, familiar fragrance of polished wood and lingering floral notes immediately soothing their senses.

Fiora, still glowing faintly from the joy of their day together, stole a shy glance at Orion, who returned her gaze with a calm, gentle smile.

"Come, Fiora," Orion spoke gently, guiding her down the spacious corridors toward his own room. His steps were calm and steady, projecting a quiet confidence that helped Fiora relax despite the uncertainty beginning to tug at her heart.

They reached his door, and Orion smoothly pushed it open, gesturing for her to enter first.

The warm, soft glow of the late afternoon sun filtered gently through the window, casting comforting golden patterns upon the floor and furniture.

Orion gestured toward a small, elegant table and a pair of comfortable chairs placed beside the expansive window that offered a peaceful view of the garden outside. "Please, sit."

Fiora obediently took a seat, smoothing her pale-blue dress nervously as she settled herself. Orion sat across from her with gentle movements as he exuded a calming presence.

Leaning back slightly, he released a quiet, contented sigh and fixed his warm, attentive gaze upon her. "So," he softly began, a gentle smile forming on his lips, "how was the day? Did you enjoy yourself?"

Fiora’s blush deepened, her shy demeanor gradually melting into open affection as she met his eyes briefly before bashfully lowering her gaze. Her lips curved into a gentle, sincere smile as she softly replied, "Umu, I-It was the best day of my life, Master."

Orion felt warmth fill his heart at her sincere words, a deep satisfaction settling over him. He chuckled quietly, leaning slightly closer, his voice tender as he gently started a conversation with her.

They spoke idly of the day’s events, recalling moments that had particularly delighted Fiora—the flowers in the park, the sweet pastries at the market, the serene riverbank.

Her voice, soft and melodic, became steadily more animated as she recounted these experiences, her eyes sparkling with happiness as Orion patiently listened and responded thoughtfully.

Gradually, however, as the idle chatter waned and the room fell into comfortable silence, Orion knew he could delay no longer.

His expression softened, taking on a subtle seriousness as he gently began, "Fiora, do you remember the time when you were kidnapped, and we came to rescue you?"

Fiora’s expression immediately grew solemn, the gentle joy fading slightly as a faint crease appeared on her forehead.

Her voice was hesitant and uncertain as she nodded slowly, struggling with blurred memories, "Yes, Master... but my memories are foggy. I remember clearly that you came to save me and fought against those people, and then... and then... everything after that is so unclear."

Orion inhaled slowly, his chest rising and falling with subtle breaths. His eyes were earnest and gentle as he spoke, his tone carrying deep sincerity and care, "There’s something important I need to tell you, Fiora."

Fiora’s eyes immediately widened slightly in worry, her delicate hands unconsciously gripping the fabric of her dress tightly. She nodded slightly, encouraging him to continue.

With great care, Orion slowly explained the truth he had intended to explain. He gently revealed to her the truth of her Draconian lineage—that she was indeed a Draconian hybrid with powerful Dragon blood flowing through her veins.

He spoke carefully, detailing how Grandma Selene had sealed away both her Draconic bloodline and her earliest childhood memories after a traumatic tragedy befell her, both for her own safety and due to her young age, knowing she would have been unable to control her powerful lineage.

Yet now, as she had grown stronger, the seal had begun to inhibit her future growth and her cultivation.

Fiora sat completely still, her expression one of pure shock as Orion finished speaking. Her eyes remained wide, shimmering with unshed tears of confusion and disbelief as she took a deep, trembling breath.

Her voice quivered faintly with emotion, soft and vulnerable as she whispered hesitantly, "Is... Is this really true, Master?"

Orion met her gaze steadily, unwavering yet deeply gentle, his voice resonant with quiet truthfulness and reassurance. "Yes, Fiora. Every word is true. This is why I wanted to ask you: are you ready to unseal these memories and accept the burden of your past?"

Fiora lowered her head slowly, her golden hair gently cascading forward, shielding her troubled expression. Her small hands trembled slightly in her lap, anxiety and hesitation clearly warring within her.

The silence stretched between them, heavy yet patient, as Orion quietly allowed her the time to process everything he had revealed.

He watched her closely, not pressuring nor rushing her, simply offering his silent support and presence.

Finally, after a long, thoughtful silence, Fiora lifted her gaze slowly, her bright red eyes shimmering with determination beneath lingering tears.

Her voice remained soft, but carried newfound strength as she spoke clearly, "Master... If I keep running away from this, I will never become stronger. I don’t want to stay weak or remain a burden to you. If you believe I am ready, then I want the seal to be removed."

Orion took a deep breath hearing her answer, he softly said, "You will also get your childhood memories with the removal of the seal. Do not lose yourself in the memories of the past. And do not think that no one will like you. You know me better than that."

Fiora’s lips curled into a slight smile despite the severity of the situation, "Yes, for some reason I fully trust that you won’t abandon me, Master."

Orion’s tense expression eased into a slight smile as he shook his head, "Looks like you forget what I am with the sealing of your memories. You will know it soon enough from the looks of it."

She tilted her head in slight confusion at his words, but chose to believe him rather than ask unnecessary questions right now.

Orion calmly reached into his storage ring and gently pulled out the parchment that Selene had meticulously prepared.

Its intricate rune formations glittered faintly under the golden glow of the setting sun, emanating a serene yet potent aura that pulsed rhythmically in his grasp.

He carefully placed the parchment onto the table between them, its presence instantly pulling their full attention.

Meeting Fiora’s anxious gaze, Orion softly explained, his voice steady but filled with a quiet seriousness, "This is a formation created by Grandma. It will unseal both your sealed memories and your Draconic bloodline once you send your mana into it."

Fiora’s eyes lingered anxiously on the parchment, her chest rising and falling as she drew in a deep, steadying breath. Reaching forward with trembling fingers, she carefully grasped the paper, holding it gently, as if afraid the slightest pressure might disrupt the delicate balance of runes drawn upon it.

***

As Fiora steadied her emotions, beyond the walls of the room, Selene gracefully descended from the skies upon the roof of the mansion, her flowing robes gently billowing in the quiet evening wind.

She landed lightly upon the mansion’s rooftop, exhaling gently in relief as she observed the tranquility that enveloped the estate.

"That was a nice day for the two of them," she murmured softly to herself, her eyes gentle with maternal warmth and a hint of relieved amusement. "No one came to cause trouble. It seems I worried too much."

Selene had discreetly shadowed them throughout their day, hidden in the distance to ensure their safety without disturbing their precious time together.

From her high vantage point, she quietly observed Orion’s carriage returning, gently shaking her head in subtle approval.

After several moments of silent reflection, she gracefully descended to the ground behind the mansion, her delicate footsteps making barely any sound.

"I suppose," she softly whispered to herself, a faint smile touching her lips, "I should stand guard outside Orion’s room... just in case anything unexpected happens."

***

Back in Orion’s room, Fiora clutched the parchment firmly, rising steadily from her seat and stepping to the room’s center. She looked towards Orion, her voice softly trembling yet determined as she declared clearly, "I’m ready, Master."

Orion rose to his feet smoothly, his presence solid and reassuring as he approached her. His voice was steady, carrying unwavering support, "Go ahead and begin whenever you feel ready."

Nodding resolutely, Fiora closed her eyes, her breathing growing calm and rhythmic as she summoned her mana. Gradually, a thin stream of delicate energy flowed from her fingertips, gently infusing into the parchment.