Chapter 1: The Past

Reminder:

This chapter features multiple points of view (POVs) to provide insight into each character's perspective and motivations. Be sure to express the thoughts and emotions of each character thoroughly to give readers a well-rounded understanding of the events unfolding.

Taaliyah's POV

In our modern era, everything screams innovation. The pace of human advancement seems relentless, pushing boundaries beyond what was once deemed possible. Yet, amidst this whirlwind of progress, lies a phenomenon that defies explanation - the emergence of the Superhumans.

In my world, Earth is home to two distinct types of beings. The first, and most prevalent, are ordinary humans - individuals tethered to the routines of everyday life, navigating the ebb and flow of human existence. The second, more elusive category, comprises the Superhumans - a rare breed blessed with abilities that transcend the ordinary.

While these Superhumans are few in number, their impact reverberates throughout society. They walk among us, their presence subtle yet undeniable, blending seamlessly into the fabric of everyday life. They shun the limelight, opting instead for lives of quiet dignity, their extraordinary gifts concealed beneath a veneer of normalcy.

And amongst them, I count my husband as one of these extraordinary beings and knew it.

"Hon, are you done?" I ask, peering into the kitchen where my husband is busy, while keeping an eye on our daughter engrossed in her toys.

"Yeah!" he chirps, emerging from the kitchen with a plate full of pastries. "When will your sister be arriving?" He settles next to me, placing the plate on the table.

"She-" My sentence is cut short by the sound of the doorbell. "That must be her," I conclude.

As my husband rises to answer the door, I scoop up our five-year-old daughter, ready to offer a warm welcome to her aunt.

I am a normal human, and my husband is superhuman. They are called Armann, which means the messengers of a dream.

One night, while I was asleep, he appeared in my dream. Initially, I brushed it off as normal, but as time passed, I delved deeper into the world of superhumans, studying their species and their peculiarities. Among the discoveries, one stood out - superhumans couldn't engage in relationships with ordinary people, as it often led to the human's demise within 3 to 6 years. Based on my research, humans were only aware of the shortest lifespan recorded, at 3 years, and the longest at 6 years so far.

"Where's my niece?" our guest excitedly exclaims upon entering the house. She scans the room eagerly, her eyes darting sideways in search of us.

A smile graces my lips as our eyes meet.

"Oh my! Such a beautiful girl," Morph comments upon seeing my precious baby. She approaches us, eager for a closer look. "What's her name?" she asks.

"Astra," I simply answer, my smile unwavering.

Morph is my older sister. Our parents passed away early in our lives, leaving her to shoulder the responsibilities of both mother and father at a tender age. Despite the challenges, she persevered, completing her studies and embarking on a career as a scientist. However, when I married Arman, a superhuman, Morph was deeply opposed. Her involvement in the research about superhumans only fueled her determination to keep us apart. Yet, by the time we discovered I was already pregnant with Astra, it was too late to change course.

After a long discussion about what to do, I made the decision to keep the baby and accept the risk of potential consequences. Despite any reservations they may have had, both my husband and sister respected my choice.

It's been five years now, and I haven't experienced any adverse effects, so I believe I'm still fine.

"What a lovely name," Morph remarks as she draws closer to give Astra a kiss. "Here's my advance gift for you," she adds, gently passing her gift to Astra, before casting a meaningful glance in my direction.

I understand immediately what she wants to discuss.

As my husband enters the room, carefully carrying my sister's belongings, I seize the opportunity to approach him.

"Honey, could you keep Astra company for a bit?" I ask, infusing a hint of playful excitement into my voice to dispel any hint of concern. "My sister and I just need a quick heart-to-heart."

"Huh? Why?" His face registers puzzlement as he sets the items aside temporarily.

"We've simply been missing each other, alright? Can't I spend some time alone with my little sister?" Morph interjects assertively yet gently.

"It seems you two really have been missing each other, huh!" He chuckles, attempting to diffuse any lingering tension. With a nod, he takes Astra into my arms and begins to walk towards the kitchen. As they disappear from view, the room's ambiance subtly shifts, transitioning from warmth to a more serious tone.

"Follow me," Morph commands, leading the way outside to our small balcony overlooking the garden filled with vegetables and a fishpond. I follow her until we reach our destination.

Taking a seat in front of me, Morph fixes me with an intense gaze.

"What do you mean by the letter you sent to me?" she asks, her demeanor akin to a lioness ready to defend her pride.

"Calm down. I know it's surprising," I begin, attempting to diffuse the tension. "Lately, I've been dreaming about Mom and Dad. I think it's a sign. It's been five years, and I know my time could be running out." I meet her eyes, conveying the seriousness of the situation. We both understand the significance of dreaming about the deceased—a potential harbinger of imminent danger.

"Please don't say that so casually. I haven't stopped searching for a way to save you, so please bear with us," Morph implores, gently clasping my hands and leaning in for support. I feel a few droplets of an ethereal substance flow into my hand, yielding easily to pressure.

Despite my fear, I stand by my decision. "Morph, promise me you'll take care of them for me," I request, my voice tinged with an unspoken farewell.

*sob sob* "I will, but don't lose hope. You'll live long. I promise!" Morph reassures me, enveloping me in a comforting embrace. I return the hug, patting her head as a silent expression of gratitude and farewell.

Arman's POV

My daughter and I are waiting for Taaliyah and her sister, Morph, here at the dining table. They've been engrossed in conversation for a while now. I'm curious about their discussion, but I think it's best to give them their space and catch up on the time they've missed.

"Daddy?" My daughter, Astra, sits on her little chair to my left, playing with her new teddy bear.

"Yes, baby?" I respond with a gentle smile, ready to engage with her.

She looks directly into my eyes and shares something unexpected. "I had a nightmare last night."

"Really? What kind of nightmare? Can you tell daddy about it?" I lean in closer, careful not to alarm her. I've learned about her abilities; she began speaking at the age of three and has since been practicing sharing her dreams with me. As a former messenger of dreams myself, it's crucial for her to understand and utilize her gift. There was a time when she predicted our neighbor's death in a car accident—a startling revelation when it came true. I never anticipated her awakening as a Darsha at such a young age.

"In my dream, I saw Mommy lying on her bed, and you were sitting next to her, holding her hand. Then you started to cry." Her words stun me momentarily. I've known this moment was coming, but I never expected it to be revealed so soon. Suppressing my emotions, I maintain composure for her sake. She doesn't grasp the gravity of her dream yet, but the distress is evident in her innocent eyes. I take her hand in mine, offering silent reassurance.

"Can you tell daddy when it will happen?"

"On Astra's birthday," she replied matter-of-factly, her words hanging in the air with solemn gravity. In that moment, time seemed to stand still as the weight of her revelation settled upon me like a heavy cloak. The room grew silent, save for the rhythmic beating of my heart, as I struggled to find the strength to face the impending loss that awaited us just a week away.

"Don't worry. Daddy's here. It won't happen, okay?" I pull her into a comforting hug, and she returns it with an innocent smile.

"Okay," she replies, her smile brightening the room.

After a moment, Taaliyah and Morph enter the room. I notice the puffiness in their eyes, concluding they've been crying.

I want to inquire, but part of me dreads knowing the truth. I'll wait for Taaliyah to share with me in her own time.

"Oh my, you've already opened my gift. Do you like it?" Morph asks Astra, attempting to lighten the mood.

"Yes," Astra responds happily.

We begin our meal, and I smile, determined to make the most of the day.

~To be Continued ~