Chapter 19

"Hi." A voice said.

"Who?!"

I looked back only to see myself.

No, not myself but the real Moriana Allisson.

I checked out my hair color and it was black from the roots. Just like my hair from the last life.

"Moriana?" I said.

"Yes! That's me." She smiled.

"I have so many things to ask you."

"Ask right away."

"Where is this place?" I asked.

"Oh, about that.... This is the world of souls." She replied.

"What!? World of souls?! Am I dead?!"

"No no no, it's just that, your mind's state brought your soul out from the different body you're possessing right now."

"Ah.. I see. So your body is empty right now?" I asked.

"Hm, yes."

"Did you die? I mean, before I possessed your body." I had so many questions to ask.

"No. It was fate that you came to my body since I am your reincarnation in your next life." She plainly said.

'So that's why her memories merged into mine. Makes sense.'

"Then did I die?"

"Yes. You always ate healthy foods but you abused yourself from work, always slept late and you became insomiac. And so, you died."

"...I have no objections." I said embarrassedly.

"Any more questions?" She said.

"Right. If you are my reincarnation, then does that mean that I'm also bound to die?

"Pft.."

"???"

"Hahahahahaha! Who said that you're going to die? The book you've read is nothing more than just a story. Whereas in this life, everything is depended by choices. Poor choices leads to poor results."

"Oh, so the story wasn't true? So that's why everything I expected didn't happen." I said in disappointment.

"Yeah. Expectations always lead to disappointment." She said.

"Just remember this though. I am you, and you are me. Once you wake up, my body will no longer reject you and you will become the real Moriana." She added.

"I wish you good in this life.... Lyla Hamilton."

"Wait! I still have many ques-"

*****

I had a dream.

It wasn't an ordinary dream but a deep one.

I talked to Moriana and discovered that she was my reincarnation.

I now know the real reason why the characters here in the story didn't play their part.

Because they were not just characters in the first place.

They were human.

Real human who makes real decisions and choices.

The last part of my dream reminded me of my name from the last life.

'Lyla Hamilton.' That was my name.

I can't believe I forgot my own name.

Setting my dream aside, where the heck am I?

High ceiling with ornamented gold, a large chandelier with real diamonds, walls that looks exclusive, and a massive, wide bed.

'I have a bad feeling about this.'

The door slammed open and a person came in.

"Anna?"

"P-prince?"

'What the hell! Why's he here?!'

He walked towards me quickly and hugged me.

"I'm glad you woke up." He mumbled.

I pushed him back a little and asked a question.

"Uhm, pardon my rudeness but, where am I? How long was I out for?"

"Oh, you're in the Imperial clinic. You were unconscious for two whole days."

"Imperial clinic?!"

"Yes. You inhaled a poison that requires the healing of a priest. Your hands and feet were swollen deeply and you had other injuries aside from that."

'Poison? Was that when a hand took me from the auction and covered me breathless?'

"What happened to the auction?" Did he buy the item?

"It was fine. But not after you disappeared."

"Sorry?"

"After you disappeared, we went to look for you. Luckily, Justin and I found your location."

"Where's Justin?" Yeah, where is he?

"My lady!"

A voice from the door shouted.

"Your highness." He bowed.

"It's alright." The prince replied.

'Huh? When did they get so familiar with each other?'

"Are you feeling alright my lady?" Justin asked worriedly.

"Yes. I'm fine now." I smiled at him.

"You should rest here for a while and go back home tomorrow. I already informed your parents about this." The prince said.

"But I'm alright now Your highness. Look, my bruises are gone and I feel better than ever."

"But-"

"Thank you for the hospitality Your highness." I curtsied.

"..I'll see you off then." He finally gave up.

'I miss my parents already.'

Before we got out of the room a cute voice was heard.

"Anna!"

An auburn-eyed woman came running towards me.

"Shasha?"

"Are you alright? I was so worried when I heard about you." She rambled with a worried face.

She stopped talking for a moment and glanced at the prince.

"Apologies for my rudeness. Greetings Your highness the crown prince." She curtsied.

"It's fine." He replied.

Shasha then returned to look at me.

"I should've sent you my knights as planned. They can protect you better!" Shasha insisted.

I felt a chilling gaze from Justin.

"It's alright. Justin did his part and losing me was an accident. I'm fine with him alone." I said.

"Still..." She pouted.

"I'm about to go home now. Maybe I'll visit your estate some time." I said to her.

"Really?! Okay! I'll wait for you then. See you!" Her face brightened and she  left quickly.

After Shasha left, the prince continued to see us off until outside the gate.

"Thank you Your highness." I bowed.

"It's nothing. See you later Anna." He took my hand and kissed it.

"Let's go my lady." Justin interrupted.

I nodded.

We separated ways then Justin and I walked towards the carriage.

"Um, excuse me."

'This voice....'

"Can I talk to you Lady Moriana?" The heroine said.

"About what?"

"About the tea party from last time." She shyly said.

"...Of course. You can come with us. We were just about to go home."

"I apologize for the intrusion." She bowed.

"It's alright. Come, let's get going."

Thirty minutes later, we arrived at the mansion.

"Young miss!" Kelly ran towards me and hugged me tight.

"I'm sorry! I should've went with you at the the festival. Wahhh" She sobbed.

"It's fine. Prepare some tea for our guest." I said.

"Wahh....heuk. Apologies. I'll prepare it now. Heuk.." Her sobbing continued.

"Anna!" This time, my parents were the ones who hugged me.

They checked me from head to toe to see if I was fine and I reassured them that I was alright.

After confirming their doubts, they finally sighed in relief.

"I apologize lady Richmond. Please come in." I said.

She nodded.

I took her to the living room and beckoned her to sit.

We were facing each other right now and she was fidgeting with her fingers.

"What do you want to talk about again?" I asked.

"..."