Chapter 55

Alexander had a gut sensation that Heather might not be here, but he did not want to embrace that unsettling possibility. He could not think of anywhere other than Mystes, where Heather could possibly go. Further, she had not traveled outside Mystes, not considering her recent voyage to his homeland.
His eyes reflected worry, and it only added to his concern when he saw Oscar and Hortus viewing him with a dilemma.
“Please, tell me Heather is here.” Alexander rephrased his previous statement to confirm his interpretation of their words.
“We are sorry, Alexander,” Oscar began. “Last time we saw Heather was when she was with you. We were under the impression that she had traveled with you. Why would she return back alone?"
Hortus said, "Alexander, you are making us worry," as Alexander was silent and speech was eluding him. "If Heather is not with you, where is she? What is happening here?"
“I am stumped as to how to explain this. After she departed, I assumed that she would have come here. After all, Mystes is her home, and the residents here are her family. Where did she go if she is not here?” Alexander enquired. The query was addressed more to himself than to the other men, though.
“Alexander,” Oscar called out his name in an effort to get his attention, “You are making us worried. Where is our Heather?”
“Somewhere safe and secured.”
The three men suddenly turned to face the owner when they heard another voice. Alexander noticed that the man was none other than Oscar's grand-son Junior.
He, however, sighed in relief. The same could not be said for Oscar and Clifford.
“Did Heather get in contact with you in any way?” Oscar asked his grandson, hoping for a positive reply.
“Unfortunately, no. But I strongly feel that she is safe,” He replied honestly.
“I...” Before Alexander could even go beyond the first word, Junior interrupted him.
“We cannot talk here. We must head inside. Grandpa and Clifford, why don’t you sit back and relax while I speak with Alexander? We do have a lot to discuss.”
Clifford spoke for both of them when he said, "We are not comfortable with that."
“Believe me on this. I promise to update you with everything. I always have the best intention for Heather in my heart, and so does Alexander here. Even if it does not look like it at present. Regardless of that, she is safe. My inner callings never lie to me. But in order for me to understand things better, I need to speak with Alexander alone," Junior said.
Senior Oscar reciprocated by nodding, “Okay, son. We will let the two of you speak.”
Alexander exhaled in relief, “I would really prefer if the word did not get out that Heather is missing.”
All three men stare at him; however, it was Junior who spoke, “I do not like what he said, but he is not wrong. We cannot make anyone worry.”
Clifford and Oscar were left with no choice but to nod. Junior hurriedly led Alexander towards Heather's house as their concern for Heather grew.
There was a sense of belonging in her house. Despite the fact that it felt like returning home after a long absence, Heather's absence was more noticeable than ever. Being there without her did not feel right. He felt at home because of her. This setting was heaven, attributable to her lingering aura.
“You miss her,” Junior observed.
“With every molecule in my body. I don't know how things got so out of hand,” Alexander stated.
“Alexander, what precisely happened? We deserve to know nothing but the truth.” Junior was determined to learn the entire story, which compelled Heather to leave without informing anyone.
“I will tell you everything,” Alexander surrendered. While he had the option, he chose not to keep anything from the man in front of him. Heather had faith in Junior since he was a decent man. And he was the only one who might be able to feel Heather's presence.
“But first, are you certain Heather is secure?”
“Alexander, right now, I have a really strong feeling that she is safe. Although I am unsure of her whereabouts, I do know that she is fine,”
“That is a relief,”
“What made her leave Warsavor is haste?” Junior asked again.
Alexander finally resigned and laid everything out to Junior. He narrated to him about his prefixed engagement to Diona Gonzales, his folk's legacy, their disapproval towards his relationship with Heather, their accusation, and their distaste of Heather. He told Junior everything that had happened, including how Heather had departed that evening without informing anyone of her whereabouts.
Junior, I'm terribly worried. She has not yet traveled abroad. Also, she is going alone and has no companion with her. I worry about her safety.” Worry was clearly written on Alexander.
“I recognize that, but I don't hold Heather responsible for leaving. She had already experienced a great deal. She is living a life where she is still learning about her roots, and your family has not only made things more difficult for her but are keen on exploiting her soul. I apologize for my remarks toward your folks, but Heather does not deserve this. She deserves a better life. At present, she is living a life on the run,”
“That something only adds to my concerns. I have to clear her name, and I will. Heather will get her respect back, and I will make sure of it, but first, I must find her. She is traveling solo.”
“Alexander, your lady love is a strong woman. Despite our worries, I have a strong feeling that she will benefit from this as well,”
Alexander was, however, stunned at Junior’s comment, “What are you trying to say? Heather is alone in this cruel world with no one to save her. What if someone attacks her? She is not experienced enough to handle that.”
Junior smiled reassuringly at him and said, "Alexander, she is stronger than she seems. Although Heather Crown may not be aware of this face, she is a strong woman with untapped potential. She had an extraordinary quality about her from the minute she arrived in this town, and we were aware of it. Although her identity is yet unknown, her aura is undeniable. Further, she needs to learn the words outside her comfort zone."
When he saw that Alexander was deep in thought and felt his conflict, he continued, “Do you know what is the difference between your parents and the people of our town?”
"People or Mystes are good-hearted, but my family is blinded by their wealth, power, and fame?" Alexander pronounced.
"And the fact that we are wise enough to see the best in people. Although your neglect of Heather enrages me and infuriates others when they learn about it, I know that you love her and would fight for her. Because of this, I have faith in you."
“I appreciate it,” Alexander said with a forced smile.
"Alexander, keep holding onto hope. When I stated that Heather was currently safe, I wasn't lying. Though I cannot foresee the future, I can already feel her."
“I need to go and look for her.”
“You must. I will send the word if she returns,”
Alexander nodded in response.
“Before I leave, could you provide me with ink and parchment?”