Xavier Kalyndor Drako has walked on the surface of the earth for 5000 years, bound to the shadows. Xavier's heart has been frigid after the loss of his first partner, Elian. Cursed by a vengeful Goddess. This immortal has lived a desolate life continually tormented by the memories of his past But when 22-year-old Aria Wynters life and future are threatened by a chronic diseases Xavier's world is twisted Enticed by her fierce spirit and unyielding determination Xavier finds himself mysteriously connected to Arias's life As their love grew, Xavier has to face the gloom of his past and the plague that has agonized him for centuries. Will their love be enough to break the curse or will Aria's fate be eternally sealed?
Chapter 1 A Fleeting Peace
I sat in my favorite place in the garden, encircled by the gentle whirr of Mother Nature and the lovely fragrance of flowers.
The garden was a testament to my late grandma's love and devotion, it's the only thing that keeps me sane in this bustling city. The flowing stream and the beautiful birds chirping bring so much peace to my soul.
I sat beneath the majestic eastern Redbud, I felt my worries slowly drifting away. The sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the garden. I couldn't help but think about the conversation I had with my doctor earlier. Her words echoed in my mind.
"Aria, I'm afraid the test outcome confirmed that you have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, you have approximately six years to live."
I recalled the doctor's explanation, ALS is a terminal disease that's going to affect my nerve cells, it will gradually weaken my muscles leading to paralysis and then respiratory failure.
I couldn't believe it, I had less than six years to live. I gulped hard, I had to accept and confront this brutal reality.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I came to the garden just to escape my newfound reality.
For a fleeting moment, I was able to enjoy the beautiful garden without thinking about anything.
Just as I was lost in thought, a soft voice interrupted the little chat between me and my mind.
"Sweetie, I didn't see you come in, but I knew you'd be here. What did the doctor say?
My mother said while walking in, her short, curly brown hair bouncing behind her. Her bright green eyes sparkled with worries as she came towards me.
I forced a smile onto my face determined to reassure her "It was just a check mum, everything is fine mum."
The last thing I want is to get sympathy, I just want to be treated normally before I die, I don't want any special attention or anything so I decided to keep it to myself.
"Aria, something is wrong, you're constantly getting lost in your thoughts"
She inquired again
"Mum, I told you everything is fine, I just need to rest more that's all," I said with a reassuring smile.
My mum didn't look convinced, but she decided not to ask more questions
" go freshen up dear, then come downstairs for dinner," she said with a smile.
I nodded and headed up to my room, all I wanted to do was cry my heart out I was filled with mixed emotions. I stood under the warm water and it felt really good and very calm.
I looked at myself in the mirror "I will never get married, I'll never have kids, I won't even be able to become a singer."
I just couldn't hold it in, I burst into uncontrollable tears. All my dreams, my aspirations, everything gone. How will my parent react when they find out I hid this from them?
All these random thoughts kept popping up in my head
The thought of leaving behind all my loved ones, my best friend Bree was always getting herself into one trouble or another who would bail her out of jail and cover up for her.
Alex, my dramatic boyfriend, we get into an argument every single time we meet up but we still love each other dearly. How will I cope without him?
I tried to force my eyes to dry, I sat down at my desk when I got a call
"Hey Hunny, sorry to bother you Chip but I may have broken a guy's nose"
"Bree, you again." I asked trying to sound calm "What did he do this time, stared at your shoes?" I said trying to laugh.
"Please come get me out chip, I didn't know his brother was in the army"
"Okay princess I'm coming," I said and hung up
I dashed out of the house and got into my car heading for her usual police station. Bree has always been feisty, that was actually how we met. She saw a guy giving me a dirty look and she grabbed him by the collar, beating him to almost death, we got to know each other and became friends. She was from a rich background but she always tends to reason after action.
I parked outside the police station and dashed inside, gave the bail paper to the officer in charge, completed other formalities, and boom, she was out.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," she said hugging me "I owe you a hundred."
I rolled my eyes with a soft smile
"Get in the car before you beat up a police officer"
We both laughed and drove off.
Bree looked at me, she knows I'm always worried but she must have felt like this was something more,
"Okay Chip, what's bugging you? You look more tense than usual and you got out of the house in your pajamas. Something is wrong, tell me." she asked, looking serious for once.
"There's nothing wrong girl." I tried to sound calm.
Bree pulled the break, and the car stopped she dragged me out of the car and hugged me tight.
"Aria, I love you so much Chip, you're tense please don't hide anything from me, let's get through this together, let me help you," she said softly
I busted into tears, "I... I'm going t... to die Bree." I stuttered. " We can't get through this together because we won't even be together," I said crying.
"Oh Chip, life may be hard, but you're not dying hunny.is it Alex, I'll rip off his tongue this time," she said feeling angry again.
"No, no it's not Alex, the doctor said..."
I pulsed for a while " I only have six more years to live." I said feeling completely shattered.
Bree stared at me in complete shock "How about a second opinion, there should be a second opinion, what if your result gets swapped with someone else's.this isn't possible, let's go back to the hospital for a second opinion." she said trying to fight back her tears.
I looked at Bree, trying to wipe my tears
"There is no second opinion."
We looked at each other in tears, we cried uncontrollably hugging each other.
"No, no chip, we're not accepting defeat, we have to get you treated, and we'll get the best doctor in the world. Your parent..."
She turned her gaze to me
"Did you inform your parents?" she said wiping her tears
"No, I only told you. please don't inform anyone, I don't want to be treated differently." I said feeling lifeless.
Let's just go home, we both need to get some rest. I dropped Bree off at home and headed home.
I threw myself on my bed staring at the ceiling when I heard a stone hit my window
I thought it was Bree, I went to the window to see. It wasn't Bree, what I saw left me shocked.