The X-Project

Amara hadn't been sleeping well. Memories of a former life had been drifting to the surface ever since Selene had been killed, and it was getting worse. Flashes of a city she didn't recognise, of a blonde couple who were stern and loving in their own way, but certainly weren't the parents she grew up with. Or were they? It was getting more than a little confusing, and Amara just wanted to start to make sense of it all.

She'd once told Amanda she didn't want to know anything more about life before Nova Roma, but here she was, changing her mind. She'd called and asked Amanda if they could meet, and was now sitting in a diner not far from the brownstone, fiddling with the napkin holder as she waited for her to arrive. She'd been early, and had so far refused any refills of the empty coffee cup sitting on the table. She didn't really need any more caffiene right now, she was on edge enough.

"Sorry I'm late," came the witch's voice, startling Amara from her distraction. "I got stuck on a long-distance call." Her smile faded, however, as she sat down, taking in the younger girl's demeanour. "You okay, 'Mara? You look like hell."

Amara glanced up, a little startled, even if she had been expecting Amanda. She'd gotten lost in her thoughts, and she hurried to find a smile for Amanda. It wasn't easy, especially with everything she had on her mind.

"I haven't been sleeping very well," she admitted, her hands still fiddling with a napkin. "It's kind of why I wanted to talk to you."

Her professional mien taking over, Amanda waited until the waitress had been by to take her order of tea and a sandwich and then left before speaking again. When she did, it was a single word: "Selene?"

"Yes." Amara stopped fiddling with the napkin, setting her hands down flat on the tables. "I keep... remembering things. I think. I've been having these dreams about another life, and... I need to know if they're true. Who I was before Nova Roma was created."

Amanda nodded, slowly. She'd had a feeling something like this might happen after Selene's death, but given how Amara had reacted last time, she hadn't wanted to broach the subject again. "You sure? I mean, yeah, I can help you, but once you know, there's no going back. You might not like what I find out."

"Honestly?" Amara looked up. "I'm not sure. Part of me doesn't want to know at all, but... I need to know. Whether these dreams are true or more of Selene's lies. I have to know."

"You know I'll do whatever I can to help." There was no question about that in Amanda's mind. "But I'll need you to trust me as well. Some of the methods I might have to use... well, it's better you don't know what they are."

Amara just nodded at that. "It's fine. I trust you." She smiled a little, looking over to Amanda. "Thank you for this, for all your help."

Amanda's smile was a little grim in return. "You're welcome, 'Mara. After all, we can't let that bitch win, can we?"