Chapter 19: The Invitation

"The world is cruel, my princess," a familiar voice whispered, "but you can choose to be good amidst the bad."

I dreamily looked up to his chiseled face and wrapped my tiny hands on his neck. "I want to be good, dad."

The man caressed my back as he tightened the hug that I initiated. He smelt like fresh grass and wood, yet it was so pleasing to my nose.

Kumalas siya sa yakap at lumapat ang labi niya sa noo ko. Then he whispered, "Daddy loves you, Aurora."

"Ara? Is that you?"

"Belacour, wake up!"

"Oh my god, Ara!"

Napabalikwas ako ng bangon mula sa matigas kong kinahihigaan nang sabay-sabay na tumakbo sa kinaroroonan ko ang mga pamilyar na mukha ng mga Arcane. They stopped right in front of me, panting, and their faces were filled with worry and confusion. They looked fine, no blood, no bruises.

"Hey, are you okay?" Napaangat ako ng tingin.

Why is Genesis here? Tumawag ba sila ng back up?

"Speak, Ara. May masakit ba sa 'yo?" he asked. Halos magsalu