The tip of the straw got stuck between my lips as I sip the last drop of my orange juice. A smack from withdrawing the straw from my mouth interrupted the silence inside the library as I entered the front door — drawing everyone’s attention to my unannounced visit.“Foods and drinks are not allowed inside Little Miss,” a croaky voice welcomed me at the doorstep. He smiled, making the wrinkles on his face more prominent then he walked limply towards his desk with his wooden cane.I went out to look for a trash bin and dump my juicebox. I ran back inside with my squeaking rubber shoes and headed towards the history section. I was looking for the record of the Shah Dynasty for my research when a sudden flashes of blurred and disturbing memories strode into my consciousness.
I felt the tears streaming through my pale skin. My heartbeat was racing with my shallow breaths. I waited for the bullet to hit me but it had been minutes already when I heard the gunshot. I started to hear distinct sounds of katydids and crickets. I got curious so I slowly opened my eyes. Everything was dark, only the stars gave a faint light to the vast night. I tried to look carefully to see where exactly I was. When the moon showed up from hiding beneath the clouds, I was surprised to see myself standing in the middle of a railroad surrounded by bushes and gigantic trees.A gust of cold wind puffed through me. That’s when I came to realize that I’m only wearing a thin garment. I hugged myself scared that someone might see me just wearing a white night dress. I looked around keenly to make sure no one was around.
"What were you doing? Were you discussing your wicked plans to kill me?" The man in an olive coat asked tepidly.“W-what are you talking about? I just met that guy and… and I don’t even know you.” I defended myself.His forehead puckered. I saw how his hands gripped firmly to the tawny dowel of the balcony, then he raised his head and chortled in the air. I wonder what was funny with what I have said. He stopped laughing and returned his gaze at me, “Stop acting naively, it doesn’t fit you.” He said sarcastically.What????My lips became numb for a moment. I was trying to process the words he just said. I already knew what it meant but I’m thinking of another
We were already inside a room surrounded by rippled velvet curtains. There was a big disk-shaped cushion embroidered with black roses and sheer white fabrics draped from the wall to the sides of the bed. “Did you just say I’m your fiance?” I tried to confirm. He laid me down at the edge of the couch. I was still waiting for his response but he kept himself busy looking for something in the drawer of the bedside table.“Aren’t you going to answer me? You’re just bluffing right?” I smiled scornfully. He remained silent as he closed the drawer and paced towards me with a small chest on his hands. He dropped one of his knees and was about to open the chest. What is he doing… is he going to propose now?“Wait! How can you ask someone you
“You..” My mother gasped. She looked astounded as she stared at me. The veins on her wrinkled hands were already protruding due to her inexplicable rage. “W-when did you start using magic? Have you been hiding that for a long time?” She interrogated me. I didn’t understand the magic she was talking about. I thought she stopped that pot herself from hitting me, but it seemed it wasn’t her doing. How did it turn into dust? Is someone trying to protect me?I was so deep in my thoughts when my witch mother suddenly created fire in her hands. I was flabbergasted as I watched her throw the fire at me. Was she really trying to kill me? Due to the overwhelming event, I forgot to breathe as I gaped at the approaching ball of fire.My heart freaked out as the flame got closer, but when it was only a few inches away from me, it suddenly turned into a smoke. I couldn’t explain how it happened but I’m thankful I was not burned. I sighed in relief knowing that the universe is st
My mother has already left the room. I’m still bothered about how I am going to help this girl and her mother to be unleashed from that wicked witch. How powerful is she? I heard Namir yawning beside me and I ended up imitating it. I’m feeling tired for no reason, but I’m actually hungry as well. I tried to get up to have a bite on what my mother had brought for me to eat. My foot still stings but it wasn’t as painful as earlier, maybe it’s starting to heal.I took a loaf of bread and tasted it. My taste buds were disappointed as I chewed disfavorably. It’s not even sweet. I grumbled to myself. But I didn’t have a choice, it was the only food I had. I wasn’t able to finish the small slice so I put it back on the tray. I started to miss my mom’s pastries. I won’t last a day without sugar, I want to eat something sweet! I felt depressed thinking about the foods I wanted but I haven’t so I threw myself on the tattered bed. Heavy dust puffed out from the sheets m
I could see our flashing shadows on the ground as we ran under the brimming moon of the dead night. The air was cold but my heart was filled with drive as we dashed through the shades of the giant trees. I’m not sure where we are heading but I can feel Namir’s confidence. It has been living in this place so it probably knows where we must go. The thrill of riding its back was overwhelming and the minty smell of the bushes were helping me alter my mood.I was amazed when we crossed the lake and Namir just ran above the surface of the water. I lowered my body on the other side to reach the water and I glided my hands through it. Some drizzles splashed through my face and my body flinched as I felt the icy sensation. Namir slowed down when we reached the shore. There were so many fireflies beaming all over the trees. I rode off with my bare feet on the fine sands. I paced slowly to feel my wounded foot and gladly I could move it better.I explored the foreshore and picked som
Amaris idly chewed a breech leaf as he waited for his prey to come up. The crooked branch where he was hiding was a perfect spot for him to see a wide angle of the ground, and the twig spaces were just enough for the moonlight to pass through. He has been waiting for hours already and he thought of hunting for humans instead if he won’t catch any boar tonight. He decided to extend his patience for a few more minutes. Finally he heard rustling of the shrubs below. He squinted his eyes to see where the sound came from. A large pig head peeked out from the thick bushes just behind the tree where he was. He licked his upper lip and gulped as he imagined a mouthful roasted meat that he’ll be having tonight. After calculating its movements, he jumped off and landed on its broad back. “Gotcha!” He gripped his legs around it while it tried to buck him off. It ran around but he let it be since he enjoyed having the short ride. Just a few moments later, the boar’s pac
The crescent moon shone brightly on the open window of my room. The night sky looked so peaceful and Caius was standing there, watching the spectacular view. But seeing Caius's dropped shoulders, I knew his thoughts were clouded tonight. "Can't you choose to stay?" He asked in a melancholic tone, still has his back on me.I bit my lower. I can't. Well I don't know how I'm gonna get back to my real world but once my mission here is done, I'll probably be gone in this place. And I don't really belong here. I have a family in my real world who are waiting and might be worrying about me by now."I'm sorry, Caius. I can't." I gasped, almost sounding like a whisper.He took a deep breath, loud enough for me to understand that he wasn't happy about my response. He slowly turned around, trying to make a smile. "Maybe the place you really belong to is so beautiful and peaceful that you don't want to stay here." He muttered."Well…" I paused for a moment to look at his sullen eyes. "It's not t
"You're dazzling, honey!" Queen Morrigan clasped her hands in awe as she looked at me from head to toe. The dress perfectly fit me like the sewist seemed to know the exact measurements of my body, though nobody came to take measures.I turned around as I stared blankly at the mirror. The queen helped me a lot with all the undergarments. Though it looked so lavish, the weight of the fabrics were a bit uncomfortable. She also fixed my curly hair with golden pins. The messy bun perfectly matched the shape of my face. It looked elegant in a simple way. I didn't know the queen had such a talent for this. I thought it's her maids that style her all the time. "Let me put some tint on your face. You're looking a little pale. Are you sure you're already feeling better?" She took my hand and guided me to the couch to let me sit. "Yes, your highness." I forced a smile to convince her.She stared at me for a moment before. Then she sighed giving me a simper. "Can you stop calling me like that?
I still haven't talked to Aries since they figured out I'll be leaving this place soon. He walked out as soon as I confirmed to them that what the elders said was true. Caius was also speechless about it. He wanted to talk to me but I refused. I wanted to take a break first. I'm overwhelmed with this situation. And now, the elders held a ball to celebrate my arrival. I'm already flustered with agitation due to my mission. And I'm dead worried about Aries. How am I going to explain everything to him? Now I regret not telling him the truth right away.*Knock*KnockI was awakened from my misery when I heard soft knocks on the door. I was currently in an extravagant room prepared by the elders for me. The entire room was as big as our townhouse in my real world. Every piece of furniture has a touch of gold, making me feel suffocated with the luxury around me. This doesn't help elevating the pressure strangling me now."Do you need help, Nemiah?" Queen Morrigan called from the other side o
"What's wrong?" Dubheasa wondered why her soldiers came back to the shore looking frustrated."The houses are empty." One of the soldiers reported."What do you mean empty? Where will the people who live there go?" She snapped. "W-We searched each house but no one we're there. They left all their belongings but no one was found." The other shadow uttered in a trembling voice."What?! There's no way they've already escaped. How would they know?" The veins on her forehead showed how much she was enraged at the moment. Unconvinced, she sprinted to the village and checked some of the houses herself. She got more furious each time she wrecked the door and no one was inside. She tried to contemplate what could have happened. "Amaris. That ungrateful idiot!" She growled. She couldn't think of any other reason for the people to know about her conquest. Only Amaris knew she was going to attack the village tonight."Find them in every corner of this island and kill them! They have no other pla
The sky was dark and thunderstorms roared synchronizing with the heavy gushing of the rain. It was supposed to be a glorious day for Dubheasa but the weather doesn't seem to cooperate with her plans. She slouched on her throne while distressingly pressing her temples with her fingers. She was waiting for an alternate plan to destroy the village."My queen. The rain still hasn't stopped. Should we wait for it to cease before we proceed with the plan?" One of her soldiers came in to report. Dubheasa threw a sharp glance at him, making his body tremble in fear. He decided to bow his head to avoid the eye contact."Hasn't Jack come back yet?" She asked in a cold voice. Little did she know, the man she's waiting for has already turned into ashes."N-Not yet, your highness." The servant stuttered in fear."What could have happened to that old man? I just asked him to spy on Amaris and they both haven't returned yet." She straightened her back and took a deep breath. "I have a bad feeling ab
(While Nemiah and her allies were stuck in the mansion..)Druji was feeling dizzy, keeping her eyes on her mother as she walked back and forth near the entrance of the cave. The anxiousness was written all over the queen's face as she took glances at the entrance, hoping the people she's waiting to return would show up anytime now."Mother, you've been like that for an hour already. Please calm down. Maybe they couldn't return yet due to the incessant pouring of the rain." Druji stood from her seat and stopped her mother from wandering around."I just can't help it. It's almost dark and there's still no news from them." The queen fretted, her hands were trembling as she clasped and unclasped them."Your highness. Aries is with them so don't have to worry. They're probably on their way now. Let's just wait here." Gili sighed as he watched the pouring rain outside. He knew that Dubheasa and her armies might be on their way now to destroy the village. He's also wondering why they haven't
"Let's get inside, Nemiah. Everyone is waiting for you." Caius took my hand, about to lead me back to the portal."Hang on. How about the queen and the kids? I thought we're going to save the people too?" Aries pondered."The guy who welcomed us said that they're already inside. I haven't checked, though." I informed him. I began to wonder how they took the people and convinced them to come. I'm really curious about that place.Aries's forehead creased as soon as he heard me. He seemed faltered. I know he's also wondering how they're already inside. The rain almost stopped. Dubheasa probably has released her army to proceed with her evil plan. Just as I thought about it, the trees and nearby bushes rustled clamorously. "Let's get inside, Nemiah. I think Dubheasa's troops are already searching for us." Caius carefully looked around, tracing any shadows of the enemies."Aries. Come on!" I called him, who was also checking around."What did you just call him?" Caius's face dazed as he l
"What are you doing!" I was finally able to get my energy back. I pushed him as hard as I could. He started to faint and fell on his knees. He spewed some black pearls like that of what Druji has vomited when I touched her. It vanished in the air as soon as it touched the ground.I dashed to approach him and gently rubbed his back. "Are you feeling alright now?" I fretted.He raised his head and wiped his mouth with the back of his hands. Grinning at me, he said, "More than alright." Then his eyes lowered on my lips, making the blood rush throughout my body. I could feel my face burning so I quickly stepped away from him."Pervert," I grumbled to myself as I touched my lips with my shaking fingers. "Why did you do that? You could have just touched me." I complained. Amaris chuckled as he got up and dusted off his pants. "Because I want to remove the curse that way. It worked perfectly though.""I shouldn't have stepped out for you.""But you did. Why did you?" He teased me, gliding s
“What is this place?” I jumped off the horse to get a better look at the breathtaking view of the paradise we were currently in. I heard everyone gasp in awe as they entered the portal. We were on concrete pavement and it was leading to a stunning white palace ahead. It was three times bigger and extravagant than that of Queen Morrigan's palace. Looking from afar, everything was painted in white and the windows seemed to be made of dazzling gold. What kind of people are living here? Or are they even people? This place is terrifically marvelous. I badly wanted to ask the horses since they're the one who brought us here. But it won't make sense since I don't understand them. I wonder if Namir could do that for me. I wandered my eyes around. There are thousands of white roses along the path. It looks exactly like what we have in Kuu's cave. Did those roses come from here? I could also hear the calming sound of a gushing falls somewhere. I wonder how this kind of bewildering place exists