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PROLOGUE
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2024-10-29 19:42:56My mother used to tell me a story about the Old World, how it shined too brightly and too soon— until it couldn’t anymore.
For a long time, the Old World moved into an endless spin towards the age of technology— and then it stopped. My mother would say, that for a time, the people went on their ways and made lives. And then a plague hit the land and wiped the world of its beautiful palm trees, towering glass buildings, and self-driving machines that can take you to faraway places.
The plagues, called the Death Waves, were said to have lasted for decades. The people’s medical system and high-powered machines could not beat their unseen enemy. When the plague finally went away on its own, the Old World became no more.
More than half of the world died, and the remaining half killed for survival. In fear of another Death Wave, the people abandoned their societies and hid inside caves and under the ground. They protected themselves and trusted no one. At night, they would sneak unto their neighbors and steal their food; and at light, they would kill the man who gets the most ration from their hard work in the Upper Castles.
My mother would say, that the plague was sent by Mother Nature, that people became too happy and took things for granted, so She gave them a lesson— one too ruthless and too dark that even history cannot forget if it wanted to. Maybe She thought it would make the Old World a little bit kinder and a little bit better. But She was wrong.
For the new one is even crueler now.
My name is Elizabeth Hale. Welcome to the New World.
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EliMy body lay very still as I felt Hade's arms envelope my body. He wouldn't let go of me even though he was already fast asleep. Meanwhile, I was too preoccupied in my own thoughts that I couldn't even close my eyes.Yula had an affair.I still couldn't wrap my head around it. I couldn't believe it. It just doesn't sound like my sister would do. No matter what I think of, it just doesn't seem like her to do that.I sighed. My head ached.I probably should go visit my home tomorrow. Hade said there's something he needs to do back at the Capital, so he'll be gone the whole day. But he promised he'll have dinner with me.I closed my eyes and tried to sleep. Even though it took me a long time to sleep, I still felt myself falling into slumber. After a while, I felt someone caressing my cheeks."Hey."It was Hade's voice. I opened my eyes and saw the sun starting to enter the window."
Sand Castle THIRTY SEVEN
Eli My body lay very still as I felt Hade's arms envelope my body. He wouldn't let go of me even though he was already fast asleep. Meanwhile, I was too preoccupied in my own thoughts that I couldn't even close my eyes. Yula had an affair. I still couldn't wrap my head around it. I couldn't believe it. It just doesn't sound like my sister would do. No matter what I think of, it just doesn't seem like her to do that. I sighed. My head ached. I probably should go visit my home tomorrow. Hade said there's something he needs to do back at the Capital, so he'll be gone the whole day. But he promised he'll have dinner with me. I closed my eyes and tried to sleep. Even though it took me a long time to sleep, I still felt myself falling into slumber. After a while, I felt someone caressing my cheeks. "Hey." It was Hade's voice. I opened my eyes and saw the sun starting to enter the window.
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Hade The midnight moon shone brightly as it touched his wife's face. She looked so serene as she slept beside him. As if she did not just cry her heart out to him before she fell asleep. It was too much for her. That's why he ponded on telling her knowing it will hurt her so much. He just didn't expect she would know this soon. But what shook him the most is how she reacted. He totally thought she'd throw a fit, or probably not talk to him for a long time. But he'd do everything to win her feelings again, anyway. But Eli didn't do any of those. Instead, she cried in his arms as hard as she could. He didn't dare let go of her, not even for a second. He held unto her like she was his only lifeline. He whispered comfort and loving words unto his wife's ear all night. He wanted to take her pain away, but he couldn't do anything but promise her he'll do everything to make it a little bit better. It took a while befor
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Eli The sunlight hitting my face awoke me from my slumber. My eyelids felt so heavy I was tempted to go back to sleep. Memories of last night flooded my brain and I was instantly horny. Damn. Hade did not stop until we were both breathing hard from exhaustion and only let go of my body after dawn break. He was a monster, no doubt. I yawned while my hand automatically reached out to feel Hade's body. But only the pillows were there to catch my longing arms. My eyes instantly shot open and saw the empty side of the bed where Hade laid last night. My mood instantly soured. I sighed. What's new, right? I lazily got up and scooped the blanket to cover my body. I did not bother calling for anyone anymore, I think I can take a bath on my own just fine. After I was done, I went out of the bathroom and found the bed neatly made. There's a sage green dress on top of it as well. It has long sleeve
Sand Castle THIRTY ONE
Eli I kept my head down the entire time Hade was talking. My head was still spinning over the fact that he and Noah are brothers. "Eli..." Hade's voice trailed. I was lost in my own thoughts that I didn't realize Hade has finished talking. I raised my head and met his scared eyes. "What was the deal?" I asked. "What?" Hade asked back. "You made a deal with Noah over me. What was it?" I saw Hade close his eyes before he opened his mouth to speak. "He told me he'll watch over you if I agree to stay away from you forever. And I told him he's not allowed to fall in love with you." I tilted my head. I can't believe I'm hearing this right now. "I feel so pathetic right now." "Eli—" Hade tried to reach for my arms, but I yanked his hand away and got up. "Do you have— any idea," I paused, giving
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