A second soul mate?

"Who are you?"

The inhumane voice of the sentient barrier whispered to Naomi.

Its voice seared through her consciousness, momentarily distracting her from the burning sensation arising from her blistering skin.

"Naomi? What's wrong? Talk to me." Nezetta frantically shook Naomi's shoulders but received no response.

Naomi stood still, her eyes glazed over with her mouth hanging open.

"Neziah, she is with me. She means no harm! Let her go!" Nezetta yelled at the barrier surrounding them authoritatively.

The barrier failed to listen to her command.

It could sense that something was gravely wrong with the stranger his princess had brought into the secret passage. It could not let her pass.

"I...I am Lolo Nerina. Of Sejukgheim. I do not bear any ill will toward the royal family. I would never harm anyone!" Naomi managed to speak out in the way she knew Nerina would, amidst the tormenting presence in her head and her roasting flesh.

The burning feeling was only in her head though.

H