“Hara… wake up…”
An unfamiliar voice pierced through the haze of Hara’s deep slumber.
She stirred but found herself engulfed in impenetrable darkness. Her body felt eerily cold and numb, as if she were suspended in some void.
“W-who are you?” Hara’s voice wavered, barely more than a whisper in the overwhelming silence.
She attempted to sit up, her movements slow and cumbersome. Despite her best efforts, the darkness remained a solid, impenetrable blanket.
The situation was absurd and illogical.
Yet, there was an undeniable, almost magnetic pull towards the voice.
“I’m a wandering spirit, and I’ve chosen you as my host. Coincidentally, my name is also Chihara. You can call me Rara.”
“What if I don’t agree?”
“You can’t refuse. The Universe has decreed that I inhabit your body. I’ve been waiting for centuries to be reborn. I can’t waste any more time. I must get my revenge!”
Hara’s heart pounded in her chest, confusion and dread mixing in equal measure.
“What about me?” she asked, her voice strained.
“You? You will remain here, trapped in this limbo. But don’t worry. After I awaken, I will ensure justice for your wrongful death. Consider it my repayment for sharing your body.”
Hara was stunned, her mind struggling to process the gravity of the situation.
“I... I’m dead?”
She reached back to touch the back of her head, and her fingers recoiled as they encountered something damp and sticky. The cold, dried blood on her hand was unmistakable.
Recalling Arabella’s betrayal, Hara clenched her fists, her eyes darkening with fury.
“I merely had a crush on your boyfriend... and... you killed me?” she scoffed, her voice filled with disbelief.
Rara’s laughter echoed eerily in the darkness. “You poor soul. You’ve truly encountered a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Enough reminiscing. I want to wake up now.”
“Wait!”
“Tch, what else do you want?”
“Please take care of my parents...”
“Fine, fine! Don’t make this awkward. We’ll share the body, but I will be in control. You can keep our memories.”
Rara opened her eyes to an unexpected sight—a man in a black hoodie hovered above her, his presence both mysterious and intimate.
No, wait.
He’s kissing her forehead!
‘Hara, quick! Slap me!’
<You idiot, wake up and slap him! Don't let him touch me!>
Yet, Rara found herself strangely enchanted.
His warm breath gently caressed her skin.
His scent was intoxicating, a mix of something earthy and wild that made her head spin. She wanted to stay close to him, bask in his presence.
Moreover, his soft lips on her forehead felt oddly comforting.
Suddenly, her heart began to race, a flush rising to her cheeks.
Maybe it’s because he has an alluring aura?
“Ahem!” she cleared her throat, trying to shake off the strange sensation.
She didn’t try to push him away or shout at him. His presence exuded a reassuring warmth that made her feel at ease, not threatened.
Without a word, he vanished in a blur, leaving her stunned.
Her mouth formed an O in shock, astonishment etched on her face.
‘Holy shit! Did you see that? What is he? Is he a vampire?’
<Stop cursing and wake up.>
‘No one can move that fast. This hoodie guy’s movements are straight out of a supernatural thriller.’
‘Is he supernatural?’
Shrugging off her bewilderment, Rara sat up, her mind racing through the events of the last few hours.
As she pieced together the fragments of Hara’s final moments, a bitter chuckle escaped her lips.
‘Say, Hara. Do you know anything about magic?’
<I don't do magic; I never believed in it.>
‘Tch! You’re no fun...’ Rara grumbled.
A knock at the door jolted her from her thoughts.
“Come in.”
A woman in her 30s, dressed in a refined, pastel-colored gown, entered the room. Her demeanor was both gentle and authoritative.
“How are you feeling?” she asked with a soft, reassuring tone.
Rara touched the back of her head and frowned in confusion. Hara’s head had struck the ground with considerable force.
Wasn’t there supposed to be a visible bruise or blood?
Unsatisfied, she prodded her left ribs with her hand.
Strange. It doesn’t hurt.
Rara gave the woman a questioning look, seeking an explanation.
“You’re lucky to have a mate like him,” the woman said, her eyes shining with admiration.
“What do you mean?”
Rara raised her finger before the woman could answer. “Wait, how long has it been since I passed out?”
“Only three hours. It’s fortunate that the master found you outside the gate.”
Her eyes widened in shock.
So, the hooded figure is her savior, and she hasn’t even thanked him.
‘Hey, people outside are really heartless. They might watch a murder and do nothing.’
Hara remained silent.
“He’s the one who healed you,” the woman said softly.
“H-heal me?” Rara asked, bewildered.
The woman nodded.
‘But how is that possible?’
Her mind whirled with questions.
‘How can a person heal a dead person like me?’
‘What’s more astonishing is that I healed in only 3 hours!’
‘No way.’
<Isn’t this how it’s supposed to be? Wasn’t my body supposed to heal after being reborn?>
‘No. Usually, a reborn person still bears the marks of their previous injuries.’
‘Tch! How is that possible? He only kissed my forehead—’
<That’s my body!>
‘What do you know? Anyway, we don’t know if he did something else while we were asleep.’
<What do you mean?>
‘Perhaps he bit me on the neck and claimed me as his mate...’
<Ew! Ew! Ew! Stop thinking! I could see it! Pervert!>
“Can I go back now?” Rara asked after she snapped out of her daze.
“No one can leave before tomorrow,” the woman said with a sigh. She then ushered Rara toward a new destination. “Join the party now. It’s nearly time.”
“What time is it now?”
The woman glanced at her watch. “10 minutes before midnight. The dance, quick!”
She helped Rara freshen up her makeup and donned a new dress that looked almost identical to the previous one.
It was a pity that the exquisite gown given by the stranger had been torn and soiled.
“You’re pretty and smart. You’re a perfect match for the master.”
Rara choked on the compliment.
“So, what’s his name?”
“His name is Xav—okay, done!”
The woman helped Rara to her feet before pushing her out the door.
‘What the hell?’
Rara looked around, taking in the opulent surroundings of the castle gate. The grandeur of the architecture and the faint strains of music emanating from within made her heart race.
After standing in the dim light of the hallway, she gathered her courage and decided to join the Prince’s party.
It felt oddly solitary to go alone.
The gravity of the situation seemed to suck the air from her lungs.
Biting her lip, she took a deep breath, mustered her resolve, and walked through the grand entrance as the guard opened the door.
This time, Rara didn’t forget to present Hara’s invitation card, which was still tucked in her small, white pouch.
As she walked further into the ballroom, she noticed the myriad of stares from the crowd. The room was a dazzling display of luxury, with sparkling chandeliers casting a warm, golden light over the guests.
A girl in a blue waitress dress approached her and handed her a glass of deep red wine.
“Thank you.”
Rara took the glass, her fingers brushing against the cool, smooth surface. She gave a polite nod and a faint smile before the waitress slipped away into the crowd.
Rara moved towards the center of the grand ballroom, her eyes scanning the sea of elegantly dressed guests. The room was alive with the sounds of laughter, soft conversation, and the occasional clink of glasses.
<I’m curious about the Queen of the day, who must have been chosen by now.>
Her gaze darted around, and she was shocked to see the throne in the front was conspicuously empty!
A wave of anxiety washed over her as the crowd’s whispers grew louder, their eyes fixed on her with growing curiosity.
Rara took another sip of her wine, her nerves fraying as the room fell into an uneasy silence.
Suddenly, she felt something cold touch her lips. She lowered the glass, and the faint sound of metal clinking against the glass echoed through the ballroom.
Rara stared at the glass in disbelief.
‘Holy shit! It’s a ring! The Queen’s ring!’
<My god! You...you...how can you cause trouble the first time you're reborn?>
‘Don’t ask me! How would I know this creepy ring would choose me! It must be you!’
The crowd gasped, their murmurs escalating into a crescendo. Rara trembled slightly as the attention became overwhelming.
A tall figure emerged from the throng. With a graceful yet commanding presence, a large male hand reached out, retrieving the ring from the glass and sliding it onto her ring finger.
“My Queen.”
Rara froze, her breath catching in her throat as she looked up to see Prince Ariel standing before her.
‘My dear ancestor, bless me...’
Prince Ariel took Rara’s hand, his movements graceful and deliberate. He bowed deeply, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of her hand. Rara’s cheeks flushed a rosy pink as she felt the warmth of his lips and saw the playful glint in his eyes.“May I have the honor of this dance, my Queen?”Rara nodded, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and anxiety. She attempted a smile, but her nerves were making her lips tremble slightly. The sudden shift in her circumstances was disorienting.Her stomach churned with nervousness as she bit her lip, trying to suppress the anxiety crawling down her spine. Her palm grew cold, and she could feel the icy sweat trickling down her back.The grand hall was alive with the soft strains of classical music. Couples danced elegantly, their movements synchronized to the melody. The room was filled with the soft rustling of fabric and the muted laughter of guests.Rara lowered her gaze, unable to muster the courage to meet Prince Ariel’s eyes. Instead,
Rara spent her afternoon engrossed in a heavy tome detailing the intricacies of Haguar’s Kingdom, currently ruled by the formidable King Magdon Lamata. Her fingers traced the ornate illustrations and maps of the realm, her eyes scanning the dense text with curiosity.From her reading, she learned that Haguar was not alone in its grandeur. Four other great kingdoms stood as equals, their power intertwined with Haguar’s.No. 5: Kaca’s Kingdom, presided over by the shrewd King Sudu Noops, a man in his sixties known for his complex personal life.First wife: Queen Pir Retaw, a stern and commanding figure in military garb, served as his military commander. She was the mother of Prince Ing Sudu.Prince Ing, with his sharp intellect, married Duchnie Blea Gin, the daughter of Duke Gin Agu, the ruler of Ginira’s Kingdom. Duchnie Blea was renowned for her grace and diplomacy. She bore Prince Ing a daughter, Princess Bliss Ing, a child admired for her beauty and poise.Second wife: Consort Ney Ye
“Your Highness, please forgive her!” Sensing the gravity of the situation, Prince Ariel sprang to his feet and bowed deeply toward the queen, his voice trembling slightly.Consort Watelonu’s face darkened, her features twisting into a mask of rage as she watched her son’s submissive gesture. The usually elegant lines of her face were now marred by an expression of contempt and fury.Her eyes flicked toward Rara, sharp and cold, betraying a simmering hatred. The contemptuous glance was brief but searing.Rara bit her lip hard enough to draw blood, her gaze fixed firmly on the floor. She dared not lift her eyes to meet the accusing stares that seemed to burn into her.‘It’s your fault! Why did you remind me of home?!’Inside Rara’s mind, Hara buzzed around like an agitated bee, her anxieties amplifying every second.‘Stop.’(Oh my god! We're gonna die!)‘Stop!’(A
Rara gritted her teeth as the cute-looking guard, adorned with a white pendant tied to his belt, shoved her for what felt like the hundredth time.“You—! Don’t push me around! It’s already generous of me to allow myself to be cuffed! I know how to walk without your help!” Her cheeks puffed out like a Bubble Eye fish, her frustration palpable.The guard with the green pendant, his irritation barely masked, muttered under his breath, “Stupid woman…”Despite his quiet tone, his words cut through the air and reached Rara’s ears. She halted abruptly and turned to face him, her eyes blazing with indignation.Before she could retort, a bone-shaking roar reverberated through the castle, startling both guards and prisoners alike.“Ahhhh!”The guards’ faces drained of color as they exchanged shocked glances. “Assistant Bear!” they shouted in unison, their eyes wide with alarm.“Assistant Panda... Chief Lisun... help me…” Assistant Bear, visibly distressed, reached out to his colleagues with a de
Rara waited, her anxiety mounting with every passing moment. The old man had been dragged away hours ago, and the silence in her cell felt oppressive. Every creak of the old mansion seemed to echo her growing concern.Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Assistant Panda appeared, his imposing figure framed by the dim light of the hallway. Rara looked up, surprised to see him, her heart fluttering with a mix of hope and suspicion.“Why am I being released?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly. “Did something happen to the old man?”Assistant Panda’s eyes were cold and unreadable. “You’re coming with me.”They exited the mansion and approached a sleek black car waiting by the ornate palace gates. Rara’s curiosity was piqued, but Assistant Panda’s impassive demeanor offered no clues. As she glanced out of the car window, the world outside seemed to blur into an indistinct haze.“We’re going to watch a show,” Assistant Panda said with a hint of irritation in his voice.Rara’s eyebrows
“Enough!” Chief Lisun’s voice cut through the air like a blade, sharp and commanding.Assistant Panda, feeling the sting of the reprimand, lowered his head, his large, expressive eyes flickering with a mix of guilt and defiance. He wrapped his tail around his legs in a submissive gesture, though his posture betrayed a deep-seated resentment.Rara’s gaze swept over the field, taking in the array of figures scattered across it. “Who are they?” she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity as she nodded toward the various groups.Chief Lisun’s finger traced the groups like a teacher pointing out elements on a map. “The people over there,” he began, gesturing toward a cluster dressed in uniform attire adorned with bird feather hats and tribal white markings.“They are the ones performing the ritual today. They are the White Tribals family. Apart from them, there are also the Black Tribals, the Red Tribals, and the Green Tribals. Each group will perform their rituals in sequence: red, green, b
Chief Lisun finally released his grip on Rara’s waist and tried to wrench her claws away from his neck. The struggle was intense, his muscles straining as he grappled with her.Her eyes, glowing a menacing red, showed no hint of relenting. Desperation etched on his face, Chief Lisun resorted to sheer force, gripping her wrists with a painful tightness and yanking her hands away with a violent jerk.The movement left deep, five-line scratches on either side of his neck, which began to ooze a mix of blood and sweat.Around them, the tribe’s ceremonial circle was forming. The air was thick with the pungent scent of tiger’s blood, mixed with the rhythmic clang of gongs. Tribal dancers, adorned in elaborate garb and painted faces, moved in an eerie, synchronized pattern around a large, ancient stone.The low and high cultivators watched in silence, their gazes fixed on the transparent shield that now encased Bun Kukkinos.The shield, a shimmering barrier of light, crackled faintly with each
Chief Lisun halted at the large tree trunk that had been fashioned into a bench. It was a rustic piece, the bark rough and gnarled, yet it had been carefully carved to serve its purpose.With a gentle motion, Chief Lisun removed his coat and carefully draped it over Rara, who was sleeping soundly. He then settled onto the bench beside her, allowing her to lean against his shoulder.Her breathing was steady and calm, contrasting sharply with the tension that gripped the rest of the scene.The king, watching from a distance, was seething with fury.His normally composed demeanor had shattered, replaced by a smoldering rage that he struggled to contain. His face, usually a mask of regal serenity, was now etched with anger.Yet, the events of the day had left him momentarily speechless. He could only shoot Chief Lisun a baleful glare, his eyes narrow slits of molten fire.Assistant Panda, who had been standing stoically beside Chief Lisun, felt a cold sweat trickle down his forehead as he
Rara was about to reply when someone else beat her to it. "Shut up!" The woman who had just berated her immediately stepped back in fright as she lowered her head. Biting her lips, she clenched her hand tightly beside her as she glared at Rara's back with hatred. As the man on the throne unleashed his aura that made others inside the main hall feel a heavy pressure, Rara's face was still as calm as usual. Since they didn't chain her hand behind her, Rara managed to move her fingers and made a hand gesture. Click! In an instant, a flame of fire burns through the chain around her before it spreads throughout her entire body. The spectators who saw this gasped in shock. "Heavens! What the hell is she trying to do?" "It can't be that she wanted to blow herself up?" "Quick, stop her! We can't let her destroy our main goal today!" The man on the throne was also shocked when he saw this. He stood up and flash in front of her. He waved his hand, trying to put out the fire that engu
Meanwhile, back to Rara's current situation.When the black-clothed men brought her away, Rara didn't struggle at all.Other than to save her children, she also wants to know the mastermind who orders her capture.This is a very risky move that could endanger her life. However, knowing that the Gods wouldn't let her die no matter what happen, she took a gamble once more.Just like how her children and her life were saved even though there was a trace of dark magic inside her, she believe that the Gods would definitely help her again.Actually, this bunch of assassins was nothing in her eyes. It would be a piece of cake for her to defeat them.However, in order to see who was so daring to kidnap her under Xavier's eyes, she let them bring her further and further away from the Haguar Kingdom.On that rainy night, the assassins didn't stop even once. Maybe it was due to fear that Xavier will chase after him, but they only stopped after an hour of the journey in a small empty town."Ugh!"
When morning comes, Assistant Panda arranged for his men to buy a few carriages to bring the guard's dead bodies back to their family in the capital.After that, the whole family along with the remaining guards went back to the capital in low spirits.Laurell and Laurence had been crying for a long time since last night. They only stopped when they became tired. Given Xavier's unstable emotions, Queen Lustia and King Magdon took care of the twins.The remaining guards were told to be more cautious during the trip back to the capital. It was unknown whether the group of assassins yesterday would appear again.Looking at the pale and sickly appearance of Laurell and Laurence, Queen Lustia sighed.Both of them were unable to sleep after the commotion that happen yesterday. Their face looks forlorn and tired.They were both shocked and full of fear when they heard what happened from Xavier's mouth."Hubby, why do you think those assassins took Hara away?" Queen Lustia asked.King Magdon a
The whole Haguar Kingdom was overjoyed when they heard of the birth of the twins. To celebrate, King Magdon announced that he will hold a celebration in three months. All four kingdoms and other mid and lower kingdoms were invited. The whole palace was busy preparing for the events. Not only were they need to decorate the whole palace, but they would also need to arrange for the royal parades throughout the streets of Haguar to the Temple of Haguar. Not only that, the soldiers and royal guards were trained strictly in order to protect the royals in case of emergency. *** After preparing for three months, the day for the celebration is finally here. Royals and nobles from all over the world arrived one after another and came through the gate towards the Haguar Palace. In front of the royal palace was the palace ground that could contain thousands of people. Everyone was discussing the event and some were just catching up with their acquaintances or making connections. The royal
Six months later.Around 1 in the morning, Rara was woken up by a sudden pain in her stomach. Her grunt woke Xavier up, "Honey, what's wrong?" he stretched out his hand to switch on the light in the room."My...my stomach hurt...so much..." Rara slowly got out of bed with Xavier's help.The moment she stood up, a gush of water landed on the floor and wetted the carpet on the floor.Looking down at the puddle of water on the floor, both of them went pale in panic.Xavier immediately carried her back to bed and put her in a lying position, "Ho-honey, w-wait here...I-I'll go and call the doctors over."After that, he flashed out of the room and down the second floor where the female doctors who specialized in giving birth were staying.Knock! Knock! Knock!The harsh knocking on the door woke the doctors up from their dreams.The head doctor, Hilda Goufn, got out of bed first and tidied herself up before opening the door, "What-?" she didn't manage to get a word out of her mouth before h
Alusia retorted with a sneer, “What are you talking about? Does it look like Her Ladyship care? If she didn’t allow it, why would I dare to serve His Majesty?”“My Ladyship, is this true?” Rara turned towards Consort Watelonu.Consort Watelonu was in a daze and nodded when she heard someone calling her.“Do you see that? How dare you point your fingers at me like a shrew!” Alusia roared.Laughing, Rara covered her mouth as she glance at Alusia Kent with obvious provocation.“How would I know if you didn’t do something to make Her Ladyship agree? Fine, I’ll just accept this excuse of yours now.”Her smile faded from her face as she turned serious, “However, it’s very simple to find out who leaked the news.”She then walks forward step by step towards Alusia.For some unknown reason, Alusia suddenly felt an incoming gloom heading in her direction.It was as if there was something in the dark was approaching her slowly, waiting to strike.The rest of the people who were watching their int
A week had just passed when Rara and Xavier were summoned back to the Haguar Kingdom by King Magdon.They had just finished dinner when a messenger sent by Assistant Bear barged in through the door in a panic."My Excellency, My Lady, His Majesty had sent a decree and said that the both of you need to go back to the palace immediately." he panted as he delivered the message.Rara and Xavier look at each other with confusion."It's too late to go there if we use our car." Xavier frowned.Rara stood up from her seat and replied, "I have a way."She then grabbed Xavier's arm before chanting a spell.The messenger who was left alone stared at the empty spot in front of him with shock in his eyes.'Where did His Excellency and Lady Hara go?'***"Liar!""Kill him!""How could someone like him who married those demons become our king?""What a hypocrite!""Come out and explain to us!""He betrayed us! Come on everyone! Let's go and destroy this place!""Traitor!""Open the door!""If you st
Unexpectedly, a few moments later, a knock rang outside her door.Xavier enter the room and pushed a cart containing different dishes. Its smell made Rara gulp and salivate uncontrollably.She unconsciously wiped the corner of her mouth before turning her look towards Xavier who stopped beside her bed."You made this?" she asked with doubt in her eyes.Xavier was about to answer when she asked once more, "It can't be that you forced Gilaho to make this right?"His face immediately turned solemn upon hearing her mention Gilaho."Are you doubting my skills and intelligence? Don't you know best how good my skills are?" he raised his eyebrows threateningly.Seeing that his gaze was wandering around, Rara immediately shut her mouth and sat up before moving the cart closer.For precaution, she took a spoon and dipped it in the soup before tasting it. A delicious taste flowed down her stomach and before she knew it, she began gulping the food in front of her into her stomach.Xavier was quit
"I will not let you go!" Xavier gritted his teeth.His heart and mind were in turmoil when he heard that Rara had an ex-fiance who was comparable to him.His heart was burning with jealousy towards the man who he had yet to meet.No! Later, he must ask both Assistant Bear and Assistant Panda to investigate this ex-fiance of Rara as well as the other men she talked about!His mind was extremely messy that he didn't even think that Rara didn't tell him her ex-fiance's name as well as the other men.Hearing his words, Rara was extremely frustrated that she lifted her hand and landed hit after hit on Xavier's upper body."You scum! You bastard!""Let me go! You can go and be with that lover of yours all you want!""I don't care! Get away from me!""I hate you!""Aghhhhh! Scram!" she screamed angrily with reddening eyes.Xavier didn't let out a single sound as he let her vent her anger on him.At last, Rara stopped when her voice turned the horse and her arms went numb.She panted as sweat