"Wakey, wakey, sleepy head," came a voice. Am I dreaming? I don’t think so. The voice sounds very familiar. I tried to open my eyes but I couldn’t.139Please respect copyright.PENANAzz0jxPx6XI
139Please respect copyright.PENANANWV9BuC42m
139Please respect copyright.PENANAETMjQGUZJ3
I finally opened them and the light hit directly into my eyes. I slowly sat up. My body felt heavy and it ached like hell. I felt like going back to sleep. There's someone standing near the window. It's Ariana.139Please respect copyright.PENANA12ebCuT5cM
139Please respect copyright.PENANAIwcGo0HWw0
139Please respect copyright.PENANA2LbABxLN02
"Can I sleep a little longer?" I asked as I yawned. Stretching my arms is hard and painful, so I didn't even try.139Please respect copyright.PENANAFpfX5b8Daf
139Please respect copyright.PENANAG28nThp6rh
139Please respect copyright.PENANAGyI1ALWZZX
"I know what you mean," came her voice. My eyes are still so sleepy that everything looks blurry. "But I'm afraid I’ve to get you ready for today. So, if you don’t mind..."139Please respect copyright.PENANApPVvPFj8G2
139Please respect copyright.PENANA4gWXFuD2jm
139Please respect copyright.PENANAOiTNW8XWm8
I muttered in frustration as I tried to move the bed covers aside. I groaned, both in pain and frustration. I hear footsteps and knew Ariana is coming to help. But somehow, I managed to get a big portion of the covers aside.139Please respect copyright.PENANAxmQj5NGFp5
139Please respect copyright.PENANAxqEc0s8Ltt
139Please respect copyright.PENANAlXLTSmJ4ZC
"Thank goodness," said Ariana as I looked at her through tired eyes. "I thought I would've have to carry you to the bathroom outside."139Please respect copyright.PENANAKVbC0o8eA7
139Please respect copyright.PENANAJkWbqt1vbJ
139Please respect copyright.PENANA7tIo4zvlij
"I'm fine," I said.139Please respect copyright.PENANAb8ZnS6bMy3
139Please respect copyright.PENANAnyQiHp0qaC
139Please respect copyright.PENANAlzaWOvnMtg
She held out her hand for me to hold on to as I got out of bed.139Please respect copyright.PENANAiQWDBzcQZ5
139Please respect copyright.PENANAoOg5pXbVG7
139Please respect copyright.PENANAOY2MaCBfCn
"There's a bathroom here?" I asked as I stared at the door.139Please respect copyright.PENANA8hdJ5osUbL
139Please respect copyright.PENANAAE4C0xhHOg
139Please respect copyright.PENANA2lHLxP1BxU
"Looks like you were in a hurry to get out instead of looking around you in detail yesterday," Ariana teased.139Please respect copyright.PENANATCKQ6qqlX1
139Please respect copyright.PENANA6Z3sWbqgoH
139Please respect copyright.PENANAwm7Fz8Mo25
The two of us walked out of the room and just right next to my bedroom door is another. She opened it for me, and as expected, I didn't find myself in a modern day bathroom. There's a large wooden tub, that looked like a bucket in the middle of the room, big enough to fit two to three people. And it's full of hot steaming water. Am I really going to bath in that?139Please respect copyright.PENANANvtMNXvRy9
139Please respect copyright.PENANAT2fpZAIR7h
139Please respect copyright.PENANAQd8Gff1E0M
"Don't worry," Ariana said as she closed the door behind me. "I'll be nice and gentle."139Please respect copyright.PENANA9dXCxeDFc6
139Please respect copyright.PENANA0fL0LmxDzX
139Please respect copyright.PENANAeOkEfsru3l
"I doubt that," I muttered to myself as I approach the huge bucket. I sure hope so.139Please respect copyright.PENANAc9hzh2sd8K
139Please respect copyright.PENANAjBBKS62D7t
139Please respect copyright.PENANARrJmaZjHR8
After my nice, warm, relaxing bath, I am back in my room, all dressed up in a long, black, 19th century dress, like the ones most of the females wore around here. I wish they could've given me in another colour, it did look good on me.139Please respect copyright.PENANAvj8nOID3l2
139Please respect copyright.PENANAFGjoJKr87w
139Please respect copyright.PENANAvYt31qBtLB
"Wow, just stunning," said Ariana as she stood behind me, holding my shoulders and looking in the mirror hung on the wall next to the wardrobe. There wasn't a full-length mirror here yesterday, so I was surprised when I came back from the bathroom that Ariana had brought one.139Please respect copyright.PENANAYQO6gapqhd
139Please respect copyright.PENANAh7Ke53cLnm
139Please respect copyright.PENANAtpfNPUXgE0
"It's really nice," I commented.139Please respect copyright.PENANA7ePAMhFGwx
139Please respect copyright.PENANAhOSjdqQR0d
139Please respect copyright.PENANAcWHdpwv3Lm
"I know, right," Ariana couldn't help but giggle. "It really brings out your lovely skin colour."139Please respect copyright.PENANAQLqQYcGst2
139Please respect copyright.PENANAcOxeRE6Gsj
139Please respect copyright.PENANACJXYwux3eq
A knock came at the door and Ariana quickly went to open it. The young nurse from last night came in with a tray.139Please respect copyright.PENANAaOstPHsqF4
139Please respect copyright.PENANA9ogoHFPzOO
139Please respect copyright.PENANA6oAyfDmo91
"Good morning, Ariana," she greeted as she entered the room. She turned towards me still standing in front of the mirror. "Morning. Well, you look stunning today."139Please respect copyright.PENANAJvqnlyy6wO
139Please respect copyright.PENANAIsw9a3E5mn
139Please respect copyright.PENANAnvaxHHo8zQ
"Thank you," I said as I slowly turned around to approach the bed. The nurse already placed the tray on the table and I saw a white ceramic bowl and what looked like porridge in it.139Please respect copyright.PENANAs6OwsAQyYf
139Please respect copyright.PENANAgNqPTK4Vdr
139Please respect copyright.PENANA8ntUjL3kbS
"Breakfast is served," the young nurse announced. "We'll bring your medicine for you to take before you leave."139Please respect copyright.PENANAKToADQ4LzH
139Please respect copyright.PENANA4dxc6oEijL
139Please respect copyright.PENANACS92sMMOVb
She quickly left the room, closing the door behind her.139Please respect copyright.PENANAr2nIpjRseS
139Please respect copyright.PENANAbdXLiDDt77
139Please respect copyright.PENANA44cG7ZSs4W
"You better eat up," said Ariana.139Please respect copyright.PENANA6uJKrcdHiu
139Please respect copyright.PENANAkuquetNuWC
139Please respect copyright.PENANAf70NAZpZgd
"Do I have to continue drinking that medicine?" I asked as I approached the small table and looked at the small bowl filled with white porridge.139Please respect copyright.PENANAnT84Ctc9VT
139Please respect copyright.PENANATC6l0Yx7s5
139Please respect copyright.PENANAp1cIw4qkNb
"You have to," said Ariana as she came up behind me. "It will heal your inner muscles."139Please respect copyright.PENANApDXOiR1D2J
139Please respect copyright.PENANAE9ZJ0vaav2
139Please respect copyright.PENANA3308arIjYq
"I know it's good for me, but it's just so yucky!" I turned to look at her, sticking my tongue out.139Please respect copyright.PENANA0UElAgb78A
139Please respect copyright.PENANAsUTUG2oson
139Please respect copyright.PENANAHLTCWzZTjB
Ariana couldn't help but laugh. "You really are something. Now eat up. The others will be here any moment now."139Please respect copyright.PENANAlW1v97aNPL
139Please respect copyright.PENANA2KYZXYe4PC
139Please respect copyright.PENANANtrIKcUdCU
After breakfast, Ariana escorted me out of my room. When we reached the bottom of the stairs, the place felt empty like it did yesterday. Now that I think about it, I feel Ariana and the rest of the High Order are behind this. What if people who aren't authorised to be here were told this part of the castle is off limits?139Please respect copyright.PENANA4JJMfbDHEX
139Please respect copyright.PENANAhwPkNXQB8D
139Please respect copyright.PENANAoPBDBBMSnr
"Aren't you coming with?" Ariana called out to me.139Please respect copyright.PENANALZwKaY3P40
139Please respect copyright.PENANA10TXx3xSPL
139Please respect copyright.PENANACgFkglUbhp
I hadn't realised that I was looking down the long quiet passage leading to the other side of the castle. I've a feeling that there's a lot going on.139Please respect copyright.PENANA3shTA2cQUt
139Please respect copyright.PENANArW0AR5lnAq
139Please respect copyright.PENANAFfLm6coxfr
"Coming," I said, slowly turning around and joining Ariana who still stood at the door. She didn’t make a move as she continued to look at me.139Please respect copyright.PENANA7xEYvyDtff
139Please respect copyright.PENANAxaNf2saasl
139Please respect copyright.PENANAY98c71N43F
"What is it?" I asked.139Please respect copyright.PENANAZ88fAn1pM0
139Please respect copyright.PENANAmkKXR1Q2Tr
139Please respect copyright.PENANAbqaR4gFTug
"Nothing, just curious about something," she said as she walked out. She obviously didn’t want me asking her questions. Can’t blame her. I do like asking a lot.139Please respect copyright.PENANAf66FG5WFhD
139Please respect copyright.PENANAfCa2AlHHtF
139Please respect copyright.PENANAFcNEJRwYZC
I slowly followed her outside and by the foot of the stairs, stood an elegant white carriage tied to two white magnificent horses. Wow! Now I know how Cinderella felt when she knew what she was riding in. I’m super excited. I felt like I had just entered a movie or something.139Please respect copyright.PENANApRt7IFS8JM
139Please respect copyright.PENANAHVI43LExxn
139Please respect copyright.PENANARIVYWWqIJp
Ariana went down the stone steps and waited in front of the carriage. She turned to look at me with a smile. Just a few seconds ago, she seemed different. Could I’ve something to do with it?139Please respect copyright.PENANAhC02iofM2j
139Please respect copyright.PENANAQJzG8sGtdo
139Please respect copyright.PENANAJi5F8MRtTy
"We better get going," she said. "We don’t want to be late."139Please respect copyright.PENANAZx6OeAKKzs
139Please respect copyright.PENANABNKx3Vuc3B
139Please respect copyright.PENANAeKq3lyo5mL
Just as I am about to make my way down, the nurse who visited my room earlier came from behind in a hurry.139Please respect copyright.PENANAD0dNeyew9Z
139Please respect copyright.PENANAFxODOa0J5z
139Please respect copyright.PENANAFs2kTGuVth
"Wait," she said, as she came to stand beside me, stopping me with a hand on my shoulder. "You forgot to take your medicine." She held up her hand and in it, is a small wooden cup filled with the black liquid.139Please respect copyright.PENANAzX0z9Ea8vv
139Please respect copyright.PENANA7SHf58OtkZ
139Please respect copyright.PENANArVjCVPw7Ae
"Oh, I completely forgot," I took the cup and quickly gulped the medicine down. The inside of my mouth and stomach burned like hell. I stuck out my tongue.139Please respect copyright.PENANAY45D2ztFd3
139Please respect copyright.PENANAeekS6HBXAL
139Please respect copyright.PENANAjIMzrxvJVB
The nurse chuckled. "Sorry about that. Just a few more of these and you’ll be better in no time."139Please respect copyright.PENANArUMfEcQBp8
139Please respect copyright.PENANAkxSg8ypp4M
139Please respect copyright.PENANAg7u2dBS7DV
"I beg to differ." I furrowed my eyebrows.139Please respect copyright.PENANAtUSEic6qvX
139Please respect copyright.PENANASQpTEpe9r7
139Please respect copyright.PENANAeSVeUdGlXK
"Time is of the essence," Ariana called out to me.139Please respect copyright.PENANAJxXmQyIyGd
139Please respect copyright.PENANAs3BjTVrQ2L
139Please respect copyright.PENANAirXwA77Igu
I give the nurse back the cup, the strong bitter feeling is just unbearable. I now wish for something sweeter than the butterfly cookies Ariana brought me yesterday. I start to make my way down the stone steps as Ariana went on to open the carriage. I notice that the door handle and the steps leading inside, were covered in gold. I couldn’t help but admire how elegant it looks.139Please respect copyright.PENANAtYQBFFo3PG
139Please respect copyright.PENANAvn41nB79ur
139Please respect copyright.PENANAZ6mQw5QlfZ
Just as I am about to get in the carriage, I stop in my tracks to look at Ariana.139Please respect copyright.PENANAqWyxF7fh8H
139Please respect copyright.PENANAXGN88affhg
139Please respect copyright.PENANAGm4k6uTeYv
"Weren’t Ryan and Stella supposed to be here to escort me?" I asked her.139Please respect copyright.PENANAeOlVpsTUiq
139Please respect copyright.PENANAyJRHrUYjRZ
139Please respect copyright.PENANAihxWDIqbXA
"They’ll meet us along the way," she answered.139Please respect copyright.PENANA4d2e9xUv4j
139Please respect copyright.PENANAEqAeLSosqJ
139Please respect copyright.PENANAxUOt7HdCrg
I look around. I expected the troops that came to get me in the orchard to also be here. I turned to the stone steps and the nurse who had brought me the medicine is already gone.139Please respect copyright.PENANAPzIyMAWeGQ
139Please respect copyright.PENANAiCVjCP6NZb
139Please respect copyright.PENANA3AZa7Zb1Jg
"Aren’t we going in?" Ariana asked. "You don’t want to be late."139Please respect copyright.PENANAp3bDHh3sUw
139Please respect copyright.PENANAu87Sll3J8W
139Please respect copyright.PENANAnfhFGarEdG
"If you say so," I said as I placed my foot on the steps leading up to the carriage. I winced in pain and held my knee.139Please respect copyright.PENANAjeirkZsqCv
139Please respect copyright.PENANA7Io0BeSVCs
139Please respect copyright.PENANAkv81KLJaZf
"Are you okay?" Ariana asked as she held my shoulder.139Please respect copyright.PENANAM4zZvPHXvI
139Please respect copyright.PENANAw525LydU9M
139Please respect copyright.PENANAWL6d13e4FW
"My knee hurts," I said. "That’s all."139Please respect copyright.PENANAnTEH4ox1cl
139Please respect copyright.PENANA16ANUMXxW7
139Please respect copyright.PENANAsPsjpWpm7H
"We can check you out later. Right now, we've to go."139Please respect copyright.PENANAT2SBUwgHJ5
139Please respect copyright.PENANAF6zNAz6nXN
139Please respect copyright.PENANAyVJaknWpUt
I looked at Ariana with an eyebrow raised and she looked back at me. She shrugged her shoulders.139Please respect copyright.PENANArjhY2mWPMM
139Please respect copyright.PENANAfx4VCuE08N
139Please respect copyright.PENANAVMKT7K9lXy
"What is it?" she asked. "Why are you looking at me all weird?"139Please respect copyright.PENANAZ6neb9HIig
139Please respect copyright.PENANAcPzkbS4kqN
139Please respect copyright.PENANApO7ffHr5JT
"I wonder who's weird," I answered. "You or me?"139Please respect copyright.PENANAlH9ZlDzRkB
139Please respect copyright.PENANA69w1z11f4o
139Please respect copyright.PENANAmkSygbbRVi
She shook her head as she chuckled. "What do you mean?"139Please respect copyright.PENANAvZUpY0gWcX
139Please respect copyright.PENANA0uc26wTUuR
139Please respect copyright.PENANAT1v5heUjsB
I held her shoulder and brought her closer so that I could whisper in her ear.139Please respect copyright.PENANAxTcxfo23GL
139Please respect copyright.PENANAWl3SX23xVk
139Please respect copyright.PENANAcnUiqvmUy6
"You aren't Ariana, are you?"139Please respect copyright.PENANAqvcVFU2D0Q
139Please respect copyright.PENANA0bwj2Wg4p5
139Please respect copyright.PENANAdopn0syTMk
She quickly drew away and I saw the look on her face change into an angry one. She quickly took my hand that was on her shoulder into a tight grip.139Please respect copyright.PENANAPi4mME7euZ
139Please respect copyright.PENANAEtLwRpYLbm
139Please respect copyright.PENANAeiSifmFQf4
"Well, I didn’t see this coming," said Ariana. "Get in the carriage!"139Please respect copyright.PENANAtU507tXbBI
139Please respect copyright.PENANAUmGml5vPk8
139Please respect copyright.PENANAw3eMPtIvzr
"Let go of me, you..., whoever you are!" I exclaimed as I tried to pull away.139Please respect copyright.PENANAG4QkAFMkYV
139Please respect copyright.PENANADqdLCh3GGb
139Please respect copyright.PENANA1eKGMVhHmC
"Get in the carriage," Ariana continued to insist as she started to push me inside, this time with her hands behind my back. I held both ends of the open door to prevent myself from going in. My shoulders hurt for doing so.139Please respect copyright.PENANAMycLdZTRaC
139Please respect copyright.PENANAdv9556LzPt
139Please respect copyright.PENANADf7r9v9iOf
"No, I’m not going anywhere until you tell me who you are!" I also insisted, trying my best to stand my ground.139Please respect copyright.PENANAYjD3d8bwpK
139Please respect copyright.PENANAIHthaT5KWm
139Please respect copyright.PENANAnyO4PKA1Il
"You little brat! Don’t let me drag you in there by force!"139Please respect copyright.PENANA7qtS33NC2m
139Please respect copyright.PENANANjbqEK4RMU
139Please respect copyright.PENANAwpegj2BRfk
"Who are you? And what did you do to Ariana?"139Please respect copyright.PENANApHwEu3HZPQ
139Please respect copyright.PENANAH84lrMMCcd
139Please respect copyright.PENANAT213duN5di
"You leave me no choice." I felt her lift one of her hands from my back and I had a feeling she’s about to something deadly.139Please respect copyright.PENANA8zfSlP2clz
139Please respect copyright.PENANATDHieViEpN
139Please respect copyright.PENANA8Y3KOy5Aqz
I pushed myself backwards with all my might, using my hands for force before this imposter could do anything. And in doing so, I pushed her and myself away from the door. I even hit her in the face with the back of my head.139Please respect copyright.PENANAAavREAT39M
139Please respect copyright.PENANAxosySe6bns
139Please respect copyright.PENANAjuyYVRE8LM
We both fall to the ground, and I’m quick enough to turn around to look at her. I found her holding her nose and there's a trickle of blood.139Please respect copyright.PENANALbrPY5lBQ4
139Please respect copyright.PENANAjiPxZ4NJkH
139Please respect copyright.PENANAWMKpcISAJQ
"For a brat, you really have a hard head!" she commented.139Please respect copyright.PENANA0jmS6D4dKi
139Please respect copyright.PENANADvyHg3CdQd
139Please respect copyright.PENANAUmmcMvoCh6
I got up and started to make a run for it, passing the white carriage.139Please respect copyright.PENANAuIMKvO0IXf
139Please respect copyright.PENANAh2ukTXc5yw
139Please respect copyright.PENANA1EadXGmJxx
"Hey, stop!" she called out to me.139Please respect copyright.PENANAwblBvFqXul
139Please respect copyright.PENANAEpDgskd4eF
139Please respect copyright.PENANAUkmMU6jtnX
No way am I stopping for anyone. Who is this person disguised as Ariana? I need to get away and look for help.139Please respect copyright.PENANAf34HwfcMnS
139Please respect copyright.PENANACLmNoNDFua
139Please respect copyright.PENANACJf7sGESUm
I ran down the stone path that I used yesterday. When I reach the crossroads, I don’t take the turn that led to the orchard. I head for the iron gates straight ahead. There are probably guards there who could help.139Please respect copyright.PENANAbFteaR5EDD
139Please respect copyright.PENANA7c1vszMKmA
139Please respect copyright.PENANAKOKElyIs7f
"Hey, I said stop!" came the imposter behind me.139Please respect copyright.PENANAXPmn2tYyd8
139Please respect copyright.PENANATfkINQF8Om
139Please respect copyright.PENANAjC05oXmiZK
I didn’t. And just when I’m approaching the gate, I noticed something is wrong. Before I could wrap my head around it, I felt the ground rumble below. When I looked, I found it cracking open. Before I could stop myself, I tripped over the upturned stones and went to ground.139Please respect copyright.PENANAqKQ5s1IVLr
139Please respect copyright.PENANAlHDPc5KXd0
139Please respect copyright.PENANA8gOSWETi1q
"You really should listen when I tell you to stop!" the imposter called out. She’s approaching. I've to get away quickly.139Please respect copyright.PENANAMRL9gYdyfW
139Please respect copyright.PENANAN39ys30mBk
139Please respect copyright.PENANACv6lqxNTKi
I lifted my head and looked towards the huge iron gates. They are a lot bigger than I imagined. I finally notice what’s wrong. There are people on the ground just near the gate. The guards. There are only three bodies lying unconscious. This is bad. Could the imposter have done this?139Please respect copyright.PENANArYrrKjF1Qp
139Please respect copyright.PENANAi3fcmKb3i0
139Please respect copyright.PENANAN5WzUpDxyr
"For a new comer, you’re pretty sharp," came the imposter behind me. She’s getting close. "You figured out that I’m not Ariana. I’m impressed."139Please respect copyright.PENANAybrvkOJuHL
139Please respect copyright.PENANA0XWhUngwYb
139Please respect copyright.PENANAY0jKcbby0w
I tried to get up, but my body hurt and I felt a sharp pain in my knee. I must have hurt myself pretty bad. I started to crawl. In one way or another I’ll have to reach the fallen guards. They’ve got to have weapons on them or something.139Please respect copyright.PENANAuWUi4xhRO5
139Please respect copyright.PENANA14EgvQztpx
139Please respect copyright.PENANAir81m0C6hI
"Ah, you’ve a fighting spirit, don’t you?" she asked. "Like expected, you’re quite a surprise."139Please respect copyright.PENANAYxf55P0xXx
139Please respect copyright.PENANAwbqf4KBkd9
139Please respect copyright.PENANAsqG2R3MQrU
I continued to crawl when all of a sudden, I felt myself being lifted off the ground. Am I floating? I felt a certain force push me upwards that I now stood upright in the air. I felt myself turn looking in the direction of the imposter. With Ariana’s smile, I couldn’t tell if the person is smiling or just smirking.139Please respect copyright.PENANA3xsyTZvBSk
139Please respect copyright.PENANA8snrKEAO8y
139Please respect copyright.PENANAOKrNdVxm8V
"In your injured state, you can’t get away from me that easily," said the imposter.139Please respect copyright.PENANAyigRGuFl53
139Please respect copyright.PENANAdWKQo5659x
139Please respect copyright.PENANA0tJv1qjDsq
"Who are you?" I asked. I tried moving, but I felt stuck, like a huge invisible hand had held me.139Please respect copyright.PENANABYdvVVcfYO
139Please respect copyright.PENANAvtxgMGpH1R
139Please respect copyright.PENANAAsm95vh5xC
"Not tired of asking the same question, huh?"139Please respect copyright.PENANAnzJJElxe46
139Please respect copyright.PENANA8lcG7UNwrK
139Please respect copyright.PENANApSerhOI1v6
"I can ask a bunch of questions if you would like."139Please respect copyright.PENANA1FGi5DSkcm
139Please respect copyright.PENANAvd2XHBTfpC
139Please respect copyright.PENANA8nGlIiBjBi
"Ask me something else, then."139Please respect copyright.PENANABxzqSzQP3Y
139Please respect copyright.PENANAesZAmdJrrc
139Please respect copyright.PENANAgiLIkzORHY
"Who are you?"139Please respect copyright.PENANAOdw6b9Plvo
139Please respect copyright.PENANAQm95pyNV9j
139Please respect copyright.PENANAjkMkwCA7QL
The imposter playfully scoffed. "You’re stubborn, aren’t you?"139Please respect copyright.PENANA4KOH1NcXiQ
139Please respect copyright.PENANA7TxEjbagNu
139Please respect copyright.PENANAMXdrWoiAVX
"If you aren’t going to tell me who you are, then yes."139Please respect copyright.PENANAocziriBCiC
139Please respect copyright.PENANAPpvthmT1IS
139Please respect copyright.PENANAxrbtZeaymw
The imposter raised her hands in surrender. "Okay, I’ll tell you. But prepare to be amazed."139Please respect copyright.PENANAdhpC3JoNZO
139Please respect copyright.PENANAXCxbpHVydw
139Please respect copyright.PENANAQUDX7IFTEU
Ariana’s face started to change in an instant. Her blonde curly hair soon turned black and straight. The features on her face started to change, becoming more man-like with a chiselled chin and cheekbones. Her yellow robe turned to black and velvet. In front of me stood a man who looked to be in his late fifties.139Please respect copyright.PENANAASQ1xJ2W7O
139Please respect copyright.PENANAZZpkij2R0f
139Please respect copyright.PENANAzNwt2Fr44A
"My names are Lord Simon Vandell. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Diana."139Please respect copyright.PENANASWvVreHfSc
139Please respect copyright.PENANAipfWqOobuO
139Please respect copyright.PENANAOYfB9OlXXr
"How do you know my name?"139Please respect copyright.PENANAHzM74atN6T
139Please respect copyright.PENANA5wgllqUsct
139Please respect copyright.PENANAyxgjfOSom8
Lord Vandell approached and the smirk on his face scared me a little. He looks like he has no good intentions.139Please respect copyright.PENANA4K5kqPVG8p
139Please respect copyright.PENANAvxhxmnPvCL
139Please respect copyright.PENANAYBCG7eV1gZ
"It’s always good to know someone’s name, especially if they’re interesting. And you, Diana, are beyond interesting."139Please respect copyright.PENANAmDhHrn9YLn
139Please respect copyright.PENANAjngrCihwJE
139Please respect copyright.PENANAgAoqnf1SU5
Now he’s freaking me out. "What did you do to Ariana? Where is she?"139Please respect copyright.PENANAxvFQ7DVGUP
139Please respect copyright.PENANA4cyGIvgeS9
139Please respect copyright.PENANAPMHTHIibkT
"She’s fine. No harm done." This time he smiled with his hands behind his back.139Please respect copyright.PENANAgGTqUG2IOH
139Please respect copyright.PENANANpiSqvU81B
139Please respect copyright.PENANAh3jvKtmbtb
"And those guards at the gate? Did you kill them?"139Please respect copyright.PENANAWFf1DlZFO8
139Please respect copyright.PENANAahL9ZioJxp
139Please respect copyright.PENANA0KEPtFhkpX
Lord Vandell chuckled. "To kill them will be silly, my dear. They’re my own people after all."139Please respect copyright.PENANABYLfdhksuG
139Please respect copyright.PENANALh7GJgAtyT
139Please respect copyright.PENANA7HJUg0gsJn
I raised an eyebrow. "Then why did you leave them unconscious?"139Please respect copyright.PENANAN8dbGj0LMS
139Please respect copyright.PENANAc1Y7L7vS7n
139Please respect copyright.PENANAfVePwpcghw
"To get to you. I was just simply breaching security, you see."139Please respect copyright.PENANAvP1viUdQoi
139Please respect copyright.PENANAa84H3OCRUT
139Please respect copyright.PENANAS0qSp24q8l
My eyes went wide with realisation. "You’re not supposed to be."139Please respect copyright.PENANAlR5kMnrPL2
139Please respect copyright.PENANAs5253MwYDA
139Please respect copyright.PENANAo0etuMUt4w
"Especially on this side of the castle, yes."139Please respect copyright.PENANAR9dsKiWLiD
139Please respect copyright.PENANAUm5t6FepUY
139Please respect copyright.PENANAZetqbqXCxD
I now start to wonder. Could this be why the others have been so protective over me? If it is, I totally agree with them now. This man may not look like it, but he’s a lunatic.139Please respect copyright.PENANATC3xS1ao9U
139Please respect copyright.PENANAtmXWh6zTFk
139Please respect copyright.PENANALVypdlW75O
"Aren’t the others going to be upset that you took down security and Ariana just to get to me?" I asked.139Please respect copyright.PENANAVNClUlHjne
139Please respect copyright.PENANA1cCYqplDeB
139Please respect copyright.PENANA6522aktUHF
"That’s why I wanted you out of here easily," he said with a smirk. "But you saw past my disguise. Not everybody does."139Please respect copyright.PENANAkOoROJVwrw
139Please respect copyright.PENANAT6cAjw09wP
139Please respect copyright.PENANA9gSUJiS8ys
"What are you going to do to me?"139Please respect copyright.PENANAO0hpEmzQT2
139Please respect copyright.PENANAa5zd2RE92d
139Please respect copyright.PENANAZEcHfmfYPG
Lord Vandell sighed. "Nothing, really. I just want to get to know you better."139Please respect copyright.PENANA2EOxBNlsdQ
139Please respect copyright.PENANAS1jF9p6m7o
139Please respect copyright.PENANAfFXIYAZze5
"Well, I don’t like your approach. You can’t just kidnap me and think you’re going to get away with it."139Please respect copyright.PENANA63PgNHgw3p
139Please respect copyright.PENANAkIRTVaQbQk
139Please respect copyright.PENANACjrzWLNKGy
He scoffed. "Enough talk. Let’s get out of this boring place. Something tells me, we’re going to have a lot of fun together."139Please respect copyright.PENANARjoTi1jQEU
139Please respect copyright.PENANAccxXpw9l5v
139Please respect copyright.PENANAwAc53WqI6r
I squirmed around to get myself out of his invisible hold, but it’s no use. I can’t go with him. Who knows what he will do to me.139Please respect copyright.PENANAaKS2WEEHeW
139Please respect copyright.PENANA7h7x4mXYxr
139Please respect copyright.PENANAzeSQdZuC0x
"You can’t take me with you," I said to him as he came closer.139Please respect copyright.PENANA5e2lIue5hz
139Please respect copyright.PENANAEK2jjfBX9a
139Please respect copyright.PENANA0p8M9AY5yy
"Don’t make me laugh, Diana," he said. I slowly floated downwards that I'm now at eye level with him. "You simply can’t do anything to me. Well, not yet, at least."139Please respect copyright.PENANAk5zMyHbn3E
139Please respect copyright.PENANAyVXk40mHek
139Please respect copyright.PENANA3SCBEe2DPR
He started to make his way towards the gate and still in his invisible grasp, I turned around in the air to follow him. I've to do something. I started to look around. There's still no one in sight. Where are Ryan and Stella when you need them? This is bad. Then I remembered something:139Please respect copyright.PENANAFEjVwaNLDz
139Please respect copyright.PENANAUFcl2llCJy
139Please respect copyright.PENANAC8tOCspTjx
The birds.139Please respect copyright.PENANAv7gVwKye3R
139Please respect copyright.PENANAMn27P33MCE
139Please respect copyright.PENANAj1TsXA2Z0d
We were approaching the gate and I looked around for any sign of them. Using the inside of my head, I called out to them. Calling out loud will be silly. Lord Vandell would seal my mouth shut if I did.139Please respect copyright.PENANAkc9wvhlZCX
139Please respect copyright.PENANA60NWrNX072
139Please respect copyright.PENANAmSj2JKfpk7
I started to panic when the birds were still no where in sight. We're now at the gate. I started to squirm around to break free.139Please respect copyright.PENANAhVpPMTahZi
139Please respect copyright.PENANAldtGYOfDg4
139Please respect copyright.PENANAKqIOZSjR6R
"You should stop doing that," said Lord Vandell. "You aren't going to get away."139Please respect copyright.PENANA58lgnAxa1i
139Please respect copyright.PENANAQgM4C3ctLE
139Please respect copyright.PENANAMZyaaAUEHN
"I beg to differ."139Please respect copyright.PENANAGUIYoYIJiV
139Please respect copyright.PENANAUUjSynexIU
139Please respect copyright.PENANAjDEFPdz4zl
A high-pitched, chirping came from a distance, and I can't help but let out a sigh of relief. I turn my head. I expected to see the two blue birds from yesterday, but there's a large flock of the same kind, flying towards us. For a moment, I thought a blue cloud is descending upon us. There are so many.139Please respect copyright.PENANA3gJTOz0GCh
139Please respect copyright.PENANA4MegXIqbRH
139Please respect copyright.PENANAt1lyvwyx1c
"What is this?" Lord Vandell asked, surprised to see such a sight.139Please respect copyright.PENANATiSqfQXTJv
139Please respect copyright.PENANA6HHxOVPFEQ
139Please respect copyright.PENANAe4Jtqcuxrc
He turned to look at me and he didn't look the least bit happy. I looked back at him.139Please respect copyright.PENANA5xJRO2zcYq
139Please respect copyright.PENANAWOPhndizZE
139Please respect copyright.PENANAJWIyUmECVt
"You did this, didn't you?" he asked.139Please respect copyright.PENANAjoySvbyvDj
139Please respect copyright.PENANAxS3SXf8lar
139Please respect copyright.PENANAxScVNK5zOn
"And if I didn't?" I asked. "I'm just as surprised as you are."139Please respect copyright.PENANASa3NijaaEn
139Please respect copyright.PENANATjmnAMI6oe
139Please respect copyright.PENANA88tuNOprp0
Before Lord Vandell could do anything, the birds came in one fell swoop, flying around us. For a minute, I can’t see what’s in front of me. The fluttering of their wings were like that of a strong wind.139Please respect copyright.PENANAHrq4mBxWeC
139Please respect copyright.PENANAwNUaaKYsRR
139Please respect copyright.PENANAFRY5T5ioPW
I soon felt the invisible hold around me loosen and I fall to the ground. I didn’t fall too hard. The birds continued to fly around, but I realised that they are more concentrated on Lord Vandell. Almost the whole flock of birds surrounded him that it looked like he's stuck in a middle of a blue tornado. I could see him with his arms all around trying to keep the birds away. I noticed a few of them pecking at him when they got the chance.139Please respect copyright.PENANAxrMtSaWopw
139Please respect copyright.PENANAcnfC25aFvo
139Please respect copyright.PENANAL9nnoFTkvV
I stood up, grateful that the birds were of help. They could hold him at bay for a while until the others arrive.139Please respect copyright.PENANAKUi2AaPRQi
139Please respect copyright.PENANAEvSJktHPPq
139Please respect copyright.PENANAW1pV98Y9QZ
Two birds came to sit on my shoulders. It’s the ones from yesterday. It’s weird how I could tell them apart from all the others that were flying around. They chirped at me, sounding relieved that I managed to get in touch with them.139Please respect copyright.PENANAC5gdJShMUF
139Please respect copyright.PENANAdoCdb6cEDa
139Please respect copyright.PENANAECGdgQ1TJJ
"I should be thanking you," I said. "I thought you weren't going to hear me."139Please respect copyright.PENANAyggCgvwYWN
139Please respect copyright.PENANAiKUAQfF6XO
139Please respect copyright.PENANA6VYZf2THhi
The two birds chirped on, telling me that the others will be here soon. They went on to join the other birds peaking and pulling at Lord Vandell’s robe. He’s having a hard time dealing with them.139Please respect copyright.PENANAi8UFdwd4r7
139Please respect copyright.PENANAuzAJMwm00f
139Please respect copyright.PENANAILdnbTToAR
"Diana!" came a voice behind me. I turned and saw Ariana with the nurse who had visited my room this morning.139Please respect copyright.PENANAZ9eBnCWjk1
139Please respect copyright.PENANA4okkFWoPnq
139Please respect copyright.PENANAVyAHdXutM2
"Ariana, are you okay?" I asked when she came close. This time I’m sure she’s the real Ariana.139Please respect copyright.PENANA4KKAnn4y1Y
139Please respect copyright.PENANAJsJy6wE0TN
139Please respect copyright.PENANAOYMQfpJVOM
"I’m good, he just knocked me out cold, that’s all," she said. Her eyes turned to the flock of birds bullying Lord Vandell. "He can stay there for a while. He can’t use his powers on them. That’s if he wants Her Highness to break him."139Please respect copyright.PENANAbJfNaKHyjj
139Please respect copyright.PENANA2mEfwi1NzA
139Please respect copyright.PENANAki9BA4qJv9
I winced. "She can do that?"139Please respect copyright.PENANAoY45lLcYOS
139Please respect copyright.PENANABNKumrXVgg
139Please respect copyright.PENANAQUktg1RiJQ
"When she gets mad, yes. I’m just glad you’re okay."139Please respect copyright.PENANAnArSpjOAu8
139Please respect copyright.PENANAFYVCEhEwSV
139Please respect copyright.PENANAAKgP4uQZD1
"Diana, you're hurt," said the nurse. She quickly rushed over to me and knelt at my feet, lifting my dress a little higher. I then remembered that I had fallen to the ground earlier and had a cut on the knee. A stream of blood trickled down my leg.139Please respect copyright.PENANA1xsKF4aIND
139Please respect copyright.PENANAOFF6wRlDge
139Please respect copyright.PENANARKBb71z431
"I actually fell thanks to Lord Vandell," I said. Now that I think about it, my whole body ached like hell. I’m not completely healed and I had to do a lot of running, hence stressing all my muscles again.139Please respect copyright.PENANAX84kL5fL0X
139Please respect copyright.PENANATBtsGbHQr8
139Please respect copyright.PENANAth6QzE0CQ7
"Her Highness won’t be happy about this," said Ariana. "The others will also kill me that this happened."139Please respect copyright.PENANAiYkBoVsy2u
139Please respect copyright.PENANAlijBIq0uSa
139Please respect copyright.PENANAszjtoyqx8J
"How did he get you?" I asked. The nurse cleaned my wound first. Apparently, she carried some ointment in the pocket of her apron in a tiny brown bottle. My wound stung when she applied it.139Please respect copyright.PENANA190cagQIhI
139Please respect copyright.PENANAIDR4ETI4IH
139Please respect copyright.PENANALxKeh7Mcyn
"After your bath when you went to your room and I remained in the bathroom," Ariana explained. "He knocked me out. I didn’t see him coming."139Please respect copyright.PENANAtIA1tXqBpk
139Please respect copyright.PENANA90vLKcziAQ
139Please respect copyright.PENANAk91u3Dthj6
The birds continued to attack Lord Vandell, who kept yelling at them to get away. Ariana came closer and drew out her hand. The birds in an instant left him alone and flew away. He's in such a mess. His hair is all over the place and the birds had torn through parts of his robes that he almost looked like a beggar in rags. Not forgetting that some birds had angrily pecked at his face, leaving a few cuts and bruises.139Please respect copyright.PENANAfg8ULfvw9S
139Please respect copyright.PENANAMLW4I8AycA
139Please respect copyright.PENANAhsHwzSJhbH
"I don’t want to fight you, Lord Vandell," said Ariana. "Let’s talk."139Please respect copyright.PENANAiC5jkiZvhX
139Please respect copyright.PENANAZHC780HC1i
139Please respect copyright.PENANAjPlYNR4wfW
"Careful, Ariana," I said. "He might not listen and try to attack."139Please respect copyright.PENANA634eUqT41X
139Please respect copyright.PENANAMFsGs6t3BN
139Please respect copyright.PENANAZ7FXUoHCJq
Lord Vandell chuckled. He sounded like he’s about to lose it. The birds must have messed him up. I should've told them to go a little easy on him.139Please respect copyright.PENANAsnHuAVviyK
139Please respect copyright.PENANA3BfppaMwzD
139Please respect copyright.PENANADL0hpBiKLL
"And how sure are you that you won't call the birds to attack me again?" he asked, looking at me.139Please respect copyright.PENANA7zLO2IiKQY
139Please respect copyright.PENANAQIMNPFWZkW
139Please respect copyright.PENANArbkfmgkOac
Even when Ariana had her eyes on him, I could feel her stare through the corner of her eye. She must be surprised by this too. Or not.139Please respect copyright.PENANANfNhbLTJ9U
139Please respect copyright.PENANAhC4kHVa1U8
139Please respect copyright.PENANAOonPooRtdR
"I didn't tell the birds to attack you," I lied. "They obviously sensed that something's wrong and came to my rescue."139Please respect copyright.PENANAqRdmHZwuwL
139Please respect copyright.PENANAeQGHLQIYIJ
139Please respect copyright.PENANAtJIBCESyLi
Lord Vandell smiled at me. "You really are full of surprises. It's why I needed to test you."139Please respect copyright.PENANA30AixMHRIM
139Please respect copyright.PENANAgGXgevHIcA
139Please respect copyright.PENANAr8QNkxAm4n
I gave him a look of disapproval. Just how many tests am I supposed to go through in this place?139Please respect copyright.PENANA4lPkD0BFY8
139Please respect copyright.PENANALWx3BNEZJM
139Please respect copyright.PENANAMs5DTyORqe
"You weren't allowed here in the first place, Lord Vandell," said Ariana.139Please respect copyright.PENANA6cnrMJneJi
139Please respect copyright.PENANAzOaxweQzks
139Please respect copyright.PENANAp6a9VuuWEx
He straightened himself up and even in the state he is in, he looked like he had some ounce of dignity left. He also didn't seem bothered that he had been attacked by angry birds.139Please respect copyright.PENANANwU12VcyI5
139Please respect copyright.PENANAfp65AQ8pg8
139Please respect copyright.PENANA3MjkQT0Hfh
"Tell me, Ariana," he said, as his dark eyes fell on her. "When were you going to tell us about this treasure you've found?"139Please respect copyright.PENANALDIKCRiClo
139Please respect copyright.PENANAp25Wdx7SD5
139Please respect copyright.PENANAuVdPMMP6uj
His eyes were now on me. And what did he mean by "we?" Who else isn't supposed to know about my whereabouts?139Please respect copyright.PENANAnb2dyDf9zF
139Please respect copyright.PENANAjvlvJvG9nB
139Please respect copyright.PENANATZznilD7Mp
"That's for Her Highness to answer," came Ryan's voice behind me.139Please respect copyright.PENANAoe6LDyxX8Z
139Please respect copyright.PENANAtGjHn2OWuP
139Please respect copyright.PENANAnyy1DqiV7l
I turned around and the nurse who had been attending to my wound, stood upright to see Ryan and Stella come towards us. Looks like they teleported themselves here.139Please respect copyright.PENANAaTuPalMvSq
139Please respect copyright.PENANAQ5y42vTRif
139Please respect copyright.PENANA5vh8noRXsD
"Ryan, Stella," Lord Vandell didn't sound happy.139Please respect copyright.PENANAHC8Y7n30Ay
139Please respect copyright.PENANAtUsioLGlIL
139Please respect copyright.PENANAS3mntvXssT
"Causing trouble as usual, aren't you?" said Stella. "What were you planning to do to Diana?"139Please respect copyright.PENANAZDEMp4xclJ
139Please respect copyright.PENANA7fhcQRH2Am
139Please respect copyright.PENANAx53wJ7xIsq
"I bet he was going to experiment on me or something," I said.139Please respect copyright.PENANAlKnNcOwez0
139Please respect copyright.PENANACZqRsbA3ZU
139Please respect copyright.PENANAsr41Di9cLQ
"You committed a terrible offense, Lord Vandell," said Ryan. "Her Highness strictly didn't want anyone on this side of the castle, and you knew that."139Please respect copyright.PENANAmdC9lTnyfQ
139Please respect copyright.PENANA6HBjxFUyyd
139Please respect copyright.PENANAaad56sTlte
Lord Vandell scoffed. "Her Highness and all of you in the High Order really think you can do whatever you like around here. So what’s the use of keeping her hidden? You do know, everyone's talking about her, right?"139Please respect copyright.PENANA8TpEHJmNji
139Please respect copyright.PENANAUZ3cHvHaXt
139Please respect copyright.PENANASyjD5bJQF9
I now remember what Raisa told me. I know I'm already a rumour, but he must have heard something specific from someone about me.139Please respect copyright.PENANAPcAL7RL8XA
139Please respect copyright.PENANAZMCFb0wlbj
139Please respect copyright.PENANAaKNgIpc0dv
"People talk," said Ariana. "But they don't know who she is and what she can do."139Please respect copyright.PENANAFaFUcb43QD
139Please respect copyright.PENANAVENgEDJqVL
139Please respect copyright.PENANA1AInDh7nET
"I don't need people's opinions when I already know what happened in the maze," said Lord Vandell.139Please respect copyright.PENANAcM5VaIPc99
139Please respect copyright.PENANAA2C5X2enUZ
139Please respect copyright.PENANAcT5HgPGfYC
I felt the mood around me change. I could tell Stella, Ryan, Ariana were just as surprised as I am, but did well not to show it. He was there?139Please respect copyright.PENANABbHu8IZol0
139Please respect copyright.PENANAS1FhXEKqvA
139Please respect copyright.PENANA74RjfG2Hb8
"Sneaky as always," said Ryan. "Nothing ever goes past you, huh?"139Please respect copyright.PENANAhIAtb7BeIG
139Please respect copyright.PENANAsvzVXnW63n
139Please respect copyright.PENANAAdgmpdVi9G
Lord Vandell scoffed. "I know the Butterfly Order rests their hope and trust in you, but why keep this girl hidden from the rest of us? Is there something about her that we don’t know about that you want to keep her all to yourself?"139Please respect copyright.PENANAcKJboaKfVN
139Please respect copyright.PENANAyplQ8ru8hx
139Please respect copyright.PENANA1MfWZEmm8I
What is he saying? Is there something about me that even I am not aware of?139Please respect copyright.PENANAm4SgYd91su
139Please respect copyright.PENANAxQkRfjlSyq
139Please respect copyright.PENANAhDPKLHgvbK
"Keep on thinking like that, and you will regret that you ever did," said Stella. I hear her walk up to me and the next thing I know, she’s grabbing my shoulder. "We need to go, Diana."139Please respect copyright.PENANAp0qJX18Z6a
139Please respect copyright.PENANAF1hdidgvQW
139Please respect copyright.PENANAktqCaHtJxB
"Where do you think you’re going with her?" Lord Vandell asked as soon as Stella and I turned around. "You aren’t taking her anywhere."139Please respect copyright.PENANAnbes0iv2Fd
139Please respect copyright.PENANAgfAQt6l4Cb
139Please respect copyright.PENANApE2lmIEg3e
"She’s our responsibility, Lord Vandell," said Stella as she turned to look at him. "We know what we’re doing, and she’s not coming with you."139Please respect copyright.PENANAQ7RFcu9YNW
139Please respect copyright.PENANAOjUF0vHNeq
139Please respect copyright.PENANAJOBuNqi0rs
"But she can stay with you? Aren’t you the ones keeping her hostage?"139Please respect copyright.PENANADBLuzoQJQF
139Please respect copyright.PENANAh1w27mr4aE
139Please respect copyright.PENANAv9dBfwrIbu
"She’s injured, you idiot," said Ryan.139Please respect copyright.PENANA2kVBgcxfcJ
139Please respect copyright.PENANAfqy5SggbS4
139Please respect copyright.PENANA7uvnmu3JIm
"Watch your tongue, Ryan," said Lord Vandell, sounding serious. His voice could scare even the smallest of animals away. Even I felt terrified. "It’s not my fault that you were all careless."139Please respect copyright.PENANAyewjvQLEbR
139Please respect copyright.PENANAIa4jTgMMIV
139Please respect copyright.PENANAPzsF6IKM2J
"And we’re making up for it by taking care of her," said Ariana.139Please respect copyright.PENANA8qx4njffGL
139Please respect copyright.PENANAdwudcL3MjT
139Please respect copyright.PENANAPoxORlNTFP
"Are you really?" Lord Vandell asked.139Please respect copyright.PENANADiUA4j3QnW
139Please respect copyright.PENANAvj0uC6opDt
139Please respect copyright.PENANAj8C8QqRZSY
I felt the air grow tense that I couldn’t even move. The hairs at the back of my neck stood. Something is about to happen, but what could-?139Please respect copyright.PENANALF2Eiu8yPl
139Please respect copyright.PENANA2oi28nvg05
139Please respect copyright.PENANAlMAFYanigB
Something suddenly ran past me, and I didn’t realise what’s going on until I saw Ryan stand behind Lord Vandell who is now on his knees. What just happened? How did Ryan get there so fast?139Please respect copyright.PENANAoY6IbNrYah
139Please respect copyright.PENANAAcTYVD3XB4
139Please respect copyright.PENANATMQsdRTCzh
"I’ve had enough of you talking," Ryan said, looking down at Lord Vandell, holding him down with his hand on Lord Vandell’s shoulder.139Please respect copyright.PENANAZwmGCfR7LX
139Please respect copyright.PENANAOvYCR6maGi
139Please respect copyright.PENANA3slLWF07JC
"Unhand me, you fool!" Lord Vandell demanded. "You can’t do this to me. Do you know who I am?"139Please respect copyright.PENANA6uWGTw49b6
139Please respect copyright.PENANA0USx5qOjIx
139Please respect copyright.PENANAzdnH6ktM1y
"Ariana, Stella, take Diana away," said Ryan as he looked at his colleagues. "I think she has seen enough for one day."139Please respect copyright.PENANAHXYQMjOtns
139Please respect copyright.PENANA00tzvkaqk7
139Please respect copyright.PENANAaIQqDFJTEH
"Come on, Diana," said Stella.139Please respect copyright.PENANAFfAgbM3hXR
139Please respect copyright.PENANAnm5ga6TZO8
139Please respect copyright.PENANApmVD2s3e9w
"You aren’t going anywhere with her!" Lord Vandell yelled. I quickly looked away.139Please respect copyright.PENANAsOxqo6ajmn
139Please respect copyright.PENANA0ohKpTwLe5
139Please respect copyright.PENANAOwGHmCyvM9
"Oh, shut your mouth!" Ariana said to him. "For a Lord you sure are a handful."139Please respect copyright.PENANAhS0YjYNnnd
139Please respect copyright.PENANATRJtYN415l
139Please respect copyright.PENANAhYOWSKZlxe
I started to walk away alongside Stella, with the nurse and Ariana joining behind us. Lord Vandell continued to yell not to take me away and that he would burn this place to the ground if he had to. Could he do it?139Please respect copyright.PENANArGk9NJZvbY
139Please respect copyright.PENANA7UYi0VX9eY
139Please respect copyright.PENANANbA6guXG49
I turned to look at Stella and she looked pretty upset. Maybe it’s best I don’t say anything for the time being.139Please respect copyright.PENANAz8m1E6iR6e
139Please respect copyright.PENANAGx2Hs5EORt
139Please respect copyright.PENANAcHSBHWOxSo
"Looks like we might have to cancel your lessons, Diana," she said, without looking at me.139Please respect copyright.PENANAch7qY8zti7
139Please respect copyright.PENANApOKDuN9Rk0
139Please respect copyright.PENANAWky42FOW3E
"Why?" I asked. It’s like she read my mind. Well…, part of it.139Please respect copyright.PENANAY2W70gwaIk
139Please respect copyright.PENANADxpKelFYsK
139Please respect copyright.PENANA7ngNKwswzh
"Because this happened it’s only a matter of time before people start showing up here to demand answers."139Please respect copyright.PENANAxq5uFyRmx8
139Please respect copyright.PENANAY4i64qAGIL
139Please respect copyright.PENANAdQCAXAS7RC
"What do you mean? Are you referring to everyone on the island or people just like Lord Vandell?"139Please respect copyright.PENANAge2Dy7Y5Je
139Please respect copyright.PENANAUTvzl3f4V2
139Please respect copyright.PENANAHYmCfUM0YQ
Stella managed to chuckle. "I think you already know the answer to that."139Please respect copyright.PENANA7v7rFzz7C8
139Please respect copyright.PENANAU7pUbeB7UG
139Please respect copyright.PENANAoC2bels6l8
Lord Vandell did mention something about people finding out about me. There are already people who know. But there are others, who just like Lord Vandell, know more. I wonder who they could be.139Please respect copyright.PENANAVMO3TthjK9
139Please respect copyright.PENANA1J6iPj7YWG
139Please respect copyright.PENANANUgHHz5zBs
Lord Vandell’s yapping continued behind us, but soon enough, he became quiet. I don’t know what Ryan has done to him, but when I turned my head to look, it’s like they had vanished in thin air. I can’t help but worry about how fast Ryan is. Should I? Probably in the future.139Please respect copyright.PENANAHUxbjLquIP
139Please respect copyright.PENANAHvjOYe93XD
139Please respect copyright.PENANAJkVXDPfal7
"Her Highness will not be happy about this," said Ariana. She sounded worried.139Please respect copyright.PENANAcIWJuxPPXX
139Please respect copyright.PENANANaR2LzCNEX
139Please respect copyright.PENANAtgxjTnSbFW
"Definitely not," Stella agreed. "If things turn out like this, we might be forced to bring Diana out to the public."139Please respect copyright.PENANAvzQTxB04y9
139Please respect copyright.PENANAKTXhmWLdbJ
139Please respect copyright.PENANArfaFP1z1A9
"May I ask why you’ve kept me hidden if you didn’t want this to happen?" I ended up asking.139Please respect copyright.PENANAa2wDvVOhkv
139Please respect copyright.PENANATA6gdEcv8S
139Please respect copyright.PENANAfp8lvxKHRw
Stella didn’t say anything, her eyes still not meeting mine. I could feel her body grow tense. I’m really dying to know why all this is happening. What is it about me that they don’t want me getting exposed to the public?139Please respect copyright.PENANAvQRcLRpBGu
139Please respect copyright.PENANA4ihY9kUxau
139Please respect copyright.PENANABN4cbamPdX
I turned to look at Ariana, and she had the same expression as Stella’s. For how long are they going to be quiet?139Please respect copyright.PENANAusB4t4hajb
139Please respect copyright.PENANAihgM9hU4uV
139Please respect copyright.PENANARayy90XRT8
"You’re special, Diana," Stella finally answered.139Please respect copyright.PENANAWfqThm4m0d
139Please respect copyright.PENANA7FRId8Q1N2
139Please respect copyright.PENANAIGsjji0e2N
"Aren’t we all?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "I might not know much about this place, but I can tell a lot of people have special abilities like you do. How am I any special?"139Please respect copyright.PENANACsO3hXqjEm
139Please respect copyright.PENANAbWBHLKNlQn
139Please respect copyright.PENANArTpoqHwka4
"You’re right. This place is filled with people with special abilities, but none aren’t as special as yours."139Please respect copyright.PENANA0xwCWqLmmf
139Please respect copyright.PENANAf5JNRWA3Gy
139Please respect copyright.PENANArkl0fAMS3O
I shook my head. "I still don’t understand, Stella. How can I be ‘that special?' I’m just an ordinary human being who happened to develop some mysterious abilities uncommon to our kind, like you guys."139Please respect copyright.PENANAlMMXTvIcqU
139Please respect copyright.PENANABY2o2pLNBP
139Please respect copyright.PENANA0DPvr20wM9
"True," she stopped walking to look at me. The rest of us did the same. "But you met Death, and that’s a whole different story."139Please respect copyright.PENANAk2UTb8r7nU
139Please respect copyright.PENANAS8cx5LP5nH
139Please respect copyright.PENANA5FwcNzNmdA
"What does Death have to do with all of this? Big deal, I got lucky and managed to live for another day. Don’t people meet Death and some of them happen to survive by circumstance? I just happen to be one of them."139Please respect copyright.PENANAJBG8b9KrRV
139Please respect copyright.PENANAE8sGY7g6ME
139Please respect copyright.PENANAfszBZwqiWV
"But have you ever heard of anyone meeting Death and not only do they get out of his grasp alive, but develop abilities?"139Please respect copyright.PENANA4c0TTaQ3wj
139Please respect copyright.PENANAcid0y8Fp48
139Please respect copyright.PENANAgiTOtTF394
"Maybe not, but that doesn’t make me special. It just makes me lucky."139Please respect copyright.PENANAeZVYbF5Bbp
139Please respect copyright.PENANAoWlCULZjzo
139Please respect copyright.PENANAvS4Mear4Ha
"You’ll only understand what she means when you start training," said Ariana. "You’re different from a lot of the recruits we’ve seen so far."139Please respect copyright.PENANAbjYqzWSO9d
139Please respect copyright.PENANAHfrhautU7T
139Please respect copyright.PENANATVrRkcqFtr
I wanted to protest some more, but it isn’t the first time I’ve heard all this. The first time Her Highness and I met, she talked about my encounter with Death. I should wait and see what they mean during training.139Please respect copyright.PENANAC1aYrpnPk5
139Please respect copyright.PENANAFN36reTsr3
139Please respect copyright.PENANACUNv57MKdU
I looked ahead and didn’t realise we were only a few feet away from the castle with the carriage still waiting there. Looks like I'm not going to ride in it today.139Please respect copyright.PENANA4BJD0g6emN
139Please respect copyright.PENANAF43p5v0DsE
139Please respect copyright.PENANAiy4DQiixku
"Make sure Diana is attended to," Stella said to the nurse behind her. "Ariana and I have to sort something out around the castle."139Please respect copyright.PENANAcbvTrYBHO2
139Please respect copyright.PENANA2vP8rQaP2g
139Please respect copyright.PENANA32ZTXOxLCf
"You’re leaving me alone?" I asked. "What if another person like Lord Vandall comes to get me again?"139Please respect copyright.PENANAkNDkAubNWf
139Please respect copyright.PENANAr4ZxPs0vbe
139Please respect copyright.PENANAeV4Ht6Vpfj
"We’ll be extra cautious from now on," Ariana answered. "So if you don’t mind, please go back inside."139Please respect copyright.PENANA56k3yYjXzi
139Please respect copyright.PENANAbQ7Dh69Xl0
139Please respect copyright.PENANAN45FI5mvuG
Ariana sounded serious. I wonder what she means by that. Will they put up more security? I glance at the gate in a distance. Lord Vandell was able to take down the guards. Maybe they have other forms of security I’m yet to know about.139Please respect copyright.PENANAccx6hHLL9c
139Please respect copyright.PENANAt2gLyjOvej
139Please respect copyright.PENANA0haRoUhd25
I make my way to the short stone steps with the nurse walking beside. As I walked up the stone steps, I felt the air change all of a sudden. The ground below rumbled a little. I looked above and it felt like the whole place has been surrounded by an invisible barrier. I quickly look behind me and find Ariana and Stella by the foot of the stairs with Ariana on one knee with both of her hands placed palm first onto the ground. I notice a line of runes appear on the ground in glowing yellow, surrounding the whole castle.139Please respect copyright.PENANAtzW9gO8KVB
139Please respect copyright.PENANANW0Yb7L5g7
139Please respect copyright.PENANARPyJlQCzGZ
"Nothing to be scared of, Diana," said Stella as Ariana stood upright, the runes on the ground soon disappeared, but the presence of the barrier remained. "This is just a protective barrier to keep you safe. We’ll come check on you once we’re finished."139Please respect copyright.PENANAf3lI2BzETF
139Please respect copyright.PENANAQex31FOffw
139Please respect copyright.PENANANiv7d8DhjI
I gave them a nod. I guess I won’t be starting my training today until all this is sorted.139Please respect copyright.PENANAbRhi5RtkxQ
139Please respect copyright.PENANAlQrDoLuBve
139Please respect copyright.PENANAauPmsrs7GS
Ariana and Stella turned around and walked back the way they came. I watch them go before turning around to head back in the castle. Surprisingly, Bob is standing in the open doorway. How did he get here? I didn’t even feel his presence.139Please respect copyright.PENANASO8NSfhB9f
139Please respect copyright.PENANADjsBEvbDNQ
139Please respect copyright.PENANAvmJRfdlBfa
"I had a backup plan if things weren’t going to go as planned," he said. "You’ll still start your lessons today."139Please respect copyright.PENANAPt0S5f4faT
139Please respect copyright.PENANAYPbNkb0y3V
139Please respect copyright.PENANAHJGc1gtzBS
I don’t know whether to feel excited about it or just keep it cool. Starting my training will be good for me to try and forget what happened just now.139Please respect copyright.PENANAve7DBnku7b
139Please respect copyright.PENANAbhF7VqCu23
139Please respect copyright.PENANA3a4uIinoHv
I managed to smile at Bob as I approached him. "You couldn’t have come at a better time."139Please respect copyright.PENANABwlNlIjM6U
139Please respect copyright.PENANAv8jG0R66Qu
139Please respect copyright.PENANASHmo1TBS41
"Before we start, you better get patched up."139Please respect copyright.PENANAM6h2RHiJ9k
139Please respect copyright.PENANA2JHKdwQe89
139Please respect copyright.PENANAqZW2ZuI7dE
"That’s what I want to do," I stopped in front of him.139Please respect copyright.PENANAzdcpXO3Kch
139Please respect copyright.PENANAFipj871296
139Please respect copyright.PENANAuLrdoJWICn
"I would also like to know about the birds." Bob looked on at me.139Please respect copyright.PENANAJLBjakDcFr
139Please respect copyright.PENANAoUnShKIMBj
139Please respect copyright.PENANALEKDHlMwgg
"Birds, what birds?" I quickly asked. I’m careful enough not to stammer. I’ve to choose my words carefully. "What about them?"139Please respect copyright.PENANAUQOCvGfwiH
139Please respect copyright.PENANAKrmVxR3Zz3
139Please respect copyright.PENANAYfbg4tNMYQ
"Did you summon them?"139Please respect copyright.PENANAMt8BeNdK8R
139Please respect copyright.PENANAO9JYKRttJ7
139Please respect copyright.PENANAJAWqfupSAy
I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by that?"139Please respect copyright.PENANAhrmWYh55Ht
139Please respect copyright.PENANAnHuCjl0qUl
139Please respect copyright.PENANAH41x2SsSN4
"Don’t try to pretend with me, Diana." The corner of his mouth raised to a smile. "One of the recruits who was with you yesterday told me that you can understand the birds."139Please respect copyright.PENANAgAKiHr6a1o
139Please respect copyright.PENANA5qrWw7aLxY
139Please respect copyright.PENANAojJHE0Nurk
There is no hiding from that. I should’ve warned the recruits not to say anything. But they don’t know me and I don’t know them, so I’m not surprised that they reported this.139Please respect copyright.PENANA8ceib2cD7I
139Please respect copyright.PENANA0vcr1fwHFb
139Please respect copyright.PENANAiGeeeYuzwl
"And what if I did?" I folded my arms which ached like hell, but I tried not to show it.139Please respect copyright.PENANAh1sp3mApzE
139Please respect copyright.PENANAbdLahzuhOT
139Please respect copyright.PENANAj5uIgzG7sH
Bob continued to look at me before turning around and walking through the door. "Understanding creatures is a great ability," he said. "But people don’t develop it right there and then. They only do so after training. You, on the other hand, already have an understanding for them. That just shows you really are something."139Please respect copyright.PENANA2pZgFQGFHJ
139Please respect copyright.PENANARQp2md562y
139Please respect copyright.PENANAjyTpXCJ9mA
I'm not ready for this speech again as I quickly said, "we’ll see about that, won’t we? I’ve been lucky and quite fortunate so far. My training will reveal if there’s anything special about me."139Please respect copyright.PENANA5vsEi0AZOH
139Please respect copyright.PENANANEhXVN75EE
139Please respect copyright.PENANA7DJ8uhnqjR
Bob slightly tilted his head to the side as I started to follow him inside the castle. "If it’s your destiny, Diana, you simply can’t run away from it," he said.139Please respect copyright.PENANAnx7tLFkl9S
139Please respect copyright.PENANAkwwiwAmF0R
139Please respect copyright.PENANAZmtEJlOwGn
His words got to me and I stopped in my tracks. Could he be right? I didn’t want this to begin with. I was meant to die that day, but I didn’t. I don’t know how I survived. Now all this is happening because of that encounter. Was all this meant to happen? And if that is the case, for what?139Please respect copyright.PENANAWd8d63gW3H
139Please respect copyright.PENANArHIccMqkx1
139Please respect copyright.PENANArbXDlYUNXk
"Come on, Diana," said the nurse as she came to stand beside me to place her hand on my shoulder.139Please respect copyright.PENANAyN6PXWwmUl
139Please respect copyright.PENANAxHpjydRjHk
139Please respect copyright.PENANATMgjujslcJ
"Of course," I said as Bob went up the flight of stairs. The nurse and I followed behind him at a slow pace.139Please respect copyright.PENANAU6u7tCDxOU
139Please respect copyright.PENANALbryTqZJW3
139Please respect copyright.PENANAYROGaKj3Ex
It’s then that I realised that the excitement of starting my training today, had suddenly dissipated.