&#@&
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpLgUL1uYB
"Yoyo, how are you?"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PGL7RX8L3
"Just got slapped a total of 34 times. Reason: walking into Yali."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSChMqx4OI
"My, how could she? I'm gonna go and teach them a lesson!"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GsIecPzXg
"No need, would make things worse."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5gt6tcjYp
"...Alright, as you say so."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW57ysSoG2
The evening sun cast long shadows across the room as I recounted my day. The sharp sting of each slap still echoed in my memory, a harsh reminder of the hostility that awaited me outside these walls.
It wasn't long until I got the news that Yali has been threatened by Karth, and everyone got cautious when walking past me.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GIcLaEpM9
"I require the reasoning of your disobedence after my request to not harm Yali."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXkdlbtkRa
"I just can't stand it you know? having people bully you like that."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3CXQyOxm6
"..."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzhyk0GoJU
"Come on, stand up for yourself Yoyo!"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnvzSE9r2p
"Easy for you to say."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQfyCm1anJ
"Fair enough."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOiJNNJ0x6
The shift from being bullied to being avoided was noticable. Students who once sought to torment me now crossed the street to avoid my gaze. The whispers followed me, a constant reminder of my outsider status. Adopting a monotone speech pattern became my shield; emotions only seemed to invite more trouble.
=@#
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouIN1AIBEl
"I'm back"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSXpPVzA57
Noone was there to greet me back.
My mother and father had picked me up from the birth garden on a whim, out of fun. I heard that they were trying to go on a gamble, on "If this orb doesn't form a newborn, I win!" kind of stuff. It wasn't long until they got tired of raising me, and left me to fend for myself.
if I had been a higher-grade angel, maybe they could have stayed.
The apartment was silent, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning. I moved to my desk, each step echoing in the emptiness. Sitting down, I opened my medical box filled with bandages. These bandages would only mend the skin of a hurt angel; the rest should normally regenerate by their normal intake of Union.
Lifting up my puffy sleeves, a lot of scars revealed underneath.
When I separate from Karth after school, it would be the perfect opportunity for bullies. Regradless, I became infamous around school.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VMH5B2CNP
"This will run out soon."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncuC5eoFdU
I applied the bandages on my arms slowly; I could feel it mending the layer on top, but the interal pain still lingers.
But I was no stranger to it.
I pulled out my screens and started working on my new prototype—the teleportation watch.
#@-!
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRbFvIRVhP
"Hey Yoyo!"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLTXOZQH3v
Karth had invited me to the garden next door. When I arrived, the late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the garden, making the flowers and trees shimmer with life. The air was filled with the scent of blooming roses and the gentle hum of insects. Standing next to Karth was a teen slightly taller than her, with striking grey and red hair.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMlf3W9STB
"You've arrived! I thought you would never come!"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOH6MyPYhN
"Who is he?"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcQ4Co56iG
"This is Max Hart, my personal servant."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnxuRB83Um
"Greetings, Yoyo Lee."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3wWWPatWv
Max gave a polite nod, his eyes assessing me with a calm and steady gaze. He wore a simple yet elegant outfit that spoke of practicality and style, a mix of urban and traditional elements that seemed perfectly suited to his role.
It wasn't long until I got dragged a lot into Karth's life.
Karth was a whirlwind of energy, always on the move with Max by her side. She went on numerous outings, dragging me along on her adventures. We explored bustling markets filled with vendors shouting their wares, quiet libraries with rows of ancient books, and serene parks where the sound of birdsong mingled with the rustle of leaves. Each outing was a new experience, a chance to see the world through Karth's eyes.
By chance, I also got to meet Andre, her brother, but he is usually out for physical training, so it is a rarity. Andre was a mature small kid, and had a gentle demeanor that put me at ease. We rarely crossed paths, but when we did, he always greeted me with a kind smile and a few words of encouragement.
Karth's life was a stark contrast to my own solitary existence. She moved through the world with a confidence and ease that I envied. Her companionship, along with Max and Andre, introduced me to a side of life I had never known—a life filled with friendship, adventure, and the occasional mishap.
Each day brought new challenges and new discoveries, and slowly, I found myself becoming a part of their world. It was a world that was chaotic and unpredictable, but it was also full of warmth and connection. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I belonged.
#=?@#$!
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzgpw6nHnc
"I got accepted into the technology department."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDafU1Hf0zx
It was a dream come true, a validation of all my hard work and late nights tinkering with prototypes. The acceptance letter was a crisp piece of paper clutched tightly in my hand, a symbol of my achievement.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4K24Eyxcpc
"I'm so glad for you, Yoyo!"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEcuWXXasu
Karth exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with genuine joy. Her excitement was infectious, and for a moment, I allowed myself to bask in the warmth of her congratulations.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jX4iU4DV8
"Comment appreciated,"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWHGzePSqq
"You know, you can show more emotion around me. I won't hurt you, you know,"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RytndP7fm
"You won't?"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrYxulFksN
"Why would I?"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGWvrHyKG7
"...Thanks for the reassurance,"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIXNQS02hg
I pondered that statement for a while, the concept of expressing emotions around someone else feeling foreign and risky. My life had taught me to hide my true feelings, to keep them locked away where they couldn't be used against me.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMAryCss56
"I, however, do not have much to express,"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnU32KU2ni
I admitted, the honesty of my words surprising even myself.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyEqbFCL6g
"Well... I can help! What do you think of this?"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEv6bvhXxZS
Karth's voice was cheerful as she grabbed her hair and held them up into two bundles, mimicking pigtails.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXAY0KcIHi
"...Humorous,"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrpg8mqiwr
I responded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of my mouth despite my efforts to remain composed.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhQL2erA1P
"That's great!"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFo3OZX563
Karth's laughter rang through the room, a sound so pure and genuine that it momentarily banished the shadows that often clouded my thoughts.
As we sat there, her pigtails bouncing with each movement, I realized that this friendship was something I had longed for but never dared to hope for. It was a fragile, tentative connection, but it was real, and it was mine. And for the first time, I allowed myself to believe that I deserved it.
-*=#!
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcex7wXy6E
"I do not think that is a good idea."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡED2fVxtnUr
The air was tense, filled with an undercurrent of concern. I could see Karth's determination in her eyes, a fierce resolve that was difficult to counter.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ulS4FK5ED
"I want to see how it is over there in Keibim!"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpeDpcfspr
"I repeat my statement."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvotT0f0Il
"PLeaseeeeee"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1W9G6cWP33
"...Fine, I will try my best to help."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgqlpHspTy
I knew that denying her would only heighten her resolve. Sometimes, it was better to guide her safely than to forbid her outright.
=*#$&%
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrQDmcxwjc
It is time for the fall of grace to happen.
Kartheina is sentenced to it due to her visit over to Keibim. The air was heavy with judgment, and the once bustling surroundings seemed to fall silent, as if the world itself was holding its breath.
She walked towards me, her white dress stained with the dust of her journey, her hair in disarray. The once bright and hopeful Karth now seemed weary, but her spirit was unbroken.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZG6zgyqM1V
"Do you have any regret?"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiC50d6ZWf
"No, I have not an ounce of it,"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPfetNA5ha
"That seems like you to think so,"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFG7w3TcF8O
A small smile tugged at the corners of my mouth despite the gravity of the situation. Her determination was both her strength and her downfall.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FRje8MZr7
"If we don't have these thoughts that bound us, maybe you would make for a model student everyone would look up to."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFPy0D35Uw
Kartheina looked into my eyes, her kind of pity seemed...genuine.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKSGS06AFJ
"Perhaps so,"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKTteIGnuc
My voice softened with my reply. Her naivety brought her here, but, she was still dreaming.
Dreaming for a better future.
#$%#^
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3k1TF79We
"I need to go after her! She's lost, I have to!"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaG7Y3l0XU
Andre's voice was filled with desperation and determination. His usually composed demeanor was shattered, and his eyes were wild with concern.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQuDuGm1QS
"Andre, calm down,"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ090WpkhLjF
I urged, stepping closer to place a reassuring hand on his shoulder. The muscles beneath my hand were tense, coiled like a spring ready to snap.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiVkrVk1Cv
"I cannot keep watching this, she; she shouldn't have to suffer this!"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYm9UVTCha
His voice cracked, and I could see the torment in his eyes. The fall of grace had taken its toll on all of us, but for Andre, it was a wound that refused to heal.
Max and I were trying to comfort Andre, exchanging worried glances over his bowed head. It had been two years since the fall of grace, and we got news from time to time about Karth. Each piece of information was a lifeline, a glimpse into the life she now led. Andre got a front row seat; he watched her in his free time using the bridge at his park. The toll it took on him was evident, each update a fresh cut on a heart already scarred.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzGwWXyRGz
"I'm going after her,"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNvyDUjkDJ
Max and I both knew we couldn't change his mind. The air was thick with unspoken words, the weight of his decision settling over us like a shroud.
@%$#$%^@#
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡay6mGCoUUa
"It is about time I get to my limit,"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBg8ETR6OYv
I stared at Max. The burden of the past five years had worn us all down, and I could see the same exhaustion mirrored in Max's eyes.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaghhuRbUg
"Even Andre is suffering; it is a different situation for him, but however, he is a child,"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNSlW2RP12
My voice tinged with frustration and empathy. I saw myself in him, and for the first time in a long while, I wanted to help.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjePV2USBP
"I'm not allowed to leave until two years later, Yoyo."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYQDqOhcAa
Max was also charged for his crimes, for taking Karth on her trip. The weight of his guilt and punishment hung heavy in the room,.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K9Kd5BZ3l
"I will see you then,"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFszsX9oK6
#$^%#$%$#%@$#%@%@
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYzal9A7AP
"It is a pleasure to meet you, RubberBand.
My name is RoseBud."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2hAP861HT
It was my first day, and as I stood in the familiar yet daunting surroundings, I couldn't help but reflect. Maybe, maybe, I could be the model student Karth thought of. The thought was a fragile hope, but it was enough to keep me going.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCtR50sp7M
Kartheina?
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIpAGDALG8
For, Karthenia?
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZbswf5cMd
@#%%#%^#%$!$%
The unstable trip down memory lane starts to fill my head with fragmented thoughts. Each memory flashes before my eyes, blending into a chaotic stream of consciousness.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZU6cahJe1y
"You have done great, Rub, just relax your shoulders more during the twirl."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9vGtNuaDl
That was me.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdeJjZgFvM
@#$%#$^#%$&^%^$!%$
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mcvATsuR7
"Good job Rub, you are learning so quickly."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfnNabmKKE
That was me.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyohK44ykZ
@#$%$^&$%&$^%@#$%%$#^%$^%$&$%^
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9mlAC36OK
"I could play the violin to support Rub's singing."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrF3O3xLHAJ
That was me
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzEwXdRdon
@$#%^@$^%&#%$%@$#%@#!$#@%#@%#$^#$%&%^&^%#&$%^&
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3jsqwKAQh
The memories began to fragment and blur, the familiar voices intertwining with the noise of my thoughts, creating a cacophony of sound and emotion.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WF6YBonYW
!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%Maybe!@#%@!#%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%we!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%should!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%leave!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%swiftly?!@#%@!#$!@#$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%Sure!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%thing,!@#%@!#$!$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$@!@%@#!%Rosebud!!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$@!@%@#!%Ah,#$!@#I!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*@%@#!%can!@#%@!#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%help!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^@!@%@#!%with!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($#@!$@!@%@#!%that.!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&$@!@%@#!%Thank!@#%@!!@%@#!%you#$!@#so!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%much!!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%I!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#!%will!@#%@!#$!@#@!#^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%work!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&!$@!@%@#!%my!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%best#$!@#to!@#%@!#$!@#^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%help!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%you!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%You're!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%always!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$!$#@!$@!@%@#!%so!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^@%@#!%reliable!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%@!@%@#!%Eh?!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#!@%@#!%You#$!@#want!@#%@!#$!%@#!%to!@#%@!#$@%@#!%join!@#%@!#$!@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%the!@#@Commune?!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@#@!$@!@%@#!%I#$!@#will!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%support#$!@#you!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&!@%@#!%You're!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%the#$!@#best!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%Your!@#%@!#$!@#@#@!$@!@%@#!%favourite.!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%Burnt#$!@#Sugar!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%Shortcake.!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%You#$!@#know!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%me#$!@#so!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%well#$!@#RoseBud!!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*RUBBERBANDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!%$^($%^(%^$&%Let^&^%$&@#$%me@#!$#@!$@follow!@%@#!%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%you!^(%^%%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGKwQPbn6y
The cacophony of voices and fragmented thoughts swirled around me, each memory and phrase blending into an incomprehensible noise. The chaos seemed to echo in my mind, growing louder and more insistent.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdvtsLZmrH
"..This is not what Karthenia hoped for."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d71j6jZif
The noise abruptly stopped, leaving a ringing silence in its wake. The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0U0aYrdfb
"That was not me."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW60coGBLw2
The ground beneath me trembled, and the marble began to crack, spiderwebs of fissures spreading outwards. The shadows dissipated, leaving only the fractured surface and the looming darkness beneath.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFO3J1XZvc3
"That was never me."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHtQgnI3QY
The cracks widened, and the marble shattered, pieces falling away to reveal the abyss below. I felt a sense of release, as if shedding an old skin. The weight of my past actions, the burdens I had carried, began to lift, replaced by a growing sense of resolve.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7M564KV7dI
"I blinded myself"
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOb24rl6uk
The scenery before me cracks into pieces, fragments of the past shattering like glass. Each shard reflected a part of my history, the good and the bad, the joys and the regrets. The fragments floated around me, catching the light and casting prismatic reflections that danced in the air.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSFVBMhWQX
"...and now I shall see."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6WdHJmsFK
I opened my eyes.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvXUce6UkA
I see the Maiden looking at me with a proud gesture. Her serene smile was a balm to my weary soul, and I could feel the tension of the ordeal slowly melting away.
I looked around the room, my vision being more refreshing than I thought.
The book "Tales of BrookCastle" lay open before me, its pages inviting me to delve into its mysteries. The familiar scent of aged paper and lavender filled the air, grounding me in the present moment and bringing a sense of calm.
As my gaze lifted, I found the Maiden seated beside me, her hands gently resting on mine.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbzRBN0IZt
"Congratulations,
You have passed the ordeal. The knowledge within the book is now yours to explore."
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ozQMX04p3
With that, she rose gracefully and exited the vault, her presence lingering like a soft glow even after she was gone. I was left in solitude, the silence of the room amplifying the weight of the moment.
I examined the book closely, my fingers tracing the intricate design on its leather cover. The familiarity of the design tugged at my memory. Curious, I retrieved my own journal and placed it beside the book. To my astonishment, they were of the same design, down to the minutest detail. The same pattern of embossing, the same type of leather—it was as if they were crafted by the same hands.
There must be secret messages in the book meant for me. She must have known.
The realization sent a shiver down my spine. With a sense of anticipation, I opened the book. The pages were adorned with intricate illustrations and finely written text. I began to read, immersing myself in its contents.
ns216.73.216.175da2
