&#@&
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwg3ElFGzm
"Yoyo, how are you?"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnVejox5Vl
"Just got slapped a total of 34 times. Reason: walking into Yali."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDKZqf8aVC
"My, how could she? I'm gonna go and teach them a lesson!"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEQ4lZTych
"No need, would make things worse."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpu6RbJSfI
"...Alright, as you say so."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEC7JoMHTJr
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.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlqiKnsvb6
"I require the reasoning of your disobedence after my request to not harm Yali."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iv7T38kye
"I just can't stand it you know? having people bully you like that."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oBHzjHa0i
"..."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFKVL0qdeS
"Come on, stand up for yourself Yoyo!"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRQLfFYslw
"Easy for you to say."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRsl1hPAJh
"Fair enough."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRXCihXOMX
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.
=@#
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY2Ov5X41T
"I'm back"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUQLVq3RC5
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.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTYNk5bNxP
"This will run out soon."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYSNOVHPJJ
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.
#@-!
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqfOsu2joC
"Hey Yoyo!"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1qGLTWKbW
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.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HuA6hS1cS
"You've arrived! I thought you would never come!"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeLgdnXLX5
"Who is he?"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjI25KxvVO
"This is Max Hart, my personal servant."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiDCmcmGnN
"Greetings, Yoyo Lee."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJfa3JSKPw
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.
#=?@#$!
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvUOA6QQBX
"I got accepted into the technology department."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ALIHHLPgk
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.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ30mYklWH7
"I'm so glad for you, Yoyo!"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP20Qk5xvGu
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.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLndHMYk2s
"Comment appreciated,"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecBINCkks5
"You know, you can show more emotion around me. I won't hurt you, you know,"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg9nF54x2Y
"You won't?"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxp4OicHwCy
"Why would I?"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgx6GktfGBi
"...Thanks for the reassurance,"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3X4Gx2sfV
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.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV3w9IUQ4d
"I, however, do not have much to express,"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlIzl0NrmF
I admitted, the honesty of my words surprising even myself.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Zag7VxLXO
"Well... I can help! What do you think of this?"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFbtApoWHY
Karth's voice was cheerful as she grabbed her hair and held them up into two bundles, mimicking pigtails.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PnxSNEEnu
"...Humorous,"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGWVhg83IV
I responded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of my mouth despite my efforts to remain composed.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfIY3pLdNi
"That's great!"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL69NAxGyC7
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.
-*=#!
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLl9neJuRLg
"I do not think that is a good idea."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB1FQL7rbk
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.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnrdc082FC
"I want to see how it is over there in Keibim!"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKteKpxYPkn
"I repeat my statement."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDx6q0w0c33
"PLeaseeeeee"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmh4yZRvqo
"...Fine, I will try my best to help."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TZ97IL6m1
I knew that denying her would only heighten her resolve. Sometimes, it was better to guide her safely than to forbid her outright.
=*#$&%
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTaOIpojJ2
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.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVfWUxv75a
"Do you have any regret?"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFEWqdB553
"No, I have not an ounce of it,"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrMzqxCQhY
"That seems like you to think so,"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0bRDux8W3
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.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYvxIjuW8f
"If we don't have these thoughts that bound us, maybe you would make for a model student everyone would look up to."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEP031uwpO
Kartheina looked into my eyes, her kind of pity seemed...genuine.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLvFFcYRs7
"Perhaps so,"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUohJtCTy4P
My voice softened with my reply. Her naivety brought her here, but, she was still dreaming.
Dreaming for a better future.
#$%#^
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJr91dbwjF
"I need to go after her! She's lost, I have to!"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8kf1W4vbv
Andre's voice was filled with desperation and determination. His usually composed demeanor was shattered, and his eyes were wild with concern.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3NMI43r3I
"Andre, calm down,"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYE49PTChgL
I urged, stepping closer to place a reassuring hand on his shoulder. The muscles beneath my hand were tense, coiled like a spring ready to snap.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofrK4N0LkU
"I cannot keep watching this, she; she shouldn't have to suffer this!"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoycEu5TYh
His voice cracked, and I could see the torment in his eyes. The fall of grace had taken its toll on all of us, but for Andre, it was a wound that refused to heal.
Max and I were trying to comfort Andre, exchanging worried glances over his bowed head. It had been two years since the fall of grace, and we got news from time to time about Karth. Each piece of information was a lifeline, a glimpse into the life she now led. Andre got a front row seat; he watched her in his free time using the bridge at his park. The toll it took on him was evident, each update a fresh cut on a heart already scarred.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYB9djdpNw
"I'm going after her,"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumUco77ZEH
Max and I both knew we couldn't change his mind. The air was thick with unspoken words, the weight of his decision settling over us like a shroud.
@%$#$%^@#
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFRFPNqxAr
"It is about time I get to my limit,"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9xl04pv5N
I stared at Max. The burden of the past five years had worn us all down, and I could see the same exhaustion mirrored in Max's eyes.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fkdCl9JVA
"Even Andre is suffering; it is a different situation for him, but however, he is a child,"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2A2ke0MGoO
My voice tinged with frustration and empathy. I saw myself in him, and for the first time in a long while, I wanted to help.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbPXQMT9ca
"I'm not allowed to leave until two years later, Yoyo."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHnzFj17GB
Max was also charged for his crimes, for taking Karth on her trip. The weight of his guilt and punishment hung heavy in the room,.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp78D9BkbAm
"I will see you then,"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOp2PWs4OQZ
#$^%#$%$#%@$#%@%@
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzV2Rcq06Nr
"It is a pleasure to meet you, RubberBand.
My name is RoseBud."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ814ULhtXaD
It was my first day, and as I stood in the familiar yet daunting surroundings, I couldn't help but reflect. Maybe, maybe, I could be the model student Karth thought of. The thought was a fragile hope, but it was enough to keep me going.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyd69slaeaA
Kartheina?
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcDjufLb6Q
For, Karthenia?
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlwtRUnXKH
@#%%#%^#%$!$%
The unstable trip down memory lane starts to fill my head with fragmented thoughts. Each memory flashes before my eyes, blending into a chaotic stream of consciousness.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQarRLOP6y
"You have done great, Rub, just relax your shoulders more during the twirl."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1RmFnRXk1
That was me.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVyZ7Tl07X
@#$%#$^#%$&^%^$!%$
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIcJ3H7AEq
"Good job Rub, you are learning so quickly."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3BQ0CltTp
That was me.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLzMz2tCOa
@#$%$^&$%&$^%@#$%%$#^%$^%$&$%^
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0II0fnnzBa
"I could play the violin to support Rub's singing."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLxpSWnKWh
That was me
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKgsdG2kXl
@$#%^@$^%&#%$%@$#%@#!$#@%#@%#$^#$%&%^&^%#&$%^&
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcfhZBavQC
The memories began to fragment and blur, the familiar voices intertwining with the noise of my thoughts, creating a cacophony of sound and emotion.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxfDVUszgH
!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%Maybe!@#%@!#%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%we!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!%$^($%^(%^$&%Let^&^%$&@#$%me@#!$#@!$@follow!@%@#!%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%you!^(%^%%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHF9GQxUtb
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.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqYLuICHVL
"..This is not what Karthenia hoped for."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQNtqJWbw3
The noise abruptly stopped, leaving a ringing silence in its wake. The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOke7a2pjsY
"That was not me."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVaYYbJP2p
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.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbr1SMRiDap
"That was never me."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMsjeAiIqX
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.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfjSrtdwcJ
"I blinded myself"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0h8R6JSMSe
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.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zKNZcGlEq
"...and now I shall see."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3myqRwAcmv
I opened my eyes.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAY68APXfsu
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.
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCh58JieKP
"Congratulations,
You have passed the ordeal. The knowledge within the book is now yours to explore."
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjYR4puEBA
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.
ns216.73.216.187da2
