&#@&
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY32qofA5p
"Yoyo, how are you?"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHul9A74qX
"Just got slapped a total of 34 times. Reason: walking into Yali."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLARAZjWCS
"My, how could she? I'm gonna go and teach them a lesson!"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC8itJrW58
"No need, would make things worse."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pdN3Z9fgk
"...Alright, as you say so."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3oswy6iHZ
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.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeZwn67ATv
"I require the reasoning of your disobedence after my request to not harm Yali."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5OqM4NjZ6
"I just can't stand it you know? having people bully you like that."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TID8KADwF
"..."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDj5ioeAeQ
"Come on, stand up for yourself Yoyo!"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKWmWX5CXI
"Easy for you to say."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXRuZEh6WV
"Fair enough."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZ7GZoJlIC
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.
=@#
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICfwltaoy3
"I'm back"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4qRMHyO4r
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.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ulUSU4lzf
"This will run out soon."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFbWTfDcB4
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.
#@-!
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNkKwGa4Hf
"Hey Yoyo!"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBuLc60U6w
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.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFvH2sz4Rn
"You've arrived! I thought you would never come!"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJubrSIRRkW
"Who is he?"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKkGNKWx5v
"This is Max Hart, my personal servant."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAPSu9PKuh
"Greetings, Yoyo Lee."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMpumpwcTI
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.
#=?@#$!
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkozkDlB2ZY
"I got accepted into the technology department."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNBjuu9X3A
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.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGiaPouzIT
"I'm so glad for you, Yoyo!"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8ioP86tbI
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.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WYucTsFtW
"Comment appreciated,"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvWHtF3BX3
"You know, you can show more emotion around me. I won't hurt you, you know,"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6mTD0GUpz
"You won't?"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU2reSkBGb
"Why would I?"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0gKjziQan
"...Thanks for the reassurance,"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiHlqG6jOc
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.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAZ7qJ8SIg
"I, however, do not have much to express,"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49812jzjTP
I admitted, the honesty of my words surprising even myself.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7664y9cEn
"Well... I can help! What do you think of this?"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnWnxvyedJ
Karth's voice was cheerful as she grabbed her hair and held them up into two bundles, mimicking pigtails.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAH7O7r3pOk
"...Humorous,"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUosIl5fBH
I responded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of my mouth despite my efforts to remain composed.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDte52ojtL
"That's great!"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DKNK8ziuE
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.
-*=#!
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmM8IyP0kXP
"I do not think that is a good idea."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKohoGgmpRF
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.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0wQz2jHOQ
"I want to see how it is over there in Keibim!"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDNgUGDrMB
"I repeat my statement."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMQ8qPcUqs
"PLeaseeeeee"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlsEBNDse5
"...Fine, I will try my best to help."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VFHisk7gd
I knew that denying her would only heighten her resolve. Sometimes, it was better to guide her safely than to forbid her outright.
=*#$&%
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZ905xd3eL
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.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdXuOETEWe
"Do you have any regret?"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdN05PKC2qp
"No, I have not an ounce of it,"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZRVuLPxOr
"That seems like you to think so,"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXMz69eHTG
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.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCl74KAblG
"If we don't have these thoughts that bound us, maybe you would make for a model student everyone would look up to."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lipaVo6yF
Kartheina looked into my eyes, her kind of pity seemed...genuine.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1YtGYFPWb
"Perhaps so,"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFF0ycHA1Q
My voice softened with my reply. Her naivety brought her here, but, she was still dreaming.
Dreaming for a better future.
#$%#^
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsAxtdFi2n
"I need to go after her! She's lost, I have to!"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbL1dhK2WW
Andre's voice was filled with desperation and determination. His usually composed demeanor was shattered, and his eyes were wild with concern.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUYNq0bfLX
"Andre, calm down,"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvD6sghCH0
I urged, stepping closer to place a reassuring hand on his shoulder. The muscles beneath my hand were tense, coiled like a spring ready to snap.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI80hMZ72Gn
"I cannot keep watching this, she; she shouldn't have to suffer this!"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7qdGVopGt
His voice cracked, and I could see the torment in his eyes. The fall of grace had taken its toll on all of us, but for Andre, it was a wound that refused to heal.
Max and I were trying to comfort Andre, exchanging worried glances over his bowed head. It had been two years since the fall of grace, and we got news from time to time about Karth. Each piece of information was a lifeline, a glimpse into the life she now led. Andre got a front row seat; he watched her in his free time using the bridge at his park. The toll it took on him was evident, each update a fresh cut on a heart already scarred.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0PrhhTEZl
"I'm going after her,"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdYBTS60J7
Max and I both knew we couldn't change his mind. The air was thick with unspoken words, the weight of his decision settling over us like a shroud.
@%$#$%^@#
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihhE6tUTBM
"It is about time I get to my limit,"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kyMsWwIQI
I stared at Max. The burden of the past five years had worn us all down, and I could see the same exhaustion mirrored in Max's eyes.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUpcOQN6vW
"Even Andre is suffering; it is a different situation for him, but however, he is a child,"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPZOT7Im4S
My voice tinged with frustration and empathy. I saw myself in him, and for the first time in a long while, I wanted to help.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXb3jP3ndH
"I'm not allowed to leave until two years later, Yoyo."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23QH1Jd3Co
Max was also charged for his crimes, for taking Karth on her trip. The weight of his guilt and punishment hung heavy in the room,.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0a8scDemE
"I will see you then,"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0QSLhIMzp
#$^%#$%$#%@$#%@%@
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHCncXUlNJ
"It is a pleasure to meet you, RubberBand.
My name is RoseBud."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVY97OkDf6F
It was my first day, and as I stood in the familiar yet daunting surroundings, I couldn't help but reflect. Maybe, maybe, I could be the model student Karth thought of. The thought was a fragile hope, but it was enough to keep me going.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIIcmOTjPY
Kartheina?
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw9vJ4JOVx
For, Karthenia?
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuI1W9SFXsA
@#%%#%^#%$!$%
The unstable trip down memory lane starts to fill my head with fragmented thoughts. Each memory flashes before my eyes, blending into a chaotic stream of consciousness.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYS9oEUw4o
"You have done great, Rub, just relax your shoulders more during the twirl."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9drJSyGnO4
That was me.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsX1c91tiY
@#$%#$^#%$&^%^$!%$
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xb8stSdWm
"Good job Rub, you are learning so quickly."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9l67KOYSEs
That was me.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QV7PSSdaM
@#$%$^&$%&$^%@#$%%$#^%$^%$&$%^
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5qqomFc75
"I could play the violin to support Rub's singing."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQqo5udmsa
That was me
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64TL9uqIF4
@$#%^@$^%&#%$%@$#%@#!$#@%#@%#$^#$%&%^&^%#&$%^&
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxIc2J0rhb
The memories began to fragment and blur, the familiar voices intertwining with the noise of my thoughts, creating a cacophony of sound and emotion.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGNTGWQy12
!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^$&%^&^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%Maybe!@#%@!#%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%we!@#%@!#$!@#@!#@#$^#$@&^%&^$%&$^%$&@#$%@#!$#@!$@!@%@#!%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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!%$^($%^(%^$&%Let^&^%$&@#$%me@#!$#@!$@follow!@%@#!%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%you!^(%^%%&^$%&$%^*%$^($%^(%^
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGNBX1BO0s
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.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24JQwKupvS
"..This is not what Karthenia hoped for."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkn7Rik3P2c
The noise abruptly stopped, leaving a ringing silence in its wake. The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAVy7KSCFm
"That was not me."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5WwjzMPeT
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.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4vYgA0Np5
"That was never me."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSeYu2Hh4E
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.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDlwMLVZas
"I blinded myself"
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWeaTqjjxz
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.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw1Qxbma6G
"...and now I shall see."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBvtoCv4yO
I opened my eyes.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSfxvgM9DL
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.
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIZOcjsQLt
"Congratulations,
You have passed the ordeal. The knowledge within the book is now yours to explore."
246Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIf2rKiILi
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
