"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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡba4YXU80bK
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4759OwIOzj
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxSwaPXC3O
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQ1D56b8pO
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxmkkK9iC7
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcJF5UdCgH
"Can I sleep a little longer?" I asked as I yawned. Stretching my arms is hard and painful, so I didn't even try.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55MFtf7pez
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bKzUT1kVQ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMZCGQ1Pnc
"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..."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlA6XbhYr7C
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndvF47wbMe
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZMEl71ypo
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlVb0WAGIP
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxorlAjtLB
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljKc7BCP9j
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvYmAyMXV8
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtxebEqCuT
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhMgY7S3Wf
"I'm fine," I said.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4dwbwIRiC
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4qEHZeNyO
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXymONwrkO
She held out her hand for me to hold on to as I got out of bed.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvfP73IsoW
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbehKGFvs4x
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zOPQKYVBg
"There's a bathroom here?" I asked as I stared at the door.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16CXUE0YkB
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidf9e5c1iW
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YJbXN4OzQ
"Looks like you were in a hurry to get out instead of looking around you in detail yesterday," Ariana teased.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4jAPRMAXD
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdUmpCSP4k
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrg5fXtKKL
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?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVw2hmokuV
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3gWdOEZJd
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGVL3NMBGg
"Don't worry," Ariana said as she closed the door behind me. "I'll be nice and gentle."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoH0rkA220W
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpGr0cQ9ZQ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiepstuJO4
"I doubt that," I muttered to myself as I approach the huge bucket. I sure hope so.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1opS5Kr8K
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvX40fVn1o
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMxYav7W52
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcFM92GWHS
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJ2301wLab
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJWu6nzEp2
"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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtPl6FbOHc
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04EthaAiRz
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoh1BwWzBgj
"It's really nice," I commented.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5KG5q09TU
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmVSc596iB
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqB3d0IOWa
"I know, right," Ariana couldn't help but giggle. "It really brings out your lovely skin colour."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnU8ItThWNE
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTJonDb3Fz
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1g1VXUPx1
A knock came at the door and Ariana quickly went to open it. The young nurse from last night came in with a tray.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkXPoq9evb
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BIezvlihE
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLbDXhh3mn
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSppSn6FlR
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPLkP1KS8N
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkv6NCenBZ
"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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlixmhZa7B1
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdx6scAOHsn
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9tIyn96wS
"Breakfast is served," the young nurse announced. "We'll bring your medicine for you to take before you leave."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCjpKEK6Kt
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQEIi89w6R
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQd3vRZ8ET
She quickly left the room, closing the door behind her.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuI3Spgo6FY
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8idKUWy3gf
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhyJMq0vDD
"You better eat up," said Ariana.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiCTnsXTmc
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gSlK9pCHd
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4pAF3oRiV
"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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRUl39tfGe
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOfR1rDyvx
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTLJPYuAQ2
"You have to," said Ariana as she came up behind me. "It will heal your inner muscles."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFSYJgHqvt
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2xdlKoTBr
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqRHkWLgLt
"I know it's good for me, but it's just so yucky!" I turned to look at her, sticking my tongue out.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYfFdfKCHm
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqQCf8zV05
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz78ii0vFfA
Ariana couldn't help but laugh. "You really are something. Now eat up. The others will be here any moment now."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyUw6lUyhy
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh90HP2NQF9
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsWxFqxvOJ
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?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38eHLJRiQX
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaebTFrzgM
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAJmzisSOp
"Aren't you coming with?" Ariana called out to me.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AC1WN0TC9
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFzmoF4aLn
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSM0JmPI74X
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRE7BTfrrZS
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqB6XHorix
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTMqZuXSpF
"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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVOLblFU99
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuVJRKAHik
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTHEoHZr5g
"What is it?" I asked.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEpmrOrpcy
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTsLDNrOHT
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgElPfB5kKV
"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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Bi71I1luy
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXPVHgRs6o
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSw25ChTYO
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIe5eSDwvY
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcf3wOyscJr
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFX0MPUsZnk
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?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUpoMKkm7y
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIB54F1JIy
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zw7PdDPKh
"We better get going," she said. "We don’t want to be late."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhY3bme3Yg
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyegdoispB
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvqbq44Qns
Just as I am about to make my way down, the nurse who visited my room earlier came from behind in a hurry.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwHMHTs1Hp
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuI2epN3m1
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrB9PZCa4L
"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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0eI9PGcoo
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaodg4Aiik
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIATryleLk
"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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Cf7E9Ab5m
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmn3hTWIa8j
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGOS5VGQAm
The nurse chuckled. "Sorry about that. Just a few more of these and you’ll be better in no time."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWr1bl0Onh
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqq1xq7MkJs
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkYKJlWzN2
"I beg to differ." I furrowed my eyebrows.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBBCvC7Etf
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErssRFUCLF
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2AE6nI4GK
"Time is of the essence," Ariana called out to me.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMG60s5wpJO
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLB6mROTMuJ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPECivKcr2J
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBVXHiFuB2
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPlT73yEVd
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLld13Qqu3q
Just as I am about to get in the carriage, I stop in my tracks to look at Ariana.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6n1sXPJv3
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPjfAcZ66T
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZKVtZfHxc
"Weren’t Ryan and Stella supposed to be here to escort me?" I asked her.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurTEyixvCz
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YSxR8CDqi
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vMawIlQPI
"They’ll meet us along the way," she answered.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBaSUQnSJ0
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgh7XzmOv3a
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9SZsrpkGc
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQnN7hrvcm
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03fGP8XtvP
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsoXqtR1iB
"Aren’t we going in?" Ariana asked. "You don’t want to be late."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSb3PXL28D
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡft3PKxu1pD
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlR5StTVFY
"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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LS3jddhtY
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDE8falRDuE
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvc4SLcy1sT
"Are you okay?" Ariana asked as she held my shoulder.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfavLnHA0aR
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZF3a7KBZY
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qLqPZm49v
"My knee hurts," I said. "That’s all."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBV0vzJtWZQ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7oBZohx6k
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaY0oVae823
"We can check you out later. Right now, we've to go."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpX3cONIV9j
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSxP44E1Qf
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPKHy41r7c
I looked at Ariana with an eyebrow raised and she looked back at me. She shrugged her shoulders.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLQrb2Y0tG
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ffm4V5DXn
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7t5yVBMpax
"What is it?" she asked. "Why are you looking at me all weird?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMc1DTJ4jZD
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwkyhn58hY
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzcnmAHaea
"I wonder who's weird," I answered. "You or me?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcLfex1MRf
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASeQAxwTtD
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEUkc3mwoE
She shook her head as she chuckled. "What do you mean?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFMOJo93fK
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdcu7A9AaR
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjjwD6uJB8
I held her shoulder and brought her closer so that I could whisper in her ear.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6pFMWHcWe
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6One9gTErK
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCefcr1jRY
"You aren't Ariana, are you?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxtT8gT6fJ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTRnwjOOvZ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitzAES4dkY
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjoxMEhEuw
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyAtCWs0dO
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyqBj8uOPV
"Well, I didn’t see this coming," said Ariana. "Get in the carriage!"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjMEMFiHew
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ya2kflLog
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCL1Ao8oJ0
"Let go of me, you..., whoever you are!" I exclaimed as I tried to pull away.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNupdcfgLNp
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAJsHmmnWD
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZC56qWMNc
"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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoeOKXmzHA
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOXqZQUUAR
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNDajLrlRm
"No, I’m not going anywhere until you tell me who you are!" I also insisted, trying my best to stand my ground.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uL6rlGLlE
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYUkALyM5A
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEyaUWZYz5
"You little brat! Don’t let me drag you in there by force!"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DsOp4vSPv
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhN6UGGWTY
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ047KmUfSzo
"Who are you? And what did you do to Ariana?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vu8uvd8Q6
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkRZawsoHE
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaU9XxpivK
"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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTJQjKpBDq
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3Ew5EA4TY
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡno7pPneZCr
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktndfwjkwL
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LbKi058j5
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AeaO7Ebem
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrC9eF1edFD
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuJvtMAljw
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9XffaBs1N
"For a brat, you really have a hard head!" she commented.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5y9pU99Qgx
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsUsw6LVDJ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8dhlqkqFF
I got up and started to make a run for it, passing the white carriage.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkE9v3tLopq
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdjhdeivdX
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUazeBTjwDf
"Hey, stop!" she called out to me.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnHuh6sqzL
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6G6qG3y37v
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzftva4GZUJ
No way am I stopping for anyone. Who is this person disguised as Ariana? I need to get away and look for help.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MkW8gA4kN
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFUeIjHoOk
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSLF2EbFaV
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRy3gL9ooB
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvC95EG362
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhgVPN1DzG
"Hey, I said stop!" came the imposter behind me.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOUHCOwQc3
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwVOIFdAxS
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsH3L6PUyW8
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHALUFSksIm
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHE38ZsZPHE
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTvj5rWERu
"You really should listen when I tell you to stop!" the imposter called out. She’s approaching. I've to get away quickly.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfkaRCCieh
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBm4FCZ4AHN
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnefTQveNkR
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?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSgkOmhCZR
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTHvt4hkpK
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjpTdqfi3H
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkUM8Va8KT
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCg3b61iahr
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsDJt9XTZj
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HgSJTlXqm
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIpMX4yfKs
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lmoozxeWv
"Ah, you’ve a fighting spirit, don’t you?" she asked. "Like expected, you’re quite a surprise."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3cjJABk3d
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsVnkdqtbQ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVIAq4pSW7
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSIrxIg3H0
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7x35vU7nzw
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3USRDNIv2
"In your injured state, you can’t get away from me that easily," said the imposter.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n9sZaDOcz
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeo6O5Op1jG
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡty1mbrdN2V
"Who are you?" I asked. I tried moving, but I felt stuck, like a huge invisible hand had held me.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKZhZdOaBt
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7WIrNLZzj
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJUaG6KJrP
"Not tired of asking the same question, huh?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JGbWzMh46
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2SRxz2IHl
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcvyVPPnFp
"I can ask a bunch of questions if you would like."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbuHCFxEkr
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1ZRBCVuIu
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyY7p70G6Os
"Ask me something else, then."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5tYSyXIP5
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfVWHCmwIn
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEr8CSOTon
"Who are you?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ur23yxSPI
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhl6CfEuswz
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaunyp7yqmd
The imposter playfully scoffed. "You’re stubborn, aren’t you?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyyWkeTkXk
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmQZpU9kLw
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhBJnncCUJ
"If you aren’t going to tell me who you are, then yes."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiqVVXYpRa
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqSSdTlFPI
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYkkMzil04
The imposter raised her hands in surrender. "Okay, I’ll tell you. But prepare to be amazed."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3lZhTOZgt
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoKjKpeaqJ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7wVDlchFp
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEiC1SLlIV
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvYR7Ya1tI
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeI2kUJuKuh
"My names are Lord Simon Vandell. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Diana."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeNWBzVwHT
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAWX7bUHVj
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduOQn7wBp9
"How do you know my name?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVspSdmJBK
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Rfdk9erO3
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXP3KZlsfc
Lord Vandell approached and the smirk on his face scared me a little. He looks like he has no good intentions.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf36cQhYH9D
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbkQlSDUBV
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUDhfNx73T
"It’s always good to know someone’s name, especially if they’re interesting. And you, Diana, are beyond interesting."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2genMQvLa
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zeRg1xgfN
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwuo3gqRD4
Now he’s freaking me out. "What did you do to Ariana? Where is she?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44GqdrPQc1
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclY4YjS0Li
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnJUrFhOzj
"She’s fine. No harm done." This time he smiled with his hands behind his back.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWOXPpgMep
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6JvyGbgLf
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75HSqsjxgW
"And those guards at the gate? Did you kill them?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7SOJQsodF
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07EFqswdPz
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUllKQKz4l
Lord Vandell chuckled. "To kill them will be silly, my dear. They’re my own people after all."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvv5eaZAcw
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNZOKoh23b
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6H3PoirQf7
I raised an eyebrow. "Then why did you leave them unconscious?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIh92LBTKV
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwrApAbtg1
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eKEkJ9IoH
"To get to you. I was just simply breaching security, you see."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68b50fSJXH
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5APB15523
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GVUF5wraz
My eyes went wide with realisation. "You’re not supposed to be."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7vycAQwW1
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBsSWQ4LfJ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsk1B83Hq8
"Especially on this side of the castle, yes."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcwY2ijc4Q
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLg9zONKwBp
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvqjDGm1FQ
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHUmQTwFmn
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdbdfloBEN
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZJa7UZ30T
"Aren’t the others going to be upset that you took down security and Ariana just to get to me?" I asked.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBc1rBukMK4
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9DSjzEQhb
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghipXp7PJ1
"That’s why I wanted you out of here easily," he said with a smirk. "But you saw past my disguise. Not everybody does."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOo4yp0Izp
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJaDCFqGMx
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Hi92Mj7kG
"What are you going to do to me?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapgS2S7px4
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYjUqugD6P
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfxWBiLCJp
Lord Vandell sighed. "Nothing, really. I just want to get to know you better."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYvsKjGNCM
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8H8OdibqhR
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEdqsrYOej
"Well, I don’t like your approach. You can’t just kidnap me and think you’re going to get away with it."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraF4AqpK2G
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiohPGO72i
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2GiEFww1P
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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZA4XXYohzD
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCcwRaAxSa
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3XsOCvzIn
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakDZppgJzM
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8EDTgs2ev
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctU4ycFQSk
"You can’t take me with you," I said to him as he came closer.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAnW84mX5b
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83C4GGYlbR
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvW7SSzdB6x
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqrwLjF2fk
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTeKR0dQSg
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUobnSQgDsk
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:389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzOhBONkq1
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ50KvYtSPv
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3EYJwVQXD
The birds.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevWwlPa3T8
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOhLmYHY3t
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzhTLG6s1L
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFrAPCaaZM
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq25FeYDk6O
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8P4kY1Ox3
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUdPLSHTik
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1azKP4cVc
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMz1OQeoJPC
"You should stop doing that," said Lord Vandell. "You aren't going to get away."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcplTHMrl73
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZpB36NJUS
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9zHC7h3LB
"I beg to differ."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSYd2uYYHU
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpPLG8rgoj
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGlZHuvdJv
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTf1WRTUiu
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrLHyevosw
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPofEs7ZXZO
"What is this?" Lord Vandell asked, surprised to see such a sight.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGD1OCp6sK
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHEETUj6tZ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5V4V3LR2E
He turned to look at me and he didn't look the least bit happy. I looked back at him.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmII814msF
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMBYIlVqmw
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLghj6DzE51
"You did this, didn't you?" he asked.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8OxVns1lD
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPkSnrcnvl
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWa5HQeZOl
"And if I didn't?" I asked. "I'm just as surprised as you are."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTDyQUcIdj
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5ZU8E6lAH
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rKIeZKoI0
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxeMUiySl5
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDzBzetfdj
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNlHNzejQT
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGOP60SMEf
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HDqU3XJeh
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzX4wpE5DN
I stood up, grateful that the birds were of help. They could hold him at bay for a while until the others arrive.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4h1srTjY0f
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfAY8vVP4x
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCT9gE8vlNO
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaI24fOSN62
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlaoSYYhQN
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdnpeJBqUF
"I should be thanking you," I said. "I thought you weren't going to hear me."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9BCUZlcuY
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgjJnEy0Mv
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInNQwMZFzX
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxo0HNeTr6
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuE9xIxgPU
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0ea4V9sF1
"Diana!" came a voice behind me. I turned and saw Ariana with the nurse who had visited my room this morning.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnkiRSxUKw
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91jaWmHuhS
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0aZei4Mt5
"Ariana, are you okay?" I asked when she came close. This time I’m sure she’s the real Ariana.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3B3Y2mnM6
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpddOQUH2hd
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJiI00CSWp
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2p08Rusfb
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Xhvn1iHiv
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDOCrmK8OX
I winced. "She can do that?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ933gP5yrZn
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiinMpgkTNd
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUcQRqhQNx
"When she gets mad, yes. I’m just glad you’re okay."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQqVsTJyhB
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVIuqKgCGj
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpGawmVCCW
"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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF91zYurl5N
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvijmesGvH
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3pkZFql5B
"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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE7lQr0WIA
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTeTW16MQa
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLpM5KgydD
"Her Highness won’t be happy about this," said Ariana. "The others will also kill me that this happened."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVN7xIv7BV
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6RBQ0qGUx
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlNhtg96U1
"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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzckJT9uNCg
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RyiBfU81Y
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCDGT48ry3
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAmgDXWoUU
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKbchwahkp
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfv3UerV1K
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79iZQj2sIp
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPKblMMD0Z
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1EMKHKEG2
"I don’t want to fight you, Lord Vandell," said Ariana. "Let’s talk."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiQURVVTWz
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDZ8Zf5I6i
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbxbXUrNpK
"Careful, Ariana," I said. "He might not listen and try to attack."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqblMZgBBYB
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2i8eWqDZ6
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwCCdha0Zy
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTui9DHB6gr
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrB3QPsSAA
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtzKFeqsmk
"And how sure are you that you won't call the birds to attack me again?" he asked, looking at me.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZKiJrnDKb
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tjIRu5xj2
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwciEfPFm4
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rnN7Nth0g
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxj3yqE0mn9
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42HY6TxvJS
"I didn't tell the birds to attack you," I lied. "They obviously sensed that something's wrong and came to my rescue."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NtFHhxsd9
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVH7XB0rID
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsctN6Z4t6b
Lord Vandell smiled at me. "You really are full of surprises. It's why I needed to test you."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMay00tiE7x
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Hvjhl3CjO
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe918KHgGHz
I gave him a look of disapproval. Just how many tests am I supposed to go through in this place?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5zJ1cA7b8
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHVYRU4uNJ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2CYTC6oZj
"You weren't allowed here in the first place, Lord Vandell," said Ariana.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPIck8ZSzf
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUzKDSkHFT
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuE9A5ItxX
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdxGm8g5o4
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SsMOSu8PF
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntvidIIxnJ
"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?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkPNsq8YXW
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrmzPNLpxV
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fKC5FdREn
His eyes were now on me. And what did he mean by "we?" Who else isn't supposed to know about my whereabouts?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMMuclrzdT
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTlb4eIXIr
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXntXYuXyAo
"That's for Her Highness to answer," came Ryan's voice behind me.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLtO2atQ9Q
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lu303My3m
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAHnbLP8nO
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEvypddlfP
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1UpQAMhsK
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyk0Ji0M9Js
"Ryan, Stella," Lord Vandell didn't sound happy.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7obyieBqe
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilyAqQvEpl
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh429rrOtZx
"Causing trouble as usual, aren't you?" said Stella. "What were you planning to do to Diana?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmndGCD9Sa
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsV1xyGeMgp
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfV6rAj6fBi
"I bet he was going to experiment on me or something," I said.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6LaMkfmBE
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9UG0EwY0p
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMBKxYrpc6
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaalGhYyans
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMmshMZYJE
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGP4IMlS6YC
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?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiR2J7rq6h
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucpOUT5iwJ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76fsZQHtEa
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdasuUF2IsH
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx11vKStTEi
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5ISDS722U
"People talk," said Ariana. "But they don't know who she is and what she can do."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZJMPIpuex
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmsMJIw4pc
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaG1dkXxT3
"I don't need people's opinions when I already know what happened in the maze," said Lord Vandell.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0ngVaWB0I
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYs1D9PeG7W
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Qe2JQZvVW
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?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kqc0d5DOp
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDGlaGJ02f
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhr7oi9WTG
"Sneaky as always," said Ryan. "Nothing ever goes past you, huh?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVc9FZ7w2I
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtk4mgsYyQx
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwA1nv75LG
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?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJb9PClKXaf
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQNUsCZlbG
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNTtLUETKs
What is he saying? Is there something about me that even I am not aware of?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYvDymdVQ7
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwQ3qwYmf8
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniNETAMtu4
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHnBgKjxNo
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBa3bYxrQn2
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp73sbvYWk
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5a55U9PH77
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsBUVSvHXP
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfCnQRGrLf
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCCjUf1Zmw
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFmlumWtHu
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0uTYQ6mxo
"But she can stay with you? Aren’t you the ones keeping her hostage?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGJaq75OVS
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNCPihXocp
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeJKLqFTTQ
"She’s injured, you idiot," said Ryan.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0SRyWcLgP
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyUmzT9pNx
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfYLq8iYJw
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZO2qEQJo7
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FMsBkYB3x
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9rYOiuWXw
"And we’re making up for it by taking care of her," said Ariana.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGqpilXDQK
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6HU8sKIBb
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1f0Ce9yal
"Are you really?" Lord Vandell asked.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjey2bWcca4
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS01uCjvan0
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF95jLLfWAa
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-?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacIJEyuHhx
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SVGMIO5sr
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEb8Y1V3e3
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?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWnj8k5lax
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTidXRi9k83
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5n0MEXETX
"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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVV5JIEfwXE
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJC1TvDCBqI
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNeoVghSiD
"Unhand me, you fool!" Lord Vandell demanded. "You can’t do this to me. Do you know who I am?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21WRVjPvGc
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIzpZIxmmB
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJYPLdh4ZX
"Ariana, Stella, take Diana away," said Ryan as he looked at his colleagues. "I think she has seen enough for one day."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZpOVGl7Y4
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9rIkYDaLW
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNmyGfXLx8
"Come on, Diana," said Stella.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9bzssfMoR
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88cJ5kxgiN
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZgsu2XFol
"You aren’t going anywhere with her!" Lord Vandell yelled. I quickly looked away.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOVXZBlYgM
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoR3oXryui
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOb87vMVrp
"Oh, shut your mouth!" Ariana said to him. "For a Lord you sure are a handful."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeun2zpevL
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirlzWwaMsc
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgxJyWwJkU
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?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDewV774ypl
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdCveDIN8C
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEA0sch5I4x
I turned to look at Stella and she looked pretty upset. Maybe it’s best I don’t say anything for the time being.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0WVKtfA9C
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdZgFObKIR
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTTQr0Y70m
"Looks like we might have to cancel your lessons, Diana," she said, without looking at me.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TNwwYZ6gN
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfpxGOmxPe
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsiT5o0v8b
"Why?" I asked. It’s like she read my mind. Well…, part of it.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVm5ZydWJo
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XKpMucipa
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29r7tsVEkX
"Because this happened it’s only a matter of time before people start showing up here to demand answers."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFkt1n1DUA
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qDaP6za8K
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEA3yeI7K4n
"What do you mean? Are you referring to everyone on the island or people just like Lord Vandell?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJ4gYzlCNn
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCr3sAjhb1
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uFOerHRIc
Stella managed to chuckle. "I think you already know the answer to that."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOS6p9di9U
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2FIwaXCeQ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqS7yRhmMS
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDe2ubGVlg
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJlQwZOIWB
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2RXLxUMNw
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKfvB6xHkc
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UFjlERoNB
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡod52r7PXcr
"Her Highness will not be happy about this," said Ariana. She sounded worried.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyCoyKylWt
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnELSwDmkF0
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeOo8q25oO
"Definitely not," Stella agreed. "If things turn out like this, we might be forced to bring Diana out to the public."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOppAR51es
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHd88Bk57H
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQLA8YJxUh
"May I ask why you’ve kept me hidden if you didn’t want this to happen?" I ended up asking.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXq3EaqBJca
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpLtQXjuNW
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡen06BkxAYX
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?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcQeqmXgrI
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLwLJbmtJA
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhp4HbNc5ke
I turned to look at Ariana, and she had the same expression as Stella’s. For how long are they going to be quiet?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMu9QYiJ9fv
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzNYgqRmAV
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCz93RGRj5
"You’re special, Diana," Stella finally answered.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8e2nOEzgqS
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35btU21EzQ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSrMPOodXr
"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?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9R9kma6w2K
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTYRyFLcPl
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKzCa7VuoG
"You’re right. This place is filled with people with special abilities, but none aren’t as special as yours."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhld131r4HX
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dXK33baLP
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavZKKSTQbu
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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1awBK5FP7T
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUArlaKAkIh
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTswOQ9v94
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuz8eKYiFLd
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRppheLCCZ2
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWJ7vRpznr
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOX7jh9Hijn
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlh7skgRgbC
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhhUt5cs6U
"But have you ever heard of anyone meeting Death and not only do they get out of his grasp alive, but develop abilities?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcu9tTTFu7X
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP360pjsuTe
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m7JK4FeKJ
"Maybe not, but that doesn’t make me special. It just makes me lucky."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pfwdQKfr3
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoAGJZGK9z
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgXjSrqgYg
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubeEUmVY0g
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1xh32J2OQ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjc6hcOincs
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgVXZzgtDL
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkTflqZnHv
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhjclGuvnP
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZMA7P7nW8
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjJEu0PgH2
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUhUOmEis5
"Make sure Diana is attended to," Stella said to the nurse behind her. "Ariana and I have to sort something out around the castle."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASlL46jSkN
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIfjPaqewx
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhCgWKiUkK
"You’re leaving me alone?" I asked. "What if another person like Lord Vandall comes to get me again?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Lv0Z1HaCP
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizn5FIIlHb
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1AZ6D1haO
"We’ll be extra cautious from now on," Ariana answered. "So if you don’t mind, please go back inside."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlo84Zp77R
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fyNdSM7qY
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaApQnSXjB
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZLHnSOsue
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWhYiOX012
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3GH11WB9z
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2wNVfehxX
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXU2iDgzmCL
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMIbdxKXDU
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNGT85eHUa
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiMX610jkp
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53rAcJUS9g
I gave them a nod. I guess I won’t be starting my training today until all this is sorted.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIH4IQn4m4z
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDP7zPvFxd
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHx63lomxNW
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcytdYSJfW
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIW2o3DuaFN
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qYBZ0HNkC
"I had a backup plan if things weren’t going to go as planned," he said. "You’ll still start your lessons today."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWT8RLijU0Z
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrkuMCC27Y
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTljc02zsva
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrUa8UAeYm
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthpwnRdpI2
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyANlnGWy4Q
I managed to smile at Bob as I approached him. "You couldn’t have come at a better time."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSMTZvVSPO
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYZpRqNNlL
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63h0p9YTNl
"Before we start, you better get patched up."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWyek2pJlp
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4NSjG2bhD
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UcvS5782Q
"That’s what I want to do," I stopped in front of him.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnV8yBBk9xw
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPp0FIQiKs
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRS5vodCtUW
"I would also like to know about the birds." Bob looked on at me.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjyCOm0aUH
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycCPU6CGuZ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigp3L275cI
"Birds, what birds?" I quickly asked. I’m careful enough not to stammer. I’ve to choose my words carefully. "What about them?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYydkYdnar
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx58qLe9xnP
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vVIbwhYcn
"Did you summon them?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjUfWG0hA6
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CYciZenYp
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAswksJsLKU
I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by that?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZyjFjuhTX
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ndWrCEaAY
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBVIsRz1pN
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClKD28Eavj
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTY5cn9HH2J
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH0OeO9PzS
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLIkaXN60M
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ht3UWvMNx
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosU1iw8uTQ
"And what if I did?" I folded my arms which ached like hell, but I tried not to show it.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbFlyhdWQ6
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnUIkgflQx
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ6LWzZAI6
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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeXb1a42rm
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ePKkkrPzb
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9D9qW7tbI
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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Zry7G1yCE
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsP74L7y72
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjgKHgWBK3
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSir1Mpkg30
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIQOgyAVl2
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGZFm48mNh
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?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFn7EqOuzP
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXkLB6XMsm
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhb9FO11bP
"Come on, Diana," said the nurse as she came to stand beside me to place her hand on my shoulder.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkwSMtRa00
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFIhwUbsAO
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCY2H4V344
"Of course," I said as Bob went up the flight of stairs. The nurse and I followed behind him at a slow pace.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IK6HeV916
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzon9ry6VKb
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBjuOrtXQa
It’s then that I realised that the excitement of starting my training today, had suddenly dissipated.
Penana
search
Loginarrow_drop_down
Registerarrow_drop_down
