Chapter 26 - Nightmare of Betrayal


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    -Evening in the Audience Chamber; Imperial Sun Palace in Elmir-


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    Ah, but I can almost hear you wondering what happened after I vanished with Cillian and the others. Why, pray tell, am I still here, trapped in this gilded cage? The answer is simple: It''s IMPOSSIBLE!


    The moment I materialized in this Moonlit Edifice, Cillian’s blade was still pressed against my neck. He retreated his sword, and with a dismissive shove, sent me sprawling onto the floor. I landed with a thud, the impact reverberating through my bones. As if I were a mere toy, he ordered two maids—who looked eerily like porcelain dolls—to tend to me while he gallivanted off. And here I am, left to ponder the depths of his motives. It’s almost endearing, really, how he pretends we’re strangers.


    I have three delightful theories to back up his behavior:


    Theory 1:


    Theory 2:


    Theory 3:


    Who knows? Maybe I’m completely off the mark.


    Now, let’s discuss my attempts to escape. I’ve tried at least sixty times an hour, but alas, the gates of this Edifice are spellbound. No one enters or exits. There’s a protection spell around the place, which is why even the birds have the good sense to steer clear. From my balcony, I can see the towering gates and the dense forest beyond, but not a soul has dared to approach all day. Even Veles, who could slip through the tiniest of cracks, has been thwarted. And those doll-like maids? They haven’t uttered a single word since I arrived. Their only contributions have been a bath, a table laden with food ranging from the mundane to the extravagant, and a book they’ve insisted I read. They shadow me like specters everywhere, but my “everywhere” consists of a mere two steps back and forth within this room. SIGH.


    But honestly? I miss Myla, Drake, and Veles. I truly do. They’re the only ones I could ever trust, even if they’re a handful. I love them like family, and the thought of them brings a genuine smile to my face.


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    Should I really trust him? I pondered. "What''s His Majesty the King of Domino doing right now?"


    What? I attracted the beast? Really? I pondered. "Don''t worry about me and leave."


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    He wasn’t leading me to freedom; he was leading me to my doom.


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    To be Continued...