x

"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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80iT9scMyF
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuLeNsXshN
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZKLdi8ZQB
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSUhIKKsej
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJTjzZdd3Y
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyNgDDgzIX
"Can I sleep a little longer?" I asked as I yawned. Stretching my arms is hard and painful, so I didn't even try.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4O5BktFFwE
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kCZaaGzXm
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwaN8C2NLe
"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..."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlhHdn4yE4
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69wKSDOKHS
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMO546NcULK
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucLJO999q6
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0OfFwT1fJ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1DYhqXRSN
"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."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc98p0LWMCi
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHqtmRpjG9
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLF6zrSxPmG
"I'm fine," I said.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOciPkvLy1
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuE4SmEddB
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HGKo60AAa
She held out her hand for me to hold on to as I got out of bed.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErzOa2Jsdi
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcX5F9QjM2q
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3cemQOIy0
"There's a bathroom here?" I asked as I stared at the door.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18yAiL9FTN
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9Ky5hH1EI
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjBK16DhzF
"Looks like you were in a hurry to get out instead of looking around you in detail yesterday," Ariana teased.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfBmuq4kLc
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZp8BSA6aWO
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuW8mwSC0l
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?322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHLNQSMKvr
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1xtnqKAha
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQEj0RE1yP
"Don't worry," Ariana said as she closed the door behind me. "I'll be nice and gentle."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDFNXuPOvJ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAg9MuNV0gk
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkexfXNZUFR
"I doubt that," I muttered to myself as I approach the huge bucket. I sure hope so.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnpcjTVk1S
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FyTj9lC7N
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdgtfWsxVt
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqa86B2qkK
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbKJN8RElp
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasu8dvUyDX
"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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWumfe2yWz
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyyQki5V7y
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8YWWmz4fT
"It's really nice," I commented.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOns3kCgFJ3
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsVO4lEU8d
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFU7EptWHPF
"I know, right," Ariana couldn't help but giggle. "It really brings out your lovely skin colour."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldbnOa5AmX
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kMkXTQ191
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfJQg9hS0a
A knock came at the door and Ariana quickly went to open it. The young nurse from last night came in with a tray.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwzREKhy23
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjibb3bAFDN
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg6ZqWSG66
"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."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Kn4awZYvb
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51cWlpA4uf
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JRpaV9S7E
"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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5crroghuQ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUjAliPn1f
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlg5LZYHzv
"Breakfast is served," the young nurse announced. "We'll bring your medicine for you to take before you leave."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzWxLKFXYW
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3b2efk9YF
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XAU5iWro3
She quickly left the room, closing the door behind her.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0r0TlGiMo
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWEi0de3S2
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ORQ5HjpEq
"You better eat up," said Ariana.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnFyXBBT4P
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf0U8YSzQI
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1IC8vQ9Ko
"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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Flnl2onYl
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8uCZWSAiD
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8rtWJmmEc
"You have to," said Ariana as she came up behind me. "It will heal your inner muscles."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0uxYLbAUx
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Knb02EDr0
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn7rWoSe3C
"I know it's good for me, but it's just so yucky!" I turned to look at her, sticking my tongue out.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNFAOhe5ls
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSB6E6Mtsio
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRdOLchFkj
Ariana couldn't help but laugh. "You really are something. Now eat up. The others will be here any moment now."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbppkvWZEKv
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBRSvis6aG
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRPO30FAmE
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?322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRvD94UNPE
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡss4hHk7P2x
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVyDyJvk8D
"Aren't you coming with?" Ariana called out to me.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukGiplxZaB
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6OU6sh6eS
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwiRUlXuUE
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzxmeYCEQG
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEvC2uXvQ4
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmLMTUEE75
"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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxfDgBsR0W
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uHdDCJz16
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHFHqbKNHO
"What is it?" I asked.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMdOEwupYp
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqGq6IJwRb
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJSeRQekK6
"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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3rmPvwlvM
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbF6jHoTXdJ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBn6o0Uck7p
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05ubPbkSQy
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1ksqmDbpa
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFNzO0CAhS
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?322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYIQIzMTf8
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNb8EV0oTC
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoR3MVIgOi
"We better get going," she said. "We don’t want to be late."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITL7t3a4ot
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWIeBIpHcT
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6Uv23Eezv
Just as I am about to make my way down, the nurse who visited my room earlier came from behind in a hurry.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcpayvl9Lp
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqw5ll7P3X
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tZUG7SpST
"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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA16O7SqGH
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAynGFoLHEE
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKRqNj96zV
"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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxq6EnLj1nH
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYKBzW3qOe
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOEzNPOATH
The nurse chuckled. "Sorry about that. Just a few more of these and you’ll be better in no time."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlEMm028H3
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfgPnJgN7S
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9wmrVwXCO
"I beg to differ." I furrowed my eyebrows.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhn8qx8aV8P
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4phopntvY
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgVhYri7I8
"Time is of the essence," Ariana called out to me.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ680zFjNktK
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLE3K2SW0pM
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsRD86iT2a
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJ6Z5n2hQh
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjWWGTFjWy
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uGK22L1iz
Just as I am about to get in the carriage, I stop in my tracks to look at Ariana.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcVfHPPfXr
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QriFPkzEq
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pIt1aAvlD
"Weren’t Ryan and Stella supposed to be here to escort me?" I asked her.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBy0tCnkNP
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ895hP7L2ae
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1jp064D9K
"They’ll meet us along the way," she answered.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWd5ucz3XN
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRgmXKDMq8
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkMbscg1wu
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuY7RKHrd6
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMV4RGVtkG
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTI6cIchrz
"Aren’t we going in?" Ariana asked. "You don’t want to be late."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh54xuL5v0e
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSfljgI0lw
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUupB73soQD
"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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvDt4XJ2t2
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC54VQG3pCb
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVVryOCrku
"Are you okay?" Ariana asked as she held my shoulder.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVs2EoouTd
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWbk8aBIOk
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxoAACNKQW
"My knee hurts," I said. "That’s all."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZN48jUptWs
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vqnYXYZsD
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4GykcSTO8
"We can check you out later. Right now, we've to go."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElPrRab3Ai
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacr4M3j01i
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlcTC2yrNe
I looked at Ariana with an eyebrow raised and she looked back at me. She shrugged her shoulders.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0hdy8bTGW
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCoGCart2h
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyF1NAzXQgH
"What is it?" she asked. "Why are you looking at me all weird?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2zyzTsLMn
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Rq3UzeYTb
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEDP4Ci1pP
"I wonder who's weird," I answered. "You or me?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpC4Jt6DuWq
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2T66NQ4OP
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hJonsaOKL
She shook her head as she chuckled. "What do you mean?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J4SrNlwv5
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZJ6wXEU5Y
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQGFFML6yy
I held her shoulder and brought her closer so that I could whisper in her ear.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWG8Oj5L2Fa
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosliIpu4rc
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAD05Dl1o9
"You aren't Ariana, are you?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPod3JACXP
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7B60Jtino
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQKGu2W86t
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANtqaQZOg3
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyHGgVTGNm
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqJGa6ZOey
"Well, I didn’t see this coming," said Ariana. "Get in the carriage!"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4xNh0vweD
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEgSummvey
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYdKlH5OlT
"Let go of me, you..., whoever you are!" I exclaimed as I tried to pull away.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEn1trRB57N
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydfEeelYrz
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWfmXuQX9J
"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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI06rR1xqWw
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZIQsUTpUS
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEEQboW0KM
"No, I’m not going anywhere until you tell me who you are!" I also insisted, trying my best to stand my ground.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPC3lE402N5
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5Slwj9N1R
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJ4kBBazPP
"You little brat! Don’t let me drag you in there by force!"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNW6ASuZS3u
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiPfV7n9f6
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLiVCYIRal
"Who are you? And what did you do to Ariana?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUmJqVscut
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmIkosyQbs
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjIiCZOXcr
"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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23W7Nh1gzv
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2BF80PaoP
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpJdibupMJ
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dcJuI1uFj
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnk9POEdjTS
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVrzyQYlr8
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC8dpBI1EG
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXckPnSCNZQ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqVmp6bgnZ
"For a brat, you really have a hard head!" she commented.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Od0la875A
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrG7wmhK3pG
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpM2g9y2pTg
I got up and started to make a run for it, passing the white carriage.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5psl8EOay
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oY19QAtjg
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFNpm2swXu
"Hey, stop!" she called out to me.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcan5bUaTzL
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uGF1RK6D0
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvzLpIFcsA
No way am I stopping for anyone. Who is this person disguised as Ariana? I need to get away and look for help.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnu2llNO5K
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdpZ57V2d4
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyoVADqwtL
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGWsdcPS7z
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UxkNFMdTA
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6txgi2scf
"Hey, I said stop!" came the imposter behind me.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cSpxazizy
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKD2yPCoWq
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xb9DEJ4Kt
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTz0xtorja
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3Y1SoyJJp
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UgbaxHHvd
"You really should listen when I tell you to stop!" the imposter called out. She’s approaching. I've to get away quickly.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡew9PRTy4IJ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlobjJJDV3U
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTI7StVGv1l
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?322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtnTTzauaN
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjih9TbPIIv
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUC2cIkMsn
"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."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bmTSjWcAt
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6JeNl6fNs
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunOMDdj6l0
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8VMbVEbIl
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdW8XrelPqD
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3um4NzYor
"Ah, you’ve a fighting spirit, don’t you?" she asked. "Like expected, you’re quite a surprise."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ072BiJLQvN
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtU7NVUrx7
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhMdphRlVg
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVbRSGvUBg
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lCrS3DCyW
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLHT9AtK6y
"In your injured state, you can’t get away from me that easily," said the imposter.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZ24iqjq73
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmP7ESulD5
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2xIu8IP39
"Who are you?" I asked. I tried moving, but I felt stuck, like a huge invisible hand had held me.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXg5OcTRU01
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTErBzwAimX
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡageLGT8viF
"Not tired of asking the same question, huh?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmYczXRq2X
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8EXXXl4ef
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLj6ZFiitS
"I can ask a bunch of questions if you would like."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKofC1h4nnw
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15Iv4GnjJC
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6XluB5Wyu
"Ask me something else, then."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YhIM9axpF
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5sl9MoIXZ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl73YF7k6Re
"Who are you?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGGy5U8P8t
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50qafMeANB
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYBSz5K4vT
The imposter playfully scoffed. "You’re stubborn, aren’t you?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2hDduKx6c
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2DHFxYzRI
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRA3qK4zkG
"If you aren’t going to tell me who you are, then yes."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOHesdS6cG
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvnW55qHze
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Z65cTx2vq
The imposter raised her hands in surrender. "Okay, I’ll tell you. But prepare to be amazed."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoEcbpk6wk
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf04z7yD9gP
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahT8BrQ7dc
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56xPDj9crW
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2oJFp1Y2M
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZ4kKB1ABz
"My names are Lord Simon Vandell. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Diana."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh96aSj1ZdJ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUhuUVKKY9
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNj2T8VXnex
"How do you know my name?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLuOEv6bEX
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGln0qSDCcO
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5Trv8CsFJ
Lord Vandell approached and the smirk on his face scared me a little. He looks like he has no good intentions.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJI8r82RGY
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZFKG9HQve
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDrNILmrcF
"It’s always good to know someone’s name, especially if they’re interesting. And you, Diana, are beyond interesting."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzrLbSbgKd
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bs999ebcx
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BGTvn8kkp
Now he’s freaking me out. "What did you do to Ariana? Where is she?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyK7S58VhdA
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxXZTiUPtt
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXnnh4OQGw
"She’s fine. No harm done." This time he smiled with his hands behind his back.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72mU8tytSJ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFde9aFEgDn
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL23fLlTSjq
"And those guards at the gate? Did you kill them?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmGaxrh7iG
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9mEaBC6Y0
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWbygcxRlV
Lord Vandell chuckled. "To kill them will be silly, my dear. They’re my own people after all."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQVKZOHfsV
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQVre0KrRX
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot7W5vRPIu
I raised an eyebrow. "Then why did you leave them unconscious?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedxkmZEQnM
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wxL341JPn
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPhcAHJ1oY
"To get to you. I was just simply breaching security, you see."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfcpxPnyBm
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuWsgKL8BI
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOm09ZFVaO
My eyes went wide with realisation. "You’re not supposed to be."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9Z8dbix1K
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIyVe3ljui
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBHMEr8pdJ
"Especially on this side of the castle, yes."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwi7Jm4d7bC
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnmLmugfo2
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadpXwXuC02
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDw6UPcb1kb
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6z9JLSI1Z
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7w4JGFGTQ
"Aren’t the others going to be upset that you took down security and Ariana just to get to me?" I asked.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRvZdyWi53
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxf1s0phiU
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5nwJ4lZVy
"That’s why I wanted you out of here easily," he said with a smirk. "But you saw past my disguise. Not everybody does."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fLIG0s3UQ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3haCZ5ZmEF
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6e1Y8ZLv6q
"What are you going to do to me?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2OUhCbSei
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkMYlAWteK
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJednqqHqf
Lord Vandell sighed. "Nothing, really. I just want to get to know you better."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrYVOhIMUT
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpO30mfYZvJ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7lY6AhL9R
"Well, I don’t like your approach. You can’t just kidnap me and think you’re going to get away with it."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5EQm98eMC
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhF0Qbe2XSP
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CERftlOwy
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."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOBAlzHOt0
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6E2Aj2WGLo
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxmXR2PyBJ
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6xpiJ560M
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGAdO4xR86
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTV4d9o0mBn
"You can’t take me with you," I said to him as he came closer.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3tOWpbypT
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmLESVJyBS
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43Np0seWvS
"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."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5Vb1LBakm
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nWii6juBZ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6328XG2pRi
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:322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Es5yFDZs9
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SazPhZTde
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0BbolQFSV
The birds.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeU6HwNEyjF
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTs9tdtrpEE
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HhXNWLa8b
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RCVGdA683
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgVVe3EFqq
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0mMZNecjK
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkWopEs8h8
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoHBIeYqlh
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvg8WNygEQ
"You should stop doing that," said Lord Vandell. "You aren't going to get away."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWtY3U2LEQ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQ8mSvshrP
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gufKFnblC
"I beg to differ."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtldSGoRyKB
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPlMjhB9U0
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0Bvosb36d
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGs176zvwuj
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XeOcnZgm0
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECL3LiJbj5
"What is this?" Lord Vandell asked, surprised to see such a sight.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34k7a9w6gI
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQbStR2ODY
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRET6QaSSne
He turned to look at me and he didn't look the least bit happy. I looked back at him.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshs58bIaCu
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GiYMmqne1
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJBaArGJlJ
"You did this, didn't you?" he asked.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCePyT4aKbc
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrRVN2g4tm
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh9eipOQ6s
"And if I didn't?" I asked. "I'm just as surprised as you are."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB80NGwyQrc
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsb1hnwuq25
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1A5IsjxquZ
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsikFjlpzM
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtKEfNnhp1
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyoCAauh38
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBau3EQPv1
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FNpGsqNF9
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhFbh1LuL2
I stood up, grateful that the birds were of help. They could hold him at bay for a while until the others arrive.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71dEWMplqH
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEH2S4SsXE
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZwbC2yWeW
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz9eP7bP3x
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmnznhNURm
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1dUDbA0za
"I should be thanking you," I said. "I thought you weren't going to hear me."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiur4iSCCG7
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsvKl37tc0
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjtk1V088W
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShW6hkUxpj
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduS8CFCyiP
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAydYTspsGV
"Diana!" came a voice behind me. I turned and saw Ariana with the nurse who had visited my room this morning.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBaky79Dsh
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLD5vLRM0DI
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVKLVLErJI
"Ariana, are you okay?" I asked when she came close. This time I’m sure she’s the real Ariana.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7Xmo0Um4o
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3EebNYrbc
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dxBT7XP2n
"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."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4j7ix5BsHV
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBWJGxlowr
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzexHfuRSQz
I winced. "She can do that?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5ZdERdhjv
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwedNgTcjE
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYFiWdzkTb
"When she gets mad, yes. I’m just glad you’re okay."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXcQaac7Qb
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJCQx57WzL
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0LTEMj8jF
"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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61LH3aoSc4
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxMkg7pElI
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYpKvdEnSM
"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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2P2IEGuXX
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIc3qyA82Fe
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmByeFjmvDJ
"Her Highness won’t be happy about this," said Ariana. "The others will also kill me that this happened."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVETaMTb20
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpB3kH6wGOB
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKqFdHzZee
"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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBu2iqGLcVU
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxB3VDAvPuV
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDGrhOArqL
"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."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnfV3zG23a
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvYBRM8eu0
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DOZoBL2Co
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAErHbB7nQK
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwWjs47WDv
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNAIlcDGWE
"I don’t want to fight you, Lord Vandell," said Ariana. "Let’s talk."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBCKGGygiL
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJZYNaZbG1
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWu81rVahYC
"Careful, Ariana," I said. "He might not listen and try to attack."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOohQrltbjh
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK41QG3n0yY
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPmsSYakM4
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkioyyUHdwS
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuSInNH4H4
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRv74gEXn5j
"And how sure are you that you won't call the birds to attack me again?" he asked, looking at me.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXngZzphHH
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVfCQo93QA
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoENQRqEOj
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPVcYxNKGV
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrsWIbNeFx
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycgxc3ucav
"I didn't tell the birds to attack you," I lied. "They obviously sensed that something's wrong and came to my rescue."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpb6ZflY4K
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2KnifFktD
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Aw46nVNmI
Lord Vandell smiled at me. "You really are full of surprises. It's why I needed to test you."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczGGSUN6dm
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OL93ceyfJ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWC02VAjkt0
I gave him a look of disapproval. Just how many tests am I supposed to go through in this place?322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHC61n4Z7b9
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOfI9dxDIv
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49uoZX4rvQ
"You weren't allowed here in the first place, Lord Vandell," said Ariana.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gG70GSwW0
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2RjLKqIuh
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0x9b8jzyuj
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAy1qVCDL0u
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtknk0ol2H
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmaP8L5r8c
"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?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5k4DHbQYb
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ou2CrZTzJ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIe2ZH3hGw
His eyes were now on me. And what did he mean by "we?" Who else isn't supposed to know about my whereabouts?322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKu7rbLeVlV
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdBqu3JLO1
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eXpFRzBpz
"That's for Her Highness to answer," came Ryan's voice behind me.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySl9KH7tK1
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lQz20Ezc6
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfSbQPBEOC
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY2C1KwcEc
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eNI6qXNpj
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEdP0Nc39b
"Ryan, Stella," Lord Vandell didn't sound happy.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8r5rhhLfB
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcsb605uKS
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRsVMJM6M0
"Causing trouble as usual, aren't you?" said Stella. "What were you planning to do to Diana?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqMP6YtP2s
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrR3vPSI3l
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkAEeVwd6i
"I bet he was going to experiment on me or something," I said.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFIpeRah1W
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpG5eEjx8G
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyIow1JXCt
"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."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfNAFWBjtd
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubUImOCozl
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GCg8ujxU0
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?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EiVUjRP8r
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNta5XyfOO
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91mjmXpTvp
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXj0dIINGT
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGdYgVXJ8V
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7gth1oETB
"People talk," said Ariana. "But they don't know who she is and what she can do."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6c9RCsDeoW
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2lhYi8kAX
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTXj1dVwpv
"I don't need people's opinions when I already know what happened in the maze," said Lord Vandell.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mlqlcQZnI
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIWIn5iLNM
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsUUSVXdVF
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?322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsiM3A7bX9
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ4ZfOjcRh
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJwFFjSnz4
"Sneaky as always," said Ryan. "Nothing ever goes past you, huh?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6qCOdcDcb
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpfmLy5rTf
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFe2OENPBV
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?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZi1iCUusK2
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdDfxqXUKG
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SJXzEA5C5
What is he saying? Is there something about me that even I am not aware of?322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdInfUaXdZk
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RSSIVmqYc
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7Hly9qs6D
"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."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2y9df56Lb
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGRRQtag00
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjE4E6FE3l
"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."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9Ml4v4SSr
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeUL1stkKw
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8koIoRuD8y
"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."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpGFS8Gyw2
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60LyjUuFpn
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFBbpfpmcs
"But she can stay with you? Aren’t you the ones keeping her hostage?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HsQryol2t
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xibk1KZWm
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSXlF7BRwe
"She’s injured, you idiot," said Ryan.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTu4bWZgAgp
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSvylZeBTK
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRaIO1spby
"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."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbKOLtkAVM
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjVUewFem1
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7El5D8KhDA
"And we’re making up for it by taking care of her," said Ariana.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaYTyNArHH
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSk2LSX8rf
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAJykSuVDO
"Are you really?" Lord Vandell asked.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1EK7PBPBL
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0ZY9ERMfx
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElour4v7vd
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-?322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3vPHTLPNK
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJg82POjNN
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9G9YqaO1M2
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?322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1O12DSHPP
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzyoQBXWqi
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7pEgSskI3
"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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnbLnImGsW
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWtlHTjLo9
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIUVwBGN8D
"Unhand me, you fool!" Lord Vandell demanded. "You can’t do this to me. Do you know who I am?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUY2Im0sNh
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTSIoSXPyS
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJTqJV6bEd
"Ariana, Stella, take Diana away," said Ryan as he looked at his colleagues. "I think she has seen enough for one day."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88WZxymVAc
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLTXrg8pKJ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdaIi2CJqH
"Come on, Diana," said Stella.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPsOIahsbD
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtdy8KE6sM
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnajKLftrT
"You aren’t going anywhere with her!" Lord Vandell yelled. I quickly looked away.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdm5u2jvTAw
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G1vszosw3
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEj2rAmIHw
"Oh, shut your mouth!" Ariana said to him. "For a Lord you sure are a handful."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5xoXRBHHn
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDN7lzQ0lzC
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwBSFoWq4T
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?322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zDRqOUaJX
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31zHDED768
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYmGeUDJ58
I turned to look at Stella and she looked pretty upset. Maybe it’s best I don’t say anything for the time being.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mMyyuZcEI
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSutxnh7WDI
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnJi3IBkct
"Looks like we might have to cancel your lessons, Diana," she said, without looking at me.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWK4gfo9yS1
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUX6ShLMQfA
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CPAVvtwYM
"Why?" I asked. It’s like she read my mind. Well…, part of it.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rsNoTw6bp
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iVZ1LRprf
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9i8wSTisr6
"Because this happened it’s only a matter of time before people start showing up here to demand answers."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOcGLQiZMV
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVjHHRfxbb
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6u72nvyKUl
"What do you mean? Are you referring to everyone on the island or people just like Lord Vandell?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5IzJqxuVJ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1z8uq1uUq
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7St6Tse7i
Stella managed to chuckle. "I think you already know the answer to that."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTWDipho44
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0f0qz6qa9
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVknxpAnKs
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQoxLUSbPz
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYrN1mvOoj
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDMKpMRDR4
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAy4QxLx8J5
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkURNODZoH
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuQPF5CfjE
"Her Highness will not be happy about this," said Ariana. She sounded worried.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9FJC6frMp
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TlO5oezKM
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pkrEEVrd9
"Definitely not," Stella agreed. "If things turn out like this, we might be forced to bring Diana out to the public."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYoFoqZECL
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFX4lRumVhu
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRx40qs60f
"May I ask why you’ve kept me hidden if you didn’t want this to happen?" I ended up asking.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbct9SUpnUg
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUvmW8kQbz
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdQtuJBDfk
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?322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFwTmNOISQ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiK1XHvpAH
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4NUg0B22U
I turned to look at Ariana, and she had the same expression as Stella’s. For how long are they going to be quiet?322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzJOqAsPoy
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvPJvdk7NO
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYap7D068c
"You’re special, Diana," Stella finally answered.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIcM7cRn12
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLe6fYI854L
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PewhVq7Xt
"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?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8qQqKtW9g
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAyGv6JjxH
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWCDqiryKk
"You’re right. This place is filled with people with special abilities, but none aren’t as special as yours."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXloVg99cV
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2NQ114y06
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXNWepqsDc
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."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzhcZeg935
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfGudSOlv0
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cI7Z9PfOx
"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."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVmC5PAOIi
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMeX8DrO0W
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPT3WsgRKj
"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."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCNL7Z4lEJ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfj3oK6Rrb
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQn0fLTOqU5
"But have you ever heard of anyone meeting Death and not only do they get out of his grasp alive, but develop abilities?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcl3Mdi5s6
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqunqtiwLE4
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9lacilb6X
"Maybe not, but that doesn’t make me special. It just makes me lucky."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1E1Ulm6diP
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7XIB9ypfM
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmAXE766gz
"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."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DD0tCDoNw
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDlvjf6fLK
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvG2uNsSdaE
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoawzWP0Sj
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOFSE7Wv56
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6g3leAjAzJ
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODyLhGIuoE
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoNG0ZTuUa
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKI8cJIyr0H
"Make sure Diana is attended to," Stella said to the nurse behind her. "Ariana and I have to sort something out around the castle."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7YjovsNQx
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHnDbYXgdx
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvvxfCTBck
"You’re leaving me alone?" I asked. "What if another person like Lord Vandall comes to get me again?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHD1MxpJsYB
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJQe5dyjg7
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcVfv5nBwL
"We’ll be extra cautious from now on," Ariana answered. "So if you don’t mind, please go back inside."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUDduIIWnK
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbsNEITeNm
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFjZCzodRV
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0asyNvnxEn
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGGnCxZCcL
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UjP7FNDaJ
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclcaYwpKM8
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfh7rs7dNM
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAftN3leYQl
"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."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmt0WxpxfQ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8i4qTZr08D
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXehBtDhPC
I gave them a nod. I guess I won’t be starting my training today until all this is sorted.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWHGi4lNHX
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfriBwyfhnz
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVzDbTg82S
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw95xZV0NgS
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZXCrX4D4H
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKfaMqI5zf
"I had a backup plan if things weren’t going to go as planned," he said.  "You’ll still start your lessons today."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqS06YKLeh0
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJr4bcD6CG
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxESoTvIVm
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyGQpOtGfn
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEoLzyf0z4
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyW6WRZyd3
I managed to smile at Bob as I approached him. "You couldn’t have come at a better time."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6EUPFSZUl
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UKMVQkMow
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRPzpb85Pt
"Before we start, you better get patched up."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfVtBrYzhM
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdgbHxd1Yo
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIJ2fbAJAI
"That’s what I want to do," I stopped in front of him.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWADhHTmrEI
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3GlNhIWtr
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7fNCSOjE5
"I would also like to know about the birds." Bob looked on at me.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetF6KsCGss
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx6pSx0urV
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrU8ch8gJbp
"Birds, what birds?" I quickly asked. I’m careful enough not to stammer. I’ve to choose my words carefully. "What about them?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzg97C9t9n0
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmjruzp1Q0
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZTsSEWgga
"Did you summon them?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86atdAAJ4N
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwdUvAtLQR
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mfZx0Jh2b
I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by that?"322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WnVPqvjkO
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44Hlwf9pya
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqZRJrkKBw
"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."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLd1m5OBHeD
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQ0P0q2FMc
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw0WsbGFNO
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDT8c9dejc
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4zDxL1Hbv
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuiVPqmEEM
"And what if I did?" I folded my arms which ached like hell, but I tried not to show it.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0fGlYZkNz
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJwbwGZBuP
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Y6GWsKdML
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."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRpFe9LlpB
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDWua4B0su
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnARx6kZOk
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."322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuG9B9Zl2A
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFvEpyYi8B
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9a8HvaDorQ
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.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGskmJ6flU0
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQzlkhWyLZ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhf9W2DlfB4
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?322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtTP6zpeG4
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8wvAr3B0h
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOvGyyVwte
"Come on, Diana," said the nurse as she came to stand beside me to place her hand on my shoulder.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRVTMa4r0r
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoG5vh1UJzp
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVebguXvkkE
"Of course," I said as Bob went up the flight of stairs. The nurse and I followed behind him at a slow pace.322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvQuHLcSXn
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPSgGvojCJ
322Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DwWu5WfJv
It’s then that I realised that the excitement of starting my training today, had suddenly dissipated.8964 copyright protection318ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOmMx3ZIr3 維尼

3.145.36.137