I SAW NEREZA opening her mouth to speak but she was interrupted when the door suddenly opened. "Baby..." "Markus?! What on Aldemore are you doing here?! I thought I told you to wait for me upstairs?" Nereza's voice is laced with irritation. Markus now looks apologetic. "I'm sorry, baby. But I need to speak to you right now. It's urgent." Nereza sighed deeply. "Alright," she said in defeat. The two then excused themselves. Shortly, Ayla and I left the library. Since there isn't much to do in the kitchen, we decided to offer our assistance in the infirmary. Night finally came. Now is my chance to speak with Lucien regarding my plans. I came to visit him in his art room but the moment I entered the room, I was shocked to see both him and Nereza, arguing. "Ysobella?!" Lucien uttered in shock when he noticed me. "Uh... I'm sorry for interrupting you. I should have knocked," I said apologetically. I was about to leave but he stopped me. "N-No, sweetheart. Actually, my sist

"COME ON. LET'S eat breakfast. The food is getting cold." He gently wiped my tears while I silently stare at him. Lucien tried his best to make me feel better by filling me with stories about his troubles with Nereza before, particularly when he discovered who her mate is. He was well aware of Nereza's obstinacy and eagerness, and Markus often struggled to keep up with her. But Lucien is well aware of how much they love each other.Somehow, his stories made me feel better. I can't hide my smile as I continue to listen to him. He and Nereza had so much to endure before, especially when they lost their parents. But I can see how much they care and love each other.Lucien invited me to his art room after breakfast but I declined. I still have kitchen chores that I need to finish. As I went on with my daily task, Ayla keeps on asking me questions about my brother. She's very curious about his looks including his age and name."Is he handsome, Sissy?" she jokingly asked. I chuckled and

MAMA MELLY GAVE me a gentle smile after that. I know she's doing this for me to let me forget about my problems in the meantime. While cooking, Aunt Cora entertained us with stories about when she was younger. I have learned that their family owned a pastry shop. It is where she and Mama Melly used to play when they were little. When Mama Melly turned eighteen, her mother took her to the House of Salvatorri to work there as a cook. Aunt Cora was then left in Ashwood to manage their pastry shop."What happened to your pastry shop?" asked Ayla."Our pastry shop was destroyed during the Blood War. It was the most unfortunate event for our family. We weren't able to fix it because our money was not enough. But it's okay now. I have spent years saving money and now I have enough to rebuild our family legacy.""How about your family, Aunt Cora? Are they still alive?" I asked because I don't remember seeing them. "Hmmm, my parents are no longer living. The only family I have left is my ol

"STEP OUTSIDE!"A lean man with tattoos on his arms ordered us but we were too scared to step outside the carriage so he forcefully yanked Ayla and Mama Melly.Ayla shrieked in pain and fear. Mama Melly then abruptly rushed to her. I wanted to help them but a man, with a mocking expression on his face, suddenly block me with his sword, pointing at my throat. "Step outside from the carriage," he ordered.Slowly, I went outside while forming my hands into fists. The moment I step onto the ground, the lean man with tattoos whistled. On cue, men with weapons, with the same tattoos emerged from the shadows.My eyes widened when I realized what their tattoos means. It's an arrow and a sword depicted together with a gothic letter R in the middle. These men are rebels!"The master will love this. Let's bring them to our hideout. Take them to the wagon," one of the rebels ordered."NO!" I shrieked and elbowed the man who was holding me on my left arm. He lost his grip on me as he fell to hi

HE SQUEEZED MY hand before speaking. "I wanted to talk to you about what happened two days ago; I wanted to explain and tell you everything because I don't think I can go another day knowing you're angry at me, but Nana told me you went to Ashwood. But night came and you're still not back. I was filled with worried, and I have this weird feeling in my chest. I felt odd and anxious for no reason. My hands feel cold, and my heart was beating loudly and I can almost hear it. So, I left with some of our finest warriors because I know something was not right. I managed to trace your scent and I was--- I was frightened when I found out where those cretins brought you," he muttered with gritted teeth.I noticed how his eyes grew darker so I hugged him to calm him down. "It's alright now, Lucien. I'm back in your arms. Remember what I said before, whatever happens, wherever I am, we will always find our way back in each other's arms," I told him lovingly. He let out a sharp breath and nods h