"Pastries?" The woman chuckled, mirth bubbling within in. Upon first glance at the tall, pale-skinned maiden in front of her, she would never have suspected her of any crime which was why she had stepped up immediately on seeing those brutes trying to sever her hands. "It was not the best thing to do, I admit but I was in a precarious situation! I did not want to steal at all but I had no other option. I guess I should return them…" Naomi sighed heavily, her stomach grumbling furiously. The apple and dried meat she had eaten back in the forest had all but disappeared from her stomach. "There would be no need for that. Come with me." She gave Naomi a small smile as she turned and began heading in the direction of the main harbor and the shops. Not of her own volition, Naomi followed her. The woman was nothing to her but a stranger; she could not understand why she felt such an indescribable pull toward her. She had no reason to trust the woman asides from the fact that she had saved

"You're next, Naomi," An eerie voice declared. The malicious tone was the trigger that jolted Naomi from the nightmare she was in. Panting and disturbed, she clutched her head in her hands, willing the remnants of the nightmare to be gone. Tears seeped from her eyes as she was forced to relive the horrible death of her parents again, but this time was different. Back in her world, she usually woke from the nightmares before she could figure out exactly how they had died and why she was spared even though she was within the same vicinity as her parents. They always remained unclear even after therapy. When they had returned years after and Victoria had helped her through them, they were still vague; unambiguous but still horrific enough to leave her in a cold sweat. However, as she neared the kingdom of Nebulos, the nightmares became clearer… as if Nebulos held an attachment to her and her increasing nearness to it was unraveling the bond and acting as a medium to help her figure o

The Estorian harbor in Nebulos was even larger and more sprawling than the one in Vishwum. It was unlike anything Naomi had ever seen. As Naomi disembarked from the ship, she sighted large trading vessels and smaller boats and ships bobbing gently on the sparkling blue sea. She had never seen the sea shimmer like that before. "Wow… Nezetta… Estoria is even more beautiful than I imagined and I haven't even visited anywhere yet!" Naomi exclaimed as she looked around in wonder. However, Nezetta only responded with a stiff nod and a curt reply. "Hm. There is still more to see." Ever since Naomi decided to try to build a bridge across the gaping hole in their relationship caused by the secrets she was keeping, Nezetta had changed. Naomi would have been fine with keeping everything a secret but her conscience constantly pricked her each time she shared a kiss with Nezetta, held her hand, or caressed her smooth skin. Still, she fought back the urge to divulge every single detail but end

"Emperor, My Chief, there has been a massacre here in the capital!" The commander of the capital's guards, Sir Orryk, reported. Chief Kaius's and Emperor Vulcan's heads swiveled in Sir Orryk's direction. They had been breaking bread and treating each other in an attempt to try to find some common ground and perhaps stitch together a bit of the gaping rent in their relationship. So far, it was going well as they were doing their best to remain civil and not bring up any hostilities.However, the news Sir Orryk was about to report to them had the potential to rip the frail stitches apart. "A massacre? Where? When? What part of the city? Who committed such a heinous crime and why are you reporting to me alone instead of bringing the offender to me for judgment?" While Chief Kaius fired question after question, Emperor Vulcan remained silent, swirling the Nebulosi strong wine in his goblet. "My Chief, it occurred close to two hours ago in the Crescere area of the city. My men and I

"Who are you?" The inhumane voice of the sentient barrier whispered to Naomi. Its voice seared through her consciousness, momentarily distracting her from the burning sensation arising from her blistering skin. "Naomi? What's wrong? Talk to me." Nezetta frantically shook Naomi's shoulders but received no response.Naomi stood still, her eyes glazed over with her mouth hanging open. "Neziah, she is with me. She means no harm! Let her go!" Nezetta yelled at the barrier surrounding them authoritatively. The barrier failed to listen to her command. It could sense that something was gravely wrong with the stranger his princess had brought into the secret passage. It could not let her pass. "I...I am Lolo Nerina. Of Sejukgheim. I do not bear any ill will toward the royal family. I would never harm anyone!" Naomi managed to speak out in the way she knew Nerina would, amidst the tormenting presence in her head and her roasting flesh. The burning feeling was only in her head though. H