[ IN WHICH SHE FINALLY GETS THE TRUTH ] “My name is Sin.” The King swallows. He doesn’t make eye contact with me as his eyes constantly drift away from my face. Anyone can tell that he is nervous and uncomfortable talking about this. I almost feel guilty for pressuring him to tell me all that he knows. Despite the discomfort, Sin pushes to explain more. “I lived beside God in the most beautiful place you could ever imagine. I used to be amongst the angels. But that was all before I chose to love a human.” Our eyes lock after his statement. I’m not exactly triggered by the angel part. Growing up in the orphanage, the elders there practically forced us into Christianity. I never believed, but maybe I should’ve paid more attention. That way, I wouldn’t be completely dumbfounded by all of this. But then again, the bible never expounded on the topic of fallen angels. Either way, I’m not surprised that he was formerly an infallible celestial being; I have seen his wings. Nothing fazes me

[ IN WHICH SIN CONFESSES ] THREE WEEKS LATERSIN'S POV:My Kingdom is not the greatest of them all. And it was never meant to be. The Alkhemi was created just for the both of us— November and I. This realm was created so that she and I could live in peace; so that we could live far away from my past, and far away from the eyes of God and the eyes of the devil. That’s all I wanted; to be with her, to be loved by her. I turned my back on paradise to create my own world. I thought creating a realm of my own would grant me the peace and freedom I needed to love her the best I could; however, it only put me in shackles. Unable to stop desiring, I am forever unforgiven.Even if I crash and go crazy as punishment for this forbidden love, I do not care; I will gladly accept punishment.The past centuries have been characterized by nothing but pain and suffering. That pain has molded me into the King I am today. Most would say that I am cold, detached, and insensitive, but if I do not rule

[ IN WHICH SHE GETS AN INVITATION ] The day is slowly turning into night. The once bright sky dotted with fluffy clouds has been replaced by a warm, orange blanket, covering the lands with a yellowish-red glow.Nearly half the day is gone, and I haven’t gotten any information on the man I have been searching for. My last hope is the quiet, moody girl with white hair who gives everyone around her the cold shoulder. Her name, Jacqueline. I lean against the door, watching her walk in and out of her room several times with several clothes. It looks like she's going out, but not for a romantic affair I suppose. She is dressed in her usual combat uniforms. She doesn't bother to use the mirror in her room as she brushes her hair.While I couldn't step out of the Grand Alkhemi for the past three weeks, I used my isolation time to the fullest, and that was utilized by exploring the Mansion. I explored secret compartments and followed staircases that led to magnificent rooms with beautiful v

[ IN WHICH SHE MEETS THE BROTHER ] “Luca?” My eyes are wide as I take in the appearance of the man I surely thought had died. “Oh my God. Did they take you too? How did you get here? Luca, are you okay?” I am sincerely shocked, and concerned that he is here, which means that I wasn't the only one who had been abducted by the King. I gush at him, a little relieved to see a familiar face, even though we were never on good terms. But, someone snorts. Swirling in the pool of confusion, I turn my head to see one of the three males, laughing; laughing at my questions. With wet eyebrows furrowed, I look back at Luca’s red hair. He is grinning. His dark, almond eyes watches me, the way they always have. “Oh, Nobi.” He pouts, balancing his posture on the red cane in his hold. “Does it look like I have been abducted?” I trail my eyes down his body and shoes. He is dressed in his usual style; a floral shirt, light colored pants with expensive polished, black shoes. His clothes look clean fo

[ IN WHICH SHE IS A TORTURED AND SAVED ] I have felt the heat of the scorching sun. Been bruised by the steam from a kettle. Accidentally burnt myself while playing with the flames from a candle. I have felt heat so intense that I have gone unconscious; however, none of those incidents from my childhood are equivalent to the pain I feel right at this moment. Luca shows no mercy as he holds the hot rod to my skin. I jerk my head back, trying my hardest to get away from the burning item. My mouth is open wide as screams of terror escape. “Please!” I scream, begging Luca to stop. “Please, stop.” Tears fall down my face. … [i always wondered why i never cried as a child. and now, i know. it was because i had left pain so maddening in my past life, so nothing on earth could measure up to the pain i would go through in Alkhemi] … The rod burns through the fabric of my clothes, burning into my belly. I let out a scream as the room becomes hot, like a sizzling summer. The sound of my s