RHEIN'S POINT OF VIEW
I immediately became alert when the surroundings shifted again.
This time, I found myself inside a large room. The only source of light came from the window, but it was enough for me to see the space. The room's design was... strange. Everything was black... from the beds to the curtains... even the ceiling, the floor, and the walls.
Suddenly, I remembered what my friends had told me. This was exactly how they described the place where they saw the witch.
I froze in place as I felt a presence behind me. A chill ran down my spine, and a surge of fear rushed through my body as a terrifying thought crept into my mind: who was standing there?
"So my suspicion was right. Your friends are reliable enough to lead you straight into a trap."
The moment I heard that old woman's voice again, I screamed. A sharp pain shot through my head-worse than yesterday.
I screamed and screamed until my legs gave out and I collapsed to the floor. I could feel the tears streaming down my cheeks.
Even with my eyes shut tight, I could feel her gaze burning into me.
I didn't understand.
Why was she doing this to me? What did I ever do to deserve this?
Was it because I found out she had been seen by Xyrille and Jean?
But why me? I never even saw her face-to-face. Why target me?
Her words echoed in my head and that's when everything finally clicked. From the very beginning, I was the one she had her sights on. She merely used my friends to get my attention... to draw me in.
Honestly, I am not sure if the thoughts running through my mind are even true. I don't know how or why I am thinking about these things. Is something wrong with me? Am I going insane?
Even in pain, I forced myself to stand. I slowly opened my eyes, just enough to see her.
That was all it took.
Just like my friends described-she wore a black cloak. I couldn't see her face because her head was facing down.
"Do you know who you are?" she asked, taking a step closer. "Do you really know your true self? Do you believe everything you believe... is real?"
"W-why...?"
"Seek the answers."
She stood right in front of me, and yet I still couldn't see her face. All I saw inside the hood... was black.
"Rhein, this is only the beginning."
"W-why... are you doing this... to m-me...?"
I collapsed completely, lying flat on the cold floor. The pain was unbearable.
My vision blurred. My hearing faded. Everything was slipping away.
And just before I lost consciousness... I heard her say those words.
"You'll understand... when the right time comes."
RONA'S POINT OF VIEW
As soon as I stepped out of the portal with Natre, we immediately teleported to the king's and queen's chamber. As usual, I found them out on the balcony. They stopped their conversation and turned to look at me the moment they sensed my presence.
"Please! You have to stop the trial. Rhein will be in danger if we continue this. She's interfering already. She's hurting my sister!"
Instead of showing concern... they smiled.
I couldn't stop my hands from clenching into fists. I lowered my head to hide the anger rising inside me.
"W-why? Aren't you... even the least bit afraid for your own daughter?"
"She's not doing anything wrong to your sister, Rona," the queen replied calmly.
I looked back at them. If I was furious earlier, now I was confused.
"What do you mean? Rhein was hurt! Wasn't she the one who caused her that headache?"
"You're mistaken," the king said. "What happened to her was normal. The trial will proceed. It cannot be stopped unless I give the order."
I felt a surge of frustration at his words.
"There's nothing normal about that! It's not normal to suddenly feel intense pain in the head for no rea—"
I froze as a realization hit me.
"You mean to say..."
Both of them nodded. The king stepped forward and gently tapped my right shoulder.
"That's right. Your sister's headache was caused by the nearness of the deoremnarillaza. You know the seal reacts to the deoremnarill, don't you?"
The queen took my hands in hers.
"Don't worry too much about your sister. We won't let her come to harm," she said softly, smiling as she pulled me into a hug.
I couldn't help but smile back.
Just a little more, Rhein. Soon... our family will be whole again.
No matter how hard I pleaded, they refused to halt the trial. I had no choice but to move forward.
When I stepped out of the Postah, the goseth-postah had already been waiting. I left my mind open on purpose so he already knew what I was thinking .
"Grandfather Lembo, I'm entrusting her to you."
He smiled and gave a slight bow.
"As you wish, Princess. You have my word."
RHEIN'S POINT OF VIEW
I didn't know how I ended up back in my room. All I knew was that I woke up lying on my bed.
The sunlight filtering through the window had turned orange. It was already late afternoon.
I touched my forehead as the memories of what happened before I lost consciousness came flooding back. It all felt like a dream.
"Why did she do that to me? What does she want?" I whispered to myself. I lay back down and shook my head.
This is bad. I'm even talking to myself now.
Is it money? But we're not even rich. My internal organs, to sell them? No. She's not even human, I'm sure of that. Then... what if it's my life that she wants? Is that possible?
Based on the threat he made earlier, it's definitely possible... But then why didn't she kill me right away?
Could it be... she plans to toy with me first before ending my life?
"Are you feeling okay now?"
Even though I was startled by my sister's sudden appearance, I just nodded. She sat beside me. I thought she was going to hug me but instead, she smacked me hard on the head.
I let out a cry and laughed it off, but deep inside, I felt like crying. Seriously, I already felt like I was dying from that splitting headache earlier, and now that I'm home, I get hit like this?
"What happened to you?" she asked. "You were totally fine when you left, but the moment you came back, you looked completely out of it. Then you passed out right in front of the door as soon as I opened it!"
I was sure that witch had something to do with how I ended up here. That was the only explanation that made sense.
"Sorry for making you worry again," I said, forcing a smile before hugging her tightly.
I heard her chuckle a little at my reaction.
"You really are something. Hard-headed as always."
I closed my eyes and held on to her warmth. It would take a long time before I'd get to hug her like this again.
It hurts but I know I still have to do what is right.
If I really am the one that witch is after, then I wouldn't let the last person I love get harmed because of me.
I have to leave.