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Erica's P.O.V
In a panic, I rushed through the halls, my only thought being, I need to save Azreal. I shoved and pushed through the crowd, my eyes locked on the exit. But then, suddenly, someone stepped into my path. I collided with a firm, broad chest, which felt like a wall blocking my way.
"My lady, where are you going?" Carl's voice rang in my ears.
"Oh, it's just Carl," I thought, trying to calm myself. But something felt off. Why was he here? He was supposed to be with Azreal. Unless... Azreal was back.
"Is Azreal back?" I asked, my voice thick with anticipation.
"I'm afraid not, my lady."
"What? Why are you here then? Aren't you—" Panic surged within me. No, Azreal! I struggled to breathe. "Take me to him!" I pleaded, my heart racing.
"I'm sorry, my lady. I've been ordered to keep you as far from the battlefield as possible."
"No! We need to go!" My chest tightened, and I felt as if I couldn't breathe. But then, just as I was about to break down, a familiar voice echoed down the hall.
"Morning, Erica! Sorry I'm late. How was your night?" Eve's calm voice was like a wave of relief.
I turned to face her, my hope rising. "Eve, I need you to go after Azreal. His life is in danger."
"What do you mean, Erica?" Eve's tone was steady, but I could sense the urgency hidden beneath it.
"I saw it in a vision last night. Asher has Azreal. His life is in danger. Please, go after him. I'll find help, but you need to leave now!" I urged, pushing her toward the door.
Carl tried to stop me, but I couldn't focus on him. I watched as Eve rushed out, panic evident in her steps. I held my breath, praying she'd make it in time.
Once she was out of sight, I turned to Carl, my frustration boiling over. "I need to find him!"
"I'm sorry, my lady, but I can't let you go to the battlefield."
"Argh!" I moaned in frustration, throwing him a furious glare before storming off.
I locked myself in my room, my body too tense to sit still. My mind was a whirlwind, thoughts spiraling as I searched for a way out. I couldn't just stay here and do nothing. Then, a knock on the door broke my thoughts. The door creaked open, and Miss Grump entered, holding a tray.
"Pardon me, my lady. You haven't eaten anything yet," she said, her voice soft but persistent.
I felt my stomach rumble, despite the turmoil inside me. "Thank you, Miss Grump. You didn't have to bring it to me."
She smiled as she placed the tray down. The warm scent of cinnamon rolls filled the room, and I couldn't help but smile. "It smells nice," I said, though my appetite was lost in my worries.
Miss Grump noticed my distracted demeanor. "My lady, are you alright?"
"No, I'm not," I snapped. "I had a dream last night, a vision. Azreal... he died, and I couldn't do anything. I was helpless."
Miss Grump's expression softened. She sat next to me and spoke calmly, as if nothing could rattle her. "But you did do something. You called for help when it mattered most. You're not helpless, my lady. You know they're after you, and once you show up, all attention will shift to you. That's when things will get dangerous for your master."
Her words sank in slowly, grounding me. "You're right," I muttered. "Thank you, Miss Grump. You've given me some clarity."
"No problem, my lady," she said with a warm smile. "And if you do decide to go, and you have contact with the master, please give him this." She placed a small vial in my hands. It contained a transparent liquid.
I eyed the vial, confused. "What's this for?"
"You'll know when the time comes," she replied, her smile never fading before she quietly left the room.
Now alone, I felt a sense of resolve wash over me. "Since I can't leave alone, I need help," I thought. My conversation with my uncle had left me trapped, but with someone who could protect me, I could go to him safely. I quickly gulped down a glass of milk and picked up a cinnamon roll, determined.
As I stepped outside, I was met with stares from the staff. Their eyes were full of judgment, malice.
"Our king has risked his life for this woman," one whisper floated past my ears. "She has seduced him and destroyed his relationship with Rachel."
The harsh words stung, but I couldn't focus on them now. The guilt weighed heavily on my chest, but I pushed it aside. I had to find Azreal.
"Where are you off to, and why is everyone standing around here? Don't you have something to do?" Carl's voice cut through the air, dispersing the crowd.
I took a deep breath and said, "Carl, take me to my uncle."
He nodded, following me as we made our way down the stairs and out of the castle, toward the golden gates. There, I saw my uncle standing with his arms crossed, eyes hard as he looked at Carl.
"Why are you here?" he asked, his tone suspicious.
Before I could speak, Carl cut in, his voice casual but laced with something darker. "It's time."
"Time for what?" I asked, confusion rising. The conversation was strange, and the air felt heavy with tension.
Carl's gaze shifted to my uncle. "You have the girl. Why come to me?"
My uncle turned his face away, and I felt a chill run down my spine. A sinking feeling hit me—something was wrong.
"What do you mean?" I asked, but Carl just tightened his grip on my arm.
"I was told to bring you along with the girl," Carl said, his words cold.
The world seemed to tilt as I realized the truth.
"What about Azreal?" My uncle asked, his voice cautious.
"He's already taken care of. Now let's go," Carl replied, his grip firm, dragging me forward.
"Where are you taking me? Who are you really?" I asked, panic rising in my chest.
"If you're really that curious, I'll tell you," Carl said, his voice low and mocking. "I'm a member of Asher's clan, and our mission is to free our master. Your father trapped him, and now you're going to help us."
The words hit me like a blow. No… My mind reeled as I tried to make sense of it. It couldn't be true. I must be dreaming.
"No!" I screamed, tears streaming down my face. "This can't be happening."
Carl chuckled darkly. "Oh, darling, you don't have a choice."
A sharp pain suddenly pierced my neck, and everything went black.
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