đź“– WAN EMPIRE
The hallways of the Slave House felt colder than usual that day. Even with the sun streaming through the windows, the chill of WAN Empire seemed to seep into my bones. I kept my head low, walking quietly behind Angela, who was chattering happily about chores I didn't have the heart to listen to.
I still couldn't shake the memory of Lady Anna's piercing gaze from that morning. Every time I thought of it, my stomach churned with a mix of fear and determination. Somehow, I had to survive here—and maybe even figure out a way to navigate this dangerous place.
Just as we approached the training area, a group of guards parted like water, revealing a young man standing in the center. Tall, composed, with sharp green eyes and an air of authority, he carried himself with a confidence that made everyone around him freeze. I stopped dead in my tracks.
"You must be Curly," he said, his voice calm but commanding.
I flinched at how he seemed to see straight through me. I nodded slightly. "Yes… sir."
Emerald—this had to be him—stepped closer, his gaze never leaving mine. Unlike Vince, there was a kind of quiet strength in him. I could feel it, even from across the hall.
"Do not let Lady Anna's attention distract you," he said. "She notices everything. One wrong move and—well, you know the consequences."
I swallowed hard. "I understand."
A faint smirk appeared on his face. "Good. Now, follow me. I'll show you where you'll be training… and observing." He gestured toward a side hallway, and I trailed behind him, careful to keep my distance.
As we walked, I noticed the guards exchanged subtle glances. It wasn't just discipline here—it was fear. And yet, Emerald moved through it like he owned it without needing to raise his voice.
"Why are you… helping me?" I asked quietly, unsure if I should have asked at all.
He paused, glancing back at me with a small, unreadable expression. "I don't help anyone. But some people are… interesting." His voice was low, almost thoughtful.
I frowned, unsure what that meant.
Emerald's gaze hardened, and yet there was a hint of warning in his tone. "Stay alert, Curly. Watch and learn. The Empire is not kind to those who make mistakes."
I nodded, the weight of his words sinking in. This place was more dangerous than I could have imagined.
Emerald stopped in front of a room that looked more like an office than a training area. "This is where you'll stay for observation and… basic training. Do not speak to Vince unless spoken to. He is… complicated."
I frowned. "Complicated?"
"Dangerous," Emerald corrected softly, almost as if he were warning me without needing to say more. "And loyal to Lady Anna above all. Stay alert. Learn quickly. Survive."
He gave me a final, steady look before turning and walking away, leaving me alone with the weight of his words.
I sank to the floor, hugging my knees. The more I learned about WAN Empire, the more I realized survival here would require everything I had—and more. Lady Anna's secrets, the sons' darkness, the rigid rules of this place… it all tangled around me, suffocating yet beckoning me to uncover it.
I took a deep breath. One thing was certain: I wouldn't just survive. I would find a way to master this world.