MIREYA POV
I sank into the chair at the desk, my fingers brushing over the smooth surface. The sunlight from the tall windows warmed my hands, but it did nothing to calm the knot of fear in my stomach.
The room was silent except for the faint ticking of a clock on the wall. I glanced at the shelves, filled with rows of thick books I couldn't even begin to read yet. Every corner of the room seemed too large, too empty, too… perfect. It reminded me that I didn't belong here, that I was a stranger in someone else's world.
I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to steady my breathing. The memory of last night.. being dragged into the wagon, Drax's hands, Lord Malric's cold smile crept back into my mind, and my chest tightened. I bit my lip, trying not to cry again.
A soft knock at the door made me jump.
"Enter," I said, my voice trembling more than I wanted.
The door opened slowly. Greta stepped in, carrying a tray with tea and a small plate of food. Her eyes flicked to me, assessing.
"You should eat something," she said quietly, placing the tray on the desk. "You will need your strength for the day."
I picked up a piece of bread, taking tiny bites. Every movement felt heavy, like my body was made of lead. I couldn't stop thinking about the Trials, the Enforcer, and how Lord Malric expected me to be someone I wasn't.
Greta waited silently, patient but watchful. "The lord will arrive soon," she said finally. "Remember what I told you. Keep your head down. Obey."
I nodded, my stomach twisting. "I… I understand."
She gave me a small, almost imperceptible nod and left, closing the door softly behind her.
I was alone again.
Alone, in this vast, cold mansion, facing a day I didn't understand and a future I feared.
I set my jaw and clenched my fists.
I didn't want to be broken.
I didn't want to be Faye.
But choice was a luxury I couldn't afford.
No matter what Lord Malric, the Trials, or anyone else threw at me.
Even if it killed me, I would survive.
The door opened, and Lord Malric stepped in. My chest immediately tightened. His gaze swept over me, sharp and unreadable.
"You seem tense," he said, his voice calm but cold. "Today's lesson is cancelled."
"Cancelled?" I asked, my voice trembling. Shock made my stomach twist. "Sir?"
He didn't answer at first. Then he called sharply, "Greta! Greta!"
I felt my heart jump. She appeared in the doorway almost immediately, bowing as she ran in.
"Yes, my lord?" she asked, breathless.
"Take Faye around town," he said, his eyes briefly flicking to me. "It's her first time in Aureclaire. Show her the city. Let her try some nice street food."
I blinked, stunned. My pulse raced. "I… what?"
Greta looked at him nervously. "Are you sure, sir?"
He turned to her, and suddenly his gaze was cold. "Are you questioning me?"
"No, my lord," she said quickly, bowing her head low. "I would never dare… I'm only asking because… you're not a fan… You never liked Miss Faye walking around town."
For a moment, his eyes softened, almost sad. But the expression didn't last. He straightened, masking it quickly.
"Take her around the city," he said again. "This will be the last time she ever gets to do anything like this."
My heart sank. Last time? The words clawed at me, a mix of fear and confusion twisting in my chest.
I swallowed hard, my hands trembling at my sides. My first taste of freedom in this city and already, it came with an expiry date.
Greta gave me a quick, reassuring glance. I nodded, trying to steady my voice.
"Y-yes, my lord," I said quietly.
As she led me toward the door, I felt my stomach twist with nerves and a strange flicker of excitement.
We walked quickly through the long halls of the mansion. My heart was still racing.
"Why would he say that?" I whispered to Greta once we were out of sight. "Why would this be the last time?"
Greta kept her eyes forward. "Do not think too much about it," she said softly. "Just enjoy today."
Enjoy.
The word felt strange. I never thought I had the luxury to enjoy anything
When we stepped outside, the bright sunlight hit my face. I blinked. The air smelled fresh, nothing like the heavy scent inside the mansion. For the first time since I was taken, I felt the open sky above me.
A carriage was waiting, but Greta shook her head at the driver. "We'll walk," she said.
We passed through large iron gates, and suddenly the world opened up.
Aureclaire was beautiful.
The streets were wide and busy. Stone buildings with tall balconies lined both sides. Colorful banners hung from windows. People walked past us laughing, talking, carrying baskets of flowers and bread.
I stared at everything like a child.
"Stay close," Greta murmured.
Vendors shouted from wooden stalls.
"Fresh pastries!"
"Sweet honey figs!"
"Spiced meat!"
The smells made my stomach growl. I hadn't realized how hungry I was.
Greta smiled faintly. "Come."
She bought a small stick of roasted meat and handed it to me.
I hesitated. "I can't.."
"You can," she said firmly. "Today, you can."
I took a bite.
Warm. Spicy. Delicious.
For a moment, I forgot about the mansion. About the Trials. About Lord Malric.
I even smiled.
Greta noticed. "You should smile more," she said quietly. "It suits you."
We walked deeper into the city. I saw children running through the streets, a musician playing a soft tune on a flute, and couples sitting near a fountain.
"This is Aureclaire," Greta said. "The heart of the kingdom."
"It's beautiful," I whispered.
But then something caught my eye.
Posters.
Large black-and-gold banners hanging on walls.
"The Iron Spire Trials.. Only the Gifted May Compete."
My smile faded.
People were gathered near one of the posters, talking excitedly.
"The Enforcer will be there this year."
"I heard he hasn't chosen a bride yet."
"They say he's ruthless."
My chest tightened.
This was my future.
I wasn't here to enjoy the city.
I was here to prepare for something that could kill me.
Greta gently touched my arm. "Do not let fear show on your face," she whispered. "Always put on a mask no matter how you feel."
I forced myself to breathe.
I looked around at the city again.
If this was truly the last time I could walk freely like this…
Then I would remember it.
The sound of laughter.
The taste of street food.
The warmth of the sun.
Because deep inside, this.. Freedom would not last long.