I woke up in a dungeon cell. A shabby one at that. The damp, moss-covered walls reeked of mildew, and the faint light from a single torch flickered weakly. It felt like I was some sort of serial killer sentenced to death.

"Seriously, people!" I shouted, my voice echoing off the walls. "Why does this keep happening to me?"

"Stop yapping!" said a young man guarding the cell. He was dressed in a crude armor and carried a sword that looked more ceremonial than practical. "I was assigned to keep an eye on you, and I normally decapitate people, so I guess the mage wanted you alive."

That man in dark robes was the mage. I couldn't see his face since it was hidden beneath the shadow of his cape, only his green eyes were shimmering.

"Tell me," I said cautiously, sitting up straighter. "Did Aloen... I mean lord Aloen wake up?"

The guard snorted. "Lord Narcis has not awakened yet," he replied calmly. "And listen here, maybe you should not speak his name so casually like that. You never know when you'll lose your head for it, got it?"

I nodded. My fate is bound to Aloen right now. If he doesn't wake up, I am definitely done for.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed through the corridor, growing louder with each passing moment. they were slow, deliberate, almost taunting. The soft rustle of fabric brushing against itself sent a chill down my spine.

It had to be him. That sinister mage.

I swallowed hard, my hands curling into fists at my sides. Whatever was coming, I knew it wouldn't be good.

When he got in, the guard bowed and remained as such, as if he was petrified. Surprisingly, he got into my cell through the bars, as if they were curtains.

"Greetings, young Lady, my name is Lucius Virell. I must apologize for the violent hospitality," he said, his tone smooth as silk. "Ellis informed me that you were his honorable guest. Alas, the young master is unconscious for the moment."

"Why am I here?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

I could feel his expression shift.

"Are you feigning ignorance, my Lady, or perhaps humans' short memory really is a problem? Weren't you absorbing the mana I transferred to Lord Narcis earlier? That is not easily forgiven you see."

"I did not do it on purpose! This insignia activated on its own…"

Lucius approached brazenly. He leaned in to inspect my neck, and I quickly covered it with my hand.

"Afraid of showing it to me now?"

"What about showing me your pretty face, first? Talking to a cape is no fun."

He turned back, and stepped outside the same way he'd entered, his cloak billowing behind him.

"Whether you let me inspect your insignia or not, I am afraid you'll be annihilated for attempting murder."

"What? I did not do it!" my voice shaking with disbelief.

His gaze hardened. "You will have three days, if the young Lord doesn't open his eyes by then, your life is forfeit. Rest well."

I fell to my knees, my heart heavy with despair. My hands trembled, not from fear, but from the crushing weight of uncertainty. Why did I stop him? More importantly, why is Aloen annoying even in his death? I thought I would be pleased to hear about his demise!

Three days. Only three days left to live.

                                                                                *****

There was nothing in my cell that could help me tell the time. Even the guard would rarely move. Strangely, I did not feel hungry at all, as if the mana I involuntarily absorbed quelled my mortal desires.

I closed my eyes to rest for a moment. Asher's insistent voice reached me again.

"Mia… You must see Aloen"

I shook my head, pushing the thought aside. "Why? Even if I managed to escape, Ellis will certainly be beside him. It's no use."

"Mia," his voice softer, but urgent. "Aloen had received a huge blow from us. It accidentally put him into slumber so he could recover. The mage had attempted to transfer overwhelming mana into his body, which would have killed him instantly. Aloen's body needs a moderate flow of mana to reignite his system."

"What makes you think that I'll reach him! I'll get cut down before reaching the door!"

"I am here Mia," he said gently, and in that moment, I felt warmth wrapping around me, comforting my inner turmoil. "Do not fret. I will never abandon you."

When I opened my eyes, the guard was, for the first time, not in his spot.

"Well, I guess that's a good start," I muttered to myself, "What if the door was unlocked too, hahaha" I said while pushing the door.

To my surprise, it creaked open, as if it had never been locked at all.

"Oh my God!" I said, out of words. "I must hurry."

I had no clue where to find Aloen. I stood in the middle of the corridor, lost in my thoughts, when an urgent sound caught my attention.

"Tst! Tssst! Over here!"

"Who?" I whispered, scanning the shadows.

A small figure emerged from the dark. A little girl, with long light blue hair and striking purple eyes. She resembled Asher very much.

"Come here fast, or you will get caught!" she hissed.

I approached her without much thought. She grabbed my hand, and the moment her fingers touched mine, I felt a faint stir in my insignia.

"You are invisible for a short time now," she said with a low voice. "Follow me, I'll guide you to his chambers."

"Why are you helping me?"

She held up a finger to her lips."Shhh! I didn't say they couldn't hear you! Besides, I am only helping you because I sense Asher's presence within you. So, don't get too full of yourself!"

Her words felt familiar – like something Aloen might say. I couldn't help but think that she has Asher's looks and Aloen's attitude!

I followed her closely, noticing how small and fragile, she seemed no older than ten. Judging by her dress, and her ornamented hair with the finest accessories, she must be an incredibly spoiled child. But her attitude toward Aloen showed that she cared dearly for him.

"In our domain, we, Narcis', can easily hear the thoughts of anyone who steps here," she said with a sharp voice. "So, please spare me your hideous thoughts!"

"Oh! I – I am…" I stammered, embarrassed by her sudden reprimand.

She shushed me again, and for the first time in a while, I felt like a child being pulled along by an adult.

Finally, we reached his room. It was dimly lit, with only a faint glow of a candle flickering on a nearby table. The bed was large, draped in deep crimson sheets, absorbing every shadow. As we entered, I saw Ellis standing next to his bed, staring at Aloen intently.

"Lady Philamina! I am sorry but no one is allowed anywhere near the young master, except for myself and the mage," Ellis said with a firm voice.

The little girl burst into tears, her voice trembling with frustration. "How can I not see my own brother? "Asher has disappeared and now Aloen is like this… Can't I at least see him one last time?"

Touched by her words, she stepped aside with a reluctant sigh, letting us go through.

I walked up to Aloen's bedside. He was a bit pale, but his beauty remained undiminished, even in his slumber.

As I stepped closer to touch Aloen, an excruciating pain pierced through my chest. It felt as if molten steel had sliced through my body, burning its way through every inch, searing my flesh from the inside out. I gasped, my vision blurring, and looked down in shock, only to see the gleaming blade thrust deep into my chest. 

"I warned you," the knight said coldly.