Elaine thought she would have to endure another pain-induced ride to the magician's tower. Though still aching, her body felt much better than during the first part of the trip, to her amazement.

Maybe Elias was right. I needed the rest. But could a few minutes of rest make this much of a difference?

A couple of hours passed. When the sun began its descent from the sky, Elaine finally saw the flickering outline of the magician's tower appearing in the distance. The magicians who previously aided her journey came out with surprised expressions painted on their faces.

"Lady Estella, you came back. What happened to your escorts?"

"It's a long story, and I don't have time to explain. Please open the portal. I need to return to Geris as soon as possible." Elaine pleaded.

"Understood." Although they did not understand the situation, the magicians refrained from asking further questions. After all, the Duke had already paid for their service. Even if it was a few days late, they were still obligated to complete their contract side. "And who, may I ask, will accompany you on your return trip?" One magician inquired.

"Just my guard, Sir Ascania," Elaine replied, turning to Elias. "Mr. Ares, thank you for your help in sending me to the magician's tower. As promised, the magicians will provide one hundred gold coins for you and your men. Please put those coins under my father's tab." She stopped for a moment, then suddenly remembered an essential item, holding out her palm. "Please return the crystal to me." Elaine waited for a few seconds, but nothing dropped into her hand. She gave Elias a perplexed look.

"I will accompany you to your final destination."

"You must be mistaken."

"I assure you, milady. I rarely make mistakes. Remember, I stated before we began this journey. As your rescuer, it is my responsibility to see through your safe return." Elias answered.

"But, why are y-"

"Open the portal. The rest of you return to the camp after receiving your payments. I will be back." Elias directed the magicians and his soldiers before Elaine could refute. "Milady, we do not have time for more idle chatter. Didn't you say you wanted to return as fast as possible? If so, please do not delay our journey any further."

So now he is blaming me for delaying the journey? Elaine could feel hot steam exploding from her head, consumed by the urge to punch the handsome face in front of her, but she restrained herself. She would not win anyway. Why is he doing this? What is his goal? Does he have an agenda against me? But I'm sure this is our first meeting. Elaine reiterated Elias' actions inside her head but could not determine his motivation.

The magicians nodded. It mattered little to them how many people traversed through the portal. Besides, they conceded it would be safer for the young lady if more people accompanied her. "Please stand back." The magicians performed their ritual, and a colorful mist emerged, along with an enormous red door. The door swung wide open with more steam pouring from it.

"You all can now enter. We wish you a safe journey. And please remember, do not get distracted by the creatures."

The creatures. Elaine's heart drummed in her chest.

"Thank you." Her shoulders slumped, resigned to her fate. She would have to travel with the male protagonist a while longer.

"Let us depart." Elias steered his horse toward the mysterious entrance. Cecil closely followed behind.

Elaine stared into the endless white tunnel, with nothing seen or heard. It reminded her of the scenery from her dream. But were they related? Elaine did not know. The steeds steadily walked toward an unknown exit while tension rose within Elaine's body with each passing minute. Her hands balled into little fists, and she closed her eyes, attempting to subdue the overwhelming dread seeping through her.

Will they appear?

No longer was she within the safe walls of the carriage. Currently, little stood between her and the creatures. The silence was suffocating. Never more than now had Elaine sought the comfort of the city's hustle and bustle.

"Big sis, you're back." A small hand tugged on Elaine's dress.

A little girl's voice. It's them!

Elaine opened her eyes, mustering the courage to look down. She immediately regretted her decision. Standing beside her was a human-shaped dark blob. Its countenance was of a child, but its empty eye sockets and blood-red opening with sharp, saw-like teeth made it resemble more of a monster than a human. "What is the matter, big sis?" Sweet, lyrical voice flowed from the upward curling gap. The hollow eye sockets stared at Elaine like a deep void, threatening to swallow her inside its abyss.

"Foreign soul, delicious soul, how tasty." A young boy's voice chimed in. Another creature emerged, and its appearance mirrored the young girl.

"Did you know all her escorts are dead?"

"She killed them all. It's her fault. It's her fault. HER FAULT." More and more of the creatures appeared. Their voices grew deafening, and their faces morphed into Elaine's dead escorts, some with tore off eyes and mouths, others with half their faces missing. All of them resembled decaying corpses.

"You are a calamity, a misfortune. You will destroy everything. Why not give yourself to us? Give your soul to us." Tiny handprints stained her dress, tugging and pulling, trying to drag her deep into an unknown hell.

She tried kicking them off, but their mist-like bodies would evaporate at her touch and then restore to their previous form.

Elaine's face turned pale at the terrifying imagery. Her heart banged loudly against her chest while breathing became difficult. She then opened her mouth, gasping for air. Gripping the horse's mane, she could only hope that they would soon reach the exit.

"Take a deep breath and exhale." A calming voice whispered in her ear, like the first sign of spring after a frigid winter, woke Elaine from her dreadful nightmare.