"Strength is what keeps the motive ignited. Preserve it well, and don't lose it against destiny. When no one is around, you're going to need it."

•

"Before you continue, I don't want to listen to anything else. If I graduated med school, then the rules of this kingdom should be a piece of cake. And besides, you explain everything too quickly. I won't bear hearing another explanation of yours," I interrupted.

"Not everyone was as spoiled as you. And, I ain't gonna stand saying one more word to you. Good luck going back without the kingdom's GPS, by the way," he smirked.

"Wait. What? There's a special system? Get me back home, Louis Craven!"

In the gloomy air, his sarcastic smile extended across his face. As he walked away, the silent giggles of the guards echoed across the vast emptiness. The cold breeze caressed my face, and I realized that I was in the middle of nowhere. But, home didn't matter anymore against the constellation of stars. I was confused and unaware of everything around me. But I wanted to stay here and never go back. Something about this place gave me a warm sensation I didn't feel for so long.

I kneeled and observed as the soaked grass stained my pants. The rich aroma of lavender and roses brought the scent of the past. The sound of the gentle water complimented the white moon. As I stared beyond the beauty, a fence suddenly blocked my vision. Dead flowers surrounded its rusty bars. The tree branches cast a shadow on the dry soil underneath. There was a reflection of the brown fence and the orange flowers on either side of the lake.

"This land is beautiful. But why are there dead trees and flowers on the far side?" I interrogated one of the guards.

"We don't get that kind of information as guards. No one knows what lies on that side except the protectors and the Queen and her husband. There was some war, but it is all written in the book," she replied.

"Is there some dorm or room where I can stay? I don't know the way back home, and he left without installing that GPS."

"Yes, of course, Mrs. Aryn. But first, take this guide about how the probe works. Mr. Louis instructed us to hand it to you. It's effortless, don't worry. But if something confused you, we're more than welcome to answer you," the guard gently said.

She then slowly led me to my dorm without pushing or hushing me. Each step, the rich scent of the green mint got more vivid. There weren't dark corridors anymore, but paths of heaven and colors. The grass shards crunched under my boots, sending a sense of peace within my thoughts.

The guards stopped after reaching an orange door. They bowed, leaving me curious about what the room hid. As I held the keys, a faint sound came from behind. It wasn't a prisoner standing but Devlin with her narrow eyes. I gazed at her back with surprise and anger.

"This dorm was empty for years. It's right beside mine. I never expected its owner to come," Devlin muttered.

"Anyway, I was requested to give you my book until you go back to your abandoned house and get it. But, if the tiniest rupture or fold happens to any of the pages, no good will happen, lady," she threatened.

Before responding, she handed me the 'Rules of Death' with care and left. I wanted to ask her many questions, but she wouldn't answer them. Grabbing the keys, I opened the small door to reveal a simple cozy room. The floor was not of hard ceramic but wooden planks. I placed the book on the table and rushed to the large bed. The brown closet stood proudly beside the mirror, and little artificial plants filled the room. My eyes closed in despair, with each detail of the room engraved in my mind.

The sun shone. It wasn't the clangoring of the metal bars that woke me up but the sunlight. I looked at the hanger, not seeing my white coat anymore. It wasn't my shift time. I woke up and left the dorm, unaware of where to go. I still couldn't return home, and the bright sky locked me. I wanted to wake up here every morning and ignore everything. But, every person and inch reminded me of a past I could never escape from.

"You're awake already? I guess you didn't return home," Louis laughed.

"Anyway, I installed the GPS on your phone. Before you get mad, I didn't take your phone. There is a new phone you have to use. It uses the latest encryption technologies, and no one outside the kingdom would be able to hack it. You can't use it for phone calls, by the way."

He stood up and continued, "Also, you have to end up things with your fiance. If you read-"

"Yes, I know. I will do it, but not because of you, nor the kingdom," I interrupted.

Suddenly, I remembered that the car wasn't with me. The GPS was useless as Louis drove me here with his guards. However, the guards at the entrance offered me the kingdom's car temporarily as a solution.

"This is a self-driving car designed especially for the protectors by our engineers. The GPS is used in case you want to use your ordinary car. Remember, each trip with the electric car will cost you around two hundred dollars. However, it's my duty to lend you the car this time since you have no option," the guard said.

After a long journey, I finally arrived home. I grabbed my phone with shivering hands to call Ethan, but my eyes couldn't stop staring at the endless messages and calls I received. Gathering all the little courage, I took a deep breath and dialed him. Every ringing sound felt like hours of continuous fear.

"Aryn, is that you? Did something happen yesterday? I tried calling a lot, but you weren't responding," he answered.

"I'm sorry. I lost my phone last night, and many things happened. I am sorry for the way I treated you yesterday. I-"

"You don't need to apologize. Besides, you know I can never be sad or mad at you. I'm just happy I finally heard your voice," he assured.

A tight lump filled my throat as his soft words rang through my ear. Each word I tried to say was a mountain crushing my chest alive. Shame grew inside me as I failed to return the immense love he had for me or his calm words. Pretending was all my frozen lips had to offer. Buried truths and secrets tied my hands, leaving me to struggle with the unknown future without defense.

"By the way, my family and I are inviting you to dinner at my house tonight. We're all glad you've come back, and we want to have you among us again. I can't wait any longer to see you,"

"Yes. Yes, of course. I'll be there. But I need to close now. Can't wait for tonight, though," I answered as I held my tears.

I rejected Ethan many times in the past due to my past of abandonment. Not giving up, he kept sending me the same horrible cupcakes, which I always kept the packaging of. It wasn't before a few months after his proposal that I began replying to his sweet gestures. Reluctantly, I decided to give him a chance while being sure that he wouldn't stay with me for long.

For months, I continued to insult him and make excuses to avoid him. But I never wanted to leave him. I fell in love despite my fears and insecurities, and he continued being a gentleman despite my attitude.

He politely asked for my hand from my Uncle, Aunt Giana's brother, who accepted. For once, I decided to ignore my past and slid the ring onto my finger. I hoped that I would be able to move on and bury the past, and finally kill the devil inside me.

"Ethan, I've insulted you and even ignored you. Why didn't you just leave me? There are other women out there who'd die for you," I asked him.

"You're fighting to become a Doctor, although there exist other majors. So what gives me the right not to fight for a woman I love?" he replied.

Tears streamed down my cheeks, with the realization that I was to break his heart again. Memories of the past two years raced through my mind. I sat on the dusty floor, witnessing my future collapse between truths and lies. It wasn't a few minutes before Ellena came and hugged me tightly. She didn't ask for reasons but simply smiled and told me that it would be fine. Although I knew that it wouldn't be easy, I believed her. Life didn't stop when my aunt died or when I went to jail. It couldn't stop now.

Ellena braided my hair beautifully as she tangled her fingers through my curls. Despite not knowing anything, she was determined to make me look stunning tonight. She left for a few hours and returned with the prettiest golden dress a person could lay eyes on. When the stars approached, she told me goodbye with shimmering eyes.

After a long car ride, I was finally standing in front of Ethan's house. I knocked on his door, putting on a smile that hid every emotion. As I entered, there were flying balloons of every color, gracefully floating in the smell of the burning candles. His parents were dressed in simple elegance, with enthusiasm shining through their eyes.

The family had a vibrant lifestyle and a huge mansion, but they never bragged. They always treated me as their daughter and welcomed me to become a part of their family. Mia was already embracing me- not minding the crystals on the dress. She had always been a child full of thrill and an adventurous soul. She is Ethan's half-sister and whom I consider my adviser.

Hours passed by quickly as we all enjoyed the gifts and the exquisite dinner. The surprises they offered were an endless amount of joy and content. First, there were sparkling fireworks carved in the dark sky. Then came my present of a glimmering diamond necklace. I reluctantly took the red box, pretending happiness as I thanked them. I didn't know when to confront Ethan or how I would leave such a caring family.

As the night was coming to an end, the tightness in my chest and the lump in my throat was dragging me into an endless loop of uncomfort. My smile started fading against each passing second. In silence, I went to wash my hands, hoping to regain my lost strength.

Staring to the mirror, a squeaking sound appeared.

I turned around in surprise. A gap began forming on the wall as a door slowly opened. Seconds were getting longer as a cold breeze struck me, making me shiver. What seemed to be white tiles turned into a door with unknown intentions. My heart pounded against my chest as I advanced towards the gloom. As I entered, the little light vanished when the door forcefully closed.

The smell immediately created a sense of unease and terror. It was filthy and flourished within each breath I took. It was familiar. My eyes grew wider as it kept getting colder and colder. Droplets of water splashed in what seemed to be the slowest animation I ever heard and witnessed. My only company was a deadly silence.

In a moment, I was unable to continue anymore. Shivers rushed through my fragile bones. My eyes endeavored to interpret the silence, breeze, and fog. There was blood. Everywhere. It covered every tile and every corner of the frozen room. In shock and dilated pupils, I saw hanging organs- iced and holding the memories of their long-forgotten owners. They were all dead. I felt a sharp pain striking my heart.

I dedicated my life to save people's lives. While I was awake for late nights, Ethan killed those innocent souls after torturing them alive. He did not care about their dreams or families. I was gasping for air, begging to get out of here. Droplets of tears fell rhythmically as my screams echoed through the hollow-lifeless room. I would've done anything to bring those bodies back to their lives and joys, but it was too late. I felt the coldness lingering into my body, fighting the fires of guilt and revenge in my heart.

"How does discovering the truth feel like?" he laughed, entering from behind.

I stood up and faced him without fear. It was only anger engulfing me. I stood up in front of him as a woman who lost her family, status, and career, with nothing left to affect her anymore. I stood up with revenge engraved in my heart and eyes on behalf of all of those innocent people he tortured.

"How could you! What did every single one of those bodies do to you! They were innocent, with a life ahead of them. As if that wasn't enough, you were going to marry me and involve me in this! I loved you, I believed you, and this is how you repay me! You saw how I spent sleepless nights to save my patients, yet you killed all of those innocent souls!" I replied with a roaring voice.

"You're such a stupid woman. You spent years working and couldn't even have half the wealth I have. But, wait? My surprises didn't end yet. Isn't it a night of surprises anyway? Mason, bring on the awaited surprise!"

Behind his malicious eyes, another door opened upon his command. Mason came from behind with his echoing footsteps. He was grabbing two black bags, with victory and pride filling his eyes. I watched with agony as he got nearer to where I stood. He stopped. His black eyes- full of envy- looked at Ethan. He slowly held the zipper of the bags and opened them calmly. Those moments were enough to stay embedded in my past, present, and future and haunt me forever.

"Look inside. Who are those two people?"

I grasped courage and knelt. I didn't see them for over seventeen years, but it was them. Although I knew it meant his winning, I screamed as my strength betrayed me. I examined the dead bodies he presented, having false faith that they were alive. They were empty of organs and as pale as the mist, but I somehow believed they didn't die. They couldn't die. Not here, and not by him.

"Mom, dad? What has he done to you?" I said in a brittle voice.