Warning! Some parts of this chapter trigger self-harm and suicide.

Dear readers, suicide is never an option. Whatever you’re passing through or facing will soon be over. Hang on in there, please.

..

After that encounter with Rook Francesca, I headed to Knight Lydia’s quarters. My intentions were simple— I wanted Piper in my room.

Then I would practice more and find the key after.

Luckily, she agreed. Although with the condition that Piper shared a bed with me, since it wasn’t in her power to move anything in the castle.

She had suggested me talking to Bishop Cicilia about it, but I waved it off agreeing.

What was worse than going to one’s enemies for help?

Cicilia would pay for her deeds, with Lady Francesca.

But that was until I found the truth.

Because something didn’t quite add up. I sensed a hidden enemy; pulling the strings.

Who was he? She? It?

“Thank you, Ava…”

Piper huskily let out, with tears coming out her eyes. I sighed, looking down at the way her lashes rested on her cheeks. She wore a scowl on her face, with her mouth in a pout.

I wondered how much she had to go through in those girls’ hands.

“Be rest assured, Piper. You got me now…with Emily,”

I bent down, wiping off her tears with my thumbs. I looked into her big brown eyes which wore an innocent look.

“Sure…”

Her feeble hands moved to hug my both legs the instant I stood up. I looked at the girls as they chattered with each other. Narrowing my eyes at Emily, gossiping with Felicia with some other girls.

It was a little strange she wasn’t on duty as Lydia’s personal assistant.

“Tell us! Tell us! Tell us!” the girls suddenly chorused.

I slowly made Piper ungrasp my thighs, walking towards where they chattered.

Going unnoticed, I sat in their midst, wondering why they suddenly chorused those words to Felicia, Lady Knight’s assistant.

“Okay, okay fine.” Felicia breathed out.

For a second, I thought she looked at me but it was a little brief so I waved it off.

“Many years ago, a woman gave birth to twins on a full Moon. In the past, children born on a full Moon, symbolized blessings to the community.”

So, it was a story.

Well…I loved stories.

I shifted towards Emily. She smiled at me for a first, intertwining her hands with mine.

“They were both female. Almost identical but weren’t. The villagers thought they had lots in common, but deep down, one knew they were so different.”

“They had the same hair, were beautiful, both intelligent but their hearts weren’t the same.”

“While one represented evil, with maliciousness, the other represented good with moral uprightness.”

She paused a bit, before continuing.

“One day, their mother was struck with an illness of the heart. She was at the point of death, so they had to embark on a journey.”

All the girls seemed engrossed in her story. Even Piper at distance listened attentively.

“Most villagers thought their mission was impossible and a death sentence because it was to find the heart of a powerful King named Teta—locked in the confines of a chest kept totally hidden.”

I immediately zoned out at Felicia’s words, having flashbacks of when I was transported here, in a ship.

The golden chest with ancient engravings.

Could it…

Or was I thinking too much?

How does it even link…think Ava?

“So? Did they find it?”

One of the girls sudden asked.

“Well they tried their luck but never did. They both knew it was futile from the start but still went ahead because of the legend.”

“Locked in the depths of a ship, with numerous spells from an old Witch. There was a myth that said, only the Possessor and the chosen one could see the chest.”

“So, what happened to the girls? And their mother?”

Another girl asked.

“She passed away, so did the girls many years after.”

“It is whispered though, that they lie in the walls of this castle and cry at night.”

…

Felicia’s story really got me thinking. I mean, why would the girls cry in this castle if it wasn’t related to something or someone.

An event possibly, that wasn’t spoken off.

I needed answers, and like the beast said…I hoped it didn’t lead to my detriment.

…

The next day after practice and struggling for food, Cassandra suddenly appeared with a cheerful look written on her face.

It was strange she could still smile, in spite of what went on in this castle.

“Lady Ava… good morning.”

“Cassandra, morning to you too. Is all well?”

I arched a brow, asking her with a polite smile. I took in her wavy brown hair, and her freckles which suited her rosy cheeks.

It was almost like she lit wherever she walked in to.

“Jaskier delivered a message to me.” she whispered suddenly.

“The beast summons you.”

She said. My eyes widened as she made a polite bow and walked out of the room.

Why would he summon me? Perhaps to give me reasons to be his concubine?

Or another thing? Okay…do not panic Ava.

I told myself as I changed into something presentable. It was the dress I wore during our first night in the castle together.

I inhaled a couple of times, nervously.

As I moved to see the beast, I heard whimpers and some low-key crying. It came from what resembled a balcony.

The white curtains which covered it blew widely and I could hear some sounds.

“Get her down! Now!”

“Yes milady!”

My eyes widened when I saw someone standing at the edge. I held the hems of my gown, moving closer in disbelief at whoever it was.

I wondered, swaying the transparent curtains, only to see Tabitha, crying profusely. She looked back at me, in a sickly and palely way. Her eyes were bloodshot and teary.

“Tabitha, w-what are you do--"

“They are monsters.”

She cut me off, saying.

“W-who? What are you talking abou--”

“They both drank from me.”

Huh? Who? What was she even talking about?

My heart thudded frantically for her. I couldn’t afford to let her jump and end her life.

“I had to recover before participating in the choosing. That’s why I went missing for a few days.”

“Who?”

I let out.

“What are you talking about, Tabitha?”

“T-that silly Rook Francesca…” she said.

“…And senseless Bishop Cicilia.”

She suddenly stated.

Those two…were they the cause of this??

“I spent my time thinking, you know. Why me? And then, I asked myself questions like, why us?”

“Why are we not killed straight away? Instead of being brought to live this torturous life?”

My eyes wandered to the stitches on her neck. And her hands also. It did make me feel really sad and sorry.

God, I wished I could help her. But how, goddamit?

“This is hell,”

“Goodbye, Ava.”

“No!!!!”

I yelled, trying to stop her, but it was too late.

She already jumped.

...

I'll try creating a Q/A in future, readers. Really apologize for the comments I don't reply. Have been so busy.

Just know I love you all❤️🥺