-HIM-

It takes me a couple of seconds to believe my eyes. When it hits me, I school my features not to give away too much.

Still, I couldn't take my eyes off her as she walked up to Theoron and took his hand. Theoron helped her up before she turned around and smiled at everyone.

How is this possible? No! This can't be true! I cannot trust Theoron, but why would I feel this way without a valid reason?

I was profoundly perplexed. My head was buzzing with all these questions while I stared at Theoron's sister. I zoned out of what he was saying. The only thing I could look at was his sister and think... how can this be possible?

I wasn't surprised at her returning to life after being declared dead five years ago. I was surprised at something else... the impact she had on me... was unnerving me. I had never felt this variant of dread in my life before. I could only hear my heart pounding as I stared at that woman silently.

She can't be real!

Even though my senses were reacting that way, I still had the feeling that it wasn't real. It just couldn't be real. I refused to believe that the effect she had on me was real.

And even if it was real, I would never accept Theoron's sister!

I gritted my teeth silently, watching her from my place and thinking what kind of games destiny was playing with me. For once, I felt like I was being tossed around by the raging tides of the angry sea. I seemed to be losing control...first, the book, then this...

But if this is true, what about the girl I keep crossing paths with? The one who calls herself Vitoria... though I refused to believe it was her name. Whatever it be, I needed to find her.... I needed to find the truth otherwise, I would be losing my mind soon...

"Are you alright?" Lars asked, bringing me back to the present.

"Yes," I breathed, realising that the ceremony was over. Of course, there was going to be a royal dinner after this.

Maybe then I could see if she truly is what she seems?

"Are you sure?" Lars interrupted again.

"I... I don't know how to explain this," I told him, unable to carry the weight of it on my chest, but at the same time, I couldn't risk admitting it out loud here.

"What is it?" Lars pressed, looking worried.

"I will tell you after dinner," I answered, patting his shoulder assuringly. But the look in his eyes said that he was anything but assured.

~

No matter how hard I tried, my eyes always drifted back to Theoron's sister at the dinner. Inconveniently, she was sitting opposite me, so there was no way I could avoid her without appearing rude. Theoron sat at the head of the table, on my left, while Lars sat on my right. The rest of the table was occupied by nobles and other high-ranking officials, sitting according to their statuses.

I glanced down the table, and surprisingly, I found that Theoron's Royal Advisor Herran was sitting further down the table. I couldn't help but find it odd. Even though there was gentle chatter over the table and everyone seemed to enjoy the dinner, the tension in the air couldn't be missed.

"I hope everything is up to your standards," Theoron spoke up.

"I'm beyond pleased with your splendour. I have never seen something like this before," I told him, glancing briefly at his sister before offering him a fake smile.

"I'm pleased to hear that," Theoron smiled slyly, "I'm sure you've already found out about my sister, Theresa,"

"Yes, I am quite surprised by her," I almost chewed my words while forcing a smile at her. Theresa blushed slightly and smiled at me.

"Hahaha, I didn't expect anything less," Theoron laughed.

"Isn't it convenient that your sister is back and I'm here?" I suggested.

"Yes, I was thinking the same," Theoron smiled abruptly, looking between us. "What do you say, Theresa?" He pressed.

"Oh, I... yeah, it's a pleasure to have him here," Theresa stuttered after struggling to find her words. I couldn't help but notice her ragged breaths and constant fidgeting, looking slightly uncomfortable. She smiled at me, but she never looked me in the eyes.

Strange...

"You two seem to be getting along well already!" Theoron exclaimed, but this time, he looked genuinely pleased. Something cunning flickered in his eyes. "I couldn't wait to see how this turns out..." He added.

"Again, thank you for having me here. I'm having a blast!" I added to get the conversation going.

"I'm glad to hear that," Theoron laughed, "I like the people who appreciate perfection,"

"Careful, Theoron, I might get addicted and never leave!" I laughed. Lars joined me hesitantly.

"Maybe that's what I want," Theoron dished back, matching the fakeness in my laughter.

"I clearly see our new friendship blossoming into something more," I remarked, smiling at Theresa.

"I think the same. It would be highly beneficial for both of us," Theoron remarked. For a moment, he sounded as if he meant it.

"It definitely would be... with the Zuncans gaining power rapidly," I added, and Theoron shifted in his seat uncomfortably.

"Yes, they're an issue for us too," Theoron sighed deeply.

"I am not worried about them as long as I have the King by my side who can bring the dead back to life," I joked, and it didn't seem to land well with others. "Anyway, why did you say Khazar and Nanda are late?" I switched the topic quickly.

_