---
We walked down the hallway back to my room. A thick silence hung between us, making my stay here feel increasingly uncomfortable. Eve sat on my bed, offering a faint smile that only made me more anxious.
What did Azreal tell her?
The question gnawed at me until I couldn't stay silent anymore.
"Eve," I began, "what are the rules?"
"I don't think this is the right time to discuss that," she said, avoiding my gaze. "I wanted to talk to you about your training first."
"Tell me what he said," I demanded, looking her straight in the eyes. I could see she was worried, but I had no idea why.
"If I tell you, will you promise not to run away?" she asked softly.
"What?" I blinked in surprise.
"Please, Erica. Promise you won't leave without telling me where you're going."
She wasn't joking—her eyes pleaded with me.
"Okay, I promise. Just tell me what he said," I said, taking her hands gently in mine.
Eve sighed, lowering her gaze.
"Azreal's rules are simple but strict. You're never allowed to leave his castle without his permission. Whenever he calls, you must be present. And whatever he asks of you… you cannot refuse. He's the master now."
"What?" I exclaimed, jerking my hands away from hers.
Eve reached toward me, but I backed away, no longer wanting to hear anything from her.
I ran from home because I was treated like a prisoner... only to come here and face the same fate. I thought about running, but I had already made a promise—and besides, where would I go? I had never seen beyond the fence my whole life, except for those rare trips with Uncle Christopher.
"Erica," Eve said gently, "please say something. Anything."
"What exactly do you want me to say, Eve? I'm nothing but a slave, even in a stranger's home."
The silence between us grew heavy, pulling me deep into my thoughts. After a moment, an idea sparked in my mind.
"When do I start learning to use my powers?" I asked, breaking the silence.
"I was thinking about that too," Eve said, her face lighting up a little. "I can't teach you myself, but I know someone who can."
"That's good."
"But if that happens, I might have to leave for a few days. You'll be staying with my brother and Rachel."
"What do I have to lose?" I shrugged. "If I'm going to stay here, I'll need my powers."
"Alright," she said. "I'm leaving today. If you need anything, ask the staff—or Miss Grump. She's here for you."
"How long will you be gone?"
"I'm not sure," she admitted.
"Be safe," I said, pulling her into a hug before she left.
---
Eve's P.O.V.
After leaving Erica, I rushed to my room in search of something important for my journey. I remembered hiding an old note inside one of my novels—but which one?
I opened my drawers and flipped through book after book, finding nothing. Frustrated, I sat on the bed, wondering where it could be.
Then a familiar voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Master, I think you'll find it here," Miss Grump said, handing me a book.
I took it, opened it—and an old piece of paper slipped out. It was the note I'd been looking for.
I looked at Miss Grump, my face lighting up with relief. My brother always said she had the gift of knowing things without being present. I hugged her and kissed her forehead before stepping back to throw on an old veil I found tucked away.
"Master, is my lady going with you?" she asked.
"No. She's staying here. Please take good care of her."
"I will, Master," Miss Grump promised.
I waved at her before vanishing from the room—and reappearing at the golden gates.
---
Edward's P.O.V.
I stood at the golden gates, unsure of who or what I was waiting for. Then, the gates opened—and through them walked Master Eve.
Strangely, she wore a veil. That wasn't like her. Sensing something was off, I decided to follow her. But first, I had to inform Jarel.
I summoned dark matter into the shape of a black crow.
"Go to our master and deliver the message," I commanded. The crow flew off, and when I turned back—Eve had already disappeared.
---
Jarel's P.O.V.
I was in my study, gazing into my crystal orb, when I sensed Edward's presence. A crow made of shadows perched on my window. I opened it, and the crow flew straight into the orb, revealing an image of a veiled girl.
Zooming in, I recognized Eve.
So, you have returned. What are you hiding?
I smiled to myself, walking back to the window.
"I will find you," I said, chuckling darkly.
---
Eve's P.O.V.
I found myself in the city of Zoar once again, where the streets bustled with life. I had never visited his home before; we had only met at balls and galas.
I took out the paper. It read: The Royal House of Ramah.
I needed directions.
I spotted an old woman selling fine fabrics beside a young man wearing a large straw hat that covered most of his face.
"Excuse me, madam. May I ask you something?"
"If it's something I can help with, go ahead."
"Could you direct me to the Royal House of Ramah?"
The old woman's expression changed, becoming uneasy.
"Is something wrong, madam?"
"Are you looking for someone dear?" she asked.
"An old friend."
She hesitated, then said, "Come with me."
I followed her down a quieter alley. She stopped and turned to me.
"You must walk through this alley to reach a river. Follow the river to where it falls. If your friend truly invited you, he would have given you the key to summon the enchanted House of Ramah."
"That's it?"
"That's it. But be careful," she warned—and then vanished without a trace.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the alley.
---
Jarel's P.O.V.
When the old woman left with Eve, I followed from a distance. They stopped at an alley entrance. After a brief conversation, the woman disappeared, and Eve moved on alone.
Something was happening—and I was sure it all tied back to Erica. I had to follow.
---
Hedron - Erica's P.O.V.
It was getting boring in my room, so I decided to go out and maybe meet some people.
As I stepped into the hallway, I bumped into two men carrying a large, heavy-framed painting.
"Hey, girl! Watch it!" one of them snapped.
"I'm sorry," I said quickly.
"Saying sorry doesn't cut it! Do you know how much trouble you'd be in if anything happened to this painting?" the man barked again.
"What's going on?" Thomas said, appearing from behind them.
"Sorry for the delay, Master," one of the men said, pointing accusingly at me.
Thomas turned to me, the grim line of his mouth softening into a sly smile.
"Miss Erica, I didn't mean to disturb—"
"There's no need to apologize," I interrupted. "It was my fault. I should be the one apologizing."
"There's no need for that either," Thomas said before turning back to the men. "Carry on."
The men carried the portrait away, and Thomas beckoned me.
"Whose painting is that?" I asked.
"Follow me if you want to find out," he said, trailing the men. I quickly followed.
They carried the painting into a room filled with portraits of different people. Carefully, they hung it and removed the veil. There it was—Azreal's portrait, capturing his dark, shining hair, piercing eyes, pointed nose, thin lips, strong chin, flawless skin, and his regal, dangerous aura.
I stared, almost losing myself in the magnetic image.
"Don't get lost in him too easily," Thomas teased, snapping me out of it.
"Was I staring too much?"
"Nothing new," he said with a smirk. "He tends to capture everyone's attention."
"He's handsome, but character is true beauty," I said, turning to Thomas.
I noticed the corner of his mouth curve upward.
Looking around, I realized that many portraits shared similar features.
"Who are all these people?" I asked.
"The king's ancestors," Thomas replied.
My eyes landed on a familiar face hidden behind the door.
"Hades," I whispered.
"I see you've been studying," Thomas said.
"Hades... the powerful, dangerous god of flames. After his banishment, no one ever heard of him again."
"He disappeared," Thomas said, "but his lineage remains."
There was no mistaking the resemblance between Hades and Azreal.
Before I could ask more, a man appeared at the door.
"Master Thomas, the king wishes to see you."
Thomas turned to me. "It's time for me to leave, my lady. See you another time."
He bowed and left.
I lingered, staring at Hades' portrait, when a familiar voice called me.
"My lady, you're not supposed to be here. It's time for lunch—you should be at the table," Miss Grump said.
"Sorry. The painting caught my attention," I said, following her toward the dining hall.
When we arrived, Rachel was already seated. She glanced at me with clear disdain before looking away.
I noticed the staff preparing the king's seat—which could only mean one thing.
"Miss Grump," I whispered.
"Yes, my lady?"
"Will the king be joining us?"
"Yes, my lady," she replied with a soft smile.
I hesitated. "Would it be alright if I skipped lunch?"
Her smile faded into a worried expression.
"I'm sorry, my lady, but the king demands your presence."
"Will Thomas be there?"
"I'm afraid not. The king sent him on an errand."
Disappointed, I sighed and took my seat across from Rachel, who continued to glare at me.
It didn't bother me—she wasn't my enemy.
After a moment, Miss Grump quietly slipped out of the hall, leaving me to face whatever was to come.
--