"Two moons have passed since that fateful day, the day Riona's light was extinguished. Her loss still ravages my soul, and I'm consumed by regret. Only now do I realize my true feelings for her – feelings that came too late. The weight of what could have been haunts me. If only I had recognized my love sooner, perhaps she would still be alive, her spirit free."
"Your Highness," Elrond ventured, his voice measured, "may I inquire whether it's wise to keep the spirit close? Perhaps it's time to let her go."
My eyes clouded,thoughts racing with memories of Riona. "I'm not sure I can, Elrond. She's all I have left."
Elrond's expression softened. "That may be, Your Highness. But consider Lynn's well-being. Is keeping her here truly just?"
My gaze drifted,thoughts still filled with Riona. "I'm not holding Lynn against her will, Elrond. She stays by her own accord."
Elrond's expression remained skeptical. "But, Your Highness—"
"Lynn's choice is her own," my tone firm. "And I've promised to protect her."
Just then, Lynn materialized, her presence announced by a soft whisper. "Ran, I'm back."
My eyes warmed with a hint of a smile. "Welcome back, Lynn. I see you're as restless as ever."
"Lynn, haven't I told you not to call me that name when we're outside?" I asked, a hint of amusement in my voice.
She chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I forgot."
I shook my head, smiling. "You always forget."
Lynn's grin deepened. "Sorry, Your Highness."
I raised an eyebrow. "Better. Now, where did you disappear to this time? You were gone for three days."
Lynn's expression turned contemplative. "I went to the forest to visit the elves.
Why did you visit the forest, Lynn?" I asked, my brow furrowed with concern.
Lynn's gaze dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm still worried about the Oracle's words, Ran. The mana depletion, the Spirit King's warning... I fear for our world's future."
You're pushing yourself too hard."
I sat beside her, holding her tiny hands. "I told you, didn't I? I'll fix everything. You don't need to worry."
Lynn's eyes lifted, a hint of a smile on her lips. "You can't fix everything, Ran. But knowing you're trying brings me comfort."
Elrond appeared at my side, his expression solicitous. "Shall I summon the maids to bring refreshments, Your Highness?"
I nodded. "See to it, Elrond. Lynn, what would you like to eat?
"Anything, Ran. You know I'm not picky."
"What are you thinking?" She asks in a low voice. "I'm thinking how adorable you look when you stuff your cheeks with food."
Lynn's face lit up with laughter, her eyes sparkling like gemstones. "Ran!"
"Brother, it's been a month since you vowed to conquer the world. Were you deceiving me?" my little sister asked, her voice laced with impatience.
"Little sister, patience is a virtue," I replied, a hint of amusement in my tone. "A plan to bring the world to its knees requires meticulous attention to detail. I cannot rush into action without a thorough strategy."
Her eyes narrowed. "You're not stalling, are you?"
I smiled reassuringly. "Today marks the beginning of phase one. I need you to visit the palace.Her face lit up with excitement. "I can do that. I despise that self-righteous bastard."
I handed her a small vial. "Add this to his tea. It will ensure his... cooperation."
Her gaze sparkled with mischief as she pocketed the vial. "Consider it done."
"Your Highness, Lady Luciano has arrived," the guard announced, his tone laced with a hint of surprise. "She was here yesterday, and now she's back again so soon."
The door swung open, and Lady Luciano swept in, a bright smile on her face.
"My lady, what brings you here again so soon?" I asked, my tone measured, masking my growing unease.
Lady Luciano's eyes sparkled. "Can't I visit my fiancé, whom I love so dearly?" Her words dripped with saccharine sweetness, making my stomach churn.
The notion of being bound to her, of pretending to reciprocate her feelings, was revolting. If only I could break this engagement without consequence...
I forced a polite smile. "Of course, my lady. So, what brings you here today?"as I gestured for her to sit.
Lady Luciano's gaze fluttered. "Father imported a rare tea, and I thought of sending some to you, but then I decided to brew it for you myself."
Her words reeked of insincerity, but I played along. "How thoughtful of you, my lady."
"Tell the maids to bring the tea set for Lady Luciano," I instructed, my tone measured.
"Yes, Your Highness," the guard replied, bowing.
Lynn's whispered warning echoed in my mind: "Ran, I don't like the energy she's emitting. Her mana is not normal, and her eyes seem to hold malice."
"Your Highness, may I ask something?" Lady Luciano inquired, her voice laced with feigned innocence.
"Proceed," I allowed.
"I've heard rumors of a spirit by your side, one you keep close. Is this true?" Her gaze searched mine, an unsettling intensity burning within.
"Where did you hear these rumors, my lady?" I countered.
"Everyone in the palace speaks of it," she replied. "And I've seen you conversing with... no one. I had to ask."
The door knocked, interrupting our conversation.
"Enter," I called.
The maids entered, bearing the tea essentials. "We brought everything necessary, Your Highness."
As they arranged the items, Lady Luciano's eyes gleamed with an sinister light. The tea's aroma wafted up, enticing, but Lynn's warning lingered.
"Your Highness, the tea is ready," Lady Luciano said, her smile dripping with malice. "I'm sure you'll find it... satisfying."
I lifted the cup, and as the liquid touched my lips, a sense of unease settled within. The flavor was pleasant, but a subtle bitterness lingered.
As I finished the tea, agony exploded in my chest. My heart pounded, and I coughed, blood staining my lips.
"What did you do?" I demanded, my vision blurring. "What was in the tea?"
Lady Luciano's laughter was revolting. "Just a little something. Dead people don't need to know, after all. I'll simply say your curse killed you... or perhaps the spirit did."
My strength waned, darkness encroaching.
"You... will pay..." I whispered.
Lynn's desperate cry echoed in my mind as the shadows consumed me.
Memories erupted like festering wounds, unleashing a torrent of unrelenting anguish. I thought I'd buried them deep within, hidden from the scorching light of day. But why did they resurface now, ripping my soul asunder like jagged glass?
"Why must they still torment me?" I screamed, my voice shattered by unending despair. "Why must I relive this mercilessly agony?"
I felt forsaken, lost, and isolated. No soothing touch had ever calmed my ravaged heart, no comforting arms had ever shielded me from the abyss.
"Others find solace in blissful memories as their life fades," I wailed. "Why must I endure this relentless casecade of despair?"
Tears streamed down my face like rivulets of blood as memories ravaged me, merciless and unforgiving.
I was trapped in a maelstrom of unending pain, drowning in the putrid waters of my own mind. But then, an unseen force dragged me from the abyss.
Disoriented and broken, I struggled to comprehend. If I was dead, why did my soul still writhe in agony like a tortured animal?
The pain sliced through me like a scorching blade, leaving me gasping. Just as I thought I'd shatter into a thousand pieces, a gentle hand cradled my head.
Soft fingers stroked my hair, a tender touch that tempered the tempest within. A warm, comforting embrace enveloped me, slowing my ragged breathing.
Though the pain still seared my soul, its grip began to loosen. As I leaned into the embrace, a fragile sense of peace crept in, calming the turbulent waters of my mind.
"Who are you?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.The warmth of their hands seeped into my chilled bones, and their gentle grip anchored me to reality.
I wasn't sure if my words reached the unknown presence, but everything went black nonetheless. Yet, the gentle hands held me firm, embracing me with an unyielding warmth.
"Child, open your eyes." The gentle voice pierced the darkness.
As I blinked, blinding light flooded my vision. Gradually, shapes took form.
"I really thought you weren't going to wake up," the voice said, laced with relief.
I turned my head, wincing at the sharp pain. My vision blurred, but a figure came into focus.
"Who are you?" My voice sounded hoarse, foreign.
The figure smiled, holding a glass of crystal-clear liquid. "Here, drink this."
Their touch was soothing as they helped me sit up. I sipped the liquid, feeling its cooling effects.
This person, or angel, exuded an otherworldly gentleness. No malice, no deceit.
I lay back on the bed, the fluffiest and most comfortable I'd ever lain on.
"Child," the angel chuckled, "you should get up now. We have catching up to do."
As my vision stabilized, recognition dawned.
"Lucifer," I whispered.
His piercing eyes sparkled. "Child, I brought you here. It's only natural I'd be waiting."
"But I died," I protested, memories flooding back. "I remember it clearly."
Lucifer's expression turned somber. "Yes, you did. I retrieved your soul before it vanished into the void."
"_ALL RESTRICTIONS HAVE BEEN LIFTED_," the voice echoed in my mind, its resonance awakening a maelstrom of emotions.
What did it signify? And what did Lucifer want to discuss?
My thoughts swirled, consumed by the enigmatic message. But then, like a ripple in a pond, memories of my friends surfaced. The only true friends I'd ever known.
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill. Grief and longing mingled, piercing my heart.
I missed them.
Lucifer's gentle voice broke the spell, his tone infused with compassion. "Child, your thoughts are a maze. Share your burdens with me."
I turned to him, tears trembling on my lashes. "My friends... I left them behind. Will I ever see them again?" My voice cracked, barely above a whisper.
Lucifer's expression softened, his eyes filled with empathy. "That's precisely what I want to discuss." His words hung in the air, a promise of hope.
To be continued.