Chapter 32: But how long could he hold on to hope? What if it happened tonight? Emeriel looked toward the door, his thoughts racing as he considered his choices. As a slave, he was expected to attend the festival grounds and serve drinks to the guests. Maybe I could quietly sneak away to the southern wing? Surely, a quick visit to check on her would go unnoticed. Determined, Emeriel stepped out, closing the door softly behind him. Leaving the slave quarters, he walked with purpose, mimicking someone on an important errand as he headed into the main fortress. Thankfully, the grand lords would already be busy at the festival grounds, lowering the chances of running into anyone. Walking through the familiar halls, Emeriel soon reached the path leading to Aekeira's chamber. When he reached the door, he carefully tried the handle. Relief washed over him when he found it unlocked. With a hopeful smile, he stepped inside… only to be met with an empty room. Confusion crossed his face as he called out for Aekeira, searching every corner, even the storage area. She was nowhere to be found. Emeriel's heart raced, anxiety surging through his body as he left the room. Where could she be? As he retraced his steps back toward the servants' quarters, Emeriel's eyes darted around, scanning his surroundings. When he reached the crossroads where various paths in the fortress met, he stopped. Instead of heading to the servants' quarters, his feet carried him toward the fourth wing. Without realizing it, he was following the route that led to the forbidden chambers. Find your favorite stories at g Ɐ ln σ ν???? ????s., conn But just before he reached the intersection of the Abyss land, Emeriel froze again. What in the underworld am I doing here? He knew the punishment for being on this side of the fortress without permission would be severe. He turned to leave, but a movement caught his eye. She stood alone, wearing regal attire that highlighted her status as a princess. It mirrored the dress she wore on that fateful first night. Aekeira was heading toward the haunting hallway leading to the forbidden chambers. "Keira?" he whispered, his voice resonating softly against the desolate walls. Aekeira turned, her eyes widening in surprise. "Em?" "Oh, thank the Lights! It's really you!" Emeriel exclaimed, rushing toward her and enveloping his sister in a tight embrace. "I tried so hard to believe Grand Lord Vladya when he claimed you were alive, but it was still difficult to sleep at night, Keira. By the gods, I am overjoyed that you're alive-" "No, you mustn't touch me!" Aekeira suddenly shouted, panic in her voice, as she pushed Emeriel away. "Do not touch me." Hurt flashed in Emeriel's eyes. Aekeira had never pushed him away like this before. "Keira?" he whispered. "I would not feed him your scent again," Aekeira reiterated, her voice trembling. "Please, do not touch me." Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!