Chapter 2

I was awakened in midafternoon, just as the sun was setting and the moon was rising, and the clouds, they had faded, and the stars peered down from the sky. I glance at Lily, standing beside me.

She cried, “My lady! Your ashen face… why must it be? How the marchioness will react, when she sees this saddening sight!” Lily drooped down, her face full of sorrow.

This was much more pitiful. Lily was right, the thought of mother, lying sick on the bed with her pale expression pains me. What would happen if worrisome me causes her too much trouble?

“My kind, sicky mother, how she can’t bear the sight of me like this. You, Lily, may not tell her. ” I strictly commanded.

Lily nodded, “If so, I will take my leave.” She left the room silently, as each of her footsteps couldn’t be heard.

Father was with the mercenaries, searching far and wide, with hope of finding cure for mother. Aunt Delise was on leave along with Uncle Lewis at their vacation home back in the tropical south. Neither had heard of their mother's deadly disease, as it had been weeks since their departure, and letters were too far to reach. I imagined Aunt Delise’s, with her horrified expression when she hears about mother. News hasn't been made in high society yet, as rumors will grow, spreading like wildfire. The reputation of house Illosia, the Marquis, and even I, will be tainted.

I rolled on the bed cover, crumpled the blanket and stretched the pillow. The anxiety overwhelmed me. Tears streamed down the sides of my face, drenching the wrinkled pillow. I sniffed. Gosh, how troublesome, crying like this will just make mother worry.

For the sake of my mother, I can’t cry. I have to stay strong and happy, durable like the Alyvia.

The window blinds shifted. Oh? I thought it was locked! I silently walked there, hoping it was just some strong wind. How ridiculous, since no wind may pass through sturdy glass. There was the possibility of a vengeful ghost appearing, or a highly skilled assassin sent to eliminate me. My arms reached out, pulling up the curtain. It was dark, but the shadows casting the object were mostly engulfed by the towering lights above. I quickly realized the situation I was in. My body stumbled backwards, losing balance. It made a loud THUMP as the shadow went closer.

“L-Lily, Lily! There's an assassin-”

My mouth was then covered by an uncomfortable thin fleece as I continued struggle. I screamed, but all that came out was unknown muffled sounds. I glanced over at the bouquet of roses. My fingertips moved forward and backwards until it grew into long vines. It’s thorns turned rigid, serrated enough to cut deep into your skin. They reached out, trying to painfully pierce the attacker as he dodged, grabbing tight hold of the vines.

“Hey, keep quiet. The assassins are right outside.”

What assassins? Isn’t he the only one?

I breathed abruptly. My wet face was drenched with floods of tears as I thought about my mother's condition. What if she falls from a stroke when she hears about how I was murdered in my bedroom. What massacre would happen if this assassin not only kills me, but the rest of the servants in the main building.

What if he gets to mother?

“Listen, I-I want to live, so p-please don’t kill me. My mother, she’s terribly ill, I must refrain from worrying her…”

My muffled voice trailed off.

There was a moment of utter silence, then a giggle, followed by a small laugh.

I have a cure for your mother’s disease.” He answered.

I was shocked, as the answer came out abruptly. Though there was little possibility of trusting an intruder, I had hesitated.

“Must you wait to tell me? You despicable human who's come to assault an innocent child.”

“Shut up, you’re not that young.”

I turned back to get a clear look at this mischievous figure, but was left with utter shock. The messy white ivory covered his forehead along with it’s silver out-of-place bangs. His eyes were viridescent green, as they glistened in the dark. His pale skin was forecasted with a shadow, but I assure, it is smooth. He was quite a beauty, as I gazed as his nobleness, fangirling over him.

I suddenly flinched as his threatening glare glowered at me, forcing me to turn away.

“About the cure, are you… telling the truth?” I hesitated. I knew I mustn't interfere, but my mouth was speaking, babbling on it’s own.

“Of course.” He replied sternly. “Lying is unforgivable, as liars are unworthy of forgiving.”

The towel covering my mouth slowly loosened, and I scrambled away from him, cautious, scared and afraid.

There was a sound of eruption then the odor of fierce fire. A hand brought me down, ducking me under the sturdy table. I was flooded with terror, fear. My body froze, not moving an inch as I heard the door creak open. Oh gosh, another intruder, I’m really going to die.

“If you’re scared of heights, please bear with this for quite a while.”

The floor under the table hollowed. I bit my lips to stop screaming while falling into the empty shadows surrounding the walls beside me. I quivered, frightened and terrified. How will I decide my fate?

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