"Wakey, wakey, sleepy head," came a voice. Am I dreaming? I don’t think so. The voice sounds very familiar. I tried to open my eyes but I couldn’t.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xctEoJOgF
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I finally opened them and the light hit directly into my eyes. I slowly sat up. My body felt heavy and it ached like hell. I felt like going back to sleep. There's someone standing near the window. It's Ariana.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcjJjCJ2E1
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"Can I sleep a little longer?" I asked as I yawned. Stretching my arms is hard and painful, so I didn't even try.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhplVGS7lw
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"I know what you mean," came her voice. My eyes are still so sleepy that everything looks blurry. "But I'm afraid I’ve to get you ready for today. So, if you don’t mind..."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAaNZ4ZfXy
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I muttered in frustration as I tried to move the bed covers aside. I groaned, both in pain and frustration. I hear footsteps and knew Ariana is coming to help. But somehow, I managed to get a big portion of the covers aside.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWFtS9Zr7w
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"Thank goodness," said Ariana as I looked at her through tired eyes. "I thought I would've have to carry you to the bathroom outside."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZAgx26HoC
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"I'm fine," I said.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29xKq01GB3
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She held out her hand for me to hold on to as I got out of bed.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiHQDOdC4v
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"There's a bathroom here?" I asked as I stared at the door.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnwle1hezG
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"Looks like you were in a hurry to get out instead of looking around you in detail yesterday," Ariana teased.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJbh5454ZV
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The two of us walked out of the room and just right next to my bedroom door is another. She opened it for me, and as expected, I didn't find myself in a modern day bathroom. There's a large wooden tub, that looked like a bucket in the middle of the room, big enough to fit two to three people. And it's full of hot steaming water. Am I really going to bath in that?346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5mEBfp5qb
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"Don't worry," Ariana said as she closed the door behind me. "I'll be nice and gentle."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLW6ODJPvv4
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"I doubt that," I muttered to myself as I approach the huge bucket. I sure hope so.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pxD8r9od1
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After my nice, warm, relaxing bath, I am back in my room, all dressed up in a long, black, 19th century dress, like the ones most of the females wore around here. I wish they could've given me in another colour, it did look good on me.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeARYQSvW6n
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"Wow, just stunning," said Ariana as she stood behind me, holding my shoulders and looking in the mirror hung on the wall next to the wardrobe. There wasn't a full-length mirror here yesterday, so I was surprised when I came back from the bathroom that Ariana had brought one.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZWImDdOYy
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"It's really nice," I commented.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNegvCJnTgM
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"I know, right," Ariana couldn't help but giggle. "It really brings out your lovely skin colour."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4IVO7OwaT
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A knock came at the door and Ariana quickly went to open it. The young nurse from last night came in with a tray.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSVRYF2y2U
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"Good morning, Ariana," she greeted as she entered the room. She turned towards me still standing in front of the mirror. "Morning. Well, you look stunning today."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPns1hJLHf7
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"Thank you," I said as I slowly turned around to approach the bed. The nurse already placed the tray on the table and I saw a white ceramic bowl and what looked like porridge in it.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrftnQjuvM
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"Breakfast is served," the young nurse announced. "We'll bring your medicine for you to take before you leave."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnndIM1Ti0
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She quickly left the room, closing the door behind her.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5O5vQcltX
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"You better eat up," said Ariana.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUV2bdtmeE
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"Do I have to continue drinking that medicine?" I asked as I approached the small table and looked at the small bowl filled with white porridge.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDwuZjf4fz
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"You have to," said Ariana as she came up behind me. "It will heal your inner muscles."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3s7choE8S
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"I know it's good for me, but it's just so yucky!" I turned to look at her, sticking my tongue out.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzwJtxh1ml
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Ariana couldn't help but laugh. "You really are something. Now eat up. The others will be here any moment now."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ50QtsdcxF
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After breakfast, Ariana escorted me out of my room. When we reached the bottom of the stairs, the place felt empty like it did yesterday. Now that I think about it, I feel Ariana and the rest of the High Order are behind this. What if people who aren't authorised to be here were told this part of the castle is off limits?346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTV6EYlxMPL
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"Aren't you coming with?" Ariana called out to me.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4ibLyvGCo
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I hadn't realised that I was looking down the long quiet passage leading to the other side of the castle. I've a feeling that there's a lot going on.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuTydRicuz
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"Coming," I said, slowly turning around and joining Ariana who still stood at the door. She didn’t make a move as she continued to look at me.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBW2Mkhi7vf
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"What is it?" I asked.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJI7cE6Uly2
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"Nothing, just curious about something," she said as she walked out. She obviously didn’t want me asking her questions. Can’t blame her. I do like asking a lot.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXjZjpitFh
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I slowly followed her outside and by the foot of the stairs, stood an elegant white carriage tied to two white magnificent horses. Wow! Now I know how Cinderella felt when she knew what she was riding in. I’m super excited. I felt like I had just entered a movie or something.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JeUVqhNdo
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Ariana went down the stone steps and waited in front of the carriage. She turned to look at me with a smile. Just a few seconds ago, she seemed different. Could I’ve something to do with it?346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv20a0p81Hd
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"We better get going," she said. "We don’t want to be late."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6gyUhfShL
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Just as I am about to make my way down, the nurse who visited my room earlier came from behind in a hurry.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2x9H8jZZPM
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"Wait," she said, as she came to stand beside me, stopping me with a hand on my shoulder. "You forgot to take your medicine." She held up her hand and in it, is a small wooden cup filled with the black liquid.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZyGVyfqrq
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"Oh, I completely forgot," I took the cup and quickly gulped the medicine down. The inside of my mouth and stomach burned like hell. I stuck out my tongue.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYhwamD07f
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The nurse chuckled. "Sorry about that. Just a few more of these and you’ll be better in no time."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCdO5J5uAz
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"I beg to differ." I furrowed my eyebrows.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqq3qkt33B
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"Time is of the essence," Ariana called out to me.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJhsSKVFww
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I give the nurse back the cup, the strong bitter feeling is just unbearable. I now wish for something sweeter than the butterfly cookies Ariana brought me yesterday. I start to make my way down the stone steps as Ariana went on to open the carriage. I notice that the door handle and the steps leading inside, were covered in gold. I couldn’t help but admire how elegant it looks.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4aYtCTbde
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Just as I am about to get in the carriage, I stop in my tracks to look at Ariana.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jrVD2Kmrn
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"Weren’t Ryan and Stella supposed to be here to escort me?" I asked her.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9gK3FtVxo
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"They’ll meet us along the way," she answered.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QJT7ma9i0
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I look around. I expected the troops that came to get me in the orchard to also be here. I turned to the stone steps and the nurse who had brought me the medicine is already gone.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIV6vvp9Tpf
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"Aren’t we going in?" Ariana asked. "You don’t want to be late."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdofymgGEpH
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"If you say so," I said as I placed my foot on the steps leading up to the carriage. I winced in pain and held my knee.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwbpzTDIGm
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"Are you okay?" Ariana asked as she held my shoulder.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIFI25zIUK
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"My knee hurts," I said. "That’s all."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRCWViggAh
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"We can check you out later. Right now, we've to go."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQFcv0ZJ70
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I looked at Ariana with an eyebrow raised and she looked back at me. She shrugged her shoulders.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVREASdqjAQ
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"What is it?" she asked. "Why are you looking at me all weird?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewcy7ndKvD
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"I wonder who's weird," I answered. "You or me?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3cljjBCAR
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She shook her head as she chuckled. "What do you mean?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QK9pVzBXj
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I held her shoulder and brought her closer so that I could whisper in her ear.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQj5mP0ed6
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"You aren't Ariana, are you?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKWaKzS6bw
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She quickly drew away and I saw the look on her face change into an angry one. She quickly took my hand that was on her shoulder into a tight grip.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Em96CdIZq
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"Well, I didn’t see this coming," said Ariana. "Get in the carriage!"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZBYvQudQL
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"Let go of me, you..., whoever you are!" I exclaimed as I tried to pull away.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSd62HOf2nL
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"Get in the carriage," Ariana continued to insist as she started to push me inside, this time with her hands behind my back. I held both ends of the open door to prevent myself from going in. My shoulders hurt for doing so.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzj4XzLuBv2
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"No, I’m not going anywhere until you tell me who you are!" I also insisted, trying my best to stand my ground.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡentwGfNtjT
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"You little brat! Don’t let me drag you in there by force!"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2acBjWHpyK
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"Who are you? And what did you do to Ariana?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FYaUAUnyb
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"You leave me no choice." I felt her lift one of her hands from my back and I had a feeling she’s about to something deadly.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Od8moKAOO
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I pushed myself backwards with all my might, using my hands for force before this imposter could do anything. And in doing so, I pushed her and myself away from the door. I even hit her in the face with the back of my head.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarLMXukhg9
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We both fall to the ground, and I’m quick enough to turn around to look at her. I found her holding her nose and there's a trickle of blood.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXe8jh5pyk
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"For a brat, you really have a hard head!" she commented.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHE6vJXUxD
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I got up and started to make a run for it, passing the white carriage.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL45t4tUfx
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"Hey, stop!" she called out to me.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaSx5to3Cm
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No way am I stopping for anyone. Who is this person disguised as Ariana? I need to get away and look for help.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiYmoBcnTv
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I ran down the stone path that I used yesterday. When I reach the crossroads, I don’t take the turn that led to the orchard. I head for the iron gates straight ahead. There are probably guards there who could help.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWdpYJF1hc
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"Hey, I said stop!" came the imposter behind me.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaHX1Hcofz
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I didn’t. And just when I’m approaching the gate, I noticed something is wrong. Before I could wrap my head around it, I felt the ground rumble below. When I looked, I found it cracking open. Before I could stop myself, I tripped over the upturned stones and went to ground.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMSizGEzLb
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"You really should listen when I tell you to stop!" the imposter called out. She’s approaching. I've to get away quickly.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIOoMnNhZm
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I lifted my head and looked towards the huge iron gates. They are a lot bigger than I imagined. I finally notice what’s wrong. There are people on the ground just near the gate. The guards. There are only three bodies lying unconscious. This is bad. Could the imposter have done this?346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUZq70QTxB
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"For a new comer, you’re pretty sharp," came the imposter behind me. She’s getting close. "You figured out that I’m not Ariana. I’m impressed."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5x0GFmXL8Y
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I tried to get up, but my body hurt and I felt a sharp pain in my knee. I must have hurt myself pretty bad. I started to crawl. In one way or another I’ll have to reach the fallen guards. They’ve got to have weapons on them or something.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIobVRTgiF
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"Ah, you’ve a fighting spirit, don’t you?" she asked. "Like expected, you’re quite a surprise."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2KqbeSuIv
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I continued to crawl when all of a sudden, I felt myself being lifted off the ground. Am I floating? I felt a certain force push me upwards that I now stood upright in the air. I felt myself turn looking in the direction of the imposter. With Ariana’s smile, I couldn’t tell if the person is smiling or just smirking.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeumDuwa0N
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"In your injured state, you can’t get away from me that easily," said the imposter.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto1dylS9FW
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"Who are you?" I asked. I tried moving, but I felt stuck, like a huge invisible hand had held me.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SZMB1OmJL
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"Not tired of asking the same question, huh?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfGyYU7kfr
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"I can ask a bunch of questions if you would like."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoWjXYUPVv
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"Ask me something else, then."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8iU02PgLL
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"Who are you?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5n1S5JJA42
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The imposter playfully scoffed. "You’re stubborn, aren’t you?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJPjh8rEBO
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"If you aren’t going to tell me who you are, then yes."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWmNVXNEzP
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The imposter raised her hands in surrender. "Okay, I’ll tell you. But prepare to be amazed."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjk6N2jSUHL
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Ariana’s face started to change in an instant. Her blonde curly hair soon turned black and straight. The features on her face started to change, becoming more man-like with a chiselled chin and cheekbones. Her yellow robe turned to black and velvet. In front of me stood a man who looked to be in his late fifties.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKySDPKOF8i
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"My names are Lord Simon Vandell. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Diana."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnDnvRthX0
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"How do you know my name?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCCfmHC3M6
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Lord Vandell approached and the smirk on his face scared me a little. He looks like he has no good intentions.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyhvXwwgmv
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"It’s always good to know someone’s name, especially if they’re interesting. And you, Diana, are beyond interesting."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1CP6PZWNZ
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Now he’s freaking me out. "What did you do to Ariana? Where is she?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJSdpocMW5
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"She’s fine. No harm done." This time he smiled with his hands behind his back.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgtWPdowml
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"And those guards at the gate? Did you kill them?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30vxlWEqZW
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Lord Vandell chuckled. "To kill them will be silly, my dear. They’re my own people after all."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPMis9xQ8m
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I raised an eyebrow. "Then why did you leave them unconscious?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDbLAczoiP
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"To get to you. I was just simply breaching security, you see."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylzJDmqUAf
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My eyes went wide with realisation. "You’re not supposed to be."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0xYP13SDj
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"Especially on this side of the castle, yes."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdukLxJzW0e
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I now start to wonder. Could this be why the others have been so protective over me? If it is, I totally agree with them now. This man may not look like it, but he’s a lunatic.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnGCJyKhE0
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"Aren’t the others going to be upset that you took down security and Ariana just to get to me?" I asked.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxO4dkq41g
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"That’s why I wanted you out of here easily," he said with a smirk. "But you saw past my disguise. Not everybody does."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb86USqnlZ8
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"What are you going to do to me?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSbulA4t1O
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Lord Vandell sighed. "Nothing, really. I just want to get to know you better."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YD8JRVar8
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"Well, I don’t like your approach. You can’t just kidnap me and think you’re going to get away with it."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSjLxoG5cR
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He scoffed. "Enough talk. Let’s get out of this boring place. Something tells me, we’re going to have a lot of fun together."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGURVqVpc0
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I squirmed around to get myself out of his invisible hold, but it’s no use. I can’t go with him. Who knows what he will do to me.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEalI2fHGFN
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"You can’t take me with you," I said to him as he came closer.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4ZdFnXNsn
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"Don’t make me laugh, Diana," he said. I slowly floated downwards that I'm now at eye level with him. "You simply can’t do anything to me. Well, not yet, at least."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzJYIdKRhp
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He started to make his way towards the gate and still in his invisible grasp, I turned around in the air to follow him. I've to do something. I started to look around. There's still no one in sight. Where are Ryan and Stella when you need them? This is bad. Then I remembered something:346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOfF5iqrU9
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The birds.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsixfBENkV
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We were approaching the gate and I looked around for any sign of them. Using the inside of my head, I called out to them. Calling out loud will be silly. Lord Vandell would seal my mouth shut if I did.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFx0ULRYMDa
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I started to panic when the birds were still no where in sight. We're now at the gate. I started to squirm around to break free.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjGzMApS6L
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"You should stop doing that," said Lord Vandell. "You aren't going to get away."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVizV4O86iD
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"I beg to differ."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWygOGpk0o
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A high-pitched, chirping came from a distance, and I can't help but let out a sigh of relief. I turn my head. I expected to see the two blue birds from yesterday, but there's a large flock of the same kind, flying towards us. For a moment, I thought a blue cloud is descending upon us. There are so many.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3xyEsPlBu
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"What is this?" Lord Vandell asked, surprised to see such a sight.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01HrkifPoV
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He turned to look at me and he didn't look the least bit happy. I looked back at him.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDgKBuNotf
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"You did this, didn't you?" he asked.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpgwtbz8pv
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"And if I didn't?" I asked. "I'm just as surprised as you are."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBU8KthDQL
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Before Lord Vandell could do anything, the birds came in one fell swoop, flying around us. For a minute, I can’t see what’s in front of me. The fluttering of their wings were like that of a strong wind.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3GMMOnaWK
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I soon felt the invisible hold around me loosen and I fall to the ground. I didn’t fall too hard. The birds continued to fly around, but I realised that they are more concentrated on Lord Vandell. Almost the whole flock of birds surrounded him that it looked like he's stuck in a middle of a blue tornado. I could see him with his arms all around trying to keep the birds away. I noticed a few of them pecking at him when they got the chance.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRtzOL24cQ
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I stood up, grateful that the birds were of help. They could hold him at bay for a while until the others arrive.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZIJzSand3
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Two birds came to sit on my shoulders. It’s the ones from yesterday. It’s weird how I could tell them apart from all the others that were flying around. They chirped at me, sounding relieved that I managed to get in touch with them.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpaiaNZy5l
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"I should be thanking you," I said. "I thought you weren't going to hear me."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6sYpanOcb
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The two birds chirped on, telling me that the others will be here soon. They went on to join the other birds peaking and pulling at Lord Vandell’s robe. He’s having a hard time dealing with them.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXks6hMKiGO
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"Diana!" came a voice behind me. I turned and saw Ariana with the nurse who had visited my room this morning.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzRWyUAWfY
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"Ariana, are you okay?" I asked when she came close. This time I’m sure she’s the real Ariana.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamaGlC8pt9
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"I’m good, he just knocked me out cold, that’s all," she said. Her eyes turned to the flock of birds bullying Lord Vandell. "He can stay there for a while. He can’t use his powers on them. That’s if he wants Her Highness to break him."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtZ6M8njIO
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I winced. "She can do that?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tcKeTgYcw
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"When she gets mad, yes. I’m just glad you’re okay."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MR8OUoxQI
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"Diana, you're hurt," said the nurse. She quickly rushed over to me and knelt at my feet, lifting my dress a little higher. I then remembered that I had fallen to the ground earlier and had a cut on the knee. A stream of blood trickled down my leg.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGMYlneZpn
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"I actually fell thanks to Lord Vandell," I said. Now that I think about it, my whole body ached like hell. I’m not completely healed and I had to do a lot of running, hence stressing all my muscles again.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0T5wRG3Oz
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"Her Highness won’t be happy about this," said Ariana. "The others will also kill me that this happened."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCixOD2k7Yg
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"How did he get you?" I asked. The nurse cleaned my wound first. Apparently, she carried some ointment in the pocket of her apron in a tiny brown bottle. My wound stung when she applied it.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJ8edQOqac
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"After your bath when you went to your room and I remained in the bathroom," Ariana explained. "He knocked me out. I didn’t see him coming."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFVTtrTo0A
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The birds continued to attack Lord Vandell, who kept yelling at them to get away. Ariana came closer and drew out her hand. The birds in an instant left him alone and flew away. He's in such a mess. His hair is all over the place and the birds had torn through parts of his robes that he almost looked like a beggar in rags. Not forgetting that some birds had angrily pecked at his face, leaving a few cuts and bruises.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoE6VuUiKu
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"I don’t want to fight you, Lord Vandell," said Ariana. "Let’s talk."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFTWHK2qlL
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"Careful, Ariana," I said. "He might not listen and try to attack."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWt0MHoRy7F
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Lord Vandell chuckled. He sounded like he’s about to lose it. The birds must have messed him up. I should've told them to go a little easy on him.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoC3Gk1Bjc
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"And how sure are you that you won't call the birds to attack me again?" he asked, looking at me.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjyQYyFaJA
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Even when Ariana had her eyes on him, I could feel her stare through the corner of her eye. She must be surprised by this too. Or not.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWN2954yIGM
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"I didn't tell the birds to attack you," I lied. "They obviously sensed that something's wrong and came to my rescue."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVr09LhHUg
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Lord Vandell smiled at me. "You really are full of surprises. It's why I needed to test you."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNs7eSyfREx
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I gave him a look of disapproval. Just how many tests am I supposed to go through in this place?346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxW06yIECB
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"You weren't allowed here in the first place, Lord Vandell," said Ariana.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9nDbwhb2n
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He straightened himself up and even in the state he is in, he looked like he had some ounce of dignity left. He also didn't seem bothered that he had been attacked by angry birds.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccy7alfW3U
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"Tell me, Ariana," he said, as his dark eyes fell on her. "When were you going to tell us about this treasure you've found?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYmewaDPTf
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His eyes were now on me. And what did he mean by "we?" Who else isn't supposed to know about my whereabouts?346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkiqfX83Lb
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"That's for Her Highness to answer," came Ryan's voice behind me.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHeM4mPt3Z
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I turned around and the nurse who had been attending to my wound, stood upright to see Ryan and Stella come towards us. Looks like they teleported themselves here.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqikYcTn7Mg
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"Ryan, Stella," Lord Vandell didn't sound happy.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFC0pGO7Ul
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"Causing trouble as usual, aren't you?" said Stella. "What were you planning to do to Diana?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFW3cAC2bRT
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"I bet he was going to experiment on me or something," I said.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZ3D9amME6
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"You committed a terrible offense, Lord Vandell," said Ryan. "Her Highness strictly didn't want anyone on this side of the castle, and you knew that."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIK721w8NA
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Lord Vandell scoffed. "Her Highness and all of you in the High Order really think you can do whatever you like around here. So what’s the use of keeping her hidden? You do know, everyone's talking about her, right?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyKVeDl6lY
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I now remember what Raisa told me. I know I'm already a rumour, but he must have heard something specific from someone about me.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxDGkI9Ij6
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"People talk," said Ariana. "But they don't know who she is and what she can do."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7HD98RAYg
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"I don't need people's opinions when I already know what happened in the maze," said Lord Vandell.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByKhKFmlbQ
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I felt the mood around me change. I could tell Stella, Ryan, Ariana were just as surprised as I am, but did well not to show it. He was there?346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvPbVTpl0k
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"Sneaky as always," said Ryan. "Nothing ever goes past you, huh?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdVkQ7VNcK
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Lord Vandell scoffed. "I know the Butterfly Order rests their hope and trust in you, but why keep this girl hidden from the rest of us? Is there something about her that we don’t know about that you want to keep her all to yourself?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVjpZQ5hSf
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What is he saying? Is there something about me that even I am not aware of?346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YxJIdAMsv
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"Keep on thinking like that, and you will regret that you ever did," said Stella. I hear her walk up to me and the next thing I know, she’s grabbing my shoulder. "We need to go, Diana."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyKsXUSJVh
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"Where do you think you’re going with her?" Lord Vandell asked as soon as Stella and I turned around. "You aren’t taking her anywhere."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMP3GEd3tOX
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"She’s our responsibility, Lord Vandell," said Stella as she turned to look at him. "We know what we’re doing, and she’s not coming with you."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7A73mNhEk
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"But she can stay with you? Aren’t you the ones keeping her hostage?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERJ31V6GTZ
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"She’s injured, you idiot," said Ryan.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVPSXlslzE
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"Watch your tongue, Ryan," said Lord Vandell, sounding serious. His voice could scare even the smallest of animals away. Even I felt terrified. "It’s not my fault that you were all careless."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTRQKdoc07
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"And we’re making up for it by taking care of her," said Ariana.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbMMGLyOSp
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"Are you really?" Lord Vandell asked.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzAXpIFrm2
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I felt the air grow tense that I couldn’t even move. The hairs at the back of my neck stood. Something is about to happen, but what could-?346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWwzNP7V32
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Something suddenly ran past me, and I didn’t realise what’s going on until I saw Ryan stand behind Lord Vandell who is now on his knees. What just happened? How did Ryan get there so fast?346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGcJyOhHKS
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"I’ve had enough of you talking," Ryan said, looking down at Lord Vandell, holding him down with his hand on Lord Vandell’s shoulder.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SRa7ySDF0
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"Unhand me, you fool!" Lord Vandell demanded. "You can’t do this to me. Do you know who I am?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3f6QFDxfPN
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"Ariana, Stella, take Diana away," said Ryan as he looked at his colleagues. "I think she has seen enough for one day."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9tgOV02UD
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"Come on, Diana," said Stella.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6aNGQDYye
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"You aren’t going anywhere with her!" Lord Vandell yelled. I quickly looked away.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBqgXyXkeg
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"Oh, shut your mouth!" Ariana said to him. "For a Lord you sure are a handful."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZLxLSHLIq
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I started to walk away alongside Stella, with the nurse and Ariana joining behind us. Lord Vandell continued to yell not to take me away and that he would burn this place to the ground if he had to. Could he do it?346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zZFLpEZAI
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I turned to look at Stella and she looked pretty upset. Maybe it’s best I don’t say anything for the time being.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndRZC2m2vu
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"Looks like we might have to cancel your lessons, Diana," she said, without looking at me.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmD3cmhI0rX
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"Why?" I asked. It’s like she read my mind. Well…, part of it.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn90Z42AEBP
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"Because this happened it’s only a matter of time before people start showing up here to demand answers."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfz8q2PTfW
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"What do you mean? Are you referring to everyone on the island or people just like Lord Vandell?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkjWn2Uhq1
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Stella managed to chuckle. "I think you already know the answer to that."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4jjMNXqLz
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Lord Vandell did mention something about people finding out about me. There are already people who know. But there are others, who just like Lord Vandell, know more. I wonder who they could be.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6bIWy7lVe
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Lord Vandell’s yapping continued behind us, but soon enough, he became quiet. I don’t know what Ryan has done to him, but when I turned my head to look, it’s like they had vanished in thin air. I can’t help but worry about how fast Ryan is. Should I? Probably in the future.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOxm493leV
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"Her Highness will not be happy about this," said Ariana. She sounded worried.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcgl4hYUpl
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"Definitely not," Stella agreed. "If things turn out like this, we might be forced to bring Diana out to the public."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbA0CG8UBPQ
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"May I ask why you’ve kept me hidden if you didn’t want this to happen?" I ended up asking.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomchson0Vc
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Stella didn’t say anything, her eyes still not meeting mine. I could feel her body grow tense. I’m really dying to know why all this is happening. What is it about me that they don’t want me getting exposed to the public?346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCx58wQRcP
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I turned to look at Ariana, and she had the same expression as Stella’s. For how long are they going to be quiet?346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaR7MaHE0n
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"You’re special, Diana," Stella finally answered.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbYufOH1Ij
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"Aren’t we all?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "I might not know much about this place, but I can tell a lot of people have special abilities like you do. How am I any special?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOhtfQRYpr
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"You’re right. This place is filled with people with special abilities, but none aren’t as special as yours."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLXBBqlwV2
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I shook my head. "I still don’t understand, Stella. How can I be ‘that special?' I’m just an ordinary human being who happened to develop some mysterious abilities uncommon to our kind, like you guys."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVRq44GFhn
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"True," she stopped walking to look at me. The rest of us did the same. "But you met Death, and that’s a whole different story."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQiItpjpf7
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"What does Death have to do with all of this? Big deal, I got lucky and managed to live for another day. Don’t people meet Death and some of them happen to survive by circumstance? I just happen to be one of them."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBNZ4BwlnH
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"But have you ever heard of anyone meeting Death and not only do they get out of his grasp alive, but develop abilities?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsy3DeScMjY
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"Maybe not, but that doesn’t make me special. It just makes me lucky."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbluksO4xy
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"You’ll only understand what she means when you start training," said Ariana. "You’re different from a lot of the recruits we’ve seen so far."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlUr97MIIj
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I wanted to protest some more, but it isn’t the first time I’ve heard all this. The first time Her Highness and I met, she talked about my encounter with Death. I should wait and see what they mean during training.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwXYbArWWw
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I looked ahead and didn’t realise we were only a few feet away from the castle with the carriage still waiting there. Looks like I'm not going to ride in it today.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxM2XALUbU
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"Make sure Diana is attended to," Stella said to the nurse behind her. "Ariana and I have to sort something out around the castle."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3VG4t7Xt1
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"You’re leaving me alone?" I asked. "What if another person like Lord Vandall comes to get me again?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycPH87nYkO
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"We’ll be extra cautious from now on," Ariana answered. "So if you don’t mind, please go back inside."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LAHj5crgs
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Ariana sounded serious. I wonder what she means by that. Will they put up more security? I glance at the gate in a distance. Lord Vandell was able to take down the guards. Maybe they have other forms of security I’m yet to know about.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2f09lujcZW
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I make my way to the short stone steps with the nurse walking beside. As I walked up the stone steps, I felt the air change all of a sudden. The ground below rumbled a little. I looked above and it felt like the whole place has been surrounded by an invisible barrier. I quickly look behind me and find Ariana and Stella by the foot of the stairs with Ariana on one knee with both of her hands placed palm first onto the ground. I notice a line of runes appear on the ground in glowing yellow, surrounding the whole castle.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxELUNubtew
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"Nothing to be scared of, Diana," said Stella as Ariana stood upright, the runes on the ground soon disappeared, but the presence of the barrier remained. "This is just a protective barrier to keep you safe. We’ll come check on you once we’re finished."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gZ6JBVTJS
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I gave them a nod. I guess I won’t be starting my training today until all this is sorted.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMpOgPeXqG
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Ariana and Stella turned around and walked back the way they came. I watch them go before turning around to head back in the castle. Surprisingly, Bob is standing in the open doorway. How did he get here? I didn’t even feel his presence.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlsDqhyIyR
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"I had a backup plan if things weren’t going to go as planned," he said.  "You’ll still start your lessons today."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9W7iZ4M62W
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I don’t know whether to feel excited about it or just keep it cool. Starting my training will be good for me to try and forget what happened just now.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYgxDP6rjy
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I managed to smile at Bob as I approached him. "You couldn’t have come at a better time."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8mRD1uqOS
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"Before we start, you better get patched up."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0obVAy8X4P
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"That’s what I want to do," I stopped in front of him.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYrKN3tXqY
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"I would also like to know about the birds." Bob looked on at me.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiLP2JxcKD
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"Birds, what birds?" I quickly asked. I’m careful enough not to stammer. I’ve to choose my words carefully. "What about them?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfumelkqDTz
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"Did you summon them?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbY1mGDfNc
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I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by that?"346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZsOVc27QG
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"Don’t try to pretend with me, Diana." The corner of his mouth raised to a smile. "One of the recruits who was with you yesterday told me that you can understand the birds."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1r2LXxPesc
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There is no hiding from that. I should’ve warned the recruits not to say anything. But they don’t know me and I don’t know them, so I’m not surprised that they reported this.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ocm5d3ZjT
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"And what if I did?" I folded my arms which ached like hell, but I tried not to show it.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViJeZXjPUV
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Bob continued to look at me before turning around and walking through the door. "Understanding creatures is a great ability," he said. "But people don’t develop it right there and then. They only do so after training. You, on the other hand, already have an understanding for them. That just shows you really are something."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vhAe7j8yI
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I'm not ready for this speech again as I quickly said, "we’ll see about that, won’t we? I’ve been lucky and quite fortunate so far. My training will reveal if there’s anything special about me."346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyG08tSq3O
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Bob slightly tilted his head to the side as I started to follow him inside the castle. "If it’s your destiny, Diana, you simply can’t run away from it," he said.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ilBGpp1id
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His words got to me and I stopped in my tracks. Could he be right? I didn’t want this to begin with. I was meant to die that day, but I didn’t. I don’t know how I survived. Now all this is happening because of that encounter. Was all this meant to happen? And if that is the case, for what?346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcQnZeRpyc
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"Come on, Diana," said the nurse as she came to stand beside me to place her hand on my shoulder.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1R5irGBZLi
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"Of course," I said as Bob went up the flight of stairs. The nurse and I followed behind him at a slow pace.346Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOq9vMMw082
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It’s then that I realised that the excitement of starting my training today, had suddenly dissipated.8964 copyright protection342ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJ8Cz2vGKH 維尼

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