Noelle's nerves were high as Jawad rode Midnight into the village. Her first impressions were that of a jungle town, with small, fairy-like homes and tree houses made out of wood. In fact, it seemed like everything in the village was made out of wood.

It was littered with beautiful plants, small and large, each with an illuminating golden aura. It looked like a fairy's garden in real life. As they arrived, all of the villagers stopped their daily routine to stare at them, and immediately a distinct chatter started among them.

"It's her!"

"I knew the prophecy was true, Queen Delilah is never wrong!"

"How did they find the Forest?"

"They must be fake, she doesn't look like a saviour."

"That's the Bride of Adron?"

"Do they... know you?" Lolita whispered, looking tentatively at the villagers, observing them like they were some animals at a circus. "What do they mean, prophecy?"

"I-I don't know. They know who I am..." Noelle muttered, trying to understand what was going on. How did the Lost Forest People know about her? If they were supposed to be a lost civilization, then how did they know what went on in the rest of Dacnella if they supposedly lost contact with the outside world? What else were they hiding?

"Stop right there! Why are you here?" A man stood in front of their carriage, a royal guard. His helmet held a long plume and he was dressed in silver armour, the royal crest engraved into it. However, Noelle noticed it was much different from the one that belonged to Adron, it was smaller, and less extravagant. In fact, it was quite simple, featuring only a horse and a sword.

Was Adron not king here...?

"I'm taking Noelle Park to Queen Delilah," Jawad stated, and Noelle froze. How did he know her full name, if she never revealed it? Unless someone told him... but who? She never told anyone except King Adron himself. She was growing increasingly suspicious.

"Noelle Park? Follow me," the guard said, and began walking through the crowd of people that had already gathered. "Make way for the Bride of Adron!"

"What's going on?" Lolita murmured, looking at the faces all looking at them in awe, nameless.

"I-I don't know," Noelle admitted quietly. "Jawad! What's going on?!"

"Queen Delilah made a prophecy, that's all," Jawad replied, but would not elaborate no matter how much Noelle pushed him to.

"What prophecy? Why is Noelle in it?" Roland asked.

"It's nothing important, just that Noelle is the saviour of Dacnella and has to make it to the Lost Forest. Why do you think I agreed to take you?" Jawad said, and Noelle looked at him, baffled.

"Why didn't you tell me?!" Noelle raised her voice at him, yet quiet enough not to be overheard by the curious crowd.

"Because you would have bailed."

"No I wouldn't have!"

"Guys... look," Lolita said, pointing at what was before her. Noelle turned to face it, a castle, elegant and grand, standing in the very centre of the village. It was also made entirely out of sleek, dark wood, with the towers built into the canopy trees. It hosted many great windows, which reflected the mysterious glow of the plants. There were several flags attached, and Noelle recognised none of them, except for one which held the same coat of arms that the goats wore on his armour.

"Welcome to the castle of Queen Delilah of the Lost Forest!" The royal guard announced, and suddenly a small parade of men left the castle to greet them. Some played the trumpet, and some the drum, others sang the Forest Anthem and some simply walked. The group looked at each other in confusion, except for Jawad, who looked perfectly at ease. Like he was enjoying the moment.

The men marched together in two tight lines, before beginning to split. The chain separated to reveal a tall, well dressed woman with a diamond crown resting atop of her head. Her sleek, brown hair was pinned into a bun, where her beautiful crown was perched. She wore a gown, and on it were the most gorgeous royal colours in shades of gold, purple and blue. Her cherry red lipstick stood out against her white skin, enhancing her brilliant emerald eyes. She was a goddess in human form, sent down from the heavens to bless them with her pure presence.

"Are you Noelle, Roland, Lolita and Jawad?" Queen Delilah asked, smiling kindly at the group.

"Yes... we are... your majesty," Noelle said. She left the wagon, Lolita followed suit, and curtsied out of respect.

"Welcome, to the Lost Forest," the Queen announced, raising her hands in the air as cheers rang out from the onlookers. Noelle felt like a celebrity. "We've all been waiting for you."

"What do you mean?" Roland asked, and the Queen just smiled mysteriously.

"You'll find out everything... in good time."

They followed the Queen inside the castle, the guards huddled protectively around them to stop and crazed audience members. Stepping inside, the castle was even more stunning than she had imagined. There were crystal chandeliers, sculpted by the best artists in Dacnella, hand painted ceilings with intricate patterns weaved in by an expert brush, also featuring on the walls, though in greater size. The deep indigo carpet below their feet that covered the marble floor was soft to step on, and Noelle felt like she was floating on clouds each time she took a step.

The Queen led them to a chamber at the top of the castle, where the windows overlooked the whole of the Lost Forest. When looking outside it, Noelle could see the tiny specs of people and the small buildings and shops as they busily worked though their day, just like ants.

"Please sit down," the Queen said, motioning to the leather sofa in the middle of the room. In front of it, there was a desk and a large throne-like chair where Queen Delilah sat. Noelle sat down, as did her friends, and they waited for her to begin.

"I'm sure you know why you are here, is that correct?" She asked.

"We might have different definitions for that," Roland said. "We came because we needed to find someone who would help us form an army against Adron to get him off of the throne, and we thought you guys hated the Royal Family so we thought you'd be the best."

"That's the simple version of it," Lolita mentioned.

"That is precisely why you're here. You see, it was all prophesied that King Adron's newest bride would escape, and that she would be the saviour of Dacnella and rescue the Kingdom from his tyranny," Delilah said, her smooth voice echoing around the room as Noelle took in her words. "And the Bride of Adron is you, dear. That is your destiny."

"My destiny? Did- did the prophecy tell you anything else? Like about me going home?" Noelle desperately asked.

"That I cannot disclose, but you are bound to do great things, Noelle Park. Now, if your friends would excuse us, I must speak with you alone," the Queen said. Lolita, Roland and Jawad left the room, with promises of a professional tourist showing them around the Lost Forest, and Noelle was left sitting alone in front of Queen Delilah.

"Now, you received three prophecies, did you not?"

Noelle stared at the woman in shock, her brows furrowed. How did she know about the witches' prophecies? Delilah smiled slightly, the mysterious aura around her stronger than before. Who was this woman?

"I did," Noelle agreed. "But I don't remember them... it mentioned someone dying and my friends." She tried to recall anything else that the prophecy said, but she could not remember.

"Perhaps it went something like this? A friend or foe, you never know... to win or lose, you must choose...who lives, who dies, you decide."

Noelle was baffled. "H-How did you know?"

"Why, don't you see the resemblance?" The Queen said, and Noelle stared at her in confusion, before she realised the joke. "Taye, Faye and Naye are my mothers. The prophecy was made long before you arrived in Dacnella, yet it would only be revealed in their presence."

Noelle was left dumbfounded as she stared at the Queen in shock, who only chuckled softly at her bewilderment.

"You're a witch?" Noelle asked. "Wait, how do you have three mothers?"

"It's more complicated than a natural birth," Delilah said. "I was created with magic. Now, enough of that topic. I want to discuss the prophecies with you, Noelle. What do you think they mean?"

A friend or foe... you never know.

Was somebody going to betray her? Somebody she had learned to trust and call a friend? Was it Roland, Lolita or Jawad? Immediately, her thoughts shifted to Jawad. He was the newest in their group, and since he joined he had done nothing but express his dislike towards them. If he hated them all, then why did he ever agree to help? He already earned Roland's trust, as well as Lolita's, but Noelle was not going to let him fool them any longer.

To win or lose... you must choose.

But what did it mean? Noelle guessed that either they were going to win something, or lose, and it would all be up to her. She was the one in control of Dacnella's fate, and she was the one who could potentially save everyone... or doom the world forever. It was a responsibility she was afraid to take.

Who lives, who dies... you decide.

Was somebody going to die? Would she be the cause? Noelle would rather die herself than to allow someone to hurt themselves on her behalf, or worse, die. That was the part of the prophecy that confused Noelle the most, and it terrified her to think that she could be capable of such a crime.

Because in reality, anyone could commit violent and immoral acts. Every person who lives, breathes and thinks has the possibility of doing something heartless, something savage, if given the opportunity. The human mind is the most wonderful technology in the world, yet also the most disturbing, cruel, cold. Noelle was worried for her future, and the legitimacy of the prophecy, because if it was true... Noelle did not know.

"What do you think?" Queen Delilah repeated. Noelle told her what she thought, and she solemnly nodded. "If you believe that to be true, I suggest you keep your distance from Jawad, but do not act irrationally. Promise me this, Noelle."

"I promise," she said.

But more anxieties were on Noelle's mind. If Adron had found them twice before, she had no doubt that he would find them again, even if they resided in the Lost Forest. And if the traitor was with them, then the line was almost blurred, especially if it was Jawad, who knew the way to the forest. If Jawad knew, then Adron must too.

She left the Queen's office with her head spinning and full of thoughts. They had discussed forming a rebellion, gathering people from all over Dacnella to join and help, and Delilah approved. When they were ready, Adron could come find them, and they would meet him at the battle grounds. It was a sacrifice worth taking.

"Noelle!" Roland shouted, speed walking up to her as fast as his leg could allow. "Have you seen the village? It's amazing!"

"No, why?"

"There's absolutely everything here - they've got bars, cinemas, shops, libraries, schools, shopping centres - everything!"

"Oh? Where have you been, just now?" Noelle asked curiously. They began walking together through the village square, step in step.

"I've just come from one of the bars they've got. They let me in as I was over 15," Roland replied. He looked so happy that Noelle could not help but smile with him.

"Wait, where are Lolita and Jawad?" Noelle asked, suddenly concerned for her friend. If Jawad really was a traitor, then perhaps Lolita was in danger! A girl as young as she should not be left alone at all.

"They're hanging out at the library since they're both obsessed with books," Roland laughed. "Last time I checked, Lolita was in the romance section looking at those bad novels written by middle aged women."

"I don't think they're bad," Noelle said indignantly, but Roland rolled his eyes fondly at her comment.

"Anyway, that's not important. I need to tell you something, but promise you'll keep it a secret!" Noelle warned. She took a deep breath, and continued. "When in the first village, right before Adron found us, I received a prophecy from three witches."

"A prophecy? Why didn't you say so immediately?" Roland asked, frowning.

"I'm sorry," Noelle admitted. "I sort of just tried to forget it?"

Roland sighed, rubbing his temples. "What's done is done, it's fine. What did it say?"

"It said that someone would betray us, a friend, also that it's up to us if we win or lose the war, and that I must decide who dies...?"

"Woah, what?!" Roland said, taken aback. "What do you mean someone dies? There's gonna be a war?"

"I-I don't know, but that's just my interpretation," Noelle said. She felt like punching herself for ways being so short on information, and never being able to provide answers. "But someone will betray us, and it's going to be our friend. I think it's Jawad."

"Noelle, I know you don't like him, but that doesn't mean he's necessarily a traitor," said Roland. "What makes you think that?"

Noelle gripped his arm for added emphasis, and stopped their walking. However, she realised they were in the way of passersby when one almost walked into them, so the two made their way to a bench sitting underneath a beech tree.

"Hear me out. He hates us, right? Why would he help us if he doesn't like us? It's really suspicious, if you ask me. This is supposed to be the Lost Forest, meaning it can't be found... so how does he know where it is? Also-"

"Noelle, now you hear me out. What do you mean Jawad hates us? He never said one mean thing and Lolita and I had great fun with him today. Maybe he just doesn't like you?"

"Thanks Roland," Noelle said bitterly.

"No problem. Look, we can't know for sure that he's a traitor, or that he's evil or anything. It also shouldn't influence our behaviour towards him. But if you really do suspect him, then we can keep an eye out on him."

One of Roland's qualities was that he always looked for the best in people. It made it hard to trust his unbiased opinion. Noelle truly felt like it would backfire on him someday.

"Alright, if you say so."

"Are you going to tell Lolita about the prophecy? I don't think you're gonna tell Jawad, right?"

"Not Jawad, but I'll tell Lolita. She should also be careful around him."

The two resumed their journey, walking back to the library, chatting idly as Roland insisted they changed the subject. They reached the building, and it was a pleasant place, with large display windows filled with pretty, vintage books and old artefacts. The setting of the library was very old-fashioned, and Noelle loved it as soon as she saw it.

Stepping inside, the smell of fresh books hit her nose; she adores the smell. There were thousands of bookshelves surrounding her, a labyrinth, each full to the brim with colourful hardback leather books. There were a couple of tables paired with visions sat by the walls, where several people sat, reading quietly.

The shelves were decorated with golden fairy lights, and there were little objects like stopwatches or old mugs placed anywhere where there was an empty space, adding a rustic vibe to the atmosphere. She followed Roland as they meandered through the shelves, until they reached the romance section where Lolita was leaning against the wall, sitting cross legged on the floor. Jawad was near her, looking at the young adult books the library offered.

"Hi guys," Noelle greeted, waving cheerily to Lolita. She ignored Jawad.

"You're back!" Lolita exclaimed, her lips parting into a smile. "How was the meeting with the Queen?"

"Um... enlightening. I'll tell you about it later," she said, glancing towards Jawad, who paid her no attention. Lolita looked back and forth between them and confusion, casting Roland a look who only slowly shook his head.

"So, what are you reading?" Noelle asked, taking a look at the book in Lolita's hands. It had a pretty cover, with a cherry blossom tree blowing in the wind as the silhouette of a couple holding hands was layered in front of it.

"It's called Under the Cherry Blossoms, and it's about this girl called Diana, who's from a rich family, who falls in love with a poor boy called Cameron. It's like a forbidden romance sort of thing," Lolita explained.

"Oh, that's interesting. Are you going to borrow it?" Noelle asked.

"I might."

Lolita eventually decided to borrow the book, and she stored it safely in her bag as the group left the library to walk down the streets of the Lost Forest. While Roland and Lolita talked on the side, Jawad stayed completely silent. Noelle felt awfully uneasy.

"So, what book did you find?" She eventually asked, just wanting to start a conversation with the boy. After all, you want to know your enemy.

"What?"

"At the library, you were looking at books, right?" Noelle tried again. Honestly, this guy...

"Yeah, but I didn't find anything," Jawad said, not elaborating any more.

"What's your favourite genre?"

"Horror."

"You don't talk much, do you?"

"No."

"Why?"

"I don't like to waste my energy."

Noelle deadpanned, looking at him with her eyebrows raised. Once again, Jawad paid her no attention, acting like he did not see her state at all. She could not comprehend how he could be so aloof to what everyone thought of him. How he did not care at all, and a part of Noelle admired it and wished she could feel the same, but another felt a great sense of confusion.

Jawad was somebody who baffled her entirely. He barely ever spoke, keeping the mysterious atmosphere around him, yet even with the shortest sentence his words made an impact. He looked so at ease with everything, and confident, that Noelle was almost afraid to step in his way. A brilliant Hunter, he could go on to achieve great things... if only he was not a traitor.

Noelle looked over to her two friends, Roland and Lolita. They were walking a few steps ahead of them, talking and laughing about something she could not hear. They had started off at the wrong foot, but now, their bond was so close and strong one would think they were a couple. In the weeks that passed, Noelle saw how Lolita began looking at Roland differently, the shine in her eyes, bright as diamonds, sparkling, that look of respect and admiration. She also found Roland staring at Lolita when he thought she was not looking, and immediately glancing away as soon as she turned. By now, she thought their relationship was stronger than what she had with either of them, and while it felt like a knife in her heart, she was happy. Happy for them.

If only they didn't live in such a troublesome world.

Noelle's happiness had been left back in London, the one person who she wanted to be with more than anything else in the entire world. She was probably unaware of her disappearance, or scared sick. Noelle wouldn't know. While everyone around her found each other, she was alone.

You're so selfish, Ellie. What are you even talking about?

They were given a luxury hotel room by the Queen, fit for a royal. Noelle opened the door, tired and ready to fall down onto the soft bed and relax after a long week, when suddenly a familiar figure was already present in her room.

And she realised, with utter shock, that it was Zuzanna.