#TCS99: Bleeding Thorns

Miracle Silhouette's POV

The nervousness that I was feeling was so evident because my hands were sweating and I couldn't stop myself from fixing how should I sit, there was no comfortable position! Halos tuktukan ko na ang sarili sa inis. Bakit ba ganito ako ngayon?

"You should stop worrying, and enjoy for a while." Wow! Sana lahat ang nasa isip pwede munang mag-enjoy at h'wag na mag-alala. Sinamaan ko na lang ng tingin si Akakios sa sinabi n'ya sa akin, at tumawa lang s'ya. Tss!

E 'di s'ya na 'yong masaya!

"Why are you more nervous than me? Dapat ako 'yong kinakabahan?" natatawang tanong n'ya at inirapan ko naman s'ya. Kung alam ko lang ang sagot sa tanong n'ya kanina ko pa nasagot ang sarili ko.

"How about you? Are you not nervous? You are going to set foot on your birth country..." I murmured and looked at the window of the jet plane that we were on. Some of our people were already in Eviralle's land.

Master Gideon and Isolde already rented a building within the capital to stay in there for a little while because we couldn't just go to places. We weren't really in some kind of vacation. We were currently in war.

"I am... the country that torn my parents apart that led to their deaths..." The sound of his voice made me melancholic. Napabuntonghininga ako ro'n at hinawakan ang kamay n'ya para ngitian s'ya. Gustong pagaanin ang loob n'ya.

"But we are also here to save this from its wicked rulers..." he added with a smile on his face, his eyes squinting a little because of it. Kahit papaano nawala 'yong kaba ko sa ngiting 'yon. He pacified my system so easily.

"What would I do... without you?" bulong ko at marahang inilagay ang ulo sa balikat n'ya.

"I wonder how they are adjusting," Akakios suddenly mumbled.

"I'm sure pretty good. Baka nga nag-date na kaagad 'yong mga 'yon," natatawang sagot ko.

My siblings, the Pasaways, and the Crowns were already in Eviralle. They already went there for the last three days. They were in separate planes and all that so we could sneak in. May mga fake identities na rin sila as citizens of this country.

Master Gideon and Isolde took care of those things, and it was easy for them because Master Gideon had acquaintances and people who owed him a lot; that was why everything was settled, and we just need to enter the Domain with our plan.

As far as I know, the Apocalypse and our parents would enter this place once again after we finished our first mission. Master Gideon told us it'd be easier if there were only few moves on our sides, because the Marquis were still all over this place.

Medyo napaidlip ako nang kaunti dahil kumalma ako. Akakios woke me up when we arrived at the private airport. Master Gideon prepared everything in this that was why everything was discreet.

"Welcome." Awtomatiko kaagad akong napangiti no'ng makita ko si Isolde at Master Gideon na sumalubong sa amin.

"Lolo!" Akakios went to hug his lolo, and Isolde just smirked at me.

"Welcome to the great Eviralle," she told me with hands on her spread on her sides. I cackled at her and rolled my eyes as the wind played with my hair.

I greeted Master Gideon and we all went to a car. Limousine kaagad 'yon kaya naman napailing-iling na lang ako. All the best for Akakios. Well, this was... his country. So, I supposed it was only right.

"How's the flight?" Master Gideon asked.

"Good," sabay na imik namin ni Akakios. Nakatinginan kami at bahagyang natawa sa isa't isa.

"So in synch," puna ni Isolde at nag-cross arms.

"What are the others currently doing?" I inquired curiously. I wondered what they found in this country. I wasn't sure, but maybe because of the tale of Laurentius and Agnyska, I was picturing it to be, you know... that old heritage and historic-like place.

And because of how I planned the whole Domain action and war, I didn't really look at how Eviralle would look like and its places. So dumb of me. Tss.

Pero hindi mo naman kasi basta-basta makikita kung ano'ng hitsura ng Eviralle dahil sa sobrang strict ng nalabas at napasok na impormasyon sa bansa na 'yon.

"Well, I told them to look around the capital the other day. They proceeded in going by partners enjoying the place," Isolde informed and my forehead knotted. They were wasting their time for that? Agh!

"Why did you allow that?" I asked in irritation.

"Are you... seriously asking that?" Isolde retorted while gawking at me. I challenged her with an intense gaze and she sighed, defeated.

"You see, this is a great chance for them to see what Eviralle is like... or what it seems to be—to see it deeper. You are in a foreign country; you must know your enemy to its core." Hindi ako nakapagsalita kaagad kasi may point s'ya. Well, if it was for that purpose, I couldn't argue.

"What is it like?" nagtatakang tanong naman ni Akakios, I glimpsed at him and his eyes seemed to sparkle in curiosity and excitement.

"Then go out too, in disguise of a date and see," Isolde retorted with a sneer.

"Good idea." Humarap naman kaagad si Akakios sa akin at itinaas baba ang mga kilay n'ya. Siniko ko s'ya nang sobrang gaan kasi baka mapagalitan ako ni Master Gideon. But Aki acted like he was so hurt.

"Aw!" OA nito, aba!

I automatically felt a glare from Master Gideon and Isolde laughed victoriously to tease me. I rolled my eyes at all of them, and Akakios' hand snaked around my waist pulling me closer to him. Hindi na nahiya sa lolo n'ya!

"Do you wanna go to tour around?" Akakios asked me after a short silence.

"The two of you should rest first," Master Gideon stated—more like ordered.

Wala kaming nagawa ni Akakios kung hindi tumago. Ilang saglit pa tumingin ako sa labas ng bintana dahil nakaalis din kami sa may airport.

My eyes circled and my lips parted a little with the unexpected sight! Woah! It was beautiful! I mean, there were huge buildings around, and the road was good. It seemed like a country that was developed in greatness!

The buildings were tall and really polished looking! There was also a huge and amazing bridge on the other side! Woah! That was like the ones in the West! There were even palm trees on the sides of the road.

There were a lot of cars and vehicles but there was no traffic! The roads were clean and neat! There were stoplights. Halos mamangha ako sa lahat ng nakikita. This was—I mean this was so good!

No'ng makarating kami sa parang city proper, kita mo kaagad 'yong magagandang business buildings, bus stops, well-polished intersections and pedestrians, tall buildings with advertisements, and great music. The people walking around also seemed so rich, and elegant.

I mean! Just by looking at them you know they were no joke! The dignity, the aura, the pride. It was amazing and astonishing!

"Woah! This is not what I expected!" hindi makapaniwalang sambit ko at tumingin kay Master Gideon at Isolde. Natawa naman 'yong dalawa sa akin. Akakios tousled my hair a little, but I knew deep inside him he was also quite surprised.

"Is this really Eviralle that were from your stories? That the Domain rules?" I spoke joyfully.

I mean it looked so advanced, there was like even subway station, and some advance technologies on the streets! It was so cool.

"Yes, this is the Capital." Kahit sinabi na nila 'yon at kinumpirma para pa rin akong niloloko. It was just so different. I thought we'd be greeted by a tale-like land from the ancient. Eh, mas develop pa yata 'to kesa sa bansa kung saan kami pinanganak.

The whole ride I was admiring the city. Natatawa na lang si Akakios sa pagkamangha ko. No'ng dumating kami sa isang malaking building halos hindi kalayuan sa city, hindi pa rin nabawasan ang ganda no'n.

It was a huge glass like building. There were trees around, too. And the road was clean and maintained properly. The breeze was even so fresh, and it wasn't that cold, and hot. It was the perfect weather! The sky was even blue and with less clouds, and there were no irritating wires that'd upset your picture-perfect sky.

"Let's go." Iginaya kami ni Isolde papasok sa parang hotel na building, pero mukhang para sa amin lang talaga ang building na 'to.

When we entered, I was wide-eyed when there were suddenly guards and maids that gathered around. They formed a straight line in two, and it was like we needed to walk in the center.

"Welcome back Master Gideon," they all chorused. "Welcome back, Miss Isolde."

Tumago lang si Master Gideon. "Welcome to the highest guests!" Halos mapatalon ako sa kinatatayuan no'ng batiin kami no'ng mga 'yon. They all bowed down and didn't dare to glance at us.

Napangiwi na lang ako. Akakios started walking on the middle with a really awkward aura within him that made them flinch. Dahil nakahawak ako kay Akakios, syempre naglakad na rin ako. No'ng makadaan kami sa dulo no'n, tumigil kami sa paglalakad.

"I hope you all have a great stay!" they said like a choir. Hindi ko tuloy ang pwedeng maging reaksyon sa sobrang pagkailang. Their stance and posture and the aura they were carrying wasn't a joke either.

They felt such dignified and powerful workers.

"Dismiss." Napanganga yata ako nang kaunti kasi no'ng sinabi 'yon ni Master Gideon para silang mga robot na bigla na lang naglaho. Napakurap-kurap pa ako kasi sobrang sabay-sabay no'ng kilos nila para maglakad, at mawala sa paningin namin.

"Woah..." I couldn't help but react. They were like trained soldiers! But they were working in a hotel!

"Are we the only ones occupying this hotel now?" tanong ko kasi walang ibang tao maliban sa mga nagtatrabaho na nasa posisyon na nila ngayon.

Master Gideon nodded mutely. Ang yaman talaga nila. Oh, wait... really? Coming from me... geez.

Papunta na sana kami sa elevator no'ng nagulat ako no'ng bigla na lang lumabas ang mga kapatid ko.

"Ate!" sigaw ni Gabby habang tumatakbo kasunod si Rebel at Justice. Law was walking with pocketed hands behind them. "Ate!" tuwang-tuwang tawag din no'ng dalawang abo. Snob nga lang 'yong feeling panganay.

I opened my arms while cackling, and Gabby landed inside. Pati si Rebel at Justice yumakap din kaagad. They looked like they were having fun. Nagkatawanan kaming magkakapatid at tingnan ko naman si Law na hindi yumakap sa akin.

"Ayaw?" loko ko sa kanya.

He sighed but hugged me, too. I giggled as I let go of them.

"Ano'ng ginagawa n'yo?" I queried curiously.

"Hey, let them rest first," Isolde reminded them.

"Hi, Alas!" masayang bati rin ni Gabby sa katabi kong si Akakios at niyakap 'to. Nakipag-high five naman 'yong triplets dito.

"What did you do in the past few days?" I asked them while we started walking towards the elevator where they came from. Gabby clung her other arm beside me, while Akakios was on my other side.

"I had a date with Pierce!" Gabby told me gleefully.

"Without these three?" I teased and she nodded happily. Umirap naman 'yong tatlo. "Naisahan kayo?" pang-aasar ko pa.

"She chose the day where I had a date with Honoka," kamot-ulong sagot naman ni Rebel. Natawa naman ako sa kanya. Nako, eighteen na 'to si Gabby, at saka mas matino si Pierce rito, hindi na nila kailangan mag-alala.

"I'm already eighteen! You don't need to worry anymore," Gabby confidently stated while bringing her head up high.

"We are not worried about you, we are worried about Pierce," Justice laughed at our bunso, and Gabby automatically punched him jokingly on the stomach, nasalo nga lang ni Justice 'yon kaya nagkatawanan kami lalo.

"Did you already tour around the city?" Akakios popped in with a smile.

"Yeah, Aurora and I went to a cruise-tour that goes around the river in the Capital. It was pretty awesome," pagmamayabang ni Law.

"Pumunta kami ni Luna sa may adventure park! Ang ganda rin no'ng extreme sports nila do'n! Tuwang-tuwa si Luna!" Justice told us proudly. Na-excite naman ako ro'n, para tuloy gusto ko rin pumunta.

"Eh, ikaw at si Honoka, Rebel?" I teased our dating bunso.

"We went around to museums and pastry shops. It was nice, Reign enjoyed it so much," nakangising pagkukwento nito. Napangiti naman kaagad ako ng malawak. "We brought cakes, and pastries, it was really good, try it!" he added smugly.

"I wanna go, too, Aki!" Mabilis akong nagpa-cute kay Akakios, at nakatanggap ako ng batok sa mga kapatid ko.

"Cringe ka, Ate," Rebel said laughingly. Sinuntok ko s'ya nang pabiro sa tyan, at hindi n'ya nasalo 'yon kaya't napangiwi at napaaray kaagad s'ya. Tinawanan kaagad s'ya ni Law at Justice.

"One point for Ate!" loko pa ni Gabby.

I suddenly became excited about thinking about where we could go around the city when it suddenly struck me. Wait! Wait! Wait! We weren't here for some kind of vacation! Why was I thinking of that?! Geez!

"Wait... we are in war, what the heck?" I scratched my head a little, and the elevator stopped.

My eyes widened when we were welcomed by a vast area that was like a living room that was mixed with an entertainment room. Woah! I thought it would be hallways for different rooms!

"This is the common area," Law stated plainly.

Nauna s'yang maglakad, at kaagad kaming sinalubong ng mga Pasaways. I hugged and high-five with them. And with Akakios. Isolde and Master Gideon excused themselves after giving Akakios and me our separate keys for a room just above this one.

Because our things were already arranged prior to us coming here, we didn't need to concern ourselves with that. Kaya naman kumain muna kami sa may parang dining. Buong floor pala nito common area at konti lang ang dividers na wall.

We ate first because they waited for us so we could eat, too. Napangiti kaagad ako kasi kumpleto na kami. They were all smiles, too. And they were telling Akakios and me how good the city was and how amazing the places they visited.

Akakios was smiling widely, and he looked like he wanted to go to the places they mentioned. Parang kahit saglit nakalimutan namin 'yong sitwasyon namin sa lugar na 'to. And everything was just like flowers, and sunshine. It was like a place where we could tour around, and everything would be topnotch.

Was it really Eviralle?

"Are you going somewhere today?" Akakios questioned them after chewing his food. Everyone almost answered all at the same time. Others wanted to go and tour around, while others wanted to stay here in the hotel because there were pools, rec rooms, and all those entertainments that they could use.

"Woah, woah, woah, you are all excited," natatawang sambit ko sa kanila.

"Well, it's our last day to goof around; Isolde told us that tomorrow we'd be assigned to see something." Napakunot-noo naman ako sa sinabi ni Art. Caerus was beside her, and he also nodded to confirm.

"Where are you going?" I never had any plans for this. Maybe Master Gideon added this or maybe they suggested it?

"I'm not really sure; it was Master Gideon who told us about this; Alas knows it, though?" nalilitong sagot naman ni Honoka, at tiningnan si Akakios. My eyes also went to his direction. He scratched the back of his head like he forgot to tell it to me.

"You are nervous, and you have been doing all the plans, I forgot to mention it," nakangiti at maamong sabi nito. Natawa naman ako ro'n nang marahan. I wanted to get sulky about it, but how can I when he looked so cute?

"It's not like it's a dangerous one," kibit-balikat na dagdag ni Rebel.

"What is it, though?" ulit ko naman.

"Just going to places to enjoy and royally observe," Harper stated elegantly while slowly placing her utensils on the plate because she was talking. Law took more meat to cut it and give it to Harper. She murmured a little thank you, and my sibling just smiled.

"Which places?" pag-uusisa ko pa.

"Surely wants to keep everything in check, huh?" Law barked a soft laughter after sipping his juice.

"It's not going to hurt," I told him; I just wanted to be aware, although the city looked beautiful and harmless, I still didn't want to risk it. Wherever I go, blood follows. There was no way I'd stay still knowing all that.

"Pupunta kami ni Justice sa may katabing city nito; Master Gideon told us to bring some delicacies from there?" Luna mentioned, and even she was a little confused with the last words. "Gusto yata ng souvenir," natatawang dagdag n'ya.

"We'll leave early tomorrow, para hindi abutan ng dilim." Justice took a spoonful of rice and meat then helped Luna with her meal. Napatango naman kami ni Akakios dahil do'n.

"All of you have some kind of places to go to?" Akakios questioned after drinking his juice.

"No, only a few of us," Caerus answered.

"Who?" Akakios further queried.

"Art and I are going to some kind of national museum," Caerus mentioned, and Art nodded excitedly while chewing her meal so regally.

"Reign and I are assigned to go to a musical play; it's still in the afternoon, so..." Rebel informed us. "We might stay around here while waiting for the time." Sumang-ayon naman kaagad si Honoka ro'n habang may maliit na ngiti sa labi. Cute.

"You also have somewhere to go Law?" tanong ko naman kasi mukhang walang balak sabihin kasi busy sa pagkain.

"Yes, Ate," Harper started. "We are going to the palace." My eyes widened, and I almost dropped my utensils because of her answer.

"You mean the Marquis Palace here in the capital?" I questioned unbelievably.

"Yeah," Law answered with a shrug.

"Do you know how dangerous that is?" My brows met in a thin line. I needed to talk to Master Gideon about this! Hindi naman pwedeng ang bago-bago lang namin dito, ni wala pa nga 'yong unang plano, pero papasok na 'tong dalawang 'to sa lugar na 'yon?

"Well aware, but this is a great opportunity to see what the enemy is like," matigas na sagot sa akin ni Law.

"We can do that," I snapped at him. Akakios and I could do that; it shouldn't be them.

"Look, Miracle, I know you are worried but do you even trust us? We have grown more than you could imagine." Ibinababa ni Law ang kutsara at tinidor at tingnan ako nang masinsinan. His eyes screamed leverage that some people who were joking around the table immediately became mute.

"I trust you, but I don't trust this place and the Domain," I answered in a low voice calmly but with emphasis.

Napailing-iling si Law sa sagot at napasinghal. "Master Gideon entrusted this thing to us. It's not like we are going there for some kind of sneak in, there is a tour open, and we will join that group." Nakipagtitigan ako kay Law at hindi man lang s'ya natinag kaya napabuntonghininga ako.

"Make sure the two of you would not be caught suspicious, and you must be back here—unscathed." Harper nodded and glanced at Law because he was quiet and not answering my demand. Harper nudged at him a little; then, he exhaled loudly. "Okay," mahinang sagot nito, kaya naman parang nakahinga na ulit ang lahat sa lamesa.

"How about the others?" Akakios tried to lighten the mood with his cute smile. At least, it was so effective because of the power he got. Biglang napuno ng kulit at tawanan ang hapag dahil do'n, pagkatapos masaya silang nagkwento.

"We'll also go to a city next to this one. Master Gideon also told us to get some souvernirs," natatawang imik ni Hope at tumango si Theon. "We'll be back safely with some goods." Masayang tumango si Hope sa sinabi ng boyfriend.

Medyo nagkaro'n ng amos si Hope at mabilis 'yong pinunasan ni Theon gamit ang daliri n'ya. Hope blushed but continued eating. Cute.

"Ang daya! Kami sabi ni Master Gideon kahit dito na lang daw! Hmp!" reklamo ni Biblee saka nag-cross arms. Her cheeks bubbled a little. Pero pagkatapos no'n biglang kumuha ng pagkain at pinaglalagay sa pinggan ni Akira.

"Why are you giving this to me? Eat it." Irap ni Akira kay Biblee.

"Nako, bibiloves, kailangan mo 'yan, namamayat ka na, kaya dapat eat well," sagot ni Biblee.

"Ikaw ang kumain," Akira mentioned and suddenly put a huge spoonful to Biblee's mouth. Nagkatawanan kami dahil do'n, pero mukhang natuwa pa si Biblee.

"Ayieee, indirect kiss 'yon!" she told Akira while munching the food he gave her. Akira shook his head and sighed at her. "What do I do with you?" he mentioned with a slight smile.

"Mahalin mo pa nang mas bongga!" hirit ni Biblee, kaya naman mas nagkatawanan kami at sinubuan ulit s'ya ni Akira ng pagkain para manahimik... o baka naman gusto lang talaga ni Akira alagaan 'yong makulit na 'yon? Hmm, the last option was what I liked better.

"Kami rin, dito lang din kami tatambay," Sloane declared while eating and taking care of Cleon who had been so messy in eating. Sobrang kalat talaga kumain n'yan si Cleon, palaging may sabog, nakakaloka.

"Tara swimming na lang bukas, tas rec room, ang daming games do'n!" masayang aya ni Cleon.

"Game!" Sloane agreed and high-fived with Cleon.

"Kami rin!" Gabby raised her hand and danced a little on her seat. "And you'll be with us, right, Pierce?!" excited na dagdag nito. Pierce smiled and nodded after filling up the glass for Gabby. "Sure," mahinahong sagot nito.

"Sali kami!" Katniss said while raising her hand, too.

"Nako, babantayan ka ni Kalix. 'Tapos si Thorn, babantayan ni Pierce!" pangloloko ni Cleon.

"Duh, mag-video call ka na lang kay Caitlyn!" Katniss pouted at her Kuya. Natigil ang tahimik na pagkain ni Kalix sa sinabi ng kapatid. "Mind your own business." His baritone voice echoed and Yvo teased him.

"Ayieee! Hindi n'ya tinanggi!" masayang imik ni Luna.

"What's there to deny? Stop annoying Caitlyn." Matalim tiningnan ni Kalix si Luna at Katniss. Nagkatawanan naman kami ro'n.

"Kuya! Do'n na nga lang ako nakakasagap ng balita sa love life mo, haharangan mo pa!" reklamo ni Katniss. Kalix hissed at her.

"Thorn take care of Katie, so she'd stop putting her nose to Caitlyn and I." Napangisi naman kaagad si Katniss. Thorn also chuckled.

"Roger." Nakatinginan si Katniss at Thorn. Muntik na akong matawa. Nautakan no'ng dalawa si Kalix! Iba talaga epekto ni Caitlyn sa cold at snobber na anak ni Tita Cassy. Cute.

"Hey, stop staring!" saway ni Gabby kay Pierce. The latter cackled at her, and wiped her side lip because of the mess she was making. "You want this, too?" Gabby asked and showed her the meat.

Pierce shook his head. "No," maiklinh sagot nito at nagbigay ng pagkain kay Gabby.

"Ikaw gusto n'yang si Pierce," tawa ni Justice.

"Well, I will not deny that," pagsakay ni Pierce sa kalokohan.

Gabby almost choked and Pierce panicked a little. Napangiti naman ako ro'n. Nakahanap talaga ng katapat 'tong si Gabby. Nakakatuwa rin kasi kahit sila na ni Pierce, he was still that caring, kind, and warm person to her.

"How about the two of you?" tanong ni Akakios kay Saint at Nicasia. Saint kept teasing Nicasia, and I was sure Nicasia's fork would soon land on Saint's eyes.

"Master Gideon didn't assign us to anything, so I think we'd just do around the area. I'll date my lovely bab—" Hindi na naituloy ni Saint ang sasabihin n'ya no'ng samaan s'ya ng tingin ni Nicasia.

"Ano'ng sasabihin mo?" Nicasia challenged.

"Wala, sabi ang ganda talaga no'ng babe—" We all laughed because Nicasia flicked Saint's forehead. Pasalamat s'ya Hindi tinidor tumama ro'n.

"Hala, masakit?" Nicasia's eyes widened when Saint held his forehead and acted like a bullet pierce through it. Loko-loko, galing um-acting. Nicasia was affectionate to Saint if they were alone, but in crowds, she liked teasing and making him shut up with his antics.

"Ikaw, Sven?" tanong ni Slo sa tahimik na katabi ni Kalix.

"I'll stay here," maikling sagot.

"Ayiee, video call mo na rin si Lindsay, para may kadamay si Kuya." Natawa si Katniss sa sinabi n'ya lalo na no'ng sabay s'yang samaan ng tingin ng kuya n'ya at ni Sven. Sloane also laughed and high-fived with her.

"I swear Sven, if Lindsay ever cries because of you—" banta ni Sloane na pinutol ni Sven.

"As if that will happen. And why do you care?" hamon nito.

"Ihahanda ko na ang sapatos mo, babes! Pero hwag na sa ulo ko tatama ha?! H'wag na rin ako sasabunutan mo! Paki-confirm muna kung sino, para hindi ka wow mali for the second time!" We all laughed with what Cleon stated.

"Sus! Kilig ka naman, do'n kayo nagkakilala eh!" Biblee teased.

"Nyenyenye!" Cleon stuck his tongue out at Biblee. "Paki-tabi nga n'yang dwende mo Akira!"

"Paki-linis nga n'yang alaga mo, Slo," Akira retorted sharply.

"Boom!" Hope and Luna chorused. "Sana all pinagtatanggol!" Hope added laughingly.

Theon shook his head and draped his hand around her shoulders. Paano tapos na kasi kumain. Hope pouted at him and Theon scrunched his nose cutely at her. Nagkatawanan silang dalawa sa isa't isa. Ang sweet at ang cute!

Parang sira naman si Biblee na kilig na kilig sa sinabi ni Akira. We just had a good time with it. At least, they weren't overthinking about the Domain, and they were still my Pasaways.

We talked about different things, and some who weren't asked to go anywhere, decided just to be here. Tumango naman kami ro'n, hinayaan na sila. I talked to Theon, Law, Justice, Rebel and Caerus to be careful for tomorrow, and proceeded to the floor upstairs.

Akakios was with me and was saying sorry for forgetting to inform me. Feeling ko talaga sinadya nito para hindi na ako mag-alala. He just knew it would add to my worries. I sighed he always thought of my well-being first.

"You should take a good rest, okay?" he told me while holding my hand. We were already at the hallway and he caressed my hand that he was holding. I nodded at him, and I couldn't help but stare on his lips.

"Do you wanna go with them tomorrow?" Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa sinabi n'ya at tumango.

"I don't think we can go with Harper and Law, though, it would be so suspicious if there are a lot of us." Napabagsak ang balikat ko dahil sa kanila ko talaga balak sumama, pero wala rin akong nagawa. I knew it was for the better.

"I'll ask Lolo to which one we could tag along, just don't overthink okay?" I nodded lightly at him, and he removed one of his hands from mine to caress my left cheek. I smiled at him and felt his delicate touch.

"Thank you..." bulong ko sa kanya.

"Law is the strongest among them, and you know Harper, her confidence isn't just a bluff, so ease up." He got a point, and I found comfort in his words. That was true, I should really stop being worried about them.

"How about you?" I asked him, and his forehead knotted. "Are you okay?"

He nodded his head and went closer to me to kiss my forehead. "I am finally in this land, and I'll try my best to make sure that our plans will be successful and you'll get your grandparents back, okay?" Napangiti kaagad ako sa pagiging malalim pero nakaka-comfort na boses n'ya.

"I love you..." I whispered sincerely.

"I love you, too..." he answered and slowly brushed his lips against mine. I closed my eyes tightly and responded back with the same passion he was giving me. When I separated from him, I saw how he beamed genuinely.

***

WHEN tomorrow came, Akakios greeted me for breakfast. Magulo ang naging breakfast, pero 'yong ilang may pupuntahan umalis na rin kaagad. Si Rebel at Honoka na lang ang naiwan kaya naman sigurado akong sa kanila kami mapapasama.

Akakios gave me the news that we could tour around the city in the morning and in the afternoon, we'd go together with Rebel and Honoka. I agreed and got excited a little. I immediately prepared myself and Akakios did the same.

"Where do you wanna go?" Akakios asked me when we settled in the car. We were still in the parking lot of the hotel that we were staying in.

"I don't know? Just tour around the city, I guess?"

"Then, that's the plan."

We chuckled at each other and off we go. Manghang-mangha talaga ako sa nakikita ko sa Eviralle. It was just so beautiful and clean. Pumunta kami ni Akakios sa mall ng city at sobrang laki at ganda no'n.

All people in there were also almost rich-looking. It felt like no one was dressed poorly. Their fashion was topnotch and designers. Even the workers at the mall looked so adequately trained and well on their uniforms.

It was just so perfect, and the people we passed by were kind and polite, although they have that air of dignity and power. Gano'n talaga yata lahat ng tao rito, may kakaibang aura.

Akakios and me just looked around the mall. We bought some clothes and something to give to the Pasaways and the Crowns. Nakakatuwa rin kasi ang dami mong pwedeng bilhin at magandang makikita.

When we got a little tired of shopping, we went to an ice-cream shop. We shared a huge bowl of ice cream while talking to each other comfortably. Pero titingin lang ako kay Akakios sobrang nagagwapuhan na kaagad ako sa simpleng galaw nito, kaya naman minsan kinakabahan ako sa bilis ng tibok ng puso ko.

We were joking around each other and he was cleaning my face with tissue. He was laughing at me cutely.

"Sinasadya mo eh," he told me while wiping the side of my lips with a thumb.

"Oh, really?" hamon ko sa kanya, I took a spoonful of ice cream. I smirked a little when I put some again on the side of my lips so he'd take care of it again. Pero imbis na gawin 'yon, bigla n'ya akong hinalikan sa tungki ng ilong ko.

Namilog ang mga mata ko sa ginawa n'ya. "Ew!" reklamo ko sa kanya. His lips were covered in ice cream! Nagkaro'n tuloy sa ilong ko! He only smirked at me victoriously and wiggled his brows. Natawa tuloy ako ro'n at kumuha ng tissue para punasan ang ilong ko.

"Isn't it weird? We are here having fun... when we need to—" Hindi ko nasabi 'yong kasunod na sasabihin ko no'ng bigla kaming magkatinginan ni Akakios. We both realized how although no one was near us, nor were we watched, we still needed to be careful.

We just talked about random things in the sun, when we decided to go somewhere. Ang dami naming dalang paper bag dahil sa pinamili namin. We proceeded in going to a park after. It was such a good park.

The trees were blooming because of spring. And we rented some bike. Nakakatuwa kasi sobrang gaan at saya sa pakiramdam mag-bike lang sa park na 'yon. The wind was so refreshing and cool. Akakios' laughter echoing while we were chasing each other on the bike was so pure.

"Silhoue!" He'd ring the bell of his bike and passed by me in the maze-like part of the park with a huge fountain in front.

Parang bata ulit si Akakios habang nagba-bike kami kaya naman sobrang nakakatuwa 'yon. We also walked around together with the beauty of the nature and took pictures. We were just holding hands while sitting on the bench now.

Hindi kami nag-uusap at pinagmamasdan lang ang paligid pero ramdam ko na 'yong saya sa puso ko. I smiled gazing at Akakios who was looking at the beautiful surrounding. I couldn't believe I was this contented with him.

"Hmm... Akakios..." I whispered while the wind was blowing to us.

I felt him took a glance at me. "Are we going to survive this together?" nanghihinang tanong ko.

"I...actually don't know..." pagsasabi n'ya nang totoo. "But I will never give up. I will never give up 'til we survive this together." Napangiti ako nang payapa sa bagay na 'yon.

"Aren't you afraid?"

"I am always afraid..." Marahan ko s'yang nilingon at nagtagpo ang mga mata namin. "But, whenever I am looking at you... I feel more courageous," he added ever-so-softly.

"Please stay with me until the end..." pakiusap ko sa kanya.

"Until the end..." he retorted in a whisper.

Nang matapos kaming mamasyal sa city ng capital ng Eviralle puro papuri lang yata ang tanging natira sa utak ko. It was just so mesmerizing and rich. Now, I got why everyone was so excited yesterday telling us about their experiences. Sobrang maganda at nakakatuwa naman talaga.

Nagkagulo rin sila kaagad no'ng ibigay namin sa kanila 'yong pasalubong. It was three o'clock when we came home but no one from the ones who had tasks were in the hotel yet. Nandito na rin sina Nicasia at Saint na galing din sa labas.

Akakios and I just ate some late lunch and snacks with them, then we proceeded preparing for the musical orchestra that we were attending. Honoka and Rebel also started. Hinayaan na namin ang Pasaways at Crowns sa ginagawa nila.

Hindi ko mapigilan mapangiti kasi nakaupo si Pierce, Gabby, Thorn, at Katniss sa carpet. Naglalaro sila ng cards kasama si Sloane, Cleon, Nicasia at Saint.

Gabby was inside Pierce's embrace. Nakahiga si Gabby sa dibdin ni Pierce at naka-lean ang chin ni Pierce sa balikat ni Gabby. They were smiling and whispering to each other about their cards. Sobrang pure tingnan no'ng dalawang 'yon.

Magkatabi naman si Katniss at Thorn. Ngiting tagumpay 'yong dalawa kasi si Kalix nakaupo sa isang sofa malapit sa kanila at mukhang may ka-text o kausap sa cell phone. Caitlyn, huh? Even Sven was across him with knotted forehead while on his phone.

After glancing at them, we went our own way.

Honoka and Rebel informed us that it was a formal occasion, so we needed to dress formally. Honoka helped me in choosing a dress. She was so giddy and excited while doing it. Sobrang jolly talaga ni Honoka, pero ramdam mo pa rin 'yong aura n'ya na sobrang elegante.

"Kumusta kayo ni Rebel?" I asked her when I sat down in front of the vanity table. I was wearing a white formal dress that was up to my knees, while she was wearing a black one. She looked sexy but more on the elegant side.

"Palagi bang pinapainit no'n ang ulo mo?" I cackled at her. She shook her head.

"He might tease a bit much, but he's soft when it comes to me," she stated dreamily. Nako, wala na, mukhang ginayuma na talaga ni Rebel 'tong si Honoka.

"Talaga ba? Nambabalibag 'yon. Binalibag no'n si Justice no'ng bata pa, kaya palaging nasasapok ni Luna," natatawang kwento ko, Honoka also cackled and it sounded so cute but so expensive! Grabe, kaya patay na patay si Rebel eh.

"He likes to act cute when it's just the two of us," Honoka said with a gummy smile.

"Geez, I think I can tease Rebel now." I smirked evilly.

"Tease him all you want, Ate, but please take care of him, too." Napangiti kaagad ako sa sinabi nito. I stood up after putting some make-up on my face, and I made Honoka sat down instead. I fixed her hair a little, and I chose clip that I always liked and gave it to her. It was clip that had a butterfly design.

"Thank you for loving and taking care of my Rebel..." I mentioned sincerely. "I am glad you still found your way to each other."

"Thank you, Ate... for being so kind and for doing a lot of things for us, even though you suffered and sacrificed a lot." Tinapos ko ang pag-aayos sa buhok ni Honoka at tumingin sa salamin habang nakangiti at nakahawak sa mga balikat n'ya.

"Where's my Reign?" Sabay kaming napalingon sa bakuna no'ng pinto at nakita si Rebel na naka-suit.

"Hi," Honoka greeted meekly but stayed seated. Hindi na mapigilan ni Rebel mapangiti nang makita kung gaano kaganda at kaelegante tingnan si Honoka. He went near us, and offered his hand to her.

"Where's Aki?" I asked Rebel and went to the bed to sit.

Umupo si Honoka at Rebel nang magkatabi sa vanity chair. Malawak naman 'yon kaya okay lang. Rebel didn't let go of Honoka's hand though. And kissed her cheeks gently that made Honoka blushed.

"Ew!" reklamo ko sa kapatid.

"Nang maramdaman mo Ate 'yong ginagawa mo kapag nasa paligid si Alas." Ngumisi nang tagumpay si Rebel sa akin at inirapan ko na lang s'ya at tumayo mula sa kinauupuan ko. Tumawa naman lalo si Rebel sa ginawa ko.

"Bahala ka dyan! Hahanapin ko lang si Aki!" I told him.

"Sure, sure, finally I have privacy with Reign," he replied nonchalantly. Honoka punched his arm lightly.

"Let's go na, I think Alas will be ready na rin," Honoka told us and pulled Rebel up. Mukha namang pinaglugmukan ng langit at lupa si Rebel dahil sa nangyari, kaya naman ako na ang may ngiting tagumpay.

Mag-aasaran sana kaming magkapatid no'ng bigalang sumulpot si Akakios. He was wearing an all-black suit. I immediately gushed on how he looked so powerful and ethereal. I went to him and I wanted to kiss his cheek, but I remembered Rebel, nako lolokohin na naman ako no'n. Kaya naman umangkla na lang ako sa braso ni Akakios.

"Let's go. They have a strict time in here," Akakios informed us. And we all told the rest farewell, before travelling to the venue.

Nang makarating do'n halos mapanganga kami dahil sa laki no'ng building. It was like a theatrical building and it was so structured so well! It was awesome! There was even a red carpet in the entrance and there were a lot of guards! A lot!

Halos pinalilibutan no'n ang buong entrance! Pagkatapos ang sobrang elegante at grabeng aura rin ang pinapakita ng mga guests! Just one glance and you'd already know that they weren't to be messed with!

It was proper and strict in checking to enter. There were machines all over the place and the security was tight. Honoka and Rebel weren't intimidated at all and they blended well with all the guests. They looked so powerful together.

Lalong-lalo na si Honoka. You'd think that she was an heir to a royal family or to some kind of richest family in the whole world. Rebel, on the other hand, was overflowing with charisma and confidence; just one glimpsed on his ebony contact-lensed-eyes, you'd not be able to question him at all.

Akakios and I followed the check. And I shivered a little, and I saw how other guards flinched when Akakios stood up straightly. I almost cursed inside my head because that was like a really powerful air that he gave off!

I remained calm and composed looking. When we were passing by the checks, I saw how others trembled a little like a cold breeze given by them. I couldn't deny that it wasn't from me, I needed to be authoritative, too.

Damn, I really came so far, huh? If it were from before, they wouldn't even notice my presence.

Nang makapasok kaming apat marami pa ring guards at mahigpit pa rin ang security. It made me wonder what kind of musical orchestra was this. It was just so... weird. There was nothing but elegance and richness in the air, though.

We were guided to the main hall for the event.

Napakatahimik at napakaeleganteng lugar ang bumungad sa amin. It was theater-like. You'd go down to be in front of the massive and bright stage. The place looked like it was made of red soft material and gold.

May nagtanong din ang seat number namin, at si Akakios ang sumagot no'n. The person led us to our seats. There weren't a lot of people. There were like forties to fifties, so it was empty compared to the place's capacity to hold thousands.

Sa may bandang gitna kami umupo. The whole row was just for the four of us. The other guests were in different rows and seats. However, none of us were near the stage. And there was an area in there that was so protected with the number of guards and workers.

It was such a strange atmosphere.

Ni wala ring gano'ng bisita na malapit sa kinauupuan namin. Magkatabi kami ni Honoka pagkatapos nasa magkabilang tabi namin si Aki at Rebel. My forehead slowly knotted because the guests settled down like proper royals.

"What is this place...?" bulong ko dahil hindi makapaniwala kung halos paano sabay-sabay nag-settle down ang lahat. There were a few guards standing and scattered, but they were a little far from the guests.

"This is so weird... I thought it would be packed." Napatingin din si Honoka sa pagligid matapos sabihin 'yon. I nodded at her to agree.

We couldn't really talk loud because all were silent, and it was deafening.

Nanatili na lang kaming nakatingin sa unahan at ilang saglit pa lumabas na 'yong mga taong magpe-perform. They were all so stiff and trained. Their movements, even the minimal ones, were so in synch. Even their breathing! It was insane!

When they were on the stage standing, a figure from the side entrance below entered. Kakaibang kabog sa puso ang narinig ko sa sarili dahil sa nakita. I felt the whole venue became filled with absolute pressure.

It wasn't a killing intent! But it was strong as that! Para kang binagsakan ng langit at lupa kasabay ng kidlat at kulog!

That man who brought the tension in the place walked so tall, and there was an air that you would never mess with him at all cost. He was followed by an elegant lady that has a fur dress that was up to her knees. She walked so elegantly but with a commanding power.

Her hair was light brown curled up to her waist, and her movements were so delicate and prim. Napalunok na lang ako kasi sobrang pino at ingat ng ipinapakita n'ya galaw at hangin. Even Harper wouldn't contradict on how high leveled this lady was in terms of elegance and royal-like aura.

"Marquis..." Akakios murmured and I felt like my lungs collapsed and I couldn't breathe!

Napatitig ako sa kanila nang halos nakanganga na dahil sa hindi maipaliwanag na takot na nararamdaman. The feeling those two gave off was nothing but power. Fear crept through my skin, and I knew I wasn't the only one who felt that.

Everyone suddenly stood up, including the guests, and we had no other chance but to discern.

They all bowed and paid respect to the two people.

The man was so tall and muscular-lean. He had a really clean face, and his dark hair was swept up like it was made so carefully with natural products and not just an ordinary gel. His eyes were wide and dark, his nose was high, and his lips were thick, but in the natural colour of pinkish red. He was wearing a suit that was all-black but with an intricate pattern that was in shiny raven. He had a badge on his chest, and it sparked golden.

The woman with him was so stiff but prim and proper. Her features were mesmerizing, her eyes were in a lighter shade of brown and upturned, her brows were done correctly but not to intimidate but to make her look pure, her nose was so small but high, and her lips were thin, and it was coloured with a classic red lipstick.

"Blessings and glory to the Emperor and Empress of the great Eviralle. We are humbled to be in your presence."

After the marvelous and full of respect greeting to Abelard and Emily, everyone sat down again; we just mimicked them.

Gusto kong magsalita pero hindi ko magawa, pakiramdam ko maririnig ako ng mga Marquis dahil do'n. The lights in the area of the audience slowly dimmed, and the lights in the stage remained wonderful looking. Not blinding, but not dark.

Without further ado, in one command from Abelard, the choir started to do their performance.

Goosebumps.

I felt flabbergasted when they started! They were so in synch in movements and the sound they were creating was so powerful and good! Sobrang sarap sa tainga pakinggan no'n at mamangha ka sa maririnig mo.

Wow! That was so awesome! I was lost for words on how great it was!

However, I couldn't enjoy it that much, especially with Abelard and Emily in front. They were listening so intently to the orchestra performing for them. Yeah, it felt like that, para sa kanila lang 'yong performance at hindi kami kasali sa bagay na 'yon.

The chill and pressure in the atmosphere were just so palpable with Abelard's presence alone. It was almost terrifying to breathe because it might disturb the performance and it would cause Abelard to be upset.

It was so suffocating.

No matter how beautiful and how extravagant the enactment was, I couldn't concentrate because I would never let myself with a guard down in this venue. Parakiramdam ko talaga nagyelo na lang ako.

That was why Master Gideon trained us for so long... an ordinary person wouldn't really stand properly without trembling with them around. I finally recognized how, in the back of my mind, I was underestimating them unconsciously.

Why? Because for me, they were fakes. I didn't know that, whether fake or not, it wouldn't matter because they were the current monarchy. They were the ones who control the Domain and run this country, Eviralle.

I lost track of time, and I couldn't even glance at Akakios, Honoka nor Rebel because it felt prohibited to do that. I was just staring blankly and feeling the pressuring air around us. The music was nothing but perfect, but it didn't help.

Nang matapos ang isang piece—hindi ko na alam kung ilang piece na ang natapos, basta alam ko sobrang tagal na namin dito—bigla na lang silang pinatigil ni Abelard. My forehead knotted because it was such an excellent performance.

Sa isa pang kumpas ng kamay ni Abelard, nanlaki ang mga mata namin no'ng biglang tumayo nang sabay-sabay ang guests. We mimicked what they did to blend, and without questions nor protests, they moved out of the venue.

The guards signaled us to go out, too, calmly and properly by rows.

Napatingin ako kay Akakios nang nagtataka. Is it done? I questioned quietly inside my head. It looked like it was finished, but there was a feeling inside me that it wasn't done at all, but because Abelard signaled that it was done—it was done without questions.

Nang makalabas kami sa main venue, the guests, seemed like to enjoy the performance, and they were talking about it so elegantly without creating much buzz. They were also escorted out. I didn't know, but there was an instinct inside me that we shouldn't leave yet.

"Let's go." My forehead knotted with Honoka's voice.

She led the way, and Rebel smirked at us. "We are not leaving yet," he whispered to Akakios and I. Kahit naguguluhan kami kasi wala naman 'to sa plano, sumunod kami ro'n sa dalawa. We avoided the guards, and I didn't know how fast we moved, but we entered a hallway where there was no one.

"Hey?" tawag ko kina Rebel at Honoka.

Sumenyas lang 'yong dalawa na sundan lang namin sila. We avoided all the cameras. And I swore with the path we took, it seemed like we went out of the building, but we went back in with a different entrance that was private, and the security would never catch us.

We went through so many hallways and places that it seemed like we were going on a maze.

"Where are we going?" tanong ko sa napakahinang boses.

"Master Gideon asked me to memorize the structure of this place, and he told us to go backstage if something weird ever happens without anyone knowing," Honoka replied in a whisper, and my eyes widened.

"There's something weird going on, and I think this is why Master Gideon asked us to go in this orchestra performance..." Rebel mentioned quietly.

Naglakad pa kami at hindi na nagtanong. Akakios and I got what they were trying to say. I used my invisible self, too, a little just to reduce some aura, everyone did the same so we'd never be noticed easily.

Matapos ang ilang saglit, lumiko kami sa isang banda at nakarinig na nang ingay. We carefully moved and slowly went to where the noise was coming from. Nakita namin ang kumpol ng tao sa isang hallway.

We went the other way and went to a hidden spot from upstairs, but we could still see what was going on, but no one would see our position.

The crowd was the people who performed, and Abelard was there with his guards. Emily was nowhere to be seen. Tahimik lang namin tinitingnan ang mga pangyayari. Abelard was pacing back and forth.

There was one girl who was kneeling in front of him from the orchestra team. She was bawling and uttering sorrys in their language. She was begging, and her colleagues weren't even looking at her. They were just standing still, and their heads were bowed and turned around.

"Your Majesty! I deeply apologize, my Lord!" the girl kept begging while howling. Sobrang natataranta na 'to.

I was so confused with what was going on to why that girl was begging.

Abelard stopped from pacing and suddenly looked at the girl who was begging sharply. Halos hindi nasundan ng mga mata ko ang kasunod na nangyari. Abelard was suddenly in front of the girl and was holding her jaw tightly.

The girl ached in pain while cyring so hard. Pakiramdam ko biglang uminit ang ulo ko at nakaramdam ako ng kakaibang galit sa dibdib. I wanted to stop what was happening, but I remained watching. That was the most terrible feeling I felt. Just watching...

"How fucking dare you!" Abelard's voice thundered like a sharp blade inside my ears.

Napalunok at nanginig ako saglit sa matinding epekto no'n sa akin—sa amin. Halos lahat ng ibang mga kasamahan no'ng babae napaluhod sa matinding takot. But they couldn't dare to look at what was happening because it wasn't allowed.

"Your Highness, I am sorry... I beg you for forgiveness!" the girl beseeched while her palms were claps and tightened together.

"Why did you do that?!" Abelard yelled ferociously.

"Your Highness, I did not! I am on the right note while playing the violin—"

My jaw dropped when we all heard the sounding slap that Abelard released to the poor girl's face. Natigil sa pag-iyak 'yong babae, I winced because that seemed like her jaw cracked with how powerful that blow was.

"Wench." Abelard's jaw tightened, and he shook in annoyance, then he grabbed her chin again to make her look at him in the face. The tension was so heavy, and no one was breathing.

"What did you say?" Ramdam na ramdam ko sa malalim na boses ni Abelard ang matinding galit at panggigigil. Nabato ako kung saan kami nagtatago. Hindi alam ang gagawin sa nakikitang sitwasyon.

"You played it right...?" ulit ni Abelard nang sobrang diin.

The girl started to cry more.

"Are you saying that I am wrong?" he questioned with anger and emphasis.

Halos yakapin ko ang sarili sa sobrang tensyonado ng paraan ng pagtatanong n'ya no'n. It was like the pitiful girl committed murder that was why she was in that situation.

"Your Highness!" the girl howled in so much pain. "I am deeply sorry!" natatarantang dagdag nito. Hindi alam kung paano ilalaban ang sarili.

"Are you saying that this country's Emperor is wrong?!" roared Abelard.

Para akong binangungot sa tindi ng takot sa kanya. My mind was hazy. My heart almost stopped breathing. But my fists were balled. I was angry. I am mad.

Napasigaw na lang ulit 'yong babae dahil do'n. She kept saying that she was wrong now and didn't bother to correct it because she feared her life. Abelard laughed at her evilly and slapped her again on the other cheek.

"Insolent wench! You fucking ruined the performance! You should be sentenced to death!" he yelled like a madman.

He was shaking, and I could feel a killing intent on his aura. I wanted to do something, however, I was stoned on the spot.

Abelard suddenly moved so nimbly that it felt so blurry in my vision, and in one snap, he was now pointing a gun at the head of the girl.

What the heck!? What was that speed!?

"Your Highness!" the girl trembled and screamed in so much fear.

Napalingon ako sa mga kasamahan Maya, nakaluhod lang sila, hindi makatingin sa nangyayari at takot na takot habang nanginginig. I was almost burning in anger with the scene we were witnessing when I felt Honoka's hand on mine.

She was cold and shivering. Also, horrified for the girl's life.

I could feel that Abelard would soon pull the trigger. Napahugot na lang ako ng hininga. I wanted to stop that from happening. I didn't want an innocent life to be lost. But Akakios suddenly pulled me closer to him.

He looked so composed, but I knew him better. He was more wrathful than I was. He was the one who wanted to do something desperately. But he stopped himself, and me because of something. We all focused again on Abelard and the girl.

The shaking hands of Abelard were so evident. He wanted to kill the girl. He wasn't hesitating in pulling the trigger—but more so, he just wanted to see the girl beg for her life more. It was so entertaining for him.

"My Emperor."

Natigil si Abelard sa ginagawa no'ng may narinig na boses. It was just a calm and direct voice. It didn't shout, nor it had any kind of emotion. But it did stop Abelard from what he was about to do. Then he looked at the voice's owner.

"What do you want?" he asked his wife, the Empress Emily Thomure.

"Let's go," malamig na sambit nito. Abelard smirked at his wife, he suddenly pointed the gun at her.

"You think you can order me, bitch?" kakatwang tanong nito.

Emily's eyes shook in fear, but then she composed herself again. "Minister Fabron is looking for you, I am not ordering you, Your Highness," mahinahon at pinong tugon nito. Emily bowed her head, and Abelard threw the gun on the wall. It shattered to pieces, and the girl who was begging for her life almost jumped from her position.

"Old fucker," Abelard murmured and went with his wife away from the scene.

Wala pang isang minuto, nadatingan na ang mga gwardya at sila na ang nag-ayos ng gulong nangyari. The whole choir almost cried in each other's arms. And the guards made them sign something—for the price of their lives.

I knew from then that it was to keep their mouth shut about Abelard's behaviour.

Para akong nawalan ng lakas matapos no'n. Akakios, Honoka, Rebel, and I discreetly and carefully escaped from there. Halos hindi ko na alam kung paano kami napunta sa kotse at kung paano kami nakauwi.

I was in a trance. I couldn't believe what I witnessed.

I finally understood why Master Gideon wanted us to see it. To see the cruelty firsthand. To experience the horror in the flesh. And to be able to know truthfully what we were getting ourselves into.

The beauty of the flower enthralled us, and we didn't know we were already holding its stem... and we were bleeding in its thorns.

Everything I was seeing was a façade... because deep inside the petals of beauty in this city lies the root of the horrifying devil.

Now, this was what you call: Welcome to the real Eviralle. Welcome to the real Domain.

***