In an abandoned room, a lone glass sat on a scarred wooden counter, its contents vanished long ago.

The once vibrant bar, a hub of laughter and stories, now stood in eerie stillness, its memories locked in silent echoes. The corridor stretched ahead, its walls bearing witness to tales told and laughter shared, now draped in a heavy shroud of emptiness. And within this hushed desolation lay a girl, her silver hair spread around her like a delicate halo.

She was collapsed on the bar's cold floor, her slender figure a stark contrast to the rough surface beneath her. Her encounter with the enigmatic stranger had taken its toll, leaving her in a fragile state.

There was something in his presence that had stirred both curiosity and vulnerability within her, resulting in her unconsciousness. The ambient light filtered through a nearby window, casting a soft glow on her tousled silver hair, making her appear almost otherworldly.

But amidst this surreal atmosphere, there was no one to offer comfort or aid. She slept on, her breathing steady and calm, a small island of peace in the midst of the chaos.

Her body, which had been tense with emotions, had now surrendered to the tranquility of sleep. The silence that enveloped her felt almost protective, as if the world had conspired to grant her a moment of respite.

As her chest rose and fell in gentle rhythm, her fingers curled slightly, as if seeking something to hold onto even in dreams.

Her lips, usually curved in a determined line, now bore a hint of softness, as if the weight of her worries had momentarily lifted. And while the world around her remained dormant, her dreams were perhaps vibrant, carrying her away from the troubles that had led her to this moment.

In a place where time seemed to stand still, the girl lay in quiet repose, her silver hair catching the faint light, her heart finding a temporary haven in the embrace of slumber. And as the room held its breath, her story continued, intertwining with the enigma of the stranger who had left an indelible mark on her heart.

The jingling of the bar's doorbell echoed through the quiet air as it swung open, announcing the arrival of an unexpected visitor. Stepping into the dimly lit space, her eyes fell upon her friend lying motionless on the floor. A gasp caught in her throat as she took in the surreal sight before her.

The once vibrant bar now seemed like a scene frozen in time, its stillness eerie and unsettling. Her gaze fixed on her friend, her heart pounding rapidly in her chest. A shiver raced down her spine, sending a chill through her body as if a ghostly hand had brushed against her skin.

Her steps were hesitant, almost reverent, as she approached the motionless figure. The girl's silver hair spread around her like a shimmering halo, contrasting starkly with the worn wooden floor beneath her. Each movement she made felt amplified in the silence, her very presence disrupting the stillness that had settled over the room.

She knelt beside her friend, her hands trembling as she reached out to touch her. The chill in the air seemed to seep into her bones as concern gripped her heart like the jaws of a fear-inducing creature. She placed her trembling hands on the girl's shoulders and gently shook her, her voice filled with urgency as she called out her name.

"Lilian, wake up. It's me, wake up," she pleaded, her voice a mixture of worry and desperation. Her words hung in the air, the only sound in the otherwise hushed room. The girl remained unresponsive, lost in the depths of her unconsciousness.

"Lilian, come on. This isn't funny," she continued, her voice quivering with a mixture of emotions. She shook her friend more insistently, her heart racing as she tried to rouse her from her slumber.

In that moment, time seemed to hang suspended, and the weight of the situation pressed down on her like a heavy fog. The fear of the unknown, the helplessness of the situation, it all bore down on her, making her movements more frantic, her pleas more fervent.

"Lilian, please," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. As she gazed at her friend's still form, she felt a surge of determination rising within her. She wouldn't give up, not until she saw those familiar blue eyes open once again.

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This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

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Lillian, the slumbering figure, was roused from her deep sleep by the gentle touch of her friend Susan. With tender care, Susan helped Lillian to her feet and guided her into the comforting embrace of the room.

The transition from the abyss of unconsciousness to the realm of reality was accompanied by a swirl of confusion and awakening recognition. As her eyes adjusted to the ambient light, the contours of the room began to take shape around her.

In the shadows that danced upon the walls, Lillian's gaze met the concerned eyes of her steadfast friend. A mixture of relief and worry swept through her, a torrent of emotions coursing through her veins. The presence of Susan by her side acted as a grounding force, pulling her back from the edges of uncertainty.

"Oh... you finally woke up," Susan's voice, soft yet tinged with concern, reached Lillian's ears, like a lifeline connecting her to the present.

"Hmm," Lillian responded, her voice carrying a mixture of drowsiness and bewilderment.

A wave of relief flooded Lillian's being as Susan's gaze held hers. The light in Susan's eyes seemed to dispel the lingering shadows of Lillian's worries, offering a beacon of solace. Slowly, a gentle smile curved Lillian's lips, mirroring the warmth in Susan's eyes.

Susan's gaze was a soothing balm, radiating empathy and understanding. In those moments, as their eyes locked, Lillian felt a connection deeper than words could express.

In the presence of a friend who understood her without needing explanations, Lillian found the strength to let go of her confusion and fears.

Lying in her bed, Lillian's gaze remained fixed on the expanse of the ceiling above. Exhaustion seemed to weigh heavily upon her, an invisible shroud that kept her in a state of restlessness.

By her side, Susan also sat in contemplative silence, an unspoken understanding passing between them. The atmosphere was serene, undisturbed by words. It was as if they existed in a shared bubble of tranquility, where the absence of speech held its own language.

In the hushed cocoon they had woven, time seemed to slow its pace. Neither felt the urge to break the spell of stillness that had settled around them.

Each fleeting moment stretched out, marked only by the rhythm of their breathing and the beating of their hearts.

Breaking the silence, Lillian's voice pierced the air, soft yet tinged with curiosity, "What time is it?"

Susan's gentle reply carried a soothing quality, "It's 11pm. How are you feeling now?"

Susan closed the book she had been engrossed in, "A Hundred Quotes," a companion to her during the quiet vigil. She understood the value of filling these moments, not with emptiness, but with something meaningful. Sitting here, by her friend's side, was not idle time, but a testament to their bond.

Leaning back, Susan continued, "You should take it easy for now."

A sense of responsibility was evident in Lillian's voice, "But I still have some pending tasks."

Susan gently reminded her, "You do realize that Decimus would give you some time off if you had asked."

"I know, but I don't want to trouble him," Lillian replied, her voice carrying a note of hesitation.

Susan's concern was palpable, "You have to find time for yourself."

A mixture of gratitude and determination infused Lillian's voice, "I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine, really."

Susan's playful exasperation surfaced, "You again!"

Lillian's response was resolute, "I've told you, I'm fine. You don't need to worry."

"I will worry," Susan declared firmly, her eyes reflecting her determination. "You fainted while working. You're taking this too lightly."

Lillian's attempt to reassure came, "It's... okay."

"No, it's not," Susan countered, unwavering. "I'm going to have one of my servants inform Decimus about this. You just stay here and take it easy."

Lillian's determination was equally strong, "No, there's something I must attend to."

"Are you worried about your brother, Albert?" Susan's gentle inquiry broke the silence.

Lilian's response was hesitant yet dishonest, "Y-yes, I am."

Determination danced in Susan's eyes, her lips curving into a mischievous smile, "Well, if that's the case, I'm more than ready to give him a piece of my mind."

Lilian's chuckle was soft, "No, it's not that."

Curiosity fueled Susan's next question, her expression now calm, "Then what is it?"

Lilian's gaze fixed on a distant point, lost in thought. She spoke softly, "Master Decimus left this morning."

Susan's brow furrowed, "He left this morning?"

Surprise mixed with confusion appeared on Susan's face, "He left? But where did he go?"

"He set off to search for the labyrinth," Lilian replied, a touch of uncertainty in her voice.

Susan's frustration was evident, her words more muttered to herself than addressed to Lilian, "We had a plan... but never mind."

With a hint of seriousness in her gaze, Susan focused her attention on Lilian. "You're going to stay at my house for the time being," Susan declared.

Lilian's brows knitted in confusion. "What?" she questioned, clearly taken aback.

"Things might get a little chaotic in the upcoming days," Susan continued, her tone measured, "for security reasons, I'm bringing you and Albert to my house. It's the safest place you can be given the situation."

Lilian's concern was evident. "But what about the bar?" she interjected, her worry etched on her face.

"Let it go to hell," Susan replied with a nonchalant shrug.

Lilian's protest continued, "But..."

"You're coming with me, whether you like it or not," Susan stated, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Lilian's shoulders slumped in mild defeat, and a soft, "You're so unfair," escaped her lips.