"I don't know what kind of illusion you are experiencing, but this will at least help calm you down." A firm hand landed on Elaine's trembling fists. "Relax your body and think of pleasant thoughts to distract yourself. These creatures employ fear to influence their victims, feeding on their emotions. Do not let them lead you astray."

Elaine followed Elias' instructions. His steady voice ripped her away from the creatures' dark clutches and returned Elaine to reality.

Pleasant thoughts. Pleasant thoughts.

She recalled her mother's famous cookie recipe that she baked for Elaine every Sunday. The sweet, mouth-watery aroma and the chocolate chips melted on her tongue every time she took a bite. Or the summer Elaine's parents took her to Disney World to celebrate her tenth birthday. With the puffy sensation of the cotton candy and beautiful princesses waving at her during the parade, she remembered them all.

I want to go home.

Her lips tasted salty while tiny liquid droplets fell from her face, splattering onto Elias' hand. Realizing her improper behavior, Elaine hurriedly wiped away the tears forming in her eyes. She then turned to the male protagonist. "Thank you, Mr. Ares. You saved me." She meant every word. The creatures all disappeared, along with their grotesque imagery and acidic words.

How did he know so much about the creature?

"I am glad I could assist you, Lady Estella." Though his expression remained aloof, Elias' tranquil eyes, like a serene lake tucked deep within the forest, reflected Elaine's image, observing her.

"Milady, are you alright?" Cecil pulled his horse next to Elias.

Elaine took another deep breath to regain her composure and smiled at her guard. "I am fine, Sir Ascania. I appreciate your concern."

Cecil's ocean and chestnut eyes scanned Elaine, looking worried, but he did not continue his question. "Please call on me whenever you are in distress, milady. I will always come for you."

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She nodded, and her expression softened. Elaine believed Cecil's words. He had proved them with his actions. Yet, some secrets must remain forever buried. She could tell no one that Estella's body no longer contained the same soul. They would burn her at the stake before she could complete her purpose. Even if she initially approached him with a motive, she was determined to uphold her promise to prevent Cecil's tragic ending.

A sudden bright light grabbed Elaine's attention. She turned her head and saw the verdant forest within reach, signaling their return to Orion.

"Welcome back, Lady Estella. We hope you had a pleasant trip to the capital." The Orion's magician greeted her.

Elaine displayed an awkward smile. "Yes, I did. Please prepare a carriage for me."

"As you wish, milady." The magicians inclined their heads and ordered the servants.

Elaine sighed in relief that they did not inquire about her escorts. Or they did not care enough to incite curiosity. A few minutes later, a small carriage stood waiting for her. Despite her vehement protest, Elias then carried Elaine from the stallion into the carriage.

"Mr. Ares, I appreciate your service, but you can return now. I will compensate for your trip." Elaine believed Elias would be fine traveling through the portal by himself. After all, he was the male protagonist, arguably the most significant person in the book, the chosen one. The creatures' influences would have little effect on him. Besides, Elias seemed quite knowledgeable about them and their antics.

"Unfortunately, Lady Estella. I cannot follow your arrangement. I will leave once I see your safe return." He emphasized the last sentence.

Why does Elias keep insisting on following me back? What would he gain from this?

Elaine wanted to argue, but the setting sun reminded her she had limited time remaining. "Fine, do as you wish." She bit her lips and slammed close to the carriage's window. Elaine sat down, surprised at her own outburst. She seemed unable to keep her emotion in check around the male protagonist. Elaine reminded herself to be careful, not to expose her natural self. She was now the imperious, manipulative Estella, not the nervous, fearful Elaine. She wished to prevent Elias and Gerard from meeting each other. It was too early. Elaine had already screwed up her route and did not wish to deviate further from the story.

I'll just have to keep them from too much interaction.

"Let's depart." She tapped on the window.

"Yes, milady." The coachman whipped the horses and drove the carriage toward the Geris' estate.

Thirty minutes passed, and they arrived at the estate's front gate. The guarding knights stopped them. "Who goes there?"

Elaine's head poked out. "Do you not know who I am? Open the gate."

The knights immediately dropped to their knees upon seeing her. "Our apologies, milady. We did not know it was you within the coach. We will inform the Duke of your return." One knight ran inside the estate.

The gate opened, and the coachman turned to Elaine. "Where should we go, milady?"

"Take me to the main house. Sir Ascania, please lead the way." She instructed Cecil, then shifted to Elias in a last-ditch effort. "Mr. Ares, you have seen me safely arrive home. You can now return."

Elias did not respond, nor did he leave.

Elaine pinched her temple, frustrated. The male protagonist seemed determined to meet the villainous Duke. But why? Did they confront each other before? The puzzle had many missing pieces, and Elaine could not connect the dots. She perused the book inside her memory but did not gain additional insight. What happened before the starting point? The book never delved into much detail. Now Elaine was stuck navigating blindly and attempting not to change the unknown.