Argoth ascended the spiral staircase of the tower, each step echoing faintly in the cold, stone walls. The air was thick with the weight of old magic, a constant reminder of the power he now wielded. As he reached the top, he paused for a moment, his hand hovering over the iron door before him. Beyond it was Lydia, a woman who had become both his greatest desire and deepest torment.
Taking a breath, he pushed the door open. The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from a large window beside the bed where Lydia sat. She was motionless, her eyes fixed on the view outside, though there was little to see beyond the misty expanse that surrounded the tower. Her once vibrant presence had withered, leaving behind a hollow shell of the woman she used to be.
Argoth approached her quietly, his gaze fixed on her slumped figure. Her golden hair, which had once shimmered with life, now hung limp over her shoulders. He reached out, his hand trembling slightly as he tapped her shoulder, but she didn’t stir. It was as if she had retreated deep within herself, far beyond his reach, trapped in a world where he did not exist.
He watched her for a few moments, the silence between them growing heavier with each passing second. The frustration within him boiled, a mix of anger and longing that he could never fully express. She was here, within his grasp, yet she felt more distant than ever.
Turning away from her, his expression darkened as he headed towards the door. He had tried everything to make her see him, to make her love him as she had loved his brother, Darius. But no matter what he did, she remained lost in her memories, in her grief for a man who was no longer here.
“Veilith,” he whispered, his voice low and commanding.
In an instant, Veilith appeared beside him, her form materializing out of the shadows. She was a master of illusions, a weaver of dreams and nightmares alike, and Argoth trusted her to carry out his will.
“Pull her in,” Argoth commanded, his tone firm and resolute.
Veilith nodded, her cold eyes glinting with understanding as she stepped into the room. Her presence seemed to alter the very atmosphere of the chamber, the air growing thick with a strange, otherworldly energy.
Argoth opened the door wider, stepping back inside. “Lydia…” he called her name, his voice softer now, laced with the affection he had never been able to truly express.
Lydia’s head slowly turned towards him, her eyes still glassy and distant. But then, as if a veil had been lifted from her mind, her expression softened. A small, wistful smile crept across her tear-streaked face as she looked up at him. “Darius…” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “I’ve missed you so much.”
Argoth’s heart twisted painfully at her words, but he forced himself to maintain the illusion. Veilith’s magic was strong, casting a powerful glamour over Lydia’s senses. To her, the cold, isolated tower was now the familiar, comforting palace she had once called home. And the man standing before her, the one who had caused her so much pain, was transformed in her eyes into the figure of her beloved Darius.
He approached her slowly, his hand reaching out to her. Lydia gazed up at him with such love and longing that it nearly broke him. Nearly.
He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against him. Her body was warm, fragile, and for a moment, he allowed himself to revel in the closeness he had craved for so long. In this moment, she was his—truly his—and nothing else mattered.
But as he held her, the bitterness seeped back in. Why could she never forget Darius? What did his brother have that he didn’t? Argoth’s grip on Lydia tightened as he buried his face in her hair, his mind a storm of jealousy and resentment. The woman in his arms was everything he had ever wanted, yet she remained a symbol of everything he could never truly have.
“Darius…” Lydia murmured again, her voice soft and full of sorrow.
“Yes, Lydia,” Argoth whispered, his voice barely audible as he fought to keep his emotions in check. “I’m here.”
He could feel the warmth of her breath against his neck, the softness of her touch, and he knew, deep down, that this illusion was all he would ever have. But it didn’t matter. If he had to trick her forever, if he had to maintain this lie for the rest of their lives, he would. What was important was that she was here, with him. They were together, and that was all that mattered.
Argoth closed his eyes, holding her tighter, his resolve hardening. He would keep this illusion alive for as long as it took. Forever, if need be.
Because in here, they could finally be together, and no one—not even Darius—could take her away from him.
----------------------------------------
Liora blinked awake as the soft sunlight streamed into the room, casting a warm, golden glow on everything it touched. The gentle rays made her feel safe, comforted, and she couldn’t help but smile as she stretched her small limbs beneath the cozy blanket. The scent of something delicious wafted through the air, making her stomach growl in anticipation. It smelled like warm bread and maybe even something sweet, like honey.
As she stirred, Faylinn hovered nearby, her tiny blue form flitting around anxiously. The little fox emitted a series of rapid, concerned mews, her glowing blue light pulsing gently. Liora rubbed her eyes, still groggy from sleep, and tried to focus on Faylinn, but the more the tiny creature mewed, the more confused Liora became.
The room around her was the same one she had gone to sleep in last night with Miss Elysia. It was cozy and warm, with soft blankets and pillows piled high on the bed where she had been sleeping. The sunlight that streamed through the window made everything seem so peaceful, so safe.
But something felt different.
The lines she had grown accustomed to seeing—the ones that floated in the air, leading her from place to place—were here, too, but they were different. Instead of the vibrant, chaotic colors she had seen in the arena, these lines were a darker shade of blue, almost calming in their appearance. They moved slowly, as if they were content just to drift along, guiding her softly rather than pulling her urgently.
Faylinn continued to fly in circles around Liora, her mews becoming more insistent. Liora frowned, trying to understand what Faylinn was trying to tell her, but it was no use. The tiny creature seemed to be trying to communicate something important, but Liora just couldn’t figure it out.
“Faylinn, what’s wrong?” Liora asked, her voice still thick with sleep. She reached out to the tiny fox, who nuzzled against her hand before zipping around the room once more.
As Liora looked around, she realized something was missing. Miss Elysia, who had been there with her last night, was nowhere to be seen. She had been sure that Miss Elysia would be there when she woke up, but now the bed beside her was empty, neatly made, as if no one had slept in it.
Her heart started to race a little, a tiny flicker of worry sparking within her. She slid off the bed, her bare feet touching the cool floor as she stood up. Faylinn fluttered beside her, still mewing softly, almost as if she were trying to reassure Liora that everything was fine.
But Liora wasn’t so sure. The lines here, though calm and dark, didn’t tell her where to go like they usually did. They just floated lazily in the air, unbothered by her presence. And the absence of Miss Elysia, along with the quietness of the room, was beginning to gnaw at her.
“Miss Elysia?” she called out softly, hoping to hear a familiar voice answer back. But there was only silence.
Faylinn nudged her gently, as if encouraging her to move. Liora took a deep breath and started toward the door, her little hand trembling slightly as she reached for the handle. Where was everyone? And why did it feel like something was… off?
Liora walked slowly down the hallway of the orphanage, the delicious scent of something cooking guiding her steps. The familiar warmth of the morning sun filtered through the windows, casting a soft glow on the old wooden floors. Everything seemed quiet, almost too quiet, as she made her way toward the dining room where they had eaten the night before. Faylinn hovered beside her, the tiny blue fox's wings fluttering anxiously as she let out soft, confused mews. Liora couldn’t quite understand what Faylinn was trying to communicate, but she could sense the little fox’s unease.
When Liora reached the dining room, she found it empty, the long tables and chairs neatly arranged as if waiting for a new day of activity. The scent was stronger here, so she continued through the room and into the kitchen, with Faylinn following close by, her tiny form darting back and forth as if searching for something familiar.
There, in the kitchen, they found Miss Sibylia standing by the stove, stirring something in a large pot. The old woman looked peaceful, humming softly to herself as she worked. Liora hesitated for a moment before calling out softly, "Hello?"
Miss Sibylia jumped slightly at the sound of Liora's voice but quickly turned around, a gentle smile spreading across her face when she saw the young girl. "Ah, good morning, little one. Are you hungry already?" she asked in a kind voice.
Liora shook her head, her gaze flicking to Faylinn, who was now perched on the edge of the kitchen table, watching them intently, her earlier anxiety still evident. "No, I was looking for Miss Elysia. Have you seen her, Miss Sibylia?"
Miss Sibylia's smile didn't waver as she reached for a small stick by the stove, using it to lower the fire under the pot. She then wiped her hands on her apron and walked over to Liora, lifting her up with surprising ease. "She is outside, playing with the others. You should join them, dear. It's a beautiful day."
With that, Miss Sibylia carried Liora down the hallway, with Faylinn flitting along beside them, still letting out uncertain mews. The tiny fox seemed more at ease now that she was with Liora, but her confusion was still apparent. The moment the large wooden door at the end of the hall creaked open, however, both Liora and Faylinn were greeted by a scene that took their breath away.
It was like stepping into a fairy tale.
The world outside the orphanage was a wonderland of vibrant colors and magical sights. Towering trees with thick, twisted trunks and lush, green canopies stretched high into the sky. One particularly large tree had a swing hanging from one of its sturdy branches and a whimsical house built into its trunk. A winding path of pink flowers led up to it, and a gentle stream meandered through the grassy hills, its waters sparkling in the sunlight.
All around, children ran and played, their laughter filling the air with joy. Some were swinging on swings, others climbing trees, and some were chasing after each other with bright smiles on their faces. It was a place of pure happiness.
Faylinn hovered beside Liora, her earlier confusion momentarily forgotten as she took in the enchanting scene. But then, as her eyes scanned the area, she suddenly spotted something that made her pause. There, under the shade of a massive tree, sat Mister Cedric, engrossed in a book.
Faylinn let out a soft mew of recognition, her wings fluttering with a newfound calm. Without hesitation, she flew toward Cedric, her anxiety melting away as she approached him. Seeing him, even in this strange, youthful form, seemed to reassure her.
Liora watched as Faylinn nestled close to Cedric, who looked up from his book and smiled softly at the little fox. It was as if Faylinn had found her anchor, her sense of security in this magical, yet unfamiliar place.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
But Liora's attention was soon drawn to other familiar faces, though they looked very different from how she remembered them.
There, running and laughing with the other children, was Mister Magnus—but he was smaller now, looking no older than herself, his usual towering figure now childlike and full of energy. Liora could hardly believe her eyes as she watched him dart around, carefree and joyful.
Not far from Cedric, Mister Tristan and Miss Elysia were picking flowers together, their hands full of colorful blooms. They looked like they were her age as well, their youthful faces alight with happiness as they chatted and played.
Everyone looked so different, so much younger. They were all as young as Liora herself, and for a moment, she felt like she was in a dream. But everything felt so real, so tangible, that she knew it wasn’t just a dream.
Miss Sibylia set Liora down gently on the soft grass, her smile as warm as ever. Faylinn, now content, remained close to Cedric, clearly finding comfort in his presence.
"Go on, dear. Enjoy the day with your friends," Miss Sibylia encouraged.
Liora hesitated for just a moment longer, her eyes wide with wonder, before taking a tentative step forward into the magical world around her
Liora approached Mister Tristan and Miss Elysia, her small feet carrying her across the lush grass. She could hardly believe how different they looked, like children just like her. When she finally reached them, she couldn't help but blurt out, "Mister Tristan, Miss Elysia, why do you look so young?"
Tristan and Elysia exchanged puzzled glances before they both burst into light-hearted laughter. "What do you mean, Liora?" Tristan asked, his voice filled with amusement. "We’ve always been like this! You must have had too much jam last night and are still dreaming."
Elysia nodded in agreement, her eyes twinkling with a playful smile. "Come on, Liora. Let's pick some flowers together. There are so many beautiful ones today!"
Though she still felt a bit uncertain, Liora couldn’t resist their enthusiasm. She followed them as they wandered through the vibrant meadow, their hands reaching out to gather the most colorful blossoms they could find. The petals were soft against her fingers, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers, mingling with the gentle breeze that rustled through the trees.
As they moved through the meadow, Liora felt a strange sense of ease settle over her. She giggled as Tristan showed her how to weave the flowers into a crown, his nimble fingers moving quickly as he fashioned a delicate circle of blooms. Elysia added a few more blossoms, and soon they each had their own flower crown, the colors bright and cheerful against their hair. At one point, Tristan finished a particularly beautiful crown and placed it on Elysia’s head. She blushed and, with a playful smile, leaned in to give him a quick peck on the cheek. Tristan's face turned a shade of pink that matched the flowers in the crown, but his grin was wider than ever.
The three of them continued to play, exploring the meadow and making up games as they went along. They chased after butterflies, trying to catch them in their hands, only to laugh when the delicate creatures flitted away just out of reach. Liora found a small stream winding through the field, and they all took off their shoes to wade in the cool water. The sensation of the smooth pebbles under her feet and the gentle flow of water made Liora feel as though she were part of the dreamlike world around her.
They played a game of hide and seek, with Tristan counting loudly as Liora and Elysia darted behind the large trees and bushes. Liora’s heart raced with excitement as she found the perfect hiding spot behind a large, twisting tree trunk. She held her breath, stifling her giggles as she peeked out, watching Tristan pretend to struggle to find them, his playful grumbling making her giggle even harder.
When Tristan finally “found” them, they all collapsed in a heap on the soft grass, laughing until their sides hurt. The warmth of the sun, the scent of the flowers, and the sound of their laughter made Liora forget all her worries. It was as if nothing else in the world mattered but this moment, this beautiful day with her friends.
Meanwhile, Cedric remained seated under a large, shady tree, engrossed in his book. Faylinn stayed close to him, seemingly content to be near her friend, though she occasionally glanced over at the others with curiosity. Liora and the others called out to him a few times, inviting him to join in their games, but he always politely declined, smiling as he turned the page. It seemed Cedric enjoyed the peace of reading alone, with Faylinn as his quiet companion.
As they lay there, staring up at the clouds drifting lazily across the sky, Liora felt a deep sense of peace. The worries she had when she woke up melted away in the joy of the present moment. Elysia pointed out shapes in the clouds, making Liora giggle as they imagined dragons, castles, and all sorts of whimsical creatures floating above them.
For the first time in what felt like ages, Liora was just a little girl, playing with her friends in a world that seemed made of dreams.
After playing for what felt like hours, Liora began to feel the weariness of the morning's activities creeping up on her. She wandered back to the shade of the tree where Cedric sat, still engrossed in his book. She plopped down beside him, curious about what he was reading. Cedric had a stack of books next to him—tales, novels, and volumes filled with words that seemed too complicated for her to understand. Faylinn, the little blue fox, had made herself comfortable on Cedric's lap, her tiny body rising and falling with each gentle breath as she slept soundly.
Liora leaned closer, trying to make out some of the words on the page, but they seemed like a jumble of letters. "What are you reading, Mister Cedric?" she asked, her voice soft, not wanting to wake Faylinn.
Cedric glanced down at her with a warm smile. "Just some old stories," he replied, his voice gentle. "Tales of faraway places and brave adventurers."
Liora nodded, though she still didn’t quite understand. She was about to ask him more when the sound of Miss Sibylia’s voice rang out across the meadow, clear and loud. "Children, breakfast is ready!" she called, her voice carrying a tone of warmth and care.
The call to breakfast immediately stirred everyone. Tristan, Elysia, and Magnus all got up from where they had been playing, and the other children quickly followed suit, making their way toward the door that led back inside the orphanage. Liora hesitated for a moment, reluctant to leave the peaceful spot under the tree, but the promise of food and the thought of spending more time with her friends eventually won her over.
As Liora approached the door, Miss Sibylia greeted her with a kind smile. "Did you have fun, dear?" she asked, bending down to wipe a stray leaf from Liora’s cheek.
Liora beamed up at her. "Yes, Miss Sibylia! I had so much fun!"
Miss Sibylia chuckled softly. "I'm glad to hear that. You can play as much as you want after breakfast, but don’t go running around too soon, or you might get a tummy ache."
Liora nodded eagerly, already looking forward to returning to the meadow after their meal. She followed the other children into the dining room, where the long tables were already set with bowls of warm oatmeal. The room was filled with the comforting aroma of cooked oats and the sweet scent of honey and berries, making Liora’s stomach rumble in anticipation.
Everyone took their seats, the room buzzing with chatter and laughter as they dug into their breakfast. Liora sat between Tristan and Elysia, feeling a deep sense of contentment as she ate her oatmeal. The warmth of the meal and the lively conversation around her made her feel safe and happy, as if nothing could disturb this perfect morning. She glanced around the table, seeing the same joy mirrored in the faces of her friends and the other children.
After breakfast, the children eagerly made their way back outside, each heading towards their favorite spot in the magical meadow. The dark blue lines that Liora had noticed earlier were still present, weaving gently through the air, adding to the enchantment of the place. Liora watched the other children for a moment before spotting Miss Sibylia, who had joined them outside. The older woman was sitting in the flower field, her presence adding a serene warmth to the scene.
Liora felt drawn to her and made her way over. As she approached, Miss Sibylia noticed her and smiled, picking Liora up and placing her gently on her lap. The old woman’s hands were soft and warm as she stroked Liora’s hair, the gentle motion calming and soothing.
Liora leaned into the touch, feeling a sense of safety and comfort she hadn’t felt in a long time. But even in this peaceful place, questions lingered in her mind. "Miss Sibylia," she began hesitantly, "why does everyone look so young?"
Miss Sibylia didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she continued to stroke Liora’s hair, her touch gentle and loving. "Children should stay here," she finally said, her voice soft but firm. "I can protect you all from the dangers of the outside world."
Liora thought about what Miss Sibylia said, understanding the truth behind her words. She still remembered the terrifying Manor and the scary arena. This place was different—safe, warm, and full of joy. But as much as she loved it here, a small part of her couldn’t let go of the outside world. Miss Elysia, Mister Cedric, Mister Tristan, and Mister Magnus—they all had places they needed to be. Important things to do.
And then there was her own promise—to find her real parents. She had never seen them before, but in her heart, she hoped they were out there somewhere, missing her just as much as she missed them. The thought of her parents made her chest tighten with longing. And what about Myssara? Even though others had said different things, Myssara would always be her number one mom. The memories of her were still so vivid in Liora’s mind, filled with warmth and love.
As these thoughts crowded her mind, tears started to form in her eyes.
Miss Sibylia noticed the tears welling up in Liora's eyes and immediately pulled her into a comforting embrace, holding her close. "What’s wrong, my dear?" she asked gently, her voice filled with concern.
Liora sniffled, burying her face in Miss Sibylia’s shoulder. "I… I miss Myssara," she whispered, her small voice trembling with emotion. "And I wonder if my real parents miss me too… even though I’ve never seen them."
Miss Sibylia’s embrace tightened slightly, her hand continuing to stroke Liora’s hair. "Oh, sweet child," she murmured soothingly, "it’s okay to feel that way. You have a big heart, full of love. It’s natural to miss those you care about."
But as Liora’s words sank in, Miss Sibylia’s tone shifted subtly. She gently lifted Liora’s face to look into her eyes, her own gaze tender yet firm. "But, my dear," she continued, "you don’t need to worry about finding your parents. You’re safe here, with me. You don’t need to go out into that dangerous world. Everything you need is right here. I can protect you, keep you safe and happy."
Liora hesitated, the warmth of Miss Sibylia’s words wrapping around her like a blanket. But deep down, she felt a small pang of doubt. She loved it here, but something inside her told her that she couldn’t just stay forever, not when she had promises to keep. She opened her mouth to say something, but Miss Sibylia spoke again, her voice insistent but still kind.
"Why risk the dangers outside when you can stay here, where it’s safe? The world is full of uncertainties, but here, you can have everything you’ve ever wanted. You can be happy, Liora. There’s no need to leave."
Liora looked into Miss Sibylia’s eyes, seeing the sincerity there. It was tempting, the idea of staying in this safe, warm place forever. But the pull of her promise, the desire to find her real parents and to reunite with Myssara, was still there, lingering in the back of her mind. She wanted to believe Miss Sibylia, to stay and forget the worries of the outside world. But something inside her wouldn’t let go of the idea that there was more out there, that she had a journey she needed to complete.
Miss Sibylia, seeing the conflict in Liora’s eyes, stroked her cheek with a gentle hand. "You’re just a child, Liora. It’s okay to stay here, to let go of the burdens of the outside world. You don’t have to face those dangers. You can be safe here, with me."
After a moment of sitting with Miss Sibylia, Liora politely excused herself to go play. As she wandered around the magical landscape, she spotted Mister Magnus, who was enthusiastically roleplaying as a pirate, chasing the other children around with a toy sword. The sight of him laughing and playing made her heart feel lighter, but there was still something she needed to ask.
She approached Magnus, her small hands clasped together nervously. "Mister Magnus," she began hesitantly, "weren’t you looking for someone? Like Garrick or something? Just like I’m looking for my parents?"
Magnus, who had been in the midst of a playful battle with a group of giggling children, looked at Liora with a smile, but his eyes held a distant look, almost as if he was trying to remember something important. He paused for a moment, then shook his head, dismissing the thought with a wave of his hand. "Oh, that’s not fun anymore, little one," he said cheerfully. "Staying here and playing is much more enjoyable, don’t you think?"
Before Liora could respond, Magnus let out a loud, exaggerated pirate laugh, picked up his toy sword, and ran after the children again, tickling them as they squealed with delight and pretended to hand over imaginary gold coins. Liora watched him for a moment, feeling a pang of confusion. She had hoped he might understand her feelings, but it seemed even Mister Magnus was content to stay here.
Feeling conflicted, Liora decided to find Mister Cedric. She spotted him under the large, magical tree, resting with Faylinn nestled comfortably on his chest. The little fox was fast asleep, her tiny form rising and falling with Cedric’s even breaths. Liora approached quietly, wondering if she should wake him up. She wanted to ask him if they were going to leave this place, if they would continue their journey. But seeing how peaceful he looked, she decided against it. Cedric needed his rest, and she didn’t want to disturb him.
With a small sigh, Liora turned her attention to Mister Tristan and Miss Elysia, who were sitting together near the small, sparkling river that wound its way through the landscape. She made her way over to them, hoping they might have the answers she was looking for.
"Hey, Mister Tristan," Liora asked softly, "weren’t you looking for someone too? Like your mother or something?"
Tristan, who had been gently weaving a daisy chain with Elysia, looked up at Liora, his expression blank for a moment before it softened into a contented smile. He seemed puzzled by her question, as if it didn’t quite make sense to him. "Oh, that," he said with a casual shrug, "I don’t think that matters anymore, Liora. This place… it’s so peaceful. I think we should just enjoy it while we can."
Elysia nodded in agreement, her eyes bright with happiness as she leaned against Tristan. "Yes, Liora," she added, her voice gentle. "There’s no need to worry about anything else. We’re all together here, and that’s what’s important."
Liora’s heart sank a little as she heard their words. She had hoped that Mister Tristan and Miss Elysia might share her desire to leave, to find the people they had been searching for. But it seemed that they, too, were content with staying here. As much as she loved the magical world around her, Liora couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right, that they were forgetting something important. But with everyone else so happy, she didn’t know what to do.
Liora hesitated for a moment, glancing back at Cedric, who was still resting under the tree. She quietly approached him, hoping he might have some answers. But as she got closer, she noticed Faylinn nestled peacefully on Cedric's lap, her little body rising and falling with each gentle breath. Liora decided not to wake Cedric, realizing he needed rest after everything they had been through.
Instead, she carefully patted Faylinn on the head. The little fox stirred from her sleep, opening her bright eyes and blinking up at Liora in curiosity. Faylinn let out a soft "Mew?" as if to ask why she had been woken up.
Liora leaned in closer, her voice barely a whisper. "Faylinn, something’s wrong here. I know you felt it too. You were trying to tell me this morning, weren’t you?" Faylinn tilted her head, listening intently, her tiny body hovering in the air.
With a sense of urgency, Liora pointed at Cedric, who was still resting under the tree. "Do you remember how he didn’t look this young last night?" she asked. Faylinn's ears perked up, and she nodded her little head, confirming Liora's suspicion. The realization that something was indeed off filled Liora with a mixture of fear and determination.
"We need to do something," Liora whispered, her resolve hardening. Faylinn mewed in agreement and fluttered beside Liora as they quietly made their way toward the door that led back into the orphanage.
The hallway of the orphanage felt eerily quiet as Liora and Faylinn made their way towards the bedrooms. The once familiar environment now seemed shrouded in a strange atmosphere, as if the building itself was trying to keep secrets hidden.
As they moved through the hallway, Liora noticed the same dark blue lines she had seen that morning. They floated gently in the air, their deep hue creating an almost hypnotic pattern that twisted and turned along the walls. The lines seemed to pulse with a life of their own, a silent reminder that something in this place was not right.
Liora’s small hand reached up to grasp the door handle of one of the rooms, her heart pounding in her chest as she opened it slowly.
Inside, the room was filled with items that clearly didn’t belong in a place meant for children. Axes, swords, and various other weapons were strewn about, their cold metal gleaming in the dim light. Liora recognized some of them as belonging to Mister Magnus, Cedric, and Tristan.
Liora was deep in thought, her small hands running over the cold steel of an axe that belonged to Mister Magnus. The reality of their situation was sinking in, and with each item she found, her heart raced faster. Faylinn hovered close, her little blue glow casting eerie shadows on the walls. The dark blue lines in the air seemed to pulse more intensely, as if they were aware of her discovery.
Just as she was about to pick up another item, she suddenly felt herself being lifted off the ground. A cold shiver ran down her spine as she looked up to see Miss Sibylia's gentle face smiling down at her.
"Oh, Liora, what are you doing in here?" Miss Sibylia asked, her voice warm and caring. "These things are not for little hands. You could get hurt, dear."
Liora’s heart pounded as she tried to find the words to explain, but Miss Sibylia didn’t seem upset, just concerned. "These are dangerous items, sweetie. We wouldn't want you to get a nasty cut, now would we?"
Miss Sibylia’s smile never wavered as she carried Liora out of the room. "Come, let’s get you back to playing with the others. There’s no need to be around these old, dusty things."
Faylinn let out a worried "mew" as Miss Sibylia began to carry Liora out of the room, the door closing behind them with a quiet click, sealing away the evidence of the reality Liora had just uncovered.