1 The Beginning

Sometimes, you need to cry until no more tears flow. Shout until no sound is heard. Fall until you can't get up anymore. Then everything will be fine after that. But if you're still feeling unwell, at least the people around you know you need help.

That night…

On Sarlun Island. The largest and farthest island in the Bellsor Empire.

The night is quiet, and everyone seems to be asleep.

But Allynna Frost, a young girl who would soon turn seventeen, had not yet fallen asleep.

She sits on a dark blue sofa in her tiny red brick house, holding a thick black book. Books she rarely touched, let alone read: The History Of Bellsor Empire.

The only subject she found horrid and she consistently failed to get a perfect score on every test.

But in this final exam. Allynna was determined to face her fear. Her determination has made her start rereading this book. And, for the first time, reading the first page of this history book can make her adrenaline feel rushed.

As she pours her heart into it, something makes her interested in continuing to read this book.

This was strange because it was her first time feeling this way after so many years.

Allynna's back rested casually on the sofa while her legs were crossed to support the weight of the book. Her eyes stared intently at the words until she lost track of time. It was as if she was pulled into a book.

But, before long, she heard a loud bang on the door distract her. 

Slowly, she closed the book.

She didn't get up right away but waited. 

After a while, the knocking sound was no longer heard. She let out a small gasp, feeling relief. 

She continued reading the book. 

But, just as she read a few lines, knocking from the door sounded again.

This time, the knocking got louder. 

"W-Who this person who audacity making a fuss in someone else house!?"  Her soft yet quivering voice escaped her delicate cherry lips. Her bright, jade-like eyes are looking sharply at her bedroom door.

She felt nervous as countless terrifying thoughts flashed through her mind. But one thing worried her the most: What if the person making a fuss at her doorstep was evil!?

Instantly, her hands clenched into fists, trying to shake off her fear.

She hesitated to check downstairs because, right now, her parents weren't home. She was alone.

Allynna looked at the clock on the wall. It was almost eleven at night. Instantly, a strange feeling somehow swallowed her up.

How come her parents haven't come back yet?

Still struggling in her mind, the loud knocking on the door alerted her again.

This time, Allynna decided to check downstairs.

After tying her dark blonde wavy hair, she leaves her bedroom.

Although she was a little worried about opening the door, she was also curious about who would dare to make such a fuss in her house late at night.

Before long, Allynna stood at the door, but her hand refused to open the door.

After she felt a little calmer, she slowly opened the door, her hands slightly trembling. She could feel her heart racing.

As soon as the door opened, Allynna was surprised to see Elizabeth Pearchy, her best friend, standing in front of her in pale pink pajamas. Her face was clean with no makeup, and her hair was tied into a messy bun. It seemed she was in a hurry to come to her house.

"Lizzy? What happened? Why are you coming here this late?"

Even though she was surprised to see her best friend, she couldn't help being amused by her innocent appearance. Different from what she was used to seeing.

Her friend Lizzy always takes good care of her appearance wherever she goes. And always wears beautiful clothes and proper makeup. Her brown hair is always in perfect condition. But not tonight. She looks completely different.

Allynna's mind was so busy assessing Lizzy's unusual appearance that she didn't realize that, at this moment, worry and sadness were radiating from the look in Lizzy's eyes.

"A-Ally, your parents..." Her voice faded as she tried to calm her heart and compose the right words so her friend wouldn't be too surprised.

Looking at Allynna, even more confused, she immediately told Allynna that something terrible had happened to her parents. A few hours ago, they had a car accident, and now they are in the Emergency Unit at Salrun Hospital.

"What?! Lady Elizabeth Pearcy! Please tell me you're joking—" 

"I wish I was joking! I wish. But... I'm sorry, Ally. This is true. The hospital called my dad... And he asked me to tell you because my dad is already heading to—"  Lizzy could not continue her words as she saw Allynna almost falling. She grabs Allynna's hand to hold her. 

"L-Lizzy... h-how... could my parents have an accident?" Allynna's voice trembled as she gripped Lizzy's hands tightly, feeling nervous and, at the same time, scared.

"Ally, please be strong. I'll go with you to the hospital..." Lizzy was worried when she saw Allynna's face look pale as if all blood under her skin had vanished.

Allynna feels like she has lost her ability to talk. However, she knows she must go to the hospital now. She started running out of the house barefoot.

"ALLY...ALLYNNA...WAIT!!" Lizzy shouted. It was so loud it made Allynna stop running and turn to look at Lizzy with her blank expression.

She walks to Allynna, "I know you are in a rush, but could you please use your shoes, change your clothes, and put on your bra!?" 

Allynna was taken aback, looking at her appearance at this moment. 

Without saying anything, she ran back to the house and quickly went to her bedroom on the second floor. In just a few minutes, she was out of her home again.

"Lizzy, I need you to stay here..." Her voice sounded calmer now.

"Alright, take care, Ally..." Lizzy said but later she felt amused, looking at Allynna's back, disappearing into the night. Then her eyes landed on the bicycle in the corner, near the car park. Her lips twitch. 

"Bloody Hell!? I know she's in a hurry and sad. But why is she running when there is a bicycle?" Lizzy couldn't help but chuckle as she entered Allynna's house.

Tonight, she would spend the night here waiting for Ally to return.