Chapter Three

I stirred in bed, the softness of the covers wrapping around me like a gentle embrace. As I opened my eyes, the reality of my situation settled in, and I silently prayed that this was all just a dream. But it wasn't; it was all too real. The room was dimly lit, the curtains drawn, allowing a few rays of morning sunshine to filter through.

My mind raced, and I found myself replaying the events of the previous night. With what was happening , I realized that returning home would not be an option for me anytime soon. I wracked my brain for any reason of why I might have been brought to this place, but I came up empty. How did they know my name? My lunchtime routines? Kat must be frantic with worry, and I vowed to find a way to leave this place.

The entire setting felt like a portal to another world or a time long past. It was as if I had been transported to a different era, a medieval landscape suspended in time. Every corner of the room held an air of history, and I couldn't help but marvel at the old-world aesthetics juxtaposed with the fresh, pristine surroundings.

A gentle knock echoed from the door, and Elara , the lady I had met yesterday, entered with a warm smile. "Good morning, Miss Aranya," she greeted with a bow,before drawing the curtains open as I sat up in bed.

"You should get ready for breakfast," she suggested, and I obliged. I needed answers, and I couldn't simply keep my questions to myself any longer. I pulled the covers aside and sat on the edge of the bed.

As I settled on a stool and gazed into the mirror, I couldn't help but notice a startling change. My hair, which had been a rich shade of brown with copper highlights, now sported a silver hue. The sight sent shivers down my spine, and I turned to Elara with a quivering voice. "Elara...do you mind telling me what happened to my hair?" I inquired nervously.

She looked at me with a puzzled expression, and it dawned on me that she might not have any answers. "I don't know," she replied slowly. It was evident that she, too, was in the dark about this transformation. Dairon or the stranger who had appeared during breakfast might hold the key to my questions.

Elara sensed my restlessness and offered a comforting reassurance. "Stop overthinking, Miss. You can ask them during breakfast; they should have some answers. Now, freshen up so you can join them," she urged.

At breakfast, only Dairon was present, and the spread was already laid out. As I sat down, I realized that the rest of the occupants had important duties to attend to, and I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to remain in this place.

Dairon explained that he would provide me with a tour of the palace and share the information I desperately sought. The prospect of remaining here for an extended period filled me with unease. I felt out of place, and I knew my absence from my job would have significant consequences. A new job seemed like a distant concern, but I promised myself to look for one as soon as I found a way out.

The richness of the palace never ceased to amaze me. The interior was a mesmerizing blend of mystique and luxury, exuding an air of enchantment. The sight of tall, ornate pillars with intricate carvings lining the corridor left me breathless. Their surfaces glinted with precious gemstones that captured the flickering light of countless candles.

Polished marble floors reflected the crystalline chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, creating a dazzling spectacle of light. Each chandelier was a work of art, featuring countless crystal prisms that refracted light into a mesmerizing dance of colors on the walls.

Velvety tapestries adorned the walls, telling stories of mythical creatures and enchanted landscapes. Gilded frames encased exquisite oil paintings that seemed to spring to life with each shift of torchlight.

As Dairon guided me through the palace, I couldn't help but notice alcoves housing precious artifacts, ancient books, and curiosities from distant lands. The air was infused with exotic perfumes, and the distant sound of a waterfall added a soothing backdrop to this surreal experience.

The palace's servants moved gracefully and seamlessly, as if their actions were part of their very essence. Their finely tailored uniforms accentuated their role within this realm of opulence, and each step they took was a measured display of respect and humility.

With reverence, the servants bowed deeply as we passed by, their eyes respectfully lowered to avoid direct contact with mine. It was a world of discretion and silent service, a choreographed dance of subservience executed with utmost precision.

They glided through the corridors, their footsteps nearly inaudible, tending to their tasks with quiet dedication. It was as if they had mastered the art of invisibility, anticipating the needs of the palace's occupants with a quiet precision that bordered on the mystical.

Whether they were polishing silverware, arranging opulent floral displays, or serving sumptuous feasts in the grand dining hall, their actions were performed with grace and poise. Each aspect of their service seemed synchronized, executed with finesse and an almost otherworldly precision.

As we strolled through the palace, I marveled at the tapestries, intricate carvings, and breathtaking views. The place felt like a blend of history and fantasy, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was caught in a vivid dream.

I realized that I was far from understanding the true nature of this place and its inhabitants. The opulence and grace that surrounded me painted a picture of a world beyond my comprehension. I wondered how long I would need to remain in this intriguing yet bewildering realm.

My heart ached for the familiarity of my own world, the comforting routines of daily life, and the familiar faces of my loved ones. But for now, I was a guest in this palace, a place that defied the boundaries of time and reality.

With every step I took, I couldn't help but feel like a stranger in a foreign land, a wanderer in a realm shrouded in mystery and enchantment. The questions that swirled in my mind remained unanswered, and my path in this unfamiliar world was far from clear.