[Lillian] - II

I stood at the edge of the clearing and looked at the cottage that I called home. It looked like something out of a fairy tale, and it was. I looked at the dreamy scene in front of me. The air was so still, there weren't any birds chirping or wind rustling through the trees. In fact, I didn't hear anything but my own breathing, which had become labored after running for what seemed like ages to reach this place. The scenery was breathtaking. The lake was beautiful, reflecting the stars that were scattered overhead as if they were just hanging around to be a part of the view. The air smelled fresh, like rain that never came. There wasn't even a single cloud in sight; not even the slightest one was out of place. I felt safe here, even if this was not the place where I belonged. Or was it.

It has been 300 years since I came to this world. It may sound like a long time but I hardly noticed it pass by.

"Mistress, hunger," Ren spoke on my shoulder. I lifted my hand and patted their head.

"Let's cook something delicious!" I declared and walked toward the wooden cottage. A small house made from logs was nestled amongst the forest. My fingers glided over the wooden roof and the windows were boarded up with wood and nails that were painted red. There was an old sign nailed to the door, with the word "Home" written in faded green paint. As I neared the building, I reached out and touched the sign. I could almost feel the warmth radiating from the wood and the softness of the fabric underneath my fingertips.

The door creaked open and I stepped inside. Instantly, lanterns floating overhead lit up, welcoming us.

"I'm home," I announced.

Drapping my cape over the hook at the back of the door, I walked into the pantry. Inside it held many shelves filled with ingredients. On one shelf was some bread that looked like freshly baked loaves but was much larger than normal loaves. Another shelf housed a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, meat, even some mushrooms and dried meats hung in little glass jars. Next was a large tub full of spices, herbs, nut, flowers, and more, all neatly arranged on shelves above it. Behind the room was a staircase. I slowly climbed it, embedded in the wall was a shelf filled with jars. Empty jars. I took one off the shelf and got back down. Going back to the kitchen, I kept the jar on the table.

"Ren, here's your food."

I turned and walked in the direction of the bathroom. A monstrous growl sounded behind me as Ren savoured his breakfast.

Inside the bathroom was a scene that did not fit the cottage Everything looked pristine, save for the piles of dirty laundry stacked next to the sink. I sighed.

I removed my wet and muddy clothes and placed them over the pile. I turned to get a towel when a sharp pain shot through my left eye.

My vision blurred and I dropped the towel on the floor. I closed my eyes and clenched my fists before opening them again. Everything around me returned.

The bedroom. The bathroom. The fireplace.

That is, until the image vanished. All that remained was darkness.

The blackness became thicker, pressing against my eyelids until I couldn't see anything. I stumbled forward, feeling myself falling as if there were a bottom.

Suddenly, the blackness dissipated, and I fell onto something hard. I opened my eyes to see nothi I started to sit up, then heard faint noises coming from below me. With every step I took, the sounds became louder. At last, I reached what could only be described as an elevator. I pressed the button and watched as it descended into what seemed to be an endless abyss. Soon I realized where I was.

That stupid goddess. I cannot even bathe in peacetime, I can barely keep my magic under control when it's storming outside, yet she has somehow managed to ruin it? Why does she do that to me?

The elevator dinged loudly as it reached its destination. Slowly, the doors opened.

Floating in the darkness, was a single piece of paper.

"Find her."

Who?

"Do not delay."

Give me a hint you-

The world spun and I was no longer standing in the darkness but in a town square.

I recognised the place. Craeleon. The capital of the Ionadi kingdom.

The normally bustling city was unusual that day. The citizens: commoners, and aristocrats were gathered at the heart of the city. Hushed whispers travelled around making the scene ghostly. The Imperial Family, along with the Archbishop, were seated on the dais. On the platform below, stood a high priest. Everyone was waiting for something.

Apart from the chill of autumn, the air was also pregnant with anticipation. It had been a long time since the last execution, and the crowd was eager to see blood. The merchants, foreigners who were present at the scene, looked around, confused, their eyes darting with fear of the unknown surrounding the reason for the gathering.

What is happening here?

A loud gong echoed through the city.

"It is time!" said the High Priest.

Below the platform where the high priest stood was a spidery web of minor priests. Like echoes, these minor acolytes resounded the priest's words, so that even the farthest gawker from the dais could hear the holy words of the High Priest.

The eerie silence continued for a moment, and then the sound of chains jiggling could be heard originating near the platform.

Just then, three figures went up the platform. A young woman with raven hair, once lustrous but now dull and caked with unwashed dirt, concealed her face. Escorting her to the platform were two knights, both of whom were measured in their gait, and alert in their gaze- the woman would find it hard to escape even had she been unbound. Even though she stood with her head bowed, her disdain for the people around her couldn't be concealed. Her presence was like a rock thrown into a calm lake. The people erupted, all the anger they had kept within them bursting like a volcano. They screamed:

"Die! Witch!"

"Go to hell!"

"You don't deserve to live, wench."

"Burn her alive!"

"Kill her!"

"Punish the witch!"

I realized what was going on.

Poor lady.

"Silence!" The priest bellowed and the crowd quieted.

"Valerianne von Feyrer, do you plead guilty for your crimes?"

Oh? Isn't she that noble-

Before I could complete that thought, I was pulled by something. When I opened my eyes again, I was no longer a bystander. But someone watching the scene unfold through the very eyes of Valerianne.