Betrothed

For a few minutes, Irene is staring into nothing after Rossi decided to end the vision she showed her just a while ago. The color drains from her face, making it paler than usual.

For the people of Rosemoor, the vision was not something unusual because they have been seeing each of them use their gifts on a daily basis. As for the mortals, they do not have any extraordinary gifts so Rossi understands how new and shocking these things must be for Irene.

Supernatural beings like them are made different than mortals.

In a span of two days, Irene has been practically locked up. Rossi thought it would be best if Irene avoids any contact with Rosemoors aside from her and Amiel.

A lot of things are going around Irene's mind, she was abducted at the peak of her career and now she is inside a magical world that she still can't believe exists. All in all, she is still in a daze with what's happening in her life.

Irene exhaled deeply, her shoulders going up and down. "How unfortunate I am to end up like this," She could not even shed a tear anymore, it was as if she turned numb after all that happened. Walking to the massive windows, she peeked outside and saw people flying around.

In her estimation, her room is situated somewhere on the second or third floor of a castle given the picturesque view she has of the majestic place.

The castle is built near a giant century-old tree, the gigantic trunk is serving as a foundation of the palace. The powerful and abundant roots act as stairs to the entrance of the structure.

The giant tree is much taller than the castle which is why its crown of leaves worked as a primary roof that provides cool shade. Flowers of all kinds and colors grew aplenty, like tickling the eyes with delight.

No signs of pollution can be seen or smelled here making Irene somehow believe she really is in another world. The Kingdom of Rosemoor is a paradise. However, Irene wants to go home.

As much as Irene wanted to go outside and touch the flowers and interact with the animals as well as the unique people of Rosemoor, she could not do so.

Rossi's words before she left resonated back in her mind. Rossi held her hand and softly spoke, "Irene, please don't go out no matter what happens, it is only for your safety. If you need something, just ring this bell and I will be here. Okay?" She pleaded in her soft voice. There is an underlying concern in Rossi's heart knowing that Irene could be hardheaded based on her observation.

A mischievous idea came up to Irene's mind and she hurriedly rummaged through a vintage-looking closet inside the room. "A cloak," The corners of her mouth rose to a playful smirk.

In swift movements, she wore the cloak over her body, and as a finishing touch, she covered her head with the hood and tiptoed outside the room.

Just as she thought that the room was already incredibly big, Irene had the shock of her life when she finally stepped outside. Across her room is a large gallery of intricate paintings and then next to it is a spiral stair leading to the first floor of the palace and then outside.

"If he managed to get me in here, I would no longer bother him to take me outside. I will do it myself. I have to get out of this world," Irene hissed while going down the stairs.

"Seriously, these people must be crazy rich!" Her lips formed into an 'O' when she saw the gold accent of almost every corner of the palace.

The servants and all the people around are too busy to even notice her pass quickly. Just as she thought she would finally be able to go outside, Irene fell to her knees as her wrists are burning like it was set on fire.

Panicking and while catching her breath, Irene looked at her wrist. A blue light flaming handcuff is tied around her wrists, getting painful every time she tries to break free. Out of pain, the veins of her forehead became visible and she instantly turned red from enduring. She gritted her teeth and shut her eyes close, her lower lip is bleeding after biting it so hard.

The next thing Irene knew was she is already inside a gloomy and ghastly chamber. She carefully observed her wrists and was relieved to see that it is still there but the burning sensation from the handcuff flames is still persistent, agonizing her every minute.

Irene shook in fear as a deep and chilling voice echoed saying, "You are an intruder!" She scanned her eyes around but no one is there but she could feel someone's presence, walking around her.

"I didn't harm anyone, Sir!" She closed her eyes and shook terribly from the pain crawling from her wrists to her entire body.

After her response, the handcuff just grew bigger and brighter causing her an elevated level of excruciating torture. She screamed, "Ahhhhhh!" Warm and salty tears escaped her eyes and ran down her cheeks.

A towering figure of a man formed out of the specks of dust and stood erect in front of her. Tormenting, he grabbed her jaw firmly and made her look up at him but she barely even have the energy to open the lids of her eyes as she is about to pass out any minute due to the excruciating pain.

"WHO ARE YOU?!" The shadowy figure screamed and this time wrapped a blue flaming rope around her neck because of her silence. Choking, Irene lay on the floor, almost lifeless. Her breathing was unsteady.

All of a sudden, a bright cast of flames occurred and when it came off, Amiel stood. He had a cold and grim expression on his face but was absolutely perplexed when he saw Irene lay unconsciously on the cold floor. His hands are igniting but he clenched them.

"Void," Amiel spoke in a chilly threatening tone.

Void, the guard captain stood in front of him and bowed. He answered, "Yes, Your Highness." Fear and reverence for Amiel are evident in his voice. He has never seen the hallowed incinerator this enraged.

Amiel clenched his jaw and looked away from the sight of Irene in agonizing torture. "CEASE!" He screamed which made Void stop his magic on Irene in an instant. "But... that creature is an intruder! It should be sentenced to death!" As much as Void wanted to show respect, he could not dare to risk the safety of the royals.

Amiel's gold eyes changed into a red hue that resembles a persevere flame, "Don't you dare or I will burn you alive!" He scowled.

"Are you risking the safety of our Kingdom over that worthless creature, Amiel?!" Void answered back in an equally authoritative tone, dropping his usage of honorifics.

With flames all over his arms, Amiel placed his hands on Void's neck and ruthlessly choked him, his feet got elevated from the ground, "She is betrothed to me!"