The Echo of My Soul
From my childhood, I was living a mixed life. Was I blessed or was I cursed? I had a contrary view over my life. But I was never alone despite everyone around me abandoning me. Another voice was echoing through me, telling me to not be afraid. At one point, I almost succumbed into a life under the shadow, but someone eventually pulled me out of it and placed me under the spotlight. I thought I was freed forever, but the Echo told me that I was wrong. And it was all proven true on the day I discovered the true face of my beloved, who cheated on me without any shame. That day, I felt my world breaking apart. We were always together, I thought we would be together forever. Like some sort of beautiful fantasy. Silly, yet warm. Somewhere I could escape to. A home. It wasn't too much. But somehow, it all started that day. Or did it start before it? I don't remember. My memories are failing me. He told me I shouldn't stay. He told me I'll only get hurt no matter how I try to please him. He did not lie… Then, why did it hurt so much? Maybe because I truly loved him, seeing him with another had me broken to pieces. It wasn't fun, but… It wasn't the worst. That day, I finally decided. ‘Leave.’ It was as if a trigger had been pulled, and my life moved again in a hectic direction. I've met people I thought I won't be meeting again, and was stranded between so many fights of interests. I could only fight for myself there. This time, not only the Echo was with me. Another person was there, supporting me unconditionally. Giving me the confidence to move. Still, I will forever wonder… What choice is the right one? I guess I'll never know until I reach my destination.
Irises (don't unlock, wrong chapter!)
The Sun was taking its place in the morning sky. Nothing was obstructing the scorching sunlight from burning the skin of the poor, haggard slaves who were being urged to move.
"Do not dare to lag behind!"
A tanned man ordered them, a frown plastered across his face as he noticed their struggle.
'Pathetic, I absolutely cannot do anything with those few skinny cows.'
Naturally, his frown was not out of worry. Rather, it was out of annoyance at how he only managed to get the weakest bunch of slaves.
The slaves trembled upon hearing his words and almost paused, but then remembered what happened whenever they did.
Night after night, their bodies were undoubtedly trained.
Fear was now rooted in their bones. Whether it was for the better or worse, that meant they would subconsciously follow the man's orders without hesitation.