Chapter 45: chapter 45

As Amelia walked beside Alvin, her thoughts were heavy with worry. Everything had happened so fast that she barely had time to process it. One moment, she was with her loved ones, and the next, she was trapped in an unfamiliar realm, away from everyone she knew. Her heart clenched at the thought of her father, her mother, and her younger brother. Had the king turned his wrath on them after she was taken? She had no doubt that his cruelty knew no bounds. If he couldn't control her, would he punish her family instead?The weight of uncertainty pressed against her chest, making it hard to breathe. She barely noticed the path ahead, her mind tangled in fear and regret.Alvin, walking beside her, studied her in silence. He had seen that distant look in her eyes before, the kind that spoke of burdens too heavy for one person to carry. After a moment, he spoke, his voice gentle yet firm."My lady, is something troubling you? You seem lost in thought."Amelia blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. She turned to him, forcing a small, fleeting smile. "It’s nothing, my lord… Just thinking about my family. I can't help but wonder how they are."Alvin regarded her carefully. "I understand your concern, but I believe they are safe."She frowned, searching his face for any hint of certainty. "How can you be so sure? Did Ivar tell you something?"A knowing smile curved Alvin’s lips, but there was no mockery in his expression—only quiet reassurance. "No, my lady. He didn’t say anything. But I do know one thing—he cares about you deeply. More than you might realize."Amelia lowered her gaze, Ivar had saved her, risked himself for her sake, and she knew he didn’t do so lightly. "He saved my life," she murmured. "And for that, I am truly grateful."Amelia’s mind raced with turmoil. How can I get out of here? Should I ask him? Will he let me go? Doubt gnawed at her. No, no, no. That wouldn’t be a good idea. She knew better than to reveal too much. She had to be careful—had to understand more before making any rash decisions.The silence between them stretched, heavy with unspoken thoughts. Then Alvin’s voice broke through.“I heard you swam across the lake to get here. Not many could do that.” His tone carried both curiosity and something close to admiration. “Most who tried…” He hesitated before continuing. “They were consumed by the lava.”Amelia’s head snapped toward him, eyes widening. “Wait—there were others before me?”Alvin nodded. “Yes, my lady.”A cold feeling crept over her. “Where are they now? Are they… alive?”Alvin’s expression darkened. “No, my lady. It was long ago. They all perished.”A shadow passed over Amelia’s face. The weight of his words pressed on her chest like a heavy stone. She had barely escaped with her life, and now she was trapped in a world she didn’t understand. What if she never got out?Alvin noticed the shift in her expression and spoke, his voice laced with reassurance. “You are safe, my lady. As long as you remain under his protection.”His words did little to comfort her. His protection. She still wasn’t sure whom to trust. No one is who they seem to be. Her once simple, peaceful life had crumbled into something unrecognizable. She couldn’t grasp what lay ahead.Before she could respond, a sudden rush of footsteps interrupted them. An elf with sharp, anxious eyes sprinted toward Alvin, his breath ragged.“My lord, I have urgent news.” His voice was tight with urgency. Alvin immediately straightened. “What is it?”The elf cast a quick glance at Amelia, hesitating. Alvin understood and turned to her. “Pardon me, my lady, but we must return to the castle at once.”Amelia’s heart sank. She didn’t want to go back—not yet. There were still too many questions, too much uncertainty. She wanted time to think, to clear her mind.“You go ahead, my lord,” she said, her voice steady. “I’d like to stay out a little longer.”Alvin’s expression hardened slightly, his hesitation clear. “You don’t understand this realm. It’s not safe to wander alone.”Amelia lifted her chin. “I’ll be fine. Please don’t worry about me. Do your duty.”Alvin studied her for a long moment, then exhaled sharply. “As you wish, my lady. I will send someone to accompany you."With one last glance, he turned and followed the elf back toward the castle, leaving Amelia standing alone, the weight of the unknown pressing heavily upon her.As Alvin disappeared into the distance with the elf, Amelia hesitated for only a moment before turning toward the castle gate. I need to get out of here. Her resolve hardened with each step.That winged man… he should have said something before vanishing. The memory of his words burned in her mind. He swore he would explain everything if I did as he asked, but he broke his promise. He’s been hiding the truth from the start. I can’t trust him anymore.The grand gate loomed ahead, protected by elite elven warriors in dark armor. People moved in and out—elves, merchants, and workers—each being checked thoroughly before passing through. Amelia’s stomach tightened. I’m human. They’ll recognize me instantly.Her gaze darted around, scanning for a way to slip through unnoticed. That’s when she spotted a small group of elf women leaving the castle. They carried large baskets—vendors, most likely. One of them, an elderly woman, struggled under the weight of hers, lagging behind the others. After only a few steps, she stopped, gasping for air.An opportunity.Amelia quickly tore a strip of fabric from her dress and draped it over her head like a makeshift hood. With her face partially hidden, she approached the old woman, her voice soft but firm.“Let me help you. That basket looks too heavy for you.”The woman eyed her suspiciously, squinting. “Who are you? I’ve never seen you before.”Amelia forced a nervous smile. “I work inside the castle. I rarely get the chance to leave.”The old woman hesitated. “I do this every day, child. I’m used to it.”“Please,” Amelia insisted, adjusting her hood. “Let me help you.”After a moment’s pause, the old woman sighed and nodded. “Alright, if you insist.”As Amelia lifted the heavy basket onto her shoulder, hope surged in her chest. This might actually work. If I can get through the gate, I’ll retrace my steps and find the way back.The guards barely glanced at them as they passed. They saw these women every day—there was no reason to suspect anything unusual. Amelia kept her head down, her heart pounding with every step.Once they were safely outside the castle walls , she continued walking with the group for a while, blending in as best as she could. Then, the old woman came to a halt.“My house is nearby, girl. I can take the basket now. You’ve come quite far from the castle. You should go back before you get in trouble.”Amelia hesitated, then forced a nod. “You’re right. I’ll head back now. Take care.”She turned to leave, but the woman called after her.“What’s your name, sweet girl?”Amelia paused, glancing over her shoulder. “Amelia.”The old woman smiled, warmth in her eyes. “Thank you, Amelia.”Amelia returned the smile. “You’re welcome.”With that, she walked away, her mind set on what came next. I made it out. Now I just have to find my way to my world.