Chapter 6: The Hidden Door

Aria and Rogers spent the next two days tirelessly searching for the door that the key was meant to open. Rogers, being a tech genius, even tried to decode the hidden messages in the book using all possible digital tools. One thing became clear—until they found the door, the remaining text in the book would remain invisible. And Aria knew that unless she completed the book, she wouldn't fully understand the history of the kingdom, its rulers, and the truth behind Prince Adrian's fate.

While they were looking for more clues in the library, Rogers leaned against a bookshelf and said, "Aria, you've been reading this book forever. Do you know what happened to the prince?

Aria exhaled as her fingers traced the book's worn edges. "Of course, you idiot. He didn't simply leave. He disappeared. He was up against all odds, including his father's oppression. He desired freedom—to live and let live. He wanted to be a professional horse rider and live a normal life, but he was forced to take on the kingship. So far, this is all I know. That, and the fact that his father was one of the most brutal rulers of the time."

Rogers sighed. He was still hesitant to take a risk that no one else had. But he treated Aria like a sister. She was family, just like Kendall. Though the three of them had grown up together, Kendall had always been the most popular, preferring to hang out with her glamorous girl group.

They were about to leave the library when Aria paused. "It can't be this difficult. Think about it—if the book is here, the key is here... then the door must be near too! Otherwise, how on earth am I supposed to find a door that fits this key?"

Rogers abruptly pointed to the far side of the library. " Aria, take a look! There is a basement here. You were kept here during the attack, right? What's inside?"

Aria experienced a wave of realisation. "Yes! There is a door behind the locker. I had seen it before, but I never gave it much thought!"

The librarian was still around, and they had no permission to be snooping around the basement. They needed a plan. Rogers, ever the strategist, whispered, "Alright, we need to sneak past her. Follow my lead."

Rogers, with his usual mischievous grin, purposefully knocked over a stack of books on the other side of the room. The librarian, startled by the loud crash, rushed over to investigate the mess. Aria and Rogers took a chance. They moved quickly and silently into the basement, dodging every creaky floorboard.

Once inside, Aria's heart pounded. The dimly lit room was filled with old records and ancient documents. At the far end, partially obscured by dust-covered shelves, stood the locker. And just behind it—the door.

Rogers grinned. "Bingo."

With some effort, he slid the locker aside. Aria's fingers trembled as she removed the key from her pocket. She slowly pushed it into the keyhole.

It fit.

Rogers let out a low whistle. "Well, would you look at that?"

Aria hesitated for a moment before turning to grab the book from her bag. She flipped to the next page.

The letters reappeared before her eyes.

She read aloud in a hushed voice. "He didn't disappear... Adrian was kidnapped."

She looked at Rogers, her eyes wide with shock.

"This changes everything."