Chapter 12: Chapter 12

Jonea Fallon

I saw Aland standing on a stage with lots of people watching. Aland's body was full of wounds. His silver hair looked dirty, mixed with dried blood. He was only wearing trousers without a shirt. His hands were tied behind his back.

I tried to lunge forward and cut through the crowds of people filling the square. I'm so freaked out. Inside my mind, I just wanted to get close to Aland and set him free.

When I was only one step away from reaching him, a beam of light suddenly shone sharply towards me. My eyes burned and blinded me for a moment.

"No! Don't take Aland away."

The light engulfed Aland's existence. I really can't see it. My eyes feel hot and sore.

As soon as I opened my eyes, everything was gone. I was stunned to see Loko standing before the window while opening the curtains.

Immediately I sat up straight with a look of confusion and half sleepy. Is all this just a dream? But it felt like Aland's existence was so real.

I began to rub my eyes when Loko turned to face me without expression.

Not that he was angry. I don't think Loko is angry. Indeed, he never showed any expression. HE HAS ALWAYS HAD A STRAIGHT FACE since I met him in this black castle. Even so, he always spoke kindly to me.

When I noticed Loko standing like a statue, I realized he had many clothes in his hands.

"Good morning Miss. Immediately shower and change clothes. I brought some new clothes for you to wear. Please choose the one that best suits your taste."

"Wait!"

"I will be waiting for you at the door. You only have 15 minutes to do all your morning routines."

After leaving the clothes at the end of the bed, Loko came out of my room.

"Hey, what's this?"

He didn't hear my grunt. I got out of bed reluctantly. My feet got caught in the blanket. I fell with a thud, with my upper body touching the floor first.

"Ouch, ouch! So bad luck this morning. Why am I being so weak? Usually, I can anticipate things like this."

Totally 15 minutes. I just finished poking my head through the eyelet of the light blue shirt I chose. There are only dresses. The pile of clothes that Loko brought were all knee-length dresses, both short and long-sleeved.

Gosh, he said to pick the one that best suits my taste. In fact, none of the clothes fit my taste.

I really miss sweaters, T-shirts, and faded jeans. Where can I get those comfortable clothes?

There was a knock at the door, firm but not urgent.

"Miss, your 15 minutes are over. Let me go in to check on you and help you."

"What?" I shouted in panic.

I quickly unzipped my dress. I don't need anyone's help for trivial things like this. Even if I can shower, I don't want to be helped by others, let alone Daran. I won't let these people do anything to me again.

As soon as I finished zipping my dress, Loko was already standing in the doorway. He bowed slightly in salute, and his gaze remained fixed on the floor. He never really looked me in the eye. He knows the etiquette and boundaries of decency.

"You should have been ready."

"Well, no, actually I…."

I haven't even finished talking. My hair is still messy, like a lion's. I didn't have time to groom myself.

Loko gently pushed my shoulder and sat me in front of the dresser.

"What would you do?" I was so nervous to see Loko now pacing behind me.

With great dexterity and skill, Loko's hands began to tidy up my hair and make up my face. He did my makeup so that it looked as natural as possible.

Lastly, he applied lip tin, which tasted of cherries on my tongue when I licked it. Now my face does not look as pale as before.

"How did you manage to do all this?" I was really impressed with Loko's work.

When I looked at myself in the mirror, I was completely shocked.

Is it really me? How long has it been since I have looked at myself in the mirror and not done my makeup to look this beautiful and fresh?

"Let me show you to Mr Carver's room."

"Why? What is it?"

Loko didn't answer. He just held out his hand, wanting me to hurry up. But, out of courtesy, he didn't even pull my hand forcefully. Loko's attitude and gestures really urged me to get up.

I got up from the chair and walked to follow Loko. The man wit of a hurry this morning. He led me into a room whose door was wide open.

I heard more than one voice from the room.

Loko knocked on the door to announce our presence. I looked over Loko's shoulder. The room looks like a workspace. There were many books on the shelves, a writing desk in the middle of the room right by the window, and Daran sat there busy writing something.

It wasn't Daran who surprised me, but several men standing before Daran's desk. I can't see their faces. As soon as we arrived, they didn't move or speak anymore. They only focused on staring at Daran.

"Who are they?" I whispered to Loko.

Loko just kept quiet and kept walking to the side of the table. I followed him.

From there, I could see the faces of the six men standing still while looking at Daran, who was busy writing.

"Good morning, Jonea. Can you wait a few more minutes? I still have to finish my papers," said Daran.

"It’s ok. Please continue."

I glanced at the six men who were still unmoving. I thought I was dreaming, but no. I totally recognized those six men.

I mean, I do not personally know. But I often see their faces milling about on the television screen. The six men were important people in the Blue Sapphire country.

The two people standing at the forefront were high-ranking officials: the rulers of the Blue Sapphire land before being attacked by Luke Draken.

Two more people in the middle row are well-known and successful businessmen in Blue Sapphire.

The last two people in line are actors and singers. One of them even became my idol. Before finally, he reportedly disappeared after the riot and attack by Luke Draken.

I almost screamed when I realized the black-haired man standing at the very back was Rafael!

Apparently, Rafael noticed my surprise. He glanced at me slightly and winked one eye with a smile.

God, my heart was really pounding. He is my favourite rock singer. How can he be here?

"Of course, they can all be here because they are my subordinates. They are all lycans.

I just stare. Daran explained it so clearly as if he knew what I was thinking.

"And you, Rafael. Don't flirt with my future wife," said Daran to my idol rock singer.

Rafael blushed and immediately lowered his head.

How could these important people in Blue Sapphire be lycans? So far, they have lived freely and mingled without their identity being known. It's really interesting.

"Breakfast is ready, Sir."

"Well, please treat our guests first. I still have to finish some papers. And you, Jonea. Stay here. You have to accompany me for breakfast here."

I almost wanted to scream and protest Daran's decision. I'd be happier to have breakfast with Rafael instead of Daran. I really showed my gloomy face in front of Daran. Unfortunately, Daran hasn't glanced at me at all. He was still focused on finishing his papers.

When Daran finally put his pen back in the saucer, he held up the six pages of letters he had just finished. The six pieces of paper suddenly floated in front of us all. Each piece of paper folded itself and turned into various men's accessories.

I literally gawked when I saw him. The first man, a high-ranking official in the Blue Sapphire land, stepped forward to take one of the accessories. He chose a gold watch and put it on his wrist. After that, he said goodbye and left, accompanied by Loko, to the dining room.

Even today, the second man, who was also an influential official in Blue Sapphire, took out a blue-eyed ring. He wore it on his left index finger. He greeted Daran and went to the dining room.

The other four men also did the same. Until Rafael took the last accessories. Only a guitar pick left for him. He took it and slipped it into his shirt pocket.

"Please hold on a little longer. And make sure we manage to get as much information on Luke Draken as we can."

Rafael bowed, folded one arm to his chest, and smiled in greeting to Daran.

When Rafael walked out of the room, I wanted to chase and chase him. However, Daran cleared his throat and forced me to stay there.

"What was that all about? How can a letter turn into various accessories?"

"That's how we communicate with our members who are widely spread outside. Unfortunately, we have not been able to reveal their identities to keep all of us safe."

Jonea almost laughed. "But, you let me see and hear everything. What secret do you want to hide from people?"

Daran suddenly stood up until the wind blew hard around us. I didn't realize how fast he was moving, and he suddenly stood in front of me and grabbed my chin.

Daran was still wearing his demon mask. Only a pair of brown eyes that I can really reach and look mesmerized.

"I purposely made you see and hear everything, Jonea. Because you're also a lycan. If our conversation spreads, I can confirm it was your doing."

I really got goosebumps looking at it. Is this how Daran tests me?

I broke free from Daran's grip.

"Do you think I'm a spy sent by Luke Draken? What is this? I'm really offended."

"Let's have breakfast, Jonea. After that, you must accompany me to the city."

"City? In this gloomy place is a city?"

"Yes, we will also get married in that gloomy city!"