《Forever begins now》


 1: Rebirth

    Prologue


    When it was all over, I stood in the middle of the ashes. He attacked first, and I didn''t have the strength to even look his way.


    Revival


    Darkness and cold enveloped me as I came to. My eyes... I couldn¡¯t open them. No, I couldn¡¯t¡ªsomething was pressing down on my eyelids, taking away my sight.


    "Shit, I''m underwater!"¡ªa panic-stricken thought pierced my mind.


    I tried to break free and swim up, but instead of air, only water rushed down my throat, filling my lungs. Every movement drained me, my strength slipping away like sand through my fingers. My consciousness blurred, but with a desperate lunge, I broke the surface. The thunder of the heavens tore through the silence. Lightning flashes briefly revealed the chaotic world around me: stormy waves, an impenetrable night, endless sea. I didn¡¯t know where to swim. I didn¡¯t know how to tame the storm. The waves tossed me back and forth, each crash pulling me back into the depths.


    And then, amidst the chaos, I saw the light. Bright, inviting, almost unreal. A beacon? Or my imagination, born from desperation? It didn¡¯t matter. It was a chance. A chance to survive. I swam. With every stroke, fighting pain and fear, I swam until the darkness claimed me once more.


    When I opened my eyes, I was lying in a small room with gray walls and a tiny window. It seemed like dawn outside. At first, I thought maybe it was all a dream, that I was starting to wake up in my bed, but realizing my pajamas were soaked, and the contours of the room were becoming more unfamiliar in the dim light, I jumped out of bed.


    "Damn it, Elizabeth!" I cursed aloud, feeling my head spin from the sudden movement. My legs wobbled, my body staggered as though the ground beneath me was as shaky as sand.


    I didn¡¯t understand where I was, but one thing was clear¡ª I had to get out. Carefully cracking open the door, I stepped into the corridor. Cold walls drowned in half-light, with the faintest touch of light brushing against the corners. A deathly silence pressed on my ears, making each step almost deafening. My gaze skimmed across the endless row of doors and arches. No one. Just me and this infinitely long corridor. I tried the doors one by one, but they were either locked or led to empty rooms. Finally, after several failed attempts, I found the right turn. A narrow staircase leading down, the creak of each step sounded like someone¡¯s whisper in the silence.


    I finally found the exit. Massive steel doors creaked as they opened, releasing me outside. It was still dawn, but the sky was already covered in heavy gray clouds¡ªthe day promised to be cold and dreary. There was no one around, only the cawing of crows flying nearby disturbed the silence. Looking back, I saw a small house, though I could swear the inside was vast. Before me stretched a spacious yard adorned with statues and intricate decorative elements. Among the dense vegetation stood a majestic fountain, its water streams quietly gurgling, dispersing the morning silence. I was looking for an exit, but it wasn¡¯t there¡ªbeyond the yard began an impenetrable, dark forest, through which I couldn¡¯t possibly make my way.


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Only one thing left¡ªI had to walk around the building, hoping to find another way. I wandered for at least half an hour, when suddenly I heard the faint sound of water.


    "Here it is, my salvation!" I exclaimed aloud, forgetting my fear.


    I pushed through the bushes and froze. Before me unfolded a majestic scene: an old castle towered over dark water, its high spires disappearing into the morning fog. Its gray walls, cracked and moss-covered, seemed as old as the world itself, yet strong and unshakable.


    The water at its base was calm but ominous, reflecting the stone spires as if luring a traveler into its depths. The forest around stood silent and watchful, as if observing every one of my movements. Somewhere in the branches, a crow cawed, and that sharp sound made me flinch.


    "What is this place?" I whispered, feeling my heart tighten with cold anxiety.


    The castle called, it beckoned, but at the same time, it evoked a strange, undefined unease. Was it a sanctuary? Or a trap?


    As if enchanted, I stepped closer to the vast lake. Thoughts swirled in my head, anxiety gripped my chest¡ªwhy was I walking toward it? But my body wouldn¡¯t listen. My legs moved forward on their own, as though obeying someone else¡¯s will. I tried to stop, fighting with all my might, but it was in vain. I wanted to scream, but couldn¡¯t¡ªmy lips were numb, as if invisible threads had sealed them shut. Is this a dream? Or the end? The last flash of consciousness¡ªand now I was in the water. No shallow water, no gentle slope¡ªjust the instant, infinite depth.


    Darkness. Cold. When will this end? I won¡¯t give up. I won¡¯t let the water swallow me.


    With all my strength, I tried to swim, but got tangled in seaweed. It coiled around me, holding me, pulling me down. Just a little longer, and they would have crushed my throat... but then something grabbed my shoulder and yanked me out of the water. Lying on my back, I desperately sucked in air, my own ragged breathing deafening in my ears.


    - You¡¯re strong. I underestimated you, - a male voice said.


    I flinched and, propping myself on my elbows, looked around. A few meters behind me stood a guy. He leaned lazily against a tree, his arms crossed over his chest. His gaze was unreadable, a mix of either mockery or irritation.


    - Are you just going to stare? - he snapped. - Get up, we have a lot to do.


    Without waiting for an answer, he turned and walked along the shore, as if certain I would follow him.


    - Wait... - I hoarsely called after him.


    Shaking, I got up, almost falling, and stumbled to catch up with him.


    I caught up with him at the edge of the forest, barely catching my breath.


    - Wait...- my voice was still hoarse, but I forced myself to speak. - Where am I? What is this place?


    He didn¡¯t even glance at me, just smirked and kept walking, as if my questions were just empty noise.


    - You¡¯ll understand soon.


    - Soon?!- I grabbed his wrist, forcing him to stop. - I was just drowning! Did you pull me out to leave me in... wherever this is?


    He finally turned his head toward me. In his eyes reflected the misty light of dawn, but his expression remained impenetrable.


    - You¡¯re not dead, if that¡¯s what you¡¯re asking, - he said, as if reading my mind.


    I gritted my teeth.


    - Then what happened to me?


    He leaned closer, his voice soft, almost mocking:


    - You¡¯re not dead. You were reborn.


    For a moment, everything around became too quiet. Only the rustle of leaves and the distant splash of water behind us.


    - What? - I whispered, but he had already turned away and started walking again.


    I could have stood still, trying to make sense of his words. But something inside told me that if I wanted to know the truth, I¡¯d have to follow him.


    And so I went.

 2: The Secret

    Entering the castle, we immediately turned to the right. The guy stopped right by the third door. As soon as I stepped inside, I felt like I had entered a familiar yet strange place ¡ª a place I had visited in my dreams. But here¡¯s what was unsettling: I could never understand why. Why did this place attract me so, yet at the same time, evoke such a strange feeling?


    The library was two-storied, its walls hidden behind shelves filled with books¡ªancient and dusty, standing in their places as though no one dared to touch them. Dim light streamed through the tall windows, creating an atmosphere of unknown, misty silence in the air. Everything here seemed frozen in time.


    I lifted my gaze to the fireplace, where a portrait hung. The face in it was covered with a white cloth. I felt something inside me tighten as I looked at the blurred figure, as if it was trying to hide something important from me.


    On either side of the painting stood two lamps, casting a faint glow over the space, but unable to dispel the ominous shadow that lingered in the corners of the room. In front of the fireplace stood two blue sofas, facing each other, creating the impression that someone had recently sat there. A brown desk reminded me of forgotten tasks left behind. I wanted to approach it, touch the desk, perhaps solve something... But what if I searched too long? What if the answer came, but it was not what I expected?


    I took a step forward, feeling my breath become heavy. This place hid its secrets. But I knew that sooner or later, I would have to uncover them.


    - I feel like I¡¯ve been here before, - I said quietly, scanning the library.


    - Most likely you have, Elizabeth, - the guy replied.


    - How do you know my name? -I asked in horror.


    - I know much more than you would like, - his voice was cold and steady, like stone, and his eyes, hazel-green, sparkling like the reflection of a forest lake, didn¡¯t blink for a second. He stood by the fireplace, unmoving, his wavy hair slightly stirred by the faint draft. There was no trace of regret or embarrassment in his gaze, only something as if he had already gotten used to being known before he revealed himself.


    I flinched slightly. It couldn¡¯t be. I tried to stay calm, but my heart began to beat faster. I walked over to one of the blue sofas, feeling how the soft fabric under my fingers relaxed my tense muscles.


    - You didn¡¯t answer my question, - I glanced at him through my lashes, trying to hide my confusion, but still, he noticed the way the corners of my mouth trembled. It wasn¡¯t much like me, but everything here was different, like some sort of shadowed dream.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    He brought his hand to his chin as if thinking, and finally, his lips curled into a barely noticeable smirk.


    - I already told you, Elizabeth... you seem to be forgetting too much. Maybe I should help you remember? - His voice became even more captivating, but with a cold undertone that was hard to ignore.


    I felt a small shiver run down my spine but tried not to show it.


    - You didn¡¯t answer my question, - I repeated, already with a slight edge of irritation, though his gaze fascinated me, his confidence with which he stood.


    - Maybe because you¡¯re not ready for the answer, -  he took a step closer, and I noticed how his presence filled the space around. I had to look up to meet his gaze, even though he was a good twenty centimeters taller than me. But I didn¡¯t back down despite the weight of his gaze. He was like that unexplored part of me that I had long tried to hide.


    I bit my lip slightly, trying to gather my thoughts, but his presence seemed to drain all my attention, paralyzing me. I lifted my gaze, and our eyes locked. He was like a predator watching its prey, yet there was no threat in his eyes, only cold curiosity.


    - Do you really want to know about me, Elizabeth? - His voice was soft, almost playful, but I felt there was something hidden behind it, something deeper. He stepped even closer, and I felt the air around us thicken, as if the castle itself was drawing me into its mysterious walls. He stopped right in front of me, and I felt his warmth, his almost tangible magnetism. ¡°I¡¯m Luis, and it seems you¡¯re not here by accident.¡±


    I squeezed my fingers on the sofa¡¯s upholstery. Luis... the name sounded familiar, like it meant something deep in my memory. But I couldn¡¯t figure out what. The power in his voice and the confidence in every word left me somewhat confused, but there was something mesmerizing in how he spoke about everything, as if it were second nature to him.


    - Have you... been here long? - I asked, trying to find even the slightest trace of human warmth in his cold demeanor.


    He tilted his head slightly, and something flickered in his eyes, like a memory he wasn¡¯t ready to share.


    - Yes, - his answer was brief, but I felt that there was much more behind it. - I¡¯ve lived here for a long time. The castle is not ordinary, and its walls remember much. It chooses those who find themselves here. You don¡¯t just end up here, Elizabeth. Everyone has their mission.


    I froze. His words sounded like a warning, like something inevitable. He spoke as though it were a law, unquestionable.


    - A mission? What do you mean?  - I took a step back, trying to process his words. This was no longer just a strange place. I felt a wave of doubt wash over me. - What do you mean by that?


    Luis finally smiled, but this smile was not warm; it was almost cruel, like someone who knows that their secret will soon be revealed.


    - Everyone here has their role, - he said, looking me over as if I were part of this riddle. - You¡¯re not an accident. Everything you seek, you¡¯ve known for a long time. You just have to remember why you¡¯re here.


    I felt my knees weaken, and something hidden and ancient stirred inside me, as if it were trying to awaken. I looked at him again¡ªat Luis, with his daring and confident demeanor. He wasn¡¯t trying to be kind. He was different.

 3: The Secret

    Sitting in the library, time seemed to stretch slowly, as if frozen, waiting for something invisible. Luis silently stood up and left without saying a word. I couldn¡¯t say exactly how much time had passed. It felt like I had been there for an eternity, and at some point, I didn¡¯t even notice when I fell asleep.


    ¡ª Miss Elizabeth ¡ª a voice called, and I instantly opened my eyes.


    A woman stood in the doorway. She was tall, her slender body almost blending with the shadow. Her white hair flowed all the way down to her heels, and she wore a straight blue dress, dark as the night sky. Her gaze was cold, but not sinister ¡ª rather, peaceful, like someone who had become part of this world.


    ¡ª Follow me, ¡ª she said, and with a quick, almost imperceptible step, she left the room.


    My legs instinctively moved, and without thinking, I jumped off the sofa and followed her. The hallway was unexpectedly full of people ¡ª young girls and boys, each one seeming so foreign and unique that I involuntarily stopped. We reached a door with initials ¡ª K. L. The woman extended her hand, as if inviting me in, and without hesitation, I stepped inside.


    The small office had a desk and a chair by the window. Dark furniture, a panoramic window stretching across the entire wall. Interesting details in the furniture. Everything looked modern, yet at the same time, it was clear that everything here was very old. As I looked around the room, the door behind me closed. The woman who had brought me here was gone.


    ¡ª Come, sit down ¡ª I suddenly heard from the depths of the office. A woman sat at the desk, with short, jet-black hair. I was horrified. I could swear she hadn¡¯t been there when I entered the office. ¡ª Don¡¯t be afraid ¡ª she said kindly, as if reading my thoughts.


    ¡ª Who are you? Where am I? How did I get here?! Will I get any answers from anyone? ¡ª I said, barely holding back my emotions. This woman radiated calmness.


    ¡ª Claudia Lang, I am the founder of the Academy of Mages. For generations, people have come here after their death. Some have a destiny to fulfill, others didn¡¯t finish their work in life.


    I froze, unable to believe my ears. My heart clenched, and my breath caught. After my death? These words echoed in my mind, making me feel a chill run through my body. I looked around, trying to understand what was happening. The office, oddly combining modernity and antiquity, felt like an illusion. I should be alive. The last thing I remembered was trying to sleep in my room. The weather had been rainy, heavy, and I couldn¡¯t fall asleep. And even that strange moment when I thought a bird was sitting by the window... all of it now felt not just strange, but terrifying.


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡ª Wait... ¡ª my voice trembled. ¡ª You mean to say that... I¡¯m dead?


    Claudia slowly raised her gaze from her desk and looked at me. Her eyes were cold, but with a strange softness, as if she was used to seeing hundreds like me in her office.


    ¡ª Yes, you¡¯re dead, Elizabeth, ¡ª her words didn¡¯t sound harsh, rather, with such calmness that they shook me even more. ¡ª But this is not the end. This is the beginning. This academy is a place where we teach those who didn¡¯t complete their destiny, who didn¡¯t fulfill their duty, or who lost themselves before death. Here we help unlock powers, find the path you were meant to walk in life.


    My body felt heavy, like lead. I tried to accept her words, but they didn¡¯t make sense in my mind. I... died? The last thing I remembered was trying to fall asleep in my room. I stood up and walked to the window to breathe, but the world outside was alien. Everything here felt unnatural. I was alive, but at the same time... not. Was I really here, or was this some kind of nightmare?


    ¡ª This is impossible, ¡ª I couldn¡¯t hold my voice. ¡ª I can¡¯t believe this. I just went to bed. The weather was bad, I couldn¡¯t sleep... and I thought there was a bird by the window, ¡ª I looked around the room again, trying to understand what was real. ¡ª Why me? Why did this happen to me?


    Claudia stood up from her desk and approached me. She was much taller, and her presence felt constant and beyond reach. She smiled softly, as if she understood what I was going through.


    ¡ª Nothing happens by accident, Elizabeth, ¡ª her voice was deep, almost soothing. ¡ª You¡¯re not here by chance. You were chosen, just like everyone else here. This academy is not just a place. It connects those who must unlock their power, those who must fulfill their destiny. You can¡¯t understand this right away. It takes time to accept.


    Tears welled up in my eyes. I felt something break inside me, as if my entire life had turned into one big lie. I couldn¡¯t believe it. Everything felt too... unreal.


    ¡ª No... this is impossible! ¡ª I sprang to my feet and ran out of the office. The hallway was lit, but the light didn¡¯t bring me peace. So many doors, so many people, all of them so... alien, so different from one another. And I ¡ª as if lost in this world.


    I couldn¡¯t stay here. I couldn¡¯t accept this. I stepped outside and found myself in the heavy rain. The dark sky gave me no respite, nor did the silence around me. I felt the cold pierce me to the bone, and deep inside, in my chest, there was something unbearably painful.

 4: Meeting in the Garden

    Running out of the castle, I ran wherever my eyes could see and soon found myself in the garden. Misty, mysterious, and even a little frightening, but this garden was beautiful. It seemed frozen in time, as if torn from ancient legends. Thick fog spread gently over the ground, enveloping the graceful curves of the paths and neatly trimmed bushes, giving the place an air of mystery. In the center of the garden stood an arch, covered in old ivy, its leaves appearing as dark green shadows in the milky haze. Through the veil of mist, the silhouettes of trees were barely visible, like ghostly guards protecting the ancient secrets of this place.


    Sitting by the fountain, I was choking on my sobs. "How could I have died?" I asked myself. It couldn''t be, it was a dream, a bad joke, but definitely not reality.


    Suddenly, I felt someone¡¯s presence. Looking up, I saw a figure in a cloak, with a face hidden under the hood. He stepped closer, and I heard a soft, calming voice:


    ¡ª You are not alone in this. I can help you understand what happened.


    ¡ª Who are you? ¡ª I whispered, choking on my sobs.


    ¡ª A friend. Your guide between the worlds, ¡ª the young man said and sat next to Elizabeth, ignoring the cold raindrops trickling down his face. His bright green eyes seemed to glow in the dim light.


    ¡ª Darren, ¡ª he introduced himself, offering a small smile. ¡ª You probably didn¡¯t expect to meet anyone here, especially in this downpour.


    Elizabeth hugged her knees, warily watching him.


    ¡ª Who are you? And how do you know my name?


    He lowered his gaze to his hands, as if weighing every word.


    ¡ª Your death was ordered, ¡ª he said quietly. ¡ª But I''m here to help you find out who did it and why.


    Elizabeth''s heart froze.


    ¡ª My death? But... why do you even know about me?


    Darren looked her straight in the eyes.


    ¡ª The names of those who are meant to die and come to this forest appear in advance. They are posted... ¡ª he smirked, but there was no joy in the smile, ¡ª ...like a schedule.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The rain intensified. The shadows of the trees around began to stir, as if coming to life.


    ¡ª This forest is not just a place. It tests us. Some disappear, drowning in the lake, ¡ª his voice became softer, ¡ª While others fight and make it out.


    Elizabeth gasped.


    ¡ª Why do you want to help me?


    Darren leaned a little closer, and there was a faint, almost imperceptible smile in his voice:


    ¡ª Sometimes... you just want to take a step forward, even if you¡¯ve known someone for only a moment.


    She looked away, feeling a warm, unsettling feeling unfurling in her chest.


    ¡ª Do you really think I should trust you?


    His smile softened, but something sincere and insistent flickered in his gaze:


    ¡ª Not right away. But maybe we should try? Together.


    Talking to Darren was pleasant; he was very friendly and constantly reassured me. For the first time that day, I felt calm.


    ¡ª By the way, how did you get out of the lake? ¡ª Darren asked.


    I told him how a guy named Luis helped me out, how he appeared just in time when I was starting to lose strength.


    ¡ª Luis, huh? ¡ª His voice immediately became a bit colder, and I noticed him tense up. ¡ª Interesting.


    His reaction made me feel uneasy, but I didn''t think much of it. Actually, I didn''t think it mattered. But his reaction to Luis¡¯s name was definitely not accidental.


    ¡ª What¡¯s wrong? ¡ª I couldn¡¯t hide my curiosity. ¡ª He showed up just in time. I don¡¯t know what would have happened if it weren¡¯t for him.


    Darren shook his head slightly, his eyes freezing in some kind of confusion, and it became clear to me that his reaction was far from accidental.


    ¡ª He¡¯s an old acquaintance. A shady guy, I wouldn¡¯t advise you to hang out with him, ¡ª he said, after a brief pause, and I realized he was hiding something.


    When Darren and I left the garden, the air had become noticeably colder, and we quickened our pace back toward the castle. I kept glancing around, as if something about this place wasn¡¯t right, but Darren remained silent. Soon we reached the hallway, and we were met by a woman I remembered from when she had led me to Claudia. Her gaze was strict, but at the same time, it exuded a certain quietness.


    She approached me immediately and said I needed to come with her. Before I could say anything, she had already started leading me up the stairs. We were silent all the way, the only sound being the echo of her steps in the empty corridors of the castle. When we reached my room, she flung open the door and motioned for me to sit on the bed.


    ¡ª There will be an event at midnight, where the newcomers will be welcomed, ¡ª she said, and her voice sounded strangely distant, as if she were saying this not to me, but to herself.


    I nodded, unsure of what else to say. She turned to leave but suddenly stopped and turned back:


    ¡ª I¡¯ll be back, don¡¯t worry.


    When the door closed, I looked around. The room was small and cozy. There was a window in the center of the wall, through which dim light filtered, reflecting off the light gray walls. The bed stood against the right wall, and beside it was a wardrobe with a mirror. A small table and chair occupied the corner, and the door to the bathroom was hidden somewhere to the left. The room was quiet, and the air was fresh and slightly cool, which only intensified the feeling of loneliness in this strange place.

 5: The First Step into the Unknown

    I had about two hours left. My heart was pounding in my chest, as if reminding me that time was running out. "Here goes nothing..." I whispered to myself, trying to suppress my fear. I needed to know the truth. And if that meant dissolving into this world, playing by its rules¡ªso be it.


    The hot water from the shower burned my skin, but that was exactly what made me feel like it was real. I closed my eyes, letting the water wash away not just the fatigue but also the anxiety. For a moment, I felt... alive.


    Stepping out of the shower, I fumbled through the drawer and found an old wooden comb. It was pleasantly cold to the touch. Strands of my dark red hair, like the flames of sunset, slid through the teeth of the comb. Long and heavy, they lay softly on my shoulders in gentle waves. I took a deep breath and opened the wardrobe. A few things that fit me¡ªwas it meant to be? Or just a coincidence? Probably not.


    A dark red cloak, like drops of dried blood. Two identical dresses¡ªblack as the night abyss and white as fragile hope. A voluminous gown with a corset, as though from another century. Two simple blue sweaters, warm and cozy. And one pair of black pants. The choice was limited.


    I chose the white dress¡ªfragile, like hope itself¡ªand adjusted it when I was startled by a sudden knock on the door. Freezing for a moment, I slowly opened it.


    There stood a woman whose name I didn¡¯t yet know. Her gaze was cold, but not hostile.


    ¡ª Augustina, ¡ª she introduced herself briefly.


    I nodded and, swallowing, followed her down the winding staircase into the main hall. As we descended, I couldn¡¯t help but let out a small sigh. Everything around seemed magical: the candlelight casting soft shadows, tall windows letting in moonlight, giving everything a mystical atmosphere, yet through this glow, an almost imperceptible gloom slipped through.


    And then I saw him. Luis was standing in a circle with his friends, his smile slightly mischievous, his voice soft but captivating. It felt like he was looking at me. My heart stopped. I slowly raised my hand to wave... But in that instant, he sharply turned away, as if not noticing me. What was that? Strange, but whatever.


    In the main hall of the academy, an air of tense silence reigned, only slightly disrupted by the echo of footsteps as people gathered in a circle. Many eyes were focused on Claudia, who stood on a raised platform in the center of the hall. Her figure towered over the gathering, like a symbol of power and wisdom, as if she had always been a part of this grand place. In her eyes glowed a cold but confident fire, one that was well-known to anyone who had ever seen her.


    When the silence became almost palpable, she raised her hand, and all eyes immediately turned to her. She began her speech, her voice deep and authoritative, yet with a subtle hint of kindness that added weight to her words.


    ¡ª The new academic year has arrived, and with it, new opportunities for each of you, ¡ª she began. ¡ª Today, you newcomers take your first steps on a path that will change your lives. You are not just students of this academy. You are the future of magic and power in this world.


    Claudia paused, her gaze sweeping across everyone in the room, before continuing:


    ¡ª This year, you will undergo three tasks every day. The first is learning magic, where you will master controlling your power and using it in the most difficult situations. The second is herbs, for every mage must understand nature and its secret forces. And finally, the third task is discovering your own destiny. Your power will always depend on how well you understand who you truly are.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Her eyes stopped on the 13 newcomers, including me. We stood together, a little tense, but each of us felt how our excitement shifted to determination.


    ¡ª These tasks will not be easy. They will require not just knowledge but willpower, and only those who can endure will find their true place in this world, ¡ª Claudia concluded, her gaze turning cold as ice.


    That moment, when she uttered those words, felt significant. I understood that this was the beginning of my journey, and that path promised to be long and full of challenges.


    When Claudia finished her speech, everyone in the hall began to disperse in search of comfortable places to rest. Music played, and the atmosphere quickly filled with merriment. Laughter and conversations merged into a harmonious cacophony, and I finally felt the tension of the day begin to ease.


    I stepped into a corner, enjoying the silence, when Darryl appeared next to me. His self-assured smile immediately gave away his intentions. He asked me to dance, but just as I was about to reply, I felt a coldness in the air. Luis. He approached so that his presence felt like a shadow falling over both of us.


    His gaze met mine, then, with silent contempt, it turned to Darryl. Everything in his manner was categorical; he said nothing, but his body pushed Darryl out of our circle. Darryl noticed the shift immediately, his face paling, and his breath becoming noticeably sharp.


    ¡ª Did you... think you were not in the way? ¡ª he said, gritting his teeth, trying to regain control of the situation.


    Luis looked at him, coldly smirking:


    ¡ª In the way? I''m just watching, ¡ª his voice was ice-cold, as if he were enjoying the moment. ¡ª Dancing''s not for me, ¡ª he added, ignoring Darryl, as if he were just an empty space.


    Darryl visibly grimaced, irritation clear in his face. He tensed, clenched his fist, and I felt the air charge with electricity. Luis, savoring the moment, taunted him:


    ¡ª Are you upset, Darryl? Or is something wrong? ¡ª his words were sharp, like a knife, and held such a challenge that Darryl could hardly restrain himself.


    I tried to intervene, but Luis interrupted me, his words cold and confident:


    ¡ª No need to justify yourself, ¡ª he said, watching with interest as Darryl lost his composure.


    Darryl, boiling with rage, turned abruptly and left, leaving us alone. I decided I had to somehow diffuse the tension. I walked up to Luis, but his gaze immediately made it clear that he wasn''t particularly interested in conversation. Still, I decided to speak.


    ¡ª Could you explain why you acted that way? ¡ª I asked, trying to hide my irritation. ¡ª If you wanted to invite me, why treat Darryl like that? It didn¡¯t make sense.


    Luis remained silent, but his cold gaze said it all. He didn¡¯t want to explain, didn¡¯t intend to justify himself. I felt his indifference press down on me. Suddenly, I remembered I wanted to thank him.


    ¡ª I should thank you, Luis. You saved me in the forest when I almost drowned in the lake. You... just didn''t let me die.


    He looked at me with an expression as if my words meant nothing. His response was as cold as his gaze.


    ¡ª Saved you? ¡ª  he smirked.  ¡ª Don¡¯t dramatize. You¡¯re part of the destiny of this world, you would¡¯ve gotten out on your own, but they asked me to help you.


    I felt his words wound me. I tried not to show how much it hurt, but I couldn''t hide the bitterness in my voice.


    ¡ª So, you don¡¯t care at all that I almost drowned? You were just following someone¡¯s order?


    Luis shook his head with barely concealed contempt and quietly said:


    ¡ª I¡¯m not interested in you, Elizabeth. Don¡¯t kid yourself. I did it not for you, but because I needed to.


    I froze. His words were cruel, and I felt all hope for any shred of compassion in him disappear. He turned away, as though not noticing how much it hurt.


    ¡ª So, don¡¯t bother apologizing, and don¡¯t think you owe me anything, ¡ª he added, not looking at me.


    I stood there, feeling his indifference burn.