⚜️𝕬𝖒𝖇𝖆𝖑 𝕱𝖆𝖎𝖗𝖊 𝕸𝖊𝖗𝖆

                                    

                                          
December departs the country slowly. The frost gradually melts. More and more species are emerging from their extended slumber. A warmer sun shines regularly, turning the country green once more. The leaves on the ancient tree branches regrow, and beautiful flowers blossom along the twisting walkways. Spring is finally coming...
Alana continued on the same path as the seasons changed. She has no idea how long she has been on her way or how much longer she will be. Her strength and bravery dwindled with each passing day. She gradually realizes that her chances are diminishing by the minute. Perhaps the king was simply out of her reach. Maybe she was not supposed to live? Her courage weakened with each passing day. Everything seemed to be working against her. Nothing went according to plan. 
Alana tugs the reins with a big sigh. There it was... the dreaded impenetrable rock structure. Ambal Faire Méra, the Stone Maze of Death. Mouse-gray boulders tower above the green trees and plants. Some are higher than others, but they are all terrible. Daydream comforts her.  "We must be brave" Alana presses her teeth into her bottom lip. "I haven't had to be anything else lately," she complains. "Your heroic days aren't over yet, Alana," says Daydream. Alana takes a whiff. "A hero never considers giving up," she exclaims. "You're not either. You're terrified. And that's OK. But remember, you don't have to do it alone, little one. We'll make it... together." Alana quietly nods. "You are correct, daydream. Together..." His remarks appear to offer her renewed hope. She gently massages his neck."Calm down, little one," Daydream says as he walks carefully down the slope. "I need to sleep, Daydream." The maze will put us both to the test."Daydream breezes. "Then we will brave the cursed stones tomorrow." Alana raises her head warily. 
A large farmhouse sits at the bottom of the hill. Years of neglect have dulled its radiance. "Rest" prompts Daydream once more. Alana huffs her way out of the saddle. Her feet are scorched. In the sand, her boots squeak. As she leads Daydream into the empty stable, long threads of dust touch her neck. "Oatmeal and water..." "You're settled, my friend," she says, releasing Daydream from his heavy, sweaty saddle. With no answer, Daydream assaults the oat pile. He ignores Alana because he is hungry and exhausted. Alana gently massages his neck. "I'll see you in the morning," she says as she exits the stable. Her senses are aroused as she enters the property. There are no signs of life, no light, and no sound. All of the furniture is still in excellent shape. Thick layers of dust cover the furniture and decorations. It was obvious that no one had been to this property in years. "I'm not far, little one," Daydream assures her. As she sinks into the comfortable bed. Alana, intrigued, attempts to figure out why this property has been abandoned. "We are halfway, Jaspar," she says, closing her eyes tiredly.
Katinka, desperate, tries to wrench her wrists free. She curses and bites at the tight restraints. The wooden chair creaks as if to protest. A pillar candle's faint light warms her face, which is splattered with colorful spots and dried blood. 
Hate enters his room quietly. Katinka fearfully clutches her breath. Fearful of the next 'punishment' from the wicked demon. He removes his weapon belt and slides the hefty iron trench over the door. Katinka looks at the chilly creature in front of her with suspicion. Hate quietly takes off his surcoat and chain mail. When he turns around, her stomach twists. His lips are curled in a cheeky grin. He is well aware of her anxiety. He silently grabs a chair and flips it over in front of Katinka. Katinka shudders as he takes his seat in the chair. "Where," he begins, but is cut off by Katinka, who spits in his face.  Growling he closes his eyes for a few seconds. He wipes the spit away and opens his eyes. Katinka gasps. She sees it in his eyes... He lost it. "Everyone expects me to keep my cool?! While they continue to spit on me," he roars angrily. He yanks the cords off her arms. "No," she pleads, sobbing. Hate throws her on his large bed. "No," she whimpers. She desperately attempts to crawl away. "Hate," she cries as he grips her. He draws her to his chest, growling. "I've had enough patience with you. "I'll do other things with you if you don't tell me anything," he growls. "No, please," Katinka pleads. She desperately attempts to flee him. He bites open her neck roughly. As Hate penetrates Katinka, she cries helplessly. "Hmmff," he groans, dragging her onto his lap. "Just kill me already" she screams. "And miss this fun," he chuckles hysterically. Anguished, she wails and cries over and over. Hate pushes her up rhythmically, feeding on her blood. "Stop," she screams. "Not until you give me what I want," he grumbles. Katinka closes her eyes, hoping Alana will be at the palace soon. She's not sure how much more she can take. She can hardly move, much alone breathe because of the anguish. She has had sex several times per day for weeks. She got bitten and hit daily. She can not take it any longer. However, she refuses to give him what he desires.
Alana takes a wary look around. The stone platform is bordered by broken pillars. A few marble arches are scattered across the rocky terrain. The gloomy sky, devoid of stars and moon, covers the entire area in darkness. A cool breeze blows across her arms. She does not know where she is. What brought her here? In front of her, a young woman appears. She walks away slowly. "Hello" she inquires. "Hello" she says again. She rests her hand on the woman's delicate shoulder. Alana exhales, her mouth wide open. It's as though she's staring in the mirror. The woman in front of her is nearly identical to herself. Alana shakes her head in confusion. What makes this possible? An uncomfortable feeling washes over her.  Is this her twin? it cannot... Is that correct? Katara...." Be quiet, child," she says quietly. Katara murmurs, "The darkness will rise from the depths and lull you to sleep." "Excuse me," Alana says, puzzled. Katara's lips curl into a cold grin. Katara vanishes in a cloud of black smoke. "Wait!" exclaims Alana. "Please wait?!" Alana exhales deeply. "I have so many questions," she says quietly. "As expected," a harsh voice says behind her. Alana quickly turns around. Her heart skips a beat in her throat. "Jaspar?" The professor's hands are clasped together. "Can I answer some of your questions, my child?" he inquires as if nothing had happened. "How. What? you? You vanished... I never saw you again?" Her eyes well up with tears. "My dear child," mutters Jaspar. "Please, I need to know," Alana implores. "You already know," Jasper says. The elder man laughs with amusement. "I am not sure... Professor, I am at a loss for what to do. I do not know what to say. What do I believe? Who should I put my trust in? Alana gets down on her knees. Jaspar sighs softly and kneels beside her. "You know Alana." Alana sighs and shakes her head. "You know your father is a thief." Alana raises her eyes to Jasper. "You don't understand the cause of your grief, do you?" Alana sighs and shakes her head. "Therefore you will always follow the voices from the depths." "What voices" she asks. "It's your fate." "I refuse to accept that," she says angrily. Jasper laughs and gets to his feet. He turns around and stares at her once again. "Alana, loyalty... that is something weird," he barks, before disappearing. Alana screams angrily. "NO! Please don't leave me behind." There are so many things I still need to learn. Please..." Tears fall down her cheeks.