I stood frozen in my spot upon hearing those words from Engrid. She approached me, revealing something in her right hand.

Her fist was surrounded by an unusual wind, circling her hands. The moment her ability manifested, it made the whole room colder. My heart pounded loudly as I stared into Engrid's emotionless eyes. For some unknown reason, I couldn't move my legs, as if there was an adhesive holding them in place. I shivered; I don't know why. I wanted to die so badly, but why does facing it terrify me every time? Do I really want this?

"What are you doing?" Engrid halted her intended action and glanced meaningfully at Aideniel, who suddenly appeared.

"I will kill her," she answered without hesitation. I swallowed my own saliva upon hearing that.

I was surprised when Caspian suddenly ran towards me. I looked at him as he grabbed my left arm.

"Don't kill her!" Caspian protested. "I'll take full responsibility in case the Queen imposes any punishment if you spare Fia's life," he added, causing my forehead to furrow. What is he doing?

I observed his expression. He looked extremely serious, narrowing his eyes at Engrid, who seemed taken aback by Caspian's actions. Even I couldn't believe what he was saying.

"Do you have feelings for her?" Engrid frowned, looking at Caspian.

"No, and I will never," he replied firmly. Well, same.

"She's an outcast, and I've felt that before. I just want to experience having someone amusing other than myself." I couldn't believe his response. I thought he was defending me, but it turns out he's just making me a clown for his amusement. "Also, the map. We can still use her," Caspian added with a smug grin, looking at Engrid.

"I am not a clown," I blurted out. Without warning, I shook off Caspian's hand gripping my arm. He seemed surprised by my actions, but I didn't pay attention to him.

I returned my gaze to Engrid, who stood in front of me. "Also, if you want to kill me, then do it. Just like Caspian said; I am an outcast, and you will not gain anything from killing me," I added without averting my eyes from her.

How brave of me to say those words. I still want to live, but because of my response to them now... it seems unlikely to happen.

My heart pounds loudly as I engage in a staring contest with Engrid. The three guys fall silent, anxiously waiting for what will happen next.

"Fine." I saw Engrid's power slowly fading away. I took a discreet deep breath and exhaled. Finally, I could breathe more freely.

"I will trust you, just like how that naughty guy beside you trusted you," she muttered, biting her lower lip. Caspian is smiling at me like an idiot. What the hell is he doing? Was he a mental hospital patient before?

"And if you break that trust, I will never hesitate to end your life." I just faked a smile at Engrid as she walked upstairs, not bothering to look back at us.

I immediately looked at the three guys, who seemed relieved when Engrid left. Are they really that scared of that woman?

"You're lucky because Caspian saved you." I shifted my gaze to Aideniel, now back to his icy demeanor. Turns out Engrid is scarier than him. I raised an eyebrow, and he gave me an annoyed look. Oh, so the jerk can roll his eyes too!

"You owe me two!" I felt a ticklish sensation on my ears when Caspian whispered those words to me. He then walked upstairs, jumping around like an abnormal person. Well, he really is abnormal. Tsk.

"What happened?" Rhenouis approached me, looking puzzled at both Aideniel and me. Didn't he hear earlier? He's been standing there the whole time.

"The Queen wants Fiamiolle to be dead," Aideniel answered him, putting his hands in his pockets. Why does he like doing that?

"By the way, tell Caspian to prepare; the Queen also wants us to go to the palace this afternoon," he added, making me look at them.

"Am I—" I hadn't finished my sentence when both of them interrupted.

"No," Aideniel and Rhenouis said in unison. They both turned to me, synchronized as if they were giving me a standing ovation. Tsk.

"Okay," was my only response as I slouched, staring into space.

They left me alone in the living room, and I felt like they vanished into thin air before my eyes. "I almost joined them there," I muttered to myself, gripping my knee. I heard a growl from my stomach, so I quickly held it.

God. I haven't eaten for two days! How come I didn't feel hungry for two days? Oh, maybe it's because of all the bizarre and stressful events that happened to me these past few days.

I walked towards the kitchen. I didn't know what to cook because I didn't even know if there were similar ingredients here in our house in my world.

The layout seemed normal – there were tables, chairs, drawers, and a sink. It was fine, just a Victorian-style design with a chandelier above a large and long table.

I walked to a drawer. I was about to grab whatever was inside when I stopped upon seeing Engrid at the small gap of the door, hurriedly exiting the dorm. I hastily hid and tiptoed in their direction.

I peered at them, my mouth agape when I saw an arcane circle surrounding them, accompanied by the appearance of a circular portal. The wind intensified within it.

I saw how they entered there. It was as if they just passed through. When I saw them disappear, I immediately went there, ignorantly reaching out to touch it.

I let my hand flow along with the tiny glimmers surrounding me.

It's beautiful to watch. It feels like it's drawing you in while it continues its enchanting— wait... it's pulling me in!

I screamed loudly as I was sucked into the hole. I didn't know what to do; I tried to grab the ground to get leverage and escape the hole, but it just slipped through.

Until it completely engulfed me...

"Ouch!" I complained as my face met something hard.

What the heck? That hurts so bad!

I stood up while holding my nose. It feels like it might bleed from the impact of my fall. Why does that hole even have to suck people in?

I annoyed myself while attempting to stand. As I did so, I slowly observed the surroundings.

I was frozen in my spot when I saw where I ended up.

I immediately looked at the portal gradually fading in front of me, so I was about to jump back through it, but it suddenly disappeared.

I cursed and angrily pulled my hair out of frustration.

"Now what?" I muttered, rolling my eyes irritatedly.

I wandered around the palace. Yes, it is a palace. It's a palace due to the size of this place. I don't know why they came here, but all I know is I need to return to school because the Queen wants to kill me!

I am digging my own grave for Pete's sake!

Why did I even approach that portal?! Now look at what happened! Tsk.

I walked quickly while looking at and familiarizing myself with this place. I can't help but wonder if I've been here before without knowing it.

This place is so beautiful, and as much as I want to examine every detail, I can't because I'm afraid one of the Queen's guards might see me and kill me. Oh my God! I don't want that to happen!

"Fiamiolle?" I stopped when I heard a familiar voice. I turned to see who it was. I was surprised by who I saw, but quickly withdrew my reaction.

"Caspian!" I fake-smiled as I greeted him.

He quickly approached me, causing me to step back slightly. I winced as he pulled me towards a room.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, finally releasing his hands from me. I instinctively touched the spot in pain. Doesn't he know how to be gentle? I gave him a death glare, and he reciprocated. Seriously?

"I was absorbed by the portal," I honestly answered, looking at him. He grimaced, even though there was no soap plus water there.

"Do you know the queen is furious because we didn't kill you?" he said, staring seriously into my eyes.

My heart quickened at what he said.

"I don't know why she wanted to kill me," I said, keeping my head down.

"Because you're just a lowly mortal, and your ancestors made ours suffer to death," he replied. I looked at him. Seriously? Am I involved in that? Not really, right? The residents here are truly foolish. Tsk.

I just rolled my eyes in my mind and sighed before speaking up.

"Then what should I do? Should I die?" I asked him with no enthusiasm, making him slightly surprised, but he quickly withdrew it.

"No,"

He then pulled me out of the room and briskly walked in a direction I didn't know.

"Where are we going?" I asked him with curiosity, but he ignored me and walked as if he didn't have me in tow.

We stopped at a massive door. I furrowed my brows, looking closely at the door.

I gasped in pain as Caspian tightened his grip on my wrist.

I looked at him, seeing his gaze fixed on the door. He was sweating, and it was unclear whether he was nervous or that's just his face.

A loud sound echoed as Caspian opened the door, causing the immortals inside to look at us— well, at least those present.

"Just follow me, and don't you ever open your mouth," he ordered, seriously. I swallowed my own saliva when I saw where he took me.

"You brought the lowly beings. Has your mind changed, Caspian?" Now I know where Engrid inherited her traits. If her presence is intimidating, well, her mother is even more frightening...

The queen is stunning. The way she sits on her throne, as if no one is above her, makes me lower my gaze. There's a clear resemblance between her and Engrid. They both have white bouncy hair, and their cold stares match perfectly. You feel like you're freezing to death because of the chill in their gaze.

"We're here because I asked for her exception. I won't let a significant piece in my masterpiece die for the worthless and ancient history of our kingdom." Caspian declared in front of the queen, making the eyes of his friends widen. I, too, was surprised by what he said. Is he crazy? Does he want to die?

"What did you say?" The queen stood firmly as she walked in our direction. I quickly averted my gaze when our eyes met.

"What the hell is he doing?" I overheard Rhenouis whispering to Aideniel, who seemed indifferent to what was happening.

"I ask for your exception, your majesty!" Caspian said, wearing the brightest smile I've ever seen. I noticed the queen's eyes twitching, indicating she wasn't convinced by Caspian's charming smiles.

Engrid and her friends just sighed from the side, bowing their heads in embarrassment because of their friend's antics.

"And what will I gain from that exception, Mr. Sarmiento?" The queen stopped in front of us, fixing her ring and looking elegantly unbothered.

"The freedom of our kingdom," Caspian replied, causing the queen to pause. She seriously stared at Caspian, and the man beside me did the same.

"So, are you willing to end the curse and sacrifice your life just for a mere mortal?" the queen asked, looking at Caspian in dismay.

Indeed, why does Caspian seem so eager to save me? Why would a stranger go out of his way to rescue me from the brink of death?

Wait, did he fall for me? I won't boast, but I do possess a fair amount of charm. So, it's no wonder he fell for me the moment they rescued me from those wicked immortals.

"I am not sacrificing my life because of him... I am willing to sacrifice myself to unveil the mystery of my mother's disappearance and the curse it brought when she left," Caspian said, his eyes twinkling with excitement. The taste of mystery seemed to energize him.

"I like Fiamiolle because she wears so much mystery in her sleeves," he added, smirking. My forehead creased upon hearing those words. What nonsense is this fool saying?

I looked up as the queen burst into laughter. While laughing, her white teeth glowed, and the jewelry she wore created unusual sounds.

"I like how brave you are, Caspi!" I was surprised as she suddenly pinched Caspian's cheek, and he smiled in response.

Caspian released me, so I clutched my hand to massage it. It hurts... it's numb, probably because I didn't notice earlier that he hadn't let go for quite some time.

I observed the queen, who was now enjoying the moment. The cold image of the queen had vanished!

"Yes, indeed! By the way, you were so cool earlier! So much charisma!" Caspian replied, and they laughed together. I saw Engrid sigh in relief because of that.

"Lucky you—what's your name again?" the queen asked, looking at me with furrowed brows.

"F-Fiamiolle..." I stammered, tightly holding my swollen hand.

"Lucky you, Fiamiolle! That Caspian stood by your side. Because if he didn't, I would personally kill you," she said bluntly, pinching my nose. I involuntarily sniffed because of her action. Luckily, I'm not getting a cold; otherwise, something sticky might have joined her on her hand.

She smiled at me before strutting like a model towards her throne.

Engrid approached us, her gaze focused ahead.

I was surprised when a massive hourglass suddenly appeared in front of the queen. It was surrounded by sparkling glitters, with small wavelengths visible beneath it as it floated in the air. It seemed like the queen was controlling it to prevent it from falling and shattering.

"You know the deadline, right?" the queen muttered, playing with the hourglass.

Engrid nodded in response, leaving me confused about what they were talking about. Deadline for what? Were they working on a project without me knowing?

I was startled by the loud sound of the hourglass shattering. I quickly looked at the floor, but for some unknown reason, I didn't see any broken hourglass.

Huh? What was that? Was it just my imagination? I shook my head, dismissing the thought, and focused on what was happening in front of me.

"So, it's settled. Engrid and troops, the quest will start the moment you step outside this palace," the queen announced as she placed her hands on the sides of her chair.

Quest for what?