Stuck In Between

Chapter Twenty-Three

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𝓒𝓗𝓐𝓟𝓣𝓔𝓡 𝓣𝓦𝓔𝓝𝓣𝓨-𝓣𝓗𝓡𝓔𝓔
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╰➢ Chapter 23, let's go!

Y/n's eyes fluttered open, her vision blurry as she adjusted to the light filtering through the room. Her gaze focused on the intricately carved ceiling above her, and she frowned, her thoughts clouded. Slowly, she pushed herself up, her body feeling heavy with fatigue. Fragments of the previous night came rushing back.

She remembered the chaos. Her running from the Ravalana Castle with Cerberus by her side, his hooves pounding against the ground as they fled into the night. The shouts of men chasing after them echoed in her mind, but they had managed to escape, hiding deep within the forest. She had started a small fire, leaning against Cerberus for warmth, and eventually drifted off to sleep.

Her surroundings now, however, were entirely different. Y/n scanned the room and her heart skipped a beat. She recognized the tapestries, the elegant furniture, and the large window overlooking the gardens. She was back in her room in Xilmaris Castle.

Throwing off the blankets, Y/n swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up. Her pulse quickened as she hurried to the door, her bare feet tapping against the cool floor. She pulled the door open and stepped into the hallway, her eyes darting around as she tried to piece together how she had gotten here.

Y/n moved quickly, her footsteps echoing through the empty corridors. She decided to head to the throne room first, hoping to find someone who could explain what was going on. But when she pushed open the heavy doors, the vast room was empty. Her chest tightened with unease.

Turning back, she retraced her steps through the halls, her thoughts racing. A fragmented memory surfaced—something she had seen in the forest before she lost consciousness. She remembered cracking her eyes open and seeing Cerberus standing guard, his body tense and protective. Nearby, a hooded man loomed over one of the Celestoria soldiers. Y/n recalled the glint of a blade as it plunged into the soldier's torso. Then, darkness had swallowed her once more.

Who was that man?

Shaking off the memory, Y/n continued her search, wandering through every corridor and chamber she could think of. Her mind was focused on finding King Venali and Queen Solana. She needed answers.

Meanwhile, outside in the castle stables, a servant hurried across the yard. The servant approached a man and a woman, both dressed in riding attire and brushing down their horses. Bowing deeply, the servant said, "Your Majesties, pardon the intrusion, but Lady Y/n has awakened. She is roaming the castle as we speak."

King Venali and Queen Solana exchanged a quick glance, their expressions shifting to concern. Without hesitation, they abandoned their task, leaving the brushes behind as they rushed toward the castle. Their boots pounded against the cobblestones as they made their way to the doors, determination etched into their faces.

The royal couple hurried through the castle, questioning servants at every turn. Each one had caught glimpses of Y/n darting through corridors or entering different rooms, and they pointed the couple in the right direction. Despite their frantic efforts, the three of them seemed to be just missing one another, chasing shadows in the vast hallways of Xilmaris Castle.

Finally, Y/n spotted them first, rounding a corner to see the familiar figures of King Venali and Queen Solana in their riding attire. Relief washed over her as she called out their names, her voice steady yet formal.