STELLA
I found myself in a world where strange things happen. The Philippines has flourished through generations, despite multiple senators and presidents, and even after several economic downturns—it continued to rise again. I don’t know how because I wasn’t really paying attention in History class during high school and college. Since my birth, this country has always been developed. However, one day, things took a turn for the worse. And even now, that darkness still lingers.
Huh. I thought being a soldier was cool because of all the action and battles, but look at me now. I’m just 25. No boyfriend, no girlfriend, no husband, no wife. I’m completely alone, except for my parents and siblings.
I’m an idiot. I know. I shouldn’t have chosen this path. Mom was right. I could’ve been a chef because I’m a great cook. I mean, I’m really, really good.
Cooking is the only thing I know how to do; to cook.
But what chance does my cooking have against magic? None.
“Where are we going?” I asked, trying to suppress the anxiety in my voice. He walks as if nothing happened, completely unaffected. In his left hand is a black cane with a golden handle, which he uses to steady himself on the grass. I don’t know what purpose it serves him, but when I blinked earlier, he already had it. I’m still in a daze. I don’t know if this is real or if my mind is just struggling to process everything.
And I don’t even know how long we’ve been walking. I don’t know if my soldier training is an advantage because my body can handle this, but I’m starting to worry. The surroundings are dark. There are tombstones all around. We’re inside an old cemetery. It’s eerie here, and the chill in the air makes my hair stand on end. I’m still wearing a hospital gown with bare feet.
But it’s okay. I’ve been through war for years. This is nothing compared to that. My body is used to land, air, or water.
I stumbled after him. “Where are we going?” I asked again.
He glanced slightly at me. “Just follow me, dipshit,” he snapped, rolling his eyes.
I didn’t ask again because his temper flared up easily. I remained silent and followed him until we reached a building. It’s... a mausoleum. It’s old and appears abandoned—no visitors or caretakers.
He placed the tip of his cane against the old gate, and it opened on its own.
He entered, and although I didn’t know what was inside, I followed him. My eyes widened when what greeted me wasn’t what I expected. It’s not a damn mausoleum. From the outside, yes. But as soon as I stepped inside, the dark interior didn’t greet me. Instead, it was a... mansion. People were bustling about, and they seemed like staff, moving swiftly and cleaning things that didn’t seem dirty at all.
“Lord Nullus,” they greeted, bowing slightly.
Lord what? Nullus? Sounds so filthy.
But he didn’t answer. He walked with confidence, and I had no idea what to do. I stayed by the large door, nervously scanning the room. Eyes were on me, and I couldn’t tell what they were thinking.
I was scared. But I couldn’t show it.
Again, the man named Nullus faced me. “Are you coming or not?”
O-Okay...
I followed hesitantly, gripping my arm because it still throbbed painfully. I trailed behind as he ascended a grand, towering staircase. Even though my knees were shaking, I forced myself to keep up. The stairs seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky. They were gold, matching the dominant color of the entire place—black and gold! This place is truly magical.
Yet... the faces of the people... you can see they’re scared. Of this... man.
I stopped climbing when he did. We had climbed quite high, and my legs were trembling with fatigue.
He turned to face me, leaning against the staircase’s handle. His terrifying eyes bore into mine.
“For a small girl like you, you’re surprisingly tough,” he said. “You walked for four hours.”
“I’m a soldier,” I softly responded. “Try it too.”
A smug smile tugged at the corners of his lips, making me tighten my grip on my hospital gown. I didn’t know what he planned, but it wasn’t good—
My eyes widened.
He shoved me!
I couldn’t react fast enough. I felt the impact of my body hitting the hard stairs. My immediate instinct was to cover my head. The pain surged through my body. I knew a bone had shifted again—my arm was unbearable. And my other arm—damn! It hurts!
But I didn’t scream. I didn’t make a sound. I felt dizzy, my body aching, but I held my composure—refused to give him what he wanted—my reaction. What was his problem?!
When I reached the bottom, I didn’t move immediately. I heard his voice from above.
“Is she dead? If she stops breathing, throw her out.”
What?!
I quickly looked up at him. “What’s wrong with you?” I asked, carefully sitting down and holding my aching arm. Does he want to kill me?!
Oh. That’s probably why he made me walk so far—to die from exhaustion? That won’t happen. I have high stamina. That’s the only thing I can boast about because I don’t fall easily.
His arrogant face twisted in irritation. But I didn’t get angry. I kept looking up at him, tasting blood in my mouth. My lip must have burst from the impact.
“What a fucking pest you are,” he growled, his eyes glaring into mine. Despite the distance, his rage was palpable.
Maybe this is a curse? I don’t know. I just... can’t die THAT easily.
I smiled, revealing my bloodied teeth, feeling cocky. He smirked back, flashing his perfect set of teeth and a dimple on his right cheek.
“You, people,” he suddenly announced from above. “Rest. From now on, this woman will clean everything, understand?”
Everyone looked at me. Their eyes were wide, but they didn’t say anything. I subtly clenched my jaw. Annoyed, I casually sat down like I had no care in the world. I ran my fingers through my hair and looked back at him. “Do I need to wear those girly uniforms too?” I asked with sarcasm.
“Sure, you can wear whatever you want, woman,” he said as he finally ascended, disappearing from my sight. I didn’t know where he went, but who cares?!
I let out a sigh and instinctively gripped my aching arm again. Emotions I had been holding back broke free. I couldn’t move properly. I couldn’t handle this!
And my other arm...
“M-Miss? Are you okay?” asked a woman who was wiping a vase earlier. She quickly approached me, inspecting my face. She seemed concerned, but her hands trembled. She was more frightened than I was.
Had... Had something been done to her here? Or... is she still being hurt? They all look scared. And I want to get them out of this place. But how? I can’t even lift myself, let alone save them.
“I’m fine,” I said, trying to hold back tears as I forced myself to move and stand. But before I could get up, I heard a voice—a calm, feminine voice—a girl’s voice.
“Oh, my grumpy brother just brought a girl,” she said playfully. She had just closed the large door we entered earlier.
She smiled at me. From her appearance, she seemed about 17 or 16. She wore a simple white T-shirt with a Spongebob design and black jeans paired with doll shoes. She was the only normal-looking person here. “Sorry about that. That’s just how he is. He’s been single for almost 500 years, you know. Lonely.” She giggled.
My eyes widened.
What? 5--what? 500?!
He’s that old?! HE’S THAT OLD?!
“He’s tried to kill me four times,” I snapped, standing up while holding my arm. I’m angry now. I remember what he’s taken from my city—everything. “He destroyed our city—obliterated it.”
Her eyes briefly clouded over. And it was clear, even though she looked like that man earlier—who they say is Nullus—they weren’t the same. Her eyes were normal. And she didn’t seem twisted like her brother.
You know, freaky stuff...
“Just follow what he wants,” she murmured. “That’s all I can advise.” She took my hand gently, placing something in it. “Eat this. Good luck, Stella.” Then she quickly walked away.
I blinked and looked down at my hand. It... was a biscuit?
How did she know my name—
Before I could speak, I looked up again, and she was gone. Even the staff who were cleaning earlier had vanished.
Quietly, I bit into the biscuit. I finished it, and a strange sensation settled in my body. I chose to ignore it, focusing on the cleaning supplies left behind by the others. I began to clean, unsure why I was doing it. I didn’t know if my body had gone numb because the pain from my injuries had lessened—or if that biscuit had something strange in it.
I scanned the mansion, not sure if it was still a mansion or a palace. It was vast, with countless rooms! From here below, I could see how many doors lined the hallways. A massive chandelier hung from the ceiling, and...
I gasped.
The lights weren’t just ordinary lights. They seemed to have fairies flying around the chandelier to illuminate it. Were those fairies?!
Woaaaaah. This place is truly magical...
My gaze continually rose as I cleaned.
Until I didn’t realize the time anymore. I collapsed into a corner of the... mansion? I leaned against the wall, seeing the sun rise. I had cleaned up to the third floor. Yes, only three floors, but it was so expansive! Every corner, every room... locked doors kept appearing. Thankfully, they were locked because counting, there were over a hundred doors here. I kept getting lost because of the numerous twists and turns.
Sweat poured down my face. My hospital gown was soaking wet. I felt uncomfortable in it because it left my back exposed—but who cares? No one’s going to touch me anyway.
And... my eyelids were heavy. My vision blurred, and no matter how hard I tried to keep them open, I was being pulled into a deep sleep. Until eventually, darkness consumed me.
*****