STELLA
I don’t know why I’m here. I truly have no idea why this is happening. I don’t know what to do because I can’t escape—there are guards outside. Monsters. Yes, monsters. I’m afraid to try anything because I know what will happen if I do.
My father. One of the reasons I joined the military was because of him. Even though he’s feared by many, he deeply loves us—his children. He used to be a soldier like me, and he recently retired with a high rank and numerous connections, both in the Philippines and abroad. He’s a great man, and I know... he’s looking for me.
I remember the time when our neighbor—a drunkard—was hurting his wife. That man lost control, and he punched me in the face.
My father nearly killed him. Yes, my father is terrifying. But when it comes to protecting his family, he never lets go.
I closed my eyes and let out a deep breath. I didn’t want to cry because I didn’t have a reason to. I’m still alive. And I’ll get out of this place alive.
I curled up in the corner where I had slept earlier. I haven’t slept since. My body is tired, yet strangely, the pain from my injuries is beginning to dull. Still, my body feels weary—exhausted.
I heard the door creak open. My eyes snapped open, and he walked in—the man who brought me here. A smug smile spread across his lips as he took in my expression.
"Hey, you know what? Your idiot father is looking for your stupid ass," he said, casually shrugging out of his coat and tossing it onto a large sofa. "He broadcasted it live. Whoever can tell him where you are will receive a hefty reward."
My... father?
He walked toward me and once again crouched in front of me, his psychotic gaze fixed on my face. "What if I killed him?"
My breath caught in my throat.
"One twist, and I could kill him. I just want to see your reaction. You’re stiffer than my mother’s corpse, you know."
I ignored his words. "What exactly do you want from me?" I asked through clenched teeth. I wanted to stand, but I couldn’t because he loomed above me, his long hair draped down beside my face. "Isn’t it enough that you’ve ruined the lives of others—killing people like it means nothing? What—what are your plans?"
"None," he replied simply. "Do I look like the kind of man with plans? Come on, I’m not even husband material." He smirked, standing straight. He took a seat on the couch across from me, watching me with a mocking look. I despised it. I hated him. I hated this place. I hated everything about this man.
Yet, he looked so captivating. Tall, pale-skinned, and undeniably beautiful in a twisted way. He was like a nightmare disguised as a beautiful dream.
I locked eyes with him. "What are you?"
"Just your friendly neighbor next door," he said. Though I felt awkward, I didn’t look away. Maybe staring is his thing, but it’s unnervingly uncomfortable.
As expected, he didn’t answer. Not when his sister didn’t answer either, when I once asked her what exactly her brother is—human? Monster? Demon?
Before I could ask again, a servant suddenly appeared from the doorway. She walked quickly and handed him an envelope.
"Lord Nullus, this is from Lord Jaffa."
"What?!" he exclaimed, snatching the envelope with wide eyes. After briefly scanning the contents, his smile widened into a full, eerie laugh.
The maid seemed terrified, her gaze lowered as she spoke. "Your father summoned you. You need to go."
"He’s going to kill me, right?" he said with a twisted grin. "Centuries have passed since he disowned me, and now he wants to see my handsome face?" He chuckled. "This is going to be fun."
He carelessly threw the envelope and letter aside before standing up and walking up the stairs. "Prepare my bath!" he ordered, disappearing upstairs once more.
I watched him disappear up the staircase. I sat back down, my mind racing. I couldn’t try to escape without a plan. I remembered when I was stationed in Mindanao last year—my first deployment as a rookie. Rebels captured us, but we didn’t try to escape immediately because we couldn’t afford to fail.
We planned everything, and we succeeded.
That’s exactly what I’ll do here. I can’t just run without a plan or backup.
Lost in thought, a servant hurried down the stairs. She was another helper here, and they only appear when needed. I had no idea where they go after work. They prefer to stay silent, not wanting to engage. It was clear they were afraid. I didn’t push further, though, knowing what would happen if Nullus disapproved.
The breathless maid stopped before me. "Miss Stella, we need you upstairs."
"For what?" I asked.
"For his... wife."
What?
I couldn’t sit still. I wanted to strangle the man beside me. I wanted to shoot him repeatedly until he was unrecognizable.
I wore a luxurious gown. It was long, flowing, and black, shimmering slightly in the light. It was beautiful, but I didn’t care.
Fury filled my gaze as I stared at him. We sat in a car, though I had no idea where we were heading. The outside world felt surreal, and I couldn’t simply run away without knowing where to go.
"You wanna shoot me?" he asked, glancing out the window.
"If only I could."
"Duh, nothing’s stopping you." He turned to face me with a smug grin. "But can you? You’re so small—like a Grade 3 kid."
I shot him a glare, and he seemed to enjoy it even more. His smile widened. "You don’t even have any appeal as a woman. You’re literally like a child—like those small kids who eat dog shit because it looks like Nutella..."
In a fit of rage, I pushed him. His head hit the car door, and my hand was around his neck, squeezing. My knee pressed against his chest, and I knew—I could kill him. One snap of his neck, and...
Yet, he just laughed. "You don’t even have a sex appeal—"
"Don’t you dare insult my height, you piece of shit." I spat on his face. I know it’s disgusting, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he kills me now. He simply chuckled softly, brushing my hand away and pushing me roughly.
I winced as my back hit the side of the car. He’s so damn strong.
I turned away, staring out the window, trying to calm myself.
I feel guilty when I hurt people—even criminals. But this man is different. If I could, I’d rip his hair out. But I realize now that killing him over something trivial like that is not worth it.
I still want to see my family.
I froze when I saw where we were headed.
We were approaching the grand gates of a mansion—no, a castle! It loomed against the dark night sky, towering and majestic. This is where we’re going.
It’s beautiful!
"Hey, you’ll lose your head."
I ignored him, mesmerized by the breathtaking castle. This truly feels like something out of a fantasy movie.
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