STELLA
"Hey, you'll lose your head."
I didn't pay him any attention. I simply gazed at the tall and beautiful castle—yes, this is undeniably a castle!
Slowly, I returned to my seat, attempting to calm myself because I wasn't here just for enjoyment.
For a moment, I remained silent. However, when the driver mentioned that we had arrived at our destination, my emotions resurfaced—not excitement, but fear. I was nervous. I didn’t know what we were doing here or why I had to be with him.
Without hesitation, I stepped out of the car. And so did the bastard. Even though he didn’t say anything, I followed him. The gates in front were open, and maids were waiting. A man appeared and guided us inside the castle. Deep down, I felt like a child who wanted to run inside and roll on the polished floor.
If only I could live here... if only things were different.
The world is messed up, and I still hold onto the hope that it might have a chance to become a fairytale—like the stories I read and the shows I watch. I just... I want peace.
But that’s not reality.
As the massive doors opened, I was met with unfamiliar faces giving cold, menacing stares at the man beside me. I knew things weren’t going to end well.
At the far end of the first floor sat a man on what resembled a throne, amplifying my unease.
His hair. It was unnaturally long and straighter than my own sexuality. Like Nullus, he had distinct, otherworldly eyes.
I glanced at Nullus beside me. He was smiling as if this were nothing serious.
"Hello, father," he said. "It's nice to know you still recognize your first son." His tone was arrogant, and I wanted nothing more than to strangle him.
"Everyone knows the world is divided into two, doesn’t it, Isaac?" the man with the long hair asked.
Isaac?
I swallowed hard as his gaze briefly fell on me before returning to his... son.
The entire area was surrounded by thrones, each holding unfamiliar figures dressed in tuxedos and gowns. Magic and mystery filled the air, and I didn’t understand a single thing.
"And what have you done?" the man continued. "You've disrupted the balance of the world."
"And?" Isaac asked, his voice firm and intimidating. "You're angry, father? After centuries of keeping me away from my siblings, this is the question you ask? I gained your attention because I killed hundreds of humans—those insignificant beings." His voice echoed in the room, sending chills down my spine. He sounded like Death itself. I should be running. Running far away from him.
"Enough!" his father bellowed back. "You deserve death, Isaac!" His accent was harsh, every word a firm declaration.
I turned to Isaac, his fists clenched, veins popping. "Calm down," I whispered. I didn’t know why I said it, but he turned to me. From furious to amused in a second, he stared at me for a moment before grinning.
What’s wrong with him?
He faced his father again. "Yeah. I know. Can we leave now? My wife’s tired already."
I’m his what?!
Before I could protest, a large door on the left side of the third throne from the center opened. My eyes widened as a man entered swiftly, approaching us.
He wore his uniform—a soldier returning to serve his country once again. My savior. My best friend and beloved father.
"Papa."
As he moved closer, Isaac grabbed me fiercely, and I swallowed hard. A blade pressed against my neck—it cut into my skin, and I could feel the trickle of blood.
Holy shit. He's going to kill me. This isn’t just a silent threat.
"Move an inch, and I won’t hesitate to kill you again," Isaac whispered fiercely into my ear.
I couldn’t speak. My eyes were locked on my father’s, unable to read his expression, but I knew his rage was palpable.
"I will not give you my permission, Isaac!" my father firmly stated.
"Oh, you have no choice, Mister," Isaac sneered. He pulled me closer by the arm, though it wasn’t painful, I was terrified. I didn’t want to show it. "Your daughter chose to be with me—right, darling?" he suddenly asked.
Even though I hated it, I nodded.
I looked up at my father, trembling. "Papa, we’re leaving."
"Great! So, guys, we’re heading out now, okay?" Isaac said cheerfully. "Save your anger for later, because I’ll do much worse than this," he added, gripping my hand tightly as he dragged me out. He even whistled softly as we left.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my father following us, but I couldn’t hear what his father said to him. I still had no idea where we were—what world I was in, how the world had been divided—none of it made sense.
"Get in, kid," Isaac said as he forced me into the car. He entered after me, and his laughter filled the car like nails on a chalkboard.
I stared at him, seething. "The fuck are you laughing at?"
He turned to me with a devilish grin. "You, moron."
"What?!" I yelled.
He leaned in close to my face, dangerously close. I could reach his neck to strangle him. "Come on, spit on me."
My jaw tightened, and in a fit of rage, I slapped him hard. All my anger poured into that one strike. Yet, his grin widened, blood staining his teeth, and he didn’t flinch.
"Ouch," he said mockingly, leaning back casually.
"Take us to hell now," he ordered the driver.
I knew his ‘hell’ was his home.
"This is the worst," I muttered to myself as I peered out the window. I heard his voice again but chose to ignore it.
"This isn’t the worst yet, darling. You’ll see."
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