Today Duradel is busier than usual. Groups of parents and families have come to pick up their children, taking them away temporarily from this beautiful small town.If only they knew the horrors that shroud Duradel and the real threats lurking over their children, Vero was sure none of those parents would bring their child back here.For those whose families didn’t come to pick them up, the university provided buses that would take them to the nearest city. From there, the students could take public transportation to their respective cities.Vero is one of the few students waiting in line to board the bus.Her heart is pounding hard because of many things.This is the first time she left Duradel after being trapped in this place for several months. She’s not sure of her destination. Although she has often gone to The Queen’s Secret Palace, this time she doesn’t know what awaits her there. One thing was clear: she didn’t come to that place to enjoy its music and booze.The line moves s

Two red-haired people stood with joyful faces. They locked eyes with Vero, who hoped for something to happen right then and there. Perhaps a spark of longing or the overwhelming feeling of meeting a long-lost family member.But... nothing.She only smiled, just like them, without any emotions in her heart.The woman, with curly hair, ran towards her and hugged her tightly. “Oh! My baby, Vivian!”Vero frowned upon hearing the woman call her by another name. Then the man followed suit and, before embracing her, chuckled softly and said, “Your mother gave you the name Vivian before leaving you at the orphanage. But, of course, the nuns who took care of you didn’t know your real name.”Both of them hugged Vero so tightly that it felt suffocating. Not to mention her father’s statement that they intentionally left her at the orphanage, as if it were a joyful event.This was not the heartwarming reunion she had imagined.As her parents released their embrace, a tear welled up in the corner o

Vero struggled and screamed with all her might in her throat. She tried to free herself, but the person was too strong. As the door closed, the person twisted her body and pressed her against the wall, so they stood face to face. “It’s me.” Vero was shocked to find Lev before her. The fear that had consumed her earlier made her unaware that Lev was the one who had dragged her here. Without thinking twice, Vero cupped Lev’s face and kissed him. And it felt so wonderful when Lev returned her kiss. All the longing that had haunted her in the past few days disappeared in an instant, replaced by relief and an indescribable feeling. Lev wrapped his arms around her waist, hugging her tightly until there was no distance between them. In the darkness of the room, their desire increased, and every sense in Vero’s body awakened. Lev’s lips felt moist and pleasurable against hers. When Vero opened her mouth, his tongue slipped in and played skillfully inside her mouth. The scent of his body f

Josh gripped Vero’s arm and dragged her closer to the prison bars so she could see more clearly who was inside.On the floor, lying there with their hands in shackles, were her foster parents. They looked extremely thin and worn out. There was something staining their faces and clothes. It looked like dried blood.Vero gasped. Her mouth opened wide, and she felt a tightness in her chest. She struggled to breathe, her throat constricted.“W-what did you do to them?” She was too shocked to scream hysterically. Her legs went weak, and Josh’s grip was the only thing keeping her upright.Now she understood why she couldn’t reach them all this time.Her shock and fear quickly turned into anger. She jerked her hand away from Josh and attempted to attack Etana, but Josh held her back. This time, he hugged Vero from behind, holding her tightly so she couldn’t move. Etana stood still in her place.“You bitch!” Vero screamed. “You will pay for this!”Etana took a close walk to her. The torchligh

“Me? Who?” Vero asked.Ms. Caroline looked at her expressionlessly. Her hands were clasped in front of her stomach as she lifted her chin. “Just follow me.”Vero turned towards Crystal Creek, searching for Josh’s presence. Josh would definitely look for her if she suddenly disappeared. Should she go in first and tell Josh?“He doesn’t like to wait. So I hope you can be quick,” said Ms. Caroline, sounding impatient.Vero sighed and nodded. “Alright.” She would tell Josh where she was going later.Initially, Vero thought Ms. Caroline would take her to Dormitory Building B, but Ms. Caroline kept walking along the path by Caravons Depth.“Where are we going?” Vero asked.“You’ll find out soon enough.”Vero glanced at the lake and remembered the holy water that Etana had given her. She wouldn’t put that liquid into the lake. Instead, she would inform Lev about Etana’s plan to ignite a war.Vero’s distracted attention made her unaware that Ms. Caroline was leading her to Noblebranch. At the