THE TIME IS UP

BLOOD.

Gypsy was surprised when she coughed up blood. She was in the middle of dancing with Yvo when she was forced to stop because of the sudden lump in her throat. And when she coughed, she actually coughed up blood.

Worse, her blood got on Yvo's expensive suit.

"I'm sorry, Yvo," Gypsy said weakly. "Your clothes…"

"It's not important, Noonim," Yvo said, obviously annoyed. Then he pulled out his handkerchief from the pocket of his pants, then he wiped the blood off of her mouth. "What's wrong? The emperor and the First Prince didn't make you drink something weird, did they?"

"No, I don't think so. I just had some normal tea," she said, trying to catch her breath because her chest suddenly tightened painfully. "I think I know what it is…"

"What is it then?"

She put a hand over her chest. "Lady Yvette's Mana Core is disappearing."

It was something natural for her.