There has to be a way out

Nana lay awake all night, staring at the ceiling. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't sleep. Her body felt heavy, her head ached, but every time she closed her eyes, she saw him—the man who looked like Keir but wasn't. And then there was Keir himself, his eyes glowing red, his power shaking the ground.

She sat up with a deep sigh, rubbing her arms. The room was quiet, too quiet. She glanced at the door, knowing there was no point in trying again. She had already tried to leave, but the invisible force Keir placed around the room wouldn't let her. The first time, she walked straight into it and was thrown back onto the floor. The second time, she tried pushing against it, but it was like pressing against a solid wall.

Now, she was stuck.

Morning light poured through the small window, but it didn't make her feel any better. Her body was tired, but her mind wouldn't stop running. What was she supposed to do now? Would Keir just leave her here? Would he even let her out?

Her stomach growled loudly, making her wrap her arms around her belly. She hadn't eaten since yesterday, and hunger was starting to creep in. She pressed her forehead against her knees.

How long would this last? And what was Keir planning to do with her?

The guard approached her door, balancing a tray of food in one hand. With a bored expression, he reached for the handle, but the moment he stepped forward, an invisible force sent him flying backward. The tray clattered to the ground, food spilling everywhere.

Cursing under his breath, the guard pushed himself up, rubbing his arm where he had hit the floor. He glared at the door. "Damn it," he muttered.

Nana, hearing the commotion, got up and hurried to the door. She tried to peek outside, but of course, the barrier was still there.

"What did you do?" the guard snapped, dusting off his uniform.

Nana blinked, confused. "I—I didn't do anything."

The guard scowled. "Tch. Of course, you didn't." He turned away, grumbling. "Guess I'll have to inform the master."

Nana swallowed hard. Would Keir finally come back? Or was she going to be stuck in here forever?

The guard returned not long after, leaning against the doorframe with a smirk on his face. His arms were crossed as he stared at Nana like she was some sort of joke.

"Well, well," he drawled. "I told the master, and guess what? He said you'll be staying in here for a whole year."

Nana's stomach dropped. "A year?" she whispered.

"That's right." He chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "No stepping out, no fresh air, just you and these four walls." He tapped the barrier with his knuckle, and it shimmered slightly before going still again. "Better get comfortable, little one."

Nana clenched her fists. "Why is he doing this?"

The guard shrugged. "Who knows? Maybe he just likes keeping pets."

She wanted to scream, but what good would that do? She was truly trapped.

Nana sat on the cold floor, hugging her knees as the guard's footsteps faded down the hall. His words echoed in her mind. A whole year.

Her eyes drifted to the invisible barrier. She pressed her palm against it, but it was solid, unbreakable. No matter how much she pushed, it wouldn't budge.

Then, her thoughts wandered to the man from last night—the one who looked like Keir but wasn't quite him. His voice played over and over in her head. Keir spared you because he wants to do something worse.

She shivered. Could that be true?

Her heart pounded as she considered the impossible. What if I escape?

But how? Keir was powerful. If she tried and failed, he would never let her out again.

Still, the idea wouldn't leave her mind. Maybe that man could help. Maybe there was a way out of this nightmare.

Nana sighed and stood up, pacing the room. Her body felt heavy from exhaustion, but her mind wouldn't rest. She needed air. Maybe if she looked outside, she could think clearer.

She walked to the window and reached for the balcony railing, but the moment her fingers stretched out, an invisible force stopped her. It wasn't painful, but it was firm—like a wall of thick glass blocking her path.

Frustration bubbled inside her. She pressed both hands against it, pushing with all her strength, but it was useless. She was trapped.

Her chest tightened as the truth sank in. Keir wasn't just keeping her locked in a room—he was making sure she had no way of escape.

Her fists clenched. There has to be a way out.