Chapter 3: A Fiancé’s Secrets

The morning sun displayed through the castle windows, giving out a beautiful glow on the cold stone walls. Olivia sat in her chambers, the book from the forbidden library displayed closed on the table before her. Her fingers went through the decorated title, The Chronicles of Olivia Fairmont, as her mind replayed the events of the previous night.

Austin's denial still played in her ears. He had claimed ignorance, trying to dismiss her questions with unclear reassurances. But his unclear behavior—the tension in his voice, the way he refused to meet her eyes—told her there was more to the story. She couldn't forget the memory of the shadowy figure emerging from the library, nor the threatening words Austin had mentioned as they fled.

"You've just woken something that was meant to stay buried."

The golden key now rested on the table beside the book, its faint vibration a constant reminder of the mysteries she had discovered. Olivia's determination hardened. She needed answers, and she would get the answers anywhere and anyhow she could.

A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.

"Come in," she answered.

Paul stepped inside, his big shoulders filling the doorway. He looked as serious as ever, his sharp blue eyes checking the room before finally looking at her.

"Olivia," he said, his voice low. "We need to talk."

She pointed beside her for him to sit, but he remained standing, his arms crossed.

"What were you doing in the forbidden library last night?" he asked.

Olivia's stomach tightened. She had hoped to avoid this conversation, at least with Paul. Unlike Austin, her eldest brother rarely hides words.

"I found a key," she said, keeping her voice steady. "It led me to the library. I didn't mean to break any rules."

Paul's expression darkened. "That place is off-limits for a reason. There are things in this castle you don't understand. It's not safe."

"What aren't you telling me?" Olivia asked, standing to look straight into his eyes. "Why is it so dangerous? What are you all hiding?"

Paul hesitated, his jaw remained firm. Initially, she thought he might tell her the truth. But then he shook his head.

"Stay away from that wing," he said firmly. "For your own good."

He turned to leave, but Olivia wasn't ready to let him go. "Paul," she called after him, her voice still shaking. "Does this have anything to do with me? With why I…" She went short of words, unsure how to phrase her question.

Paul froze in the doorway, his back to her. "Just stay safe, Olivia," he said without turning around. Then he was gone.

Later that day, Olivia found herself in the castle gardens, her thoughts filled with several questions. She couldn't ignore the continuing feeling that Paul's warning had more to do with her than he was willing to admit. And Austin's behavior, everything just seems not to add up.

She decided to confront him again.

Austin was in the stables, brushing down his horse when she found him. The sight of him, so calm and composed, brought a mix of emotions within her. How could someone who had supposedly betrayed her in another life seem so genuine now?

"Austin," she said, stepping inside.

He looked up, his expression softening when he saw her. "Olivia. What brings you here?"

She didn't mince words. "I want the truth."

Austin's hand remained on the horse's mane. "About what?"

"The library. The book. The timelines where I died." She took a step closer, her voice firm. "You know something, don't you? You've been avoiding my questions, but I deserve answers."

Austin sighed, setting the brush aside. "Olivia, it's not as simple as you think."

"Then explain it to me," she shouted. "What's going on? Why does that book exist? Why does it say you killed me?"

His jaw remained firm, and for a moment, she thought he might shut her out again. But then he spoke, his voice low. "I don't know all the answers you seek. But I do know that the book is dangerous. Whatever you read in there, you can't let it control you. The past is the past."

"And what about the future?" she asked further. "Is that why you and Paul were arguing? About 'keeping me alive this time'?"

Austin's eyes widened, his face filled with surprise. "You heard that?"

Olivia crossed her arms. "You're not exactly clever."

He used his hand to re-arrange his hair for calmness, breathing out sharply. "Olivia, listen to me. There are things happening here that may be hard for you to understand. Everything we've done has been to protect you."

"Protect me from what?" she asked. "The truth? Or something worse?"

Before he could answer, the golden key in her pocket began to vibrate again. Olivia's breath seized as the faint vibration went through her hand. She pulled it out, watching as it shone brighter the moment she held it out and the brightness increased continuously.

"What's happening?" she whispered.

Austin's eyes darkened. "It's reacting to something."

The key's glow increased rapidly, and Olivia felt an invisible energy moving inside her. She stumbled back, holding onto it tightly as it pulled her toward the far end of the stables.

"Olivia!" Austin called, reaching for her.

But she was already moving, her feet were moving her toward a wall covered in ivy. The key became hotter in her hand, the vibration turning into a soft, melody sound. She reached out, moving the ivy aside to reveal a small, hidden door.

"What is this?" she asked, looking back at Austin.

His face was a mixture of shock and fear. "Don't open it."

But the key's pull was too strong to resist. Ignoring his warning, Olivia inserted it into the lock. The door opened with a creaking sound, showing a dark passageway that seemed to move endlessly into the shadows.

Austin grabbed her arm. "Olivia, stop You don't know what you're doing."

She pulled free, determination burning in her eyes. "You're right. I don't. But I'm going to find out."

As Olivia walked into the passageway, the door closed with a loud sound immediately she entered, leaving her in total darkness. The golden key's light flashed, and a voice sounded from the shadows: "Welcome back, Olivia."