Into the Unknown

Reign's consciousness returned in fragments, her entire body throbbing with a dull ache. Every joint and muscle protested as she shifted slightly, trying to make sense of her surroundings. Darkness enveloped her completely, thick and oppressive, as though she had been swallowed by the abyss itself.

Instinctively, she stretched her arms outward, seeking something—anything—that might support her. Her hand collided with something solid, and the muffled sound of a startled yelp cut through the silence. Reign froze, her breath hitching. The voice was unmistakable.

"I... Ivy?" she whispered, her voice a little shaky.

A tense silence hung in the air before a rustling sound confirmed her suspicions. Her cousin was close, but not close enough for comfort. Reign's hands flailed through the void until they found the familiar shape of Ivy's arm. Relief surged through her, though it was short-lived.

"Ivy, are you okay?" Reign asked, her voice thick with concern.

Her kindness was met with an abrupt shove, nearly sending her sprawling back. The gesture was cold, brimming with resentment. Before she could react, Ivy's voice lashed out like a whip, each word dripping venom.

"This is all your fault!" Ivy spat, her tone sharp enough to wound.

Reign flinched, recoiling as though struck. "Ivy, please. I didn't—"

"You didn't what?" Ivy interrupted, her voice rising. "You didn't think what would happen because of your stupid naivety? It was only one night but you couldn't do it. You've ruined us, Reign. Ruined my family. My father. My mother. Me! I. Hate. You."

The darkness did nothing to shield Reign from the cruelty of her cousin. Ivy's fists found her arms, her shoulders, her ribs, each blow a physical manifestation of her anguish and fury. Reign cowered, curling into herself as she absorbed the pain, both physical and emotional. She made no effort to fight back, her mind consumed by guilt.

Through the haze of blows, memories surfaced taunting her. The scene replayed vividly in her mind, how the imposing figure of Mr. Vale towered over her uncle, before his cold voice echoed.

"I'll take your beloved daughter with me until you've returned every single cent you owe," he had declared, choking her uncle mercilessly. Then still holding him, he turned his gaze to Reign, and added with a cruel smile, "And your niece too. Since you don't have any use for her, I don't mind adopting."

The memory sent a shiver down her spine. His eyes, as piercing as they were unforgiving, had left an indelible mark on her. There had been no mercy in them, only calculation and pure indifference, as if nothing could shake him. He wasn't just a man, but an unstoppable force, a storm that had swept away their lives without a second thought. Just one night, and everything was over. Who knows what he would do to them? She trembled countless thoughts flooding her mind unceasing.

Ivy's blows subsided gradually, her breathing ragged from exertion. She fell back to the ground, low whimpers escaping her mouth.

Reign remained in her corner, her body trembling, her mind churning with guilt. She couldn't speak, couldn't explain, couldn't defend herself. What was there to say? That she didn't know anything? That she was also a victim? Reign bit her lip hard trying to force those thoughts away.

Eventually, the tension in the room dissolved. The silence was deafening, broken only by Ivy's shallow breaths that also died eventually.

Reign dared not move, her body aching and her spirit fractured. At some point, the torment of her thoughts pulled her into a restless sleep and she unconsciously gave in.

***

Reign woke to the sensation of a hand shaking her shoulder lightly. A voice, soft but insistent, called out, "Miss. Miss."

Reign's eyes fluttered open, her vision blurred from sleep and tears. A middle-aged woman knelt before her, her expression a mix of kindness and caution. The faint light from a distant source illuminated her features, and the room they were in.

"Miss," the woman repeated, half-smiling. "Are you alright?"

Reign blinked, disoriented. Seeing the stranger, she became alert and kept silent, putting her thoughts tigehter.

Her mind raced as she recalled, one by one, the events that had led her here. Darkness. Ivy. The frightening man.Panic surged through her as she glanced around, searching for her cousin, but she was nowhere to be seen.

"Where's I... Ivy?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. Fear tightened around her chest, and her breathing became harsh. "Where's my... cousin?"

The woman placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "The young miss who came with you is fine. She has been taken to the Third Prince's quarters."

Reign's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't move away under the strange touch. But something else snapped in her head. "Third Prince?" she echoed, the word foreign on her tongue.

The woman nodded. "Prince Kingsley Vale," she said simply, as though the name alone should suffice.

The revelation struck Reign. Her legs threatened to give way beneath her as questions flooded her mind. Mr. Vale? A prince? What kingdom? What was this place? Her thoughts spiraled, each question more disorienting than the last.

The woman, noticing her turmoil, gently guided her to her feet. "Don't worry, miss. You're safe here."

Safe. The word felt hollow, a poor shield against the fear raging within her. Reign's voice wavered as she finally found the courage to ask, "What country is this?"

"Country D," the woman replied without hesitation.

The truth landed heavily on Reign, solidifying the dread that had been gnawing at her. They had been flown across countries, and taken to this foreign Aristocratic Country.

The woman's presence remained steady, a calm amidst the chaos. She offered Reign a small, reassuring smile before motioning for her to follow. "Come with me, miss."

Reign hesitated, her legs trembling beneath her. She gazed at the lady with conflicted feelings: fear, confusion, guilt. She had no choice but to follow, each step reluctant, as if she knew the place she had been subjected into, would be anything but peaceful.