Chapter 1: A New Beginning

The sun bathed the university grounds in its golden glow as Melinoe Karma stood among a sea of black robes and green sashes. The air buzzed with excitement, laughter, and teary-eyed embraces, but she remained composed, offering polite smiles and soft nods to those who greeted her. Today marked the end of her academic journey—a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree finally in her grasp.She had chosen to attend her graduation alone. It wasn't due to loneliness or lack of love; her family adored her, but circumstances had pulled them elsewhere. Her parents, both devoted doctors, were in France for a medical volunteer program. Her eldest brother, a brilliant neurosurgeon, was caught up in a demanding schedule, while her second brother, a renowned model and clothing designer, had an important fashion event. They all showered her with congratulations through video calls, but deep down, she felt a pang of emptiness.After the ceremony, she found a quiet bench at the train station, waiting for the last trip home. She had just ended a call with her family, their warm voices still lingering in her mind, when a shadow loomed over her."Melinoe," a deep voice called, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine.She turned, instantly recognizing the man who had tormented her for years—Christian. His dark eyes were filled with something between longing and madness. They had once been classmates, friends even, until his obsession spiraled out of control. He had confessed his love repeatedly, and each time she had rejected him, his obsession only grew more twisted.Melinoe took a cautious step back. "Christian, what are you doing here?""I just wanted to talk," he said, his smile forced and unsettling. "You always run away from me."Her fingers curled into fists. "Because you don't understand boundaries. I've told you before—I don't like you that way. Please leave me alone."Christian's face darkened, his jaw clenching. "No... you belong to me. They all say you're kind, beautiful, perfect—but I know the truth. You're a whore, aren't you? All those men trying to get close to you—you're just playing innocent!"Melinoe's breath hitched. This wasn't just jealousy—it was delusion."Christian, you're sick. You need help."His eyes twitched. "If I can't have you... they can't either."Before she could react, his hands shoved her backward. The world tilted as she stumbled, the sound of an approaching train roaring in her ears. Fear slammed into her chest—this was it.But just as the metal beast was about to claim her, everything stopped.The train, the wind, the very air—frozen in time. Melinoe could still move, still see, still feel.A deep, ethereal voice echoed around her. "You don't deserve to just be gone like this. You deserve something else. I hope you live well, child."A blinding light engulfed her, swallowing her whole.____Melinoe gasped, her body jolting upright.She was no longer in the train station.Towering trees surrounded her, their trunks as thick as buildings. The air smelled crisp, fresh, and untouched by pollution. Birds of unfamiliar colors fluttered between branches, and the ground beneath her hands was covered in thick, lush grass.Her heartbeat pounded in her ears as she slowly stood, eyes scanning the endless stretch of greenery."Where the f*ck am I?"