The girl in the cage

Norah scanned the unfamiliar hallway with determination. A part of her wanted to turn back, but curiosity and adventure tugged at her to explore. After all, it was just an empty corridor.

Embracing her adventurous side, she began to navigate the shadowy space, where sunlight barely penetrated the gloom. Every door she tried was locked tight, but unbeknownst to her, a woman watched from the shadows, eyes glinting with malicious intent.

As Norah prepared to leave, the woman unleashed a spell, unlocking a door at the end of the hallway.

The creaking door caught Norah's attention, drawing her in like a moth to a flame. She approached the room, unaware of the danger that awaited her, while the woman behind the curtain smiled triumphantly.

Meanwhile, Jordan was searching for Norah, his worry intensifying as her sweet scent of lemon and posthumous flowers vanished from the hallway. Panic clawed at him until he remembered their bond, and he tapped into it to locate her.

As the bond pulled him toward her, his excitement faded when he realized where she was heading.

“It can’t be!” he thought, rushing toward the forbidden zone of the palace.

Inside, Norah struggled in the darkness, barely able to see her surroundings. As she drew nearer, the sound of sobbing pierced the silence. A girl clad in a sparkling red dress was caged, her face obscured. Norah hurried to unlock the cage.

“Are you okay?” she called out, concern lacing her voice.

The moment she opened the cage, the girl lunged at her, sinking her fangs into Norah's neck and drawing her blood with alarming speed.

Jordan burst in, using his strength to hurl his sister away from the threat; she crashed against the wall, hitting the ground hard. He quickly assessed Norah, recognizing that she had fainted from the shock. Without hesitation, he scooped her up and bolted out of the room.

The witch emerged from her hiding place, a smug smile on her face. “I can’t believe he didn’t sense me; the mate bond has really clouded his judgment.”

Suddenly, a small voice cried out in pain, “Ouch! Why does my back hurt?” She stepped into the room but halted when she felt another presence approaching.

This presence radiated a chilling aura, freezing her in place with fear.

“You thought I wouldn’t sense you, prancing around my palace?” His cold voice sent shivers down her spine. Tears began to flow.

“Your Highness.” Chris entered, looking effortlessly handsome in simple clothes as he focused on the witch.

“Take her to the dungeon,” Jordan commanded, and Chris nodded without question.

Meanwhile, the little girl managed to stand, limping toward them while rubbing her back.

Chris grabbed the witch's hand but paused, captivated by the girl’s slow approach. “Your—”

Before he could finish, Jordan moved in front of the girl, protective instincts flaring. She looked up at him, her big round eyes filled with tears.

“Big brother. My back hurts a lot. What…?” Then a smile broke across her face, crinkling her eyes. She stretched her arms wide. “Am I all better now?”

Jordan stared at her, disbelief washing over him. “Little princess, are you really speaking to me?” He gently placed his hand on her cheek.

The girl looked at me with a perplexed expression but nodded her head cutely. It made him smile as he gently patted her tousled hair. With his energy, he sensed that the curse lingered, indicating she wasn’t fully healed, and its resurgence was still a possibility.

But the question remained: how had she returned to her normal state, and who had the strength to combat the curse?”