Chapter five

Ziaani's POV

Then, I saw her.

She was tall, dressed in a long black gown that cascaded down her body, accentuating her flawless figure. Her dark hair was styled in a loose bun, with a few stray strands framing her heart-shaped face. Her skin was pale, almost luminescent, and her eyes—red as blood—held an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.

She was magnificent. A beauty I couldn't define.

Then, fear set in.

She stood before me, extending her hand for me to take. But I didn't.

Seeing my hesitation, she knelt to my level, her gaze locking onto mine. Her eyes, though eerily red, were unexpectedly soft, filled with an unfamiliar warmth.

She held out her hand again, waiting. When I still didn't take it, she exhaled lightly, standing back up with a small, knowing smile.

What was that? Why do I feel like this? Who is she?

As if reading my thoughts, she finally spoke.

"I am Queen Nikita of Valtoria, the Queen of the Valtorians. And you are?" she asked, her voice smooth and controlled, her lips curling into a slight smile.

I clenched my fists, my body trembling. "You kidnapped me, and now you're asking who I am? Who— actually, what are you? And why am I here?" My voice cracked, my eyes burning with unshed tears.

She tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable. "I think you already know what I am. And as for why you're here, it's because—"

Before she could finish, the doors burst open.

A guard rushed in, breathless. Thank God it was a double door, or it might've been ripped from its hinges.

The queen's expression shifted instantly. The warmth in her face vanished, replaced by cold, sharp anger.

She turned to the guard, and they spoke in a language I had never heard before—one that sent chills down my spine. Their exchange was brief, urgent.

Then, with a single command from her, the guard bowed and left, closing the doors behind them.

And I remained there, still sitting on the floor, utterly confused.