All I could remember was that I belonged here. I didn’t know how I’d ended up here, but I knew that Theodore saved my life. He explained that a man had kidnapped me, along with Pauline and Channing. The kidnapper tried to drive us out into the open sea to carry out his sinister plans. However, fate led the kidnapper to Theodore’s Island, where Sas and Tauriel, acting under Theodore’s command, rescued us. He welcomed me into his family, alongside several other brothers and sisters.

  My memories from before had become an empty void, lost in the shadows of forgotten trauma. Theodore had revealed that a severe incident had torn those memories away, leaving me with nothing but fragments and whispers of a past life. In the wake of this amnesia, Theodore’s daughter, Aeromonas, embraced me as one of their own, her warmth and kindness a beacon of solace in my confusion. Yet, Luminous remained aloof, his distant demeanor a mystery that eluded my understanding. All I knew was that our union had been ordained, a betrothal meant to cement unity among our people.

  Despite the uncertainty shrouding my past, I found solace in this new life. Here, amidst the embrace of Theodore’s family and the serenity of our community, I no longer craved for the memories that had slipped through my fingers.

  Love and tranquility permeated the air, weaving a tapestry of peace and contentment that enveloped us all. As long as unity prevailed, so did our happiness.

  My sanctuary was the garden, a haven of beauty and serenity that beckoned to me with its vibrant blooms and gentle sunlight. With a tender touch, I reached down to pluck a daisy, the delicate petals brushing against my fingertips.

  Just then Aeromonas appeared, her laughter dancing on the breeze as she stepped on the daisy I had been reaching for, I jerked my hand back, a pang of disappointment washing over me.

  “Hey,” I greeted her with a playful roll of my eyes, “Now you have to find me another one.”

  “Come on,” Aeromonas said with a smirk on her lips, her eyes glinting mischievously. “I want to play a game.”

  I straightened my body, intrigued. “What game is that?”

  “It’s called avenging the betrayal,” she declared, her tone tinged with determination.

  “Okay,” I said, shrugging, “who betrayed you?”

  “Claudine,” she said, and sighed heavily, her gaze darkening with remembered pain. “Remember the marks that were singed into my back when I broke unity?”

  I winced at the memory of her marks, the sight of her healed but still visible scars etched into my mind. “Yeah, that must’ve hurt.”

  Aeromonas clicked her tongue, her expression grim. “Yeah, I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy, not even you.”

  I raised a curious eyebrow, puzzled by her words. What did she mean by that? Suppressing my thoughts, I bit my lip and asked, “What does the game entail?”

  As we began to walk back to the castle, Aeromonas instructed, “Go to Father and ask him to make Claudine a servant.”

  I hesitated, apprehension gnawing at me. “But that would mean ?”

  “Mean what?” Aeromonas snapped, her attitude flaring. “That she is contributing to a very important ceremony. And, you may not remember this, but I do. Over Luminous, she broke unity by slapping you in the face.”

  What? She slapped me? Confusion churned within me as I tried to recall the incident. She’s the one who also gave Aeromonas those scars. Gritting my teeth, I pressed my lips together before relenting, “All right, but why me, though and not you?”

  She rolled her eyes, momentarily avoiding my gaze before a flicker of realization crossed her features. Softening her demeanor, she said in a sweet voice, “You’re father’s favorite, Madeline. Of course he would listen to you.”

  I shrugged nonchalantly, and masked my own uncertainty with a casual tone, “If you think so, I can give it a try.”

  “Good, now go! The choosing is tomorrow,” Aeromonas urged, her excitement evident as she eagerly awaited the outcome of our plan.

  I walked briskly through the corridors of the castle, determination coursing through my veins as I made my way to Theodore’s office. With a deep breath, I smoothed my hands across the fabric of my dress before knocking on his door. His gentle voice granted me entry, and I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

  “Master, might I have a moment?” I asked, my voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in my stomach.

  “Of course, Madeline, what is on your mind?” Theodore replied, his attention momentarily diverted from the paperwork spread out before him.

  As I took a seat, my eyes inadvertently fell upon the documents on his desk. Among them was a check for a staggering amount, along with other inscrutable paperwork. My breath caught in my throat at the sight, but I quickly composed myself.

  “I would like to request something,” I began, steeling myself for Theodore’s response.

  His interest piqued, Theodore looked up from his work, giving me his full attention.

  “Yes?” he prompted, curiosity evident in his gaze.

  “Is it possible to demote someone?” I asked, my voice steady despite the tremor of uncertainty within me.

  “For you, anything, child,” Theodore replied without hesitation, his words carrying a weight of assurance.

  Surprised by his unwavering support, I cleared my throat and continued, “Can we make Claudine a servant?”

  Theodore reached for a check among the papers on his desk, holding it out for me to see. “Do you see the amount?” he asked, his tone grave.

  I nodded, my eyes widening at the staggering figure written on the check: 1,000,000,000. One billion dollars. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks, leaving me momentarily speechless.

  “Her father is one of the primary funders here,” Theodore explained, his voice tinged with resignation. “She was supposed to marry Luminous, but he had other plans. For now, she remains untouchable until he returns in a year to claim her.”

  “But, what if she broke unity?” I pressed, my voice steady despite the uncertainty clouding my thoughts.

  “What are you accusing her of doing?” Theodore’s brow furrowed in concern as he regarded me.

  “She slapped me in the face when she arrived here,” I confessed, the memory still vivid in my mind.

  His expression grew serious. “Who told you that?”

  “Aeromonas,” I replied without hesitation. “She told me Claudine broke unity, just like she did.”

  Theodore cleared his throat and swallowed before reaching for a bell to summon the keepers. As they entered the room, he instructed them to fetch Aeromonas and Luminous.

  Several tense minutes passed before Aeromonas entered, her presence commanding the room. “Father, you requested me?” she inquired, her gaze unwavering.

  “Yes,” Theodore began, his voice strained. “Can Luminous testify to Claudine’s actions?”

  Aeromonas shook her head. “No one saw it except Madaline and me, and she can’t remember. But the warlock could confirm if I’m telling the truth.”

  I interjected, “It would be unjust if Aeromonas faced punishment while Claudine didn’t.”

  “You have a point,” Theodore conceded, wiping the sweat from his brow. His eyes darted back and forth as he deliberated the situation.

  As the door opened once more, Luminous entered, and I found it strangely difficult to meet his gaze. Theodore addressed his son, gesturing for him to take a seat.

  “Son,” Theodore began, “I have just been informed that Claudine broke unity. I seek your counsel, knowing the ramifications it would have on our community if we were to enact such a punishment.”

  Luminous cleared his throat, and I turned to observe the scene unfolding before me. Strangely, I noticed Sabrina standing next to Theodore, as if she’d appeared out of thin air.

  Luminous spoke with a measured tone, “All guests who willingly choose to be here are considered favors. If Claudine broke unity, the consequence is death. However, considering her father’s status as our biggest funder, perhaps demotion to servitude would suffice.”

  “As Madaline first proposed,” Theodore said, acknowledging my suggestion.

  “Madeline,” Luminous corrected his father with a gentle reminder.

  Why is he correcting him? I thought to myself. He’s calling me Madeline, when my name is clearly spelled Madaline. Theodore reminded me.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  “I think,” Sabrina interjected, stepping up behind Luminous and placing her hands on his shoulders, “Madaline’s proposal will serve justice. Claudine struck her face; she deserves to be punished. Although, servitude isn’t such a punishment when the outcome benefits the community.”

  “It is decided then,” Theodore declared with a wave of his hand before taking a drag from his tobacco pipe. “Claudine is demoted to servant. She will be assigned to the pregnancy ward as an offering.”

  As the decision was made, I folded my arms, my gaze meeting Aeromonas’s, and saw that the woman wore a joyous smile. She blew a kiss in my direction before exiting the room.

  I followed her, eager to leave the tense atmosphere behind.

  As I walked down the hall, Luminous passed by me, his voice barely audible as he muttered, “Was that really what you wanted – to pay her back for striking you?”

  Surprised by his sudden engagement, I turned to face him. He’d always been distant, so his question caught me off guard. “Well, she broke unity,” I replied, my tone defensive. “How unfair would it be for the rest of the people here if she faced no consequences?”

  Luminous took a step closer, halting my progress with his presence. My hair brushed against my face as I came to an abrupt stop, his irritation evident in the air between us.

  “I knew a young woman once who told me to let matters like this go – basically, to turn the other cheek,” Luminous continued, his voice tinged with reminiscence.

  “She was obviously a rule breaker,” I remarked, my curiosity piqued by his cryptic words.

  “You’ve got that right,” Luminous agreed, his gaze piercing into mine. “She didn’t care about unity; she hated it. But her heart was always in the right place.” I averted my eyes, feeling a stab of guilt for reasons I couldn’t quite understand. “Now she is gone, and I can’t find her no matter how many times I’ve prayed to her God.”

  I moistened my lips nervously, grappling with the weight of his words before finally asking, “Where do you think she went?”

  “I don’t know,” he replied, his voice mixed with sadness. “Somewhere far within her mind.”

  My heart went out to him, a wave of concern washing over me. His words sounded like something a person in distress would say. Perhaps I should speak to Theodore about calling off the betrothal. We were strangers, and I wasn’t sure if I even wanted to know him. The thought of him being in love with another woman while I was betrothed to him felt unsettling, almost morbid.

  Rubbing my hands together nervously, I glanced down at my dress, pretending to pick at a small ball of lint. I struggled to find the right words to respond to his statement. Finally, I swallowed hard and said, “I’m sorry she’s lost, and I’m sorry if you don’t want this marriage. However, Theodore commanded it. If you wish to persuade him otherwise, you have my approval.”

  With a brusque nod, he muttered under his breath, “Goodbye, Madeline,” before turning to walk away.

  As he departed, I muttered to myself, “It’s Madaline,” clicking my tongue against the roof of my mouth. “It’s completely different ...”

  As Pauline was leaving my chamber, I offered a soft greeting, but she didn’t acknowledge me. Since waking up from my incident, she’d barely spoken to me despite being told we were roommates. If circumstances were different, we might have become good friends. Her aloofness irritated me, to say the least.

  I scratched the back of my neck, feeling the frustration building within me, and began to prepare for tonight’s dinner and the upcoming choosing ceremony. As I removed my makeup tray, my eyes fell upon a bible tucked among the cosmetics. Curiosity piqued, I cautiously picked it up and started flipping through the pages. Suddenly, a rush of air brushed against my cheek, causing me to jump in surprise.

  My heart raced as I quickly closed the book, holding it tightly in my hand. With trembling fingers, I hurried to the bookcase and placed the bible among the others, my mind racing with questions about what had just occurred. I pressed my lips together in wonder before brushing off the strange encounter and returning to my vanity.

  As I resumed my preparations, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease lingering in the air. But I pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the tasks at hand.

  I got ready for dinner and made my way to the dining hall, taking my seat next to Theodore and Luminous. With my back straight and my gaze steady, I observed the room as the keepers served the dinner plates. Claudine caught my attention as she sat with her head in her hands, seemingly lost in her own thoughts. There was something about her demeanor that struck a chord with me, although I couldn’t quite pinpoint why. I turned my focus away from her, feeling a sense of unease creeping over me.

  After dinner, we all gathered in the foyer for the choosing ceremony. Theodore requested me to stand next to Luminous and Aeromonas, and I noticed Claudine standing nearby with Sabrina. The keepers meticulously lined up the servants, and Claudine’s reaction was unexpected.

  A keeper grabbed her by the arm, prompting her eyes to widen in disbelief. She whispered urgently, “This must be a mistake. I’m not a favor or a servant.” Turning to Theodore, she pleaded, “No, no. This isn’t supposed to happen! My father will shred you for this.”

  Despite her protests, the keepers forced her to the front, and she resisted fiercely, scratching and clawing every step of the way. Theodore approached her, his demeanor both firm and compassionate. He grasped her face in his hand and whispered something to her, something that made Claudine suddenly cease her struggles. Her body trembled as she stood there, visibly shaken.

  I heard Luminous sigh before shaking his head in apparent frustration. As the doors opened and people began to flood into the foyer, Luminous walked away. I couldn’t understand his reaction; after all, Claudine had broken unity, and this was her punishment.

  Aeromonas chuckled under her breath and glanced at me, saying, “Well done, favor.”

  “It wasn’t just me,” I responded firmly. “It was you, too.”

  Turning away from her, I followed Luminous, determined to understand why he chose to leave. As the future leader of our community, he needed to be present for these moments. I saw him turn a corner down the hall, and out of curiosity, I picked up my pace and followed him.

  But before I could even reach him, he stopped me dead in my tracks. “Why are you following me?” he spat out, his tone laced with anger.

  I looked up at him, furrowing my brows as I replied with a question of my own, “Why aren’t you staying for the choosing? As the heir, you should be present.”

  He glared at me, stepping forward to loom over me as he seethed, “Why do you care? You’ve forsaken everything that was normal to you.” His gaze held a hint of disgust before he added, “Hypocrisy doesn’t suit you, Favor.”

  Feeling a surge of anger rising within me, I raised my hand and slapped him across the face. He barely reacted, his jaw clenching tightly as he grabbed my arm forcefully.

  With a sudden and unexpected motion, he opened his chamber doors and threw me inside, slamming the door shut behind him. Before I could even process what was happening, he rushed toward me, not giving me a chance to move or question his actions.

  “What are you doing?!” I shouted, pushing him away from me in a futile attempt to defend myself.

  “Come on, Favor, remember,” he said, pressing me against the wall. His anger seemed to consume him as he tore at my clothes.

  With a sense of dread creeping over me, I realized that this situation felt eerily familiar, as if it had happened before. In a moment of shock and realization, I froze as a shot of pain pierced through my head, and memories of a yellow dress being ripped flooded back to me. It was then that I understood — this had indeed happened before.

  Breathing heavily, Luminous stepped away from me, his words ringing in the air like a bitter echo. “Who is there to protect you, now?”

  Tears welled in my eyes as I struggled to steady my voice. “What does that mean?” I asked, my voice trembling with uncertainty.

  “It means exactly what I said,” he replied tersely before turning away and ascending the stairs to his room. He retrieved a shirt from his wardrobe and tossed it toward me. “Here, put it on.”

  I caught the shirt, my mind reeling with confusion. What had just happened? I couldn’t shake the feeling of déjà vu. Memories began to resurface, fragments of a past I couldn’t fully grasp. Luminous had done something similar before, triggering memories that had been lost. But why? What did he want from the old version of me?

  Despite the turmoil within me, I couldn’t help but feel a sudden attraction to him. Perhaps it was because he seemed so alone, isolated in his own world. Did he miss the version of me that existed before the incident? What did that version look like? Was I in love with him, or did I despise him for the things he’d done to me? The answers eluded me, buried deep within the recesses of my fractured memories.

  I grasped the shirt from his hand, feeling a surge of boldness coursing through me. With determination, I began to peel off the ripped dress, dropping it at his feet as his eyes widened in surprise. I discarded the shirt too, standing before him with newfound confidence.

  “What are you doing?” he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

  Drawing closer to him, I felt the magnetic pull between us intensify. “Is this what you miss?” I asked softly, my breath mingling with his. “This is what you desire, right?”

  I sensed a pressure behind me, but in my eagerness, I ignored it. Closing the distance between us, I whispered seductively, “This is what you want, isn’t it?” I reached up to caress his face, feeling his gaze fixated on me.

  His breathing quickened, and I could see the conflict waging within him as he hesitated. But then, with a decisive move, he took my hand in his and brushed his thumb against my lips before capturing them in a passionate kiss.

  As our lips melded together and desire consumed us, he lifted me up and carried me upstairs to his bed. I clung to him, lost in the heat of the moment, eagerly reciprocating his advances.

  But just as I reached to remove his shirt, he suddenly pulled back, his expression clouded with disappointment.

  Out of breath, I murmured his name, my heart pounding in my chest. I reached out to cup his face, drawing closer to him as I tempted him further. “Don’t overthink it, Luminous,” I urged, my voice barely above a whisper. “This is me now. You’re getting everything you wanted.”

  He pulled me onto his lap, our lips meeting once more in a heated embrace. But as the intensity grew, he suddenly pulled away, his expression pained. “I can’t do this – I can’t steal what’s His,” he exclaimed, his voice strained with inner conflict. “This isn’t you. This isn’t what you would want, Madeline.”

  Confusion clouded my thoughts as he rubbed his face and ran his fingers through his hair, his sigh heavy with turmoil. “Get off me, Jezebel,” he muttered, his words cutting through the air like a blade.

  I blinked in disbelief, his rejection stinging like a fresh wound. With a mixture of frustration and hurt, I complied, sliding off his lap and stepping away from him. Without a word, I made my way down the stairs, grabbing the shirt he’d offered and hastily putting it on. I didn’t dare look back, my heart aching with the weight of his dismissal.

  As I stormed past the foyer, I found Theodore, his expression one of surprise as he took in my disheveled appearance.

  Clearing his throat, Theodore said quietly, “Madaline, that is not the dress code.”

  I stood beside him, my tone bitter as I replied, my gaze scanning the room. “I know. You can thank Luminous for my change of attire.”

  His brows furrowed in concern. “What? Did he hurt you?”

  “No,” I replied bitterly. “He’s my fiancé, yet he doesn’t want to be with me, Theodore. I don’t know how to be with someone whose mind isn’t right. He’s talking to things that aren’t there. He completely rejected me.” I shook my head, the pain evident in my voice. “How can he be the heir to this place if he isn’t fully committed to it?”

  Theodore sighed heavily, his expression troubled. “All right, go get ready for bed. I will see what is going on with him.”

  “Thank you, Master. Goodnight,” I murmured, before leaving the crowd and making my way to my chambers.

  But, before I could reach safety, I was suddenly pulled against the stone wall, a hand covering my mouth, and fear gripping my heart. Why does this keep happening? I thought, panic rising within me.

  “Shhh, don’t scream, Madeline,” my night keeper whispered urgently.

  Rolling my eyes, unafraid, I grasped her hand and yanked it away from my face. “Don’t do that to me. What do you want?” I demanded, my tone tinged with annoyance.

  “I found a way to make contact outside of here – now, don’t start screaming with joy. Just find a way to gather the servants and convince them to follow you when I give you the directions,” she explained hurriedly.

  I arched a brow, suspicion gnawing at me. Traitor, I thought to myself. Playing along, I nodded and whispered, “Okay, I’ll wait ...”

  As she walked away, frustration bubbled up inside me. This day had been filled with revelations, one after another.

  It felt as if everything was falling into my lap. I couldn’t help but wonder, what was next?