The unexpected news of John being asleep left my mind in a state of disarray for days. The mere thought that John was not dead but trapped in an unexplained and unending sleep consumed my every waking moment. It robbed me of sleep, appetite, and the ability to concentrate in class. The weight of responsibility pressed down on me as I grappled with the knowledge that the only thing keeping John in his slumber was the sword that Luciano demanded I deliver to him.
While I wrestled with this dilemma, I couldn't help but notice the contrast between my own internal turmoil and the apparent bliss of Luciano and Nina's budding romance. To Nina, Luciano appeared to be the embodiment of her deepest desires, yet unknown to her, he was actually her deepest fear.
“ Luciano, please concentrate. The b
