Lenora’s POV
I feel completely broken as I watch Asher’s hurt expression disappear from view. My body shivers violently; I’m soaked to the bone, flying through the sky in a small cage. Coldness has seeped into my bones since the moment I left his arms.
I still can’t remember being Lenora. I don’t remember anything from before I woke up in this hellish place. But my soul knows the truth. The connection and attraction I felt the moment I first laid eyes on Asher—it’s undeniable. The identical marks on our bodies can’t be a coincidence.
Even meeting my parents, whom I don’t remember, I felt the bond when I was near them. My mother is practically my mirror image. She seemed so powerful, especially when she slowed down time to give me more moments with Asher. What kind of magic can do that? I never thought such a thing was possible.
I glance at the warm glow of the ring on my finger. Asher said I created this ring. But how? I don’t have any magic—at least, not anymore. If he said I did, I believe him, but the real question is, how was it taken from me? And why?
I need to figure out what to do—and fast. I can’t bear being away from Asher, especially now that I know who he is to me.
I close my eyes and allow a wide smile to spread across my face. I can’t believe I’m his soulmate! The thought is thrilling, when I open my eyes again, I’m reminded of the harsh reality. I’m still in a cage. But knowing that it’s only temporary, knowing that I have people who truly care about me, gives me strength.
I will take back what is mine. Draco won’t get away with what he’s done to me.
As the cage touches down, Marley shifts back to her human form and moves it. I can’t help the goofy grin plastered on my face. She glances at me, surprised, but then smiles warmly. “Happiness looks good on you, my lady.”
My cheeks flush at her words. We make our way toward the den. With every step, goosebumps rise on my arms, tightening like a grip around my chest. When we enter the castle, silence greets us. No loud footsteps, no suffocating presence.
Good. I hope I don’t see him before I leave this place for good.
Inside my room, Marley tells me she’ll bring me some tea. I nod, eager for the warmth. When she returns, she sets the kettle and cup on my bedside table. I thank her as she exits, leaving me alone in the quiet of my thoughts.
Normally, I’d welcome the solitude with a book, but today is different. I need information. I need answers, even if it puts me in the path of Draco’s wrath.
Picking up the kettle and cup, I open my door and walk briskly toward Draco’s chambers. The guards at his door watch me with suspicion. “The king is not here, Lady Lorena.”
I give them an innocent smile. “I know, boys. I plan to surprise him.” I lift the teapot high enough for them to sniff. They don’t trust me—no one here does. They all know I loathe Draco, but they also believe I’m just a powerless human. Harmless.
After a moment, they open the door, and I step inside.
The sight of his room fills me with revulsion. The memories from this place… I shudder as my eyes fall on the bed. The black and gold decor only makes it worse, filling the air with an eerie, oppressive weight.
I don’t have much time. Setting the tea on his nightstand, I begin searching, quiet as a shadow. After rummaging through drawers and shelves with no luck, I kneel to scan the floor. That’s when I see it—a faint light beneath the floorboards. My ring tingles on my finger. Slow down, slow down, slow down, I chant in my mind.
The blanket above me seems to float in slow motion, falling like a feather. Perfect.
I carefully lift the edge of the floorboard and see a small wooden box. The light is coming from inside. I pry it open, revealing a few items. The first is a note, scribbled with different variations of my name:
Lenora… Laenor… Lorane… Laeron… Lorena…
A blue circle surrounds “Lenora,” and a red one around “Lorena.” Just touching the paper sends a chill through me. There’s a strange energy clinging to it.
Setting it aside, I pull out a small black bag with gold chains. It’s beautiful but far too similar to the designs in this room. As I hold it, the bag changes, turning into a small purple pouch with white lace. I stare in shock. How did it just do that?
Next, I find three pieces of jewelry. The first is a glowing amethyst pendant—the source of the light. It’s breathtaking. Then there’s a golden bracelet adorned with gorgeous gems. The last piece, though, sends a jolt through me: a black diamond set in a golden ring. It hums with powerful energy, and I feel deeply connected to it.
Finally, there’s an envelope with something solid inside. But before I can open it, the slow creaking of the door handle catches my attention. My heart races. s**t, he’s here.
Freeze, freeze, freeze, I think, rubbing my ring in desperation. The handle stops mid-turn. I exhale shakily. Thank the gods.
Not knowing how long the freeze will last, I quickly grab the items and stuff them into the bag. After replacing the floorboard and arranging the blanket to look undisturbed, I hold the bag in my hand and concentrate.
Turn invisible and go to my room. I beg silently. The bag vanishes from my grip. I hope it went to my room.
I stand, making sure everything looks as it was when I entered. I’m ready. Taking a seat on the bed, I wait for time to resume.