After what felt like an eternity of unconsciousness, I slowly began to feel the hard, cold ground beneath my back. A dull ache pulsed through my limbs. My eyes fluttered open, greeted not by light—but by thick, suffocating darkness.
Yet, in the corner of my vision, a soft ray of light pierced through the blackness.
With trembling hands, I pushed myself upright. The air was heavy, cold, and still. My breath fogged slightly as I exhaled. Step by step, I followed the light, my bare feet scraping against the rough, stone-like floor beneath me. The light guided me to a door—cracked slightly open, just enough to let the glow spill through.
I reached out and gently pushed it open.
The scene before me stole my breath.
A vibrant, bustling marketplace stretched out under the bright embrace of daylight. Stalls lined the cobbled streets, bursting with fruits, cloth, and trinkets. People moved about, laughing, bartering, chatting as sunlight bathed everything in gold. It looked… familiar.
Then it hit me.
This was the same place Ciel had taken me to for the festival.
Except… it wasn't night. There were no lanterns, no music, no decorations. Just a peaceful, warm market on a sunny day.
Confusion bloomed in my chest.
How did I get here?
Wasn't I drowning? Didn't I die?
And what was that dark room I just came out of?
I turned around quickly to glance at the door I'd stepped through—but it was gone.
Completely vanished.
My heart raced. Panic scratched at my throat as I searched the wall, the ground—anything—for a trace of it. But it was like the door had never existed. I stared at the spot for a few moments longer before finally forcing myself to breathe.
"Okay… okay," I muttered. "Just ask for help. Find someone."
I spotted a woman tending to a fruit stall and hurried toward her, heart pounding in my chest.
"Um, good afternoon. Please… do you know the way to the castle?" I asked.
She didn't look up. Didn't even flinch.
"Ma'am?" I tried again, louder. "Please, I need some directions."
Still nothing.
She continued calmly arranging apples in a neat little pile like I wasn't even there.
Frustration surged in me. I stepped closer and tapped her shoulder—but my hand passed straight through her.
My heart dropped.
I stared at my hand in horror and tried again, pressing my palm to her back. It passed through—like I was made of smoke. Like I wasn't real.
"What's happening…?" I whispered. My voice cracked with panic.
I stumbled backward, then ran from stall to stall. I tried to grab fruit, touch tables, brush against people—but I couldn't. I couldn't hold anything. I couldn't touch anyone.
It was like I was… a ghost.
"No, no, no—what is this?" I gasped.
My panic reached a fever pitch.
Then suddenly—I heard it.
The thunder of hooves.
I turned, eyes wide, and saw a carriage barreling down the cobbled road, straight toward me. My legs locked in place. The world slowed. I couldn't move.
The horses galloped faster. The carriage loomed larger.
I threw my arms up and screamed, bracing for the impact.
But it never came.
The carriage passed through me, like mist through morning air, and came to a calm stop on the side of the road. I stood frozen, chest heaving, confusion tightening around me like a noose.
I lowered my arms and looked down at my unscathed body. No pain. No blood. I was still whole—but nothing made sense.
Then I heard the carriage door open.
I looked up—and saw Ciel stepping out.
Relief flooded my chest, washing away the terror.
"Ciel!" I cried out, my voice filled with hope.
I ran toward him.
But then… he turned.
He opened the other side of the carriage, reached out—and helped someone down.
A woman.
She stepped out gracefully, smiling up at him. Her features caught the light.
My body went cold.
It was me.
That woman… was me.
The same face. The same hair. The same eyes.
"What…?" I whispered, stumbling back. "No. That can't be—what's going on?"
Panic surged again, this time sharper, heavier. My heart pounded as I stared at the version of me laughing softly beside Ciel, her hand still in his.
What no this can't be real I thought as I watched them together, while panic and confusion filled my chest.
Ciel's POV
"Have you found anything yet?" I asked, voice cold but cracking slightly at the edges.
The demons I had sent out for patrol stood before me, heads bowed low.
"No, Your Majesty," one replied, avoiding my gaze. "We haven't found a trace of Her Majesty."
Silence.
I leaned back in my chair, the weight of their answer pressing down on me like stone. Still no trace of Clara.
My jaw clenched.
No… I have to look for her again.
She's most likely hurt—alone—maybe even in danger.
And yet… deep down, I knew I probably wouldn't find her. Not without help.
Lucien's wings still needed one more day to heal. He couldn't fly, not yet. And I couldn't risk sending him in that state. But there had to be something. A clue. A trail. Anything.
"You may leave," I said, voice tight. "Keep trying to find her."
The patrol demons bowed again before vanishing from the room.
As the doors closed behind them, I dropped my head into my hands.
"Serena…" I whispered, her name trembling from my lips.
I missed her.
Pain and desperation welled up in my chest like a dam about to burst.
"I just want you back," I whispered to no one.
The silence of the throne room mocked me. Every tick of the ancient clock on the wall felt louder.
I had just gotten her back—after everything. And now… now I'd lost her again.
My vision blurred with frustration. Fear gnawed at my mind. Loneliness crawled in, wrapping itself around my ribcage like a vice.
Then—
Bang!
The doors burst open.
My head snapped up. I stood upright immediately, my body tense.
Jason stormed into the room, panting, his shirt clinging to his skin with sweat. His eyes were wild with urgency, but shining with something else—hope.
"What is it?" I demanded, stepping forward.
Jason doubled over for a second, catching his breath. Then he straightened, his expression victorious.
"I found them, Your Majesty," he said.
A grin tugged at his lips. "I found the spy."