Lyra's pov:
I yawned as I sat up, stretching slightly before getting off the bed.
The morning felt quiet. Too quiet.
I went to freshen up, splashing cold water on my face until I felt a little more awake. After getting ready, I returned to my room and glanced at the clock.
7:00 AM.
Two more hours before college.
I let out a small sigh and dropped onto my bed again, the mattress dipping under my weight. For a moment, I just lay there, staring at nothing in particular.
Then I reached for a book beside me.
Anything to pass time.
I opened it and started reading, letting the words pull me in. It worked—for a while.
After some time, I closed the book and pushed it away.
My eyes drifted to the ceiling.
And just like always… my thoughts followed.
Who am I, really…?
The question came quietly.
Where are my parents?
I swallowed slightly.
Why did they leave me?
Was it a choice?
Or… did something happen?
I didn't know which one was worse.
I let out a slow breath, my chest tightening just a little.
"Ahh…"
The sound escaped without meaning to.
"I just want answers…"
My voice was barely above a whisper.
I kept staring at the ceiling, as if it might respond.
As if someone might finally answer.
"I wish something would happen…"
A small pause.
"A miracle… something big enough to change everything."
I closed my eyes for a moment.
"God… just do something."
Silence.
And then—
A faint crack.
Right beneath me.
My eyes snapped open.
"…What?"
The sound came again.
Louder.
The bed shifted slightly under my weight.
My heart skipped.
And then—
The ground gave way.
And we all know what happened next.
_________
***Present***
"King Lucian Blackfrost… Lord Lucian Blackfrost…"
The names echoed across the hall as everyone bowed their heads. I stood there, completely still, watching him walk down the aisle like he owned not just the place—but the air itself. Which, honestly? He probably did.
He reached the throne and sat down, calm and effortless, like this was routine. Like this was his world.
And I was just someone who'd accidentally dropped into it.
I looked around slowly. Everything was too detailed. Too real. The people, the silence, the way everyone behaved—this didn't feel like acting. Still, my brain refused to accept it.
"Well," I said, clapping my hands lightly with an awkward smile, "if the act is over, I'll just leave."
I gave a small wave, turned around, and started walking.
Good decision. Leave the crazy place with crazy people. Perfect.
I didn't get far.
Something wrapped around me—invisible, tight, like threads pulling against my body. My steps stopped. My arms wouldn't move.
"What—?"
Before I could react, I was pulled back.
I turned sharply, my body moving without permission. And then I saw him.
Still on the throne. One hand slightly raised. His fingers moved slowly, like he was holding something invisible. Like he was controlling it.
Me.
I looked down at myself. No ropes. No chains. But I couldn't move. My body followed every slight movement of his fingers.
This is not normal. This is definitely not normal. Is this a dream?
"It's real."
I froze. My head snapped up.
He was looking at me. Directly.
Did I say that out loud…?
"What is happening here? Leave me!" I struggled against whatever was holding me. It didn't help. Not even a little.
"What was your name?"
His voice echoed across the hall. Not loud. But it reached everywhere. Like it didn't need volume to be heard.
"Lyra…" I said automatically, then swallowed. "Lyra Vega."
I tried again, forcing a smile that didn't feel natural at all. "Okay… let's talk like normal people, alright?" I glanced at the invisible restraint. "This string thing… we don't really need it." A nervous laugh escaped me. "What do you say, Mr. Lord…?"
Bad choice.
His fingers moved. Just slightly.
And suddenly—I was in front of him. Too close.
My breath caught. His face was right there, closer than it should have been. Close enough that I could actually see him.
Cold. That was the first thing. Not just his expression. Not just his presence. Something about him felt distant. Like he didn't belong to anything warm.
His eyes stayed on me. Unmoving.
Then—"Martin," he said calmly, "speak the truth."
The man from before stepped forward. Martin. He looked nothing like earlier. No confidence. No pride. Just tension.
"My lord…" He swallowed. "I don't know." His voice trembled slightly. "The elders ordered me to summon the girl from your castle. I only followed their instructions."
Summon? Girl? Castle?
Before I could process that, the elders stood up. This time, they didn't lower their heads. They looked directly at Lucian—calm, firm, unafraid.
"As per our traditions," one of them spoke, "if a woman is found within your domain…" He paused. "You must take responsibility."
I blinked slowly. "...Meaning?"
"You should marry her."
Silence.
My brain stopped. Completely.
"...Eh?"
No, wait. Not just eh.
"EHHHH???"