Lydia
"Did she just smirk?" I couldn't help but ask myself, and unexpectedly, I heard Mia's reply in my head.
"Yes, she did, but it's almost unnoticeable. We have to be careful around her; she doesn't seem like a good person."
I raised my eyes and they locked with hers, but I quickly looked away. Before I could do anything else, she walked towards me with a sweet smile plastered on her face, but deep down, I knew it wasn't genuine.
"You are Lydia, right?" she questioned, and I froze. Her smile deepened as she held both of my hands, and I felt a light electric shock. "Are you surprised that I know your name?" she asked, and I nodded slowly.
She chuckled and let go of my hands. "You seem quite popular in the Obryn camp, always causing trouble every time," she spoke, then almost immediately, her face darkened as she stared at me fiercely.
"While I am still here, you will obey the rules and cause zero problems. I don't tolerate people who act up," she spoke, and I could feel everyone's gaze on me. I now seemed like a troublemaker, which made me angry, but I never showed it.
I swallowed hard and raised my head to look at her. Opening my mouth to speak, she silenced me with a slap.
"When I am talking, don't talk back."
My cheeks burned, and I felt a metallic taste in my mouth. I just stared blankly into space, not knowing what to do next, before I heard her speak again.
"Everyone! Back to work. As for you, Lydia, you will join the other Obryns and wash the dishes for today. Tomorrow, you can continue your normal role."
I nodded, though my heart felt bitter, I really hate it here!
*********
It was already evening, and I was still washing dishes nonstop. The weather was a bit chilly, and since my hands had been in water for so long, I began to feel cold.
From the corner of my eyes, I could see the new kitchen head watching me from time to time, making sure I was doing exactly what she asked me to do.
I couldn't even have lunch because she didn't let me leave, and now I was feeling extremely hungry, cold, and tired.
But one thing was strange. My cheek, which had been burning since she slapped me, was now stinging badly, and I could feel that it was swollen.
When it was getting dark and most of the Obryns were done, I was still washing the last set of dishes.
My eyes became blurry, and I felt a strong headache.
I dropped the plate I was holding and moved back, trying to see clearly, but everything around me became blurry.
Then I heard a familiar voice.
"Lydia... I was looking for you and I was told you were here. Why are you working late?"
The voice belonged to Alisha.
"Alisha..." I murmured.
Her voice immediately became worried.
"Are you alright? You look unwell."
"I-i..."
"Stand back. You are not to interrupt her working," the kitchen head spoke rudely.
Then I heard Alisha's voice.
"Oh... so you're the one responsible for this?"
My vision became darker and darker until I finally lost consciousness.
When I opened my eyes, I was in a completely different realm.
Everything was covered in red, making my heart race faster.
I was scared.
Am I dreaming, or is this reality?
It was the exact place from my dream, the Red Realm.
But so many questions troubled me.
Why was I here, and what was my connection to this place?
I was still lost in thought when I saw the same familiar figure dressed in a red flowing garment.
This time, he already had his bow with him.
Then I heard his chuckle.
"Why are you ignoring my invitation? You belong here, Lydia," he spoke.
I trembled in fear.
Whoever this person was, they didn't seem to have good intentions toward me.
"I don't belong here," I replied angrily.
He chuckled darkly and aimed the arrow at me.
"Well then... enjoy," he spoke and fired the arrow toward me.
Before I could move, it pierced through my chest.
My knee immediately buckled from the pain. It was unbearable.
Blood poured out from the wound, and with every passing second, it felt like the pain kept increasing. I tightened my fist and screamed, my voice echoing through the strange realm.
Then I began to hear faint voices calling my name from afar.
"Lydia!... Lydia!.... You have to wake up!"
Immediately, my body collapsed onto the floor, and everything went black.
I woke up back in the real world.
Mia and Alisha were staring at me worriedly.
"You are finally awake," Mia spoke with a sigh of relief.
Alisha touched my forehead but quickly removed her hand.
"You're burning," she said in shock.
Then she turned to Mia.
"Go get the nurse," she instructed, and Mia immediately left.
"You saved me earlier. Thank you for that," I spoke, and Alisha smiled.
"You seem to get bullied easily. You should leave here immediately. Working in the royal house is far better," she said, and I smiled.
Then she paused as if trying to remember something.
"Oh... I almost forgot. The Queen wants you to start working in the royal house from tomorrow, so prepare your things. I'll come to get you in the morning."
"Things?" I repeated. "Remember, I didn't come here for a reprieve. Apart from my uniform, I don't have anything."
Alisha looked slightly shocked.
"You know what reprieve is? Is your father a scholar or something? How can you know such a word which only those who can afford proper education know?"
I froze at her words.
Then a small smile formed on my lips.
"You underestimate me, Alisha. Do you think I come from a poor family background?" I questioned, watching her carefully so I wouldn't miss any reaction on her face.
She frowned slightly, but then her expression softened into a smile.
"I-I don't know. I'm sorry," she spoke, I could tell she was still surprised.
Of course, I wasn't from a poor background in my past life, but now?
Ugh... I didn't want to think about it.
"The woman who did this to you..." she started and reached toward my face, making me flinch.
It was the place where the new kitchen head had slapped me.
I wanted to touch it, but Alisha stopped me and handed me a small pocket sized mirror instead.
When I looked at my reflection, I was shocked.
The side where she slapped me had turned dark.
She had ruined my beautiful face.
"Oh my goodness, I didn't know it was this bad," I blurted out in frustration.
"Hm... turns out she was the former kitchen head's twin sister, but they aren't identical. From the kind of magic she used, she wanted your face to be completely damaged. If I hadn't arrived on time, the poison would have spread all over your face, and you would have been in great pain."
I watched her explain, and goosebumps spread across my body.
I was shocked.
This world I was in was far more dangerous than I thought.
"This was inside your face," Alisha said.
She removed a small glass container from her pocket and showed it to me.
Inside, I could clearly see a tiny black worm.
"What is that?" I questioned, feeling irritated by the sight.
"It's a black worm known for its destructive nature. Before she slapped you, she had already cast a spell. When your face came into contact with her palm, that's when it entered your face".
Her words left me stunned.
I looked at Alisha, my eyes becoming slightly moist.
She had saved me twice now, and I was truly grateful.
"Thank you so much, Alisha. I really appreciate it," I spoke.
Alisha smiled.
When she was about to reply, the door opened, and Mia stepped inside.
"The nurse is here," she said.
Immediately, someone entered.
Looking closely at the person, my face instantly brightened.
"Ophelia!"