The Absolute Surrender

Chapter 17: Path to Freedom

Noah had lost count of how many times he had gone back and forth to the police station in search of his friend. Days had passed, and there was still no news about Lilian. He refused to accept the possibility that something supernatural had occurred, that she had simply vanished without a trace. Yet, if there was even a sliver of truth to it, it would mean that Lilian was alive somewhere, and that was the outcome he desperately hoped for.

As he walked toward the diner, he noticed the people around him navigating through traffic, accompanied by the cacophony of honking vehicles. Everyone seemed engrossed in their struggles, and Noah was struck by how life continued relentlessly, indifferent to the personal hardships of those around him.

He thought of Lilian, hoping she knew she was not forgotten and that he still believed in the possibility of their reunion.

The sky grew dark, and Noah heard the thunder rumbling above. He cursed himself for not having brought an umbrella. Quickening his pace to avoid getting soaked, he soon found himself caught in a torrential downpour. Seeking shelter, he found a small alcove just in time, standing there motionless as he waited for the rain to subside.

Suddenly, Noah experienced a strange sensation enveloping him. The people in front of him seemed to move in slow motion, and the raindrops froze mid-air. He reached out a finger to touch one of the suspended droplets, releasing a heavy sigh of disbelief and wonder. Impossible. His mind struggled to make sense of this inexplicable phenomenon.

Just then, everything fell eerily silent. A mysterious figure emerged from the shadows, walking toward Noah at a normal pace amidst the stillness. The stranger, clad in a hooded cloak that concealed his face, extended a hand. On the outstretched arm were strange markings that Noah did not recognize, but he felt an irresistible urge to take the man's hand. Acting on impulse, he did as his instincts directed him.

The man smiled, and as their hands clasped, Noah felt his body begin to spin uncontrollably. The sensation was so overwhelming that he found himself screaming in terror.

What is happening? He wanted to scream, but the words were lost in the vortex.

He was pulled through what felt like a vacuum, through some sort of portal that defied all reason. As his mind reached its breaking point, it instinctively shut down, protecting itself from the chaos, leaving Noah in darkness before he could grasp where the mysterious man had taken him.

************

Lilian slept peacefully in her mother's arms until an unfamiliar sensation woke her. It took her a moment to realize where she was. She paused, observing the serene face of Victoria, and sighed deeply. All those years, Victoria had been trapped alone in the dark dungeon Marlin had sentenced her to. If Lilian hadn't been transported to this world and captured by the king, she would never have met her mother. Despite the grim circumstances, she felt a profound gratitude.

Lilian gazed at Victoria, her heart warmed by the revelation of the mystery behind her red hair.

"I got it from you after all..." she whispered, gently brushing a few strands of her mother's hair away from her face. Victoria stirred slightly but remained asleep.

Standing up, Lilian surveyed the prison cell. There was no way they could escape without external help. The thick metal bars would take years to break through, and the massive stone walls were impenetrable. The dungeon, carved into the mountain, was fortified with unyielding rock.

Her attention was drawn to subtle movements in the shadows. She tensed, ready to scream, but as the figure stepped into the light, she recognized him.

Her heart swelled with relief. "Obene..." she whispered.