Immortal Love

12

The tranquility of their morning was shattered by an urgent knock at the door. Engfa and Charlotte exchanged a worried glance before Engfa went to answer it. Standing there was a familiar face, one of their allies, his expression grim.

"Engfa, Charlotte," he said hurriedly. "Your father... he's demanding you return to his mansion immediately. He says it's a matter of importance."

Engfa felt a chill run down her spine. She had known this confrontation was inevitable, but the suddenness still took her by surprise. "I'll go," she said, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her insides.

"I will accompany you," Charlotte insisted, but Engfa shook her head.

"It's too dangerous," Engfa said, her eyes pleading. "If things go wrong, I need to know you're safe."

Charlotte's expression hardened. "No, Engfa. We face this together. I'm not letting you go alone."

Engfa took a deep breath, seeing the unwavering determination in Charlotte's eyes. "Fine."

The journey to the mansion was tense. And as they arrived, they were met by guards who led them through the grand halls to her father's study. The opulence of the mansion, once familiar, now felt cold and suffocating.

Engfa's father stood as they entered, his presence commanding and his eyes filled with a mixture of anger and concern. "Engfa," he said, his voice echoing through the room. "We need to talk."

"What is it, Father?" Engfa asked, her voice hesitant.

"I've summoned you here because this cannot continue," he began, his gaze flickering to Charlotte with barely concealed disdain. "You are my daughter, and I will not see you throw your life away for a fleeting human attachment."

Engfa sighed, stepping protectively in front of Charlotte. "Father, this is not a 'fleeting human attachment.' Charlotte is everything to me."

Her father’s eyes hardened. "You really don't understand the consequences of your actions. Our kind cannot afford such... distractions."

Engfa clenched her fists, struggling to keep her composure. "Father, this is the best for me. Don't you see it? Charlotte is the best for me."

Her father's face twisted with anger and frustration. "You are blinded by your emotions, Engfa. I am trying to protect you!"

Without warning, he signaled to the guards. "Take her to her room," he ordered, his voice cold and unyielding. "She needs time to see reason."

The guards moved forward, and before Engfa could react, they seized her arms. "No!" she shouted, struggling against their grip. "Let me go!"

Charlotte tried to intervene, but one of the guards blocked her path. "Engfa!" she cried, desperation in her voice.

Engfa's father looked at Charlotte with a steely gaze. "You will not come near her again."

Engfa fought against the guards, her heart breaking as she saw the fear and helplessness in Charlotte's eyes. "Charlotte! I love you!" she shouted as they dragged her away. "We'll find a way out of this!"

Charlotte’s eyes filled with tears, but she nodded, determination shining through her sorrow. "I love you, Engfa. Hold on."

The guards took Engfa to her old room, a place that now felt like a prison. They locked the door behind her, and she sank to the floor, her mind racing with thoughts of Charlotte and the promise they had made to each other.

Hours passed, and the mansion grew quiet. Engfa paced the room, formulating a plan. She knew she couldn't stay here, couldn't let her father dictate her life. She had to get back to Charlotte, no matter the cost.

As night fell, Engfa heard a faint knock on her window. She rushed over and saw Nudee standing outside, her expression urgent. "Engfa, I've come to help you," she whispered.

"Nudee!" Engfa exclaimed, relief flooding her. "We need to get out of here. My father—"

"I know," Nudee interrupted, her voice tense. "He's called for reinforcements. We don't have much time."

With Nudee's help, Engfa managed to escape the mansion. They made their way through the darkened streets, keeping to the shadows until they reached Charlotte's apartment. Engfa burst through the door, her heart pounding with relief as she saw Charlotte waiting for her.

"Engfa!" Charlotte cried, rushing to her. They embraced tightly, both of them shaking with emotion.

"I'm sorry," Engfa whispered, holding Charlotte close. "I won't let him keep us apart."

Charlotte pulled back slightly, looking into Engfa's eyes, while nodding.

The next steps were clear. They had to continue building their coalition, reaching out to more allies and preparing for the inevitable confrontation with her father and those who sided with him. Their love, their bond, would be guiding them through the darkness.