A Love Across Time

Chapter 4: "Whispers of the Forgotten"

Hera sat with her friends Lia, Hana, and Rose in the secluded garden of their university, their excitement palpable as they hatched a plan to sneak out for an adventure. As they packed their bags, ready to dodge the vigilant guards patrolling the area.

Lia twirled a lock of hair around her finger, her brow furrowed in uncertainty.

"I don't know about this, guys," Lia whispered, glancing nervously toward the university gates. "Sneaking out? What if we get caught?"

Hana grinned mischievously, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Come on, Lia! It'll be fun. We've been cooped up in here for too long."

Rose nodded in agreement, her expression determined. "I heard about this abandoned palace on the outskirts. It's supposed to be creepy, but imagine the stories we'll have to tell afterward!"

Hera's eyes lit up with curiosity. "An abandoned palace? That sounds intriguing. Besides, what's the worst that could happen?"

Lia sighed reluctantly. "Fine, but we need to be careful. No getting into trouble, okay?"

With a shared grin, the girls gathered their bags and stealthily made their way toward the university gates.

The university guards were known for their watchful eyes and strict patrols, making any attempt at sneaking out a risky venture. Hera peered around the corner, watching as the guards paced back and forth.

"We need a distraction," Lia whispered, her eyes scanning the area for a solution.

Hana smirked mischievously. "Leave that to me."

With a flicker of determination, Hana sauntered towards the guards, feigning a sense of purpose. Meanwhile, Hera and Rose crouched low, inching closer to the gate, their hearts pounding with anticipation.

Hana engaged the guards in animated conversation, her gestures animated and her voice carrying across the courtyard. The guards' attention shifted towards her, momentarily distracted by her confident demeanor.

Seizing the opportunity, Hera and Rose darted towards the gate, their footsteps quick and silent. They held their breath as they slipped past the distracted guards, their hearts racing with adrenaline.

"We did it!" Rose exclaimed in a hushed tone, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Once safely outside the university gates, they hailed a taxi and headed toward the outskirts of the city. The journey was filled with nervous excitement and whispered conversations about the mysterious palace awaiting them.

When they arrived, the girls stood before the imposing structure, its darkened windows and crumbling walls casting eerie shadows. Rose led the way, her adventurous spirit undeterred by the foreboding atmosphere.

As they arrived, the eerie ambiance of the deserted palace gave them pause, but curiosity fueled their determination. Splitting up to explore, Hera walked along the top floor of the palace, her footsteps echoing softly in the dusty silence, she explored the dimly lit corridors. The walls, adorned with faded tapestries and cracked paintings, seemed to whisper tales of a bygone era. She ran her fingers along the rough stone, feeling the weight of history in every touch.

Amidst the ancient relics, Hera's eyes caught sight of a peculiar door tucked away in a corner. Unlike the weathered and decaying surroundings, this door appeared surprisingly new and pristine, as though untouched by time. Its polished surface gleamed faintly in the soft light filtering through a nearby window, casting an air of mystery around it.

Intrigued by this anomaly, Hera approached the door cautiously. She traced the intricate carvings adorning its frame, marveling at the craftsmanship that seemed out of place amidst the palace's decay. With a mixture of curiosity and trepidation, she reached out to touch the smooth handle, her pulse quickening with anticipation.