PARADOX: The Hidden History

2: Noah Ivanov

She said something, but I couldn't grasp it. All I could see was her eyes and how much they resembled those of my masked beauty.

"Sir?" She spoke softly. "Oh? I really am in Elysium, aren't I? Who are you, deity? My guide?" I spoke in a daze.

"No, but are you a rebel?" She spoke in her soft tone.

I frowned, pouting slightly. Just because my dad was in a rebel group doesn't mean I am one too! Why doesn't anyone get it...

"Why does everyone say that? Just because I am like this...doesn't mean I am a bad guy...." I stumbled forward. Black spots filled my vision as I fell. The last thing I saw was her face.

— ——————————————————— —

Until I felt a wave of relief take over my body. As if I were being cleansed.

"Ugh...." I groan as I stir.

"You're up," the soft voice echoed near my ear.

I open my eyes slowly. I see an unfamiliar high ceiling.

"Where am I..." I mutter.

"In the royal palace," the voice answered.

I avert my eyes towards the voice. Seeing the face I saw before. "Am I still dreaming?" I frown and rub my eyes.

"No, you're in the palace. Am Achlys Castellan," she spoke up.

My senses piqued at the mention of the name. I looked at her. She was the same lady from before. Her long hair still flowed freely behind her. Her golden nose ring and other heavy jewellery I saw weren't there anymore.

"You! I hate you!" I yelled. Her eyes widen slightly before becoming calm again.

"I thought you called me a 'deity', why the change in mind?" She smirked slightly.

My cheeks turned red. I did call her that didn't I? Not only did I call a murderer a beauty, but I also thought she was someone else!

"I..I was not in my senses," I mumbled.

"It's alright. You took a hit to your head. Don't worry! It's healed up. But you'll have to rest for a day or two," she smiled warmly. It annoyed me. I just told her I hate her. And she's smiling?

"Woman, doesn't it bother you that you're treating your enemy?" I frown.

She raised an eyebrow and pondered for a while before speaking. "Enemy? You want me dead?"

"Yes," I spoke without hesitation.

"You-!" Another voice spoke up. Only then did I realise that there was another man in the room. He had blonde hair and blue eyes. Achlys raised her hand, and he stepped back without question.

"It's alright," she turned to me. "Is it because I caused the death of someone you cared about?" She asked.

My blood was boiling. How could she ask that? As if it were nothing. I glare at her, clenching my jaw.

"So it is," she nods and averts her gaze to the floor. "I won't blame you for wanting me dead. But I can't die yet. I need to serve this kingdom," she almost felt like a puppet as she spoke. As though she were speaking the words bestowed upon her by someone else.

"Shut up!" I yell, sitting up. I wince at my sore muscles.

"Wait! Don't move! You'll hurt yourself," she tried to help me.

I swat her hand away and looked away. "Hey! Show some respect!" The blonde guy yelled, "She saved you–"

Saved me? Yeah right. She was the one I why my life became like this in the first place