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Chapter 5 ConfessionⅠ

ERICA'S POV

"Why is Loki back at the palace? I thought you'd driven him away," Natasha asked me. I turned to her, my face full of bitterness.

"Why do you want him driven away? Did he offend you or is he part of your plans?" I asked harshly. She scoffed and turned away, staring out of the car window as we drove off.

The dining hall was quite a distance from the palace, but that didn't bother me. All that mattered was finishing dinner quickly so I could find Loki and resolve our issues.

We barely exchanged words during dinner. I focused on finishing my meal quickly so I wouldn't have to engage in their dull conversation. While they chatted about things that held no interest for me, I kept checking the time, eager to leave. My mind drifted to memories of a similar night in my past life, when I had laughed at their attempts to console me about my parent's sudden death. Back then, I had blamed Loki and his father, hurling insults and treating him poorly.

I was blinded by my love for Ronald, unable to distinguish right from wrong, and making mistakes without realizing it. Now, I've been given a second chance, possibly because the prophecy remains unfulfilled and I've made so many errors. This time, I'm determined to see the prophecy through and not disappoint the Moon Goddess.

"Let's go," Natasha said to Ronald. "We're ready."

The drive home was slow, and after checking the time, I realized we had been on the road for almost an hour without reaching home.

"Ronald, please stop the car," I instructed firmly. He found a spot to pull over.

I grabbed my purse and phone, ready to leave, but the doors were still locked.

"Unlock the doors, Ronald," I demanded.

"You can't go. There's no other transportation available. How will you get home quickly? Why the rush?

"I can go wherever I want. I don't mind trekking through the mountains to get home," I asserted as Ronald glanced at Natasha, who smiled knowingly. It was a perfect opportunity for them to be together without my interference.

I slammed the door and transformed swiftly, giving Erica the speed to race back to the palace as fast as possible.

I watched Loki pacing the compound, lost in his thoughts upon arriving at the palace. I wanted to call out to him, but it didn't feel like the right moment. Instead, I observed him silently, noting his restless movements.

Seeing he had no phone with him, I surmised something troubled him deeply. I hurried downstairs in my night robe to join him, hoping he was contemplating forgiveness.

"Loki, what's wrong?" I asked, approaching cautiously. He stepped back, clearly annoyed.

"Why do you care suddenly? Why are you so intrusive?" Loki snapped, withdrawing from my touch.

"I'm not trying to intrude. You seemed troubled, and I couldn't ignore it. I can't stand seeing a friend in distress," I explained earnestly.

"I'm not your friend. Don't call me that. You only make me feel more worthless," he retorted sharply, ready to walk away. In a moment of impulse, I grabbed his arm firmly, halting his departure. I could hear his heart beating just as loudly as mine. The tension in the air drowned us both. Why hadn’t I felt this before? Why did it take death to feel it? But he still walked away.

I sat on my bed, frustrated by everything that was happening. Loki refused to give me a chance to explain. How did he expect me to cope when he wouldn't even listen?

I stood up and began pacing the room. How could I get Loki to come to me without begging him? That's when an idea struck.

"I can pretend to be sick and have the news reach Loki through the maid," I thought aloud. I immediately summoned one of our maids, who arrived promptly.

"I need you to go to Loki's quarters and ensure he's there. Spread a rumor that I've fallen seriously ill and have been hiding it, and that you're concerned. Make sure he hears about it," I explained.

After over an hour of waiting, just when I was about to give up, a knock came at my door. It couldn't be Ronald; I had asked him to leave me alone.

I quickly arranged myself on the bed to appear as though I were very ill, then called out, "Please come in."

To my relief, Loki walked in, looking concerned. "Are you alright? How could you be sick and hide it? Do you understand how serious this is? You're the future Queen, the Luna. You need to be strong, unlike me," he scolded gently, touching my forehead.

I grabbed his hand and sat up, throwing off my blanket.

"I'm not sick, I died," I confessed.

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