Prologue Part 2

Caelan weaved his way through the bustling market, the air filled with the sounds of merchants calling out their wares and the mingled scents of spices, fresh produce, and street food. The market was a vibrant, chaotic place, and Caelan found himself momentarily distracted by the sights and sounds around him. He furrowed his brow, trying to recall the directions to the Printing Press amidst the throng of people.

As he wandered, his eyes scanned the market stalls, looking for familiar landmarks. He passed by vendors selling everything from exotic fabrics to rare books, all while mentally retracing his steps. Finally, he spotted the narrow alleyway that led to the Printing Press. Breathing a sigh of relief, he made his way there, dodging around a group of chattering women and a man pushing a cart loaded with barrels.

At the Printing Press, the air was thick with the smell of ink and paper. The workers greeted Caelan with nods of recognition as he approached the counter. After explaining his task, he was handed a stack of neatly bound paperbacks, freshly printed and ready for review. He carefully tucked them under his arm, feeling the satisfying weight of a job well done.

As he prepared to leave and return to the Book Palace, something shiny caught his eye. A shop to his left displayed a stunning array of jewelry, the sunlight catching on gems and metals, casting colorful reflections. Intrigued, Caelan approached the stall, his curiosity piqued. He browsed the selection, each piece more beautiful than the last.

One pendant in particular caught his attention. It was delicate, with a silver chain and a pendant shaped like a snow frost symbol. The intricate design sparkled in the light, and he could imagine it perfectly against Alina's skin. The thought of her mismatched eyes lighting up with delight filled him with warmth. Without hesitation, he decided it would make a perfect gift for her.

"How much for this pendant?" Caelan asked the jeweler, pointing to the piece.

The jeweler, a kind-looking woman with a warm smile, eyed the pendant appreciatively. "Ah, a fine choice," she said. "That one is twenty silver pieces."

Caelan reached into his pocket, pulling out the coins. As he counted them out, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. He handed the money over and carefully took the pendant, admiring its craftsmanship. The snow frost symbol was delicate, yet it carried a sense of strength and elegance—much like Alina herself.

With the pendant securely in his possession, Caelan made his way back through the market, the weight of the paperbacks now accompanied by the small, precious gift. He couldn't wait to see Alina's reaction when he gave it to her. As he walked, the busy market seemed to fade into the background, his thoughts filled with the image of her smile and the joy it would bring her.

The journey back to the Book Palace felt lighter, his steps quicker. The market's noise and bustle faded as he entered the quieter streets leading home. He was eager to complete his task for the master and then share a special moment with Alina, under the cherry blossoms, where he would give her the pendant—a token of his growing affection and the beautiful bond they shared.

As Caelan made his way back to the palace, he felt a sense of foreboding, an inexplicable tension tightening in his chest. The streets, usually bustling with people, seemed eerily subdued. The market's usual clamor had been replaced by murmured conversations, fragmented words of worry and fear. He quickened his pace, his heart pounding louder with each step.

When he turned the final corner and the palace came into view, his blood ran cold. Towering flames raged against the sky, consuming the grand structure. The fire roared, sending plumes of smoke into the air, its fury reflected in the eyes of the stunned onlookers.

Caelan felt a sinking dread wash over him, a crushing weight in his stomach. Tears welled up in his eyes, blurring his vision as he took in the horrifying scene. It felt as if a cold bucket of water had been dumped on him, numbing him to the core. His breath hitched, coming in ragged gasps, and a sense of desperation clawed at his chest.

"No... no, no, no!" he cried out, his voice breaking. He stumbled forward, arm outstretched towards the inferno, desperately reaching for the entrance. Alina's name escaped his lips, a desperate cry that tore through the night. "Alina!"

But before he could get closer, strong arms held him back. The crowd, sensing the danger, restrained him, preventing him from running into the blaze. Caelan struggled against their grip, thrashing wildly, his eyes locked on the burning palace. "Let me go! I have to find her! Alina!"

The heat of the fire felt suffocating, the crackling of the flames drowning out everything else. The faces around him were a blur of concern and horror, their words lost in the chaos. Caelan's knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground, the world spinning around him. He felt helpless, the weight of his despair pressing down on him.

Clutching the pendant he had bought for Alina, Caelan felt its cool metal dig into his palm. The delicate snow frost symbol, a token of his affection, was now a painful reminder of the uncertain fate of the one he cared for. He stared into the flames, his eyes reflecting their fierce glow. The tears streamed down his cheeks, mixing with the soot and ash that filled the air.

As he knelt there, broken and crying like the world was ending, a fierce determination began to stir within him. He clenched his fist around the pendant, the metal warming against his skin. He promised himself that he would stay alive, that he would endure this nightmare, not for his own sake, but for hers. Alina was out there somewhere, and he vowed to find her, no matter what it took.

"I'll find you, Alina," he whispered through his tears, the words carrying a solemn vow. "I promise, I'll find you."

With the flames roaring in his ears and the scent of burning wood and paper choking his lungs, Caelan made his promise to the heavens and to himself. He would survive this chaos, and he would find Alina, no matter the cost. The pendant in his hand was not just a gift; it was a symbol of the hope and love that would guide him through the darkness.

That was the time Caelan decided he have to stay alive for Alina, to complete their story. And he knows he will stay alive.

Alive, just for Her.

I am so excited for this book! YAYYYYYY!!!!!! NAURRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!! Please support me! love you all <3 ^w^