Chapter 30: Her Nightmare (2)

However, her scream was soon cut off as a wind blade slashed her mouth. Blood spurted out into the air like a water fountain. Her lips were cut open, the flesh hung down, exposing her teeth and gum. Her scream had completely shut off.

But, the torment had yet to end as Kalliope's body was flipped over and the other party sat above her. An eerie smile drew a completely different image on her lovely and pure countenance.

The blonde-haired lady grabbed her jaw and forced her mouth open. Kalliope tried to fight back but her measly strength failed her. Annoyed by her movement, the lady ordered the others beside her.

"Hold her down!"

Thus, several hands reached out to pin Kalliope's four limbs onto the ground. While she was rendered immobilized, the lady finally pried her mouth open.

"Don't worry, I won't use magic. You want to enjoy it too, right?" The blonde-haired lady whispered to her ear. Kalliope felt her whole body shaking like a dry brittle leaf upon the lady's words.

And then, she witnessed the blonde-haired lady lifted her gown and pulled out a dagger from under her silk stockings. The sharp blade glinted under the moonlight.

She played with it for a moment before she said smilingly, "This is for your annoying scream."

Then, Kalliope saw the dagger moved towards her mouth.

"Ngggghhhh…!!!!" Kalliope struggled with every bit of her strength. Her horror-stricken eyes widened, staring at the tip of the dagger slowly entered her mouth.

Then, as the blonde-haired lady proceeded to slice her tongue, a deathly chilling pain that shook every nerve on her body struck her mercilessly and Kalliope snapped her eyes open in that instance. Her body immediately sat up in panic. Cold sweat had drenched her entire body. Her breathing was erratic with her chest falling and rising in a fast pace.

"My lady!!" A crying voice dripped with panic resounded beside her.

When Kalliope felt a hand on her arm, she jumped back in shock. Her eyes stared murderously at the other party.

"My lady, are you okay?! Forgive this servant but this servant swear that she didn't mean to scare you!" Marilyn exclaimed hurriedly. Tears had stained her freckled face.

However, Kalliope was still not in her right mind even after she had woken up from the dream. Her mind was foggy and the deep fear was still lingering in her heart. It was then, a low magnetic voice filled with every intention to soothe her rang in her head.

[My lady, calm down. It's just a dream.]

Argan convinced her softly. [That wasn't you. There's no way you would be that scared and powerless against a bunch of weaklings. Besides, I'm here, aren't I? With me by your side, they wouldn't be able to lay a finger on you.]

Kalliope's breathing gradually slowed down as she slowly regained her focus.

[You're safe.]

The young girl closed her eyes and buried her face onto her hands. Her shoulders trembled vulnerably for the first time.

[It's just a dream. I had wanted to wake you up but as your emotion heightened from the nightmare, your power went out of control. So, I had to hold it down or you would've destroyed this place. However, it would also endanger yourself as well. I couldn't let that happen.]

Kalliope listened to his sonorous voice and felt every bit of his presence within her. It felt as if she was within his embrace. It was…comforting somehow.

[I'm sorry, My Lady. Forgive me.]

She nodded slightly, though her body was still shaking.

[I'm here now and so are you.]

She nodded again.

[It's okay to open your eyes. Your maid is bawling, My Lady. You better stop her or it'll create a commotion.]

While saying that, Argan laughed teasingly. Kalliope blinked her eyes absentmindedly and slowly raised her head to look at the crying maid.

"Are you okay? Do I need to call a doctor? My Lady!" She had been continuously trying to draw a response from Kalliope even when Kalliope had ignored her. Looking at the maid's genuine concern coupled with her relief from the nightmare, Kalliope's attitude softened up.

"I'm okay," she said as she reached out to hold Marilyn's hand. "So, calm down."

With that, Marilyn immediately stopped her crying. She checked her lady from head to toe and when she saw that the lady was okay, she finally calmed down.

"What happened, My Lady? Did you have a nightmare or were you in pain? You were thrashing and trembling all over," Marilyn asked.

But, Kalliope did not want to explain at the moment so she shook her head and answered curtly, "Never mind that. Instead, tell me why you're here."

"Ah," she gasped as she now remembered her original purpose of coming here. "It's near dinner time, My Lady. You've slept for so long and you need to eat before having your medicine. His grace said you don't need to dine with everyone since you're sick. So, what you would like this servant to serve you, My Lady?"

But, Kalliope asked her back instead, "Will everyone be there?"

"Huh?"

"Will every member of this family present during dinner?" Kalliope rephrased her question. Marilyn nodded in response.

"Yes, My Lady. Even your brothers will be there. They finish their work early."

Kalliope nodded and she immediately got off the bed. "Get me ready then. I wish to join my family for dinner."

"But—"

"Marilyn," Kalliope interrupted her. Her eyes stared unswervingly at the maid as she spoke authoritatively, "Get me ready."

Hence, Marilyn had no choice but to obey. She hurriedly assist Kalliope in dressing up for the dinner.

Soon, the time for the family to have their dinner arrived. One by one, the grand duke's household, entered the dining hall and sat on their respective seat. When the six people had sat down, the grand duke had also entered the dining hall. However, not a second after he sat down, the door opened once again and a young lady with rose-colored hair emerged from behind it.

Everyone's gaze darted towards her then. However, Kalliope's focus was only directed at one single individual.

Ophelia stood up when she saw Alice. Her face beamed. "Cousin, you're here! You're fine enough to dine with us?"

But, Ophelia's question had seemingly fallen on deaf ear as Kalliope's mouth remained shut. Her eyes stared unblinkingly at that porcelain face, a pair of brilliant sapphire eyes, and her luxurious golden hair upon her slender body.

It wasn't just a dream. It was a memory. A trauma. A nightmare. A rotting scar.

There was no mistaking it.

'It's her.'

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