C2

Elina was aware that they were not of human nature and the sight she had just witnessed was not meant for her eyes. Instead, she was expected to be dead by now, but to her surprise, she was still alive.

"Elina," her name resonated once again, drawing her attention away from her thoughts.

"Where am I?" she inquired.

"You are in leuzerium," came the reply.

"Leuzerium? I am not familiar with that place," Elina expressed her confusion.

"That's because it is am Era where living humans do not venture," the lady revealed in a hushed tone.

Elina's throat felt dry and irritated for a moment.

"There are two reasons why you are still alive," the lady continued.

"Two reasons?" Elina echoed.

The confused young lady, startled by all of this, was the subject of Arya's gaze.

"I must confess, only a few of your kind are present here, but it wouldn't be different if you were."

"What do you mean?" Elisa inquired.

"There are certain secrets that are not meant to be revealed at this moment, but you are in the perfect state to be informed. However, it's not the right time." Elina's confused expression was met with a smile from Arya. "Elina, if you were to return to your country, you would likely succumb to depression."

"Do you really know everything?" Elina asked, unable to believe what she was hearing.

"Yes, my dear, but you will come to understand that later. Consider it a second chance at life. Embrace the opportunity to start anew and ensure that you make the right choices. This will be a whole new world for you, Elina, and a chance for reinvention. I will return later to assign you a new role," Arya said, smiling before getting up and leaving.

With her knee nestled against her chin, she sat in the desolate room, lost in reflection. A single tear trickled down her cheeks as she gazed into her past. When her parents passed away, she was just a young child, taken in by her aunt and uncle who stripped her of her inheritance and deposited her in an orphanage, devoid of rights. Escaping the confines of the orphanage during her adolescence, she became entangled in a life of hustling and survival. It was then that she crossed paths with Kelly, who extended a kind hand and together they formed a family. They supported and relied on one another, until a few days ago, when Elina experienced the heartache of two failed relationships. It was in this moment of despair that she encountered Mike, who initially seemed like a serendipitous blessing. However, three days ago, she stumbled upon Mike and Kelly engaging in a disloyal act within his apartment. How unfortunate that they both had the audacity to approach her with apologies, claiming their actions were devoid of sound judgment. Disregarding their pleas, she dismissed them all with disdain. In a moment of realization, tears cascading down her face, she acknowledged the wisdom of Queen Elizabeth if she was actually one. No longer would she remain as Elina, for she was determined to embark on a journey of self-transformation. With a newfound opportunity, she vowed not to squander it.

Rising from the bed, her gaze landed on a neatly folded black dress resting upon the cushion and accompanying black shoes strewn across the floor. A smile spread across her face as she finally discovered the desired objects she had sought within the bathroom. However, the attire felt unfamiliar and emitted a distasteful odor, reminiscent of alcohol.

Moments later, clad only in a towel, she examined her reflection in the mirror. There, she observed the meticulously arranged makeup within the drawer, complimenting her recent weight loss. Placing her palm against her flushed cheeks, she contemplated her assortment of cosmetics and lotions, questioning the nature of the role bestowed upon her.

Donning the simple yet elegant v-neck black gown, she admired her reflection in the mirror. The attire hugged her waist snugly before cascading gracefully down to her legs. Slipping into her accompanying black shoes, she gathered her hair into a neat bun and applied a coat of lip gloss. As she smiled, her dimples were revealed, capturing a newfound sense of radiance.

With a touch of sarcasm, she exclaimed, "Well, I must say I look absolutely stunning! But seriously, what kind of job is this? Am I working in a palace or something?"

"You would indeed be working in a palace," came a voice from behind her. She turned around and saw the elegant Elizabeth who she had seen earlier.

"When did you arrive?"

"Oh, I apologize for that. I knocked, but it seems you were too busy admiring your appearance," she said politely.

"I'm sorry for that," she replied with an embarrassed look.

"No need to apologize, you look stunning," complimented Arya.

"Thank you," she replied.

"I suppose you made the right decision. Since you're entering a new world, I will give you the name Skylar. You need a new identity, and it suits you perfectly," Elizabeth suggested.

"Skylar," she repeated thoughtfully.

"Do you like it?" Elizabeth asked.

"I love it. I had actually been considering changing my name, but I couldn't come up with anything. I liked being Elina, but I felt like I wasn't accomplishing anything. Now, as Skylar, I have a fresh start and a new goal," she said confidently.

"I'm glad to hear that. Let's go, Skylar," Elizabeth said as they walked out. Skylar was in awe as she gazed upon the magnificent palace, her eyes wandering in wonder. The maids they encountered along the way bowed to Elizabeth with respect, leaving Skylar curious about her true identity. Finally, a maid approached them.

"Your Highness, everything is prepared," the maid said with a bow.

"Then I'll see you later," Elizabeth said with a smile as she passed by the maid, her smile radiating the beauty of the universe.

"Wait, Your Highness," Skylar spoke up, realizing that the lady in front of her had been a princess all along. Finally, after feeling Skylar's gaze fixed on her the entire time, Elizabeth turned towards her.

"You're overreacting now."

"I apologize, Your Highness," Skylar said with a bow.

"Raise your head," Elizabeth said, and Skylar obeyed. "I am Princess Arya of Leuzerium. I haven't properly introduced myself."

"You are destined to be a queen, and not just any queen. You possess a calm, peaceful, and loving spirit," Skylar said, her words filled with admiration and determination.

Arya inquired, "So, does that mean you see me as a good person?"

Skylar confidently responded, "Indeed, my instincts are adamant about your character, despite my initial distrust."

With a grateful smile, Arya replied, "I appreciate the compliment. It seems you are indeed exceptional." As she took a step forward, Skylar followed suit, observing her intently. The thought crossed Skylar's mind: Can a person of lowly stature like her possess extraordinary qualities?