Chapter 6
Chapter 6: Vanished
My breathing was still heavy. He knew I was here all along. Of course he knew—Oscar is the leader and has eyes and ears everywhere. It wasn’t surprising. What I didn’t expect was… he didn’t seem to care at all.
Lady Lena continued pulling me away from the scene. Once we were far enough, she turned to face me. I thought she’d be furious about the trouble I caused, but her gentle, worried expression said otherwise.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
I swallowed and nodded. I’m fine. It’s no big deal. I’ve been through worse.
“I’m really sorry. I should’ve been more cautious in bringing you with us, Lady Astra. This is my fault.”
Once I had recovered from the shock, I almost rolled my eyes. This wouldn’t have happened if Lady Feera hadn’t overreacted. What a dramatic fake bitch. I actually felt sorry for Oscar.
“But…” Her gaze turned curious. “It seems like Lady Feera has her eyes on you.”
“I don’t waste time on people like her, Lady Lena.”
She smiled at me, seemingly relieved I wasn’t planning on fighting back. I mean… Feera’s not even worth it. I’ll just avoid her.
“Astra!” Lady Celeste came running toward us. “Are you okay? I heard from the other servants that you got scolded!”
“It’s my fault, Lady Celeste,” Lady Lena bowed.
But Celeste didn’t shift her worried gaze from me. Even though Lady Lena already answered, she still wanted to hear it from me.
I took a deep breath. “It’s nothing, Lady Celeste.”
“Don’t tell me it was Lady Feera?” she asked, and I could tell she’d had enough of her too.
Oh. So Feera’s been mistreating her as well? No surprise—Celeste is miles better than her.
“Can I speak to Lady Astra alone for a bit?” Celeste asked Lena. “Just for a short while. She’ll return to her duties right after.”
Lady Lena simply nodded and walked away.
Celeste confirmed it—Feera really is dramatic. She’s been bragging about being Lord Oscar’s slave, but Celeste just laughed while talking about it. I’m glad that bitch doesn’t get to her either.
“I saw him too,” I said.
“He’s changed a lot, hasn’t he?”
“Really?”
Celeste looked confused, and I just laughed it off.
We quickly returned to work. Everything went smoothly. At dinner, Lady Lena approached me and delivered news that I couldn’t tell if I should feel happy or anxious about.
“Really? I’m going to be regularly assigned to deliver food to the leaders now?” I asked, stunned.
“You heard right. But Lady Astra, this isn’t some promotion or something to celebrate. This is actually one of the hardest jobs for a servant—because it means facing the leaders. But you’re brave… you’ll be a great help to us.”
I couldn’t blame her. I myself was shaken earlier.
When I stepped outside, Magda, Lola, and Blessy were already waiting. We always go back to the dorm together. Sometimes I wait for them, but often, it’s them waiting for me. They’ve become my companions. And honestly… I enjoy their company.
“Good evening, sweet Astra,” Blessy greeted, instantly wrapping her arms around my waist. I wasn’t comfortable, but I’d gotten used to it. Sometimes she just randomly hugs me.
“What a day,” Magda yawned.
“But did you notice the garments we’ve been weaving?” I heard Lola ask.
“Yeah. They’re not for soldier training anymore,” Blessy replied.
“They’re for war,” Magda answered.
That caught my attention.
“The battle might begin soon,” Magda added. “Thank God. At least we won’t keep sewing the same uniforms for soldiers… since they’ll die anyway.”
“Shut up!” Blessy said, panicked. “I’m not ready yet!”
“No one is ever ready for war, Blessy,” said Magda.
“Shut up! What if they send us to fight too?” Blessy asked, nearly in tears. “What do we have to fight with? Needles from the warehouse?”
Lola laughed. “We just have to be ready, Blessy. We’re fighting monsters. They don’t care about your rank. An enemy is an enemy.”
“I doubt that,” I interrupted.
“Right. Astra’s been here a while. She knows more than us!” Blessy turned to me, smiling, tightening her grip on my waist. “Right, Astra? We won’t be harmed, right? We’ll win?”
I shook my head. “I’m not sure…”
“Astra!”
“I’m not trying to scare you, but… he can kill all of you just by standing still. Even with his eyes shut. It won’t be bloody—you’ll just fall to the ground and suffocate. That’s how powerful your enemy is.”
“Our enemy,” Magda said with a laugh. “You don’t see him as a threat. Of course he won’t harm you. You were once under him. I’ve even heard… there was something special between you two. A bond.”
“What?” Blessy asked, confused. “You know him, Astra?”
I see now. This woman is something else. She’s not just a servant. She knows more than most. Quiet, observant.
“What do you mean, Magda?” Blessy asked, puzzled.
Magda suddenly froze.
I frowned. She reacted to something. Just a glimpse, but I noticed.
“Oh, I forgot something,” Magda suddenly said.
Before we could say anything, she ran back. I looked at the other two, who didn’t seem to care. It was nothing to them.
“She’s just forgetful. Always goes back for something,” Lola laughed.
No. Something’s off about that woman.
Starting that night, I kept an eye on Magda. She’s been acting strange. Always finding excuses to break off from the group, always saying she forgot something. I know she’s hiding something from us.
“This is delicious! Thanks, Astra!” Erikson said while eating the food I brought him.
I sighed. “Sorry, Erikson—”
“I can wait,” he cut in quickly.
I leaned against the bars across from Erikson’s cell. He ate in silence. I looked away. I still wasn’t used to seeing him like this—trapped.
“Someone’s coming…” Erikson said suddenly.
Just like that, one of the Nightfall Clan Seniors entered.
“You’re really back, Lady Astra,” Lord Wenson greeted.
“Yes, Milord.” I stood straight. “It’s been a long time.”
He looked at Erikson. “Poor lad…”
“You can set him free, right?” I asked.
I remembered—he was the one who questioned Eliyah and let him go after catching him snooping around. He handles prisoners. So surely… he could help with Erikson too.
“I’m afraid that’s not up to me,” he chuckled.
“Oscar’s the one who imprisoned me. He’s the only one who can release me,” Erikson said.
“But you can talk to him,” I insisted. “Erikson is innocent. He didn’t know about Brix’s plans. He’s a victim, too. So… please?”
If I had to kneel, I would. I was desperate. I wanted Erikson free. Seeing him outside, knowing he’s safe—that’s what would give me peace of mind.
“Please, Lord Wenson. Talk to Oscar.”
“Lord Oscar, Milady. May I remind you he is now the Supreme Leader of the Nightfall Clan.”
“Sorry. But please… talk to Lord Oscar.”
“He won’t listen to me, Lady Astra. Why don’t you try it yourself?”
“No.” Erikson spoke up firmly. “Don’t do that, Astra. You don’t know him anymore…”
I looked down. So what now? Only Oscar can free Erikson. He’s already sacrificed so much for me. He even risked his life to protect me.
I have to try.
“Astra… I’m fine. It’s enough just to see you.”
“Okay.” I looked up.
Erikson frowned. “Oh, please…”
“I said okay!”
“I know you!” Erikson frowned deeper.
But I didn’t listen to him. Every lunch break, I’d slip away from the group and sneak near the Main building, hoping to bump into Oscar. He was hard to find. I always failed.
“Where the hell are you?” I muttered to myself while hiding behind a tree, watching the Main from afar. I’d been standing there for nearly an hour with nothing happening.
“Miss? You again?” said a familiar voice.
I straightened. “Yes?”
The man frowned. “Are you here for Lord Oscar again? Got a crush on him or something?”
Nosy guy. He’s the same one who stopped me from entering the clan before, and now he’s still in my way. Maybe it’s time to leave.
“Wait!” he called when I turned to walk away.
I glared when he grabbed my arm.
He quickly let go and cleared his throat. “You’re a servant too, right? Do you happen to know someone named Magda?”
I froze.
He noticed my reaction and withdrew the question. “Forget it. Go back before I report you for spying on the Nightfall leader.”
“What’s your relation to Magda?”
“You know her?!”
“Girlfriend?” I asked.
“No.” He shook his head. “I’ll go. You should get back to work too.”
I watched him leave, scratching his head.
Could this be why Magda always vanishes? Is she meeting up with that guy? Very possible. He’s handsome—I can see why Magda would be into him.
I think I just solved the mystery of Magda’s disappearances.
“Where’ve you been?” Lady Lena asked in a whisper when I got back.
“I just needed some air…” I replied and returned to work.
“It’s too spicy!”
I looked toward the voice. There was Lady Feera at a table, eating. My coworkers were serving her. Acting like some spoiled princess.
I ignored her.
“Oh no, I’m sorry,” one of the girls apologized.
“Didn’t I say mild spice only? What if this had been served to Lord Oscar? Would ‘sorry’ have saved you then?”
I mentally rolled my eyes. As if Oscar would even react like that over some spice.
“I only added a little—”
“Are you saying I’m overreacting?”
“No, of course not. I’m sorry, Lady Feera.”
I almost laughed. She was trying so hard to sound intimidating.
“Clean this mess up… Astra!”
I knew it. She knew I was back and wanted to make another scene.
I dropped what I was doing and grabbed a clean rag. Without looking at her, I went to clean her mess.
“Where have you been?” she asked. “Lunch ended a while ago, but you’re only just returning.”
I didn’t reply.
“I’m talking to you, Lady Astra.” She was clearly holding herself back from raising her voice again. “I asked you where you went and why you weren’t here during your shift.”
I sighed, paused, and just as I was about to speak, Lady Lena answered.
“I sent her outside on an errand, Lady Feera.”
Feera raised an eyebrow. “I wasn’t asking you. Lady Astra?”
“Lady Lena gave me an errand outside, Lady Feera,” I echoed.
“And what was that?”
“To take out the trash. Too bad I missed this one.”
My mouth curled slightly. Before she could respond dramatically, I added:
“This rag. It’s too dirty—it should be thrown out, too.” I smiled at her. “Excuse me, I’ll just toss this out.”
As I walked out, I ran into Lady Christy. Oh hell no.
“Oh. Hi, Astra…” she greeted sweetly. Her eyes moved past me. “Oh, you’re here too, Lady Feera. Why aren’t you with Lord Oscar?”
“H-he’s sleeping…”
Suddenly, the tables turned.
“He must be bored,” Lady Christy frowned. “Did you bore him in bed?”
Lady Feera couldn’t answer.
“Anyway, better wait outside his room where you belong, instead of wandering around,” Lady Christy said coldly.
I subtly glanced at Lady Feera. Her expression was indescribable. I mentally laughed.
Lady Feera bumped into my shoulder before walking past me and exiting the room. I looked down at the rag in my hand. It was more useful than Lady Feera, so I decided not to throw it away just yet.
"Can I have some wine?" Lady Christy went straight to the table.
I washed my hands before returning to what I was doing. Others were already serving Lady Christy.
"That bitch..." I heard her murmur.
I thought she was referring to Lady Feera, but no.
"That scar on her face suits her well. What a pathetic mistress."
Ah. She was talking about Lady Grenda.
I set down what I was doing for the second time to approach the wines. I picked one and walked over to Lady Christy. She furrowed her brows at me.
"What?" she asked.
"This one’s been aged longer. I bet it tastes better. Do you want to try it, Lady Christy?"
She downed the contents of her glass and held it out to me. "Pour me some..."
I sat down and poured her another glass.
"You look so gorgeous, Lady Christy. Why the frown?" I asked, shaking my head. "Someone like you shouldn’t be upset. May I ask what happened?"
She stared at me. "I think I like you now..." she smiled.
She finished her glass in one gulp, so I poured her another.
"What's with that frown?" I asked again.
"Nothing."
I nodded.
"You know what?" She took the bottle from me and drank straight from it. "I should be the leader of the Phoenix Clan by now. But my father gave it to Lady Grenda. I mean… I didn’t want it in the first place, but that bitch is really getting on my nerves. How dare she talk to me like that."
"Oh. Of course, you’re a true Phoenix. You should be the one to inherit from your father."
"I never wanted to be the Lady of the Phoenix Clan. I just want boys. But with how Lady Grenda is treating me, I'm starting to change my mind. I want to take the clan from her so she has nothing left."
I smiled. "I don't think she’ll let you take it back."
She paused. "What? Why not?"
"She’s using your clan to help her son, Lord Oscar. If she gives it up, they’ll lose a lot. You’re powerless compared to her. Of course, she’ll look down on you."
I noticed Lady Christy's breathing grow heavier. Then she drank more wine.
That’s right, Lady Christy. Don’t let that woman keep you under her thumb.
"Dad loves me more than her though. With just one word, Papa will take the clan back and give it to me."
"Then what’s stopping you?"
"Boys." She cackled and flicked her hair. "Duh. I won’t have time for men once I become the clan leader. It’s just too stressful, so I don’t want it."
I laughed, too. "In that case, you’ll just have to endure Lady Grenda’s insults."
Lady Christy didn’t say anything more. She just stared at her drink.
I couldn’t help but smirk.
From that day on, Lady Christy and I became close. Lady Feera couldn’t approach me anymore because I was always by Christy’s side.
One day, we were shaken by a piece of news. The soldiers were going to search the dorms that evening. Unlike past inspections, we had to be present—meaning we’d be searched too.
"I don’t have anything to hide..." I heard one of my kitchen companions whisper.
Yes. As long as you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear.
But… shit. My weapons.
"Where are you going, Lady Astra?" Lady Lena asked me.
I swallowed. "I just need to grab something from the dorm..."
"Hurry back, okay?"
I ran back to the dorm, grabbed my weapons, and went outside. I dug a hole behind the house and buried them. I made sure no one saw me.
I let out a sigh of relief afterward. It’s buried now.
When I returned inside, I saw Magda coming out. She didn’t even look at me and went straight outside. I ignored it. At least my weapons were safe. I had nothing else to worry about.
Night came, and we were all in the dorms. Soldiers stood guard outside. We weren’t allowed to go out. I knew I had nothing to worry about since I hid my weapons, but I was still nervous.
What if they were looking for something else?
"Calm down... calm down..." I heard Blessy whisper. "I already ate the food I was hiding, so they won’t find anything."
Among the four of us... Lola was the calmest.
I turned to Magda, who was just hugging a pillow, staring blankly, clearly deep in thought. What did she do earlier? She looked bothered, too.
We all jumped in surprise when there was a knock. Blessy let out a soft squeal and ran to hug me. For the first time, her hug actually comforted me.
They’re here.
Shit. I’m so nervous.
"Room 14..." Three soldiers entered.
One of them came to me and grabbed my arm. "What? Why are you holding me? You’re just supposed to inspect, right?"
"That’s not why we’re here, Miss."
Before I could react, they injected something into my right arm.
I gasped. "What the fuck is that for?!"
They didn’t answer.
They injected all of us. Blessy cried, not out of fear, but because it hurt. Lola had no reaction—she even looked sleepy. Magda was still spaced out.
"One hour..." one of the soldiers whispered.
Suddenly, Magda stood up. "So it takes an hour. Can someone accompany me to the restroom? Ours is clogged."
"I’ll go..." one of the soldiers volunteered. I was too dazed to recognize him at first. He was that annoying soldier who knew Magda… and now he was going with her.
"Make it quick, okay?" another soldier reminded them.
Magda and the soldier left. I knew it. Something’s going on between those two.
The three of us—Lola, Blessy, and I—were left behind.
"Can you really not tell me? What was that injection for?" I asked. I wouldn’t feel at ease until I knew.
"It’s a test," Lola answered. "The soldiers probably smelled fresh blood. It could be from someone pregnant... or someone who just gave birth."
My knees weakened. Shit. No.
"You have nothing to worry about if you have nothing to hide..."
Blessy looked at me. "Are you okay, Astra?"
My throat went dry.
I gulped. No. This can’t be happening.
My full attention was on my injected arm. Lola said you’ll know if it turns black. So far... it looked fine. The color hadn’t changed, but it still stung.
Until...
I felt weak when I saw it had slightly darkened after a few more minutes.
"Time’s up!"
My mind went blank at that moment.
A soldier grabbed my arm, and I shut my eyes.
No. My daughter needs me. It can’t end like this. We’d both be in danger if someone found out.
"Normal..." I breathed a sigh of relief at the soldier’s words.
That’s when I noticed that both Lola’s and Blessy’s arms had slightly darkened too.
I let out a heavy sigh.
I'm saved. We’re safe.
That was also the night Magda suddenly disappeared.