I explored the room, my eyes scanning every corner. My attention turned back to the window—I had to reach it. Looking around, I searched for something to climb.
A stool stood next to a table.
I grabbed it, dragged it to the window, and carefully stepped onto it.
Leaning forward, I peered outside. The sky wasn’t just blue—it was a mesmerizing blend of purple, green, and pink, swirling together like a living painting.
Sunset, maybe? I looked for drifting clouds, but they were distant, barely visible. The view was breathtaking and otherworldly.
The window was solid, almost unnervingly so. As I balanced on the stool, a brief unease crept in—what if it tipped over?
I steadied myself, gripping the windowsill, and simply stood there, lost in thought. What should I do now?
Eventually, I climbed down, my stomach nudging me toward the food on the table.
I reached for the fruit, biting into one.
The taste was familiar yet strange, like ordinary fruit but with an unexpected twist—different colors, different flavors, yet somehow still recognizable.
Then a thought struck me: I needed to get out of here.
I made my way to the door, hesitating before turning the handle. The moment it cracked open, I froze.
Two massive guards stood outside, their towering figures clad in armor.
Each gripped a sword, the cold steel gleaming under the dim light. They saw me immediately, their eyes locking onto mine—unreadable yet intimidating.
A chill ran through me. Say something—anything.
“Oh… hello,” I blurted out awkwardly.
They didn’t respond—just stared.
I swallowed hard, then quickly retreated, shutting the door behind me. My heart pounded.
So much for escaping. I decided to delay my escape plan—just for now. Instead, I would enjoy myself in the room.
My idea of fun? Admiring myself, of course.
I walked over to the mirror, twirling in front of it, watching the fabric of my gown swirl around me. I struck a few poses, tilting my head this way and that, tracing my fingers along my reflection. Unable to resist, I started dancing.
I moved through all the routines I had memorized from watching Vivian dance, mimicking every viral trend she used to do. I didn’t care if I sucked at dancing; I was enjoying it to the max. The room became my stage, my gown flowing as I spun and swayed, feeling light, graceful—feminine.
Time slipped away as I lost myself in movement.
Then I noticed it. The light was fading. The room, once bathed in soft hues from the window, was dimming. Night was arriving.
Would there be a light?
Just as the thought crossed my mind, the door creaked open. I turned sharply.
It was one of the girls I had seen before. She stepped inside, holding a candle—though it wasn’t just any candle. Its glow was unlike fire, resembling something electric… yet not quite.
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And then, in a blink, the entire room was illuminated.
A warm, golden brilliance spread across the space, as if the candle had unleashed something beyond ordinary light. It was almost… magical.
I stared at her, wide-eyed. “Is that a magical candle?” I asked without thinking.
The girl met my gaze, and to my utter shock, she seemed to understand me.
She nodded.
My breath caught. This was the biggest discovery of the day.
I had thought I could only communicate with one person—the commander—but here she was, understanding me, acknowledging me.
Excitement bubbled up inside me. Grinning, I nodded back at her, my joy spilling over.
She, however, looked startled—almost confused by my reaction.
A flicker of hesitation crossed her face before, without a word, she turned and bolted from the room.
I was left standing there, the glow of the candle still filling the space, my heart pounding.
What just happened?
As soon as my room was fully lit, my eyes drifted to the window—and what I saw left me breathless.
A mesmerizing display of lights flickered to life, one after another, like falling dominoes. Each glow revealed more of the vast structure beyond my room.
That’s when I realized—this place was floating above the sky.
The rooms weren’t just randomly placed; they spiraled outward, perfectly aligned in a vast, intricate pattern.
With each light that illuminated, the grand design became clearer. I was in the heart of something magnificent—a spiral castle suspended above the sky.
I stood there, transfixed by the sight when the girl from before entered again, this time carrying a platter of food. Dinner, I assumed.
I turned to her with a smile, but she barely met my gaze.
Her posture was stiff, her hands slightly trembling as she placed the food down.
Was she afraid? Or just… hesitant? It felt as if she had been given strict orders not to speak to me.
She lingered only for a moment before quickly exiting.
I sighed and sat down, glancing at the meal. It looked normal—delicious, even.
The meat was clean, the vegetables fresh, though strangely shaped. They resembled earthly vegetables, yet their forms were slightly distorted and unfamiliar.
I picked at my plate, taking careful bites.
I had always been a picky eater with unfamiliar cuisines, and tonight was no exception. But hunger won out, and I eventually finished my meal.
Just as I settled into my boredom again, another girl entered, this time holding a dress.
Without a word, she placed it on the bed and then looked at me expectantly. It was clear—this was my nightwear.
Then, she motioned for me to follow.
Finally. Something new was happening.
I followed her down a long, dimly lit corridor until we reached an enormous room—a bathhouse.
The space resembled the ancient Roman baths I had seen in history books, grand and elegant.
But the water… it was a hot spring. Steam rose in delicate curls, and the surface of the pool shimmered with scattered flower petals.
The girl turned to me, gesturing for me to undress.
I let out a small laugh. “Girl, I’ve been more naked than dressed these days.”
Without hesitation, I slipped off my gown and stepped into the warm, inviting water.
The heat instantly melted away any lingering tension, wrapping around me like an embrace.
As I soaked, the girl returned with another.
They knelt beside me, carefully washing my hair, their hands gentle but practiced.
I didn’t resist. I simply let them.
I didn’t know why they were treating me this way, but for once, I didn’t question it. I enjoyed it.
Once the bath was over, they handed me a soft robe and led me back to my room, silent as ever.
I followed, my mind buzzing with questions.
What exactly was this place? And why was I being treated like this?
The nightgown was stunning—delicate, silky, and far more revealing than I had expected.
As I slipped it on, I was surprised to find that it fit me perfectly, as if it had been tailored to my exact measurements.
The fabric, smooth and cool against my skin, draped elegantly over my body, ending just above my knees.
It was short, dangerously so, and the plunging neckline left little to the imagination.
A long, flowing robe accompanied it, its pearl-like hue shimmering under the soft light.
By the time I returned to my room, my hair was still damp from the bath.
That’s when the girls appeared again, carrying a strange-looking, spiral-shimmering tool.
I expected them to dry my hair with it, but instead, they simply placed their hands on my head.
A gentle warmth spread from their fingertips, seeping into my scalp.
Within minutes, my hair dried on its own—without wind, without heat.
Magic.
I watched in awe as my curls cascaded around me, soft and voluminous like never before.
Thick, silky, and perfect. My curls had always been unpredictable, but now they framed my face effortlessly, flowing down my shoulders like a luxurious coat.
They were so full and fluffy that they could easily cover my chest if I let them.
I turned to the mirror, my breath catching at my own reflection.
I looked… beautiful.
A slow, uncontrollable grin spread across my face.
I had never seen myself like this before—not just pretty, but radiant.
I turned to the girls, beaming. “Thank you.”
They simply bowed in response before making their way toward the door, taking that spiral tool with them.
Just as they were about to leave, I hesitated. “Wait… do you have any books I can read?”
The girls exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable. Then, without a word, they bowed once more and exited.
I sighed. Would they actually bring me something?
I needed answers—something, anything—that could help me understand this world.
But no one returned.
Instead, the lights in my room began to dim, signaling the arrival of night.
I climbed into bed, sinking between the plush pillows, my mind restless.
Today had been surreal. I had been treated like a princess: pampered, dressed, and bathed in luxury.
But… would this treatment continue every day? Or was it just temporary?
And more importantly—was I trapped here?
A wry smile tugged at my lips as a thought crossed my mind.
I had spent six months willingly locking myself in my family’s house, but now I couldn’t stand being confined to one room for a single day.
With that thought, I closed my eyes, my body sinking into the warmth of the bed.
Tomorrow, I needed to find answers.
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