Revenge is Best Served After Reborn (James)

unfinished building blocks. Castles, dolls, and delicate little tea sets dotted the room, each scene tugging at Sophie's emotions.

Inside, the room was a cozy pink princess paradise, with a small, soft bed topped with a large brown teddy bear, and a desk nearby holding two fairy tale books. The floor was covered in pink fluffy rugs, and a beautiful wooden rocking horse stood proudly among scattered,

It felt like something in her mind was trying to break free, struggling to be remembered. As the world seemed to spin around her, Sophie, battling a headache, forced herself to take another step forward. Her eyes caught a stack of yellowed newspapers piled in a corner of the attic.

Sophie wanted to get closer and check out what was on those pages, but with each step, memories seemed to bombard her mind. Almost there... just about to remember... She could almost see someone sitting on the bed, gently reading a fairy tale book aloud. She seemed to ask, "Brother, why do the prince and princess in fairy tales fall in love at first sight?"

And he replied, "Because it's destiny."

"But can't the princess love someone other than the prince?"

His voice softened, "There might be many knights around the princess, but the one truly meant for her is only the prince."

"Then I'll marry a prince too someday!"

Suddenly, Sophie felt something warm trickling down from her eyes, and then a sharp pain shot through her neck She closed her eyes and fell backward, but a warm embrace from her memories caught her before she hit the ground. Sophie quickly slipped into

unconsciousness.

ale

Gordon, his head bowed and face hidden, was cradling Sophie, his breath ragged. Beads of sweat on his forehead made his already face look even more ghostly. Eventually, exhausted, Gordon knelt on the floor, still holding onto Sophie. A bitter smile tugged at his lips as he spoke, his voice low and

raspy, "Why... why won't you ever

listen?"

The night was deep and the third-floor corridor dimly lit. Odie appeared behind them, seemingly out of nowhere. Gordon hung his head, trying to catch his breath. Slowly, he said, "Mr. Odie, could you help me get her back?"

"You knew I was here?" Odie

frowned. He'd always thought

Gordon was incapacitated, yet here

Re

he was, not only walking but also sharper than Odie had expected. When Gordon didn't answer. Odie's eye's fell on the syringe Gordon held tightly. He asked coldly, "What did you give her?"

"Just a sedative," Gordon replied, struggling to stand while holding Sophie. Odie saw Gordon barely managing to rise but keeping Sophie secure in his arms. He stepped forward to steady her.

Gordon released Sophie into Odie's care, leaning against the wall with one hand. His pale face looked drained, but his presence was still commanding. "I'm trusting you with her. Take her back and don't say anything you shouldn't."

"Truly fitting for the head of the Aldridge family. Even in this state, you're still giving orders," Odie remarked as he easily lifted Sophie onto his back. "Don't worry, she's safe with me. I won't say a word that shouldn't be said."