"Milea, pass me the plate next to you"

I shook my head as my sister rushed to give my mother a plain white ceramic bowl. The frantic continued as my mother tasted the soup she was cooking. She placed a cover on the big pot, standing up from her crouched position before disappearing into the house.

I flipped the page of the book I was reading, smiling as my eyes landed on the next line.

I looked up just to see my older sister, Milea giggling as my brother Titian choked on the soup he was trying to steal from mother's pot. Mother unfortunately came back outside just in time to meet Titian trying to drop the soup's spoon, his eyes red from coughing too much. This made Milea giggle more as mother hit his head making him grumble before running inside.

The sun was starting to go down, making the sky look darker. Father was going to be home soon and I'm sure he won't be happy if his food isn't ready yet.

The smoke from the darkened burnt wood used in cooking hit my nose once again making me cough fervently. I don't think I'll be able to stay outside any longer.

Standing up slowly from the crooked bench that made my butt ache from sitting too much, I picked up the book that fell from my laps whilst standing. I guess I would have to continue reading it later.

Squinting my eyes I saw father from a distance holding unto a small bag. I wouldn't want to listen to his grumblings when he gets in. Pushing away the loose curls of my black hair that had fallen unto my face, I dashed into the house.

Successfully placing myself on the wooden floor, after hiding my book underneath the other books that were slightly stacked in the corner of the room. I picked up a dry cloth and began to wipe the table in front of me. Father would bite my head off if he found out I've only been reading the whole day. He knows how much I like reading around the house, and he doesn't go against it.

What angers him is if I spend the whole day doing it without helping Mother or my siblings with anything. I do understand his feelings. But that doesn't stop me from going against him by reading all day.

Sometimes Mother would scold me and try to force me to do a few chores, but I always escape by pretending to be asleep or pretending to feel sick. With time she gave up. I know it seems like a bad behaviour, but do I care- definitely not.

I mean why bother myself to do the chore when my brother won't either, he frantically finds chores a bother. Always stating boys don't have to do things like that. That is so unfair to Milea, having her and mother to do all of the work. But I sure wouldn't feel guilty enough to assist them. I'm quite a lazy being.

"I see you're working Devin" my Father's deep voice drew me away from my train of thoughts. I looked up just to see him looking at me cautiously with his small brown eyes which I got from him.

I know what's he's doing, trying to make me shiver and stutter so he'll know all I'm doing is a facade. But I've seen those eyes long enough to master my composure in every nerve-wracking situation.

"I sure am, Father" I smiled looking him straight in the eye before wiping my invisible sweat with the sleeves of my red shirt. " It's been stressful working all day"

"Hmph, good to see you help for once without being a bother" He grimaced, sitting down on the pile of clothes across me at the other side of the table. Help for a while .

His tired eyes looked at me as I dropped the cloth in my hand  at the entrance of the door before going to seat back in front of him. He looks stressed, his hands rubbing his eyes ever so frequently, his ever brown hair falling down to his face.

Just then Titian stumbled in from the bedroom almost tripping over the scattered blanket on the floor before his eyes fell on Father, quickly regaining his composure. He rushed to sit down beside me after he greeted Father who seemed to answer him with a nod.

Mother and Milea slowly brought in the food, the smell along making my stomach grumble. Tasting my first spoon almost made me moan. Mother is such a great cook.

Halfway through, Father cleared his throat dropping his spoon on the table, catching everyone's attention.

" I have important news" he said slowly, shifting on his seat. This doesn't look like it's going to be good news. Everyone seemed to look at him with interest, but all I want to do is finish eating my meal before throwing my self on my bed.

"The queen of Taiwan has subtly invited all the male youths in Alanda for a ball" Father said as he flicked his finger on the table.

"What"

I turned to look at Mother who's hands were slightly shaking as she placed it on her laps while looking intensely at father trying to find out if what he said was a joke. Her eyes held fear and probably doubt as she slid her eyes back to the table frantically. Who wouldn't_ going to Taiwan is like going into a lion's den.

"But why Father" I asked too, finding it difficult to believe. Taiwan has never associated herself with any small community. So why is this happening.

"The reason was not passed to us, it was only announced as a ball" Father said, digging his hand into his hair in despair.

"What about the other communities" Titian rushed his eyes wide. He looked scared too.

" Only the male youths in Alanda were invited although a few of the elders will attend too"

Everyone seated round the table was shocked_scared would be the perfect description. I mean who wouldn't be. It's quite impossible for Taiwan to invite the people of Alanda or any community for an ordinary party, not to talk of a ball.

Taiwan is a nation located in another world, more like another dimension. The existence of two different worlds was discovered centuries ago. In the other world they have great nations. Taiwan being the most powerful of them all, protected by magical boundaries, rumoured to have been put there by witches.

It's quite different from our small community. Our world isn't divided into nations, it's rather divided into small communities as we call them. There are hundreds of other communities including Alanda, each community governed by their own council_ mostly involving elders.

Taiwan is a nation governed by kings and Queens. Each generation after the next. The current Queen isn't married yet though_ well according to rumors. We don't tend to know much about them because we rarely associate with them and vice versa.

The only place that holds enough magical aura to cross over to Alanda is the Mewu alter. It is located in the centre of Alanda's ancient cave where some people go to worship because they see it as a temple.  History has it that only a few of the oldest chiefs of Alanda council were invited for the crowning of the first King and Queen of Taiwan. That was the only time the alter was used in centuries.

Speaking of the queen, it's quite impossible she suggested this. Since the queen was crowned,  news about her spread across both worlds. Even across all of Alanda. 

A monster feared by all, who had slayed thousands of soldiers. A ruthless queen who wouldn't hesitate to slice open a person for the slightest mistake. Rumors have it that she killed the previous King and Queen to get to the throne because she isn't of the royal family. Some say she is a witch and and is possessed because of the spiritual powers she has, casting spells and all.

And as much as I like adventures I definitely do not want to embark on this one.

"Everyone is expected to gather at Mewu's alter before late evening"

"And the ball will be happening tomorrow night" Father concluded nonchalantly, a permanent scowl plastered on his face leaving no room for comments. Father might look like he isn't scared, but I can see through his facade. I know how difficult it must be to see his two sons going to that hell hole.

Looking round the table, everyone looks terrified and the tension thick in the air, leaving everyone silent. Mother's eyes are filled to the brim with tears as she tries to blink them away. Melia has her face in her hands as her whole body wracks with tears. Titian looks very pale as he stares absentmindedly at the brown chipped wall behind Mother's head

"If it's a ball we should prepare for it and hope for the best" I state openly as I tried to remain positive. At least one person has to stay sane for this. Mother sighed instinctively standing up as she rushed towards her and Father's bedroom.

"I'm going to sleep, good night" I said, patting Titian's shoulder before heading towards I and Titian's shared room. My mind couldn't help but wander to the happy moments I spent with my family. The morning scoldings from Father pestering me to wake up, Mother's morning soups that I and Titian always manage to steal anytime she wasn't looking. Milea's obsessive talk about the boy always meets at the market side, the thought alone making me chuckle internally.

Closing the wooden door slowly, I belly flopped on my bed sighing as I shifted to face the wall. The bed creaked slightly as my sheer body weight fell on it. Ignoring the creaking, I closed my eyes shut as I sinked into the warm wools and blankets snuggling up as I eagerly accepted the darkness that swallowed me in.

I most definitely do not look forward to tomorrow night.

"This is a ball and all of you must behave" Elder Yan stated with a stern face, flicking her finger randomly from one youth to the other. Only this simple sentence silenced the little whisperings going around. We weren't really much that were here, just about twenty Men I think. Our community is a really small place and almost everybody knows each other.

Elder Yan is the oldest Elder in Alanda. She is known to be the sternest elder in the community. Even with her old wiggly body, wispy hair and the wooden stick she holds to support herself, she's always more than ready to deal with anything. She's the best at chastising if you'd ask me, and that's why nobody dares look for her trouble. At least I don't.

She eyes  us wearily before going to stand beside the Mewu priest.

The sun was already going down causing everywhere to seem a bit dark. The priest sprinkles salt on the alter muttering some words over and over again before cutting her palm allowing her blood leak on it. That's going to be painful.

To be honest, I don't believe the alter can lead us to Taiwan. Everytime I think about it, I feel it's more like a fairytale, something that has been told to every generation to try to prove some magical theory.  I'm more of believe only what you see.

I'm not really a mythical person. It took me years to believe Taiwan existed, the Elders always tell insane tales about it. I guess it just stuck to me_even though I still doubt the existence.

I think that's why I took my precious time while dressing up for the ball. I settled for my white shirt, black pants with Father's old tie. I might as well play along. Even in the midst of the chaos that took place at home I kept my cool- Titian crying his eyes out while going on about how he needed enough time for his final farewell. Totally stupid, I know. That didn't stop Milea and mother from doing the same though. Even Father almost shed a tear.

"Do you think we're going to survive" Titian whispered harshly beside me. He's definitely not okay.

"You're thinking too much into this" I whispered back sighing as I smoothen my shirt. " We don't even know if the portal is real why stre ..."

A few voices cut me off, their harsh whisperings disorienting my speech.

"So it was real"

"Good lord, it exists"

I guess a lot of us really doubted the stories. Titian's grip tightened on my shoulder as Elder Yan ushered us further into the temple. The once flat alter now had a deep open aperture

Leading into total oblivion. The priest kept muttering a few words while holding onto his palm that was still dripping blood on floor.

"Alright, who's going first" Elder Yan stated ushering us closer. I glanced around to see who was going first but most of the boys kept shuffling back. I guess it is a bit scary.

Someone has to go though, shrugging Titian off me I took a step forward earning a scared shriek from my brother. Someone has to be the bigger person. I was about to raise my hand to volunteer but I was interupted by a boy standing closer to the alter. He already had his hand up to volunteer, earning a few gasps, scared cats. He wore a stern look before moving closer to the portal. Elder Yan patted his shoulder before giving him a crooked smile, as she brought him closer to the portal. I can't believe I lived long enough to Elder Yan smile.

"Just go through it and wait for the others on the other side" Elder Yan said earning a sharp nod from him. She gave him a little push before he disappeared into the deep oblivion.

" Next person"

" Me " I rushed as I walked towards Elder Yan. She ushered me forward letting me stand in front of the alter.

"Go on then"

I glanced back to look at my scared brother, he looked like he was about to pass out. Can't blame him, I feel the same within. Sighing I close my eyes as I slowly walk into the darkness letting it capture me whole.

Instantly, a harsh wind blew towards me making me to snap my eyes open . Everything feels different, unreal and cold.

It felt like I just walked through a closed door. The other world does exist, it wasn't just a myth. The late nights horror stories told by the Elders about this mystical world weren't actually made up. And i definitely regret never concentrating during story telling.

Everything feels so surreal. I dig my nails into my palm as I slowly take a step forward, trying to ignore the harsh wind that kept hitting my skin. The walls around me are very beautiful, ethereal I would say, with ancient carvings on them. My hands itch with the urge to feel them under my palm. 

My jaw dropped in disbelief . It's definitely a castle. Every where was gigantic. The corridor in front of me is so long, probably leading to a room. Beautiful ancient paintings and artifacts beautify the corridor.

Lovely.

A painting that shows absolute serenity, my eyes can't seem to tear away from it. It looks enchanting like everything here. A painting of the silent sea, it's beautiful. My heels clicked roughly as I trotted towards the painting. It even looks more beautiful up close.

"We shouldn't touch anything"

My heart skipped a beat in my chest as I turn around at the deep voice. The boy who came in first,Tyran I think, stood a few feets in front of me.

"Elder Yan and the others will be here soon" he stared glancing behind me before his eyes landed on my face. He just had to come at his moment, hmph. Just in time, the portal reappeared making everyone shuffle forward.

"Behave boys" Elder Yan chastised before walking toward us, the other boys following slowly behind. She glanced around before ushering us all down the dim corridor.

Silence. Not a single sound is heard in the lightly dim hall.

It's been a few minutes since we stumbled into this eerily silent hall, slightly distrupting the silence before we were shunned by Elder Yan and a few chastising eyes.

We filed ourselves into two lines trying to be as quiet as possible. Everyone in the halls seemed to be in the same position, filed into lines left and right leaving the middle wide open.

It seems the ball hasn't started yet.

Even in the dim light, it's quite impossible not to notice the beauty of the hall. Similar ancient paintings and artifacts design the walls, It was beautiful. Beautiful craftsmanship.

The people in the hall looked entrancing. I could only make out a few faces due to the dim light, but they all looked  beautiful and regal. Dressed in beautiful fabrics that emitted their confidence. It made me feel slightly anxious as I place my palm on my shirt smoothening it.

"Announcing the arrival of Queen Korra Grande of Taiwan" A voice Hollered out loud causing most of the people's eyes to snap towards the huge carved closed door .

Light pooled in  and everywhere suddenly became bright. My eyes flicked towards the door as it was slowly being opened.

"All hail Queen Korra" Everyone in the room respond although slightly out of synch as they lowered their head. Not wanting to look out of place, all the boys lowered their head too including Elder Yan. Such a old tradition they're still following.

It wouldn't hurt to have a quick peek at the Queen, would it? To see the horrible monster that kills without a second thought. She'd probably have horns if I dutifully follow the descriptions made by known storytellers.

Loud heels click on the hardened floor making me flip my eyes back towards the door as my nails digged into my palm with anticipation. Slightly standing on my toes I squint my eyes due to the sudden harsh light, and that's when I saw her.

Walking with complete regality, she captured the whole room . Her face stoic, her presence dark and her demeanor demanding. She had her head held high in enviable confidence. She looked beyond beautiful.

She took a drink from the maid beside her as she stood confidently in front of the crowd. That regality.

"You may rise" She ordered as she stretched her drink towards the crowd. Even her voice held Power. Everyone quickly raised their head before looking towards her.

"A toast" she stated making everyone quickly grab a drink before raising it. I quickly grabbed a drink from the tray a maid was carrying throwing her a tight smile before snapping my eyes back to the queen. 

"To Taiwan"

" A toast" Everyone responded in synch gulping the drink. Sweet.

                              ___***___

My eyes stays trained on her as she adjusted her beautiful black gown before downing her drink. I don't think anyone could look this good in black.

She had a huge grin plastered on her face as a man whispered in her ear, probably her personal guard. He's been with her since she came in, sautering cautiously after her anytime she talked to a few Elders.

Even as mesmerizing harmonies and melodies thrummed from beautiful instruments, I haven't let my eyes off her since the ball started.

Most of the boys already mingled around cluttering in groups as they whispered to each other about the beautiful girls dancing. Even Titian had a smile plastered on his face as he whispered to a boy behind him. Elder Yan had already found herself in a conversation with one of the Elders in Taiwan, weird. 

Her eyes twinkled as she watched a few people dancing before absentmindedly grabbing another drink from a tray.

With the way I've been watching it's quite surprising how she hasn't caught me. I know its quite disrespectful to keep staring at someone especially when it's a queen. But I don't even mind getting caught by her, even if I get punished. This silly thought alone makes me silently chuckle as I train my eyes to my feet, keeping my hands tucked in my trousers.

She's so intriguing.

Flicking my eyes back up to look at her she gulped down her drink again before twirling the glass in her hand. How many has she had?

She looks like a goddess brought out of a picture.  Her face scrunches up as she stares blankly at the glass In her hand. Her blank long hair is pulled in a tight ponytail displaying her beautiful features perfectly. Her plump lips glisten as she licks it before absentmindedly handing her glass to one of the maids near.

She doesn't live up to the rumors at all, she doesn't look anything like a monster. She looks so young and beautiful. Those rumors were probably spread to ruin her image. People.

Studying her features, her eyes suddenly flick to mine, striking blue eyes. As soon as our eyes meet, my breath gets stuck In my throat causing me to to cover my mouth to muffle my spluttering coughs.

I quickly glance around to see no one paying attention to me, I'm sure they didn't hear me due to the loud music that felt so present. My eyes flick back to her, she tilted her head a bit as her eyes bored into mine. Her eyes felt like they were burning me, I slightly rub my damp hands over my trousers feeling nervous. She squinted her eyes burning me with her powerful gaze. One thing those eyes hold is Power.

I was intimidated.

Heat crawled on my neck as my eyes remained glued to hers. She shook her head, her eyes still on me as her guard whispered something to her. She pulled her lips Into a small smile before flicking her eyes away from me whispering back to the man standing behind her.

My poor heart.

He left her side causing her to throw me a quick glance before strolling back to where the Elders were gathered talking. She said something before they dispersed scurrying towards the side.

Turning to face the people, she flicked her finger making the music stop abruptly. The people cluttered on the dance floor quickly dispersed whisperings slightly as they filed left and right leaving the center wide open once again.

"Silence"

Immediately all whisperings ceased and the room was captured in a deafening silence. Her face remains stoic as a few guards drag in a brutally beaten man in before dropping him on hardened floor in the center of the room with a thud.

Whisperings spread out again as people gasp at the sight in front of them. What is this?

The man looked like he has been through hell as blood covered his body, his bare chest on display decorated with bruises. The whisperings increase as the queen stepped forward standing boldly in front of the man staring him down.

My stomach twisted in discomfort as my eyes stare at the sight unfolding in front of me. What on earth is going on.

"I. Said. Silence" Queen Korra stated her voice laced with authority as she glared at the people in front of her. Silence immediately filled the room once again as a few people looked down to escape from her burning gaze. Her eyes held fire and it definitely wasn't the gentle kind.

My eyes widened as she stretched her hand to her guard before he placed a long whip on her awaiting hand. Was she going to hi...

A loud whip sound echoes throughout the room causing me to shudder. She hit the whip on the floor before walking round the whimpering man in front her. Her face remained stoic as he visibly shudders slamming his hand on his mouth to muffle his sob.

"One thing I hate is when people try to backslash me even after all that I've done for them" she stated spitefully before crouching down in front of the man. She placed her finger under his jaw to make him look at her.

"Isn't that right, Ocean" She sneered as she looks down at the man In front of her. Everywhere remains silent as she whips the floor one more time, harshly removing her finger before standing up. I can feel my heart beating like crazy, my hands shaking as she looked towards me. She does look scary. 

"Answer me when I ask you a question" she growled angrily causing the middle aged man standing beside me to whimper before falling face flat on the floor, shaking with fear. My eyes flick to him as he hits his head repeatedly on the floor spawning apologies. What is going on?

She flicks her finger gesturing for him to move closer. He slowly stands up wracking with fear as he moves to stand just a few feets from her. She whips the whip around his neck as she drags him closer with it. As soon as he was right in front of him she wraps her manicured hand round his neck strangling him.

"I thought you were wiser than this" she sneers tightening her grip as he tries to claw his way out. It doesn't even look like he's trying as her hand grip even tighter as he tries to gasp for air. Is she going to kill him? I would be lying if I say I don't feel nervous and scared. She couldn't possibly kill him, right?

She suddenly releases him causing him to fall back on the floor gasping for his much needed air. She flicks her eyes back to the scared people in the room tightening her grip on the whip.

"Trying to kill your own queen is rebellion, isn't it" she stated flicking her eyes round the room. A few gasps go round the room. So they tried to kill her.

"It wouldn't be bad if I did the same" she sneered crouching down, throwing the whip somewhere in the room while glaring at the middle aged man. His eyes held fear as he looked at her. I would be scared too if it was me.

She widened the slit in her gown exposing her legs as she pulled out a dagger. She isn't, is she? Slowly unleasing it from it's sheathe she drags it faintly across his cheek slowly drawing blood.

"Why"

"Please forgive me my que_" he didn't get to finish his sentence before she digged the dagger deeply into his cheek, laughing as he gave a earth shattering scream. My heart definitely disappeared as I saw the scene In front of me as blood oozed from the deep cut.

She grinned before placing a finger on her lip shutting him up. He whimpered as he tried to muffle his sob. She ripped the dagger off his cheek nonchalantly before placing her hands on her laps grinning like a psychopath.

"You shouldn't start something you can't handle" she stated before standing up on her feet causing the dagger to fall on the floor with a thump. She cleaned her blood coated hand on her gown before turning to walk away. My hands flew to my mouth as the man immediately grabbed the dagger on floor standing up to stab her.

His hands stopped mid-air as he stood in front her unable to move. Her laughter echoed in the silent room as she turned back to look at the frozen man. She cackled at his face throwing her head back, and that's when I saw it, Red eyes. What on earth is she?

Seeming to cease from her amusement she tilted her face smiling as she ripped the dagger from his hands.

"You leave me no choice Ocean" She giggled twisting the dagger between her fingers as she stared at the frozen man. Why isn't he moving.

My jaw almost dropped as she digged the dagger into his neck, that seemed to knock him out of the trance as he guggled stumbling down as his hand flew to his neck. The dagger digged further into his neck on its own finally causing him to gasp before his body went limp.

Gasps fill the room as people began to whisper. Did she just kill him.

She crouched down again in front of the first man, his face went pale whimpering as she as placed her palm on his cheek.

"Don't worry Darling, I'll make yours slow" she whispered lowly, a small smile cracking on her face.

"Take him away"

A few guards rushed in dragging the two men away from the room. Once they left, the room grew silent again. She walked towards Elder Yan, her heels hitting harshly against the floor.

"It's a pity I won't stay to spend the rest of the night" she stated standing in front of the slightly shaking elder.

"Your rooms are already prepared, be sure to have a nice night."

And that's all she said before leaving the room, causing me to release the shaky breath I didn't know I was holding.