Chapter 8: A Choice

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Perched upon her bed, Aurianna fixated her gaze on the ceiling until slumber claimed her. As the sun breathed new life into the day, an elegant dinner invitation graced her presence. Curiously enough, she maintained a steadfast silence throughout the entire soirée. As the final course was served and conversations concluded, she retreated directly to her room, mirroring her post-breakfast routine earlier that day.

Lost in a labyrinth of thoughts, Aurianna delved deep into the recesses of her mind, reflecting upon the myriad revelations bestowed upon her by Azarath. One aspect, in particular, gripped her mind—the premature demise of the Saintesses, destined to depart this world at tender ages.

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'Now that I think about it,' Aurianna ruminated, a realization dawning upon her. 'I never actually took the time to investigate the history of the previous Saintesses before their untimely demise. Is being the Saintess truly a divine blessing, or does it bear the markings of a curse, as they so vehemently claimed?' Her thoughts meandered through the perplexing maze of possibilities.

Compelled by a yearning for fresh air, she gracefully stepped outside the confines of her petite abode, craving the soothing embrace of nature. However, instead of finding solace in a serene walk amidst the wonders of the natural world, she directed her path towards a nearby tree. A surge of frustration surged within her, leading her to unleash a series of punches upon the innocent tree, leaves scattered asunder. She then ripped grass from the ground with fervor as she vented her anger.

"How in the world could Father allow Wein and let her erase my memories? And to make the situation worse, he shielded that detestable excuse of a brother! And those so-called heroes—just who do they think they are, audaciously attempting to lay a finger on me? Such insolence in the presence of the esteemed princess of Sandeph! The audacity!" Aurianna's voice boomed as her frustration found expression in her passionate outcry.

Since that fateful encounter with Kent, Aurianna noticed a gradual resurfacing of her fragmented memories. Initially, she dismissed her father's claims as mere confusion, but now the truth became painfully apparent—her father had deliberately concealed crucial information from her. And, to her dismay, her beloved sister Wein was entangled in this web of secrecy.

"I should have known better than to summon those so-called heroes. Their brutish ways are utterly uncivilized!" Aurianna muttered, frustration seeping into her voice.

"Why is all of this happening?" she questioned, a sense of desperation tugging at her heartstrings.

"Oh, Goddess of Beauty, why have I lost my sacred Saintess powers? I faithfully fulfilled every task bestowed upon me. Why, then, am I stripped of my divine connection?" Aurianna pleaded, her gaze searching the skies above, only to find her view obscured by a canopy of trees.

"Please, reveal to me the reasons behind this plight!" Tears welled up in her eyes, trickling down her cheeks.

The gravity of the situation was truly unfathomable. Those whom she once considered friends had revealed their true colors. Recalling Azarath's words, Aurianna's mind unearthed a series of memories, like pieces of a puzzle falling into place. Those peculiar glances she had received from people throughout her life suddenly took on a sinister hue. What she had once perceived as admiring gazes now bore a much darker significance.

They weren't looks of admiration; they were tainted with greed, envy, jealousy, possessiveness, and even lust. Each stare seemed to carry a hidden agenda, as if the people around her were plotting when to exploit, harm, or humiliate her. Many had sought her company merely for her physical beauty, and Aurianna could now discern that they regarded her more as a nuisance than a valued ally. Others saw her as nothing more than a pretty doll, existing solely to garner attention and adoration from the masses.

Deep down, she was aware of this truth, but the fear of abandonment had clouded her judgment. She reveled in the lavish praises, the material wealth, the flattering compliments, and the beaming smiles directed her way. It was as if these external validations fueled her very being.

Did she truly care about the well-being of others, or was it merely her ego seeking constant validation? The line between the two blurred, leaving her uncertain. All she desired was attention, and she found immense pleasure in the adoration bestowed upon her by others.

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After stepping outside in search of solace, which regrettably failed to soothe her turbulent emotions, Aurianna eventually made her way back inside the house. Lost in the labyrinth of her thoughts, she remained oblivious to Azarath's attempts to engage in conversation, rushing past without acknowledging her presence as she hastily retreated to her room. Her mind remained entrenched in contemplation, grappling with the weight of everything that had transpired in her life.

"Is all of this truly my reality? Am I destined for a grim fate, regardless of my actions?" Aurianna wondered, her thoughts veering towards the somber.

Before she could delve further into her introspection, a gentle knock echoed outside her chamber door. Azarath stood there, clutching a bundle of plain brown garments and a towel.

"If I may ask, what brings you here?" Aurianna inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Azarath's countenance softened into a warm smile. "I've prepared a bath for you, considering the state you're in. I thought it might help ease your weariness."

Aurianna glanced down at herself, and to her surprise, Azarath's observation held true. Amidst the whirlwind of events, she had failed to notice just how disheveled she had become. Her clothes were scratched, torn, and dirtied, the remnants of her recent ordeal.

Blushing slightly, Aurianna sprang up from the bed, instantly filled with a sense of embarrassment. "My apologies," she murmured sheepishly. "I failed to realize that my attire would soil the bed."

Azarath shook her head reassuringly. "Don't even worry about it. Your focus should be on getting clean now."

"Okay," Aurianna replied, her gratitude evident in her voice.

She followed Azarath's guidance and made her way to the bathroom, which was conveniently located near her room. However, upon entering, she couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. The bathroom was noticeably smaller and more modest compared to the grand and extravagant bathing chambers she was accustomed to as the Saintess. Even her magical tents boasted opulent bathrooms created with enchantments. But here, she found herself faced with a simple bathroom, its gravel floor underfoot. The centerpiece was a basic tub filled with warm water.

Despite the disparity from her usual lavish surroundings and her discomfort, Aurianna maintained a grateful smile. Azarath, perceptive as ever, caught a glimpse of her discomfort but simply nodded, offering a warm smile in return before closing the bathroom door behind her.

"Her soul is truly pure," Azarath sighed softly, her thoughts trailing as she moved away.

Aurianna wasted no time and immediately returned to her room, clutching the towel left on the bed by Adrien. With purpose, she headed back to the bathroom, ready to immerse herself in the much-needed bath. As the warm water enveloped her, cleansing her body, allowing the weight of the day to wash away. Yet, even in this moment of respite, she couldn't help but be plagued by the memory of the harrowing incident with the hero who had violated her. The recollection sent a surge of anger coursing through her, causing her to clench her teeth in frustration.

"Disgusting, repulsive, despicable!" Aurianna seethed through clenched teeth as she vigorously scrubbed her fair skin, the intensity of her actions causing some areas to bleed. However, no matter how hard she scrubbed or how diligently she cleaned herself, she couldn't shake off the lingering sensation of the vile touch she had endured. It seemed to persist, haunting her very being.

When she finally finished, she stepped out of the bath, only to find that the pain still lingered within her. Her body ached, sore from the ordeal. She tapped the ring adorning her finger, summoning a small bottle filled with a white liquid. Without hesitation, she consumed its contents, feeling the healing properties take effect as her wounds gradually closed.

"There goes my last bottle of holy water," Aurianna sighed, a tinge of sadness coloring her voice as she returned the empty bottle to her ring. She then proceeded to dress herself in the plain brown clothes and undergarments provided for her.

Exhausted both physically and emotionally, she flopped onto the bed, closing her eyes in a desperate attempt to find solace in sleep. However, contrary to her wishes, sleep eluded her. No matter how many sheep she mentally counted or how many historical names she recited, her mind remained restless. Her skin burned with an unrestrained rage that refused to be quelled any longer.

Aurianna's eyes burned with an intense rage as she opened them wide, her resolve solidifying. "I have to report him to Father," she declared, swiftly leaping off her bed in a rush. "I can't wait any longer!"

With a sense of urgency, she hurried down to the living room, where she found Azarath seated on the couch, engrossed in a book. "Azarath," Aurianna called out, her voice filled with determination.

Azarath slowly set her book down on her lap, using her finger to mark her place. She glanced toward Aurianna, meeting her gaze. "Is there something you need, my dear?" she asked, her voice filled with a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Do you have a teleportation scroll?" Aurianna fidgeted anxiously, her impatience palpable.

Azarath let out a sigh, her expression conveying a sense of sadness. "Returning home may not be the best course of action, child," she said, her tone gentle yet resolute.

"I have to go back home. My father will protect me," Aurianna asserted, her eyes brimming with unwavering determination.

Azarath peered deeply into Aurianna's eyes, silently sighing once again. They were the eyes she had seen countless times in humans, eyes that had already made up their mind, eyes that saw their destination and refused to be swayed by anyone. Despite this, she felt compelled to try and dissuade Aurianna.

Briefly looking down, Azarath gathered her thoughts before lifting her head, locking eyes with Aurianna once more.

Azarath's voice turned cold, her words cutting through the air like icy blades. "Do you truly believe your father will protect you?" Her piercing gaze bore into Aurianna, causing a shiver to run down her spine. Instinctively, she took a step back under the weight of Azarath's intense presence, but she quickly composed herself, clenching her fists in determination.

"Yes, I trust my father," Aurianna responded, her voice trembling slightly, yet resolute. Deep down, she held onto that trust, despite the wavering confidence. 'It's not like I have anyone else to go to. He's the only one I can turn to. The only one who can get rid of that Hero for me. If he helps me this time, I can overlook the past.'

A mixture of emotions flickered across Azarath's face, her features softening for a moment before returning to their usual stoic expression. She seemed lost in thought, as if grappling with her own reservations.

"If you are determined, then so be it. But mark my words, placing trust in untrustworthy humans can often lead to your downfall," Azarath sighed, a hint of resignation in her voice. She extended her left hand, and a scroll materialized within it, seemingly out of thin air.

"Take this, and leave. However, be prepared for the consequences of your choice," Azarath cautioned, her voice filled with a sense of foreboding.

Aurianna's lips curled into a confident smile as she reached out to accept the scroll. She knew deep down that this could be the key to resolving her current predicament. With this scroll, she would finally be able to return home and seek the justice she rightfully deserved with her father's support.

"I won't have any regrets," Aurianna declared, her eyes glimmering with determination.

Azarath continued to focus on her book, seemingly engrossed in its pages, as she imparted the instructions for the scroll. "Tear the scroll, and it will transport you to any kingdom and any specific location within that kingdom," she explained, her voice steady despite her diverted attention.

Aurianna looked at Azarath, her confusion evident. This revelation contradicted her understanding of teleportation scrolls. While they were capable of transporting individuals over a certain distance, it was generally not possible to select a specific destination with such precision.

However, Aurianna decided to put her trust in Azarath's words, setting aside her doubts. Without saying a word, she tore the scroll, causing her form to vanish into thin air, transported to her chosen destination.

As Aurianna disappeared, Azarath clenched her teeth, frustration evident on her face. Under her breath, she muttered, "Foolish child."

Adrien, who had been listening in on the conversation from outside the room, entered the living room and approached Azarath. He could sense the gravity of the situation. "Will she... will she die?" he asked, with an amused smile.

Azarath paused for a moment, her eyes reflecting a mix of sadness and resignation. "She has chosen her path, and unfortunately, it seems she has chosen one that will bring her immense suffering. I could only offer her so much guidance."

Adrien took a seat beside his mother on the couch, his expression lacked compassion. "Is her future truly that dreadful?" he asked, his voice filled with nonchalance.

Azarath nodded in agreement, acknowledging the impact of Aurianna's kind nature. "Indeed, her blind kindness, nativity and foolishness often led others to underestimate her."

Her eyes still fixed on the pages of her book, Azarath muttered to herself, a hint of concern in her voice. "I can only hope that the entity I glimpsed in my vision, the one by her side, remains dormant. If she were to awaken as... that thing! Oh, the consequences would be dire. I fear we would be left with few options to deal with it."

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Aurianna's eyelids fluttered open, and to her astonishment, she found herself standing before the grand castle gates. "I have indeed returned," she thought, her heart brimming with a mixture of relief and surprise. The teleportation scroll had proven its efficacy, whisking her away to the precise destination she desired.

Before she could fully grasp the magnitude of her expedited journey, a contingent of knights patrolling the area spotted her and hastened towards her, their weapons poised for defense. Urgency permeated the air as they closed in, ready to safeguard their kingdom from any potential threats.

Taking a composed stance, Aurianna extended her hands in a gesture of pacification. "Please, remain calm. It is I, Princess Aurianna," she conveyed, her voice poised and assured, hoping to assuage their concerns.

One of the knights, his expression tinged with skepticism, stepped forward. "How can we be certain that you are not an impostor?" he queried, his tone laced with caution.

With an air of regal confidence, Aurianna retrieved a small yet significant item from within her ring, unveiling it before their watchful eyes. "Allow me to dispel any doubts. Behold, the imperial seal," she declared, the emblem of her royal lineage and authority glistening in her grasp. Recognition flickered in the eyes of the knight, realization dawning upon him as he comprehended the significance of the seal. In that transformative moment, their initial wariness subsided, and they lowered their weapons in acknowledgment.

"My sincere apologies, Princess. Our utmost priority is to ensure the safety of the royal family, guarding against any potential threats, including demons masquerading as the esteemed princesses and princes," one of the knights expressed, his voice laden with earnestness. "Please, allow us to escort you inside the castle where you will be under the protection of the King."

Guided by the knights, Aurianna was ushered through the castle gates, her mind preoccupied with her urgent mission to inform her father about the treacherous deeds of the heroes. Unbeknownst to her, the knights' countenances bore a somber undertone, their true intentions shrouded in darkness.

As Aurianna crossed the threshold into the grandeur of the castle, she found herself abruptly confronted by a formidable assembly of twelve knights donned in resplendent golden armor. Their gleaming sabers and swords were ominously aimed at her, creating an imposing spectacle that seized her senses.

"Traitorous Saintess Aurianna, you shall accompany us to face the King's judgment," their commanding voice resonated, leaving Aurianna perplexed and disconcerted. Caught off guard by this unexpected turn of events, she swiftly assessed the gravity of the situation, realizing the futility of resistance, especially in her current powerless state.

Fear gripped her heart, but she summoned every ounce of her inner resolve, determined to project an outward facade of courage. With a steadfast gaze, she met the eyes of her captors, concealing her trepidation beneath a mask of audacity, hoping to navigate her way out of this precarious predicament.

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As Aurianna stepped into the majestic main hall of the palace, the knights forcefully compelled her to kneel before the throne. Her gaze fixed upon her father, the King, who sat upon the regal seat, a commanding presence emanating from his figure. His ebony hair, neatly tied in a ponytail, and piercing dark green eyes bore an aura of authority as they surveyed the hall. Adorned in a resplendent white suit, embellished with glistening gold accents, he exuded a sense of regal pride.

Beside him stood her second brother, Ralf, his short light blue hair catching the sunlight in a vibrant display. His dark green eyes bore a hint of arrogance as they surveyed Aurianna. Clad in a meticulously crafted black suit adorned with enchanting symbols, a testament to the magical enhancements woven into its fabric. On the opposite side of the king's throne stood the heroes, casting pitying gazes upon Aurianna. And flanking the hall, court officials eagerly awaited the unfolding scene, their anticipation palpable.

Aurianna's mind buzzed with questions and confusion as she beheld the heroes. 'How did they manage to arrive here before me?' she pondered, her thoughts racing. 'Weren't they supposed to have run out of teleportation scrolls?'

The enigma of their sudden appearance seized Aurianna's attention, adding another layer of intrigue to the already perplexing situation she found herself in.

"To think my own daughter would betray me for a demon," the king's voice thundered across the hall, shattering Aurianna's composure and plunging her into disbelief.

"Father, what are you saying?" Aurianna gasped, her voice trembling with a mix of shock and confusion.

A sly smirk crept across Kent's face as he responded, reveling in his perceived righteousness. "Enough with the pretense, Aurianna. Your allegiance with the demons is clear. Had it not been for me and my heroic team vanquishing the Demon King, who knows what horrors would have befallen our beloved kingdom?"

Derek, standing by Kent's side, couldn't resist boasting about his part in the victory. "You should have seen how I dealt the final blow to that feeble Demon King. He didn't even have a chance to scream. Our dear Saintess here was lagging behind, not even through the door by the time we had finished him off."

Cindy, not one to be overshadowed, swiftly interjected with frustration, objecting to Derek's skewed depiction of events. "Oh, spare us your exaggerated tales, Derek! Your blunt blade couldn't cut through a sheet of paper! It was my devastating Meteor Strike that reduced the savage demon to smithereens!"

The heroes, driven by their desire for recognition and the promised rewards for their triumph, seemed more interested in basking in glory than conveying the truth. Their primary concern revolved around securing their rewards and, in Kent's case, reasserting control over Aurianna once again.

Aurianna's anger surged within her, refusing to let their false narratives go unchallenged. "Stop with your lies! It was my power that sealed the fate of the Demon King!" Her voice quivered with a mix of frustration and determination, her hands clenching tightly as she emphasized her point. Deep down, she knew the truth, but if she could convince them of her crucial role, perhaps she could secure a more favorable outcome instead of facing punishment.

Kent scoffed, shaking his head dismissively. "That's quite amusing, my dear, but everyone knows that the Saintess lacks combat prowess." He paused briefly, scanning the room to gauge the reception of his words among the assembled officials.

"Even if I didn't possess the strength to slay the Demon King, you certainly couldn't have done it either! You perished within minutes of engaging him!" Aurianna's voice rang out, cutting through the tense air. Her statement elicited gasps of astonishment from those present in the room.

Feeling the tide turning against him, Kent vehemently denied her accusations. "That's an outrageous lie! I am a true hero, capable of effortlessly vanquishing a mere Demon King without breaking a sweat."

Some of the nobles, swayed by the prevailing notion of heroes' unrivaled might, nodded in agreement with Kent's words. It was widely believed that heroes possessed the power to easily dispatch a Demon King.

A self-satisfied smirk played upon Kent's lips, recognizing that his words were successfully swaying opinions in his favor. He pressed forward, poised to deliver the final blow to Aurianna's credibility.

"Please, do admit it. It's quite apparent that you intentionally captivated each and every member of the heroes party, all in an effort to facilitate the removal of your demon lover. You were well aware that maintaining your position of authority would prove impossible if it were exposed that you were intimately involved with the enemy."

Kent boldly accused, causing a ripple of gasps and hushed whispers throughout the hall. The nobles stared at Aurianna with a mixture of disdain, particularly the women. Hardly anyone could wrap their heads around what they were hearing. After all, the princess wasn't exactly known for her intellect, and orchestrating plans of this caliber seemed way out of her league. But truth be told, the actual truth didn't hold much importance for most of them. It served as a welcome diversion from the mundane web of intrigues that consumed the daily lives of the aristocracy.

Kent's baseless accusation struck Aurianna like a dagger to the heart. She couldn't comprehend the audacity of his claims nor the swift judgment cast upon her by the nobles present leaving her dumbfounded, her gaze fixed on Kent and the other heroes. The sheer absurdity of his accusations, coupled with the absence of any vocal opposition or defense from those present, left her incredulous. It appeared as though the officials in the room were willing to accept every word that spilled from his mouth.

She glanced around the hall, where gasps and whispers permeated the hall, revealing the astonishment and repulsion and disdain of the assembled nobles, particularly the women. Their whispers only fueled the fire of disbelief within her. How could they so easily accept such outrageous allegations?

Aurianna's eyes darted between Kent and the other heroes, their triumphant smirks etched deeply into her memory. The weight of the situation bore down on her, leaving her momentarily speechless. She needed to defend herself, to speak her truth, but the overwhelming atmosphere of accusation made it seem futile. The officials, usually so quick to engage in political maneuvering, appeared all too eager to accept Kent's narrative without question.

Torn between her desire to protest and the realization that her words might fall on deaf ears, Aurianna found herself unable to continue her defense. It was a painful silence, a silence that spoke volumes of the predicament she now faced. She felt the weight of betrayal, not only from the heroes who had twisted the truth but also from the courtiers who were quick to abandon her without a second thought.

A surge of determination coursed through Aurianna's veins. She refused to let herself be crushed under the weight of these false accusations. If they wanted a fight, she would give them one, even if it meant standing alone against the tide of lies. She straightened her posture, her gaze steady, and her voice, though tinged with a mix of anger and sadness, carried a resolute tone.

"You're lying. I had no demon lover, and it is you who..." Aurianna halted mid-sentence, realizing that continuing further would likely be unwise.

With the weight of her precarious situation weighing heavily on her, Aurianna contemplated the consequences of admitting to Kent's assault. Doing so would inevitably lead to her fiancé abandoning her, further tarnishing her already fragile reputation and fueling a barrage of malicious rumors. In this particular context, it would seem as if she were simply making baseless accusations to evade the truth. Aurianna knew all too well that her stepmothers would eagerly seize the opportunity to vilify her further.

Her voice filled with a mix of anger and frustration, she hissed, "You're only doing all of this because you were humiliated by the Demon King's defeat!"

Kent's eye twitched in irritation, though he managed to restrain his outburst of anger. Scanning the room, he realized that everyone present seemed to be firmly on his side. Taking a deep breath, he adopted a tone of shocked disbelief, making a concerted effort to sell his story and convince everyone around him.

"Lies! How could individuals like us, possessing extraordinary magical and combat abilities, be so easily vanquished? Saintess, it is clear that your envy has driven you to concoct such elaborate falsehoods. There is simply no need to stoop this low." He paused briefly, shaking his head in apparent dismay.

Kent pressed on, continuing his verbal assault. "Listen closely. If you confess to your transgressions, I might consider showing leniency and allowing you to remain under my supervision."

"Preposterous!" The king erupted, his voice booming through the room as he fixed a stern glare upon Aurianna. He then regained his composure and spoke with a chilling calmness. "Seducing the heroes, aligning yourself with the demons, and fabricating stories about slaying the Demon King. What kind of daughter have I raised?"

A heavy silence fell upon the chamber, as everyone anxiously awaited the king's next words, fully anticipating another verbal barrage directed at Aurianna. She lifted her gaze, pain etched upon her face, feeling the sting of betrayal from the one person she had believed would support her.

Breaking the oppressive silence, the king's declaration shattered the stillness. "The Saintess shall face execution!"

The heroes stood frozen in shock, unable to comprehend the gravity of the king's words.

"Your Majesty, that is excessively harsh," Derek interjected, bowing slightly to soften the appearance of dissenting with the king's decree.

"Indeed, Father, this punishment is too severe," Ralph chimed in, shaking his head disapprovingly.

The king's expression twisted momentarily into a satisfied smile, only to swiftly transform a second later.

"Father, I beg you, please reconsider! You're making a grave mistake by trusting them and doubting me. I am your own daughter," Aurianna pleaded desperately, but her pleas fell on deaf ears as the knights forcefully dragged her away.

The king then motioned for his personal assistant to approach him, leaning in to whisper something into his ear. "Commence the blood extraction."

The assistant nodded obediently, replying, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Despite Aurianna's valiant struggle and her determined attempts to break free from the tight grip of the knights, she was injected with a substance against her will. Her resistance proved futile as her strength waned, and she gradually succumbed to unconsciousness.

As her senses faded, Aurianna could hear the sound of shackles clicking around her wrists, a final cruel reminder of her captivity, before everything plunged into darkness.

***

Aurianna awoke in a dimly lit room, her limbs bound by heavy chains fastened to the floor. As she sat up, the sound of the chains scraping across the stone floor echoed in the air. She surveyed her surroundings, taking in the stone walls adorned with intricate, ever-moving magic circles. Only a small window adorned the room, positioned high above and out of her reach. Iron bars separated her from the outside world, while the constant patrol of numerous knights added to the sense of confinement. Next to her, a meager hay bed awaited, its rough texture prompting her to retract her hand and rub it, displeased.

"How can anyone bear to sleep on such a bed?!" Aurianna pondered aloud, wrinkling her nose at the unpleasant smell that permeated the room. After remaining awake for some time, exhaustion eventually caught up with her, accompanied by the grumble of her empty stomach. Reluctant to sleep on the cold, hard floor, she approached the hay bed and settled upon it, despite its discomfort. She kept her thoughts to herself, silently enduring the less-than-ideal sleeping arrangement.

"Why... why did no one listen or even attempt to believe me?" Aurianna questioned, tears silently tracing their path down her cheeks. Defeated and bewildered, she struggled to comprehend the events that had unfolded earlier. Overwhelmed by it all, she eventually cried herself into an uneasy slumber, the weight of her ordeal leaving her utterly drained.

Aurianna endured her imprisonment within the cell for a short period of two weeks. Despite the peculiar circumstances, she noticed that some of the knights assigned to guard her allowed her access to a washroom located in the dungeon for the guards. They also ensured she received regular meals, although they were far from the lavish feasts she had been accustomed to. While a part of her wanted to appreciate this minimal care, she knew it was merely a formality, as her impending execution loomed over her.

During this time, a man who claimed to be a doctor visited her every three days. Aurianna found this presence unsettling, but her attempts to voice her discontent were met with swift retribution. The first time she saw him, she rebelled, kicking and yelling in protest. However, the knights quickly subdued her, binding her hands and legs with additional chains and gagging her.

Following the blood extraction, she was left in that restrained state for days, causing fear to grip her every time the doctor returned. However, he would provide her with an abundance of food before departing. Upon his subsequent visits, he would extract another bag of her blood, leaving her feeling increasingly drained. This agonizing cycle persisted relentlessly, yet Aurianna somehow managed to survive, though she found it perplexing. Whenever she inquired about the purpose behind these extractions, the doctor would simply respond that it was to check for any illnesses within her blood.

As a former Saintess with a heightened immune system, Aurianna harbored doubts regarding the doctor's explanation for the blood extractions. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to it. However, each time she attempted to press for further information, she was swiftly silenced by another gag, leaving her with no choice but to endure in silence. In her heart, she clung to a sliver of hope, praying for a miracle to intervene and bring an end to her suffering.

A quiet laughter escaped Aurianna's lips, tinged with a bitter irony. There was no need for her to question things any longer; the truth was no longer a secret, if it ever truly was. The purpose behind her continued existence had become clear—she was nothing more than her own father's blood bank. In her half-awake state, she had often caught glimpses of his voice echoing through the depths of the dungeon.

At this point, no surprises awaited her. A sense of resignation settled within her, as if nothing could faze her anymore. But little did she know, her belief that nothing could shock her further would soon be shattered.

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