Chapter 2 A Dubious Reality.

We're sitting around a very long table, just like the ones you see in a fantasy-kingdom like play or movies. There are also large candles on the table and a gigantic chandelier hanging from the middle of the ceiling. Some servants are also standing in line at different sides of the room. If I'm going to base on the fantasy movies that I've watched, I could say that this is the dining hall.

But do they really have to set this up for one stupid prank? They went really far just to make me believe that I'm in the Underworld. The Underworld! Who would believe something like that?!

I looked at the seven guys sitting in front of me. I'm seated at the far end of the table, so I can see all of them that are sitting at the opposite side. The guy who looks like he holds the most authority over the others, is seated opposite me. The remaining six are divided into two on both sides. The 'pervert' that I first met is seated on the right, just beside him.

They were eating peacefully except for one guy who's stuffing his face with all the food he sees. Speaking of which, why is there a lot of food? The food prepared in front of us is more than enough for eight people. It even looks like a banquet good for two big families.

"Why aren't you eating? Do you not like the food?"

I almost jumped out of my seat when they started to talk to me. The person who just asked me is the guy on the right side, nearest to me. His query made the others pay attention to me as well. I felt a gush of embarrassment rush to my face as I realized that everyone seemed to be looking in my direction.

"She doesn't like it?" The guy who eats too much looked at me with a chicken wing still on his hand, "Can I take your food then?"

He was about to stand up, but the guy beside him pulled him and made him sit back down, "You have your own food, Erys."

Dismay could be seen in the foodie guy's face as he obeyed the other guy's order. I wasn't able to answer his question, and I don't think I have a voice to say a word either. I still haven't gotten over the fact that I was in a pit hole earlier and now I'm suddenly teleported in this palace-like setting with seven strangers.

I looked at each of them again until my eyes landed on the guy who asked me why I'm not touching my food. He's still looking at me with concern. I quickly took my eyes off him and stared at my food again.

Right... He was the one who brought me here. Well, that's according to him. Although I do remember grasping for a hand before I blacked out, I couldn't quite recall that person's face.

It wasn't until a few minutes later that I could finally say what's on my mind, "Home..."

All of them looked at me again as they heard what I said, but none of them answered. Again, I spoke louder, "When can I go home?"

"Finish eating so we can talk about that," the guy on the other end of the table said after a forged cough.

A dumbstruck puff came out of my mouth. It took me a while to process his answer. No, they aren't planning on letting me go. Who knows what they'll really do after I eat? They might take my organs out and leave my rotting dead body under a bridge!

My eyes examined the room for any open door. I need to leave here as soon as possible. I can't just let them do what they want to me! They should've just left me in the pit if they're going to kill me here anyway.

A bit of hope tickled me when servants entered the room to clean up the table. As soon as they open that door once again to take the plates out, I need to pick up my pace and run. I just need to wait for the perfect timing. When the seven guys are preoccupied and least expecting it.

Waiting for that moment made my heart pound incredibly fast. This is the most nervous I've been since my surgery when I was still a child. I tried to hide my flustering by pretending to eat. I couldn't even swallow the food because of how uneasy I'm feeling.

At last, the servants finished cleaning up the dirty plates. I glanced at the seven guys in front of me and they all looked unaware.

"Erys, are you sure you're not full yet?"

"He doesn't get full, Oleander. Don't act as if you don't know how he's always hungry."

While they're arguing, I took that chance to stand up and immediately sprinted towards the door. I didn't get a chance to see a glimpse of their shocked faces because I had my eyes shut the whole time. I even bumped into some of the servants which caused them to drop the glassware that they're carrying.

I stopped running when two guys dressed in knight armors blocked my way. I stepped aside and they still blocked my way.

Whatever!

I tried my best to knock them down. They're wearing heavy armor, so it's definitely impossible for them to stand up quickly.

I bit my lip to contain my laughter. I guess playing outside when I was younger made me strong enough to win against anyone blocking my way.

I've been running around for a while now, but I still can't find the exit. It's like I'm going in circles. Why is this place so big?! I'm about to lose my breath from running around too much.

I stopped running to catch my breath for a moment. That's when I heard a door open. I looked beside me and saw a huge door opening, slowly letting me peek in what's inside it. I almost got blinded by how bright it was inside. When my eyes adjusted to its brightness, I then realized the heat creeping to my skin. The reason why the place was so bright is because the whole room is on fire.

Too hot. It's as if the sun has been kept in this room.

I stumbled as the heat drove me dizzy. I feel like my world is spinning- no, it's crumbling. I could feel the land beneath my feet shake.

The dizziness that I felt made my body collapse. Thankfully, someone caught me just in time.

"Hey, wake up! Damn!" I tried to look at the person who's holding me in their arms, but my sight already turned blurry.

"Valdis! Have you found her?!"

I can't breathe...

By the way my breath is getting sucked away from me, I feel like I'm in hell.

"What happened to her?"

"She collapsed just in front of the opening of Sinistre..."

"Let's bring her to Valdis's room immediately."

"Why does it have to be my room again?!"

"Because she can't be in Oleander's room. She's not safe there."