Chapter 4 The Unexpected Accident

Julian Pierce quickly got dressed and prepared his essentials. He put on a leather jacket, stylish jeans, his helmet, and mounted his favorite motorcycle.

"Let's go, baby!" Julian said to his bike, flashing a bright smile.

He started the engine and sped out of the house. The cool morning breeze hit his face, making him feel refreshed and exhilarated. The streets were still empty, and the first rays of dawn began to appear, adding to the beauty of the surroundings. The road ahead was wide open, the spaciousness giving him a sense of freedom and ease. As he left the city, the strong wind blowing against his face made all his worries seem to vanish. Julian accelerated, feeling the adrenaline surge through his body. The deserted road echoed with the sound of the engine in the peaceful suburban landscape.

Suddenly, a truck appeared from a nearby turn, speeding towards him. Julian was startled and tried to swerve, but it was too late. The screech of brakes filled the air as his bike skidded across the road.

After the loud "B A N G," his body was thrown off the bike.

Julian hit the ground hard, pain spreading throughout his body. His motorcycle rolled multiple times before coming to a stop, with pieces scattered everywhere. Bystanders quickly gathered around the accident scene. They saw Julian lying motionless on the ground, blood flowing from a wound on his forehead.

"Call an ambulance, quick!" someone shouted, phone in hand.

The sound of sirens grew louder as the ambulance arrived. Paramedics quickly administered first aid to Julian. They placed him on a stretcher and loaded him into the ambulance. One of them checked his pulse, looking worried:

"He's alive, but very weak. We need to get to the hospital quickly!"

On the way to the hospital, Julian remained unconscious. Disjointed memories played in his mind, from his meeting with Liam Brooks to the moment of the accident. It was like a slow-motion film, with images intertwining continuously. Everything around him became blurry, sounds fading away. Before losing consciousness completely, he heard a distant voice:

"Julian Pierce, are you Ethan Caelan?"

A blinding light appeared, and everything around him turned white. Julian tried to open his eyes but couldn't fight the overwhelming fatigue. In that moment, he sensed a strange shift in the environment.

A chilling sensation enveloped him, as if he were falling into another world. Blurry images appeared before him, unfamiliar faces, and mysterious voices. He felt like he was being pulled into an entirely unfamiliar space, unable to resist.

When Julian opened his eyes, the pain was still there, and he looked around. The unfamiliar surroundings revealed themselves. He was lying on a large bed with elaborate curtains, in a room decorated in a classic royal style.

"Am I on a film set?" He tried to sit up but felt weak and strange.

"Your Highness, you are awake!" a worried voice exclaimed. Julian turned to see two young men in ancient soldier uniforms standing beside the bed, their faces showing relief.

"Where... where am I?" Julian asked, still bewildered.

"Your Highness, do you not remember? You had an accident while riding a horse on a hunt," the younger guard said, his eyes full of concern.

"Riding a horse on a hunt, not a motorcycle?" Julian asked, his eyes filled with confusion.

The older guard looked at Julian, his eyes showing deep concern. "Your Highness, how are you feeling?" he asked.

"I'm... I'm fine, just a bit of a headache," Julian replied, trying to remain calm.

"Who are you two?"

The younger guard was surprised but responded quickly: "I am Leo Grant, and this is Reed Jace. Do you not remember?"

"Reed Jace and Leo Grant..." Julian repeated, his eyes unfocused. "This is so strange..."

The two guards exchanged worried looks. "Your Highness, do you remember anything about the accident?" Reed Jace asked.

"Not clearly... But why do you call me Your Highness?" Julian asked, trying to piece everything together.

"Your Highness, you are Prince Ethan Caelan of Aria," Leo Grant explained.

"Ethan Caelan... Prince..." Julian muttered, trying to recall.

"So... the people in my dream... talking about Reed Jace and Leo Grant... were you two?"

The two guards looked at each other, surprised.

"Your Highness, do you really not remember anything?" Reed Jace asked, his voice full of worry.

"No... I had a strange dream... But it's probably nothing," Julian tried to reassure himself and the two guards.