Sophie's POV

The Great Hall felt like a pressure cooker. It was ready to blow.

I stood there. I clutched my empty tray. The air hummed with the aftershocks of the meal.

Lady Elara sat frozen. Her were knuckles white. She gripped the edge of the table.

Elara looked at me. Her eyes told me I would burn. I looked back at her. My eyes told her she could do nothing.

In my mind, I spoke to her.

Go ahead and try Elara. You have no idea who you are dealing with. I am a girl from the future. I have seen empires fall. I've seen technology rise. I already know your every move. I will always win.

The plate I served were empty.

Elara stared at the Grand Prince. She wanted him to rule in her favor.

The Grand Prince spoke.

"No doubt." Magnus started.

His voice echoing in the rafters.

"The Chief Royal Chef is talented. This meal was... an experience. However, we must not overlook tradition. Elara captured what tradition truly means. It represents the stability of the Blackwood bloodline."

He looked at Alaric. Alaric was watching me. His gaze felt like molten gold.

"Alaric." Magnus continued.

"it would only be right that you ask the both of them what they want. Grant their wishes. They both worked hard."

Alaric turned his head. A smirk played on his lips. He knew the exact game being played.

"Very well Uncle." Alaric said.

He turned to Elara first.

"Lady Elara, you provided a meal of tradition. What do you want as reward?"

Elara's face softened. She straightened her posture. Her eyes gleamed.

"Your Majesty is too kind." she purred.

"If I must choose... I would like the latest silk materials from the eastern traders. I also desire new gold hairpins. The ones inlaid with rubies. Perhaps a set of matching bracelets."

Alaric smiled. It didn't reach his eyes. It was a cold smile. He knew she loved material things. She can be bought easily.

"The royal jeweler will see to it." Alaric said.

Grand Prince Magnus let out a short laugh. He turned to me. His eyebrows arched in curiosity.

"If she requested these things." Magnus said.

A twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

"I am eager to hear what you ask for. Surely a genius like you wants even finer jewels."

Alaric's gaze moved to me.

"And you, Sophie? What is your wish?"

I took a breath. I didn't want silk. I didn't want rubies. I wanted to do my job better than anyone this century had ever seen.

"Your Majesty." I said.

My voice steady.

"My greatest joy is seeing people satisfied. I don't need gold or silk. I want your permission. To go get fresh vegetables. Rare herbs and spices from the east side."

The Grand Prince widened his eyes.

"So... you don't want a new outfit?" He asked.

He sounded genuinely baffled.

"No gold pins?"

Alaric let out a soft chuckle. He looked at Magnus. Then back at me. His expression softened. It made my stomach flip.

"She is different Uncle." Alaric said.

"She is not materialistic. Her mind is always on her craft."

Elara looked absolutely livid.

She was pieced. Her face turned red. She realized my humble request made her look shallow. And vain in comparison.

She couldn't leave. She had to sit there and endure the praise being heaped on a peasant.

"No problem Sophie." the King said.

His voice firm. "You are allowed to travel to the other side of town. You can get the fresh ingredients you need. I will provide a guard for your safety. And Elara, the jeweler will bring you your trinkets."

"We are dismissed." Alaric added.

He waved a hand.

I curtsied and turned. I walked out of the Great Hall as fast as my feet could carry me.

I needed the familiar heat of the kitchen to clear my head.

As I approached the heavy wooden doors. I heard voices. I stopped behind a massive stone pillar. My heart hammered.

It was Cook Silas and Cook Damien.

"You are a fool Damien." Silas was saying.

His voice was hushed but urgent.

"Have you forgotten so quickly? Sophie saved us. The King was ready to have our hands cut off. She stepped in. She took the risk."

"She is a ghost." Damien spat.

Though he sounded less certain than before. "Lady Elara said..."

"Lady Elara doesn't care about you!" Silas hissed.

"She fixed that competition. She was right there. But did she save any of us? No. She left the room. She let us face the King's wrath alone. She would have let them take our hands without blinking. Sophie helped us. You are not supposed to disrespect her like that. She is the reason you can still hold a knife."

I leaned against the cold stone. A lump formed in my throat.

I hadn't realized Silas was this clever. He was advising Damien. He is trying to pull him back. Away from the edge of Elara's influence.

I decided I had heard enough. I stepped out from behind the pillar. I let out a loud forced cough.

Both men jumped nearly a foot into the air. They spun around. Their faces pale as white flour. They looked like they had actually seen a ghost.

"Chef!" Silas squeaked.

He bowed so fast. He nearly hit the table with his forehead.

Damien stood frozen. His eyes darting to the floor. The silence stretched between us. He finally slumped his shoulders.

"I... I apologize Sophie." Damien muttered.

His voice barely audible over the crackle of the hearth. "I was out of line."

I walked over to the center table. I looked him in the eye. I didn't want his fear.

"Apology accepted Damien." I said calmly.

"I don't want your head on a platter. I just want you to help me keep the King fed. That is our only job."

I leaned in a little closer. I lowered my voice.

"I know it was Elara making you do all of it. She uses people until they are broken. Then she discards them. You should choose to be a better person instead. Work with me not against me."

Damien nodded slowly. The tension finally leaving his frame.

Silas breathed a sigh of relief.

I looked toward the kitchen entrance.Elara was standing in the shadows. She was watching.

She didn't say a word. She gave me that look again. The "I will destroy you" look.

I turned back to the stove. The fire reflected in my eyes.

The war wasn't over. It was just getting started.

Alaric's POV

The feast was over. I watched Sophie walk away. Her head held high.

Elara had stormed out behind her. The air in the Great Hall finally felt thin enough to breathe.

I turned to my uncle. Magnus was swirling the last of the wine in his cup. He looked satisfied.

"You have a rare creature in that kitchen, Alaric." Magnus said.

"But we have more pressing matters than poultry. Tell me. How far have you gone in the case of your mother's death? Have you found the ones who offended her memory?"

I looked at him. I respected Magnus. He was the only family I had left. The one who did not try to steal my crown. I decided to speak with an open heart.

"I am working on it Uncle." I said.

I leaned forward.

"I have sent Eunuch George to find the truth. He is digging through the old records. He is looking for the names that were erased."

Magnus paused.

His hand stopped moving. He looked at me with a calculating gaze.

"Eunuch George?" Magnus asked.

"He is a quiet man. A safe choice. Your plans are good. It is time the shadows were cleared from this palace."

Magnus stood up suddenly. He adjusted his heavy tunic.

"I have something to take care of immediately. I must leave." Magnus said.

"Now?" I asked.

I was surprised by his haste.

"Can you not take care of it later? We have not finished our discussion."

"No. It is urgent. It cannot wait for the moon to set." Magnus replied.

"Very well." I said.

"I bade you good night Uncle."

I watched him walk out. His footsteps echoed on the stone.

I felt a strange chill. I pushed it away. I returned to my chambers. I went to my quiet room.

This was the only place where I was not a King. I was just a man.

I sat at my desk. I brought out my journal. I picked up my quill. I wanted to capture the meal Sophie prepared today.

I began to draw the poultry dish. I drew the texture of the crust. I wrote down the explanation she gave.

"Soft inside. Crunchy outside." I wrote.

I looked at the pages. I remembered what Cassian told me. He said the book that brought her to this time was the Ledger of Satiety.

My heart skipped a beat. That was the perfect name for my journal. I had been looking for a title.

I took the quill. I wrote the words in bold letters on the cover. The Ledger of Satiety.

Just after I finished writing. A sharp knock interrupted me. I did not like being disturbed in this room.

"Come in!" I barked.

A guard entered. His face was pale. He was trembling.

"Your Majesty. I have terrible news." The guard said.

"Speak." I commanded.

"Eunuch George is missing. He is gone. Someone had kidnapped him. There is no trace of him in the palace or the grounds." The guard said.

I stood up so fast my chair hit the wall. I felt a roar of fury in my chest. I was devastated. I was angry.

"How?" I shouted.

"He was under my protection! Who is behind this? Who does not want me to know the truth?"

"We do not know, Sire. The corridors were silent." The guard whispered.

"Tell the guards to be alert!" I said.

"Search every cellar. Search every stable. Report to me if anything arises. If he is harmed, the person responsible will hang from the highest tower."

The guard bowed. He rushed out. I slammed my fist onto the desk. My mother's truth was slipping through my fingers again.

Someone was playing a game with me. Someone was afraid of what George would find.

Just as the guard was leaving, Cassian walked in. He did not look at the guard. He looked at me. He was holding a small, colorful bag.

"Alaric. Calm your blood for a moment." Cassian said.

"George is gone, Cassian! I cannot be calm!" I yelled.

"I know. But look at this." Cassian said.

He held up the bag. "I found Sophie's bag. It was caught in the thicket near the cliff where she fell. Everything is inside."

I looked at the bag. It was made of a strange material. It had metal teeth that pulled apart.

I felt a sudden shift. I was devastated a minute ago. Now my mood lightened. This bag belonged to her world. It was a piece of her life.

I touched the material. It was cold.

"This is hers." I whispered.

"Yes. It has her tools. Her 'phone' as she calls it. And other strange bottles." Cassian said.

I looked toward the window. I thought of Sophie. She was the only light in this dark palace.

I wanted to see her. I wanted to see her face when I gave her this piece of her home.

"Cassian. Inform the Chief Guard." I said.

"Tell him to find Sophie. Tell her I have a surprise for her. Tell her she should meet me at the royal farm when she is done with her kitchen duties."

"Are you sure?" Cassian asked.

"The palace might be dangerous tonight."

"The farm is mine. It is the only place where the snakes do not hide." I said.

"Go. Now."

I sat in silence. I thought about who might be behind Eunuch George's kidnap.

I couldn't think of anyone who knows my plan. Grand Prince Magnus never showed interest in the throne. He is too weak to think about politics.

I must find out who is behind this.

Sophie's POV

The steam of the final broth had barely cleared.

Cassian entered the kitchen. He ignored the other chefs. His eyes found me immediately.

The urgency in his posture made me a little nervous.

"The Alpha would like to see you at the royal farm." Cassian said.

His voice was low.

"He expects you as soon as your duties here are finished."

I wiped my hands on my apron. I nodded slowly.

"I'm done now. I was just about to head to my quarters."

"Don't keep him waiting." Cassian advised.

He turned to his heel.

I headed for the farm. The night air was cold. Shadows stretched across the stone path. I smelled earth and horses.

Alaric stood in the clearing. He did not move as I approached. I knew he heard my footsteps.

"There you are." Alaric said as he turned slowly.

He kept his hands behind his back. His shoulders were stiffed. I paused a few feet away.

"You called for me, Your Majesty?" I asked.

I tilted my head. I tried to see what he was hiding.

"Why are your hands behind your back?"

He took a step closer. His golden eyes searching mine in the moonlight.

"Tell me, Sophie. Are you scared of dying?"

The question was blunt. It hit me like a physical blow.

I let out a dry laugh.

"This place had thought me not to fear death anymore." I replied.

I meant it. Between falling off cliffs. Being caught in nets. Facing off against Lady Elara. My fear threshold had been pushed to the limit.

"In this kingdom, death feels like a shadow that follows everyone. Why do you ask?"

Alaric looked away.

"Speaking of death... I think someone might have killed my trusted messenger, Eunuch George. I sent him to the archives to find the truth about my mother's last draft. Now, he is gone. Vanished into thin air."

The gravity of the situation settled over me. George was the link to his mother's past. The truth Alaric had been hunting for years.

"You should send someone to search for him." I said immediately.

"The longer he is missing, the colder the trail gets."

"I already sent some guards to comb the lower town and the palace perimeter." Alaric said. His voice laced with frustration.

"No." I shook my head.

"Guards in armor make too much noise. They represent the crown. Whoever took George is clearly hiding from the crown. You need to send someone who operates in secret. Someone who can move through the shadows. Someone without a badge or a uniform. Make sure no one knows about the operation. If not, you'll never find him."

Alaric stood still for a moment. He stared at me. Like I had just spoken in a language he had never heard but perfectly understood.

"Why haven't I thought about that?" He whispered.

He took a step toward me. The intensity in his gaze softened. It turn into something like admiration.

"It seems like you have a solution to most of my trouble even without being in the kitchen. You see the world through a different lens, Sophie."

"It's nothing." I said. I felt a flush creep up my neck.

"I'm just helping out."

"I thank you for your idea." He said.

He finally brought his hands from behind his back.

"And because you have been a loyal chef to this crown... I found this."

My breath hitched.

In his large hands was my bag. My colorful synthetic fabric. It was the bag I had lost at the cliff.

"My bag!" I gasped.

I moved forward. My hands outstretched to grab it. Alaric was fast. He raised his hands high above his head. He used his massive height to keep it out of my reach.

"Not so fast." He teased.

A glimmer of playfulness in his eyes.

"Alaric, give it to me!" I cried.

I began to jump. I tried reaching upward. I tried to snag a strap. I was focused entirely on the bag. My feet leaving the ground as I lunged for it.

On my third attempt, I lost my balance. I stumbled forward. My chest colliding with his hard, muscular torso.

Alaric's arms came down instinctively to steady me. He trapped me against him.

Everything went silent. My hands were planted on his chest. I felt the heat of his skin through the fabric of his tunic. Our faces were inches apart.

The air between us felt electric. It was thick. With a tension that had been building since the moment he caught me in that net.

Alaric leaned in. His grip on my waist tightening. He was ready to seize the moment.

I felt a wave of heat wash over me. Then a sharp realization hit. I wasn't just a girl in a forest. I was a girl with a missing life. I forced myself to break the spell.

Cough, cough.

I made a loud, awkward coughing sound. I stepped back. The contact broke instantly.

Alaric cleared his throat. His face turning a shade darker in the moonlight. He quickly adjusted his tunic. He was smoothing the fabric with unnecessary force.

"Right." He muttered.

His voice gravelly. "The bag."

He handed it to me. The awkwardness was so thick. You could cut it with one of my kitchen knives. I took the bag. I immediately dropped to the grass. I pulled the zipper.

"Where is it?" I muttered.

My heart racing for a different reason now.

I tossed aside a stray granola bar wrapper. I threw my spare hair ties. I reached into the deep pocket where I always kept it.

Nothing.

I turned the bag over. I shaked it aggressively. My heart sank into my stomach.

"The Ledger of Satiety... it's not here." I whispered.

I looked up at him. Panic rising in my throat.

"And my phone. It's gone too."

Alaric frowned.

"Who found the bag?" I demanded.

"Cassian brought it to me." Alaric admitted.

"He found it caught in the briars near the water's edge."

"Where is the ledger? Where is my phone?" I asked.

My voice rising. "He must have seen them!"

"I cannot answer that." Alaric said.

He looked toward the stables. "Cassian!"

Cassian stepped out from behind the stone wall. He had been waiting nearby the whole time. He walked over. His expression guarded.

"Sophie wants to know about the contents of the bag, Cassian." Alaric said.

I stood up. I grabbed Cassian's arm.

"The book, Cassian. The old journal with the leather cover. And the black rectangular device. Where are they?"

Cassian looked uncomfortable. He shifted his weight from foot to foot.

"I didn't see any book." Cassian said.

"The bag was open when I found it. But I saw the black mirror. I picked it up. It suddenly flickered to life. There was a figure inside it... a girl that looked exactly like you. But she wasn't moving. Her soul was trapped in it."

My blood ran cold. He must have seen my lock screen. A selfie I took back home.

"And?" I pressed.

"I panicked." Cassian admitted.

He is now looking at the ground.

"I thought it was a soul-trapping mirror. I thought the girl's spirit was crying out. I got scared... and I threw it away. It fell into a pit."

Alaric's eyes widened.

He looked at Cassian with utter disbelief.

"Why would you throw the... the pi-hon... away?"

Alaric struggled to pronounce the word. His brow furrowed.

I didn't hear the rest of their conversation.

The world felt like it was tilting. My phone was my only link to my world. And the Ledger... It was the only thing that could explain how I got here. Without them, I was truly a ghost.

My life was shattered. Every hope of finding a way back. Every clue I had to what brought me here. It was lying at the bottom of a pit.

I felt strength leave my legs. I fell to the ground. My knees hitted the dirt with a thud. The tears I had been holding back finally broke through.

"I just want to go home." I sobbed.

My voice breaking into a thousand pieces.

I buried my face in my hands.

"I just want return home!" I yelled.