CHAPTER 238: EXCURSION III

My heart immediately surged with anticipation at the mention of my parents. Did he finally discover the truth? Was this the last bus stop on my journey to uncover the truth?

But then Raul sighed deeply, a downcast expression settling on his face, causing my heart to beat irregularly.

Were my parents dead?

"Are you going to talk, Raul, or do you want me to develop high blood pressure first?" I asked, unable to tolerate the tension any longer.

"I’m sorry... I just saw the hopeful look..." He paused, inhaling deeply, further confusing me.

What was he talking about? Did something happen to my parents?

"Dora, we couldn’t trace your lineage. I tried; the people..."

I raised my hand, silencing him.

"Don’t beat yourself up about it." I stated firmly, noticing the myriad of emotions flashing across his face—disappointment in his tracking skills, loathing, and self-hate.

But none of that was necessary. It’s not like I was that invested in this matter—though I was a tad bit curious. I really wanted to know where I came from, but it didn’t mean I would let him punish himself.

"Thank you still for doing what you could. Thank you for trying to help me. Not many people do that."

"Well, they’re stupid," He replied, chuckling when I laughed and shook my head.

"You are crazy."

"Yeah, crazy about you."

My breath hitched as he stepped closer to me. "Dora... I love you..."

Warmth tingled down my spine as the distance between us evaporated.

Ignoring my unresponsive state, he twirled strands of my white hair in his hands, his eyes filled with longing and desire, making me take a step back. The dimly lit hallway enhanced the seductive atmosphere, and I wanted no part in it.

"What’s down there?" I swiftly changed the topic after clearing my throat.

"I don’t know. But Mother forbids us from going there."

A mischievous urge surged within me. "Well, since we are already breaking some rules, why not break that one too?"

Raul laughed, shaking his head at me. "You are impossible. But even if we wanted to go there, we can’t get past a certain wall, because you would need to be a Queen to get through it."

"Really?" My eyes darted to the passageway, drawn by the hum of energy that seemed to beckon me. It reminded me of the forest, where energies had called to me.

However, I sighed and nodded. "Okay then. Let’s head back to the library. There are some books I want to read before your sister calls ’time up!’"

I turned to leave the dimly lit hallway, but Raul grabbed my arm, pulling me into his embrace.

"Raul..."

He silenced my protests with a kiss—a rough, heated kiss. He broke away just as suddenly as he had kissed me.

"Why... why did you do that?" I muttered, feeling a bit violated.

"I just couldn’t help it. Your lips are beautiful, enchanting like a siren."

El cursed softly, making me chuckle dryly.

"You find it funny?" His flushed face took on a frown.

"I just don’t like to be kissed without my permission. I’m letting you go because you are a good friend. We are friends, Raul. Stop asking for more."

Without waiting for his response, without waiting to see the effect of my words on him, I strolled out of the hallway and back into the library. I wasn’t surprised to find the others too engrossed in their books to have noticed my absence earlier.

I walked to the section detailing the history of the community and the first queen, picking up the first book that caught my attention. Taking it, I settled down on one of the plush sofas, which somehow didn’t reek of dust, and began to read.

Twenty minutes later, or so I thought, I heard Rachel’s voice.

"Time’s up! We have to go!"

I immediately protested. "But I’ve only been reading for twenty minutes!"

I raised my brow as I observed my friends exchanging confused expressions, including Diana.

"You’ve been reading that particular book for more than three hours, Dora," Levina stated, staring at the book.

The intensity of her gaze, mirrored by the others, made it clear they were curious about what had occupied my time, especially since it wasn’t a large volume.

"What’s the title?"

I shrugged. "History."

"History of what?" Sinclair asked, stepping closer to me, with the others following suit.

I turned to the cover of the book, furrowing my brows when I saw an entirely different name in a language I didn’t know, yet somehow understood: ’The True History of the Supernaturals and Gods.’

"How do you know it says history? The language is one we don’t know; it’s the one written on the caves," Rachel remarked, a glint of jealousy flashing in her eyes.

I didn’t blame her. Now they would think I had been touched by the gods. I didn’t think they would be surprised, considering what had happened during the contests. But honestly, I was more concerned about what was happening with the book.

I could bet my life that I had been studying English—how had it transformed into a different language? What was going on?

"I think she was trying to translate it; probably why she took so long." Diana spoke, though her eyes conveyed something else. She was trying to protect me. I seized the opportunity.

"Yeah, can you read it? It just seemed interesting, with the diagrams and all..." I said, flipping the book back and forth. "Can I take it home?"

Rachel shook her head. "Books from here aren’t meant to be taken away. It could cause havoc, according to my mother. We can come back another time."

I nodded, even though I had a feeling this might be the last opportunity the twins would grant us to be here.

However, it was a relief that my mind had been sharp enough to store the codes for the cave. I would be back here, soon enough.