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Alya's P.O.V

We have lived in Paris for a little over a year and a half. The awful cycle of each day's lady lessons has finally been woven into my body. The days that were so tiring and brutal I have accustomed myself to.

Now, it is not as bad. I have Carapace to thank for it. He has been the one good thing keeping me going through this nightmare that I finally have conquered. If it were not for him, I may have already ended up in the poor section.

Although, that option still seemed to be much better than staying in the wealthy section.

To be honest, I am surprised I have not been sent there yet. I have been doing deeds that I never thought I would have done. Ever since defending that poor man, I had started seeing the staff in a new light.

If they dropped something, I picked it up for them. If they made a mistake, I did not feel any anger toward them. I still often defended them which was really frustrating mother (which I enjoyed in doing so).

I definitely felt like a different person. I am still deciding if this change is a good or bad one. But I find myself...liking the person I am turning into. It felt good.

I rubbed off of Carapace more than I thought I would.

"Hello, my fair maiden," Carspace greeted me after landing on my balcony. My heart instantly warmed up even though the chilly breeze of fall began to blow.

"Hello," I softly replied, "How was the fight today?"

"It was pretty disgusting. I still feel like I have goop in places goop should never be," Carapace said.

I snorted.

"That is very unfortunate," I chortled, leaning on the stone railing.

"Indeed it is," he agreed, joining me at my side. We were so close that our arms touched, sending a pleasant flutter in my abdomen.

"How has your day been with your lady lessons?" Carapace asked.

"The same as usual. I attempt to practice. I get something wrong. Mother throws a fit and forced me to do it over and over until it is perfected," I grumbled. Just thinking about it made me irritated.

"Your mother does not sound like a very pleasant person," Carapace noted, "Although, I think many of the rich mothers are not."

"This is very true," I confirmed, "Mothers can be very...difficult."

"Well...not all of them. There are some kind and caring mothers," Carapace argued, earning a curious look from me.

"Oh really? You know some kind and caring mothers? Do name one," I joked, not expecting him to be serious. Yet, a saddened look was sketched on Carapace's features and grew quiet.

My smile fell and worry started to bubble. Did I say something wrong?

"My mother," he answered. I felt myself tense up and my blown eyes stare at the crest-fallen hero.

"I was very young the last time I saw her. But I do remember she was a kind-hearted and caring soul. An illness had swept the land. She was unable to recover and had departed from this cruel world."

My mouth opened but words immediately went dry on my tongue. I did not know what to say, considering the circumstances with my own mother.

I had never really thought about what it would be like to lose my mother or father. Sure, they were harsh people corrupted by money and reputation. Yet, a fate such as death seemed too...vile. I would never wish it upon anyone that did not deserve it.

I could not imagine what it must feel like to lose someone who actually cared—someone that was loving.

From the way Carapace spoke, I could tell it must have hurt like the dickens.

I gulped, uneasily. What am I supposed to say? Apologizing seemed too little. I wish I knew how to comfort but I never even knew such a thing myself. My parents were never there to comfort me when I scraped my knee or had a nightmare.

How could I do anything without it sounding wrong?

I tried to recall any stories that had scenes of comfort. But none came to mind. Most of the stuff I read is to study.

"I..." I started, not sure of where I was going with this, "That is...very unfortunate. I wish there was some way I could help dim the pain but nothing I say will help."

I winced at my own wording before thinking over them a bit more. Maybe if I cannot say anything, could I do something?

That was when an idea flickered on in my head. I do recall a bedtime story Nora had read to me when we shared a room.

"Do not worry, Alya. I understand what you are trying to say and it is very sweet. It happened a long time ago though. Yes, it still hurts and it always will. But I have learned to carry...on..."

Carapace trailed off when I wrapped my arms around his abdomen.

I rested my head on his shoulder, hoping I did not put us in an odd position. This is the first time I have ever hugged a man that was not my father. The closest I have ever been to another male was dancing with them.

Carapace let out a watery chuckle, making me feel awkward.

"Did I make this weird?" I asked, unsurely.

"Somewhat, yes," Carapace answered. I scrunched my nose up in discouragement and a bit of anger.

It was not like I know what I am doing! I was just trying to help! How dare he criticize me!

I was about to pull away when he turned to pull me in closer. My breath was caught in my throat by the sudden response.

"But the thought counts. I appreciate it more that you care enough to try to be there for me. So, thank you," he concluded before pulling back.

A genuine smile crossed his face while my mind went completely blank from his adorable smile. He extended a hand out to me.

"Would you care if I take you somewhere?" he asked. I glanced between his hand and him. Then, I hesitated, glancing back at my bedroom doors.

I only had a few occurrences where someone had entered my room after my curfew. They dropped off a glass of water or delivered a message from my parents. Yet, those visits were very rare. It probably would not hurt to be gone for half an hour.

"Do not worry. I shall bring you back before anyone notices your absence," Carapace reassured, winking. I believed him.

"And where might you be taking me?" I asked, curiously.

"It is a surprise," Carapace vaguely answered. I narrowed my eyes at him as if it would help me find out where he was taking me. Turtle boy just continued to smile with that dopey expression of hope etched on his face.

Rolling my eyes and letting out a breath, I gave in. I placed my hand in his, "Alright. You have convinced me."

Besides, it might be quite fun going for a joyride and breaking the rules. How many people are given the offer from a hero to sneak atop roofs to a secret location?

Carapace held me bridal style before leaping off. Most people would be frightened, but I found it exhilarating being carried roof to roof. The feeling of the breeze and the motions.

It felt freeing.

Carapace landed, making me wonder how long we have been traveling. I was not paying much attention, taking in the sights before me.

"We are here," he announced, placing me on my feet. We were atop one of the tower's structures of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris.

"Why are we here?" I asked. Carapace went over to the edge and sat down. He gestured for me to join him, so I did.

"I like to come here and see the view of Paris," Turtle boy admitted, "This is a great place to watch the sunset and see stars on the ground."

"Stars on the ground?" I raised an eyebrow in confusion. What did that mean? Was it some sort of joke I did not understand?

"Look out into the city and tell me what reminds you of the stars. Do not think too hard," he advised. My gaze landed on the scenery. It was a beautiful sight, way better than my balcony's viewpoint.

It did not take me long before I realized he was talking about Paris' lights. It did look like stars were embedded into the city and everything else was dark enough to be the rest of the sky. I had never thought about it that way but I do see it now.

"I see," I confirmed, "It is very beautiful. I thank you for showing me this. Maybe...you could show me the sunset sometime."

My head knew that it would probably never happen. Yet, my heart prayed it would.

"I would be delighted," Carapace replied, happily. Without much thought, I rested my head on his shoulder.

We stayed there for a while before Carapace returned me home. It seemed that the mansion had gone quiet with how late it was. Everyone must be asleep, much to my relief. I did not need the headache of dealing with frantic staff tearing this place brick by brick trying to find me.

"Thank you for the trip," I gratefully said, "By any chance, was that the place you were going to take me after offering to show Paris' beauty?"

"Yes, it is my favorite spot," he said, "You are the only one who knows about it."

I thrummed with joy but tried hard not to show it. I am the only one he had shown his favorite spot—a secret spot that was now our own. At least, I want to assume it is now our spot but I might just be thinking too far ahead.

Nonetheless, it feels special to me that he would only show me something he has never shown anyone else.

Plus, the way he looks right now is quite adorable.

I could not contain myself.

I stepped forward and gave him a quick peck on the lips. This left him stunned and mystified. I patted his shoulder before heading to my bedroom. I smiled, feeling adrenaline course throughout my veins and sitting on cloud nine.

"Thank you for showing me that. I might have changed my mind if I had not rejected your offer," I explained. Carapace was still frozen but listened intensely.

I gave him a smirk. Before closing my door, I spoke my farewell for the night.

"Goodnight, Turtle Boy."

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It had been a few months since that wondrous night which was followed by many more. I have risked staying out longer with Carapace, going to different places and seeing the sights.

I never knew how beautiful Paris really was until Carapace opened my eyes to it. The city was starting to grow on me.

All of it leads up to one night.

Now, it has been a month later. I sit in front of my toilet bowl releasing last night's dinner. This was not the first of my sickness. Not only that was a sign, but I also noticed I had missed my cycle.

If those were not proof enough, I did not know what was.

I was pregnant.

This was not good. No one must know of my predicament. There could be many repercussions for being pregnant before marriage. Many women were shunned for it and looked down on as disgusting. I could be sent to the poor section immediately if anyone found out or...

...or the infant could be killed.

I did not want to think too much about the latter possibility. It made me instinctively cover my stomach protectively.

I did not have a clue how I was going to solve my problem. There had to be a way to get rid of the baby without harming it. This was Carapace's and my child.

Even though the circumstances are far from the best, it brought me some happiness too. I could imagine a future with myself holding a little bundle of joy alongside Carapace. But it was a silly daydream.

I did not even know who the man behind the mask was. Now, I bear his child. A child that could either cause major problems or receive death.

There has to be a way to protect the child and get rid of my pregnancy! There just has to be! Although, I am not far enough for the baby to be fully formed. We live in a world of magic. Maybe, there was some magic user who could help me for some riches.

"Lady Cesaire," my personal servant called from the other side of the door, "Are you alright in there?"

I flinched when hearing her voice but shook off my anxiety. I had to act normally to not raise suspicion. Suspicion only leads to trouble.

"I am quite alright. I am merely powdering my nose," I answered in the steadfast voice I could conjure. I hope my voice did not sound as raspy as I think it sounded.

"Yes, my lady," my personal servant replied before footsteps began to fade out of my bedroom. With a sigh of relief, I began to clean up and make myself look more presentable. My stomach has settled down for now but who knows how long it will last.

I just have to make a quick appearance at breakfast. Then, I can choose to study and hide out in the library. Nobody will think twice about it. Mother and my sisters will assume that I am doing research. Father is not around to know what happens with his family.

I just need enough time to figure out how to find a magic user and fix my situation.

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I entered my room after a long day in the library. I had found nothing of use—not that I should have been expecting to find useful information. Our library only had history and lessons.

There was not one book on how to find a magic user—only the history of them.

Those types of books were probably banned, seeing that it was illegal to mingle with magic. It has yet to stop me or the heroes of Paris though.

I let out a frustrated sigh and went to sit on my bed.

Not only would it be difficult to find a magic user, but I would also have to figure out a plan of escape. I could not ask Carapace for help. He will question what my purpose for escape was.

I did not want him to know about my pregnancy yet. He might turn into a worry wart over me. He is just too sweet for his own good sometimes!

Maybe if I get some rest, I will be able to think more clearly in the morning. I laid back on my bed, relaxing in the comfort of my mattress.

"How would I even summon a magic user? Not one would ever come out of hiding. They would probably think it was a trick of sorts," I quietly spoke to myself. I massaged my temple, feeling a headache begin to form.

"How am I supposed to find a magic user?"

"The only thing you had to do was ask and you shall receive."

I shot up and stumbled away from my bed. On the opposite side of where I was laying, a woman was sitting with a relaxed smirk on her face. She was finishing putting on lipstick before turning to me.

"Who are you? How did you get into my room?" I demanded answers, glaring at the woman.

She stood from the bed and gave me a curtsy.

"My name is Dae Sphinx. I am a witch," the woman greeted, "My sincerest apologies for barging in unannounced. I was beckoned by your call for a magic user and wanted to assist you in your time of need."

I was skeptical of this Dae Sphinx. She seemed nice but there was something off about her.

"Why would you want to help me? Is there something you want from me?" I continued to interrogate her.

"It is quite difficult gaining any riches when you are a witch," Dae explained, "So, I take care of your problem and you give me your fortune. Do we have a deal?"

I narrowed my eyes at her, glancing between her and her hand. I did not trust this witch...but what other choice do I have? This is my chance to take care of my problem.

Nobody must know the sin I committed and if that means making a deal with the devil...then so be it.

"Keep my child safe," I warned her. Dae nodded her head in agreement, patiently waiting.

"Deal," I agreed, grasping her hand without a second thought. I knew if I continued to think then I would hesitate.

Dae let a sinister smile spread, making me start to regret my decision. What was she up to-

Dae snapped her fingers.

Suddenly, my stomach felt as if it were caving in on itself. Twisting and turning as if a tornado of swords danced around within me.

I held my abdomen in agony, my body trembling. The pain was unbearable. I hacked up blood. I fell to my knees before curling up on the floor. What was happening to me? Was my baby okay?

Then, it stopped.

I felt...cold...empty.

Why do I feel so numb?

I wheezed for air and released my iron grip on my arms. Where my nails had dug into my skin was bleeding.

I sent the witch a dagger-eyed glare. She tricked me!

"Demon! What have you done?" I shouted. Where were my guards? Were they deaf to all the commotion in here? Did the witch do something to cancel out the noise?

That did not matter at the moment. I need to know what happened to my child.

"Do not worry, your child is safe with me," Dae explained, patting her stomach. My breath caught short.

Did she mean...no...she cannot mean-

"Give me my child, demon! I told you to keep her safe!" I snarled, trying to get onto my feet. Yet, my limbs are still weak from all the pain I had just experienced and fell back down.

"I am. I will keep your child safe just as I promised," Dae said, "and thank you for your fortune. Call me again if you ever want to do more business."

Dae mockingly waved her farewell before disappearing.

I screamed in rage.

Then, I crumbled into a sobbing mess. This has to be a nightmare! This cannot be real. My child...I just gave that evil demon my baby! Why was I so stupid in trusting her?

"NO! COME BACK! BRING MY BABY BACK! DO NOT TAKE MY BABY! NO! NO! NO!"

The next morning, I found out that our family had lost all of our fortune.

This was all my fault.

I can never forgive myself.

Not so long after being banished to the poor section, a mysterious box with a necklace was found on my pillow.

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