It's dark, and it's getting colder by the minute. I feel wet and sticky. Someone is calling out to me, I think they are calling out to me. I can't hear anything other than the slow beatings of my heart echoing in between my ears. It's drowning out so much noise. I can't move my body. I feel something warm, gentle, and strong supporting the back of my head, but I'm not scared of the person. They keep my head straight. I'm being forced to look into someone's eyes, but my vision is failing. With every shaky breath I take, my vision blurs in and out. I notice that I can perfectly see behind the person. I move my eyes back and forth quickly, trying to gather more information. It's that nothing looks familiar; it's scary if I don't look at the blob-shaped person in front of me. Panic kicks in, and I want to get up. Anxiety kicks in, and it's starting to get harder to breathe. I start to gasp and cough. Liquid leaves my mouth as I do; it's too much to handle. My body starts to feel cold, and I want to feel safe. I finally focus on the blob person in front of me. No longer a blob but a person, and he's crying. His tears are so beautiful as they fall from his shadowed face, but I feel no sadness. My heart is now at peace. I can now hear his voice. "Don't leave me! Just look at me and stay awake!" He yells. I can feel myself smiling; this is what I wanted. I start to close my eyes and let the darkness take me away. It was finally morning, and Ariana couldn't feel any happier. She had the same dream about dying again. Every time she had seen the dre, she couldn't help but feel warm and peaceful inside. To her, it meant a great start to an even better day. She jumped out of bed and quickly ran to her bedside table. There she would always start her morning routine. With a giant smile on her face, Ariana would pour some water from the pitcher into the bowl and wash her face. When she felt clean and refreshed, she would pull off her nightgown with an uncoordinated dance. As always, she would dance up a storm the moment she tried to pull the gown over her head. The hole was too small and needed some love and attention when it got stuck around his ears, but she never complained. It added to her daily fun and routine was mandatory in her daily life. Stripped down to her undies, she would soak a small towel and scrub the rest of her small body clean. Afterward, she would always go grab the same old, tattered, beige dress that was laid over a small chair in the corner of her room, but not today. Ariana couldn't contain her giddiness; she smiled brightly as a small chuckle escaped her lips. She felt too excited. Today was her special day; she was a princess. It was her 12th birthday, and her mother left a simple white dress with cross-stitched pink flowers across the trim. Which was delicately laid on the chair instead of the old dress. Ariana jumped in joy as she grabbed the dress and placed it over top of her delicate body. Spinning on her tippy toes as she hugged her new dress, letting little giggles escape her mouth. The sun was now shining brightly, and the rays were now dancing on the floor of her room as the clouds moved overhead. She started to spin in between the light patterns scattered on the floor as she hummed a happy tune. Today was going to be a great day. After she had her fun, she got dressed and then brushed her hair. She loved how her long, black hair shimmered in the sunlight. It looked like pieces of stardust shimmering in a sea of darkness. She held her hair gingerly as she looked around her tiny nightstand. Today she was going to wear her hair in a ponytail, and she had saved something special for the occasion. When she spotted the thick, white ribbon, she quickly grabbed it and fastened it to her hair. Her excitement level was rising, and she quickly ran down the stairs. Her feet pounded with each step as she raced to greet her parents in the kitchen. "Morning, mother! Morning father! Isn't today just grand!" She shouted happily. Her mother was busy stirring some wheat porridge over the wood-burning stove. Her mud coloured hair was messily tied back into a low bun, and her skin was tanned from working out in the fields. She gave Ariana a quick look with her cold grey eyes, showing that she acknowledged her existence before turning back to the pot. While her father cheerfully extended his arms outwards, flashing her with his bright smile. "My beautiful Ariana, happy birthday to you!" He shouted as Ariana ran into his arms. His brown eyes twinkled as he pulled Ariana out of the embrace and looked over his daughter carefully. "The dress suits you!" He exclaimed as he pulled Ariana into another embrace, squeezing harder while rubbing her back. "Thank you, Daddyy! I feel very beautiful today!" Ariana said with a radiant smile. She looked up towards her father's face and noticed his dirty blond hair had grown again. It now curled around his ears and gave him a younger, more playful look. "Yes, hone, you look very... beautiful." He said in a hushed voice, lingering a little too long on the word beautiful. "Breakfast is ready.d Ariana's mother barked. Ariana quickly pulled herself from her father's embrace and sat in her chair, eagerly waiting for breakfast. "Chandra, I want to take Ariana to the woods today to show her how to forage." Ariana's father announced. Chandra's hand froze midway as she was placing a bowl of wheat porridge in front of him. "Lester, I think it is too soon to take Ariana to go 'forage' in the woods," Chandra said coolly as she moved to serve Ariana next. "Nonsense, Chandra. It's safe to forage in the woods. We have done it countless times, and nothing has ever happened." Lester said as he shoved his spoon into his meal, staring Chandra down as he automatically shoved the filled spoon into his mouth. Bits of porridge missed his mouth, and she licked them up slowly and graciously. Ariana was confused; she couldn't follow the conversation at all. It didn't make sense; she knew how to forage in the woods, her mother had taken her countless times. However, the way her parents were talking made it seem like something was special. That it was something unsafe for her, and she wasn't entirely old enough to go on this type of foraging. "Daddy, what would we be looking for?" Ariana asked as she batted her long eyelashes towards her father. Chandra became still and briskly walked to the fridge to pull out a pitcher of milk. "It's a rare flower that can only be plucked once... many people search for it because it is something so rare and delicious it can drive them crazy just knowing they can have a taste of it." Lester started to say as his eyes flashed with something unfamiliar to Ariana. She tilted her head and looked at her father. Lester saw her confusion and laughed. "You see, looking for it is part of the adventure while plucking it is the reward," Lester said with a crooked smile. "Oh wow, Daddyy! That sounds amazing! Mom, can I go with Daddyy, please!" Ariana pleaded as she looked at her mother. Chandrea placed a cup of milk in front of Lester as she gave Ariana an all too familiar, void stare. Ariana could already feel that her mother would object. She thought that today was going to be different from all the other days in the year. "Eat your breakfast and then we will talk," Chandra said dryly as she sat down next to Lester. Ariana could feel herself rising from her sad state. Her mother had never given her a chance to do or have something. She brought up her gaze and happily watched her parents interact with one another. She always loved it when her mother sat beside her father. It was the only time her mother would ever look truly happy. For as long as Ariana could remember, her mother would spend countless moments staring at her husband. Her cold grey eyes would turn warm and youthful as they reflected affection. Sometimes Ariana would find herself envious of her father. It had been many years since her mother looked at her with such warmth, joy, and love. "Chandra, I hope you know there is nothing to discuss. I will be taking Ariana into the woods so she can be properly taught." Lester said sternly before he shoved another spoonful of the porridge into his mouth. Chandra dropped her gaze to the table top as she started intertwining her fingers. "I understand," Chandra mumbled begrudgingly. She lifted her head and shot Ariana a cold glare. "I guess you can go." Chandra hissed through her gritted teeth. Ariana's heart soared; even though her mother showed her disdain, she was allowed to go. Ariana tried to imagine what the flower looked like as she shoved her food into her mouth. Ariana couldn't eat fast enough; the wheat porridge was so thick. With food in her mouth and food in her bowl, Ariana got up from the table. Ariana looked towards the entryway and rushed over to where her shoes were. Ariana chewed furiously as she slipped her feet inside, pulled at the rim, secured her feet in her shoes, then rushed back to her seat. Ariana swallowed hard as tears started to form in her eyes before she sat down. With a loud gasp, Ariana started to eat again. She was too excited about the trip. She chewed while she tapped her shoes together in a happy rhythm under the table. After everyone finished eating, Ariana helped her mother wash the dishes while her father nursed the cup of milk at the table. Ariana was used to not getting a cup of milk and also knew it was because it was scarce. Her father needed it more than she did, as it was full of nutrition, something he had to have so he could work. Well, that was something her mother had always told her, so Ariana never dared to steal a sip of milk. The dishes were finally washed. Ariana grabbed her small messenger bag from the hanger on the wall and waited by the door. "Daddy, I am ready to go!" Ariana shouted as her aquamarine eyes sparkled with anticipation and wonder. Lester chugged back the rest of the milk. He had a hard time drinking it today, but knew his wife would never let him leave the house if he hadn't finished every last drop. He pulled the cup from his lips and then placed the cup back on the table with a heavy clank. Lester then walked up to his wife. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled Chandra close. "I love you... See you tonight." Lester whispered as he placed a light kiss on Chandra's forehead. Chandra caught his hand and placed it over her cheek. She caressed it for a few moments and then kissed the center of his palm. "I love you too." She whispered back. With that, Lester turned to look at Ariana waiting at the door. He smiled as he released Chandra. He kept his gaze glued to Ariana as he took three steps forward. Suddenly, his eyes rolled back. Ariana saw the whites of her father collapse onto the floor with a heavy thud. Ariana started to scream as she ran up to her father. She stopped a foot away, worried as she looked at her father's figure. She stretched out a trembling hand to see if he was alright, but to her surprise, Chandra grabbed her wrists. Ariana looked at her mother. "Don't you dare touch him." She said as her words dropped with venom. "He is not yours to have!" She shouted as she pushed the young girl backwards. Ariana was confused and looked up to her mother's face. Chandra scowled as she grabbed Ariana's arm and dragged her outside to the front of the house. Chandra took in a deep breath as she placed two fingers into her mouth and let out a high-pitched whistle. Suddenly, a purple carriage came racing up to their tiny, wooden house. A curvaceous, dark skinned woman with long, silver hair hopped down from the driver's seat. She wore lilac, short shorts, a white, ruffled blouse, and a lilac, pirate corset coat with gold ringlets and black lace. The woman then brushed her hair back arrogantly with a flick of her wrist as she stared down the mother-daughter pair with her cold, green eyes. The woman scoffed at the two before she opened the door with a slight bow. A fair-skinned, noble lady dressed in a sea of red and gold, a trim, ruffled dress, stepped out of the carriage. Her dress was low cut, showcasing her plump breasts while her long, black curls spilled over her shoulders. Her plump red lips turned upwards into an evil-looking smile while her dark blue eyes gazed at the pair happily. "My, aren't you just a pretty little lady." The noble lady said with a dark chuckle. "She is just like you said, Chandra. I can easily picture this child growing up into a wonderful seductress." The noble lady said as she reached out her hand and clutched Ariana's chin. Tilting her head left, then right, trying to view her face from every angle. "Mommy?" Ariana asked fearfully as she looked towards her mother. Chandra looked at Arianawith disdain-filled eyes. "You're wrong, Lady Zula! She is already a seductress; she tried to steal my husband's love from me! Just pay me what you owe me and take her away!" Chandra shouted angrily. Lady Zula let go of Ariana's chin and looked back at her driver. "Rin, give the nice lady her money." She ordered nonchalantly. Rin grabbed a pouch from behind her and tossed it towards Chandra. "150 gold coins for a young virgin." Lady Zula announced before Rin grabbed Ariana and tossed her into the carriage. "Mommy?! Mommy?!" Ariana started to shout from within the carriage. Lady Zula sat right beside Ariana and held her back. Rin closed the door and jumped back into the driver's seat. She pulled the reins and had the horses move forward. "MOMMY!" Ariana shouted as loud as she could while the carriage moved further and further away from her home. "Child, stop your crying. Face the truth, your mother has thrown you away, but you are going to start your new life with me. If you're smart and play your cards right, you will become the top girl at my brothel house!" Lady Zula said excitedly before she tossed her head back and laughed into the air. Ariana's eyes became wide with fear. She heard stories about the brothel house from her school friends and knew what it meant to be sent there. She started to scream at the top of her lungs and tried to escape from the carriage. She scrambled to try and pull herself towards a window, but Lady Zula kept a firm hold on her. Suddenly, the carriage came to a hard halt. Lady Zula let Ariana go as she grabbed the seat. The momentum caused Ariana to lose her balance,ce and she was tossed forward. Rin opened the carriage door and grabbed Ariana's collar. She dragged her forward and punched Ariana in the face. Ariana suddenly went limp, and Rin tossed her back towards her seat. "I'm sorry for my rudrudenessd, am, but I couldn't take the racket anymore." She said lazily. Lady Zula smiled brightly and nodded her head in acceptance and thanks. A layer of perspiration coated Lady Zula's face. Rin bowed and closed the door to the carriage. She jumped upwards with glee, landing right back in her seat. Rin sat down, grabbed the reins, looked ahead, and whipped the horses. The slowly took a few steps forward, Rin whipped them hard, and again they were once in motion.