The narrow alleys of the lower caste were filled with dust, hunger, and silence. Children sat barefoot on the ground, their hollow eyes searching for hope. Rex walked quietly through the streets, his hood drawn low. He was used to these sights—poverty, despair, the suffering of his people. But that day, something unusual caught his eye.
Amidst the hungry crowd, a young girl was kneeling down, handing pieces of bread to children with trembling hands. Their faces lit up with joy, and their laughter echoed in the gloom.
Rex slowed his pace. Who is she… feeding these children? Her figure was hidden beneath a veil, her movements soft yet determined. But Rex shook his head, forcing himself to ignore it, and hurried on.
Then, chaos erupted. A group of men spotted the girl. "Catch her!" they shouted, rushing after her. She ran, clutching the basket close to her chest, fear in her steps.
In her desperate flight, she collided with Rex. The force tore her veil away, revealing her face.
Rex froze. His heart skipped a beat.
Ahana… Logan's daughter.
Shock rippled through him. What is she doing here, in this place of misery?
Before he could ask, Ahana stumbled back and ran again. The men chased her down a slope. She tripped, tumbling into a small valley. One of the pursuers lifted a boulder and hurled it down at her.
Time slowed.
Rex's instincts flared—he dashed forward, throwing himself between Ahana and the falling rock. With sheer strength, he pushed it aside, the ground trembling beneath them. Ahana stared at him wide-eyed, breathless.
Without a word, Rex took her hand and led her to a hidden, quiet place. His voice was firm, though his eyes betrayed worry.
"What are you doing here, Ahana? Why come to the lower caste?"
Ahana straightened, her chest heaving. "Why? Can't I be here?"
Rex's jaw tightened. "You're Logan's daughter. You have everything in your palace. Why risk your life here?"
Her expression softened, her voice barely a whisper. "Everything? You're wrong. I have nothing. No freedom. No choices. I've never seen the world beyond those palace walls… until today."
Rex looked at her, stunned into silence. For the first time, he saw not a princess, but a lonely girl trapped in a golden cage.
Ahana turned away. "I should go now."
But Rex stepped forward. His voice was steady, resolute.
"Wait. Tomorrow… I'll show you the world you long to see. That's my promise."
Ahana hesitated, her eyes searching his. Then, with a faint smile, she nodded and walked away.
The Secret World
The next morning, Ahana stood on her balcony, the morning sun spilling over the palace walls. She closed her eyes, inhaling the breeze, wishing for something beyond stone and duty. When she opened them—her heart jolted.
Rex was standing there.
"I came," he whispered, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Ahana quickly pulled him inside. "Are you mad? Do you know how dangerous this is? Soldiers are everywhere!"
Rex grinned faintly. "I told you, I came to show you something."
"That's impossible. We'll never make it past the guards."
"Don't worry about that," he said calmly. "Just trust me. Give me your hand."
Ahana blinked. "My… hand?"
"Yes. Do you trust me, Ahana?"
Her breath caught. Slowly, almost unwillingly, she placed her hand in his.
"Close your eyes," Rex murmured.
When she opened them again, she gasped.
They were no longer in her balcony chamber. Before her stretched a vast, breathtaking world—rolling meadows bathed in golden light, rivers sparkling under the sky, birds circling above, mountains whispering with waterfalls.
Ahana's lips parted in awe. "Where… where are we?"
Rex looked at her with quiet pride. "A place I imagined. Whenever loneliness crushes me, whenever pain consumes me… I come here. My mind creates it. But to hold it, I must keep my soul calm."
Her eyes glistened. "It's beautiful, Rex."
He called out, his voice echoing. Suddenly, animals appeared—deer grazing, birds soaring, foxes darting through the grass.
"These are my friends," Rex said. "In the real world, I only have Sam. But here, I'm never alone."
Ahana turned toward him, her heart overwhelmed. Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around him.
For a heartbeat, Rex felt peace. Her warmth eased every scar. But then—visions struck him. Flames erupted before his eyes. Screams filled his head. People burning alive, crying for salvation.
His body trembled. He clutched his head. "Ahhh… my head…!"
"Rex! What's wrong?" Ahana cried, panic flooding her voice.
"The pain… too much…" he gasped.
Ahana hurried to a nearby stream, cupped water in her hands, and poured it over his face. He staggered, breathing hard, until the visions faded.
"Rex, are you alright?"
He forced a faint smile. "I'm fine now. Don't worry."
He returned her safely to her chamber. After that day, their meetings became a secret rhythm of their hearts. Love quietly bloomed between them, though unspoken.
The Sister's Suspicion
Rex's newfound happiness didn't escape Mika's notice.
"Brother, you've been smiling too much lately," she teased. "Who is she?"
Rex turned away. "No one. Don't be silly."
"Don't lie to me. I'm your sister. Tell me."
Finally, Rex sighed. "Her name… is Ahana. Logan's daughter."
Mika's eyes widened. "Are you insane? If Mother finds out, she'll destroy you! This is why you were warned—this love is dangerous."
"I'll tell Mother myself, when the time is right," Rex said firmly. "Until then, don't say a word."
Mika softened, though worry lingered in her eyes. "Fine. But promise me… you'll introduce me to her one day."
Rex chuckled. "I promise."
The Gift of Kindness
The next day, Rex and Sam roamed the village streets when they saw men carrying supplies.
"Where are you bringing all this?" Rex asked.
One replied, "From the neighboring village. King Logan and his daughter are distributing food and clothes to the poor."
Rex's pulse quickened. Without a second thought, he sprinted toward that village.
"Rex! Sensei is waiting for training!" Sam shouted after him.
"I'll meet you later!" Rex called back.
Sam shook his head. "He's lost in love. God, protect this fool."
Rex crossed mountains and rivers, injuring his shoulder along the way, but he didn't stop. From a high rock, he looked down and saw them—Logan and Ahana, handing food and clothes to the poor.
Disguised, Rex joined the line. When it was his turn, Ahana herself gave him a bundle. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment. She recognized him instantly but said nothing. Rex walked away, then slipped back into the line again. And again.
On the third attempt, Logan's soldiers caught him, dragging him away.
Before leaving, Rex spotted an old woman with her little granddaughter, struggling to reach the supplies. Without hesitation, he handed her everything he had received.
The woman touched his head with trembling hands. "Son, whatever you set your heart upon, you will achieve. May you always be happy."
Rex bowed slightly, gratitude in his eyes.
When he turned, Ahana was standing nearby, watching silently. She stepped closer. "Why did you give away your supplies?"
Rex looked at her softly. "Because I know the struggle of a woman raising children alone. My mother raised me and Mika without my father. That old woman reminded me of her. And besides… I didn't come here for food. I came here to see you."
Ahana's breath caught. In that moment, Rex's kindness made him even more precious to her.
But Rex suddenly remembered. "I have to go. Training awaits." He stepped back, his gaze lingering on hers. "We'll meet again, Ahana."
And then, he was gone.