Anna's head throbbed, the sharp pain stabbing her temples like searing icicles. Her world, veiled in dim light, cast hazy shadows that danced around her. Muffled sounds reverberated in the distance, shrouded in obscurity.

Confusion, thick as an impenetrable fog, clouded her mind as she wrestled to make sense of her dire predicament. Her thoughts seemed to be engulfed in a sea of uncertainty.

As her vision cleared, she noticed the unforgiving details of her prison. Her fingertips traced the cold, unyielding surface beneath her with caution. Each touch sent an icy shiver through her senses.

She inched her way across the room, confirming the harshness of her surroundings. The metal surface was like frozen steel beneath her trembling fingers.

Fear clutched at her chest with every creak of the unfamiliar machinery. The air, filled with that same metallic tang, clung to Anna's throat like a bitter, acrid haze, every inhalation a torment to her senses.

Eventually, she collapsed against a wall. The icy surface sent shivers racing down Anna's spine. Goosebumps erupted on her skin like an army of tiny, raised sentinels guarding her vulnerability.

Frustration gnawed at her as she found herself trapped in this eerie confinement. Panic, with gnarled claws, gripped at the edges of her mind as memories resurfaced.

Moments ago, she had strolled with Prince Leo. Their laughter rang through the serene garden as they discussed dreams of a peaceful future for Solaris and Polaris.

And then... darkness, a voracious abyss, had swallowed her.

Questions surged within her.

How long had she been unconscious? Where was she now? Where was Prince Leo? What about Serena?

As the fog in her mind cleared, Anna realised she was no longer in the serene garden. Instead, she found herself confined in a dimly lit compartment. Beneath the lingering metallic scent, she detected a hint of something chemical. Perhaps the substance residue that had rendered her unconscious.

The compartment, bathed in pale light, barely penetrating the gloom, casting eerie shadows on the metallic walls. Muffled sounds outside hinted at a world in motion. There were indistinct voices, the hum of machinery, and the occasional clang of metal against metal.

Anna breathed a sigh of relief as she realised she wasn't bound, which was a positive. At least she was free to move about in her small prison cell. The recognition that she had no restraints provided a glimmer of hope. She willed herself to remain calm, knowing that maintaining composure was vital to finding a way out.

Okay, okay, so I can move. What can I do?

Anna surveyed the small room again. There were no windows. An enormous metal door was on the wall opposite her. The only way in or out.

There were subtle rumblings and movements suggesting motion. Therefore, she must be inside a vehicle.

With trembling hands, she tried to assess her situation. Not only had her belongings disappeared, but she also found herself in unfamiliar attire. The unfamiliar clothing clung like a second skin, rough and abrasive.

Her hand moved to her neck. It was then she realised the Solar Pendant was gone.

"Serena? Serena, are you there? Can you hear me? Answer me!" Anna tried to connect with her in desperation but to no avail.

She was alone then. Her mind raced as she tried to control her panic. She had to figure out her location. She tried to piece together what she remembered.

They snatched away her while Prince Leo stood by her side. Was he also deceived or just a co-conspirator?

She remembered Prince Leo's words as she was losing consciousness. He had mentioned Alaric, the leader of the Polarian guards. She thought that must mean they were inside a Polarian vehicle.

Was she a captive of the Polarians? Anna's heart raced as she faced the grim reality of the Polarian prison cells. They were impenetrable. She felt all hope slip away.

In her desperation, her mind went into overdrive.

Did Prince Leo conspire against her? Was he behind her isolation? Had he betrayed her? Doubt consumed her as his words echoed in her mind, and she continued to question his motives.

Even if he wasn't involved in the plot, he didn't stop it. She was still here.

Why had she been so naïve? She knew Prince Leo was deceitful, yet she fell for his manipulation like a fool.

I'm not getting anywhere with this. I need a plan.

Anna shook her head, pushing away the troubling thoughts about Prince Leo. She needed to focus on getting out of this situation.

Breathe, she told herself. She must calm down to escape.

She took slow, deep breaths, calming herself, knowing that a rational mind was her greatest asset.

As the panic subsided, Anna focused on escape—staying alert, gathering information, and plotting her way out.

Let's assess the room: four walls, all looking pretty sturdy, no windows, and one exit - it seems hopeless.

No! Don't assume. Check again.

Standing on shaky legs, Anna moved to the walls. She touched them and found them immovable. There was no way to break them. Although what she thought she could use to break them, she did not know.

Anna got down to the floor and started feeling and searching for weaknesses. But it was in vain. There was only one exit. She sunk back down the wall to the floor.

Anna knew she needed to gather her strength and use her wits. Her jaw clenched, and she squared her shoulders, pushing past the knot of fear in her stomach. Determination overrides her fear.

She reasoned that someone must guard the door, her ears straining to catch the muffled movements beyond it. Her sole focus was to escape the confines of her metal trap.

A sharp sound at the door drew Anna's attention. She listened intently and realised they were unlocking the door. Her heart raced with anticipation.

The door opened with a loud creak. The light flooding into the small room blinded Anna. Anna shielded her eyes as she struggled to adjust to the sudden brightness.

"Serena," Prince Leo's familiar voice said. Anna's head snapped up.

He stood there in his opulent clothing, an air of confidence and an undertone of apology in his demeanour. The atmosphere in the room tensed as Anna's anger ignited.

"Prince Leo! What is the meaning of this?" Anna's voice reverberated with anger. "What is the reason for my capture? We have offered the Polarians nothing but peace and friendship. Why are you treating me like a criminal?"

Prince Leo appeared uncomfortable, running his fingers through his hair as he struggled to meet her gaze. "Ah, yes. It's regrettable that it came to this. There was no involvement on my part. I was unaware of this plan until they were already upon us."

Anna's frustration mounted, and her words were sharp as daggers. "Yet here you are, standing unharmed in MY prison with no sign of helping me! I realise I cannot trust you. You are nothing but a manipulative and cowardly man, Your Highness. A conniving and greasy rat!" Anna's anger was palpable, and the tension in the room thickened.

Prince Leo appeared taken aback, his expression a mixture of hurt and shock.

Anna's anger subsided as she realised the depth of her misplaced frustration. I'm not angry with Prince Leo. I'm furious with myself for making him this way, she realised. How can one shake off the limitations of one's character?

She took a deep breath to steady herself and refocused her energy on the pressing matter. "Prince Leo, I need answers, not excuses. What am I doing here? Why am I being held captive? What is your plan with me?"

Prince Leo's shoulders sagged, and he stepped closer to Anna, his expression filled with conflict. "Serena, you must understand. My words yesterday in the garden were sincere. I have been honest with you. I can't seem to help myself. There is a part of me that dreams of a peaceful future. But it's a pipe dream, Serena. Surely you realise that? There are forces at play here, forces beyond our control."

Anna bit her lip, torn between her anger and the desperation in Prince Leo's features. "Forces? What forces? Who is behind all this?"

Prince Leo hesitated, glancing around as if fearing eavesdroppers. "I have already said too much. Serena, I shouldn't have come, but I needed to see you were okay. I am sorry about this," he said, regret clear in his face and voice.

Desperate for answers, Anna implored him, "Wait! What am I supposed to do here? Please. Tell me where we are going. Will I get out of this box? What will become of me?" Her voice wavered with fear, and she imagined a grim future.

But Prince Leo avoided her gaze and left the room without uttering another word. The blackness surrounded Anna, leaving her feeling lost and overwhelmed by a maelstrom of emotions.

***

As Serena's voice faded into obscurity behind him, Prince Leo hurried down the narrow corridor of the Polarian vessel. The dimly lit corridor contrasted with the advanced vehicle's luxurious interior. It was a space he was unaccustomed to.

The polished metal walls echoed his footsteps, a constant reminder of this claustrophobic space, their confined existence.

Regret gnawed at him; he knew he shouldn't have visited her. But he had to ensure she was okay.

His anger simmered, directed at Alaric and Saidina for the situation they had put them both in. Seeing Serena had set his mind at rest somewhat, though he despised the undignified confinement she endured. It contrasted with how he saw her, making her seem small and fragile.

At least, that was his impression until she had opened her mouth and unleashed her rage upon him.

An amused smile passed over his lips at the thought of her outburst. He had not expected that reaction from her, but that was Serena Moon, it would seem.

She was forever surprising him and being unpredictable. She is not all that she seems.

Leo walked up the stairs to the main floor of the multi-terrain vehicle. He entered the deck and felt the climate control system striving to maintain comfort despite the scorching heat outside. His jaw clenched, and his strides quickened as he made a beeline for Saidina, his eyes burning with frustration.

How dare she change the plan? He had been working his magic on her so well. It had been genuine, as had his words been. Most of them had been, at least.

Who does Alaric think he is? Listening to his half sister's orders and going over his head to his father had been unforgivable, in his opinion.

The thought of payback crossed his mind. His lips were curled into a subtle smile. Malice filled it, however. Revenge, he decided, was a dish best-served cold.

Perhaps it was time to tell their father about the little secret affair between Saidina and Alaric. They thought they were being so clever, sneaking around and fooling everyone.

I will come back to that later. Perhaps after Father has formally made me Heir. Right now, I need to vent my frustrations.

Leo went to open the door when he heard Alaric's voice.

"Saidina, it must stay between us for the moment. This would not go over well with Prince Leo." Alaric sternly reasoned with Saidina.

What is this? What would I not take well? Leo's curiosity got the better of him, prompting him to stay hidden and eavesdrop on their conversation, his ear pressed against the door.

"Alaric, I couldn't give a flying icicle what he thinks or how he feels! This is our moment, Alaric, yours, and mine. With this shift, we can come forward and not hide our love anymore." Saidina's voice grew fervent as Leo rolled his eyes at her melodrama.

"I know, my love, but you must be wise. He would act if he learned about this now. You must be wise, Saidina. I will always protect you and be in your corner. But let's not needlessly put you in harm's way." Alaric implored.

"Oh, nonsense! He is no threat to me, not with you by my side, Alaric." Saidina said in a soft tone.

His patience had run out with this sickening display. He grew bored with eavesdropping, and he was about to enter the room when Saidina spoke.

"Besides, Father will make it legitimate when we return to Polaris. There will be the Official ceremony of Heiring, which he is already planning. It is finally happening, Alaric. I have proven myself worthy of this mission for the throne."

Leo felt the world around him spinning. What had he just heard? The Official ceremony of Heiring? For Saidina? But he was the Heir of Polaris. He would be its ruler. He should be King!

Leo had endured a lot to reach this point, moulded by gruelling obedience training, fierce competition, harsh beatings and utter humiliation. All this had prepared him for his destined role. So he had endured it.

As he stood there, his thoughts drifted to his mother's whispered words on her deathbed. Her voice echoed in his mind, "Greatness awaits you," revealing his true lineage.

But at this moment, he questioned her words. Unable to shake the doubt creeping in, confronted by the harsh reality that seemed to contradict her.

A heavy sadness descended upon Leo, surrounding him like a suffocating blanket. Feelings of betrayal and injustice burden his heart.

Leo's mind raced as he grappled with the harsh reality, contradicting everything he believed about his purpose. 'Why now? Why like this?' he wondered.

No, this would not do. He had worked too hard for this. He would not take this lying down.

Leo's pent-up anger erupted as he burst into the room. He threw the door open with a resounding crash against the wall, sending a resonating echo throughout the room.

His face contorted as he saw them seated at the main table. They had jolted at his startling intrusion. Saidina's eyes narrowed into slits, her lips tightened into a thin line, and a storm brewed in the subtle tremors of her clenched fists. The surrounding air crackled with an unspoken rage, as if the very atmosphere recoiled from the venom coursing beneath her calm exterior. "What do you think you are doing intruding like this, Leo?" Her scream filled with hate.

"I will be the one asking the questions here, Saidina. What did I just hear? You... Heir?" Leo said, rage shaking his body. He laughed then, but it wasn't a genuine laugh. The arrow of insult had hit its mark.

"You think you are worthy to rule Polaris? I wouldn't trust you to rule over a Frostbloom ascendence ceremony!" Leo spat out words, aiming to maim.

Saidina's eyes narrowed at the reference to the female coming-of-age ceremony. His words had rattled her. "Father has decided, Leo, it's too late for your tantrum."

"I am Heir to the throne of Polaris, not you, Saidina. I am our father's firstborn and only son. It is I who will rule." His words were quiet, but his delivery had a dangerous undercurrent.

Saidina scoffed at his words. "You are our father's ILLEGITIMATE son, Leo. Your claim to the throne matches ours. But my claim is stronger. I grew up in the palace. I have trained to take this role since I started walking." She said with a smug smile.

Leo's clenched fists remained steady at his sides, hidden from view. Inside, his knuckles turned white as he struggled to contain his anger. He refused to let Saidina see how deeply her words had cut. His face remained a mask of cold composure, concealing the storm of emotions within him.

"First, you changed the plan behind my back. You kidnapped Serena while I was there and messed up our plans, and now you insult my lineage and dare to say you have a stronger claim to the throne than me?" Leo's voice remained steady, though he couldn't help but feel a pang of vulnerability as the mention of his lineage sent a shiver down his spine.

His eyes narrowed into icy slits. His gaze locked on Saidina, revealing a smouldering intensity that burned with anger and resolve. He was careful not to show any hint of the sadness her words had stirred in him, channelling it instead into a fierce resolve.

With a graceful motion, Saidina rose from her seat, her every step exuding calm purpose as she approached Leo. "Plans? What was your plan, Leo, to seduce Serena and get her to marry you? How cliched! Do you think it was working? She can't stand the sight of you. Everyone can see that!"

Leo's jaw tightened, and his expression flickered with a momentary vulnerability. But he masked it with a steely resolve. He would not let Saidina see how deeply her words had affected him. He refused to give her the satisfaction.

Her gaze assessed him, leaving him feeling exposed. "You are lacking Leo. You will never gain our father's approval. He hates you. We all do. Why don't you be a good little half blood and leave?" With that, she returned to stand behind Alaric, resting her hand on his shoulder.

Leo's gaze followed Saidina's every move, but his expression remained composed. Inside, his heart ached with the weight of her words, but he would not let her see his pain. He took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of his willpower to maintain his facade of strength.

Leo simmered with rage, his anger fuelled by the injustice of the situation and Saidina's cruelty. However, he remained steadfast in concealing the intensity of his feelings from her. He knew revealing his vulnerability would only give her more power over him. Instead, he channelled his anger into a silent vow to himself: he would prove her wrong, no matter what it took.

He straightened his posture, looking both Alaric and Saidina over. His piercing blue eyes simmered with a mix of hatred and pain, but his face remained a stoic mask. "I know what I want, and I'll stop at nothing to achieve it! This will be your undoing, Saidina. Mark my words, you will come to regret this day." His anger caused him to turn and leave the room, closing the door as hard as he could.

As Leo stormed away from Saidina and Alaric, his footsteps echoed with anger and despair. Like a blazing inferno, revenge consumed his thoughts. It ignited a fiery resolve to outwit them and reclaim his rightful place as the superior strategist.

The weight of the world rested on his shoulders. It was a load that threatened to crush him beneath its unforgiving pressure.

The heated words exchanged in their argument reverberated in his mind. Each one etched itself deeper into his consciousness, becoming a painful reminder of the rift that had torn through their family.

His yearning for his father's approval had been a lifelong ache. It was an unquenchable thirst that had haunted him since his earliest memories. I've craved it for as long as I can remember, Leo admitted to himself, his purpose manifesting in the unyielding clench of his jaw.

But as he contemplated the path, he'd need to tread to gain that approval. He couldn't escape the haunting memory of his mother's whispered words. The weight of legacy is a mixed blessing, bestowing both advantages and disadvantages.

Leo's mind raced as he grappled with the harsh reality, contradicting everything he believed about his fate.

Leo couldn't deny the turmoil churning within him as he strode down the corridor. The risk of stepping out of line now loomed large, casting a shadow over everything he had strived for. Hesitation crept into his footsteps, each step echoing his internal conflict.

The throne, the symbol of his ultimate ambition, now hung in the balance. He couldn't afford recklessness, no matter how slender his chances looked.

Amidst the chaos of his thoughts, a troubling notion surfaced: Serena. Her name flickered in his mind like a beacon of uncertainty. The venomous words she had hurled at him, the fiery anger she'd unleashed—it was all impossible to forget. Yet, there was something about her. Intrigue drew him like a moth to a flame.

Leo's mind raced, weaving a plan as intricate as a fox's stratagem. The idea took root within him, flourishing like a seed in fertile soil. If I help her escape, he considered, his thoughts clarifying with each passing moment and gaining her trust. I can use her connections and alliances. With her by my side, I might amass an army, challenge my father's authority, and claim my rightful place as the ruler.

His heart throbbed with apprehension, but also with anticipation as he weighed the risks of aiding Serena's escape. Failure was not an option when the throne—his destiny—and his mother's murmured prophecies had a heavy weight upon his shoulders.

Fortitude surged within him, a burning fire that consumed any lingering doubts. This could be the opportunity I've been yearning for, he affirmed, aligning his conflicting desires into a clear, resolute plan. I will help Serena escape. Together, we will gather the forces required, and I will secure my future as the ruler of Polaris.

As their argument echoes faded, Prince Leo wrestled with a lingering bitterness in his heart in the faintly lit corridor. The revelation of Saidina's impending claim to the throne troubled him deeply. Yet he knew dwelling on it would hinder his quest, so he turned away. His thoughts pivoted towards the one opportunity that held the key to securing his destiny.

***

Anna lay sprawled on the frigid, dimly lit cell floor. Despair clung to her thoughts, each passing moment amplifying the weight of her helplessness.

She traced back through the tangled web of decisions that had led her to this hopeless point. Her mind ached with the gnawing uncertainty that had become her constant companion.

Amidst the chaos of her thoughts, Anna clung to the memory of Prince Leo's recent visit, replaying the scene in her mind as if it were a lifeline. The purpose of his presence remained a perplexing enigma, a puzzle she yearned to unravel. The distraction from her dire circumstances was welcome.

What were his intentions? Why had he visited her here?

His demeanour had shifted, evolving from the icy detachment she expected into something she couldn't quite define. What had been his purpose in visiting her here?

Anna's desire to understand him grew, sensing that Prince Leo harboured deeper motives than he would admit. She knew that uncovering common ground with him was essential in unravelling the enigma surrounding him.

The hours passed with excruciating slowness. The fate of Anna and Prince Leo seemed to be connected. They were two prisoners caught in a dangerous dance. Their shared destiny hung in the balance, a path neither of them had chosen.

Then, like a sudden break in the clouds, Prince Leo appeared at her cell door. The dim corridor lights cast his silhouette in eerie relief, igniting a flicker of hope within Anna. Where was he leading her? What purpose lay behind his presence in this dire moment?

With a silent gesture, Prince Leo beckoned her to follow. His strides were purposeful and swift as they navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the vessel. Closed doors lined their path, shrouded in secrecy. The air was heavy with tension, and the echoing footsteps of vigilant guards amplified Anna's anxiety.

Their escape was a dance choreographed with care, every move executed with precision. They evaded watchful guards whose echoing footsteps resembled a relentless drumbeat. Anna marvelled at Prince Leo's intimate knowledge of the ship's layout, a mixture of intrigue and unease filling her.

Anna's senses remained on high alert, every creak and distant voice sending her heart into a frenzy. The enormity of their escape settled upon her, the distant hum of the ship's engines a stark reminder of the world they were leaving behind. It emphasised the contrast between the known and the uncertain.

Throughout their silent escape, Anna's gaze wandered to Prince Leo with frequency. His face bore the weight of their plight. The unspoken questions hanging between them deepened the gravity of their mission.

Could they trust each other in this dangerous endeavour?

What awaited them beyond the Polarian vessel's walls in the harsh and unforgiving expanse of the Solarian Plains?

Enveloped by the night's shroud, Anna and Prince Leo pressed on with unwavering purpose. Their goal was obvious: to secure their freedom amidst the desolate and ominous Solarian Plains. The biting cold pierced their very bones, serving as a stark reminder of the gravity of their decisions.

But what lay beyond the darkness would test their resolve to the breaking point. As Anna and Prince Leo pressed on, Solarian Plains' denizens' distant, haunting howl echoed in the black expanse ahead. A chilling harbinger of the perils awaited them.