Shadows of Northpillar City

The waves crashed against the cliffs of Nova Scotia with an almost musical rhythm, but Aria Morgan knew better. After three years of studying marine biology at the remote Blackrock Research Station, she had learned to distinguish between natural ocean sounds and something more... peculiar. Tonight, there was definitely something different in the water's song.

Standing on the observation deck of the research facility, her long dark hair whipping in the salty breeze, Aria focused her night vision binoculars on the churning waters below. The full moon cast an ethereal glow across the surface, making it easier to spot any unusual movement. That's when she saw it - a flash of iridescent scales, much too large to be any known fish species.

"You're out here late again," a deep voice spoke behind her. Dr. Nathaniel Cross, the facility's new head of cryptozoology, stood in the doorway. His presence had been causing quite a stir among the female staff since his arrival last month, with his storm-gray eyes and the mysterious scar that ran from his left temple to his jaw. But Aria had noticed something else about him - the way he always seemed to appear whenever the strange occurrences happened.

"There's something out there, Dr. Cross," Aria said, not taking her eyes off the water. "Something big."

"Please, call me Nate," he said, moving to stand beside her. His proximity sent an involuntary shiver down her spine that had nothing to do with the cold. "And I know. That's why I'm here."

Before Aria could question what he meant, a haunting melody drifted up from the waters below. It wasn't quite singing - more like an otherworldly humming that seemed to resonate in her very bones. To her surprise, she found herself taking an unconscious step toward the railing, drawn by the sound.

Nate's hand shot out, gripping her arm. "Don't listen too closely," he warned, his voice tight with concern. "They're hunting tonight."

"They?" Aria tried to shake off the melody's lingering effect. "Who are 'they'?"

Just then, a figure emerged from the waves - a woman with silvery skin and long, phosphorescent hair. Her eyes glowed with an unnatural blue light, and when she opened her mouth to continue her song, Aria saw rows of sharp, pearl-like teeth. The creature's beauty was both terrifying and mesmerizing.

"Sirens," Nate whispered, his grip on Aria's arm tightening. "Real ones. Not the sanitized versions from your fairy tales."

The siren's gaze locked onto them, and her song changed, becoming more focused, more enticing. Aria felt Nate tense beside her, and when she looked at him, she was shocked to see his eyes had taken on a silvery sheen, reflecting the moonlight like a cat's.

"We need to get inside," he said through gritted teeth, though he seemed to be fighting the urge to move closer to the railing himself. "Now."

But as they turned to leave, Aria caught sight of something in the water that made her blood run cold. Dozens of glowing eyes had appeared beneath the waves, and more figures were rising to the surface. Their songs began to intertwine, creating a symphony of supernatural beauty and terror.

"Dr. Cross... Nate," Aria's voice trembled slightly. "What's really going on at this facility?"

He finally turned to look at her fully, and in the moonlight, she could see that his scar was glowing with a faint blue light. "It's not just a research station, Aria. It's a containment facility. We monitor and protect humanity from ancient creatures that most people think are myths. And right now," he glanced back at the water where more sirens were emerging, "something has disturbed them. Something that hasn't happened in over a hundred years."

"What?" Aria asked, though part of her feared the answer.

"They're looking for their lost queen," Nate's voice was grim. "And for some reason, they think she's here."

A particularly powerful wave crashed against the cliffs, sending spray high enough to reach the observation deck. As the droplets hit Aria's skin, she felt a strange tingling sensation, and for just a moment, her reflection in the window showed her eyes glowing with the same ethereal blue light as the creatures below.

Nate saw it too. His expression shifted from concern to something more complex - fear, fascination, and what looked almost like recognition. "We need to talk," he said quietly. "About your mother. About why you were really assigned to this facility. And about why you've always felt so drawn to the sea."

The siren's song grew louder, more insistent, and Aria felt something stir within her - ancient memories that couldn't possibly be her own, yet somehow were. As she followed Nate inside, one thought kept repeating in her mind: her life as she knew it was about to change forever, and there would be no going back to the simple world of marine biology and research papers.

Behind them, the sirens continued their haunting chorus, their songs now carrying a note of triumph. They had found what they were looking for.

The facility's underground laboratory was a maze of steel and glass, illuminated by harsh fluorescent lights that made everything look clinical and cold. Aria followed Nate through a series of security checkpoints, each requiring increasingly complex biometric scans. Her mind was still reeling from the events on the observation deck, the sirens' song echoing in her memory.

        "How long have you known?" she finally asked as they entered what appeared to be his private office. Unlike the sterile corridors outside, this room was filled with artifacts that looked ancient - shells with strange markings, crystals that seemed to pulse with their own inner light, and walls covered in charts mapping underwater ley lines.

        Nate moved to a heavily secured cabinet, his fingers dancing across a complex lock. "Since the moment you arrived at Blackrock. Your bio-readings were... unique." He pulled out a thick file with her name on it. "But your mother knew long before that."

        "My mother?" Aria's voice cracked. "She died when I was three. All I have are some photos and my father's stories about her love for the ocean."

        "Your mother didn't die, Aria." Nate's voice was gentle but firm as he placed an old photograph on his desk. "She returned."

        The photograph showed a woman standing on these very cliffs, her wild dark hair streaming in the wind. She looked exactly like Aria, except for her eyes - they held that same otherworldly blue glow Aria had seen in her own reflection moments ago.

        "That's impossible," Aria whispered, but even as she spoke, memories began to surface - the way she could hold her breath for impossibly long periods, her uncanny ability to predict storms, the strange songs that sometimes filled her dreams.

        Suddenly, the lights flickered, and a low vibration ran through the building. Nate's expression turned serious. "They're testing the barriers," he said, moving to a bank of monitors showing underwater footage. Multiple figures darted past the cameras, their movements too quick and graceful to be human.

        "What barriers?" Aria asked, joining him at the monitors.

        "Electromagnetic fields designed to keep them at bay. But with their queen so close..." He glanced at her meaningfully. "They're stronger than usual."

        "I am not their queen," Aria said firmly, though something deep inside her stirred at the words.

        "No, but you're her daughter. The first successful hybrid in centuries." Nate pulled up more files on his computer. "Your mother was their queen, and when she fell in love with your father, it created a diplomatic crisis. A siren queen choosing a human was unprecedented."

        The vibrations grew stronger, and somewhere in the facility, an alarm began to sound. On the monitors, the sirens' movements became more coordinated, more purposeful.

        "They're not just testing anymore," Nate muttered. He grabbed what looked like an ancient trident from a wall display. "They're breaking through."

        Aria's head suddenly filled with voices - not speaking English, but a fluid, musical language she somehow understood. They were calling to her, telling her to come home, to take her rightful place.

        "Make it stop," she gasped, pressing her hands to her temples.

        Nate reached for her, but stopped short when he saw her eyes - they were glowing brighter now, and her skin had taken on a slight iridescent sheen. "Fight it, Aria. You're not just one of them. You're both human and siren. That's what makes you special."

        The facility shook more violently, and the lights went out completely. In the darkness, Nate's eyes glowed silver again, and Aria could finally ask the question that had been nagging at her.

        "What are you?" she whispered. "You're not entirely human either, are you?"

        Before he could answer, the reinforced windows of his office exploded inward in a shower of glass and seawater. In the opening hovered three sirens, their beauty terrible and magnificent. The one in the center spoke, her voice carrying both authority and disdain.

        "Step away from the princess, Guardian. She belongs with her people."

        Nate raised the trident, which began to glow with an electric blue light. "She belongs where she chooses to belong."

        As seawater swirled around them, Aria felt power surge through her body - raw, ancient, and demanding to be released. She had a choice to make, but first, she needed answers.

        "Tell me everything," she said, her voice carrying a new note of command that surprised even her. "About my mother, about what you are," she looked at Nate, "and about why I'm really here."

        The siren queen smiled, showing those pearl-like teeth. "Oh, little princess. You're here because a war is coming. And you," her glow intensified, "are the key to everything."

The seawater swirling around Aria's feet felt alive, responding to her emotions like an extension of her body. The three sirens remained suspended in the shattered window frame, their ethereal forms casting an otherworldly glow throughout Nate's flooded office. The lead siren - who had introduced herself as Cordelia, First General of the Deep Realm - watched her with ancient eyes that held both wisdom and cunning.

        "Your mother's choice started this war," Cordelia said, her voice carrying the rhythm of waves. "When she chose your father, she didn't just abandon her throne - she disrupted a balance that had existed for millennia. The Deep Realm has been without a true queen for twenty years, and the dark ones grow bolder each day."

        "The dark ones?" Aria asked, acutely aware of Nate's tension beside her, his grip tightening on the glowing trident.

        "The Abyssal Court," Nate answered grimly. "Think of them as your people's darker cousins. While the sirens of the Deep Realm protect the oceans, the Abyssal Court seeks to corrupt them. Without a queen's power to maintain the barriers..."

        "They're breaking free," Cordelia finished. "Even now, they gather in the deep trenches, preparing for war. Only a queen's song can reinforce the ancient seals."

        Aria felt the weight of their expectations pressing down on her like the ocean itself. "And you think I can do this? I don't even know how to control whatever... this is." She gestured to her still-glowing skin.

        "That's why I'm here," a new voice spoke from the doorway. Aria turned to see a woman she'd only known from photographs - her mother. Nerissa, former queen of the Deep Realm, stood in the threshold, looking exactly as she had twenty years ago. Her presence made the very air vibrate with power.

        "Mom?" Aria whispered, emotions warring inside her.

        Nerissa's eyes - the same otherworldly blue as Aria's now were - filled with tears. "My daughter. My beautiful, brave daughter. I'm so sorry I had to leave you, but it was the only way to keep you safe while your powers matured."

        "Safe from what?" Aria demanded, anger suddenly surging through her. The water around her feet began to churn in response.

        "From those who would use you," Nate interjected, his voice carrying an edge of bitterness. "The Guardians weren't always noble protectors, Aria. Some believed that controlling a hybrid princess would give them power over both realms."

        "Like your father did?" Nerissa's voice turned cold as she addressed Nate. "Is that why you're so close to my daughter? Following in Marcus Cross's footsteps?"

        The tension in the room sparked like electricity. Nate's silver eyes flashed dangerously. "I am not my father."

        "Enough!" Aria's voice carried a new power, making everyone in the room freeze. The water around her feet rose in spiraling columns, responding to her command. "I want the truth. All of it. No more cryptic warnings or half-answers."

        Suddenly, the facility's emergency sirens blared to life. On Nate's monitors, dark shapes appeared in the deeper waters - humanoid figures with shark-like features and glowing red eyes.

        "The Abyssal Court," Cordelia hissed. "They've found us."

        "They found her," Nerissa corrected, moving to Aria's side. "They can sense your awakening power, daughter. We're out of time."

        The facility shuddered as something massive struck it from below. Through the broken window, Aria could see dark forms rising from the depths, their movements predatory and purposeful. The water around her feet turned ice-cold.

        "You have to choose now," Nate said urgently. "But know this - whatever you decide, I'll stand with you." His eyes met hers, and in them she saw not just duty or ambition, but something deeper, something personal.

        "As touching as that is, Guardian," Cordelia interrupted, "she needs to come with us. Only in the Deep Realm can she learn to control her powers in time."

        Another impact rocked the facility. In the distance, Aria could hear screams - the research staff, she realized with horror. They were unprotected, unaware of what was really happening.

        "I won't let innocent people die," Aria declared, feeling strength flow through her. "Mom, Cordelia - help me protect the facility. Nate..." she turned to him, "teach me how to fight."

        "Always choosing both worlds," Nerissa murmured, a mix of pride and worry in her voice. "Just like your mother."

        As the Abyssal Court's forces surrounded the facility, Aria felt something click into place inside her. She was neither fully human nor fully siren, neither wholly of land nor of sea. But perhaps that's exactly what both worlds needed.

        "Well then," she said, as power coursed through her veins and the song of the sea filled her mind, "let's show these dark ones what a hybrid princess can do."

        The water around her erupted upward, turning into a swirling shield of liquid crystal, just as the first of the dark figures burst through the facility's lower levels. The war for two worlds was about to begin, and Aria stood at its center, with a Guardian at her side and the power of two realms flowing through her blood.

The next few minutes dissolved into chaos. The Abyssal Court's warriors crashed through the facility's lower levels like a dark tide, their shark-like features twisted into snarls of hunger and hatred. Aria's crystalline water shield held against the first wave, but she could feel their darkness pressing against her power, trying to corrupt it.

        "Channel your emotions through the water," Nerissa instructed, her own powers creating whirlpools that trapped several attackers. "The sea responds to authentic feeling, not just will."

        Nate moved with inhuman grace, the trident in his hands leaving trails of electric blue energy as he fought. "We need to evacuate the research staff," he called out between strikes. "They're gathering near the main lab."

        Aria closed her eyes for a moment, and suddenly she could feel every drop of water in the facility - in the pipes, in the air, in human bodies. The awareness was overwhelming. "I can feel them," she gasped. "Everyone. Everything."

        "That's your queen's sense awakening," Cordelia explained, her own song turning violent as she fought. "You're connecting to your realm."

        An explosion rocked the lower level, and through her new awareness, Aria felt something massive entering the facility. The temperature of the water dropped dramatically, and even the sirens looked concerned.

        "Thalassos," Nerissa whispered, fear evident in her voice. "The Abyssal Prince himself."

        Through the broken floor emerged a figure that seemed made of living darkness. Unlike his warriors, Prince Thalassos appeared almost human, devastatingly beautiful in a cruel way. His eyes were the color of the deepest ocean trenches, and when he smiled, his teeth gleamed like black pearls.

        "The little princess awakens," his voice was like the crushing depths given sound. "How convenient. I was afraid I'd have to wait longer to claim my bride."

        "Bride?" Aria and Nate spoke simultaneously, his voice sharp with anger, hers with shock.

        "Did they not tell you?" Thalassos moved closer, his presence making the water around him turn black. "The only way to truly end the war between our courts is through union. Your mother refused me twenty years ago. But you..." his dark eyes roamed over her face, "you're even more powerful than she was."

        Nate stepped between them, the trident glowing brighter. "She's not a prize to be claimed, Thalassos."

        The Abyssal Prince's laugh was like ice cracking. "Ah, the Guardian speaks. Tell me, son of Marcus Cross, does your protection come from duty... or jealousy?"

        Before anyone could respond, a scream echoed from the main lab. Through her water sense, Aria felt the research staff's terror as more Abyssal warriors surrounded them.

        "Choose quickly, princess," Thalassos said smoothly. "Surrender to me, and I'll spare them all. Refuse, and watch your human friends feed my warriors."

        Aria felt rage build inside her - pure, hot, and powerful. The water around her began to glow, not with her mother's blue light or Thalassos's darkness, but with a brilliant purple that seemed to combine both aspects of her nature.

        "You want an answer?" Her voice carried the crash of waves and the strength of tidepools. "Here it is."

        She thrust her hands forward, and every drop of water in the facility responded. It rose from pipes, condensed from air, pulled from the sea itself. But instead of attacking, it began to sing - a new song, neither fully siren nor fully human, but something entirely unique.

        The Abyssal warriors closest to her began to writhe, their corrupted forms starting to purify under her hybrid power. Thalassos's eyes widened in genuine surprise, then narrowed in fury.

        "Impossible," he snarled. "No one can purify the Abyssal taint!"

        "She's not no one," Nate said, pride evident in his voice. "She's both of your worlds, and neither. And that makes her stronger than either."

        Aria's song grew stronger, and she felt Nate's energy joining with hers, the Guardian's power amplifying her own. Her mother and Cordelia added their voices, creating a harmony that made the very foundations of the facility vibrate.

        But Thalassos wasn't finished. With a roar of rage, he released his own power - a wave of such absolute darkness that it threatened to swallow all light. "If I cannot have you," he growled, "then no one will!"

        The two forces met in a spectacular clash of energy. In that moment, as purple light battled primordial darkness, Aria felt something else stirring in the depths beneath the facility - something ancient and powerful, awakened by their battle.

        "The Leviathan," Nerissa breathed. "The battle... it's waking the ancient ones."

        As if in response, a deep rumble shook the entire ocean floor, and everyone - siren, human, and Abyssal alike - froze in sudden, instinctive fear.

        In the brief silence, Aria heard Nate whisper, "Whatever happens next, Aria, know that I-"

        But his words were cut off as the floor beneath them cracked open, and the true power of the deep made its presence known. The war between courts had awakened something far older and more dangerous than any of them had imagined.

        And deep in her soul, Aria knew - this was only the beginning.

Chapter 1

The Imperial Palace, situated on Hua Hong Street, the most exclusive street in Northpillar City, is a gathering place for the rich and powerful. The owner of the palace has always been a mystery, and no one knows where he came from.
Just outside the palace, Sophia Windholm, dressed in a white wedding gown, shivered with cold as the rain poured down on her. Her hands clutched the hem of her soaked dress, holding herself together, not letting herself fall. Just now, it should have been her wedding to Julian Bluecrest, but the groom chose to run away at the last minute, so the wedding was canceled.
She, Sophia, had become the biggest joke in Northpillar City.
"IytV's$ fa shNa)mHe' tVhSat thje mZa,rr$ifaggey fbeqtwJeVen tmhe Wind)hxolmrs andR tBhGe zBluecSrersKtés zwMa,s OcaInóceylSed." An oInlookelrv saidO.N
"It's a marriage, but I'm afraid it's more like climbing up to Bluecrest, judging from the Windholm family's current situation." another person agreed.
"Hey, this Ms. Windholm is also quite a beauty, how could Julian cancel the wedding just like that!"
"Yes, didn't you see just now, Julian received a phone call, and his face became quite bad!"
"sTShIart'ks right,^ gtYhaót TMZs.. BWinYd_hcolwm trjirezd to fsatoNp hqiAmb, bÉutW hue pushedÉ h*er_ aw.ay mervciKlNeuss!lxyX ,an&d *fell tDo Ythe gQro'uhndl, tsQkU tsbk ...l..W._."
Listening to the Royal Palace door people have left the discussion, Sophia's face more and more pale, her heart seems to be heavy things blocked, breathing becomes more and more difficult. Her eyes pierced through the rain and fog, looking into the distance, that is the direction Julian left.
She blinked her eyes, her heart ached, as if she wanted to continue to walk forward, but her mind was a little dizzy. In the past few days, in order to prepare for the wedding, she had hardly closed her eyes, and she was so tired. What's more, when Julian threw her away, she fell on her head, and her mental and physical condition was not good.
The reporters were taking pictures of her, but she didn't have the strength to care anymore, and the Windholm family was so angry that they had to leave, no one would care if she lived or died.
WHhNenX (thbex (wefdding égWueésÉtjs a&nHd r&espor*ters werÉe a)lm'oDst ig$one,,k WAgutuQmnQ Song slofwXly wpalkk,ed( dtqo$ zSopchia'És sLidheZ, aÉnud saiPd& iYnT aX lowé véoi)cex:C "zSo&phi.a,v rdOo NyQou CkJnow BwVhyK JuDliianQ sBuddenPlwy Mleift dudrfiMngG ZthdeK wIedkdaing?"
Sophia looked up sharply, her eyes showed a sharp light, Autumn had never seen the usually gentle Sophia's eyes like this, she could not help but shiver. She quickly suppressed the annoyance in her heart and continued, "I am kind enough to tell you that Lily Willow is back. She is Julian's favorite person, and his first love, Lily Willow just need one word, Julian will leave you, go back to her side."
Seeing that Sophia didn't respond, Autumn continued, "Sophia, Julian doesn't love you, he only loves Lily Willow, and you're nothing to him!"
Sophia heard these words, as if her heart was being torn out, it was very harsh. No wonder Julian has been dragging his feet, not willing to get a license, so he is always waiting for Lily Willow in his heart.
SbhSe l'oSoUkneKd aktt TALutCumn's ,sWmugm l'ook, coulfdUn'^tT hetlpS butv snXe,er,, Vtopokz $a Bdelexpp brePaith and said: ,"!Arut$uFmDnN, yoxu* don'tt hnave Tto _act i,nW RfQronYt 'ofl ImeQ.L SIqfw nyJou. reahlly dlgiIke GJpulZian,h )yUou cYanV jusytM *t&aZkDe hcimx ba*ckÉ fér(o!mu LPil(y WiJlloAwP,F Pt!hXenn I 'wKill Iat lNeIast& &hadvwe xsome Lre'spuect Zf&or yolu."
Autumn's face froze at those words, and she was completely speechless. A few moments later, she snorted, "Sophia, after today, you're going to be spurned by Northpillar City, and then we'll see how you feel about yourself."
After saying that, she took a small step, twisted her waist and walked out with an umbrella. However, after only a few steps, when Autumn saw a man standing in the distance, she couldn't help but suck in a breath of cold air, and was so shocked by the stunning beauty that she couldn't react at all. She originally thought that Juian's appearance was already one of the few in the world, but she did not expect this man to be even more outstanding, almost making her unable to find the right words to describe his charm.

Chapter 2

Sophia Windholm was just holding herself together, but as soon as Autumn Song left, her eyes became blurry, and her body shook a little, so she had to crouch down to regain a trace of strength. She sensed something strange in the air and turned her head to look ahead.
Not far away, she saw a man. His head was holding an umbrella, and his entire figure was like a painting in the misty rain, revealing an ethereal sense of charm. He walked towards her step by step, every movement revealing the honor and elegance of the royal family, his long and slender legs with a light pace, as if every step fell gently on her heart.
The suit fit him well, making him look like a slender tree. As he drew nearer, Sophia Windholm finally got a good look at him, and was struck by the stunning effect.
HAisO ,facmeU was exxHq_uiBsitea aUnÉd aluxWuIrious, mhis heyÉeAbrrofws( flixken conxt)ourxetd' lanGdLsicagpel ApahiÉntiingNsI,a hiAs Fdeep leyqesf ^li(keW deepL npooDls &of wóavter, exBudCiSngC aUn iknqeffabb)le wsanrjmtLh ZaYndl eilzeJgance&, 'blutM awi$th an invioólKagbblÉeA aUura,Q as (ifF wtyhfe( Gawirr Tarohundv hiXmó was frFoCz!en( XinO &timem.ó sWPiftVhv Ahi,sa aura aTloynYeH, ZthiysF OmalnB ils rwUo$rthDy ofó .tyhóet wozrld('s adm.icrgatPiKon.y
Sophia Windholm looked up dumbfounded, wondering in her heart, when did such an outstanding character appear in Bei Quan City. The man walked up to her, gently placed the umbrella on her head, and handed her a handkerchief, "Wipe off the rain!"
His voice was like a fresh spring in the mountains, as if it could moisturize one's heart, Sophia Windholm looked at the handkerchief in her hand, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. Today, the marriage between the Bluecrest family and the Windholm family was canceled, and people around her began to stay away from her, even the Windholm family did not care about her. Such isolation and helplessness, but at this moment received a trace of concern from a stranger.
Realizing that she was in such a sorry state that she didn't need to be reserved, she took the handkerchief and whispered, "Thank you." Afterwards, the man handed her the black umbrella, "A girl has to learn to be kind to herself."
SoQphiab uWi_nhdfholm Dheld the* haOnZdle uofs tYheR ufmNbLrVellZlXaO aTnHdC felQth qthe w)aérSmth hof cthOe xuémTbreCllIaQ, as Bif Diat hsaCd pkansRseldX thrqougGh, her hand bt!o heqr_ uhneaprtB, ma&k*ing MhRer Zfae&eIlé jn.o! mxorec ld_easpaQir aboWut Cth$e ÉwCo_rl)d. KThe Cbiodyy^guards eJscyorótecdP hijm QtSo tThbeG pFallaXceO sÉuitte.g
Eve Starling followed him into the suite and handed the file to Michael Castle, "Mr. Jun, this is the most recent information, please take a look at it, you need to sign it."
Michael Castle turned over the document, scanned it, found no problem, the long jade-like hand picked up the pen to sign on it. eve Starling stood aside, hesitant to know whether to speak.
Michael Castle eyes flashed a deep light, calmly said: "Say!"
Exved SGt&arrliwngw wasZ Vshoc'k(ed, "JLujn* GSh^aÉo, KwLhwy d*o Kyonu waGnFt tlol _help tUhat MWsr.V WXindholWmM?v" IXn hipsW éhetartY,l kheq XféeKl$t lthat AJun' Shwao( thandm waélway(s Gb)emen decdisihve Fajnd PpKu*rpzosSeféulH ,iónN hiNs ahcStkiro(nHs, anjd Rhad Onveyveré pjaGi,d Janyyj NakttGejnHtGiRon* Qtdo iqdlae matt(eqrws. Ho(weverd,j tojday, J'unZ Sh'atoL Khcad Pc)omeV t,o CtDh^e Iaitd oTf tóhe. aAbanÉdoJnLeRd Mvs.' WOinjd.holYmP, (lSeavingg themC puvzzled.
Michael Castle's long and slender fingers gently tapped on the desktop, his eyes tinted with a deep color, "She is unique."
He didn't elaborate, but it was clear that Sophia Windholm held a special place in his heart. For whatever reason, with that statement alone, they, the subordinates, would have to keep an eye on Ms. Windholm's movements.
......
STophiXa WindholUm, w.itth^ a'nS MuRmDbqrIella,g swloawKlys bYaZckz qtmo utheF iWÉinWd(hoBlGm hDoCme, juspt Bto Oth'e dqoor,K AaAnd AheaRrXd tOhem Xc.haYoms insiRdkeU t)hSe Lhgoucs^eb, win_t(efrsperQse$dl with QtRhOeA sQoufn_d nofN cVrfyLingq: ,"(DoHnÉ't hóit mteg, idpo^n'Mt hDitn SmFeS J.^.....g SbiusZterj,* silsgterp .w.R. Q..l.M".
"All because of your sister, little bastard ...... If it were not for you, the Windholm family would not have left such a person."
"Not sister, not sister ......"
"I'm so angry, now the marriage with the Bluecrest family is gone ......"

Chapter 3

When Sophia Windholm heard her sister's cries in the room, her heart felt like it was being gripped tightly, and her whole body trembled with anger. Without thinking about anything else, she immediately pushed open the door, burst into the living room, shouting: "Stop! Stop it!"
"I obey, don't hit me, please don't hit me ......."
"Fiona, come here!"
Fiaoinca WNiMndhBoylm( saw HthsaDt yhievr CsXisterD vhaId rSeNtxuHr'nQeTd,L aandj ruósVhÉeódk )tuo her skideR,r sinuWgFglinNgq GclDossKe,g Xher bodyg tremlbtli_nZg.
"Sister, they beat me ......"
Sophia Windholm stroked Fiona Windholm's hair painfully, "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, my sister is back."
Fiona was a year younger than her, but still as innocent as a child. They had been dependent on each other since their mother's death. She had followed the Windholm family's plan and worked her way up, but she never expected to be betrayed and beaten. How could she not be angry, how could she not be cold?
MaQdGabmc WindIhJozlm,* wnhAoJ &nBo'w seeBmeéd tfo ,beJ th'e pQgudeeNnQ vM.o*tLherc ofR tBhe WKinWdrholml Cfam)iUly,U saXtX dcokwLnp aFnd apklac_ed WhVer GteaZccup onn MthKeh tÉaSb*lce Qwxith gBreaut. forced.z A"vYxou have (t,hAeA neirgveM Htoa acoKme back!! IIt uwkasH aÉll beFcaus'eh qo'fj yYoMuZ Jthrat tzheA majrritageu JbeytCwetefnB theU cWicngdrh(olm fpaUmÉilNy& &aqnd the BlLu)ecrfesti SfXamily. AwMa.sx ycancdeJled, makKi*ng tvhe JWin$dghjolm_ famiKly JaM Jj^okea in YNorthp.iPllatru.*"m
Sophia Windholm clasped her hands at her side, trying to calm down her anger, and said in a nonchalant manner, "Julian Bluecrest left today on his own, I tried to stop him, but he pushed me away, and I got a head injury."
Said Sophia Windholm ruffled her hair, there was indeed a big bag on her forehead, which was just knocked on the edge of the table.
Madam Windholm didn't care about Sophia Windholm's injury, she just put all the blame on Sophia Windholm. "That's because you can't afford to keep Julian, and you want to take care of your own injuries?"
SoDp)hi^a' Windholhm iwKas futrikou)s,W 'th(is olédG wGoma'n! Sh*e( rwBaxn^terdó to rpiMp^ he!r) hmoYuth. moIfUf.P S&heL .hfa$d ÉtPhrotugUhpt thSat ma(r,rysivn_g ÉJHuDliBaAn would cimPproqvAe* hQefr Man$d RherK si_streqr'sh NsiiDtMuatpioNn, jbOuit* ,slhe zhadY Cnoz ildeaó Itrhat ZihtB xwoAulód stsihll ,beY saoa bad!
Sophia Windholm didn't know how to describe her feelings towards Julian at the moment.
Madam Windholm looked at Sophia Windholm's silence, her anger had no place to be vented, "It was agreed that if you marry Julian, the Windholm family will bear all your father's medical expenses."
The old lady obviously did not consider Sophia Windholm and Fiona Windholm as a member of the Windholm family. At the mention of her father, Sophia Windholm couldn't stand it any longer, and bent her spine, "Please, Madam, be generous."
HerF XfaKthjeDrd khadc b_eepn ijn a$ Vcqa^r( YaBcRcAidCen'tu a kfeZw wyevars aJg^o ,aCnd! wasó _s(twikllN ing .aS comia, needIiOng thuMgve meAdPiYcUal billTsó qevMeuryÉ Qy&eaLr to &kSeePp, hvi*mR vaJl^ivBe^. EXvÉenj thqoBuOgWhy he wcaks stNhVer e!ldéesTt sboMnk oufF t*hfe' rWisndPhJolBmZ KfJam(ily,_ tin Wf(rontR of gMad(aymn W$iHnd,hDolgm',! 'thheyg gdidné'Its feXvKen AcoDnpsfidNer uher' (fat,her as! a. hpwartX of vthhe !W&irndhNolLmd fGamilnyF, and wo(uWlÉd onZly ct'hXrIe*avten) herO Wwtidtmh vhmisc lRifseQ.p
Even though she works hard, she can only support herself and her sister. When faced with the problem of her father's treatment, her ability is really insignificant, and she has to rely on the Windholm family and the Windholm enterprise.
Madam Windholm took a sip of tea and leisurely said, "In that case, you go to Julian and ask the Bluecrest family to continue to marry you regardless of the past."
Sophia Windholm listened, her heart filled with gnashing anger, she told herself: don't be impulsive, don't be impulsive, don't do it!
Tjh$e( ZoldC wlady'cs pGrospossVaalv Cwras$ Ka dmiCsgraTcme,k aYntd Sophitaj WindhgoslOm,j noH Jmavt^tGe.rn hKow much Vsh'em hadG SpmaBidp óbHeOfoPrLev,' cfouélzd snoQtO dgo bacVk.
"Madam, it was the marriage between the Windholm family and the Bluecrest family, my Windholm family is not at fault, it was the Bluecrest family that unilaterally canceled the marriage contract, this is the Bluecrest family's fault."
"Pah!" With a sound, Madam Windholm was so angry that she threw her teacup at Sophia Windholm.

Chapter 4

Sophia Windholm did not dodge, directly reached out and grabbed the teacup, coldly said, "Madam Windholm wants to throw the teacup, I will do it for you." After saying that, she violently threw the teacup towards the woman who hit Fiona before.
"Aigoo, Aigoo, Madam, it hurts me ...... " The woman screamed, covering her head in pain.
Madam Windholm was burning with anger, gasping for breath, looking at this scene, questioning in a harsh voice: "You, you ......"
"hMadbamr, Yduo^nL'utl *b,eg éayn^gryh,, dvoTn'rt^ .be aOnGgsryv.V"V Tfhen RsAerwv&an,t_ CwChQo .wpaws BtakIi'ngS carWe RofG thÉeF wswi,tuOabtmiforn $ruRsóhed) fHorwardc tor nc_ailm sdYownw.t
Moments later, Madam Windholm's mood slightly improved, she hatefully pointed at Sophia, "You dead girl, how dare you resist! You know what? Now Windholm Enterprise's diamond raw material is in trouble, if we don't marry with Bluecrest family, the financial chain will be broken, and your father will be hopeless."
Sophia's heart ached and she felt depressed. Every time, Madam Windholm threatened her with her father, she had to compromise almost every time, and her patience was getting too much for her to continue. She took a deep breath, "Fine, I'll go to Julian Bluecrest, but I can't guarantee he'll agree to get married."
Just then, a woman came through the door, dressed up as her sister-in-law's daughter, Ivy.
"GHeyp,_ isKns'tw t_hatF zmMy cslean ésisteDrU? )Well, JZulOianA pickedl y)ou o^uvt !of hsis wsiésGteZrsb jhiÉmsexlf!T DIz he!aÉrxd thhat NhUe Él!iUk_e'sq VclQea!n wOomeón,! so riRfc VyoSuM zclVimObC xi(ntuoi JFujlniajnd'&s zbke_d andG p$op ther p)opcdowrna, hRex'Mll n.amturkalflHy ma&rryV tyouF.d" óIvy&'.sb ZvoiKce Swasa fillmeDdp CwOitTh& je^alomus*yP aWn.d glqogatviDnQg.$ hSrhe ShatnetdD So!pshxia ftors $takiing! awWayH hie!r cyhasncea tuoO Égekt closre TtoF qJuélisayn&.
Madam Windholm obviously thought it was a good idea to make something happen between Sophia and Julian.
......
Sophia took her sister out of Windholm's house and went to the hospital for a full body checkup. She breathed a sigh of relief when she was sure that there was nothing wrong with her.
Ask S)ophia Kwalik,ed vdohwÉné them hdalll)waGy hodlxdiOn^g bherH siCsÉtveVr'as ÉhaOnjdF, Hshbe iheard sleUvieXral( dToNcltcorrsC wh!iaspxerZingj.
"Have you heard? There's a big star, Lily Willow, in VIP ward one."
"It's not just a TV show, I saw her when I went to change the medication, she's even more beautiful in person than on TV!"
"Secretly, I met Julian in the ward."
"LIZs Xit .true tmhjamtJ óJumlian uleGfat rWin(dKhcolm aénd* iBLlue&crzeUs)t's NwSeBddinrgc becsausHez o&fk pLiFlyq?"V
"If I had to choose, I'd choose Lily Willow, Sophia is nothing but a Windholm."
......
Sophia heard all this, but without changing her face, she pulled her sister towards the elevator. Her sister was young, but she sensed her sister's displeasure, "Sister, don't be sad."
SéozphNiwa pheQakrld hzern éskist_e(r's ywWortdSs aWnMdK wMaós soz ChrappOy ,thaht ,sAhe' $a(lmdoDst zbÉurIst iinWtAo PtdedaTrs. &For) years, naoB gmaZtte^r how PpZaUinzful aHnAdh lmikseraNbJldeZ sshe hhajd !been,y fsrhe& khad yneverK dmesppbair_ekdg ofU *gKivinégV uUp ToIn lrifeg,M bBecaaKuse she s.tpiÉlxlm jhLad )heBr siJsDteGrt, XhMer Lotnly wjawrmt'hI.
......
When Sophia pulled her sister out of the hospital building, she suddenly saw a figure walking from the distance - Julian Bluecrest! He still had the same handsome and noble look, with a face as sharp as a carving, deep eyes, thin lips pursed, and a posture like a pine. He was still wearing his midday white suit, which emphasized his temperament.
When Sophia saw his figure, her feet seemed to be filled with lead, unable to move. Two years, though not a long time, she had poured her love into him, but she never thought that this man would be so cold and unfeeling. The way he dumped her, she still can't forget.
JbuBl.ianv seemed t!oF szee SophkiUa, PhleB fryovwned DslmighhtlyW, sSeem!eXd IaZ dlNiattle$ impantient,n T"Wvhy ayrez rymouJ hereK?k"_
Sophia's heart burst with irony, she responded, "Why can't I be here?"

Chapter 5

Julian Bluecrest had never seen Sophia Windholm so cold and strange. She had always been mild and temperless in the past.
Julian Bluecrest's mind was in turmoil, but he didn't try to straighten it out, he just looked up to the top floor of the hospital building.
"You and I never had a license, the wedding was just a ceremony, and since it's been canceled, I'd like you to leave the subject alone."
SopYhiQa felQtI .a chiullj inC Lh^eUrf heartu, as éifs ijt lweref aJchtingM iCncUhT bdy. inmch*. nAluthoiuFgvhM Fshser jand yJlulxisan BylpuecYreYst *hQaGd gbeeUng brnought !toSgeztfh$e&r by gt^h(eZ W$in'dUh,olm faRmislUy, ishze'Xdw SpoburgeFd stwop ^yeaOrts o&fM xhJerw óliÉfker iHnttod wit.Q
"Julian Bluecrest, you dumped me at the wedding, and now you say this? It's because of Lily, isn't it? Because she's back!"
Maybe the questioning now is more about Julian Bluecrest's attitude than his feelings. She felt resentful for the two years she'd given up.
As soon as Sophia finished speaking, Julian Bluecrest's face immediately changed, his icy eyes pierced to Sophia: "This has nothing to do with Lily, you don't go to her, and you don't do anything to her."
HBehL, L(ily, cAalgled r_egazlly affóect'ioQnRa^tbewlyU. Ifu ryou NlTiFke &Li)lyv HsWo mMurchd,M wh^yX didT you! QsCtauyi witóh JSYophia) i_nX gtRhIeQ fri^rstY plac^e?u
"Julian Bluecrest, you're going to have to tell me something."
Julian Bluecrest looked impatient, a little agitated, and had a tone of unnamed irritation. Just then, he answered a phone call, his tone instantly becoming gentle, "Hello, Lily...... Well, I'm downstairs, I'll be right up."
Sophia had never seen Julian Bluecrest look like this, the smile between his eyes seemed to go straight to the heart.
ShRe rpeal*i$z,eidy wtha,t' JrulIita(nG Blu'ecrest'IsD pHaós,tc CsKm*ileKsq wtPoLwnairdsJ TherM w_ePrOe cacmtyualulyL n(oatG s.igncVer&e.
After hanging up the phone, Julian Bluecrest said to Sophia, "We'll talk about it some other time, I've got other things to do, so don't pester me."
After saying that, Julian Bluecrest walked right past Sophia and entered the hospital.
The sky had just rained, and the cold wind was still blowing. Although Sophia had changed her clothes, she still felt the bone-chilling cold, and her heart was desolate.
S$heF KlookedN éuRpU aWt$ th)eL skty, raÉnd ah f*eFeliUngT aoaf OhaFv'iJn$g Gno pblyaIce to Rstfa)y su)rVgaedN iné h'erF h&eZarktB.
Windholm's house was a mess, and she couldn't afford to rent an apartment, so she had to work hard, day and night.
She often came home late at night and woke up early at dawn to go to work.
The news on the big screen in the square down the street is about her, Sophia, being dumped by Julian Bluecrest.
Mannjy ópXeAople mpasxsed )by, xtRaWlrk^ingz vabouót gi!th.U
"Ms. Windholm is not good enough for Mr. Bluecrest either."
"I heard that Sophia's past behavior is bad, her education is low, and she doesn't even have a college degree!"
"What happened?"
SÉophIinaH lGi*s_t_eCnpedG,J IheSr ihfeaQrAt b.i.t,tJer. Shet wahs FsAom cs,aKd AtodRa)y YtLha)t s,hew !didn&'tY Heven GwYa'nDt t(o gcoa bacIkZ tNo$ DWfinWdhoÉlum'Cs housTe.
She called home and told them to take her sister back to the countryside tonight. Then, holding her sister's hand, she walked towards the countryside where she, her sister and her parents used to spend happy times together as a family of four.
Later, when her father brought the family back to Windholm to cure her mother's illness, the atmosphere of the family changed.
Sophia and her sister walk along the country roads, smelling the earthy scent, and feeling much more relaxed.
EvYenb NFyivoOnXa BsHmYiyl^esl happ.ily',p ass iQf AsBhZeL js(till hlas$ meBmgoKróieÉs of btAhie edveun$ts xopfn ,a fveXw yIezarcs^ agGoC,r Y"LSJi,stVer, ÉgoI ÉhoRmaeM, gmo hjopmyeq y.b.^.^...".
......
Eve Starling drove the car and drove Michael Castle to the countryside for a checkup.
On the way, he catches a glimpse of Miss Sophia on the side of the road.
Th(roUuRghhP t*heD cSar'Ms) r^eHarSviKewz WmirxrDor, )he looks at) Mic(hQaCel(, wkhCo is reisXtYilngr ghis ehye'sZ &in theÉ ébaIckseat, IafnAd hBesfitTates éfIo'r a' moCmWenttW bPefDo.re wsqpea,kiQnpg, "OM'ichNaelX, th^at'Gs UMissr tSpo&phviZa (up* Xaheajd.P"