The room was a cozy paradise. A small plush bed sat in the center, topped with a giant teddy bear. Two fairy tale booksy on a nearby desk.


    The floor had a fluffy pink rug, a tiny wooden rocking horse, and half-built toy blocks scattered around. Miniature castles, dolls, and delicate tea sets filled the space.


    Every detail hit Debra''s nerves like a hammer. Something buzzed in her memory, just out of reach. Her head throbbed as the room spun around her. She forced herself forward, step by shaky step.


    Then she spotted a pile of yellowed newspapers crammed in a corner. She tried to go over, but each movement flooded her mind with fragmented images.


    "Almost there," she muttered.


    A memory fragment flickered. Someone was reading fairy tales by her bed.


    She heard her younger self ask, "Brother, why do princes and princesses fall in love at first sight?"


    "Because they''re meant to be," he replied softly.


    "But can''t the princess love someone else?"


    "She might have many knights, but only the prince is her match."


    "Then I''ll marry a prince too."


    Tears spilled down Debra''s cheeks.


    Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her neck. Her vision cked out as she copsed backward. But instead of hitting the floor, she fell into a pair of familiar arms.


    Andrew caught her, his breathing


    pale face as he lowered them both to the


    Sweat dripped from his pale


    .  the


    His smile was bitter, and his voice hoarse. "Why won''t you listen?"


    In the dim hallway, Drake emerged from the shadows. Andrew didn''t look up, struggling to steady his breath.


    "Help me carry her back."


    "You knew I was here?"


    Drake''s eyes narrowed. He had assumed Andrew was a helpless invalid, but the truth was the other way around.


    Ignoring the question, Andrew tightened his grip on an empty syringe.


    "What did you inject her with?"


    "Just a sedative."


    Andrew tried to stand, his arms trembling but still cradling Debra protectively.


    Drake scooped her up effortlessly. Andrew leaned against the wall, ghostly pale yet radiating authority. Get her back. Don''t say anything."


    "Quite the toughness in you," Drake muttered, hoisting Debra onto his back. "Don''t worry. Your secret''s safe."