THORN & BLUE Entangled in Fate

As Zara and Blue walked home from the Moon Restaurant, the streets of Chuchu Town shimmered under the evening lights. The air carried the scent of fresh bread from the nearby bakery, mingling with the distant hum of street vendors calling to customers.

"This place hasn't changed much," Zara said, glancing around.

Blue smiled. "It still feels like home… despite everything."

Their footsteps echoed along the pavement as they reminisced about their childhood. Zara came from a family filled with love and affection. Her mother had been a loyal maid to Mr. Big Skinner—Blue's grandfather—for years, serving the family until the day she passed. Before she died, she made Zara promise to always stand by Blue, to protect her from the world… and from her ruthless father.

Despite their different upbringings, Zara and Blue were inseparable. They spent their childhood playing together, building

sandcastles at the playground, and finding small moments of happiness amidst the shadows that loomed over Blue's home.

"Do you remember how people used to admire you whenever we walked these streets?" Zara teased.

Blue chuckled. "Oh yes! And how we snuck out just to get ice cream from Wendy's shop?" She pointed at the small corner store that still stood, just as inviting as ever.

They both laughed—until they remembered the aftermath of that adventure.

That night, they had sneaked back home through the back fence, thinking they had escaped unnoticed. But Mr. Skinner had already suspected them. He had sent his right-hand man, Jack, to follow them. And when Jack returned, he reported everything in detail—how Zara had taken Blue outside without permission.

Mr. Skinner was furious.

The moment they stepped inside, he called for Zara.

She walked into his study, her hands trembling. Blue, hiding just behind the door, pressed her ear against it.

"Lock the door behind you," Mr. Skinner commanded, his voice as cold as steel.

Zara obeyed.

"How many times have I warned you never to take Blue outside?" His footsteps were slow, deliberate, as he made his way to a drawer. He pulled it open and retrieved a long whip—one that had once belonged to his father, Mr. Big Skinner. It was made from dried cowhide, a tool once used to punish disobedient servants.

He threw the whip at Zara's feet.

"Pick it up," he ordered.

She hesitated.

"Do I need to ask Jack to do it instead?"

She quickly grabbed the whip, understanding what was expected.

"Now, flog yourself."

Her hands shook as she raised the whip. The first lash landed on her back, sending a sharp sting through her skin. She bit her lip, determined not to cry.

Mr. Skinner smirked. "The only reason you're still alive is because of your mother. Otherwise, I would have fed you to the dogs."

Blue, watching through the keyhole, gasped in horror. She turned and ran as fast as she could to her mother's room.

"Mama!" she cried, tugging at Lady Sisi's dress. "Father is hurting Zara! Please, you have to help!"

Lady Sisi's face darkened. "What did you do this time?" she asked sternly.

Blue's voice wavered. "We only went out for ice cream…"

Lady Sisi sighed. But when she saw the desperation in Blue's eyes, something shifted in her expression.

"Stay in your room," she instructed. "Lock the door behind you and don't come out until I say so."

Blue nodded and obeyed.

Lady Sisi stormed downstairs to her husband's study, only to find Jack standing at the entrance.

"Let me in," she demanded.

"Mr. Skinner said no one is allowed inside, ma'am," Jack said firmly.

Lady Sisi raised an eyebrow. "Do I look like 'no one' to you?" Her voice was laced with authority. "Move aside before I remind you who I am."

Jack hesitated before stepping aside.

As soon as she entered, her breath caught in her throat. Zara lay motionless on the floor, her dress soaked with blood.

Rage flickered in Lady Sisi's eyes, but she masked it with a calm, pleading voice.

"Honey, please… show mercy."

Mr. Skinner barely glanced at her. "Your daughter is reckless, and you can't even control her." He scoffed. "I should punish you both."

Lady Sisi knelt beside Zara. "I promise, it won't happen again. Please… let me take care of this."

A tense silence filled the room.

Then, finally, Mr. Skinner waved a hand

dismissively. "Get her out of my sight."

Without hesitation, Lady Sisi lifted Zara and carried her upstairs. She called for the family doctor to tend to her wounds.

Blue, peeking from her bedroom, saw Zara's state and rushed to her side. Tears streamed down her face.

"I'm so sorry, Zara. This is all my fault…"

Zara, weak but still managing a faint smile, reached for Blue's hand. "It's okay. I'd do it again to keep you safe."

Lady Sisi sighed. "You two must be careful. I can't keep begging your father forever."

Both girls nodded in understanding.

That night, as Blue lay awake, she made a silent vow.

One day, she would break free from her father's grasp.

One day, she would escape the fate he had planned for her.