Scarlett stood in the corner of the grand palace, her eyes downcast and her posture slumped. She looked like a mere piece of rag to me, her once vibrant red hair now dulled and her elegant gown hanging off her frame. The more I looked at her, the more upset I was. Everything around me seemed dull and lifeless compared to the sight of her standing there, alone and forgotten.

"Scarlett, what has happened to you?" I asked, my voice tinged with worry. She looked up at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and resignation.

"It's no use pretending any more," she replied softly. "I am no...