Chapter 33 — Fairytales in the Dark
In the unknown world of shadows, where the skies swirl in hues of blood-red and dust, a haunting silence draped over everything like mourning silk. I stood in the heart of it, though moments ago, I was resting in my room. One blink—and I was here.
The forest around me whispered secrets through dry leaves. It looked... dead, ancient, yet alive in a way I couldn't explain. My feet carried me forward, the air thick like smoke, the silence so heavy it crushed the breath in my lungs.
Then I saw it—
A lone stone slab resting at the center of the forest. Old, cracked, glowing faintly. Strange inscriptions carved into its surface pulsed with something dark and ancient.
I stepped closer, my fingertips brushing the surface. I felt the markings before I could even read them—like they were alive beneath my skin. Then suddenly—
Something snapped.
A sharp breath.
A cold surge.
My eyes darkened, black smoke rising from my limbs like curses being released. My body collapsed to the earth. My heart raced violently—no, it lifted, like it was being yanked out of me.
I clenched my teeth, gasping in agony.
"Am I... dying?"
Everything inside me screamed.
I tried to rise. My fingers clawed at the dirt, trembling. But the pain struck again—harder. My knees gave out. Darkness swallowed me whole as I fell unconscious.
---
And then—
Light.
I opened my eyes.
Gone was the dead forest. Instead, I lay in a strange yet peaceful meadow bathed in soft golden light. The sky was endless, swirling with galaxies I'd never seen. I sat up slowly, confused, weak.
"Don't move too fast," a gentle voice spoke.
I turned. A woman in a flowing black cloak approached me, graceful as the night. Long crimson hair spilled over her shoulders. Her beauty was quiet and eternal—like a painting, too perfect to be real.
She knelt beside me, her voice soft as velvet.
"I promise, I won't hurt you."
I couldn't speak. Something about her made my chest ache.
"I just want to help."
Her hand reached toward me, glowing faintly. I flinched.
"Please..." she said again. "May I?"
I nodded slowly.
She laid her palm against my chest. A warm light pulsed into me. The pain faded like water slipping through fingers. I exhaled, finally breathing. She touched my cheek next, her fingers like silk.
"You're so beautiful," she whispered.
My breath caught.
"Who are you?" I asked, our faces inches apart.
She smiled softly. "You want to know me?"
"Yes," I said honestly.
She removed her hood slowly. I stared, stunned—
She looked like me. No, more than me. Stronger. Wiser. Sadder. Stunning.
"I've always wanted to see you," she said gently.
"Why?" I whispered.
She sat even closer, ignoring every rule of personal space. I didn't mind.
"Do you know Damiar?" she asked suddenly.
My body stiffened.
"You know him?" I asked cautiously.
Her lips curved. "That means you know him too."
My voice trembled. "How is he?"
"He's fine... for now."
A heavy silence followed.
"Please," she whispered. Her voice broke.
"What is it?" I leaned closer.
"Please," she begged. "Can you look after him? Can you protect Damiar for me?"
Her eyes filled with tears.
I froze. "You want me to protect him?"
"Yes," she nodded. "Please. I'm begging you."
I reached out, wiping her tears. "Don't cry... I promise. I'll take care of him, no matter what."
She smiled again—relieved, glowing.
She suddenly pulled me into a hug. I stiffened at first, then melted into it. It felt... real.
"But please," she whispered in my ear. "Don't tell him I was here. And if your powers spiral out of control... call me."
A necklace shimmered into her palm. She placed it in mine.
"Say my name—Virelda—and I'll come."
I looked at her, dazed.
"Who are you, really?" I asked again.
Her smile turned bittersweet. "You'll find out. But not yet."
Suddenly, my body began to dissolve, like light blowing away in the wind.
"What's happening?" I panicked.
Her voice reached me one last time—
"Goodbye, Ravena. Don't forget... just call."
---
I awoke with a gasp, lying in my bed, soaked in sweat.
Sunlight poured through the windows. I looked at my palm—and there it was. The necklace. Real. Cool against my skin.
So it wasn't a dream.
"Who is she?" I whispered.
"And why did she ask me to protect Prince Damiar...?"
A knock on the door.
"Come in."
Thalia entered, radiant as always. "Good morning, my princess."
"Good morning, Thalia. How was your night?"
"Peaceful. Let me prepare your bath."
I nodded, still holding the necklace in my hand.
---
I dressed slowly. Thalia helped with my gown. My appetite surprised even me—I devoured breakfast.
I walked to the mirror, staring into my own eyes. I could still feel Virelda's touch. I lifted my sleeve—the tattoo on my shoulder was expanding, curling like smoke. Darker now. More alive.
I covered it with a shawl.
Took a breath.
And stepped out of my room into a world where everything had just changed.