Gazes From The Abyss | Chilumi Fic

Chapter 4: Her side

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Lumine, wearied and fatigued, sought solace within the depths of an enchanting lake. The gentle caress of its warm waters began to work its magic, coaxing her tired muscles into a state of relaxation. The tension that had gripped her for some time now refused to loosen its hold, stubbornly lingering within her being. Yet, curiously enough, there seemed to be no discernible reason for such a distressing state—no logical explanation she could conjure. While the imminent prospect of waging war amidst the heavens loomed ominously in her mind, it did not contribute to her current unease. Rather, it was the peculiar nature of her own condition that troubled her greatly.

Moments would arrive, unannounced, when her powers surged forth uncontrollably, flooding her very essence. And then, just as abruptly, they would recede, leaving her drained and depleted. This cycle persisted for a week now, a perplexing occurrence that failed to faze her. She allowed these episodes to pass without much concern, choosing to dismiss them as inconsequential. Unbeknownst to Lumine, however, the insidious forces of the abyss and the divine had already begun to assimilate her essence, silently drawing her into their grasp. Yet, this perilous state was not immediately life-threatening; rather, it demanded mastery. Only by mastering her newfound powers could she wield them to her heart's desire—within the limits of what was deemed acceptable, of course.

A deep sigh escaped her lips as she surrendered herself to contemplation, submerging her thoughts in the profound depths of introspection.

Seeking tranquility, Lumine allowed her mind to drift, permitting a sense of serenity to envelop her weary brain. The gentle symphony of cascading water filled her ears, casting a spell of drowsiness upon her senses. If only her dear mother could still grace her with their cherished lullaby, perhaps then the burdens weighing upon her would dissipate, leaving her at peace. Alas, such dreams remained but wistful musings, fading echoes of a bygone era.

After a time, Lumine resolved to emerge from the alluring embrace of the sparkling waters. With delicate grace, she retrieved her towel, veiling her petite frame in its comforting folds. Drawing upon her own wellspring of power, she conjured a gentle breeze to dry her damp tresses, their strands cascading like liquid silver. Stepping forth with a resolute stride, she made her way towards the sanctity of her chambers.

Yet, to her astonishment, a figure loomed at the threshold, a representative of the abyss known as the Lector. The unexpected sight jolted her, causing her hand to instinctively find solace upon her chest, where her racing heart beat in trepidation. The Lector, his countenance etched with a disapproving frown, regarded her with an air of scrutiny.

"Goodness," she gasped softly, her voice barely more than a breath, the weight of surprise compressing her chest. The Lector, unamused by her reaction, maintained his disapproving stance.

"My apologies," He hurriedly interjected, her voice tinged with a hint of remorse. "I merely sought assurance of your well-being, Your Highness."

"I am," Lumine replied with a dryness that veiled her true emotions.

Concern etched across the Lector's features as he addressed the princess, his voice a mixture of worry and caution. "You've been acting very oddly, Princess. You look... not okay."