A Dance Of Crowns & Thrones | Book I

Chapter 163 | August 23rd | The House On The Hilltops

Timeline - August 23rd - 6 weeks later

Intention is a universal language.

It is the law of gravity between two souls. Try, if you must, to fool the stars. Or each other. But this is an agreement four billion years old.

Because nothing can be kept from the salt in the sea, from the push and pull of right and wrong. Because it has never been about what you say but where you speak from.

****** *****

Eko found herself on a serene beachfront, the sand beneath her feet warm and soft. Before her stretched an expansive, gently sloping land that seemed to blend seamlessly with the ocean. The tranquil waters sparkled under the last rays of the setting sun, casting a golden hue across the horizon. The view was breathtaking, with the sky painted in shades of pink, orange, and purple, reflecting off the calm sea. The distant outline of lush greenery and rolling hills framed the scene, creating a picturesque and idyllic backdrop that stretched as far as the eye could see.

She remembered vividly their first visit to this place, an outing that had defied all her expectations.

They had set out with the simple intention of a hunting spree, a chance to stretch their legs and enjoy each other's company. At least, that's what he had told her. Even though they had been immersed in each other's company during their honeymoon, she should have found his behavior suspicious now that they were back to reality.

He had things to do, she knew that he was bombarded still since they got back, and yet he carved out time to "stretch their legs." What she never anticipated was how that day would unfold, leaving an indelible mark on her memory.

***** *****

As the sun sank below the horizon, it draped the world in a golden twilight. The couple wandered through the fading light, having just returned from weeks away from their honeymoon. Matthew was practically bubbling with excitement, his joy so infectious that Eko found herself both intrigued and enchanted by his tender attentiveness.

"A gift? I thought you said we were stretching our legs?"

"We are," he beamed, pointing to the dilapidated house perched precariously on the edge of the hills that descended to the beach. The house looked as though it had weathered countless storms, its worn façade and sagging roof adding to its air of resilient abandonment. Its presence here, so out of place and seemingly forgotten, made Eko wonder about its significance.

"Okkkkk?" she offered uncertainly, watching as Matthew stepped forward, and offered his hand for her to take.

Despite the morose state of the house, Eko found a peculiar beauty in it. Perhaps, she mused, there was a lurking monster waiting for them to uncover, a creature unknown to her but familiar to Matthew. The idea wasn't too far-fetched, given his knowledge of monsters she had yet to encounter.

"It's haunted!" she gasped with excitement, stepping closer and clasping her hands together as she clapped. "Ghouls! YES! Oh my god, yes!"

"No, Jesus, Eko," Matthew chuckled, pulling her gently towards the old house. "When I said we'd get out of this, that there was a 'someday' for us, I meant it. This, Eko—this is where I want us to be."

Turning to the man who had just made a profound statement, Eko regarded him with a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

Eko turned to him, her curiosity piqued. "Wait, what?" she laughed in surprise, her mouth slightly agape. This wasn't at all what she had imagined.