MORANA: The Feared Villainess

Chapter 8

Now that everything's ready, I need to find that impostor. I can finally control and release Irene's magic, so anytime I can also unleash my own powers. Using the map that I got from the library, I got out of the castle. I walked through the castle's secret passages, I do not know why they created them, but it helped me avoid the guards that are walking around. 

It didn't take me so long to reach Harbin's place. When I got there, he greeted me and seemed to be already expecting me to come. "How are you, Morana?" He asked. I ignored him, sat in a small chair, and motioned him to sit. "What's with the cold treatment, Your Majesty?" 

"Shut up, Harbin. Things are urgent right now, and since I already controlled this girl's magic, we need to find a way to let me get out of this kingdom," I said. The man before me just laughed and shook his head. What's wrong with this man? Laughing out of nowhere. 

"Chill, Morana, I already have a plan," Harbin said and smiled. He nodded at his Faerie, whose name was Elina? Elda? Whatever. His Faerie winked at him before magic encircled her; the sparking green dust that enveloped the faerie transformed her into Irene. Magnificent! So this is Harbin's plan. I almost forgot that faeries could shapeshift. 

"Excellent! Now I need to get my things and ask this faerie of yours to pretend to be me in the meantime." I stood up and planned to leave when Harbin stopped me. Hinawakan niya and aking kanang kamay at hinila pa upo. "What? I need to get ready." 

"Couldn't you just chill for a moment? Don't worry; I already have a plan for everything. What you can do now is sit and talk to me. It has been days since the last time you called me," the man stated. What is wrong with this man? He sounds like a sulking boyfriend; we aren't even close.

"And so?" I asked. 

Harbin was already surrounded by a dark aura when he put his elbows on the table. He stared at me with seriousness in his eyes and said, "I am not your servant, Morana. I am not helping you for free; all of these have payment. Don't worry, Your Majesty, I won't charge you for too much." I gulped when his nose almost touched mine. Ka agad akong na pasandal sa aking kinauupuan nang maramdaman ko ang kaniyang hininga sa aking mukha. Tinitigan ko siya na para bang isa lamang siya'ng tagapagsilbi ko. Agad naman niya'ng napansin ang mga tingin na naka pukol sakaniya kung kaya't napasandal din siya sa inuupuan at tumawa. 

"How much?" Mas lalo lamang tumawa ang lalake at umiling. Mayroon ba'ng nakakatawa sa tanong ko? I know this man in front of me is beautiful, he's pleasing in the eyes but right now, I wanted to choke him. Let's see if he can still laugh. 

"It's not how much, it's what's the payment. I want your time, Morana. For a second, let's talk," Harbin stated. The grin on his face was evident. Is he playing with me? I don't have time for this! Kung sa tingin niya ay marupok ako sa mga gan'yan, d'yan siya nagkakamali. Noon 'yon. 

I cleared my throat before saying, "What are you, my boyfriend? And what are we going to talk about? We need to find that impostor immediately." I might have flirted back if we aren't looking for someone right now. Why is he flirting with me anyways? He knows that I am still heartbroken, not just heartbroken—I have been killed and betrayed by the person I trust and love the most. 

"I am not, but maybe in the future? I know you're still into that jerk, but I can wait. I have been watching you from afar for centuries, waiting for this moment. Ten more years? Easy as pie," Harbin replied. I was speechless for a moment and awkwardly coughed. Is he really in love with me? His faerie will surely die in jealousy. 

"I need to go, Harbin. I do not have time for your games; let's talk once I get back. It won't take me an hour to get my things," I stood up and left him sitting on the chair; I did not even look back when I walked out of his shop. 

A smile formed on my lips when I heard him grunt inside his shop, cute. I once again walked to the path that I used earlier. When I got inside, everyone looked alarmed, especially the guards, I asked one of them about what was happening, and one said Dhrystan and Harry were having a duel. 

"What's wrong if they're having a duel?" I curiously asked. 

"They usually destroy everything they see if they're fighting, your Highness," a guard answered.

This is not even their kingdom; how could they destroy things that are not even theirs? I walked through the crowd and watched them turn into a werewolf and a giant dragon. The garden will be destroyed if they continue what they're doing. I should mind my own business; Ilene can handle them. 

I walked out of the crowd and headed to Irene's room. I packed all the things I needed, mainly the clothes. I also brought some food and put it inside my bag. I cannot just carry this large bag outside. They might get suspicious, so I used Irene's magic and turned it into a small pouch. I clapped my hands when everything I needed was ready. Now, I must of a way think how to get out of the palace again. 

I sneakily walked through the corridor of the large castle, I also tried avoiding the servants, but unfortunately, they were everywhere. Maybe they were also alarmed by what happened earlier; who wouldn't? They are small compared to the two creatures. 

When I was finally outside, I tried following the route that I used earlier. I was planning to enter the door to the passageway when Dhrystan appeared in front of me. 

"Where are you going?"