MORANA: The Feared Villainess

Chapter 14

As we stood before the grand gates of Zygerria, a sense of foreboding hung in the air. The journey had been long and treacherous, but nothing compared to the weight that now burdened our hearts. Don, the young man who had become our companion, revealed his true identity. He was Drydon Zygerri, the eldest prince of Zygerria and the son of the late King Alaric Zygerri. Although Harbin and I had already heard him call Alaric 'father', his words still echoed through the air. I felt a strange familiarity wash over me. Why didn't I notice it before? The features that mirrored those of his father, Alaric, held a depth of pain and determination. Don's eyes bore the weight of his father's untimely demise, and it was clear that he yearned for justice.

King Zygerri was dead, and I could clearly see the flame of fury burning fiercely within Don. He turned to Harbin and me, his voice filled with determination. "I must avenge my father's death," he declared. "Morana, allow me to accompany you on this journey to kill the impostor that ended my father's life." My heart skipped a beat; his eyes bore onto me intensely. I knew I could not turn away from the heavy responsibility that the situation had brought upon me because of that impostor of mine. Alaric is a friend of mine, and I will not stop until I find that murderer and end their life with my own hands.

"Don, we stand with you. We will find that impostor and bring justice to Alaric," I replied.

The three of us entered the palace of Zygerria, and silence enveloped the whole royal place. The knights and guards lined up from the tall gates of the palace to the doors, all mourning for their dead ruler. Regret and self-blame were evident in their eyes. Their duty was to protect the king, but they weren't able to because the king was also trying to protect them. He was a good king. In order to stop his subordinates from fighting against the enemies, he ordered everyone to stay outside the palace. He was the only one left inside, so when the enemies arrived, they easily isolated the king inside by casting a barrier. They could only pray for their king to get out of the barrier safe and sound.

Harbin and I were told to stay in Zygerria for the time being. We were accommodated in their guest rooms. After that long and tiring journey, I could finally lie on a soft mattress. As I lay, the tears that I had been holding earlier burst. The only travel companion and friend of mine died, and the sad thing is that he stood his ground and stayed loyal to our friendship. He could have betrayed me just like Ceberus did; he could have chosen to create an alliance with that impostor, but he didn't. What a loyal friend! If reincarnation is true, I hope we can still be friends in his next lifetime.

"I will wait for you, Alaric."

I was still crying when a knock sounded through the door. I wiped my tears and composed myself before opening the door. I was welcomed by Don's grieving face. "What are you doing here? You should rest first before we continue our journey," I said.

"I can't sleep; I want someone to talk to. My brother is not around, and Harbin already fell asleep, so..." Don trailed off. I sighed before letting him in. He sat on the couch and stared at the coffee table gloomily.

"Have you really decided to go with us?" I asked as I sat beside him.

"Yes," Don shortly replied.

"How about the kingdom? Will your brother be able to handle all the kingdom's affairs?" I am concerned about what will happen to the kingdom once Don leaves. He is the next king of Zygerria, and going with us will just worsen the situation in the kingdom.

"I already talked to Dan; he agreed to let me come with you. He even wanted to come, but I told him to stay. He will be conferred as the regent of the kingdom while I am away. I actually wanted him to take over the throne since I am not interested in sitting on it, but he disagreed." Don and I talked for a while before he left to have a rest. Don assured me that his twin brother, Drydan, would handle the kingdom's affairs in his absence.

As we prepared for our journey, whispers filled the corridors of the palace—rumors of conspiracy and treason. Even I am suspicious of Alaric's sickness. How was it possible that the letter had been delivered directly to the king without any inspection? The letter itself is suspicious because, according to Don, it wasn't signed by the sender, so how could the knights pass it as if unnoticed? Was it really the knight or a guard who delivered it inside the king's study?

Harbin and I were already at the palace doors waiting for Don to arrive, and when he did, he was with Dan. Don once again sought counsel with Drydan, who pledged his unwavering support to his twin brother and the cause. "Go, Drydon," he said, his voice tinged with pride and concern. "Uncover the truth, bring the culprits to their knees, and I will ensure our kingdom remains steadfast in your absence."

With Drydan's promise echoing in our ears, we embarked on a new journey, guided by the shared desire for justice and the need to protect the realm of Thelea. The path ahead was uncertain and fraught with danger and deception. The impostor who threatened the lives of the kingdom leaders had to be stopped, and their malicious intent had to be unraveled. Harbin, Don, and I, together, forged ahead, our hearts aflame with purpose. The road unfolded before us, leading us through forests, treacherous mountains, and forgotten ruins. The land of Thelea was vast and mysterious, holding secrets and challenges at every turn.

We will not rest until justice prevails and the impostor's reign of terror ends.