Hidden truths (bl)

chapter 11: The ghostly encounter

Branden's eyes fluttered open, and a surreal scene unfolded before him. A hooded figure, tall and enigmatic, stood in front of him. The man's eyes glowed a radiant yellow, and his long, ethereal hair cascaded in shades of white and purple, creating an otherworldly aura that hung in the air. A melancholic smile played on the man's lips, a blend of sorrow and isolation etched into his expression.
Baffled, Branden attempted to rise, wary of potential danger. However, his efforts were met with an abrupt stumble that reverberated through the room, summoning Max, Antonio, and Enzo in a frantic rush. Bursting through the door, they discovered Branden on the floor, a perplexed look on his face as if he grappled with the remnants of an elusive dream.
Branden began recounting his encounter with the mysterious figure, his words painting a vivid image. "There was a strange man in my room," he explained, "with eyes that seemed to pierce through my very existence. His hair, a mesmerizing blend of white and purple, reached down to his knees, shimmering in the moonlight."
Max, Antonio, and Enzo exchanged confused glances, realizing the description aligned with the ancient fairy king who, by all accounts, should have perished eons ago. The revelation lingered in the air, a disconcerting acknowledgment of forces beyond their understanding.
Enzo broached the delicate topic cautiously. "Um, Branden... can you... see ghosts?" The question hung, prompting Branden to confront the notion that the supernatural might be woven into the fabric of reality.
"Ghosts are real?" Branden exclaimed, his disbelief palpable. The trio, mindful of the overwhelming information already disclosed, exchanged glances, silently deciding not to reveal the true identity of the spectral figure Branden had encountered—an entity deemed legendary among their kind.
Antonio swiftly redirected the conversation, offering an apology for their earlier dispute. "We shouldn't have been fighting over something so trivial," he admitted. "We can discuss it later." Branden nodded in agreement, attempting to rise, but Antonio intervened, scooping him up in his arms. With a gentle yet protective demeanor, Antonio carried Branden downstairs, back to the realm of mundane concerns and shared meals.
As the group settled back into the familiar setting of the inn, the mystery of the hooded figure lingered, casting a veiled shadow over their newfound camaraderie. Each member grappled with their own thoughts, unsure of the boundaries between reality and the fantastical, between the ordinary and the extraordinary that now seemed to weave through their shared journey.