I DIDN'T EXPECT THIS FATE.....OR RATHER THE CURSE

Part 11

After much contemplation, I decided to accept the offer. In a few minutes, I was going to forget her, so I wanted to remember our connection one last time. I entered the blood-filled cell and noticed some strange chants on the wall. They suggested, 'If you want to remember something, blood seal an item which belonged to them,' or was it? I couldn't read it properly as blood was all over the place, but just to try it out, I looked around for anything that belonged to her. I found the collar, her collar to be exact. I quickly placed a seal as I heard footsteps and tucked it under my shirt. His Majesty barged in and demanded a reply, to which I said yes.

Laura Pov:

 I took the leap, submerging myself when a whale emerged beneath me, saving my life. I walked between the estuaries, and just as I was about to grab the flower, I turned around to see the whale upset. Without a second thought, I headed back without even touching the flower, back to the whale, and patted it on the head while asking what had happened. It pulled me back into the water. I begged it for help, but it only pulled me deeper inside. As I turned towards the flower, I saw the underneath covered with deadly poisonous plants. I realized that the whale was trying to save my life. The real mystical flower proved to be even deeper into the water. I needed to catch a breath, but the whale wouldn't let go of me. My eyes started turning red again, indicating distress, but I chose to ignore it. I grabbed the necklace my mother had given me and encouraged the whale to go faster. When I reached the destination, I gently removed the flower from the stem and headed back up as quickly as possible. I was out of breath, and I would've died right there. I succumbed to unconsciousness and swam up. I lost my breath and went unconscious. My eyes were very blurry as I saw a hand pulling me up towards the land.

As I regained consciousness, I saw someone sitting beside me, carefully bandaging my palm. I slowly got up, and he bowed before me. Introducing himself as Felix Stormcrest, he explained that his power was creating shields to protect himself and others. Grateful, I thanked him for saving me and engaged in a normal conversation with him. Suddenly, a beautiful girl wearing revealing clothes appeared and exclaimed, 'Are you troubling her majesty? Let her get some rest!' She bowed before me and introduced herself as Seraphina Thornshade. I gave her a gentle smile, stating that Felix was just bandaging my palm. I asked them if they knew my mother, and their expressions changed. They told me that she was the best person one could ever meet in their whole life. Surprised, I asked them why, but they refused to answer. I discreetly placed the flower inside my bag without anyone noticing, thanked both of them and made my way back to the village with my pet frog, whom I named Hopper.

Duke POV: 

--------------------------- After Forgetting ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------

Where am I? As I woke up, I questioned myself. Finding myself in my mansion, my butler offered assistance, but I declined. He informed me that I had to attend to his majesty immediately, as a notice had arrived. After my butler left, I attempted to change my clothes. Taking off my shirt, I discovered an exceedingly heavy metal collar attached to it. I was puzzled over this, but my memory was foggy. I stashed it in a cupboard and headed to the castle.

Upon arrival, his majesty instructed me to venture into the woods and retrieve a specific flower. I wondered if such a task was necessary for just a flower. As I prepared to depart, he added that I should also find a white-haired female mage with a yin-yang pattern engraved in her eyes. According to him, she possessed powers capable of destroying the kingdom, and he demanded that I bring her. On my way back, I was handed a map of the forest. Mounting my horse, I began the journey into the woods

On the Way:

My horse abruptly halted due to a substantial amount of mud, compelling me to continue the remainder of my journey on foot. Halfway through, feeling somewhat tired, I decided to rest for a few minutes, taking out my lunch and starting to eat.

Laura POV:

 I spotted him—Nathaniel—just sitting there. My immediate thought was that it might be a trap. However, uncertain of the situation, I cautiously approached while hiding. As I neared him, he turned around, detecting my presence behind the tree. He demanded I come out. Slowly emerging, I noticed his expression—a cold glare. The moment I took off my hood, he swiftly pinned me to the ground. His hands pressed down forcefully, causing pain. It was the first time he had used his powers to harm me, and I started bleeding from my stomach due to the fall on some sticks. With no other option, I pushed him away using my own powers, 'I demand an explanation, Nathaniel Ringard' i yelled out. Bewildered by how I knew his name, he attempted to attack me once more. I questioned what had happened to my beloved. Why was he attacking me? Suddenly unsheathing his sword, he pointed it at me, insisting that I surrender for my own good. Shocked, I stood there as he approached, attempting to stab my arm. In response, I broke the sword with a single touch, revealing my identity. He seemed to struggle to understand, demanding my surrender once again. Advancing toward me, he grabbed me by the neck, nearly choking me. His hands, warm, soft, and large, triggered a circle-like pattern on the ground. Liam emerged from it, pushing Nathaniel back. Liam swiftly began chanting another spell, and in an instant, we were back in the mansion. Demanding an explanation for my escape, I claimed that I got lost in the forest, a lie."

Liam POV:"Listen, Your Majesty—" Just as I was about to inquire if she was alright, she cut me off, assuring me that Laura was fine. Continuing, I said, "Laura, I know what you are looking for, and I might not have it with me, but your safety is much more important." Concerned for her well-being, after all, Laira Natalee left her in my care, and she's like a sister to me. As a brother, it was my duty to look after her. Advising her to refrain from going out and fighting others, she slapped me, declaring, "If I ever want to get rid of him, the only option is to fight, fight, and FIGHT." Seeing a glimpse of her mother in her, I almost had tears in my eyes. She explained her plan thoroughly, and I decided to help her. The next thing I knew, we were back in the forest looking for a "flower" she had mentioned. She described the flower with light blue petals, a yellowish tint in the middle, and precisely seven petals. While searching for it, I heard a massive thud and turned around to see a rock giant and a man fighting.

Laura's POV: 

As we embarked on our search for the flower once again, a loud thud resonated through the silent forest. I sprinted towards the source, and soon, Liam spotted me and joined me. I intervened in the confrontation between the rock giant and Nathaniel, demanding an immediate stop. After scanning the giant a few times, Nathaniel exchanged a menacing glare with the colossal creature. Approaching the giant, I touched it, and it obediently sat down. Gently placing my hand on its broken finger, I opened its fist, revealing a nest with birds. Despite Liam's advice to move away, I ignored him. Nathaniel attempted another attack, but this time, Liam successfully held him back.

Opening the giant's other fist, I discovered animals resting inside. It became clear that the giant was protecting these creatures. Looking into its eyes, I saw deers peacefully resting within. At that moment, Liam accidentally bumped into me, causing both of us to fall. Although I hit my head hard, I brushed it off and stood up. Nathaniel tried to restrain me again, but this time, I pushed him into the pond. In the giant's heart, I observed some tigers lying there in a pool of blood. Horrified, I asked Nathaniel about it after he emerged from the pond. He admitted to it, explaining that the tigers had prevented him from plucking a flower. It dawned on me that he, too, was searching for the flower, likely sent by my father.

I ascended the giant's shoulder and leaped into its heart, finding a group of tigers, including the injured ones. One of the tigers attacked me, scratching my face, but I paid no attention to the pain. Despite the scratches, I used my powers to heal them, recognizing their innocence in our conflict. As I completed the healing process, another tiger pounced on me, scratching my eye and causing it to bleed once again. Just when I believed the situation couldn't worsen, Nathaniel forcefully exerted his strength, immobilizing my arms to the point where I felt my bones might break.

He ordered me to stay still and accompany him, his eyes filled with anger and hatred, piercing through me. Instead of responding, I attempted to break free, but his grip tightened progressively. With my eye still bleeding, I struggled to find cotton to wipe it off. When I tried to pull Nathaniel's hand towards me using my powers, he resisted, preventing me from grabbing the cotton. I stood there with blood dripping everywhere. Suddenly, the tiger, nearly dead a moment ago, lunged at Nathaniel, pushing him down. I, too, was pulled down, and facing a nearly 10-foot fall, I thought this time it might be the end...

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