She's the Prince

Chapter 54

Crow Cemetery

As they crossed beneath the arched entrance into Crow Cemetery, a towering boulder loomed beside the path, casting an ominous shadow over the group. The troops looked around carefully, gripping their rifles, expecting danger.

"Strange," murmured Ares, his gaze sweeping over the vast cemetery. "This was once a thriving valley. And yet, all we see now is a sea of gravestones."

"Maybe we'll find a way through," Callan offered, though doubt tinged his voice.

Sebastian said, "I'm not so sure," furrowing his brow as he scanned the map strange symbols and alarming red lines.

They pressed on, each step reverberating with an uneasy stillness. While walking, Ares halted beside a huge, old gravestone and saw collapsing constructions buried amid the graves.

"It looks like... a village," he said, scanning the remnants of broken-down houses, each adorned with a gravestone.

Sebastian and Callan joined him, their eyes widening as they realized the implication.

"It seems like the villagers themselves were buried here, right where they lived," Callan observed. "Perhaps a way of honoring them."

"But who could've buried them when the village was abandoned?" Sebastian whispered, a chill creeping down his spine. "That means... someone still lives here."

The heavy, quiet mist started to sweep in as Ares ascended a neighboring rock to observe the surroundings. Shadows flickered through the fog, shapes half-seen that set everyone on edge.

"Prince Ares, please," Sebastian urged, "we need to move quickly. This place doesn't feel right."

"What's the rush?" Ares replied, raising an eyebrow at Sebastian's unease.

Sebastian didn't answer. Instead, he turned abruptly, motioning for the others to follow. Ares and Callan exchanged a wary glance but fell in line.

"It would be nice if those who can sense danger could share their insights with the rest of us," Ares muttered sarcastically.

"There's something in the air," Sebastian said under his breath. "We should hurry."

Without another word, Sebastian broke into a run, leading the group as they plunged deeper into the eerie, silent graveyard. Callan's eyes darted to the map; red dots began to accumulate, trailing them ominously as they left the tomb area.

"Cover your noses!" Sebastian ordered, tossing damp cloths to each soldier. Callan quickly dampened cloths for himself and Ares, who fashioned his into a mask, sensing the danger from the thickening mist.

Before reaching the cemetery center, Callan double-checked the map once more, his face stiffening with worries.

"We're still only halfway," he muttered, breathing heavily. "We'll never escape before the mist sets in."

"Then we need to find a place to shelter," Ares replied.

Suddenly, Sebastian came to a halt, staring off to their right. The others followed his gaze, where a shadowy figure waved at them, beckoning from behind a large headstone.

"It... looks like they want us to come closer," Callan said, hesitantly.

"Perhaps they're a local who can help us," Ares reasoned. Without waiting for the others, he moved toward the figure, his pace brisk but cautious.

"Prince Ares, wait!" Sebastian called, but Ares was already too far ahead to listen.

As they approached, the figure resolved into a woman, her dark cloak billowing around her in the breeze. She gestured for them to follow her into what appeared to be a broken-down house. She opened a floor trapdoor to expose a staircase.

One by one, Ares, Callan, and the others descended into the dimly lit space below.

***

The underground hideout was surprisingly spacious. Ares' gaze traveled over its comfortable furnishings—a small kitchen, a cozy sitting area, and a narrow hallway leading to additional rooms. The soldiers, grateful for a moment's respite, sat down as Ares continued exploring.

"An underground house," Sebastian said, unable to hide his astonishment. "How did you manage to build this?"

The woman smiled faintly. "Above ground, the mist becomes toxic every evening, lasting from sunset to dawn. Here, we're safe."

"Why not leave this place, then?" Sebastian asked, frowning.

"This is my home," she replied quietly. "It may be cursed, but I know no other."

"Please tell us your name before we continue," Callan said.

"I am Musa," she replied, bowing her head slightly. Her gaze drifted to Ares, who was inspecting a nearby room. "And you are?"

Callan introduced each person, halting on Ares. "This is Prince Ares of Zodiac."

Musa raised eyebrows. "If he is the prince I've heard about, the rumors are obviously wrong."

"Rumors?" Callan asked, puzzled.

"They say he is arrogant and dismissive," Musa replied, giving Ares a sidelong glance. "But from what I see... he appears thoughtful and brave." Her gaze softened. "And rather handsome."

Ares chuckled, shaking his head. "The truth may not be as kind, Musa."

But Musa's expression remained warm. "Perhaps the truth is kinder than you realize, Prince."

Ares shifted, clearing his throat. "You mentioned the toxic mist. Can you tell us more about this place... and why it's called Crow Cemetery?"

Musa's eyes grew distant, sadness evident in her expression. "Fifteen years ago, a man with dark power arrived here."

"Algos," Callan and Sebastian murmured, exchanging a grim look.

"Yes," Musa confirmed. "He came under the guise of peace but turned on us when the village chief refused his terms. He unleashed a curse, slaughtering everyone."

Ares stepped closer, his voice gentle. "How did you survive?"

"My father hid me here," Musa answered, shaking. "I was only a child, but he knew what was coming. I've been alone ever since."

Silence settled heavily over the group. Ares met Musa's gaze, his tone softening. "I'm sorry."

Before she could respond, Musa managed a thin smile. "I was beginning to forget the sound of company... but now I have guests to share a meal with." She rose to her feet. "Would you like to join me for dinner?"

Sebastian immediately offered, "I'll help you cook."

Ares and Callan exchanged amused glances. "You can cook?" Ares asked skeptically.

"Of course," Sebastian replied, moving to the kitchen with Musa.

As they cooked, Ares told Callan to accompany him into another room. Rows of ancient weapons lined the walls, their sharp edges glinting faintly in the candlelight. Callan inspected one closely, and the craftsmanship was unmistakably old yet precise.

"Do you have any idea what happens here at night?" Ares murmured, fingering the hilt of a blade. "And this mist... did Algos create it too?"

Callan did not answer immediately. Instead, he tucked a small dagger into his belt, his eyes shadowed. "I've heard rumors of Algos' magic... but what he left here goes beyond any tale I've known."

Ares let out a short laugh, a strange light in his eyes. "Zombies, perhaps? Or vampires?"

Callan looked at him blankly, but Ares only shook his head, chuckling. "Never mind."

***

The evening passed with an unusual warmth as Musa, Sebastian, and the soldiers shared a rare, hearty meal. Yet, as the hours slipped by, the weight of the coming night settled over them. Ares moved to the door, hearing the harsh wind battering against it. Strange sounds drifted through the fog, whispers and faint thuds that seemed to press in on all sides.

He could feel something out there—a cold and unrelenting presence waiting for nightfall.