An Eternity of Nihility

Chapter 23: Hucral Nulla

She plopped down on a couch and stared at her with bewitching eyes.

— I wanna know your name...

She brought her body closer and lifted her foot to rest on the sofa, level with her hand, and took her face to put it only a few centimeters from hers.

— Guess, Majesty~.

After their dance, Lycair was determined to learn more about her, even if it meant reliving the experience with her double. So they decided to have a few drinks at the counter, then settle in somewhere. And contrary to what one might have thought, the tension between them had become electric.

— What about my name, witch? You know everything.

— Why do you ask, my dear? she asked, smiling. Are you afraid I'll forget you?

Lycair swung her head back and laughed tenderly, before gently grabbing the collar of Hucral's shirt.

— Unless I wipe away your memories, forgetting me isn't an option.

She was about to answer her when the king slammed her specter to the floor for silence.

Hucral moved away from Lycair to sit next to her, the better to speak to her discreetly.

— What's the matter with him, asking for silence like that? Is his kid crying or something?

— No, banana, she says in a whisper, he's going to announce the two people who've won the right to sit on his throne tonight.

— You've got to be kidding me. Why would he want that? Is he retiring?

— Let me explain. In fact, at every elf ball, people have the opportunity to climb onto his throne for the duration of the party. And before you ask me what it's for, it's a bit pointless, but some people love to say yes, I've been on the king's throne blah blah blah. But legend has it that the powers of the throne will be transferred to whoever deserves it.

— And how do you see it?

Lycair flicked her forehead and smiled.

— You tell me, my witch.

— (My witch? Gay panic)

The king called a guard to whisper the names of the people he was to fetch. The guard nodded and set off in search of them.

— Lycair, whispered Hucral, I'm hungry...

— We'll make a food date later. We really can't right now.

— I didn't know you were the type to go on blind dates, she told her with a petty smile.

— My memories don't seem to consider you a stranger though.

She was about to retort when a tall, muscular guard approached them and motioned for them to follow him.

Shocked that they'd been chosen for this evening, they stood up and stayed behind the guard. On the way, everyone looked at them, but some were envious, while others despised them.

— You're attracting attention, Lycair whispered to her.

— I don't even know why...

— Well, a woman wearing a costume isn't something you see every day. Especially as it's not traditional elf attire. It's normal for people to look at you, she says, smiling.

— I don't like it, Lycair... she admitted to her in a voice that was almost inaudible. It... scares me.

The latter looked at the witch and saw in her eyes that it was bothering her, so she grabbed her hand and looked at her tenderly.

— It's all right now. I'm here now.

Too ashamed of her confession, Hucral didn't look at her, just squeezed her hand a little tighter, as if afraid it might slip away again, and let a tear roll down her cheeks.

When they arrived in front of the throne, the diviner quickly dried her tears and resumed her usual attitude, but Lycair couldn't help feeling an immense sadness at this action.

— These are the two chosen ones of the evening! Shouted the king loud and clear.

With that, they turned to face the crowd. Lycair merely smiled tenderly to hide her panic, while Hucral stared at them with cold eyes to bury her fear deep inside, as always. The king beckoned them to sit on the throne. Hucral nodded and tried to position herself so that Lycair also had room to sit comfortably. However, the throne was too small. She was about to stand up when Lycair came to her.

— Don't worry, I've got the solution, she told her confidently.

She stood on the armrest and crossed her legs to tilt her torso towards the witch, and put her right arm around her shoulders. She placed her other hand on Hucral's arm and nodded to the king to confirm that all was well with them. The latter nodded and turned back to his people.

— Please welcome Lycair Luna.

Applause from her pupils echoed from the back of the room, making her smile.

— And Hucral Nulla!

This time, it was her care center colleagues who applauded her. She gave them half a heart before everyone went back to what they were doing.

As for Lycair, it took less than a second for the name to trigger an avalanche of memories.

"Did you know that vampires reincarnate?"

"I'm bringing us dinner."

"Are you going to kill us too?"

"One day I'll ask you to marry me, I promise."

"Please don't go, don't leave me!"

When she came to, the witch watched her intensely, as if waiting for her to tell her what she'd seen. But instead, they looked at each other silently, as if words weren't necessary for them to understand each other.

— Hu-cral.

A gleam appeared in the latter's eyes when she heard Lycair pronounce her name.

— I know, she said simply, but not here. The rediscovery of memories can cause certain shocks to the physical body, and you have to do it gradually.

— I agree. That's why we're going to my place for a session of snacks and memories, she says cheerfully.

— Do I have a choice?

— No. But even if you did, you'd say yes, I know you would.

Hucral chuckled at Lycair's insight.

To get to know each other better, they told each other about their lives. Lycair recounted the journey she had taken to become a professional seamstress, and told her about each of her students with immense joy. Even that teacher she despised. When Hucral heard her talk about him, she couldn't help feeling proud of how Lycair had turned him down. She also told her about her plans for the school prom. As for Hucral, she told her about her relationship with her mother, and her favorite worlds. She didn't share too much with her voluntarily, as she wanted to talk about it in a quieter place.

They were laughing together when a howl was suddenly heard. They rushed to see what was happening and watched in horror.

The king had been stabbed in a vital organ... by a troll.

__________________________________

HIIIIII. I hope you're well and that this chapter was more for you. If you have any suggestions, don't hesitate as long as it's constructive!😆

Kisses my witches and take care.🧙‍♀️🫶