"Why did you kidnap me?" she asked straight away.
"You will be safer here than anywhere else," was his curt reply.
"Why?" her voice hinted fear.
"Do I count this as your second question?" he asked raising an eyebrow. "I don't mind telling, but you...
Kyrah's hand automatically reached to touch a beautiful gold band, adorned with a single diamond placed in a prong setting on her ring finger, in the painting. Under her touch, the frame creaked open like a window and she staggered backward, flabbergasted...
Kyrah let out a small gasp and scooted closer to peek a look at the opening. She glanced at the dim passage which stretched like forever. With a gentle push, the frame slid open completely. She stepped inside gracefully, feeling some strange energy flow through her. She looked back to find that the frame had shut tightly. Narrow spaces were never her favorite. This made her apprehensive, but she quickly shook away her pessimistic thoughts.
"I need to find that gem." She sighed, rubbing her palms over her arms.
"One way or other."
She walked briskly, ignoring the sinking feeling in her stomach. She had never been alone before. She had been always surrounded by her parents, servants, and maids. But, when she was kidnapped, she learned how to live independently, how to face her fears and cook a bit too. She recalled her first attempt at cooking.
The image of her face covered in egg and Zuber's doubling over, crossed her eyes mind and she giggled like a little girl. Her giggles were cut short and she stopped walking abruptly.
"Welcome home tutelary princess," voices whispered.
"It's been so long..."
"We have been waiting for your arrival..."
Unfazed by the voices, she resumed walking. Soon, the passage ended and she found herself in a large hall.
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She stood still, scanning the area before her in awe. A large, golden chandelier hung like a fountain at her right side. Paintings of the Snake Goddess occupied the stone walls, making them glitter slightly. At her left-hand side, a huge painting left her musing. It was the same painting of her in a brown lace gown, which had led her to this secret passage. The gold band on her ring finger made her frown.
"I haven't been married yet. What's the ring for?"
She shrugged and began running her hand over the walls, a habit of hers whenever she was clueless. She didn't have any idea about the Naag Mani's location. She was running out of time and had to find it soon.
She looked up at the roof, seeking some inspiration if it could provide some. She sighed loudly and shook her head.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a sparkle. She turned her gaze over the walls.
"I was sure there was a sparkle."
"Somewhere."
"But, where?"
"Maybe, I should take a closer look, instead of just talking to myself."
Her scrutinizing gaze shifted to the clinquant crown which was placed on top of her head in the marvelous painting. A gem glittered in the center of the magnificent crown, which took her attention immediately.
"This is it!" Kyrah gasped, her eyes widened.
"I found it at last." She squealed, bouncing up and down ecstatically.
"But, how do I get it down?"
"This painting is huge."
She looked around trying to search for a chair or table or anything which could help her get the Naag Mani down. There wasn't anything.
"Goddess, please help me. How do I get the gem down?"
Realization dawned on her and she thought of shifting. According to her plan, once she shifted she could use her tail to get the gem.
"I wish to be a serpent."
Nothing happened. Her legs were still clad in jeans. She hadn't shifted. She didn't lose hope. She had to get the gem. She felt that everything depended on her.
She closed her eyes, briefly praying to the Goddess for help wholeheartedly. Her tears fell, glistening like pearls and the floor shone once they touched it.
"I, Kyrah Marsel Lee, serpent princess and guardian of the precious Naag Mani, wish to shift and use the gem to save everyone from evil..."
"Please grant my wish," she cried, her tears making her face glow. Her legs were quickly replaced by a shimmering, muddy-brown tail. She opened her eyes and noticed the change.
The crown from the painting materialized and alighted gently on Kyrah's head, its light blinding the whole atmosphere. The Naag Mani detached from it and was suspended in midair. Her shift was complete and she caught the gem with her sleek, shiny tail.
She looked at it, her blazing green eyes awestruck.
"Beautiful."
She glided towards the exit gracefully, the floor shining with her every move. She reached her room in no time.
"Precious gem, take me to my parents."
The gem glowed, transporting her to the main hall in less than a second.
She couldn't believe it. Her parents the King and Queen, were out there beckoning her name. She was about to go towards them but Hiram reached there before her.
"My dear brother," Hiram sneered, nearing them.
This was unnoticed by Marsel, who beamed good-naturedly. He hugged his brother gently and patted his back.
Hiram then moved towards Lilah and shook her hand. His eyes fell on the tiara ring on her finger and he knew it was the crown which enabled shifting. He knew that they had got it for Kyrah. But, he wanted it for himself. So, he continued shaking her hand for a minute. Lilah glanced at him and Marsel, a frown replacing her smile.
Hiram just grinned madly at her and swiftly removed the tiara ring from her finger. It transformed into a crown in his hands and he wore it immediately.
"Welcome home." He cackled.
Marsel and Lilah were horror-struck and gasped simultaneously.
Hiram shifted into a full snake within seconds in front of them and jeered, "Finally!"
"No!" Kyrah shrieked, rushing forward.
Hi, everybody! How are you all? ❤ 💙 I'm back with a new chapter. I know it's a little short, but hey, the last one was too long. 😉
Kyrah has the Naag Mani safely in her hands or rather in her tail. She has shifted for the first time. What do you think of the shift? Please comment and let me know!
Also, I have a question for you. Kyrah's tears are shining. Any guesses why? I would love to know your answers. 😍
Like this chapter? Please make me happy by clicking the 🌟 icon below. Thanks! It just takes a second to vote, but it will make my day. Have a nice day/night. Bye, everyone! Keep smiling! 💕:D
