The Pendant of Sorcery || #OpenNovellaContest (ON HIATUS!)

02

Beaten and bruised, Ethsna was thrown into the throne room by noble servants. The doors were closed, leaving the tension between Queen Midnight and Ethsna to build up.

"I expect that when I turn around, I'll see the pendant in your hands." A sigh escaped from Ethsna's lips.

"The only thing you'll be seeing is a bruised face, an eye socket, and a creature you'll wish to execute," Ethsna said in a tone of both sadness and sarcasm.

A low chuckle was heard from Queen Midnight as she swiveled her throne. "You know, Ethsna, it's such a shame that you're not the way you used to be." Queen Midnight analyzed Ethsna, seeing the damaged that was inflicted upon her. "You used to be so witty and charming."

Ethsna's face was black with bruises. She had lost an eye, dark green blood taking its place. She had several cuts and wounds all over her body, but mostly on her back side. A few gashes decorated her body, the most notable one in her hand from when she fell. The knife had gone through her hand.

"I remember those times we would get drunk and have the time of our lives. Do you remember, Ethsna?" Queen Midnight asked calmly.

It took a bit for Ethsna to remember. "In fact, I do." The two shared a chuckle. Just like in the old days.

The queen held out her hand. "I'm giving you one more chance. Only because I like you so much." Ethsna took the hand in greed. "Now, let's get you patched up..."

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"Nice going, Zofi!" Charlotte yelled.

"Hey! How was I supposed to know?" I retorted.

"Guys! Let's not argue right now!" Zack tried with his best efforts to calm to us down, but Charlotte was getting on my nerves. The situation at hand was stressful enough as is, so keeping my mouth shut was probably the best option at the moment.

I looked over my shoulder to see Gracie walking around wide eyed in awe. She was taking in every little detail of her surroundings, clearly not caring about the situation we had just gotten into.

"This place is so cool!" At least she was looking on the bright side of things, as always.

"Yea, yea. Whatever, Bean Brain," she chortled.

"Is that the best insult you can come up with?" I asked with sarcasm. It was one thing to keep my mouth shut and ignore Charlotte, but it's another when she's flat out insulting my friend. I heard a disappointed sigh come from Zack, and I knew that was my time to re-zip. Charlotte, however? Not so much.

"Oh, I can come up with more insults for your little asian friend-"

"Could you not, Charlotte?!" Zack shouted. Charlotte let out a displeased grunt and rolled her eyes. I just jumped, shocked from his booming voice. Apparently he can get pissed and get pissed fast.

Deciding to keep a side comment to myself, I looked back over at Gracie, who clearly didn't hear a single thing from the argument we just had. I then cast my eyes over to the towering castle, quite some distance away. Not too far, but certainly not a few minutes.

The way the moon spilled its soft, misty light onto the castle, reflecting off the windows with delicate care was quite magnificent. The castle looked to be a grey slate due to the darkness with the exception for some light exposed parts of the castle, revealing its white and silver paint. The accents looked all black, but I do remember them being black and blue.

I heard soft footsteps approach from behind. "Well, do you think we should go to the castle?" It was Zack. His best presence couldn't make me help to blush slightly.