Conquest of Magic

Part 41

The cold wind blew my hair across my face. Coffee tables were scattered with swirling oak leaves, and the trees' branches danced wildly together. Despite my cold hands and numb lips and cheeks, I remained seated. I gently brushed the snow away from my feet while sitting on the chilly bench in the winter garden. Some servants passed by, giving a polite bow and a friendly smile. It felt good to be acknowledged by the people.

As I looked around the garden, memories of last night with Stanley flooded my mind—the painting and our warm time together. I couldn't even remember when I fell asleep, but when I woke up, I was in my room and covered in a soft blanket. My face was covered with a smile, and I was happy.

My thoughts then wandered to William, and the deep-rooted hatred I held for him still remained. He had grown into little more than his father's slave. I was angry, but there was still a glimmer of hope. I wondered if he knew the truth, maybe he'd be able to put himself back together. Edmond, on the other hand, was a deceitful scoundrel, taking advantage of people for his own selfish gains. He didn't even spare his own son and used him as a pawn in his vengeful plans.

"There you are."

Terra's voice startled me out of my thoughts as I raised my eyes from the dewy snow beneath my feet to see the beautiful woman walking steadily towards me.

"You were looking for me?" I asked with a warm smile and moved over to the bench to give her space to sit.

"I thought letting you wander around on your own is not such a good idea while monsters lurking around. Her voice was teasing and I laughed.

"Monsters? Really?" I asked and she smiled. After a long pause, she spoke.

"Are you okay?" She asked. I sighed a bile rose in my throat. I choked on the unease feeling.

"I... I don't know. There is this uneasy feeling that I am not able to shake. I feel like something bad is going to happen. I told her honestly. She took a deep breath and looked forward crossing her legs.

"Kristen. You have gone through a lot and everyone here knows how strong you are yet they care for you too much. We all are here to protect you. If there is anything bothering you. Let me know, together we are stronger." She said and placed a hand on my shoulder. My gaze met hers and we smiled at each other. I nodded, I couldn't shake the odd feeling, not with cold chilling my bones. The wind was picking up again, the branches tossing.

A loud but distant commotion stopped our conversation and Terra's head snapped up faster and a sudden serious look crossed her face which scared me. Something is wrong and I can feel it much stronger now.

"What is it?" I asked as she stood up.

"Stay here, I will check." her voice was clear and chilling even over the howl of the wind.

"Let's go," I said.

"I don't think it's a good idea, Kristen." The look on her face increased my suspicion. Panic filled my heart.

I frowned as the noise of people got louder followed by shouts. My stomach twisted uneasily. My powers started to awaken inside me and I bolted in that direction. "Kristen, no..." I ignored Terra and ran faster. I followed the sound of yelling all the way to the entrance of the castle gates. I stopped and pushed open the main gates. Snow blurred my eyes, and the wind numbed my body as if I'd stepped into a current of ice water.

I saw a small crowd of people when I took a step towards them I felt a small pain in my chest. My feet stumbled when I saw a brief glimpse of a woman lying on the floor with blood-covered clothes.

"Move!" I suddenly shouted at the crowd in front of me and they let me through. I kneeled on her side.

A gasp escaped my throat when I found Lyn's lifeless eyes staring at me on the ground. She looked like someone drained her blood completely. "Lyn..." I screamed.