Before the Last Snow

Chapter 5: Revelando la Verdad (Revealing the Truth)

I had heard of the incident with Hedwig and the Elder Royals, but I was not surprised by the way they treated him. They treated everyone in a condescending manner, even the 'perfect' Nebula and her to-be husband, but it was understandable why they were suspicious of him. Some times, I get the rare glimpses of affection from my parents, the Elder Royals, in the form of being cautious or protective of everyone related to me.

Nevertheless, it would be worthwhile asking the high priestess about Hedwig and his identity because no one has been able to touch me, no one should be able to touch me. I knew there was something special about him, in particular, it seemed like I recognized a part of him or as if I was connected to him somehow. No matter how cruel it seemed, it was necessary for Hedwig to be questioned and taken to the priestess, Tia Maud.

When news of a man being able to touch Crystal reached my door, I knew the time had come. My ancestors had been warning us of a time when relations would be at their worst, miracles would seem true, and that would be the sign of unleashing the Oscuro (dark in Spanish). 

I prepared myself to see things I have not seen yet and go to places I would never wish to because today the man, Hedwig, was going to arrive at my cavern. So were Aquata, Alvaro, Nebula, Lexon, and of course, Crystal.

I had not seen Crystal's beautiful smile for ages and had not met her for a while, but once I'd find out about this man, I would have to tell her many tales and answer many of her questions.

Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.

Four times, I knew it was them. I opened the door and bowed down, before being pulled into an almost imaginable embrace of Crystal. She was smiling, again.

"It has been so long, tía. I am sorry, I wish I visited you more often," she said, glowing with a radiance I had not witnessed before.

Nebula and Lexon had a different glow on their faces, but I would not want to know why. They greeted me and I smiled in return. I told the jumpy Crystal, "Oh, dear. It has been a while, but we both have been busy. It is not your fault. Just stay around for a while after today, with me."

Her smile grew bigger.

Alvaro, the father, cleared his throat before politely saying, "Maud, how have you been?"

"I have been fine, thank you, sir. How have you been, Aquata?"

"Well, things have been complicated, lately," Aquata said, glaring towards Hedwig's direction.

I was sure of many things in my life, but I was unsure of helping them. I was unsure of ever being able to touch Crystal, and I was unsure of my feelings. I nodded regardless, to assure Aquata and why wouldn't I? Aquata was my best friend, ever since she stepped into this kingdom as a bride and a Queen, but there were consequences of our friendship, one of them was falling for the wrong person.

I took a step towards the young man, Hedwig. He was confused, even trembling with the amount of burden put on his shoulders. I signaled everyone but Hedwig and Crystal to leave because it was important for everyone else to not see this, at all. I led them to my room and took his hands in mine.

What we were about to perform was an ancient ritual that allowed us to dwell into the inner realities of others and it was dangerous, but somehow the only thing that seemed to be going through my mind was why Hedwig's hands were numbing cold, why was he hesitating, and-

"No, concentrate, Maud. You need to," I told myself.

"Now, Hedwig, it is very important for you to follow two rules. One, do not lose your concentration. Two, if anything gets too painful, you tell me right away. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I do."

"Good. Now, Crystal, you are going to simply sit and watch us. If during the process, anything seems strange or familiar, you are going to tell me. Okay, dear?"

I closed my eyes and everything became hauntingly dark and cold. The warm sunshine was slowly turning into cold gushes of air and the bright lamps were fading away into what seemed like the void. Voices were softening and I was traveling through Hedwig's soul. Except, there was a problem—Hedwig did not have one whole soul.

A/N

Hello everyone! Sorry it is a little short and there is a cliffhanger, but the big reveal is going to happen soon. You will find out more about the soul thing and about the Oscuro. Are you guys liking it so far? I hope so hehe.

Thanks for reading this far! Don't forget to vote if you liked it or comment down below on your guesses/questions on the story!

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