Kronack Crown

Chapter 30

HINDI makapagsalita si Kalisz matapos ipakita sa kanya ng kapatid ang silid na nakalaan para sa kanya sa bahay nito.

Malaki iyon at maganda. Malinis din at walang alikabok. Katunayan na inaalagaan ang silid sa kabila ng walang gumagamit nito. Pero ang mas nakapagpatigil sa kanya ay ang walk-in closet na puno ng regalo.

"These are all my gifts for you. From your birthdays, and Christmas, to special days that I remember. I also bought gifts for you when I traveled somewhere and if I see something that reminds me of you." Turan nito habang nakatingin sa isang regalo na nakabalot pa.

Inabot nito iyon sa kanya.

"Here, open it. This was the last gift that I bought for you when I was in Prague, Czech Republic."

"I— I am speechless kuya," saad niya habang hawak ang inabot nitong regalo.

Hindi niya inaasahan 'to. She thought he had brought her to his house to show her around and continue discussing what had happened to him during the years they were apart.

But these?

Kalisz’s heart ached with guilt. Throughout the years, while she faced her challenges alone, she carried anger and jealousy towards her brother. Meanwhile, he continued to treasure her and never lost hope in finding her.

"You don't have to say anything. It's more than enough for me that you're here, healthy, safe, and alive. I can already give you all my gifts."

Inakbayan siya nito at iginiya palabas ng dressing room.

Binuksan naman niya ang regalong binigay nito habang naglalakad. Kalisz halted in her tracks when she saw what was inside.

It's a beautiful gold necklace with a small kale pendant with a pearl on it.

"It's beautiful." Namamangha niyang turan.

"Yes... When I saw the pendant on that necklace I immediately bought it. It's kale just like your name. It is beautiful just like you." Kinuha nito ang kuwintas at isinuot sa kanya. Matapos ay iniharap siya nito sa salamin na naroon. "Perfect."

"Thanks, kuya," she smiled.

Tiningnan niya ito mula sa salamin at nakita niyang nakatitig ito sa kanyang mga mata. Unti-unti dumilim ang mukha nito. Kung hindi niya lang ito kapatid baka lumayo na siya dito dahil sa galit na nakikita niya sa mga mata nito.

"Kuya..."

Sumilay ang ngiti sa labi nito pero mas dumagdag lang iyon sa nakakatakot na awra ng kapatid. Hinaplos nito ang buhok niya bago nagsalita.

"Pagbabayaran ng nanakit sayo ang ginawa niya sayo, Kale. Pinapangako ko sayo 'yan."

Napalabi siya sa sinabi ng kapatid niya saka bumuntong-hininga.

"Huwag na kuya... Malayo na ako sa kanya. Masaya na ako. Kalimutan na lang natin—"

Napatigil siya nang umiling-iling ang kapatid niya.

"I can't, Kale. And you should know, Kronack will not forget about it either." Ginulo nito ang buhok niya.

"But—"

"No buts Kale." Matigas na putol nito sa kanga. "Justice must be served. The Crown's way."

Kalisz's shoulders slumped as she realized there was no changing in her brother's mind.

"Fine. But promise me you'll all be careful. That man is sick and powerful," she warned, worried.

Mahinang napatawa ang kapatid niya.

"The last time I checked, the Crown is still one of the top powerful families in the world. But of course, only a handful of people know about that." Ngumiti na ito ng tunay. "But I promise. So, worry not."