𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐃𝐚𝐰𝐧

١٥

Hanadi stood before the king of Oterean, her eyes filled with determination as she explained her mission. The king listened intently, nodding in understanding as she spoke of the darkness that was spreading from the center of her kingdom. But just as Hanadi finished speaking, Zarek moved from his place and approached her.

Hanadi felt a jolt of electricity course through her body as Zarek's hand touched hers. She looked up to meet his intense gaze and saw that his eyes were glowing with an otherworldly light. It was both mesmerizing and unnerving at the same time. His body went into a trance-like state. His voice became deep and commanding, echoing through the throne room with an almost ethereal quality.

"What is happening?" Hanadi asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Zarek's lips curled, his voice taking on a mystical quality as he recited a riddle.

"In a land of light and dark,
A little girl made her mark.
With light and darkness intertwined,
She possessed the power to bind.

In her hands, the fate of all,
A potential ally or a deadly pall.
For within her beats a heart,
Both light and dark, a dual part.

So heed this warning, oh brave queen,
The greatest threat you've ever seen.
Lies not in armies or war's might,
But in the girl with the dual light."

Hanadi's eyes widened as the riddle ended, her mind racing to decipher its meaning. "What does it mean, Zarek?"

Zarek's eyes shone with an eerie luminescence, as if they were reflecting a distant, otherworldly realm. His words carried an ominous weight, causing a shiver to run down Hanadi's spine.

"The darkness we seek to fight is not so easily vanquished," Zarek continued, his voice low and foreboding. "And it is right here."

As if to emphasize his point, Zarek gently took Hanadi's hand and exposed it to the king. The once smooth and pale skin was now marred by sinuous black veins that twisted and turned up her arm like sinister tendrils. The king's reaction was immediate; his eyes widened in shock and fear as he recoiled from the ghastly sight before him.

Hanadi could feel her heart racing as she watched the king's expression change from one of disbelief to one of terror. She tried to pull her hand back, but Zarek's grip was firm, as if he wanted to make sure that the king saw the full extent of the corruption that had taken root within her.

The room was silent except for the sound of the king's ragged breathing and the soft rustle of Zarek's robe as he released Hanadi's hand. The weight of the revelation hung heavy in the air, casting a pall over the proceedings and leaving the fate of the kingdom in uncertain hands.

Hanadi sensed the king's unease and stepped forward, her voice calm and steady. "Your Majesty, please do not be afraid. My black veins are not a trap, but a result of my exposure to the darkness that threatens all of our kingdoms. I seek allies to help me fight this war and bring peace to our lands."

Hanadi's words were measured and reassuring, spoken with a confidence that belied the fear that still gripped her heart. She could feel the king's eyes on her, studying her closely as he weighed her words. Finally, he spoke.

"I will grant you permission to enter the forbidden forest," he said, "but be warned, it is a dangerous place, filled with creatures that are not always friendly to outsiders. Take this map, and it will guide you to the heart of the forest, where you will find the allies you seek."

Hanadi's heart sank as she realized that the king would not provide them with allies, but at least he had granted them permission to enter the forbidden forest. She took the map from the king's outstretched hand, studying it closely to memorize its details.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Hanadi said, bowing respectfully. "We will take every precaution necessary to ensure our safety in the forest."

As Hanadi left the throne room, her heart felt heavy with disappointment and her eyes brimmed with tears. She couldn't help but wonder if the king saw her as a threat to those around her, and the thought weighed heavily on her mind. But she knew that she couldn't let these doubts and fears consume her - there was too much at stake.

Without hesitation, she turned and ran back into the throne room, seeking the aid of Zarek. She knew that he possessed powers that could help guide and protect them in the dangerous and foreboding forbidden forest.

"Your Majesty," Hanadi gasped, catching her breath as she spoke. "I humbly request the aid of your advisor and sorcerer, Zarek. We need his guidance and protection if we are to venture into the forbidden forest and find the allies we seek."

The king regarded Hanadi with a stern expression, his eyes narrowing as he considered her request. For a long moment, there was silence in the throne room, broken only by the soft rustle of Zarek's robes as he stepped forward to stand beside the king.

Finally, the king spoke. "Very well," he said, his voice grudging. "You may take Zarek with you into the forest. But be warned, Hanadi, do not abuse my trust."

Zarek smiled at her, his eyes sparkling with otherworldly light. "I am always happy to serve, my queen," he said, his voice low and melodic.

As Hanadi and Zarek walked away from the palace towards the forest, her mind was filled with questions and doubts. She couldn't help but wonder about the riddle and what it meant for her and her people. Was she truly a threat to those around her? And if so, how could she overcome it?

Hanadi turned to Zarek, her voice quivering with anxiety. "Zarek, please tell me the truth. Am I a threat to those around me? What does the riddle mean?"

Zarek's eyes gleamed as he responded cryptically. "The riddle is a warning, my queen. The darkness we seek to fight is not easily vanquished, and it is right here, within our midst."

Hanadi felt a knot form in her stomach at Zarek's words. "But what about me? Am I the darkness?"

Zarek placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "All will be revealed in time, my queen. Trust in yourself and your abilities. You will find the answers you seek."

Hanadi's frustration boiled over as she moved quickly towards Zarek, pinning him down to the ground. She reached and grabbed a hidden knife under her clothes and pressed it firmly to his throat. As his hood fell from his head, she was struck by the sight of the man before her.

He was an otherworldly being, with skin as pale as moonlight, silver eyes that shimmered in the light, and hair as white as freshly fallen snow. Despite the sudden attack and the threat of a knife, his expression remained calm and collected, as if he knew it was coming all along. Hanadi couldn't help but be mesmerized by his unearthly beauty, even as she held him firmly in place.

As Hanadi's fingers gripped Zarek's cloak, she suddenly found herself lifted off the ground by the sorcerer's powerful grasp around her neck. Zarek's hands emitted a brilliant light that illuminated his skin, revealing fiery veins that seemed to flow like lava beneath the surface. Despite the intensity of his power, Zarek's movements were graceful and fluid as he effortlessly lifted Hanadi off the ground, holding her by the neck as if she weighed nothing at all.

Zarek's eyes blazed with anger as he held Hanadi up by the neck. "How dare you attack me," he hissed through gritted teeth. "I could kill you in a second."

As she struggled to breathe, Hanadi looked up into Zarek's eyes, her own filled with fear and regret. She didn't apologize, instead remained silent, unable to find her voice. Zarek let go of Hanadi and she fell to the ground, gasping for air. He took a deep breath and regained his composure, his silver eyes fixing on her.

"Such aggression is not becoming of a warrior," he said, his voice cool and controlled. "Especially towards someone who has been nothing but loyal to you. I have never lied to you, Hanadi. I have only ever given you the truth in the form of riddles and mysteries. It is up to you to decipher them."

He extended a hand to help her up, his expression softening slightly. "Now come, we have a long journey ahead of us to reach the heart of the forbidden forest."