Kronack Crown

Chapter 30

HINDI MAKAPAGSALITA si Kalisz matapos ipakita sa kanya ni Rage ang kuwarto na nakalaan para sa kanya sa bahay nito. Malaki ito at maganda. Malinis din ito at walang alikabok. Katunayan na inaalagaan ang silid sa kabila ng walang gumagamit dito.

Pero ang mas nakapagpatigil sa kanya ay ang walk-in closet na puno ng regalo para sa kanya.

"These are all my gifts for you. From your birthdays, and Christmas, to special days that I remember. I also bought a gift 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 sa kapatid habang hawak ang inabot nitong regalo.

Hindi niya inaasahan 'to. Kalisz thought he brought her to his house to show her around and continue talking about what happened to him all those years that we were apart.

But these?

Kalisz's heart is in pain because of guilt. All the years while she battles her challenges in life alone, she was carrying the anger for her brother, the jealousy. While her brother, on the other hand, continued to treasure her and didn't lose his hope in finding her.

"You don't have to say something. 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 walk-in closet.

Binuksan naman ni Kalisz ang regalong bigay 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."

Tiningnan niya ito mula sa salamin at nakita niyang nakatitig ito sa magkaibang kulay niyang mga mata. Tapos ay 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 kuya 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 shoulder sagged. She can see there's no change in his brother's mind.

"Fine... just promised me you'll all be careful. That man is sick and powerful," she warned worriedly.

Mahinang napatawa ang kapatid niya.