The Alpha King Is Mad

Episode 10

TRACY

I watched as the gentle morning sun bathed my hands as I sat just outside the house. The sky was beautiful—though it looked quite unreal, but beautiful nonetheless.

It was a morning just like any other one I had experienced. And that was scary. I had woken up, helped Manila do some chores, all before breakfast. It was scary because it felt… normal.

And this wasn't normal.

"I'm tired," Justin let out, sitting next to me, his eyes red because of too much crying. "I have thought of everything… and I know I'm not very smart, but this can't be real."

I nodded, having not even the slightest idea as to what to say. When he said he was tired, trust me, I could relate to that. I didn’t know what to think anymore. None of this made any sense. I couldn't, for the life of me, relate anything. Mind you, how we got here was just as much a mystery as what here was.

Fidgeting anxiously with the smooth pebble in his hands, Justin's voice trembled as he tried to articulate his thoughts. "You know what, Tracy? I think... I think we might be in uh… what’s it called again?. That place between life and death where our souls are left in a state of uncertainty." He snapped his fingers, attempting to recall the term. "Yes, limbo. Maybe... maybe what was in the box was a bomb, and this is the aftermath. Maybe we died and this is just an in-between."

My heart ached for the fear and confusion etched across Justin's face. I could see the weight of his theory pressing upon him, and I wanted nothing more than to alleviate his concerns.

With a soft touch, I placed my hand atop his, gently squeezing. "Limbo," I repeated thoughtfully, allowing the word to linger in the air. "I don’t know if it exists, but I doubt this is it, Justin. The uncertainty can be overwhelming. But it's important to remember that we are together in this. We will navigate through whatever challenges come our way."

Going without saying—I didn't believe one word that came out of my mouth.

"I need to get some air," I said, walking towards the back of the house, my eyes feasting on the beauty of the countryside scenery.

This place was beautiful, almost to an extent that it felt unreal. But the issue was that was a problem in itself because it made me entertain Justin's ludicrous idea that we were dead.

As I went towards the back, I saw Manila sitting with Luscious, the boy who arrived yesterday.

"So, he just saves people and he's a Panis?" Luscious questioned, looking intently at Manila. "I guess we have been lied to. The Panises aren't that bad after all."

Manila shook her head slowly, her expression filled with a mixture of concern and understanding. "Oh, Luscious, you have no idea. The Panises, they are far worse than you could ever imagine. But Killian... he's different. He's an exceptional soul, a rarity among his kind."

She placed a gentle hand on Luscious' shoulder, her touch conveying a sense of reassurance. "You should consider yourself incredibly fortunate, my dear friend. Killian will watch over you, protect you with all he has."

Drawn to their conversation, I emerged from the corner where I had been lurking in silence, joining them on the bench they occupied. Although I had only met Killian briefly, the dire circumstances in which we found ourselves compelled me to seek his assistance.

"Well, in that case," I hesitated, my voice tinged with desperation, "do you think Killian can help us, Manila? I... I need to find a way back home."

A wave of sympathy washed over Manila's face, her eyes mirroring the weight of my predicament. She took a moment, collecting her thoughts before responding, her words laced with compassion.

My eyebrows raised, I said, "So, you finally believe me?"

She nodded, placing a nappy on her gown. "I do. But whether I can help you is another issue entirely. I have heard of many things, Tracy. But I don't know if anyone has ever gone beyond this realm. I don't even know if there is another realm... at least, I didn't know until you came."

Shaking my head, I stated, my words barely audible, "So we will be trapped here forever. I'm finished."

"Perhaps, Tracy, it's too early to give up. I suggest you go see Sir Garba," she suggested, her words laced with a sense of intrigue. "He might hold the key to solving your predicament."

Surprised by the mention of this unknown figure, I couldn't help but inquire, my curiosity piqued. "Who is this Sir Garba? And why do you think he might be able to help me?"

Raising both of her hands before me, urging me to keep calm, Manila took a deep breath. "Look, don't get your hopes high. I'm not saying I'm sure he will be able to help you..."

I cut in, finishing her sentence. "But you think it's worth a try."

She nodded again, this time with a warm smile on her face. "Yes, exactly. You see, he's the only person who has ever claimed to have gone through the Blind Sea and come back. He supposedly ventured to the mysterious North, though most people dismiss it as nonsense. It's widely believed that there is nothing up north. However, aside from that bit of embellishment, Sir Garba is undeniably one of the most highly intelligent men I have ever had the pleasure of meeting."

I was intrigued by Manila's words and couldn't help but delve further into the mystery. "What exactly is the Blind Sea?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Manila took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding, her voice filled with a mix of awe and caution. "The Blind Sea is a vast body of water in the region of Wembourge that has never been successfully crossed. Many people, not just Agromanians, have attempted to sail across it, constructing the strongest ships imaginable, only to be met with disaster. They all meet a tragic fate, their vessels sinking into oblivion."

She paused, her eyes filled with a somber reflection. "Some legends and tales suggest that the northern part of Wembourge lies just beyond the Blind Sea. But these are merely stories, no more than whispers carried by the winds."

Feeling a renewed sense of hope stirring within me, I excused myself from the conversation with Manila and Luscious, eager to share the news with Justin.

As I approached Justin, the glimmer of hope in his eyes quickly transformed into an overwhelming wave of excitement at the prospect of a potential breakthrough. A surge of energy coursed through his body, causing him to jump up from his seat in a burst of enthusiasm. His voice teetered on the verge of exclamation as he eagerly agreed to embark on this new journey.

"Oh, my goodness!" he exclaimed, barely containing his excitement. "Finally, something promising. Let's waste no time, let's go see this man."

A sense of urgency filled the air as we moved forward with our plan. "Don't worry, Justin. Aria will be taking us to see the man in a few minutes. Manila provided her with a herbal concoction to alleviate her persistent tummy ache. Because of this, she has to rest for a while to allow the remedy to take effect."

As I waited for Aria to get ready, my mind drifted back to yesterday. Ah, wasn’t the Prince was a sight to behold. I loved my men with a little facial hair, but man, I didn't mind that his face was bare of any. He still looked rough and rugged, his every stride like a spell compelling you to keep your gaze on him.

Oh… the voice. I honestly wouldn't mind selling my kidney if I got to hear him speak every day.

"Let's go," Aria announced, her kite in her hands, her excitement palpable in the air. Every time she ventured out, her trusted companion, Tako the kite, was sure to tag along. According to Manila, it wasn't just any ordinary kite to her daughter; it was more or less a friend, especially since other kids don't play with her because of Killian's attachment to them.

Justin, raising an eyebrow in amusement, pointed at the kite. "You go everywhere with that thing?"

Aria's eyes sparkled with affection as she nodded. "Yes, I take Tako everywhere with me. Isn't he stunning?"

Suddenly drowned in confusion, Justin let out, “He?”

Smiling widely at Aria, I said, “Yes, he is the finest kite I have ever seen.”

Kids are kids everywhere, I guess.

As we walked, our hearts beat in our chests, eager and at the same time terrified of what we would hear from the man.

We walked for about twenty minutes before we got to the place.

With Aria walking ahead of us, we arrived at one compound with very poor fencing, almost overgrown with weeds.

Entering the house, Aria led us to one bespectacled old man who had his nose in a book.

“They want to talk to you, Sir Garba,” Aria said, still playing with her kite.

The man raised his head, his attention now shifted to us. “Better be quick because this book won't read itself.”