Dark Love

Once upon a time, in the eastern part of the world, where ancient trees towered and the sun set in the distance , there was a small kingdom called Gassel - a land of myth and ancient powers. The people lived respectfully and worshiped the gods and goddesses of the land, whom they believed took the form of shiny animals. Theo, a fierce warrior with the heart of gold, was the protector of the land, and ruled the kingdom with an iron fist. It was their custom that the people found guilty of a crime in the kingdom were banished into the forbidden forest. A place of no return. But amidst this tranquility, a young man, Rufus, whose biological family was unknown, lived at the mercy of the protector. He was involved with stealing the villagers' food as a young boy but was pardoned by the protector and handed over to the most wealthy blacksmith in the kingdom. He was found on the riverbank as a baby, by an old woman, who raised him until she died. Rufus was left to fend for himself as a young boy, which got him involved in theft. He thought of himself an outcast because the people believed he was cursed. His strange behavior and unnatural strength only made him feel isolated. The blacksmith loved him and took him as a son because of his cheerful nature. Rufus was also the most hardworking and smart apprentice he had. The day had only begun and Annabelle, who happened to be Rufus' childhood friend, comforter, and also the daughter of the blacksmith, came over to spend time with him. " Rufus, I knew I'd find you here. "You're always around," Annabelle said as she walked into the workshop. The workshop was dimly lit. The air was thick with an acrid scent of hot metal, sweat and smoke. Rufus looked back and saw Annabelle, who was standing by the door, dressed in a purple high-quality cotton dress with a modest design. "You look beautiful." Rufus admired her, and she smiled at the compliment as though she expected it. Annabelle was a fair-hearted lady. She was the most loved daughter of the blacksmith. Her mother died when she was a baby. She was raised by her father, who later married another lady named Gracie. Annabelle's stepmother was cruel and greedy. She only played the role of a good mother to Annabelle when her father was around. "Seems you have a new dress." Rufus teased as he continuously stared at her. "I must say you're correct, it's a gift from my father, " Anabelle replied graciously. She walked into the workshop and offered herself a seat. " A blacksmith workshop isn't a place for a woman, especially one with a new dress," Rufus teased. Annabelle laughed. She replied, the workshop was one of the places that made her happy. It was the place where she obtained a living and hope. She recalled to Rufus when her father had just started his trade with little income. But their lives had changed when the kingdom and other neighboring villages preferred his swords. "Annabelle, you're quite the talker, let's get out of this memory room and find a place with conducive air," Rufus said as he held her hand, and they walked out. "You're always sooner than everyone, you deserve a reward," Annabelle said as they walked into the woods. Rufus laughed and said, “It's not right to work just for the rewards but from the heart. "Sometimes you just have to work from here,” Rufus said as he placed his hands on his chest. Annabelle smiled and thanked him for serving her father diligently since he was a child. “You know, when Nana died, as an eight-year-old boy, I realized I had to survive. When others rejected me, your father took me in, and I can't forget that. "Everyone else thinks I'm weird, ” Rufus said. He was immediately interrupted by Annabelle. "I think you're a great man with a great destiny." Rufus smiled and thanked her for being his friend since childhood. "Thank you too, for being my friend, and looking out for me," Annabelle responded. They both sat on a fallen oak tree and Annabelle leaned on his shoulders. "Sometimes I feel I'm not the right person for you. "I don't know what your family will think of me. "I'm just a blacksmith," Rufus said. Annabelle looked up at his face. " Then let this inspire you, Rufus. My father was once a nobody and then a common blacksmith. He's now grown successful in his trade, and is recognised by all the four kingdoms on Othei. "Please let's make our intentions known to my family, " she said. Rufus smiled affirmatively and promised to take care of her. While the two sat sharing their heartfelt conversation, Annabelle's stepsister Amira, who admired Rufus' strength, followed them and eavesdropped on their conversation. She felt disappointed and bitter as she ran back to the house in tears. ******************* "Amira, why are you crying?" Gracie asked as Amira ran into the house. " I'm just in pain, Anabelle always gets it all." Gracie assured Amira it wasn't true. " Amira, I will always do my best to give you a life better than Annabelle's, and I will not stop. "Say what you want and I'll do it. " Gracie assured her. Amira’s expression turned cold as she made her request . “ I only wished for Rufus' death. He made me shed tears and I didn't want Annabelle's happiness. It irritates me. Mother, I want Annabelle to feel pain, I don't want her to be happy anymore! " Amira said, her voice filled with bitterness. "Your wish shall be granted. "I'll summon the great witch right away," Gracie said as she got hold of her coat and made it to the stable. She mounted on her most reliable horse and rode into the forest. She arrived at a place known as the Great Hole, where she summoned the witch who had once helped her to marry Annabelle's father. "What brings you here, Gracie? "It's been a long time since we met," The Witch said, a twisted smile on her lips. Gracie fell on her knees and pleaded she wanted justice for her daughter. The witch laughed cruelly. " What do you know about justice?" She mocked, her voice echoing in the dark. Graie pleaded she wanted Rufus' death and Annabelle's suffering. But the Witch continued with sarcastic laughter. The place was creepy and dark. It was a cave in which one could hear echoes of a thousand laughter. Graie promised she wouldn't go without a positive response. " I'll give you whatever you want, " Gracie said coldly. The Witch spotted her desperation immediately and her eyes gleamed with wicked delight. "You're a desperate woman, Gracie, and I love you for that. It seems you have taken over from your mother,” she said in laughter. "Well, well, your husband will be the price. "I'm going to take his life in exchange for this," The Witch asked. Gracie grasped, but after a while of hesitation, she bowed to the witch in agreement. "And after killing him, I'll set up Rufus, he will be banished from the land into the forbidden forest, then you can make life miserable for Annabelle and never let her out of your grasp. "And you have to promise you'll come back and visit when it's done." The Witch said, her voice filled with evil satisfaction. Gracie thanked her and promised to visit her once the mission was accomplished.