Season's kiss

Afterlife On Earth~ chapter 2

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× In death, the soul whispers truths the living cannot hear, But every truth demands a price, and every silence conceals a shadow × [By Eva]]

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The carriage wheels creaked softly against the frost-kissed path, a rhythmic sound breaking the eerie silence of the Forbidden Ice Forest. The trees loomed tall and ancient, their twisted branches weaving a canopy that blotted out the weak morning light. Snowflakes fell lazily, yet the air was heavy with an unsettling stillness.

Inside the regal carriage, King Calyx reclined casually against the plush cushions, his posture relaxed, yet his sharp gaze occasionally flickered out the frost-covered window. His amber eyes seemed to hold the warmth of a thousand suns, a stark contrast to the frigid world outside.

He wore his charm like a second skin, effortlessly drawing the attention of those around him. His soft smile disarmed even the most hardened hearts, yet beneath the surface, his mind was sharp, calculating every move with precision.

“Your Majesty,” one of the maids began, leaning slightly toward him, her voice delicate yet laced with mischief.

“Why must you insist on braving such treacherous lands? Surely, someone of your... stature should remain in the palace, where it’s safe.”

Calyx chuckled, a rich, melodious sound that filled the small space. “And leave my people to fend for themselves? Now, what kind of king would I be?” His tone was teasing, but there was sincerity in his words.

Another maid, bolder than the first, tilted her head and smiled coyly. “A king who values his life, perhaps?”

Calyx raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching in amusement. “Ah, but what is a life if not spent for the sake of others?” He paused, his voice growing softer, almost wistful.

“A ruler’s heart beats not for himself, but for his people. Always remember that.”

The maids exchanged glances, their cheeks flushed, but they dared not challenge his wisdom. Despite their playful banter, they knew Calyx’s heart was as noble as his strength was legendary.

“Besides,” Calyx added, his tone shifting to one of quiet confidence, “we have the Kai Kia amulet, do we not?” He gestured to the glowing artifact resting against his chest, the intricate carvings shimmering faintly with a soft golden light.

The head guard, seated at the front of the carriage, turned slightly to address the group. “Indeed, Your Majesty. The Kai Kia Kingdom gifted it to us for a reason. No beast or dark magic dares to touch its bearer. With this, even the Forbidden Ice Forest bends to your will.”

Calyx nodded thoughtfully, his fingers brushing against the amulet. “It’s a powerful gift,” he murmured, almost to himself. “But power always comes with a cost.”

The maids fell silent, their earlier flirtations forgotten as a somber mood settled over the carriage.

The forest outside seemed to press closer, its icy grip tightening as if it could sense the presence of the amulet.

Suddenly, the carriage lurched to a halt, the abrupt motion jarring everyone inside.

“What’s the matter?” Calyx asked, his voice calm but firm.

The head guard peered out of the window, his expression grim. “Your Majesty... there’s something on the path ahead.”

Calyx leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. “Stay here,” he instructed the maids, who immediately protested, but his tone left no room for argument.

Stepping out of the carriage, Calyx was met with the biting cold that gnawed at his skin. Guards flanked him on either side, their weapons drawn, their eyes scanning the dense forest for any sign of danger.

On the snow-laden ground ahead lay a motionless figure, cloaked in rags that fluttered faintly in the wind. The scene was haunting, the figure’s outline barely distinguishable against the whiteness of the snow.

Calyx approached cautiously, his boots crunching against the frost. He knelt beside the figure, his breath misting in the cold air. But as he reached out, his hand froze midair.

Bones?....

The figure wasn’t alive. It wasn’t even whole. What lay before him was a fragile skeleton, its limbs twisted unnaturally, its presence a chilling testament to a life lost in despair.

A wave of sorrow washed over Calyx,, his chest tightening as he took in the tragic sight. “Who were you?” he whispered, his voice breaking the silence. “What brought you to such an end?”

Behind him, the guards and servants murmured in shock, their unease growing as the air around them seemed to thicken. The forest, so still moments ago, now thrummed with an ominous energy.

Calyx stood, his heart heavy, and turned back toward the carriage. But before he could take a step, a sudden surge of power erupted from the ground beneath him.

A blinding light enveloped the area, and Calyx felt something sharp and electric pull at his very core. He gasped, staggering backward, his vision swimming. The amulet around his neck pulsed violently, its glow intensifying until it seared his skin.

“Your Majesty!” one of the guards shouted, rushing toward him.

Calyx collapsed to his knees, his hands clutching at his chest as if trying to contain the energy coursing through him. The world around him spun, his senses overwhelmed by a cacophony of light, sound, and raw, unbridled power.

The maids and guards scrambled to his side, their panic palpable. “Get him back to the carriage!” one of them yelled, but no one could get close enough.

The light exploded outward, sending everyone sprawling. Calyx’s body convulsed as the power within him surged to its peak, and then...

Silence.

The forest stilled once more, the snow falling gently around the scene of chaos. Calyx lay motionless on the ground, his face pale, his breathing shallow. The amulet had gone dark, its power seemingly drained.

The guards and maids gathered around him, their faces etched with fear and confusion. “What just happened?” one of them whispered, but no one had an answer.

.....

Is another life going to be lost in this forest?