Chapter 20: Echoes of the Buried Truth
By Joy Daud
The stone door groaned open, releasing a cold gust of air laced with ancient magic. Prince Kimo stepped forward, blue eyes glowing faintly in the darkness. Oki remained behind him, silent, her hands trembling ever so slightly.
Inside, the underground temple pulsed with forgotten power. Crystal roots coiled along the walls, humming as if remembering.
Kimo's boots echoed in the silence as he walked to the center, where a round altar stood — carved with symbols of the royal bloodline.
Suddenly, the air shifted. A haunting light spilled across the altar and—
A vision erupted.
He saw it.
His mother — Queen Elira — standing in a garden of silver lilies, her face pale with fear. She was arguing with someone cloaked in darkness. Behind her, a younger version of Kimo played with ice blossoms, unaware of the storm rising.
"Ryon," Elira whispered in the vision. "You promised me—"
The scene shattered. Darkness overtook it.
Kimo gasped, stumbling back.
Oki caught his arm, grounding him. "You saw her, didn't you?"
"Yes," he said breathlessly. "And someone else. I— I need to see more."
But the vision was gone.
---
Back in the palace, the evil queen stood in the bath chamber, magic mirror swirling before her. Her smile faded.
"So… the truth begins to unravel." Her nails scraped the marble edge. "But not yet. No—Kimo won't reach her before I destroy him."
---
Later that night, Kimo sat alone in his chamber, lost in thought. The maids who came to serve him noticed the change — he wasn't cold, but… distant. Hollow. They whispered in corners, wondering what was breaking their once untouchable prince.
As Kimo stared out his window, Oki entered silently.
He didn't turn to look at her.
"You didn't tell me you could see visions," he said flatly.
"You didn't ask," she replied.
He stood slowly and turned. "Who are you, Oki? What are you really?"
Oki smiled playfully, stepping closer. "My prince… are you saying you're interested in me now?"
His jaw clenched. "Don't twist my words."
"I'm older than your past three generations," she whispered with a teasing smirk. "Do you really want to know everything?"
He reached for her wrist. "Yes."
But she slipped away like smoke. "Not yet."
---
That night, Oki stood at the palace edge, the wind around her swirling.
"He's not ready," she whispered to the moon. "But soon, he'll know."
Behind her, a shadow figure formed. The forest spirit.
"He needs to face the next trial," it said. "But he is not alone."
---
To be continued…