Chapter Eight: Dark Valley

With the look on the man's face, Lucinda could tell that the man was also confused at this point. She was sure that she was in her secret room. How did she come here? How about that strange writing? What about the man with claws and fangs? Inertly, she knew that fangs and claws were just stories told to scare children, but why were all these turning into reality to her? What has she done?

"You seem bothered, Princess. Mind sharing with me what's working you out?" The man sat opposite her with his long legs crossed. Why should she talk to him? A king?

"It's nothing… besides, aren't you leaving yet" Lucinda said trying to sound normal, although confusion was fighting a great war within her. As if the man knew what was going on, he chuckled.

"Are you sending me away, or you want to avoid sharing your problems with me? You know what, the face might not matter, but what is in the heart matters a lot. You might take me as someone useless or worse, a trash, but I might be able to cure that disturbance ranting within you" He pointed to her heart causing the girl to hold her breath. Perhaps, he was right. He might help because only him might know how she ended up here.

"Okay, Your Majesty" She cleared her throat ready to speak, but the man uttered something first.

"Since we are dealing with a difficulty now, let's drop the formality. Call me, Blagden" He said with a smile, causing Lucinda to frown.

"Why is that your name?" She asked as the frown deepened. Why would a parent name his child that cursed name? Why was this world full of cruel people?

"Do you know the meaning?" The man asked, still maintaining that bright smile. This made Lucinda more curious and furious.

"Dark Valley. A forbidden valley with curse and evil. Why would you bear such a name?" Lucinda asked, and the man looked up to the sky and heaved a sigh before returning his gaze back to her.

"Because I'm darkness myself. Someone close to me made me dark, and I named myself after the darkness filled within me. It's nothing new, though. Even your father calls me, King Blagden. Don't be an exception" He said more like a warning, making the girl dumbfounded. She didn't know what to add or subtract. Well, it wasn't her name. Many people suffer. Not only her, she could see the earth having its change too. Drifting back to the book, she remembered the words that were in it. She felt like crying for her life and those who are also suffering.

"Now talk, Lucinda" The man said.

"Did you meet me here?" She asked, and the man tilted his head to a corner. He seemed confused by her statement but then, he looked at her as if he were reading something.

"Are you seeing something strange?" The man asked, and Lucinda's heart skipped. How did her know?

"Ye.yes. How do you know?" Lucinda asked and the man frowned. He seemed to know something with the way he looked at her with an undescribable expression. Lucinda could feel her heart trying to pull out from her.

"Who is it that you are seeing?" The man answered her with another question. This time he went closer to her, squatting before her with his black eyes, inserted into hers.

"A man with black hoodie. He is taunting me" She said without hesitation. Truthfully, now, she was compelled by him.

"Do you believe in demon?" He asked and the girl hooked her head.

"Believe in them right now because the most powerful of them all is after your life" He said sternly with his deep voice and immediately a drop of tear left her eye.

"Why?" She said, even if her right sense wasn't with her.

"Because, he wants you and that's why he never wants to speak to you. Currently, that Demon is planning a way to possess you….which is very dangerous. But, don't worry, I have an excellent plan, but it's going to hurt you. Anyway, forget about what I've said and go to the next version" He said as he closed her eyes filled with tears. Shutting her eyes closed, the tears rolled out, and immediately she was in another strange environment.