Embrace of the Unknown

"Lady, we have arrived," the carriage came to a stop.

It was a good decision when I chose to hide my identity. I stepped out and handed the driver two silver coins. I still wasn't used to the currency of this place, but I figured the price was enough.

I continued walking, recalling Misa's instructions. She had clearly told me to head straight to the night market without taking any side turns. I followed her guidance and skipped the first left turn, proceeding further into the bustling crowd. The place was incredibly crowded, and it was a challenge to find a place to put my feet.

Finally, I spotted the second left turn. Following Misa's instructions, I made my way inside. The last house in the row was shrouded in darkness, and it seemed as if no one was even aware of its presence.

"Is anyone inside?" I called out from the doorstep.

There was no response.

"Is anyone inside?" I asked again, but still, there was no reply. This compelled me to enter the house, even though I felt like I was trespassing.

As I stepped inside, I found myself in complete darkness. It was as dark as I had sensed from outside.

"Hey, is there anyone inside?" I inquired, my fear growing with each moment. The darkness felt like it was swallowing me whole. I followed a faint glimmer of light.

Eventually, I saw someone sitting at the far end of the room with a round object placed on the table before her.

"Are you the fortune teller?" I asked, my heart racing. It seemed I had finally reached my destination. I could return home, complete my studies, and live happily thereafter. But...

The woman looked up at me, and her eyes were a disturbing shade of red, like blood. I took a step back, my lips trembling.

"Your Highness, the Princess, I humbly greet you," she knelt before me, her hands touching my feet reverently.

How did she know my identity? I had been so careful. Was someone following me? If so, I needed to get out of there.

I turned to leave, but the door had disappeared into the darkness, intensifying my fear. It was strange; I had faced royal members with swords at my throat, but now, I was trembling like a dog in the cold.

"Your Highness, the Princess, I'm glad you have returned," she said.

What was she talking about?

"We have always been loyal to you and always will be. I'm delighted that you've come to me and graced me with your presence."

Her words were beyond my comprehension.

"What are you saying?" I asked, trying to make sense of the situation.

"Why am I here? Why was I kneeling in front of you?" She inquired.

She bombarded me with several questions at once.

"I'm not sure," I replied, looking away, as it was indeed the truth.

"No, there's something," she insisted. "I can feel my power in the air. I haven't felt this for years. I lost count of the years, but this is the first time I've sensed my power so strongly, as if I've regained it. There's something. Tell me, who are you?"

She seemed to be losing her composure, and her revelation that she hadn't felt her powers for years confused me.

Then, I lost my temper. I advanced toward her, gripping her dress tightly and pushed her against the wall, pressing her face against it.

"Do you even know why I'm here?" I demanded, my frustration evident. "Do you know what you've done? Do you know how much time means to me? How dare you try to scam me?"

My eyes widened, revealing my unusually large pupils. People were often scared of my eyes. Even Ellanious had similar eyes, but she never used them, which led to her torment and eventual death. I was different. I didn't desire love; I craved power. I wanted to rule, to go my own way, and not be under someone's control.

"Lady, let me go!" She struggled, making the situation worse.

"Let you go? So that you can scam me again? No chance! It's now or never because I don't believe in second chances."

As I spoke in a deep and threatening tone, someone approached from behind.

"Is the fortune teller here?" the voice was deep and soothing, but tinged with sorrow.

I released my grip on her neck.

"I'm here," she responded to the voice.

I kicked the floor in frustration and attempted to leave, but I bumped into the person, causing my coins to scatter.

"Oh, damn," I muttered.

Once again, I felt someone's gaze on me.

I knelt down to pick up my coins, but the person had already gathered them and handed them to me as if by magic.

"Thank you, sir," I said.

"It's my pleasure," he replied.

Suddenly, I felt a warmth that I hadn't experienced for a long time, as if spring was finally arriving. The mysterious encounter had taken an unexpected turn, leaving me in a state of intrigue and curiosity.

The sensation of both slight chill and warmth enveloped me, like the embrace of a familiar mystery I had grown accustomed to over time. It was as if this enigmatic presence had become a comforting presence in my life.

The peculiar combination of sensations, the gentle coolness, and the subtle warmth made me feel strangely at home. It was almost as though this mysterious presence, which had woven itself into the fabric of my life, had become a reassuring constant. With each passing moment, the feeling grew stronger, like a long-lost friend returning to offer solace in my most uncertain moments.

As I continued to gaze at the mysterious hooded figure who had miraculously collected my scattered coins, questions swirled in my mind. Was he someone connected to Ellanious, my late friend and confidante? Could there be a deeper link between this stranger and Ellanious, prompting the cryptic warning I had just received?

I couldn't shake the uneasiness that clung to me. My eyes remained fixated on the hooded figure, his features concealed, leaving me in a state of suspense and curiosity.