Chapter 25: Whispers in the Wind
By Joy Daud
The moonlight filtered through the high glass windows, painting long silver streaks across Prince Kimo's chamber. He stood by the balcony, hands clenched tightly on the railing, his icy-blue eyes scanning the horizon.
The kiss with Oki still lingered on his lips—soft, electric, forbidden.
But so did her words.
"I'm not here for this… I'm here for you."
His heart and mind battled in silence.
Suddenly, a soft knock echoed from the door. Before Kimo could answer, a letter slid through the bottom. He picked it up, eyes narrowing at the seal—it bore no crest. Just a single snowflake burned into the parchment.
Inside, the message read:
"You are not cursed, Kimo. You are chosen. Her lies will soon unravel. Be ready."
He crushed the note in his fist.
---
Meanwhile, deep beneath the palace in a forgotten chamber, the Queen hovered over a steaming cauldron. Shadows curled around her form. In her hand—one of Kimo's old cloaks, stolen days ago.
"He's starting to awaken," she muttered. "His bond with her is too strong… That wretched girl."
With a flick of her wrist, the flames in the cauldron surged.
"No matter. I'll separate them if I must burn the entire forest to the ground."
---
Outside, in the royal garden, Oki stood with her arms stretched to the sky, whispering to the wind. The trees trembled. The moon shimmered above her as the spirit wind answered her call.
"I feel the shift," she said softly. "The queen's magic grows more erratic. Her heart is spiraling into darkness. But Kimo… he's standing too close to the edge."
A voice answered in the wind.
"If he falls, the kingdom falls."
Oki's gaze turned hard. "Then I'll catch him before he does."
---
Later that evening, in the royal dining hall, nobles gathered to discuss the foreign visitors—the so-called peace-seekers.
But their smiles were hollow. Their eyes, too calculating.
"They say they bring trade," one nobleman muttered. "But why send soldiers disguised as servants?"
Prince Kimo, silent at the head of the table, scanned their faces. He saw through the charade. He always had.
"They came with masks," he said aloud, "but not for a celebration."
A hush fell. Even the king looked startled at his son's sudden command of the room.
Kimo stood slowly, his aura flickering just enough for Oki—watching from the side—to notice. His voice lowered coldly.
"If we trust the wrong guests, we'll have no kingdom left to protect."
The foreign emissaries stiffened in their seats.
---
That night, the Queen visited the king's chamber again, placing a hand on his shoulder gently.
"You've been restless," she said sweetly. "Talk to me."
The king sighed. "I dreamed of Elira again. This time… she was furious. Said I betrayed our son."
The Queen's face paled for just a second before she masked it with a loving smile.
"Dreams lie, my king. She's gone. I'm still here. With you."
But behind that gentle gaze, her magic mirror glowed beneath her sleeve, revealing something she hadn't expected…
Elira… was no longer hidden. Her seal was breaking.
The Queen stumbled back slightly.
"No," she whispered to herself. "Not yet. Not now."
---
Meanwhile, Kimo sat by his chamber fire. Oki stood by the window.
He looked at her with a piercing gaze. "There's something I want to ask."
She turned slowly, lips curved in mischief.
"Another secret, my prince?"
He stepped closer. "What are you really? What am I? You knew something the night you stopped me from destroying everything."
Oki smirked. "Are you telling me you're interested in me now?"
Kimo crossed his arms. "I'm more than interested. I'm consumed."
Oki stepped close—close enough for their breaths to touch. "My prince, I'm older than your third generation. I've existed before your kingdom's walls rose from the dirt."
"Then tell me," Kimo whispered. "What am I?"
She reached up, touching his heart gently. "A storm. A king in the making. But if you don't choose your path carefully, you'll be a curse upon this world."
Before he could respond, a loud boom echoed in the distance—coming from the palace gates.
A servant rushed in. "Your Highness! The foreigners—they've drawn weapons!"
Kimo's eyes ignited.
Oki turned toward the door, her voice low and dangerous.
"Let them come."
---
To be continued...