This Gothic World
Chapter 8

Irene

She had a feeling. A feeling which was not leaving the back of her mind…not to be rude but to make her aware…something wasn’t quite alright.

“We are almost at the threshold, Majesty.”

Ceres only nodded at her direction and it felt as if he was holding something back from her. But what could it be?

Irene thought through everything and her heart resounded with fear while she continued the walk towards the City of Cranes, her home and her love.

She knew something was off…yet her mind was serene and a bit on the side of anticipation. What was going to happen?

Do not mind it, Irene. Continue on your path. You are almost at the Tombs.

With her thoughts calm, Irene felt no need to fan the fire and moved on without complaint. It would be best if she arrived at her destination soon.

Irene’s feet continued on their journey until she reached the base of the Tombs. The colosseum-like building made Irene feel humble before Death.

The only truth of this life is Death. And yet there is still so much to learn of it.

Irene shook her head. Her hands reached at the handle of the back entrance. She opened the door quietly and skillfully walked through the thousands of corridors every one of which were known to her for the last ten years.

She made sure to keep Ceres near her in case he got lost. They kept up an even pace until a brass door decorated with lilies and roses came into her view. Irene walked up to it and saw the small brass mortar and pestle near it. Her hands gently rang the mortar and no sooner the door cracked open slightly to show a hooded woman with bright green eyes.

“May I help you?”

Irene bowed as did Ceres and without delay, she showed her emerald brooch which was by far one of her most prize possessions. The woman took one look at the brooch and its engraved lily flower and went ahead to open the door wide.

“Enter, my child. High Priestess has been awaiting your presence.”

Irene bowed her head in humble acknowledgement and Ceres followed suit. It seemed strange how in her periphery she remained attentive towards him.

They were led inside and Irene felt herself admiring the magnificent columns engraved with lilies and vines. It was beautiful and peaceful. Her heart slowed its pitter patter when she came near the center of the Tombs.

“The Grand hall, once the room belonging to the Holy Mother, is now—

“—the house of all High Priestesses who follow the One Destroyer and Creator of life.”

Irene bowed in humility and a low chuckle permeated and echoed throughout.

“High Priestess, we are humbled—

“Raise your head,” Her voice seemed familiar and when Irene raised her head it was only to be inflated with amazement and joy.

“Long time no see, Rene.”

All words were lost. Irene lost her grip on any remaining wariness and with a grand leap of excitement enveloped the last person she had hoped to meet. Tears of relief dripped on the floor from them both. Her caress soothed Irene’s soul to the core.

“Rene, his Highness is watching.”

Irene only chuckled. “Let him watch. What do I care? I thought I had lost you, Anais-jie!”

It was an emotional reunion to say the least. Finally the two parted and managed to sit down on the small stools inside the room. Ceres followed suit.

“What brings you here?”

Anais looked beautiful with her alluring green eyes and rounded facial features. Her porcelain skin glowed with health and translucence. Irene felt absolute happiness but…

“I’m here…well…uhm…”

Her words wouldn’t pour. Her lips felt sealed by tar. What had sounded absolutely credible now seemed…impossible. Not to mention stupid.

“May I ask that His Highness be acquainted in another room? This place isn’t much furnished.”

Irene felt a hidden bond inside her snap and for somewhat of a strange reason Ceres left the room without delay when the old woman came to escort him out. Was it her powers? Or was it just her…imagination?

Which was it? Irene had not a clue. She only remained silent until Anais put out some tea for both of them to drink. The smell of chamomile filled the air. Swirls of flavor formed smoky mists all around Irene.

At last, she felt peaceful and calm. At last, her heart stilled its worries. Nothing was wrong. Nothing was the matter. All was well. All was at peace.

“Now…tell me what’s on your mind.”

Ceres

At last, he felt free. At last, his soul felt alive. At last, Ceres could use his magic.

He focused his energy and immediately a stray brick moved.

Yes! Finally…

Finally, he could move on. Finally he could continue on with his life. So long he remained alive the realm would be free. So long he remained the realm would be alive.

So long he lived…he could finally attain his ultimate goal…

Ceres looked around for anyone. He still remembered the hallways. It wouldn’t be difficult to navigate for a genius like him.

Now…to make people pay…

Faraway…an evil aura left its mark…Evil was near…very near…Darkness would reign…soon…

Anais

“I am sorry, Rene.”

Her voice was calm. The atmosphere was tranquil. What wasn’t calm was her mind. Years of torment…years of keeping secrets…years of putting out questions was beginning to put a toll on her soul. No more…

Under the brim of thick eyelashes, deep brown eyes looked at her curiously. Such vibrant dark eyes…just like Regina Iris had.

However, no one could have put them together. No one…except the next Holy Mother and Anais herself. It had been a major shock. A major…major shock…

But, Anais had chosen this fate when she had accepted the task from Regina Iris herself.

It won’t be long now…

“Why did you conceal all of this?” Irene looked Anais in the eye.

Anais was about to answer when the impassive reply from Irene hit her soul. “Never mind. I don’t have time. I must stop this madness and end the Mad King’s reign.”

NO!

Anais grabbed Rene’s hand before she could make another move. The small gesture felt powerful to her yet Irene remained skeptical with her inquiring gaze.

“No.”

Anais took a deep breath. Irene’s eyes narrowed. “Why not? You know what is about to happen. Why not allow me to—

“No.” Anais said. Her voice was firm. “We can’t. Not now.”

This time, Irene steadied. Her face returned to the creamy chocolate color like always. Anais felt relieved. All wasn’t lost…just yet.

“Remain with us.”

Irene looked away. “I can’t. I—I am dangerous.”

Anais gently grabbed Irene’s chin to face her. “We all are dangerous. Don’t you think I know that by now?”

Tears dripped down Irene’s cheeks. “B—but…t—they can harm the sisters…they can harm the Tombs…” Her eyes lowered behind her lashes. “T—they killed my family…”

“I know.”

Anais embraced Irene while she sobbed. Every sorrow finally found an outlet. Every pain finally unleashed their wrath. Every evil thought poured out of her soul.

“All is not lost, Rene.”

Irene sobbed harder. Inside Anais felt wretched and awful. Yet hope was there while she consoled the last Old magus heir. The last old magus was alive. The last royal heir was alive. The Evil High King would perish. Soon…

“But for now, we must rest. And then you must learn the necessary texts.”

Anais gazed into those dark irises of life. “After all, you are the last person who can stop this.”

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