When I woke up, the sun was already shining brightly. That was when I realized I was lying on the couch and not in my room. Memories of everything that had happened from dusk till dawn came rushing back. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, but I forced them back. I'm not going to cry again. I tried to calm myself. I can't be weak.
I stood up and went to my room. My body felt heavy with exhaustion, and I collapsed onto the bed. It felt as though life itself was moving toward its end. What am I supposed to do with my life now? I had never been alone before.
I smelled the faint scent of dirt clinging to my skin. My body was grimy from the fight and from sitting on the floor for hours,I stank. I needed a bath.
The water was freezing cold, so I placed my hand in the tub and warmed it with my fire ability. The heat calmed my skin but not my heart. I made it a quick bath, dressed in a tunic and trousers with a belt around my waist, and let my platinum hair fall like a curtain around my face, making my pale features stand out even more starkly.
The house was too quiet. Every sound felt swallowed by emptiness. My thoughts kept circling back to Grandmother,her voice, her hands, her calm presence.
I sat down on my bed and began cleaning my sword. Over the years we'd lived here, I had thought I knew loneliness. But now, I understood its true weight. My heart felt hollow; the only person I had ever loved had been taken away from me.
This time, I didn't hold back my tears. I let them fall freely, silent and hot against my cheeks.
When I finished cleaning my sword, I sheathed it and went to Grandmother's room.
Her room smelled of crushed leaves and lavender. A soothing, nurturing scent I had always known her by.
I stepped farther inside. Her bed was still neatly made. Sitting at the edge of it, I glanced toward the small wooden shelf beside me. On top rested a little box. Inside was a bracelet, faintly glowing as if it held some kind of magic. I had seen her open it many times. She cherished it, even though she never wore it.
Would she ever forgive me?
I was such a coward. If only I could've destroyed that force that held me, I might have saved her. But I couldn't. Still, I couldn't just sit here doing nothing. I had to find her body and give her the peace she deserved. Staying here in solitude would only bury me deeper in darkness. Morganta was never meant for me. It only kept me hidden from the truth of the world.
I took the little box and returned to my room.
Fastening my sword to my waist, I whispered, "I will leave Morganta and find that monster,no matter where it hides."
The woods behind the cottage had always been quiet and peaceful. But now, as I stood at their edge, they felt different,alive, watching. I looked back at the cottage one last time. I had never imagined leaving this place alone.
Carrying only the wooden box and my sword, I stepped into the forest.
The truth was, I didn't even know if I was heading the right way. But I would keep walking until I found one.
The deeper I went, the more uneasy I became. I had never ventured this far before. Soon, I reached a small clearing and that was when I saw a road ahead.
I ran toward it, relieved to find a sign of civilization.
"Argh, this is going to be tough," I muttered, realizing it was only a lonely road for travelers.
Then I noticed a horse approaching from afar. I decided to wait,maybe the rider would know of a nearby village. I didn't want to be stranded once night fell.
Leaning against a tree, I crossed my legs and rested a hand on my sword, just in case the rider turned out to be a pervert.
The horse came closer, galloping at full speed. I expected it to stop once it reached me,but no, it rode straight past.
I sighed. "How hopeless. Guess I'll just have to keep walking."
I continued down the road in the same direction the rider had gone. After a while, I saw him riding back toward me. Maybe he changed his mind. But I pretended not to notice him. I was already annoyed he hadn't bothered to stop earlier.
Then, as he passed by again, I realized he wasn't coming back for me. He was quietly following me.
Why is he stalking me? What is this idiot up to? I thought, tightening my grip on my sword.
I heard him chuckle softly behind me, but I kept walking, refusing to look back.
"And what is my lady doing alone on this lonely road?" he asked, his voice light with curiosity. I ignored him. Soon, he was riding beside me.
"You shouldn't be alone out here,it's not safe," he said. Again, I didn't answer.
"You might be attacked by bandits or worse… wild beasts."
When I still didn't respond, he got off his horse and began walking beside me.
"You know," he continued, "I could help you if you're lost. The city's still a bit far from here."
"A city?" I repeated. I'd only read about them in books,I never imagined I'd actually be heading toward one.
"My lady has never been to a city before?" he asked, sounding genuinely surprised.
I stopped and turned to face him,and for a few seconds, I was completely mesmerized by the sight before me.