CHAPTER – XIX

Within the walls of this ancient edifice, a conversation unfolded, shrouded in mystery and shadow. The speaker, Alec, wove his words with a cautionary tone, warning the listener of the dangers lurking within the realm of dreams.

"I sense that you possess knowledge beyond what you have written in your diary," Alec said, his voice tinged with a hint of curiosity.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his words. "What do you mean?"

" Well, I wasn't the one who dreaming about them and locating exact treasure worthy artifacts." He chuckled and continued. "I have observed that you dream of individuals and uncover hidden treasures, as if you possess some sort of mediumistic power," he explained. "But be warned, these dreams are not safe for you and are far from normal." Alec reasoned.

I couldn't help but wonder what had piqued Alec's interest. "Why are you so invested in my dreams?" I asked him.

Alec's response was swift. "These dreams relate to the lives of my ancestors, and I am determined to ensure that their spirits rest in peace," he replied. "But disturbing the dead is not my intention."

I glanced over at the mummy and shook my head., its face twisted in a grotesque caricature of death. "It's ironic," I muttered, "that we seek to uncover the secrets of the dead by disturbing their eternal rest." 

Alec's demeanor shifted; his expression now serious.

I tried to change the topic. "Why did you tell me not to touch anything in the castle?" I asked him, hoping to glean some insight into the mysterious objects in the edifice.

I hesitated, considering whether to tell him about the candle stand and the night incident. But I knew that revealing too much would only give him another reason to hold me captive.

"Is this building also haunted, like the castle?" I asked.

Alec's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Have you touched anything?" he demanded.

I shook my head, lying to him and to myself. "I only touched the walls," I said, my conscience mocking me.

"Oxyvi, is there something that you are trying to hide? Did you actually touch anything?" 

How can I tell him that I not only touch a lot of things, but actually hiding something in closet.

"I want to know where this might lead us though, through you." He eyed me as judging my lies.

"Through me? How can you be so sure about me, would going to be dreaming about them again?" I creased my forehead.

Alec's gaze lingered on me, scrutinizing my every move. "I sense that you have attracted the attention of the shadows," he said, his voice laced with concern. "And I fear that they may cause you harm." He raised his eyebrows and moved towards the mummy.

"Have you ever encountered those shadows?" I turned towards him and saw him sliding a rose in whatever left over of its bone makes a hand.

"I know nothing about them except whatever you wrote about them." He said as he closed the panel where the mummy laid.

"Never saw a guy interested in someone's else personal diary this much."

"This would also be applicable to you, but no one's personal diary talking about my ancestor's past." He studied me way too longer than necessary and it's making me uncomfortable. "We are going to leave this premise tonight only if, you'll behave. You have no idea what my guards will do to you if I had let them take you." He spoke. 

"Oxyvi, I'm the Crown Prince, they could instantly had shoot you when you pull that small act of yours. You will be grateful that they didn't, because I gave them strict orders not to shoot you anytime anywhere, but if, it will reach in my family's ears then that would be become problematic for me, and let me tell you, they won't be as merciful as I am."

As our conversation drew to a close, Alec warned me that we would be leaving the premises that night, and that I must behave myself. His words were laced with a subtle threat, reminding me of the power he held as the Crown Prince. The shadows of the night seemed to grow longer in the afternoon, and I couldn't help but feel that danger lurked around every corner.