The Weight Of A Vision

The Weight of a Vision

Mai staggered backward, pressing a trembling hand to her neck where she had felt the searing pain of the evil spirit's claws. But there was nothing—no blood, no wound. Just smooth, unbroken skin. A shaky breath escaped her lips. 

"It was a vision…" she whispered, her body still humming with the terror of what she had just seen. But if that was the future, then did it mean she was fated to die at the hands of the King's monstrous spirit? 

Her heart pounded violently in her chest. She had to think. Had to understand. 

The King—his power was built on blood, on the sacrifices of emperors before him. The spirit she had seen belonged to him. He knew about her and Sofia's plan to go to the old tower. That was why the vision had been so vivid, so cruel. Was it a warning? Or a certainty? 

She clenched her fists, wrestling with indecision. If she went to the old tower, would she be walking into her doom? But if she turned back now, would she forever remain in the dark, never knowing the truth behind the throne? 

No. She refused to be caged by fear. She needed answers. But before making any choice, she had to confront the King. 

Mai turned on her heel and strode back into the throne room, her body tense with unspoken determination. The grand doors groaned as she pushed them open once more, stepping into the golden glow of the hall. King Eric sat on his throne, his piercing gaze locking onto her the moment she entered. 

"You return so soon," the King remarked, his voice smooth yet laced with something unreadable. "Is there something troubling you, Mai?" 

She swallowed the lump in her throat, careful not to reveal what she had seen. "I have more questions," she said firmly, stepping closer but keeping a safe distance. "About the history of this kingdom… about your rule." 

The King's expression remained neutral, but she caught the slight tightening of his fingers on the armrest of his throne. "You seem rather… uneasy, child. What is it you seek?" 

Mai hesitated. If she wasn't careful, he would see right through her. She forced herself to keep her voice steady. "I've heard whispers—rumors about how you came to power. Some say the throne was never meant to be yours." 

A silence stretched between them, thick and suffocating. 

The King's lips curled into something resembling amusement, but his eyes remained cold. "And do you believe these rumors?" 

"I don't know what to believe," she admitted, tilting her chin up defiantly. "That's why I'm asking you." 

He chuckled softly, but there was no warmth in the sound. "Curious little thing, aren't you?" He leaned forward slightly. "Tell me, Mai, do you truly wish to dig into the past? Some truths are better left buried." 

Mai's hands clenched at her sides. *That's exactly what someone guilty would say.* 

"Why does the old tower remain untouched?" she asked suddenly, watching his face closely. 

For the first time, a flicker of something unreadable crossed his features. It was brief—so brief that if she hadn't been watching so intently, she might have missed it. 

"The old tower is nothing but ruins," he replied smoothly. "A relic of a bygone era." 

"Then why does it still have guards?" 

A tense silence fell over the room. 

The King's smile returned, but this time it was sharper, more dangerous. "You ask many questions, Mai. I wonder… are you prepared for the answers?" 

A chill ran down her spine. She had to be careful. One wrong step, and she might never leave this throne room again. 

She bowed slightly, masking her fear. "I only wish to understand, Your Majesty." 

The King studied her for a moment before leaning back in his throne. "Very well. If you are so desperate for knowledge, then let me offer you a warning." His eyes gleamed in the dim light. "Curiosity has a cost. Be sure you are willing to pay it." 

Mai nodded, then turned and exited the throne room before he could see the panic bubbling beneath her composed expression. 

As soon as she was out of earshot, she released the breath she had been holding. 

She needed to find Sofia. 

And she needed to decide—would she risk her life to uncover the truth? 

Or had her vision already sealed her fate?