Chapter Twelve: A Room of Snow and Shadows

Elysia suddenly woke up from her sleep on the white bed. As she opened her eyes, she felt a gentle touch on her forehead. Looking up, she was surprised and happy to see Tuwa (Grandma) Morwenna. Without hesitation, she sat up and hugged her tightly.

"Grandma… thank you for being here," Elysia said with relief.

"I'm glad you're okay now. What happened to you?" the old woman asked.

Elysia froze at the question as memories of the terrifying event returned to her. She quickly touched her neck, expecting to feel the wound—but to her surprise, there was no pain. The wound was gone.

"H-How did this happen? W-Why is the wound gone?" she murmured to herself.

"Wound? What do you mean?" Morwenna asked.

"Yes, I remember! A woman strangled me… and then she bit my neck," Elysia explained.

"I healed you, my dear. Your wound was deep, so I hurried to treat you. If I hadn't, you might not have survived," Tuwa Morwenna said.

"Thank you so much, Grandma. I owe you my life," Elysia said gratefully.

"It's alright, child. Vlood also helped you. He found you unconscious, carried you here, and laid you in this room," the old woman added.

"This room?... Wait, whose room is this? Did Vlood take me away from the king?" Elysia asked in confusion.

"Hmmm… you're still in Lord Draegon's domain, in your own room," Morwenna replied.

"M-My room? But I thought my room was in the servants' quarters?"

"You're amusing, Elysia. Of course, this is your room. I think Lord Draegon prepared it for you. Ah… that young man, he really doesn't understand women," the old woman chuckled.

Elysia looked around the room. Everything was surrounded by a snowy white color—the walls, the ceiling, and even the floor. A grand chandelier made of glass hung from the ceiling, its candle-like lights glowing softly. Beside her bed stood a large round mirror, big enough to reflect her whole body. The walls were painted with blue flowers, and on the floor lay a wide, soft, gray cotton mat.

She was in awe, unable to believe that this room was hers. The king had never treated her kindly since she arrived at the palace. Lost in thought, she suddenly felt Tuwa Morwenna tap her head gently, bringing her back to reality. She turned to see the old woman smiling.

"Do you want to see Vlood? He's outside, looking at something," Morwenna said.

"Really? I'd love to talk to him. Can I leave you here for a while, Grandma?" Elysia asked, smiling.

"Of course, go ahead," Morwenna replied.

Without hesitation, Elysia rushed out of the room, feeling surprisingly light and strong. The pain in her neck was completely gone, and her energy had returned thanks to the old woman's healing.

She was excited to see Vlood. Even though they hadn't known each other for long, she already felt close to him.

Not far away, she spotted him standing by a large rectangular window, his back turned as he gazed outside. His curly hair was unmistakable, and his tall frame reminded her of a basketball player. She walked up to him and spoke.

"Vlood… what are you looking at out the window?" she asked.

Vlood turned to her and smiled before gently pulling her closer to the window.

"I'm glad you're okay now," he said.

"Yes, thank you for helping me, my friend," Elysia replied.

"Be more careful next time," he said with a grin.

"I will. Thanks for worrying about me," she said.

As they stood together, looking out the window, Elysia saw a dark and desolate land beneath a sky without light. The view filled her heart with sorrow. There were no trees or flowers—only towering black stones and dry, lifeless soil.

"Why… why does this place look so sad?" she whispered.

"This is Obsidian Seth (Death in North), the land ruled by my cousin, Draegon," Vlood explained.

"But everything is covered in darkness…" she murmured.

"This is how he sees the world. Every direction in Drakhenholt (Dark World) reflects the perspective of its ruling king," Vlood said.

"How lonely… this is what the king sees?" Elysia said sadly.

In Elysia's mind, she wanted to change the king's perspective. She felt saddened by what she saw. This was a place where no one understood the king. The sorrow and pity she felt for him, whose outlook was as dark as his kingdom, were evident on her face. She wanted to help him. She wanted to change his view on all possibilities. And she knew that understanding him was the key to transforming his perspective on life.

Elysia carefully observed the place and noticed a group of captive women being led into the palace. They were chained and surrounded by numerous guards from Lord Draegon's palace.

"W-Wait… what are those? Why are they being captured?" Elysia asked in confusion.

"Haven't you heard, Elysia? We were ordered to capture all women to determine which one possesses the mysterious voice we heard from the crystal bubble," the young man replied.

"Is that so? But why do you need to find this person?" Elysia asked, still puzzled.

"Because the time of war between our race and the werewolves is fast approaching. If we don't find her… many will be affected, and even the people in your town, Elysia, might die," the young man explained.

Elysia was deeply intrigued by the mysterious voice. A voice that could pacify the enemies and prevent them from launching an all-out attack. What she heard from Vlood stirred her curiosity even more, compelling her to uncover the truth behind it.

"But how will you know if she's the one with the mysterious voice?" Elysia asked with curiosity.

"Come, I have something to show you," Vlood responded.

He extended his hand to Elysia, inviting her to follow him. When she placed her hand in his palm, she was startled as Vlood suddenly lifted her, carrying her like a bride. In an instant, they vanished from their spot and headed toward the place he wanted to show her.

They arrived at a massive metal door. It was black, adorned with engraved linear designs on its edges. It was so sturdy that breaking it was nearly impossible for anyone. Its immense weight made it impossible for a mortal to open, except for vampires stronger than the average. However, Vlood effortlessly opened the door with his left hand, as if he was merely lifting a feather.

As they stepped inside, they saw the captive women, whom Elysia had noticed earlier outside the palace. They stood in a horizontal line, heads bowed, seemingly trembling in fear. Elysia also noticed children and elderly people with their hands bound by chains. She never imagined that even the young and old would be taken just to find the one with the mysterious voice. Each of them held a piece of paper. Elysia didn't know what it was for, but she still felt saddened by the sight.

"Elysia… these are the women you saw earlier. Each of them has a copy of a song—one that originates from the ancient Salimbarut, the Human Birds," Vlood explained.

"A song of the bird people? But… how will you know which one of them is the one you're looking for?" Elysia asked.

"We will know it immediately, without difficulty, because Draegon and I are familiar with every melody of the Salimbarut (Human Bird). Their voices are unique and far more beautiful to hear than those of mortals or any other beings," Vlood declared.

"We will take her, and as for those who do not possess the qualities of the Salimbarut (Human Bird), they may be killed," he added.

"Ki... kill them? But... there are children and elders here... mothers... and their children, too," Elysia said anxiously.

"Do not worry, I can counter any punishment Draegon wishes to impose," Vlood assured her.

Elysia's face was filled with fear for the captive women. She knew the pain of losing a parent. If they were sentenced to death, there would be no mothers left to guide and care for the innocent children. She never imagined that even the importance of family was something the king could not understand. He truly had a wicked heart. He had no mercy for any living being. Elysia felt sorrow for the king, for all he saw was evil and darkness.

Vlood tapped her lightly on the nape and whispered to her, "I think my cousin is looking at you."

Elysia tensed at Vlood's words. From a distance, she saw the king. He truly was staring at her—his gaze fixed on her every movement. She met his gaze, but hers was filled with sadness, a sadness that could not be masked in her eyes. Lord Draegon frowned at the expression she gave him. He did not like what he saw. He could clearly see the sorrow in Elysia's eyes, along with the fading glow within them. Because of her reaction, he felt no satisfaction. And with every look into her eyes, it was as if she was silently pleading with him not to commit evil.

After staring at her for a moment, he turned his gaze to Vlood, who was also staring back at him. Vlood's glare was piercing, and a smirk tugged at his lips. There were times they did not agree on matters, but the one whom Lord Draegon clashed with the most was Damien. The two of them despised each other.

"Elysia… I need to talk to my cousin for a moment. I'll leave you here," Vlood said calmly with a smile.

"Oh, that's fine, Vlood. I'll just wander around this large chamber," Elysia replied.

Vlood quickly left her side and approached Lord Draegon, the King of Obsidian Seth (Death in North). He smirked as he walked toward his cousin, his demeanor calm, as if he had no intention of starting trouble. However, before he could speak, Draegon immediately addressed him, his voice cold and his face unreadable.

"Why are you here?" Lord Draegon asked icily.

"Can't I come here to check on the woman destined for you?" Vlood replied with a teasing grin.

"You've spent time with her," Lord Draegon remarked, smirking.

"It's simple… because I like the woman destined for you," Vlood said bluntly.

"Really? You desire someone as weak as her? She won't last long; she will die soon," Lord Draegon said with a smirk, unaffected by his cousin's words.

"Why? Have you not fallen for her?" Vlood asked.

"How could I love a woman who is merely there to quench my thirst? Don't worry... I'll give her to you once I'm done using her," Lord Draegon said mockingly.

Hearing this, the amusement vanished from Vlood's face. His anger only grew at Lord Draegon's words. His brow furrowed, while Draegon laughed at his reaction.

"You will never change," Vlood muttered, still frowning.

"You know me, Vlood," Lord Draegon grinned.

"I will take her from you if I find out that you have harmed her," Vlood stated.

Without waiting for a response, Vlood walked away. From the moment he met Elysia, he had felt an instant connection with her. He felt at ease whenever they spoke. He liked her for that reason, and he desired to have her. He knew she was in danger with his cousin, and by any means necessary, he would take her away.

Meanwhile, as Elysia wandered through the chamber, she saw a child crying. The boy seemed to be around nine years old. She approached him and gently asked why he was crying.

"Why are you crying?" Elysia asked softly as she rubbed the child's back to soothe him.

"I… I can't… read the words… on this paper…" the child stammered, referring to a song sheet that all the captive women were made to sing.

"Oh, don't worry. I'll help you. Please don't cry anymore," Elysia reassured him.

She took the paper from the child to read it. But the moment she laid eyes on the words, she froze. In her shock, she unintentionally dropped the paper on the floor. The crying child picked it up and shook Elysia's hand.

"Sister… are you okay? Please teach me," the child pleaded.

"Ah… yes… I'm sorry, I was just startled," Elysia replied.

"Crystal… come on now. I'm sorry for this child; she doesn't know how to read. We'll be leaving now," a woman said as she held the child's hand.

The two walked away from Elysia, their hands bound by long chains—just enough for them to move a short distance.

Elysia once again fell into deep thought.

"That song… I know that song… That was my mother's song…" she whispered to herself.