The Weight Of a Curse

Chapter 33

Ping held Ling tightly as he trembled in her arms. His breathing was ragged, his body burning hot like fire, yet his skin was cold as ice. She could feel his pain, even though he tried to suppress it. Blood continued to trickle from his nose and mouth, staining his lips red.

"Ling! Stay with me!" she pleaded, her voice cracking.

Ling let out a weak chuckle, his grip on her loosening. "I've… survived worse."

"Stop acting strong! You're not fine!" Ping shouted, her eyes filling with unshed tears.

Footsteps echoed in the distance. Mei and a few guards came rushing toward them. The sight of their king, pale and weak, sent shockwaves through them.

"My lady! What happened?" Mei gasped, panic written all over her face.

"He needs a physician! Now!" Ping ordered.

Mei hesitated. "But, my lady… no physician has ever been able to heal the king's wound."

Ping turned to her with desperate eyes. "Then find someone who can!"

Ling let out a low groan, his body tensing as another wave of pain hit him. The cursed wound on his torso bled through his robes, dark and menacing, as if mocking him.

Ping clenched her fists. "This isn't normal. There has to be a way to break this curse."

One of the elder guards stepped forward hesitantly. "My lady, there is… one person. But the king forbade us from ever seeking them out."

Ping snapped her head toward him. "Who?"

The guard swallowed hard. "The Witch of the Forgotten Woods."

A cold silence followed. Even Mei's face paled at the mention of that name.

"The witch?" Mei whispered. "She is dangerous. She practices forbidden magic."

Ping's heart pounded. She looked down at Ling, whose eyes were half-lidded, barely conscious. She didn't care how dangerous it was. If there was a chance to save him, she had to take it.

With newfound determination, she stood up. "Prepare the horses. We're going to find her."

Mei gasped. "But, my lady—"

"I'm not asking for permission," Ping cut her off, her voice firm. "If the king won't save himself, then I will."

As the guards hesitated, Ling, despite his pain, opened his eyes slightly and smirked. "So stubborn…"

Ping knelt beside him again, cupping his face. "You better stay alive until I return, Ling."

He stared at her, something unreadable flashing in his gaze. And then, finally, he let himself drift into unconsciousness.

Ping turned to the guards. "Let's go."

And with that, the queen of Mora set out on a journey that could change everything.