THE CELEBRATION
THE CELEBRATION
Chapter 41
ROYANNA
The celebration was held in the village square. The decorations were mild, but beautiful, with rows of lanterns hung on wooden poles to illuminate the street.
Fresh and dried flowers were spread across the street, to look ethereal, and with the snowy grounds, it was a marvelous sight to behold.
Cheers, laughter, and most importantly, music filled the very atmosphere. There were so many instruments in use and I was almost tempted to join them, especially after they offered a spot.
I refused, because I was here with my friends, to have a wonderful time and enjoy such moments together. Instead of playing music, I chose something closer to it.
Dancing, the four of us pair in two, Clio and I, Jira and Benedict. Moving our bodies, swaying our waist, and just laughing all the way.
It was amazing, the very first time I was having such an experience. Back in Stone Peak, my parents were so ashamed of me, they locked me in my room to be sure I never stepped out for any celebration, especially the one they held.
“Royanna, look!” Clio pulled at my shoulder, swirling me in the other direction.
My mouth dropped at the sight of a stunning-looking lady, clad in a silly green dress with white flowers embroidered on it, and a white furry cloak around her shoulders that didn't overtake her beautiful dress. Her golden colored hair fell in smooth waves on her shoulders, her amber eyes glistening with joy.
She had a bouquet in her hand and was walking towards the gathered crowd with an older-looking version of herself.
“Is it what I think it is?” I turned to Clio, a smile breaking on my lips.
“Yes Royanna, it's a wedding.”
Jira and Benedict gasped behind us. “Oh Goddess, the bride looks stunning,” Benedict said, her tone filled with admiration.
“Indeed,” Jira added.
I was lost, just gazing at her like she was the Goddess herself, walking towards us.
But she stopped to climb the podium where the musicians had been playing earlier. Her beauty had struck me that I didn't even notice them leave.
After settling on the podium, a man showed up in a black furry cloak, wearing a simple white tunic and black leather pants. Walking up to the podium, he stopped before her and took her hand.
The crowd went wild with cheers, and I wasn't left out of it. I had never been to a wedding, not even as a child.
I smiled through my tears as an elderly woman stepped up to the podium and aided them in exchanging their vows.
Only visualizing from Orphelia's stories and description, I can finally say I understand what she meant by the most wholesome moment.
Watching them mark each other. Everyone howled towards the moon as they marked each other. But I couldn't, it slowly kicked in that not only was I cursed, I wasn't a full werewolf either.
I turned away from the newlywed, my eyes searching the crowd aimlessly, and that’s when I saw her.
Kithara.
She wasn’t howling, nor was she watching the wedding ritual; she was moving in the opposite direction, away from the square, slipping quietly through the crowd.
My stomach twisted.
Kithara has always been restless, ever since her failed escape plan. Everyone is aware of how desperate she is to get out of FrostVale. I had caught her three times, watching the gates while we practiced. Sandra had to reveal to us that Kithara was still bent on leaving, no matter what it takes.
If this wasn't a better opportunity, then what would it be?
But this is Frost Vale. She has failed once; what are the chances she's not going to fail again? If she gets caught… she won't just be punished by Saphena, but the Alpha King himself.
“Royanna?” Clio’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. “You okay?”
I forced a smile, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “Yeah, I just
…uh…need something to drink, I bet you guys are thirsty too, right?”
“Yeah.” She nodded, “Then I will be back soon.”
I walked away from the group, following the path Kithara had taken. Everything else faded behind me as I arched forward.
The path ahead was a cross, but thankfully our sandals had a recognizable symbol, different from that of the villagers.
And that was planted on the snow on the left route. So I followed. The lights from the lantern were slowly dimming as the decorations didn't spread to this part of the village.
“Kithara?” I called softly, reaching another cross path.“It’s Royanna.”
There was no response, only the sound of the misty wind.
I looked around, turning my gaze to the left and back to the right. Again, raising my voice a little, I called. “Kithara! You shouldn't be doing this, it's dangerous to try to escape again. The commander won't spare you.”
Still nothing.
I thought of turning back, it was better to inform the others so that we could spread out more efficiently and find Kithara. I don't know what I was thinking about coming out here alone, maybe I am that desperate to prove to her that I am not her enemy. And in this moment, we really need to stick together, because despite the love we receive from the villagers, we are still pawns to the King, we are not their people and they will never see us truly as theirs.
I need to inform the others immediately, Kithara might still be near.
A sharp rustle behind me had me spinning to see who it was, “Kithara?”
Silence.
I let out a shaky breath, hand instinctively reaching for my sword, but it wasn't there, because I wasn't in my armor, but in the dress Elena gifted me.
The air suddenly turned eerie and I knew I had to run back to the others. I lifted my dress to pick up a pace but then…
Something solid landed on my head with brutal force. White-hot pain exploded through me.
I gasped, stumbling, reaching out to steady myself, but there was nothing, and I found myself falling.
My vision turned violently, black dots appearing above my eyes. I blinked, trying to reach for my head, but I couldn't move; it was as though my body had shut down.
The last thing
I saw was the snow, glinting faintly under the moonlight.
Then…
Darkness swallowed everything.