Chapter 107 The Curse is Broken
POV Queen Portia
I was at the end of two months of pregnancy when we walked forward with aching feet and took us to the hollow-out area in the cave, and I was astonished to see a little man happily eating, singing and dancing. Today, I bake; tomorrow, I brew; the next, I take a King's child, I do. I was vexed when I heard him. So, he was the soul taker of my child. I grabbed his bread and wine as he was dancing. With the bread and wine, I followed the path that led me deeper into the Crystal Caverns. The air grew colder, and the walls sparkled with an ethereal glow. Every step echoed, filling the cave with the sound of my determination.
As I ventured further, the cave passage began to narrow, making it difficult to manoeuvre. But I pressed on, knowing that the fate of my family rested on my shoulders. I could not afford to falter or doubt myself. The little man's words echoed in my mind as I marched forward, the taste of bread and wine lingering on my tongue. I felt a strange energy pulsing within me as if the very magic of the fairy realm was coursing through my veins.
Suddenly, the path opened into a vast chamber, its ceiling stretching high above, disappearing into darkness. And there, suspended in the centre, was the symbol of my quest—the bloody heart pierced by an arrow, eternally bleeding. My heart pounded as I stared at the sight before me. The task suddenly seemed impossible, the heart far beyond my reach. Doubts began to creep into my mind, threatening to consume me. But I couldn't give in to fear. I had come too far to turn back now. Each step reminded me of the love and determination that fueled my journey. I would not let anything stand in my way.
Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, gathering all my courage. As I exhaled, I felt a surge of power within me, the wings on my back stretching and unfurling. I opened my eyes to find myself floating above the ground, rising towards the heart in the chamber's centre.
Time seemed to stand still as I reached out, my fingers brushing against the cold surface of the heart. It pulsed beneath my touch as if acknowledging my presence. A surge of warmth flowed through me, filling my heart with renewed hope. In his heart was an arrow, and deep within was the Tear of Serenity
But just as quickly as it had come, the warmth receded. I knew I had to make haste. The red witch's warning echoed in my mind—be back before the sun sets. With a final glance at the heart, I grabbed it and descended back down to the cave floor with the arrow that pierced the heart. Wings retracted, I sprinted through the winding passages, the bread and wine giving me newfound speed and agility.
As I burst out of the Crystal Caverns, the setting sun cast long shadows across the fairy realm. I could feel the urgency in my bones, the weight of time ticking away. The destiny of my family depended on my swift return.
With every ounce of strength left in me, I raced back through the forest, my footsteps pounding against the earth. My determination drowned out the little man's cries for his bread and wine.
And just as the final rays of sunlight faded from the horizon, I emerged from the fairy realm, panting and exhausted but triumphant. The bread and wine had served their purpose, propelling me forward with impossible speed.
I collapsed onto the grassy ground, the weight of my task finally sinking in. The journey had been treacherous, the sacrifices great. But the Tear of Serenity was now within my grasp, and I knew our family's curse would soon be broken.
As I caught my breath, I couldn't help but smile. The obstacles may have been countless, the dangers ever-present, but I had proven myself capable of overcoming them all. And with the Tear of Serenity in hand, I was one step closer to securing our family's future. The journey was far from over, but I was prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead. With renewed strength, I stood up, my eyes fixed on the horizon. Ahead of me lay the next chapter of our story—a chapter filled with hope, love, and the unbreakable spirit of a dragon princess.
The Crystal Caverns echoed with my heavy breaths as I clutched the Tear of Serenity tightly in my hand. The pulsating energy flowing through it matched the pounding of my heart. It was a tangible reminder of the sacrifices I had made and the battles I had fought.
As I ventured out, I felt a renewed sense of purpose coursing through my veins. The creatures that once threatened me now cowered in my presence, unable to harm me. The power I had gained from the Red Witch's arrow had transformed me into something greater than I ever imagined.
I continued on my journey, my steps quick and determined. The weight of my mission lifted from my shoulders as I thought of the Red Witch's words, promising my child's return. My heart swelled with hope, fueling my every move.
Returning to the Red Witch's dwelling, I presented her with the Tear of Serenity, fulfilling my part of the bargain. Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she held the powerful artefact in her hands. "Portia," she said respectfully, "you have given me my heart. And now, I grant you your deepest wish."
A surge of emotions ran through me, and tears welled up once more. This time, they were tears of gratitude and hope. The Red Witch's words echoed in my mind as I felt a warm glow enveloping me, a sign that my wish was being fulfilled.
But the Red Witch had one final message for me. "Go to the tree standing alone," she instructed, her voice tinged with urgency. "You will find your baby dragon egg. Take care of both of them, for they are the embodiment of love and magic."
Following the Red Witch's instructions, I arrived at a clearing in the dense forest. Before me stood a majestic tree, tall and proud, its branches swaying gently in the wind. I could sense the magic emanating from it, beckoning me closer.
With trembling hands, I reached out and gently touched the trunk. Instantly, a soft warmth spread through my fingertips as though the tree recognized me. I felt awe and anticipation as I watched the ground beside the tree crack open, revealing a shimmering, speckled egg.
With a nod of understanding, I left the Red Witch's presence, clutching the Tear of Serenity and cradling the precious egg close to my chest. The weight of my burden had transformed into a precious gift, a chance for a new beginning. My breath caught in my throat as I delicately cradled the egg in my hands. It was unlike anything I had ever seen, the shell gleaming with iridescent hues. Within it, I could feel the life force pulsating, ready to burst forth.
A wave of love washed over me as I gazed at the precious gift bestowed upon me. Tears filled my eyes, blurring my vision and mixing with the remnants of the trials I had endured. This egg represented not only the rebirth of my beloved child but also the triumph of love and resilience.
Carefully, I wrapped the egg in a soft cloth and held it close to my heart, knowing it would soon hatch and bring immeasurable joy. With newfound determination, I turned back, retracing my steps through the fairy realm, eager to reunite with my family.
The path ahead was still uncertain, but I knew that I could face anything with love in my heart and a baby with its dragon by my side. The legacy of the Dragon Kingdom rested on my shoulders, and I was ready to embrace the challenges ahead.
As I returned to my home, I couldn't help but smile. The journey was far from over, and battles were still to be fought, but I was not alone. With my child returned to me and the promise of a new life, I knew that we would create a future filled with love, strength, and the enduring power of family.
My Beloved Readers,
The baby and the dragon egg are together as one soul with two creatures. Read on to find out how this story ends.
Love always,
Your author.