CHAPTER 04 - The Beginning of the end

The truth shocked us that even a word could not come out of it.  

I still remember his every word, all the stories he told me about the island and Lisa Dorling.

The curse, abuse, her sacrifices, everything was horrific, and the fact I lived it.

Covering my shivering legs, I curved into a tiny ball. The sweat fell off my forehead; I searched for words, yet failed. 

"It's all a game of power. One day, even a flower has to be withered. Who knew the joyful-playing Lisa's life would turn out to be worse than hell."

I listened to him carefully, still couldn't find the answer to his riddles. The secret behind his strange laugh was in-depth.

With a timid empathy, I wanted to ask him word-for-word. "But why are you telling me all this?" 

Unawares, his smile hid behind a shady gloom, and his face was full of despair.

When he saw me with slanting eyes, my heart started pounding. 

Did I ask something wrong? 

Poker-faced and in a dull voice, he mandated. "Come with me!"

We got out of that prison. 

In a corner, it placed a dusty cupboard, candles above it, and an adorned mirror on the side. 

While taking out an old book, he approached me. "I can help you, but I have one condition."

"W-what is it?"

"Now is the time to tell you. Lisa Dorling is nothing but a dark spirit that has been keeping this island cursed for years. She will let no one live, neither you, me, nor your friends. If you want to go back, you have to help me break this curse."

"But why me?"

"It's because... Seven Heaven chose you. According to the tale, only a girl who looks like Lisa will break this curse and become the new Queen and will set us free." He was deadly looking at me, holding a begging prayer. "You have to dig the tunnel of our salvation, Irene Jenner."

Removing the book cover, he lifted his hand and called for saviors. "Open the door for this little lady to enter this dark worm and save the island." He closed his eyes and started moving his hands in a rhythm. 

I heard that melody again, which shook me. I turned my head and glanced at the entrance. "No way! Is she coming again?" Moving my head, I sought help from him, but he was too busy in prayers. I left unspoken. 

What should I do? Move back to jail? 

I just kept looking here and there, and the voice started reverberating. I thought now my end was near. 

Unawares he straightaway lowered his hands, and the sound halted.

It stunned me to see this. It was all happening in a snap.

He jerked the dust off the book and put it down, and opened it with a flash glistening in my eyes. 

"From Golden words to the enmity of blood, to break Lisa's curse, you have to live her heart-wrenching wounds." He handed me a pendant with blue crystal wrapped around the chain. "Go! You're my last hope, Irene."

His words... It made me feel as if I was in the act of emotional history. My one choice would decide the fate of this island. 

I felt a strange feeling holding me and could hear the screams. It was a calling. Someone was begging me for help. 

Tugging at my hair, I peeked inside the book. 

In Pages, a lady seemed to be working on a design with her child wrapped against her back. 

The little one with shiny eyes was dreaming while holding her mom tightly. I could feel the warmth of her smile. 

Nerves get on me when I put my hand on the page. The light penetrated my body. Within moments, I felt a drastic change in my surroundings.

It was as if I was getting teleported. 

Downsized in my weight, making me feel like floating in the air. 

When the light fell on my eyes, I was on the back of that woman.

Wrinkles formed across my forehead. Is this real? Am I in the book?

I couldn't believe my eyes and the fact that I was about to live Lisa Dorling's life. So, Am I the Lisa Dorling now?

It was like two souls in one body. I was there, but I could do nothing other than watch her actions.

It was a mystery, and the solution was the time. I shut my gaze to pray and begged for strength.

God, give me enough strength to get out of it. 

Out of the blue, the lady got up, placing me on a wooden couch. 

I scanned the area and found myself in a village home.

Structurally, it was a roof supported by walls with a door. 

A part separated the main entrance from the road, with a courtyard in front and a staircase.

Looking through the side window, I saw kids playing and women gossiping about random stuff.

I came closer to the window and listened carefully to their talks.

"You know that now the King is getting Prince Edwan married. He has also held an event to choose the Princess."

"Exactly. Whoever marries the prince will live a prosperous life."

Hearing this, the bells of Lisa's heart started ringing loudly. The royal family tag and wealth covered her eyes.

She started seeing a life of royalty and comfort and had decided to participate in this event.

Although before she could unfold the truth of the reality, she frowned, hearing her mom's voice.

"What're you doing there, Lisa? Come, let's eat."

Breathing out, I relaxed and sat back on the couch.

Mom brought yogurt from a room and sat beside me.

Her smile was whelming as she caressed my head and kissed my forehead.

"My doll must be hungry. Look what Mumma has brought, Lisa's favorite yogurt." She filled a spoonful of yogurt and fed me with fondness. My eyes became moist watching her. Maybe, Lisa had killed everybody, but everyone had an attachment with their moms.

Spending a few moments in her lap, I felt pleased when a storm knocked on the door.

A new chapter in her story was about, to begin with, the knock that broke her innocent heart and made her absurd.

Puzzled, Mom got up and peeked from the window. "Lord?" She instantly went near the door.

Bowing down, she welcomed him. "Glory to the King! We're grateful for your visit."

...............................................

Mom was engaged in taking care of royals. Time passed, and he finally came up with his intention. 

Clearing his throat, a minister got up from his place and approached her.

Out of curiosity, I hid behind a pillar and attended to him. 

"We have come here with a proposal. Prince Edwan saw your daughter in the garden today and is impressed by her beauty. The King wants to ask for your daughter's hand and make her the Princess of this kingdom."

With my raised and curved brows, I stared at them, waiting for mom's reply.

Is her dream coming true? Is Lisa going to be a part of the royal family?