Chapter 34
The night air was cold as Ping rode through the dense forest, her heart pounding with urgency. Mei and a few trusted guards accompanied her, their torches barely illuminating the darkened path ahead. The hooves of their horses thudded against the ground, but despite their numbers, an eerie silence surrounded them.
"The Forgotten Woods…" Mei whispered, gripping the reins of her horse tightly. "They say no one enters and returns the same."
Ping swallowed her fear and straightened her back. "I don't care. If this witch is the only one who can help Ling, then we have no choice."
One of the guards spoke cautiously. "My lady, even if we find her, she may not be willing to help."
Ping's gaze hardened. "Then I will make her."
The trees grew taller and denser as they moved deeper into the woods. Shadows danced between the branches, and the further they went, the more the air around them felt… unnatural. It was as if something was watching them.
Then, without warning, Mei's horse neighed and stopped abruptly. The others followed suit, refusing to move forward.
"What's wrong?" Ping asked, but as she looked around, she felt it too—an unseen force pressing against them, thick like mist.
And then, a voice.
"You seek the forbidden."
The voice was neither loud nor soft. It came from everywhere and nowhere all at once. A chill ran down Ping's spine as a figure slowly emerged from the darkness.
She was draped in a tattered black cloak, her face hidden beneath the shadow of her hood. But as she stepped forward, the torchlight caught her features—pale skin, piercing violet eyes, and lips curved into an amused smirk.
"The queen of Mora dares to step into my domain," the witch mused, tilting her head. "How interesting."
Ping wasted no time. "You know why I'm here."
The witch chuckled. "Of course I do. You wish to save your beloved king from a curse that cannot be broken."
Ping clenched her fists. "Then help me."
The witch's smile widened. "And what will you give me in return?"
Silence fell over the group. Mei and the guards stiffened. They knew this was coming, but hearing it aloud made it real.
"I'll give you whatever you want," Ping said, voice steady despite the fear in her chest.
The witch's eyes gleamed. "Be careful with such promises, little queen."
She stepped closer, her cold fingers brushing against Ping's cheek. "Very well. I will help you."
Ping exhaled in relief, but the witch wasn't done. She leaned in, her voice like a whisper of the wind.
"But in return… you will give me a piece of your soul."
The forest went deathly silent. Mei gasped. The guards reached for their swords, but Ping didn't flinch.
For Ling… she would do anything.
Slowly, she met the witch's gaze and whispered, "Then take it."