Chapter 14: Shadow Strangers

On a gloomy day, a lady dressed in dark clothes walks toward a newly dug hole in the ground. On this rainy afternoon, many folks gathered, most wearing black, some holding tissues as their tears mixed with the falling rain. It felt like even the sky was crying with them.

The crowd's tearful eyes revealed the deep sorrow of this day, a day when they said their final goodbyes to someone they cherished deeply.

"My Peta!"

A mother's heartbreaking cry pierced the air. She made her way slowly toward the newly dug grave, the final resting place of her beloved child.

A well-dressed woman, clearly of high status, approached the grieving mother.

"Aunt Lui," she whispered gently, her own eyes glistening with tears.

She held Lui's hand tightly and tears welling up in her own eyes.

"Your Highness," she said softly, her voice filled with empathy.

"Aunt Lui, your daughter, Peta.....without her never-ending determination and persistent bravery, she would not have been a part of my life. In addition, I wouldn't be where I am now if it weren't for her. That's why I'm here... to pay my respects and condolence."

Tears streamed down Lui's face as she tightly gripped Elizabeth's hand.

"As a mother, I also blame myself for her death, Your Highness…. But I'm proud of her; she was my child who tackled every life difficulty with courage."

Elizabeth also became overwhelmed with emotion and began to cry. She was extremely moved by Peta's mother's every word.

She couldn't believe that this was their current reality as a mourning queen who had lost an individual who had always been by her side.

A heavy sense of grief and emptiness enveloped her heart as she stood there, trying to come to terms with the irreplaceable void left behind by the departed soul.

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The lively pub was a sharp contrast to the solemn graveyard, as customers joked and clinked drinks. People were enjoying their beverages and indulging in delicious meals in this bustling environment. Amidst the jovial atmosphere, a hushed conversation caught the attention of those nearby.

"Have you heard about the King's recent actions? Seems like he's getting quite ruthless with his last execution."

A second person, sipping on his drink, chimed in, "Well, he might be doing it to protect the kingdom, you know. Sometimes tough decisions have to be made."

But someone else, looking quite doubtful said, "Every time someone puts on that shiny crown and takes the leader's seat on Otheonate Kingdom, things never seem to change. It's like a never-ending cycle." A few chuckles and nods of agreement followed, as they all seemed to share this cynical view.

In the midst of these conversations, a shadowy figure, shrouded in a dark hood, slipped through the crowd and approached the stout, bald bartender.

The bartender, engrossed in cleaning glass, looked up as the cloaked stranger leaned in, curiosity gleaming in the bartender's eyes.

"What can I get ya?" the bartender asked.

The hooded figure's voice, muffled by the fabric, responded cryptically,'' I'm looking for your owner. Where is he?"

The bartender, still focused on their task, replied, "The boss ain't around at the moment, but he's got something for you." With a deliberate and slightly secretive gesture, the bartender reached below the counter and retrieved a small black box. It was wrapped with care, nestled in a soft black cloth. He slid it gracefully across the polished wood of the bar, bringing it within the stranger's reach.

The stranger's gloved hand extended, fingers gently curling around the mysterious package. They nodded in acknowledgment, their eyes never leaving the bartender. "Tell him I appreciate it," they said cryptically, their voice a whisper in the bustling tavern.

The bartender nodded, a glimmer of curiosity in their eyes, but he refrained from prying further.

With a swift and purposeful movement, the hooded figure departed, slipping away into the crowd. He skillfully navigated the exit of the tavern, ensuring that no one paid him an attention.

As he moved away from the busy tavern, an eerie feeling crept along his back. Before he could do anything, a dark figure appeared from the darkness, attacking him with deadly accuracy, and ending his life.

The shadowy stranger stepped into a faint light, uncovering golden hair and captivating pink eyes.

With an exasperated tone, he grumbled, "Finally....*sigh*...I can head home now."