~Katrina~
We entered the forest, moving slower this time. My heart was racing, but I kept telling myself that I'd be okay—as long as I was with the king, nothing could hurt me.
"It's so dark," I whispered, even though the moon was shining and I could see animals scurrying away at the sound of our approach.
"Are you scared, Katrina?" Karl chuckled softly. He knew exactly what I was thinking. "We're almost there. Don't worry. I'm with you."
I took a deep breath, holding on to whatever was giving me strength. I believed him. I believed he would keep me safe.
As we rode deeper, the forest started to light up. A soft green glow was coming from nearby. I couldn't help but wonder—was someone living here? But who would choose the middle of the forest over the peaceful villages of Xylonia? It didn't make sense. It didn't even feel safe.
A few minutes later, we reached the source of the light. My lips parted in shock, but I couldn't say a word. My voice failed me. I had never seen anything so beautiful.
"Wow…" I breathed as we got closer. The whole place felt like something out of a dream. The sky had a soft green color, and red stars sparkled like fireflies. The water shimmered, surrounded by wildflowers and tall grass. Three deer drank peacefully by the edge, but when they saw us, they darted away.
"How is this real? I never imagined a place like this could exist. I didn't think it was possible."
"This is my hideout," the king said as he got off the horse. I followed, still unable to look away. "No one comes here unless I let them."
"What happened here?" I asked as we walked across a small bridge that led to the river.
"This place used to belong to the witches of Xylonia," Karl replied.
My eyes widened. Witches? I'd only heard about them in old stories. I always thought they were just made-up tales. "You don't think I believe in them, do you?"
"No," he said with a smile. "Your face says it all."
"But… they're real?" I took a step closer to the river, still trying to understand.
"They are," he said. "But they left… or went into hiding."
"Why?" I noticed his voice dropped. He seemed distant, lost in thought. I nudged him playfully. "Hey, don't go quiet on me now."
"Really?" He smirked. "You'll pay for that." Then he started unbuttoning his shirt.
I laughed, not taking him seriously. But when I saw his chest—those perfect, sculpted muscles—I forgot what I was thinking. I couldn't look away.
I swallowed hard, my eyes locked on him as he slowly took off his shirt. Then he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me.
I let out a shaky breath. His touch… it felt like home. His scent, the warmth of his skin—it made my heart race. He gently nipped at my neck, and I closed my eyes, letting the moment take me.
Butterflies filled my stomach. I felt so alive, so drawn to him. I wanted to wrap my arms around him, to hold him close… but something happened too fast to stop. I lost balance and fell backward, his weight tipping me into the water with him.
The shock of it made me gasp, and the next thing I knew, I was sitting in the shallow water with Karl in front of me, laughing. He had done exactly what he said he would—he got me.
I felt embarrassed, but it was funny too. I couldn't help the small smile tugging at my lips.
"You didn't see that coming, my lady," he laughed.
"I didn't… honestly," I admitted, crossing my arms over my chest. The water wasn't deep, so I stood up easily. He must've known that.
"She's angry," Karl teased, stepping closer. His laughter faded, and his voice softened. "You are precious to me… do you know that?"
"I don't know," I said quietly. "I thought Fortuna was the one you truly cared about."
He frowned slightly, his eyes narrowing. "You're jealous of her?"
I didn't answer, but he went on.
"Fortuna will never be a problem for us. She's my friend, nothing more. But you… you are my love."
My heart stopped. Did he really just say that? Did I hear him right?
"What did you say?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
"That I love you," he said again.
I looked into his eyes, searching for a hint of doubt—but there was none. He meant every word. Still, I glanced around, wondering if this was all a dream.
"Rania told me I was falling for you," he continued. "I didn't believe her then. But tonight… tonight made everything clear. I've never felt like this before."
His eyes shone with honesty. My heart ached and soared at the same time.
"I think about you all the time, Katrina. You…"
I wrapped my arms around him instead. I didn't know what to say. My heart was still racing, still trying to believe what just happened. The king… was in love with me. This felt like the best night of my life.
We stayed in that hug, holding on to each other like nothing else mattered. But then, I felt something. A strange feeling—like we were being watched.
I opened my eyes and looked to the right. Nothing. Then I turned left, up toward the bridge—and that's when I saw her.
An old woman.
She stood at the far end of the bridge, near the horse. Her eyes were locked on us. My whole body went cold. Fear took over me and I quickly tapped Karl.
He turned, then gave a small smile. "Oh, her?" he said calmly. "Don't worry, my love. She won't hurt you."
He kissed my forehead, but it didn't ease the fear growing inside me. Something about this didn't feel right.
"I thought no one comes here without your permission," I whispered, my voice shaking. The air felt heavier now. The woman wore a long black coat and held a wooden stick. That's when I remembered what he said—this place used to belong to the witches.
"Yes," he said softly, pulling me into his chest and gently patting my back. "But she won't harm you. She'll leave soon."
But she didn't.
She just stood there… silent, still, staring.
"I'll go and see what she wants," Karl said, letting go of me.
I didn't want him to leave my side. But I also didn't want that woman watching us like that. So I nodded, staying where I was in the water.
He walked up to her, and they began to talk. I couldn't hear them. But every now and then, he looked back at me—like they were talking about me.
My stomach turned.
Why was she here?
Why wasn't he afraid of her?
Why did they speak like old friends?
So many questions filled my head. And only one answer echoed back—Prince Elvin's words.
The king is a devil.
And if that woman was a witch… then maybe everything was not as it seemed.