Chapter 82: Eerie whispers

Chapter 82: Eerie whispers Everyone felt a cold presence surrounding them but they could not see anything. They heard distant whispers they knew they should not dare answer as an unnatural cold shook them to the bones They rode faster despite their entire body shaking from the feeling of death that hung around them lurking for an opportunity. "What is happening?" Jubilee asked, hugging herself as she curled in a spot on the maid carriage. She was surprised at how Zoltana didn’t seem disturbed by the disturbing presence. "It is the dead that are trapped here, searching for someone to accompany them forever," Zoltana answered, leaving everyone terrified. She was from the wandering clan; they were not necessarily witches or gypsies but considered that way because of their different ways. They didn’t use holy magic nor did they worship the goddess of the moon Nyxoria. "They have already marked someone close by," Zoltana said, striking more fear into the hearts of everyone. Jubilee’s face became as pale as a sheet of paper as she continued to tremble. "Why are you so composed?" Evelyn could not help but ask as she watched the maid the princess was ready to risk her life to get. "Because I have no reason to fear; they only go after those associated with death or have been marked by death," Zoltana explained; the whispers were eerie, Evelyn was confused because they had gone through this same route before, but it wasn’t this creepy. "As long as you don’t answer the whispers you will be safe. " Zoltana cautioned that it was a myth known in Darconia never answered the spirits in the Netherlands. Others could not see the eerie presence, but Cedric could see them clearly; they gathered around the carriage but didn’t dare come in because of his presence. His eyes fell on Abrielle, who was under his sleeping spell, oblivious of the strange paranormal event happening around her. "Why are you surrounded by death?" He asked even though he knew no one would answer that question. The spirit’s whispers moved through the carriage walls as they kept on saying strange things, but one thing for sure was that they wanted Abrielle. Cedric didn’t like that thought as his hold around her tightened; she curled up, nestling in his hold with her head resting against his chest. Her hair was packed together so her red face due to the unusual cold was obvious. "You will be her death," another whisper from outside, which puzzled Cedric. He had no intention of killing her. Although his inner voice tells him to, he refuses. "There is no escape from death, the one wedded to the prince of darkness must pay with their lives." Another eerie whisper said from outside. Cedric glanced outside, seeing their translucent form, some fainter than the other. They were all trapped souls which would soon turn into ghouls. The atmosphere became suffocating as the pressure thickened with his aura. The spirits shrank as Cedric’s aura covered the carriage and spread throughout the perimeter, scaring away the spirit. His eyes were as dark as the abyss, and soon the whispers all disappeared, same as the strange cold, but a heavy presence stronger and worse than death hung around as they proceeded at high speed. Abrielle’s brows furrowed, her mouth parted feeling the stronger presence that surrounded her. "Go back to sleep; we will soon cross the forest." He urged her rubbing his gloved hand against her face. Her breath regulated and she fell asleep again. A word left her lips which should have never. "Lucian," she muttered, and Cedric’s presence became heavier. It was the middle of noon when they finally left the forest, crossing into another duchy territory, Ashwood. Abrielle woke up after the storm was over, hypothetically speaking. "Your Highness," she heard a soft voice call out, and her eyes fluttered. "Evelyn," Abrielle muttered. "Good afternoon, your Highness; it’s time for lunch," Evelyn informed her; Abrielle slowly sat up; she was lying on the long seat in the carriage. She had no idea when she took that position or anything that happened in the past hours. "Where are we now?" Abrielle asked as she stepped out from the carriage. They had set up the small camp arrangement for lunch before they continued their journey till night. "Ashwood duchy, we are likely to reach the capital by noon tomorrow if nothing happens on the way," Evelyn informed Abrielle, her eyes darting around the entourage, subconsciously searching for someone. "Where is Prince Cedric?" She asked, unable to find her husband, curious about where he might have gone. " He went ahead to scout the route with some knights. They already had lunch, so as soon as they are back, we will continue the journey." Evelyn explained. Abrielle was taken to the comfortable spot set out for her, she ate separately from everyone due to her status. The only one who could eat by her side was Cedric or Alfonso and she rather not eat beside either. Horses could be heard in the distance; her eyes trailed in the direction to find a small group led by Cedric approaching them. She raised her hand to wave out for him. Cedric glanced in her direction, but his gaze was fleeting before he started to discuss incoherently. "Seems like someone has a lovers quarrel." She heard an annoying voice chirp beside her. It was Alfonso, he sat beside Abrielle with a mischievous smile hanging on his lips. "What are you doing here?" She snapped at him but he just scoffed. "You should be glad I am accompanying you since your husband is too mad too. What did I say, Abrielle? Forget Cedric. He isn’t worth it." Alfonso was speaking in puzzles she didn’t understand. She had been on her best behaviour, so how did she get him mad now? "I don’t want your company," Abrielle sneered, picking up her plate and moving back to the carriage. She had her meal there. "You can always think about it. You know where to find me. Cedric won’t mind." Alfonso chimed behind her. A couple of minutes later, they continued moving, but Cedric didn’t return to the carriage. This time, they were steady, so her motion sickness was not too bad. They arrived at Ashwood Duchy estate late in the middle of the night.