The maid cried out,
"Your Excellency, my lady… you have visitors. Shall I allow them in?"
Kandra nodded silently in approval.
The golden doors swung open slowly, their creaking echo shaking both soul and heart at once.
A brilliant light spilled through the opening, carrying with it three shadows stretching across the marble floor. With heavy steps, they stood before her in unwavering composure.
Kandra, with regal calm:
"So… you have arrived. I have been waiting for you, Roy."
Roy (gazing at her deeply):
"You seem sorrowful today… unlike yourself."
Leora (mesmerized, whispering to the White One):
"Who is this woman? She looks like a celestial angel…"
White One:
"Lower your voice… she can hear you."
Kandra, her voice soaked in regret:
"I have become chained within this world… I can no longer feel myself."
Roy:
"Why such emotions now, at this particular moment?"
Kandra closed her eyes for a moment.
Kandra:
"Twelve queens have reigned through the ages… nine of them met their end through disappearance, as though fate itself punished them without reason. My destiny is clear."
Leora, shocked:
"What… led to their demise?"
Kandra stared down at her feet.
Kandra:
"My sin is that I was born white. I was created as the center of balance—whoever is born pure is crowned queen…
But in the end, I will burn.
The safety of existence depends on my energy."
A hush fell over the gem-encrusted palace. A gentle breeze brushed the garlands of strange plants, and their fragrance filled the sacred hall.
Roy, his voice firm and heavy with purpose:
"That exile… she has not taken any action yet."
Kandra:
"She believes she has freed herself from her prison… but she has lost her way."
Roy clenched his fist.
Roy:
"I will track her down."