Bonds of Light and Darkness

Dear Diary,

Today was a scary day. I was waiting for an hour when suddenly we heard a noise at the door, like someone was coming. We got really alert. Mr. Wulfric ran and tried to protect me, putting me behind him. I was terrified, and my eyes were stuck on the door. Then Professor Xorki appeared, carrying Marrie in his arms. Marrie was injured, her blood was dripping, and she was in extreme pain.

I suggested we go to Heirloomberg Hospital since it’s near. Mr. Wulfric agreed, but the professor looked hesitant. He said going to Heirloomberg Hospital was not a good idea because they might find our trace there. Mr. Wulfric said we didn’t have time to delay. On Mr. Wulfric’s insistence, the professor took out his wand and cast a spell in the air, and through that, we came out at Heirloomberg Hospital’s ground.

We walked inside, and at the reception, Mona Pixirome was there. She admitted Marrie, and the professor told her that Marrie was flying when her car crashed, but he managed to fly her here. When the professor was busy talking to Marrie, Mona told me to wait for the patient in a room nearby.

After Marrie was admitted, I found myself in a hallway with two doors. I wasn’t sure which one to choose, so I turned to ask the Mona, but they had already gone through one. I took a chance and entered the other door.

To my surprise, I stepped into a heavenly garden bathed in moonlight, filled with fresh air that smelled of flowers and trees. A fairy was there, her wings adorned with cuts and old injuries that spoke of her struggles. Despite her wounds, she looked incredibly beautiful. She introduced herself as Dr. Hani Heirloomberg, the actual owner of Heirloomberg Hospital. I introduced myself as Zoe, not revealing my identity as a princess.

Dr. Hani was incredibly kind. We explored the entire garden together, and I couldn’t help but feel like I was in a dream world. The garden was like heaven with its serene atmosphere, illuminated by the gentle glow of the moon. Dr. Hani sang a song that resonated with strength and resilience, describing her hardships and the love she missed from an old friend, a queen. Through her song, I felt the depth of her efforts to protect her people and town, despite her struggles. It was a song filled with pain yet powerful in its message.

Tears filled Dr. Hani’s eyes as she landed gracefully after singing and flying. Her sorrow was palpable, but so was her determination. In that moment, I understood the weight of her responsibilities and admired her for her courage.

“In the darkest of nights, when the stars cease to shine,
I stand alone, burdened by this heart of mine.
Through the trials and tears, I’ve carried this load,
A queen without her crown, on a weary road.

Oh, my friend, queen of love, where have you gone?
Leaving me here, in shadows, to carry on.
I fought for our people, with all that I had,
But the pain in my heart, it’s driving me mad.

In the garden we tended, where flowers once bloomed,
Now lies barren, in silence, our hopes consumed.
I sang to the moon, hoping you’d hear my cry,
But the echoes fade, as dreams wither and die.

Oh, my friend, queen of love, your absence I feel,
In this world of sorrow, where wounds never heal.
Yet I stand here resilient, though broken and worn,
For my people, my land, I’ll forever adorn.

Through the echoes of time, and the tears that I shed,
I’ll carry your friendship, like a crown on my head.
But oh, my friend, queen of love, if only you knew,
The strength I have gained, from loving you true.”

After Dr. Hani sang her hauntingly beautiful song, she approached me with a mix of curiosity and concern. She asked why I had come to the hospital, and I explained that Professor Xorki had brought me because a friend of mine was injured. Her eyes widened in astonishment and she asked if I was a student of Ebonlores. I nodded, feeling a bit nervous under her intense gaze.

Then, her demeanor suddenly changed, and she became serious. I felt a chill run down my spine as she leaned closer and whispered, “Do not let anyone know that I am here.” Her words sent a shiver through me, and I asked her why this hospital was such a prohibited place and why people didn’t come here even in great injury.

Dr. Hani’s expression grew somber as she explained, “They are waiting for the moment they can destroy us. Going against the Ministry and challenging them is our fault. The Pact is protecting us and the whole realm from the destruction that is about to come.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. The hospital, a place meant for healing, was now a hidden sanctuary fraught with danger. Dr. Hani’s words echoed in my mind as I tried to grasp the weight of the situation. It felt like I had stumbled into a world of secrets and conspiracies, far beyond anything I had ever imagined.

After Dr. Hani revealed the hidden truths about Heirloomberg Hospital and the ancient pact, my mind was spinning with questions. I asked her if there was anything that could prevent the pact from being broken. Without a word, she took my hand and led me through a secret passage under the river, into an underground cave that felt like a cozy home. Everything was meticulously organized, from the carved walls adorned with portraits and baby clothes, to the warm glow of the table lamp and neatly arranged cupboard and bed.

Dr. Hani explained that the pact was established by a king thousands of years ago, but its continuation depended on descendants closely related to the royal lineage. To safeguard against its breaking, Queen Genevieve Hawthorne had forsaken her throne and lived in hiding with her son. Here, hidden away from those who sought to destroy them, they hoped to remain undetected.

“Are you talking about Queen Genevieve Hawthorne?” I asked, my heart racing at the revelation. Dr. Hani confirmed my suspicion. I wanted to tell her that I too was a princess, but I knew that the only person I could trust right now was Master Wigweard and those he trusted.

Dr. Hani then mentioned Professor Xorki, she said, she knew that he worked with Master Wigweard and she supports him as well. Both she and Queen Genevieve had chosen love over war, but Dr. Hani couldn’t shake the feeling that war was their inevitable destiny and she accepted it unlike my grandmaa.

Before I left, Dr. Hani entrusted me with a message for Master Wigweard. She asked me to greet him and tell him that Aurora Vara was nearing death but didn’t know where the Veinguard Diamond had gone. I tried my best to hide my shock and confusion. The mention of the Veingard Diamond struck a chord in my memory, but I couldn’t recall if Aurora Vara had actually given it to me or if it was just a dream.

With Dr. Hani’s permission, I left the underground sanctuary and returned to the hospital where Marrie was now fully recovered. We embraced tightly, feeling a bond of sisterhood between us. Together, we left the hospital and descended into the shadowy basement where Mr. Wulfric had been repairing Zippy, our faithful companion. Marrie couldn’t hold back her tears upon seeing Zippy restored to its original state. We said our goodbyes to Mr. Wulfric and began our journey towards Næglingræd Hills.

Yours in renewed hope and steadfast companionship,

Zoe