Truth' in the mist part 6
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Part 6 – “Truth in the Mist”
The throne room was dim, only a handful of torches burning low. Shadows swayed across the black stone walls as the great doors creaked open. Kelith walked in first, her boots clicking in the silence, her eyes sharp and questioning. Onsel followed, unusually quiet, his steps heavy.
The Goblin King sat tall on his throne, his gaze fixed on them. The air in the hall felt thick, almost mist-like, pressing down on the three of them.
> Goblin King: “Kelith, there is a truth I have hidden from you for many years. One I can no longer keep.”
Kelith crossed her arms.
> Kelith: “Then stop speaking in riddles and say it.”
The King’s eyes shifted to Onsel, then back to her.
> Goblin King: “Onsel’s purpose here is not only to train you. He was cursed long ago in battle. That curse tied his life to yours. If you die before your hundredth year ends… he will die too.”
Kelith’s breath caught. Her gaze snapped toward Onsel, the hurt already burning in her eyes.
> Kelith: “Is it true?”
Onsel’s voice was low, his usual teasing edge gone.
> Onsel: “Yes. At first, I only protected you because my life depended on it. I told myself I could keep my distance—”
Her voice cut in sharply.
> Kelith: “So I was just your lifeline? Every word, every moment you pushed me — it was all for you?”
A faint coil of black mist curled from her fingertips, swirling in the torchlight.
Onsel stepped forward, his eyes meeting hers.
> Onsel: “At first… yes. But it’s not like that anymore. Somewhere along the way, you became more than a task. I protect you now because I want to — not because I have to.”
Kelith’s jaw tightened. She turned away from him, refusing to let him see the mix of pain and confusion in her eyes.
The Goblin King rose from his throne, his voice heavy with warning.
> Goblin King: “This curse is not only a chain — it may also be the key to your survival. But if you do not face it together, it will destroy you both.”
Without another word, Kelith walked toward the doors, her footsteps echoing. The heavy wood shut behind her with a hollow thud.
The King’s gaze turned to Onsel.
> Goblin King: “You have not told her everything. She deserves the rest.”
Onsel’s voice was quiet, almost pained.
> Onsel: “If she knew the rest… she might never forgive me.”
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Later that Night
The palace slept under the silver wash of moonlight. Most torches were out, leaving the corridors cold and shadowed. Onsel stood on a high balcony, the mist from the forest rolling below like a living sea.
The Goblin King’s deep voice broke the silence.
> Goblin King: “She is furious with you.”
Onsel didn’t turn.
> Onsel: “I know. I earned it.”
The King stepped closer.
> Goblin King: “You told her only half the truth.”
Onsel’s jaw tightened.
> Onsel: “Because the second half will destroy whatever trust remains between us.”
The King’s eyes narrowed.
> Goblin King: “If she learns it from another, it will cut deeper. You remember your original task.”
Onsel’s hand gripped the railing. His voice was low, each word like stone.
> Onsel: “I was sent to kill her before the curse bound me to her life.”
The King studied him.
> Goblin King: “And now?”
Onsel turned at last, his amber eyes burning with a fierce resolve.
> Onsel: “Now… I would burn every realm before letting anyone touch her.”
The King gave a slow nod, but his tone was grim.
> Goblin King: “Then be ready. The demon who cursed you will not wait much longer.”
From somewhere far beyond the palace walls, carried on the cold wind, came the faint echo of inhuman laughter. The mist below seemed to twist and rise, as though answering the call.
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