Previously...

"Haha! Suit yourself, kidnapper."

Hearing this word, Zuber grew sorrowful. His eyes hardened. He got up abruptly and unlocked the main door. Casting one last look at her, he left the house with Kyrah's puzzled expression floating in his mind...

The royal couple was beginning to start praying for their beloved daughter. No doubt the Stone House granted wishes, but there were conditions. It had its own special powers: granting justice, bestowing or snatching away powers, and keeping watch on all the shifting serpents community. But the king and queen weren't aware of the "conditions".

Just before their prayers started, a melodious voice sweeter than honey, light as a feather yet beholding immense power, echoed. The sound vibrated in the whole atmosphere leaving them mesmerized.

"Royal king and queen, you have come with great hopes here. Your wish will be granted, but remember: do not stop praying at any cost," the House echoed.

Determined to get their wish fulfilled, they started chanting. A gust of wind started blowing as soon as their prayers began, taking its toll on them.

The winds were so fierce that they clung to each other for support, yet continued their chanting. They couldn't stop, no, it was their only hope.

The gust soon changed into a whirlwind, which was ready to devour anything in its path. Interestingly, the whole effect was solely on the couple.

They caught each other by holding their hands tightly. Tucking fragments of their clothes in a tiny crack, they positioned themselves in a corner.
Their chants grew louder, their eyebrows were furrowed in concentration.

The whirlwind vanished and was replaced by a thunderstorm, which drenched them completely. The temperature dropped swiftly, turning the water droplets into ice.

Their wet clothes were now filled with small icicles. Paleness gripped their faces, their lips turned blue due to the freezing temperature, accompanied by vigorous shivering.

Due to their unflinching concentration, a light started glowing from their crowns, radiating the surrounding. The temperature rose, drying up everything in the vicinity.

The light emitted scorching heat, leaving them drenched in sweat. Their cheeks were flushed, their eyes burned and their skin was filled with goosebumps. Regardless, they continued their chants believing in their whole-hearted prayers.

The light circled the couple, illuminating their crowns, seizing all the swift weather changes. Finally, it lifted, coming in front of them. They were awestruck and left speechless.

The queen's arm was lifted and her palm opened by the light. The light then turned into a beautiful gold ring which was shaped like a small tiara. It had tiny diamonds at the top, the center being embedded with a big white sparkling gem. It was luminous.

"You have successfully overcome all the obstacles, so your wish will be granted. This ring will turn into a magnificent crown once removed from your finger. Place it on top of the Princess's head and she will turn into a serpent, as per the ritual. Your daughter will be present by the time you reach the palace," the House echoed.

"Thank you," both of them said and bowed simultaneously. They felt very happy hearing this news. The chanting, however, had taken away all their energy. They walked out of the House hand-in-hand, clearly exhausted.

"We can't shift now, we are too fatigued," Marsel said.

"It will take us weeks to reach the palace on foot," Lilah said disappointedly.

"Our energies were used to make the crown which is on your finger," he said, stroking her hand which was in his. "I don't know how long it will take to restore our energies."

"Let's not lose hope. Be it in human form, we will try to reach as soon as possible," she answered optimistically. "I hope my baby is safe, wherever she is."

"I hope so too," he said with a sigh. "Let's go home, Lilah."

They walked a considerable difference in silence. The weather was pleasant with occasional slight breezes. Seeing an apple tree ahead, Marsel stopped in his tracks.

"Let's just rest here for a while. We need to eat too," he said.

Both of them sat down under the tree. Plucking two apples, Marsel wiped them with his cloak and handed one to Lilah. They ate in silence. Soon, Marsel dozed off.

Lilah looked around. Other than the two of them, there wasn't a third being, but she felt as if someone was watching them.

She wanted to wake Marsel up but didn't. He had dark circles around his eyes, the five o' clock shadow clearly visible on his tired face. She tried to shake off her hunch by thinking of something else, but she couldn't.

Creeping up from behind the tree, a black snake made its way towards Lilah. Unaware about this, she put her leg on it by mistake. The snake bit her leg strongly.

Her howl woke up Marsel from his peaceful sleep. He looked startled and then his eyes fell upon Lilah's bleeding leg.

"Lilah! How did this happen?" he yelled and shook her. But she didn't answer back. He looked around searching frantically, only to notice a vague image of a black tail rushing away.

He tore a piece of his cloak, tying it tightly around her leg to stop the heavy blood flow.

Furiously, he carried Lilah in his arms in bridal style. "Nothing will happen to you, I promise," he said, worry evident on his face. Walking with faster steps, he looked around for help.

Sprinting for a while, he came across a mud house. He knocked feverishly despite being so fatigued. He couldn't see his wife like this. The door was opened by an old lady.

Seeing the king and queen, she cried, "Your Majesty, what's wrong with the queen?"

She ushered them in, showing a small bed. Marsel placed Lilah on the bed, stroking her hair, removing them from her face.

"She was bitten," he said helplessly. "My home is far away. How do I cure her?"

The old lady had tears in her eyes. She sympathized with the king, informing him that a snake had bitten her.

"Impossible! Who would bite their queen?" He was clearly shocked and shook his head in disbelief.

"Your Majesty, I have to tell you that I have no cure for this, but my husband works on top of that mountain," she said, pointing at a faraway distance. "He makes tonics for a variety of illnesses. Maybe he might have the knowledge for snakebites too."

Handing him a map, a bag filled with food, water and a blanket, the old lady bid farewell to the king.

"I will keep the queen safe, don't worry about her," she assured.

The king thanked the old woman and left hurriedly, striding faster to reach the place. Worry and guilt consumed his mind.

"Lilah, I won't let anything happen to you." He thought of his beloved mate and cried.

Hi, everyone!😁 I know this is a sad chapter, but this is how the story goes, okay? Do you think Lilah will be cured? Will the king reach back in time? Where is Zuber?🤔 Stay tuned to find out!💖

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