Chapter 1:Prologue I

14 years ago

A dark forest. It was almost dusk. But that didn’t matter in there, because the tall but slender trees which rooted strongly on the ground always covered the sun.

No human beings, not animals, heck not even butterflies flew near there. Not only because it looked very creepy at first place but also for its evil reputation. Everyone knew that once you go in there, you can never come back. It is said that there’s an endless maze in the forest. Whoever dares to walk inside it never ever find the entrance or the exit. He or she walks and walks as long as he or she can, and then the person collapses and meets their ultimate fate–death.

Having goosebumps yet?

If this statement doesn’t give you chills in the spine, then the description of the forest obviously will.

It was a big jungle. It was so big that none could see its end (also, apparently, nobody dared to see, and if they did, they were toast). Big long trees which were so thick as if someone had molded them together surrounded the entire forest. However, there was a cave-like entrance at the front part of the forest. It was also known as “The door of maze” or “The portal of hell” by everyone. Some curious human being tried to look through the entrance to see whatever there is, but saw nothing but darkness. Icy wind always swirled around, bringing the temperature to the lowest. And did I mention that whether its day or night, thousands of tree leaves swayed themselves in an unknown mystic rhythm; dry cracked leaves fell from time to time, breaking the wicked silence of the place? Probably not.

So yeah, not many people came to the place for a family picnic.

But now, we are hearing sounds of voices and footsteps (reader’s mind- FINALLY. THIS AUTHOR SUCKS). Someone is running for his or her dear life.

Two figures had appeared.

At the middle of the dusk, when the sun is setting, and the sky is fuming in its crimson red colour, when the clouds are playing hide and seek with each other, wind is swishing back and forth, seeing two black figures standing in front of a dark ominous forest is anything but good.

As we go closer, we can see that it’s a female and a male, standing while holding hands. The male looked worn out from the running, and his disheveled hair plus his tattered clothes proved he didn’t have a good shower a few days. While the female stood strong, her dark black orbs darting around tirelessly towards the forest.

“I think…. this is the place,” the man rasped, trying to catch his breath.

“It has to be,” the woman hushed. “I am seeing the temple. Let’s go.’’ She was stepping forward, but the male stopped her by tugging her hand.

‘‘Sally, please. We can’t just dig our own grave by setting foot in here. Didn’t you hear what the villagers said? It’s another forest maze. It’s dangerous. Please. Don’t go.’’

He begged.

Sally was silent. Her expression remained unreadable when she asked- “Celestian, don’t you trust me?’’

Celestian bit his lips and gripped Sally’s hand tighter. He looked down.

Yes, I do. But I’m afraid of loosing you again. He thought in his mind. Celestian looked up at Sally. Her expression still unreadable, but tears were threatening to come out of those gorgeous eyes. The eyes Celestian adored so much.

Celestian cursed in his mind. The last thing he wants is his wife crying in the middle of a treacherous valley. He squished Sally’s hand. A dejected sigh escaped from his lips.

‘‘It’s not like that. I know your desire,’’ he cooed slowly. ‘‘But don’t you think it’s too much? Picking an infant in our home? Isn’t it too much, Sally? It is illegal, The baby can get hurt in the journey. And not to mention the baby, do you ACTUALLY know what kind of baby will they give?’’ Celestian wasn’t realizing that his voice was rising in every second, “Even if Kliffto said such things to you, do you think they can give us normal babies easily? What if the baby has three eyes, or one leg, or maybe their hands are spitting out from the armpit–’’He was stopped by Sally, who clasped her hand over his mouth with a sense of urgency.

‘‘Celestian, please’ she begged. ‘‘We have talked about this before. The seasons have chosen us by themselves. We’ve come so far for this. There is no turning back now, and it’s almost getting dark. Let’s go.’’ She let him go and turned around, her back facing him, standing right in front of the forest. ‘’And if you don’t want to go, I’m going there alone,” she stated and started walking towards the forest. Celestian, all confused and a little (Yes, a little. Just a teeny tiny bit) scared, followed Sally hurriedly. Both of them, with Sally in forward and Celestian in the back, entered to the portal of hell.

I know the story is weird, but hang on, it will get weirder.

As the couple entered the forest, darkness consumed them all over. Celestian and Sally grasped each other’s hand to avoid getting lost. They stood there for a few minutes. Then, slowly, a soft light started to spread all over the place. As if someone had switched on a bulb but it’s being lit in a slow motion. After sometime, the couple was seeing the place perspicaciously as light was coming from upwards, like sun ray. All their surroundings were tree bunches. The only route was forward—

‘‘Where did the exit go?!’’ Celestian yelped as he looked back, terror was evident in his shaky voice. All he could see was black in the rear end. The temperature was getting colder and colder every second. He looked down at the ground and shivered. The grasses were dead yellow and crumbled.

However, Sally was unmoved by the whole scenario. Yep, she is brave in that way.

‘‘Let’s go,’’ she pulled Celestian’s hand. Celestain gulped and started walking, silently praying to God to forgive his sins if he dies in this journey, which he was pretty sure would happen soon.

Pin-drop silence.

Not a leave falling, or a bird calling, not even an owl hooting, just silence.

As the couple walked ahead, their footsteps were echoing. The sound bounced off with an invisible wall, making it a thousand times louder. How much time are they walking? For two-three hours or twelve-thirteen hours? They don’t know. Celestian’s mind was completely blank. At this rate, he was feeling no fear, no sadness, no nothing. Have you ever had the feeling when you have got double zeroes in your math test but you can’t do anything now and that you don’t know what will happen next in your home?

You got it right. Celestain was feeling the same. His mind was just an inch away from shutting down.

All he could focus on was Sally, who was in front of him. His eyes were locked on her black wavy hair (slightly tangled). It reminded him of fresh blackberries and waterfalls and- you know what, let’s just move on.

She had wrapped her hands around his. The warmth of her hand sent tickling sensation to his body, Like someone had enveloped him in a hug. It made him feel safe. Lost in thought, Celestian almost bumped on Sally’s head when she stopped. Instead, he halted abruptly.

‘’We’re here, ’’ said Sally.

Pure horror filled Celestian’s mind. The hair of his neck stood up. ’Wh-where?’ he asked in a quivering voice.

‘The temple,’ Sally answered, her lips curving upwards. ‘‘Temple Frigofenta.’’