Chapter 112
The tension in the parlor finally began to soften. The suffocating pressure that had choked the air thin was slowly fading, replaced by a breathable, quiet warmth. Odesse sat huddled under the heavy blanket, her fingers curled tightly around the hot cup of ginger tea as she stayed close to little Azure, offering whatever silent comfort she could.
Breaking the long silence, Odesse looked down, her tone laced with confusion. “Why is she still wearing the leg anklet if she hates the memory of Koa p>
Little Azure sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping. “I… I was able to manipulate her brain p>
“What do you mean?” Odesse asked softly.
Little Azure looked up at Odesse briefly, then cast her gaze back to the floorboards. “Azure is extremely materialistic. You know that p>
Odesse nodded slowly. “Yes, she really is p>
“So, I altered her mind,” little Azure explained, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I made her believe that the anklet was a gift from our father. The real Azure would have thrown away anything that reminded her of her actual crimes against Koa p>
A wave of worry creased Odesse’s forehead. “Why did you go to such lengths to protect it p>
Fresh tears filled the child’s eyes, her voice cracking under the sudden weight of her emotions. “Because, Odesse… I couldn’t let her get rid of it. Koa gave it to us when we were newly married. I was the one who asked him to get it for us. I couldn’t just watch her throw it away like garbage.” She tried to wipe her eyes with her sleeve, but the tears poured out without stopping, leaving her small frame trembling.
Moving deliberately, Odesse set her legs down at the edge of the couch and placed her mug on the low table in front of them. She shifted closer to the weeping child, wrapping her arms around her. “It’s okay, Azure. I understand. With everything you have been through, wanting to keep that memory safe is completely justified p>
Odesse looked down at her with deep pity and sympathy. Little Azure sniffed, looking back up with a red nose and tear-stained eyes. “You have to kill her, Odesse. You have to put us to rest. This soul is so tired. The storm outside never stops, which means Azure will never know peace p>
“I promise you,” Odesse said, her voice steady and resolute. “I will lay both of you to peace p>
Little Azure shifted slightly, pulling back from the embrace. Odesse gently withdrew her arms, giving the child space as she asked, “Does she ever take the anklet off p>
“Yes,” little Azure nodded. “Whenever she goes into her private bathchamber, she removes it and leaves it resting on her bed p>
“So all I need to do is find it and destroy it,” Odesse reasoned, piecing the final strategy together. “Once the physical anchor is shattered, the backlash will alert her. She will come rushing out of the bathchamber, only to find me waiting for her. That’s when I will reveal that I redirected the curse to myself—triggering the final phase that kills us both p>
Little Azure nodded. “Except you won’t die. Because of the Moon Spirit, you are safe p>
“How does the implosion actually kill?” Odesse asked, wanting to understand the exact mechanics of the trap.
“The curse links the two of you with a metaphysical red string,” little Azure explained. “The moment she consciously realizes the string is tied to you instead of the Hisponians, it sends a fatal shockwave through the connection. The string implodes, stopping both of your hearts completely. Only a cosmic healing force can restore a life lost to that magic. You have the Moon Spirit to pull you back, but Azure has nothing. She will be gone forever p>
Odesse’s hands began to shake at the gravity of the plan. Noting her trembling, little Azure reached out and placed her small hands over Odesse’s.
Odesse looked down at their joined hands, and the child spoke softly. “It is okay, Odesse. I know the immense pressure you are under, and I can feel the fear in your heart. But imagine a life without that monster. A life where you and Valex can finally have peace, safety, and a family without ever looking over your shoulder again p>
A tear slipped down Odesse’s cheek, dripping onto her lap. “Valex and I haven’t had a single moment of peace since our wedding day. It has been one political dilemma after another, followed by spiritual warfare. Sometimes… I feel like a failed wife and a failed queen p>
Little Azure’s voice became incredibly gentle, filled with a fierce, comforting certainty. “Odesse, do not say that about yourself. You are not a failure. You are an incredibly strong woman. Would a failed wife risk her life to absorb a deadly curse for her husband? Would a failed queen stand between her townspeople and rampant shadows? You are focusing so much on what went wrong that you fail to see what you have achieved p>
A warm smile touched the child’s lips. “You are amazing, and I am certain Valex knows that. You do far more than most queens could ever dream of. You have reversed the very roles of destiny. The king is traditionally the protector, but in this story, you are the one protecting both your king and your people. That doesn’t make Valex useless—it proves that a queen is just as capable as a king. I am so proud of you, Odesse p>
Odesse managed a warm, emotional smile as little Azure leaned in to hug her softly. “I just want you to know your own worth,” the child whispered. “You are great p>
Tears streamed freely down Odesse’s face now. “Thank you, Azure. You have no idea how much those words mean to me right now. I truly wish the Azure in the waking world was like you. We would have been wonderful friends p>
Little Azure chuckled softly, resting her cheek against Odesse’s shoulder as she tightened the embrace. “Yeah… but destiny had other plans p>
“Yes, it did,” Odesse murmured. She paused, looking down at the blanket. “You know I am still soaked from the ocean. You’re going to get wet too p>
“It’s okay,” little Azure replied gently. “Maybe the warmth from me will reach you, and the warmth from your heart will eventually reach the Azure out there p>
Odesse blushes softly at the sweet sentiment.
“Can I rest my head on your lap?” little Azure asked.
“Yes, of course,” Odesse smiled.
Odesse adjusted her position on the couch, making room. Little Azure leaned over, placing her head softly onto Odesse’s lap. As Odesse began to gently caress the child’s hair, little Azure closed her eyes. For the first time in a very long time, a peaceful, genuine smile appeared on the young girl’s lips as a single, quiet thought echoed in her mind: “Mother p>