Chapter 17: 17
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"Adorosa?" Erick repeated, as he stared down at the picture in the book. It looked eerily colorful. There was something about this plant that gave out a weird vibe.
Paccia nodded solemnly. "The Kraken forest is the only forest that grows this kind of plant because it loathe sunlight."
"Then, won't it die if I took it out of the forest?" Erick asked, looking up at her.
Paccia slowly walked to one of her wooden cupboards and took out a dark ceramic pot. She carried it with her and placed it on top of the book on his lap. "You will need to place the plant inside this," she instructed. "This will help keep the plant stay moist and away from sunlight. Not a little peek of sunlight can get through this pot."
Erick holds the pot and tested its weight. It felt heavy in his hands, probably around 5 kilograms or so. It would be a bit bulky in his backpack.
He felt himself getting more excited yet bothered about the rumours he had heard about the Kraken forest. It was not a normal forest where one would go for a picnic nor a place where any normal person would go. Despite him having half of Dane's powers, it does not mean he was strong enough to go against shifters. Especially those who had fully shift and gone rogue.
"What about those rogues that I heard about?" Erick asked, voicing out his concerns. He did not care whether he sounds cowardly but he knows his limits.
Paccia rolled her eyes and tutted at him. "Don't you worry about them. I know for sure that you won't encounter any rogues in there."
"How can you be sure?" he pressed. "People had talked about the Kraken forest. And it's not something to joke about."
Paccia narrowed her eyes at him, disliking at the fact that she was being questioned by this little pup. "Do you not believe me?" she asked coldly.
"It's not that I don't believe you," he said. "This is just something I've heard about. And it wasn't something nice." He knew that he was pushing the limits, questioning Paccia but he was a bit concerned about himself.
Paccia scoffed. "Again, as I said before. It is not something that you should worry about."
She then leaned closer to Erick and whispered in his ear, "Would you like to know why those people said it is dangerous?"
Erick nodded.
Paccia pulled back and gave out a loud laugh. "Wouldn't you like to know?" she teased.
Erick growled, feeling slightly annoyed at her teasing.
Paccia laughed even harder. "I thought you like to joke around. Seems like you're just another party-pooper, like that best friend of yours."
Erick sighed as he rubbed his face with both of his hands, wondering how he ended up with this crazy old woman. He felt like his patience will grow thin if he spent too much time with her.
Paccia chuckled as she walked over to the other armchair across him. She sat down and placed her walking cane beside her. She holds up her index finger and made a little twirl in the air. Little sparks shot off from her finger. And suddenly, a sound of tinkling and clinking was heard.
Erick looked up and was surprised to see a tea cup on a saucer was floating in the air. It was floating towards Paccia. It looked as if someone who was carrying the tea cup and saucer was invisible. But he knew that there was no one in the room, other than Paccia and him. Or else, he could smell another presence.
He knew that witches have the power of telekinesis but he has never seen it being done in front of him. Looking at Paccia using her telekinesis power, he looked awed. But then again, this kind of power was probably just a mere easy power. She probably could bring the whole house up.
The teacup on the saucer landed softly on the palm of her hand. She brought the teacup to her mouth and took a sip.
Erick waited for her to have her fill, leaning back against his seat.
Paccia gave out a small chuckle as she placed her teacup on the table in front of her, with its saucer.
The two of them were quiet for a few minutes until Paccia broke the silence.
"The Kraken forest has an illusion magic being placed there."
Erick blinked his eyes and leaned forward in his seat. "Eh? Come again," he said.
Paccia tapped her fingers rhythmically against the arm of her chair and repeated, "The Kraken forest has an illusion magic being placed there. That's why people have always thought that it was dangerous."
"Once people walked into the forest, they will immediately be casted under an illusion. Not just any illusion but an illusion of their darkest fear."
"They will experience a fate worse than death. They will keep wishing for themselves to die. Not many people will realize that they were under an illusion. And once they did, sometimes it would be too late for them," she continued.
"How did you know?" Erick asked, curious.
Paccia stared off daze for awhile before she confessed, "I was one of the survivors."
Erick's mouth dropped open in surprise. He did not expect that Paccia had been to the Kraken forest.
"I went there by mistake. It was just after the death of my mate. I was wandering around, with no goals and direction. I stumbled upon the forest by chance. And when I stepped into the forest, it was one of the most agonising experiences of my life. Luckily, I was strong enough to believe that it wasn't real. It took quite awhile to figure out that it was an illusion spell. I tried to break the spell but it was too strong. I believed that it has been placed there for many centuries. It probably grow stronger as the years passed by," she explained.
"Do you know how to counter the spell?" Erick asked, still leaning forward in his seat. His fingers linked together as he waited for her answer.
"Have a strong heart," she answered simply.
"Excuse me but what?" Erick asked, confused.
Paccia looked at him straight in the eyes and said, "You must have a strong heart. Don't fall into the trap. Be strong in your belief. Keep a clear and positive mind."
Erick sighed. "That's it?" he asked in disbelief. He did not expect that Paccia would not be much of a help.
Paccia smiled. "Yes. You will know soon enough once you're there."
-----
A couple of days later, Erick was getting ready for his 'adventure' to the Kraken forest. His foot has fully healed and he was raring to go.
He was in the car, on the way to the Kraken forest, with Roel driving him there.
Before he left his home, he had packed a few essential things into his backpack, such as clothes, food and more. His mother was crying, hugging him tightly to her bosom after Erick had told his parents that he will be leaving for the Kraken forest. He told his father to help him send a letter to the school to tell them that he would not be able to attend classes for a few days. He believed that he probably will spend at least two weeks in the forest.
And this news had made his mother crying with tears. She was hugging him, not wanting to let go of Erick. Lachlan had to pried open her fingers to make her release her death grip on Erick.
At first, Lachlan did not agree to the mission as he too heard about the rumours. After Erick and Paccia explained and told him about her story and what she knew about the Kraken forest, Lachlan reluctantly agrees. He was not surprised that Paccia had been to the forest, as Erick was. Lachlan knew how powerful Paccia was, even before she was mated.
After the teary goodbye from his parents, Roel had volunteered himself to bring Erick to the Kraken forest. He too has his own opinions regarding the forest. But since the Alpha has allowed it, there was nothing Roel could do.
Shortly after, they arrived at the entrance of the forest. Meters away, both Roel and Erick could see how gloomy the place was. There were vines everywhere and the place looked dark, with not a flicker of light could be seen.
Roel turned to Erick and asked, "Do you have your flashlight with you?"
Erick nodded, holding up his flashlight.
Roel slapped him on the back. "Be careful out there. You know my number. If there's something that you can't handle alone, just give me a call. I will drop everything and get to you."
Erick nodded again. "Thanks," he said.
A few minutes later, Erick found himself at the entrance of the forest. His backpack and his duffel bag was at his back and over his shoulder. By then, Roel had long gone. In front of him was an endless line of darkness, ready to shrouded him in the dark.
Erick took a deep breath and breathe out again. "Okay. Time for me to go," he said, a look of determination in his face as he took the first step towards the forest.
He walked further in until the darkness blanketed him, leaving nothing but blackness.
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"Adorosa?" Erick repeated, as he stared down at the picture in the book. It looked eerily colorful. There was something about this plant that gave out a weird vibe.
Paccia nodded solemnly. "The Kraken forest is the only forest that grows this kind of plant because it loathe sunlight."
"Then, won't it die if I took it out of the forest?" Erick asked, looking up at her.
Paccia slowly walked to one of her wooden cupboards and took out a dark ceramic pot. She carried it with her and placed it on top of the book on his lap. "You will need to place the plant inside this," she instructed. "This will help keep the plant stay moist and away from sunlight. Not a little peek of sunlight can get through this pot."
Erick holds the pot and tested its weight. It felt heavy in his hands, probably around 5 kilograms or so. It would be a bit bulky in his backpack.
He felt himself getting more excited yet bothered about the rumours he had heard about the Kraken forest. It was not a normal forest where one would go for a picnic nor a place where any normal person would go. Despite him having half of Dane's powers, it does not mean he was strong enough to go against shifters. Especially those who had fully shift and gone rogue.
"What about those rogues that I heard about?" Erick asked, voicing out his concerns. He did not care whether he sounds cowardly but he knows his limits.
Paccia rolled her eyes and tutted at him. "Don't you worry about them. I know for sure that you won't encounter any rogues in there."
"How can you be sure?" he pressed. "People had talked about the Kraken forest. And it's not something to joke about."
Paccia narrowed her eyes at him, disliking at the fact that she was being questioned by this little pup. "Do you not believe me?" she asked coldly.
"It's not that I don't believe you," he said. "This is just something I've heard about. And it wasn't something nice." He knew that he was pushing the limits, questioning Paccia but he was a bit concerned about himself.
Paccia scoffed. "Again, as I said before. It is not something that you should worry about."
She then leaned closer to Erick and whispered in his ear, "Would you like to know why those people said it is dangerous?"
Erick nodded.
Paccia pulled back and gave out a loud laugh. "Wouldn't you like to know?" she teased.
Erick growled, feeling slightly annoyed at her teasing.
Paccia laughed even harder. "I thought you like to joke around. Seems like you're just another party-pooper, like that best friend of yours."
Erick sighed as he rubbed his face with both of his hands, wondering how he ended up with this crazy old woman. He felt like his patience will grow thin if he spent too much time with her.
Paccia chuckled as she walked over to the other armchair across him. She sat down and placed her walking cane beside her. She holds up her index finger and made a little twirl in the air. Little sparks shot off from her finger. And suddenly, a sound of tinkling and clinking was heard.
Erick looked up and was surprised to see a tea cup on a saucer was floating in the air. It was floating towards Paccia. It looked as if someone who was carrying the tea cup and saucer was invisible. But he knew that there was no one in the room, other than Paccia and him. Or else, he could smell another presence.
He knew that witches have the power of telekinesis but he has never seen it being done in front of him. Looking at Paccia using her telekinesis power, he looked awed. But then again, this kind of power was probably just a mere easy power. She probably could bring the whole house up.
The teacup on the saucer landed softly on the palm of her hand. She brought the teacup to her mouth and took a sip.
Erick waited for her to have her fill, leaning back against his seat.
Paccia gave out a small chuckle as she placed her teacup on the table in front of her, with its saucer.
The two of them were quiet for a few minutes until Paccia broke the silence.
"The Kraken forest has an illusion magic being placed there."
Erick blinked his eyes and leaned forward in his seat. "Eh? Come again," he said.
Paccia tapped her fingers rhythmically against the arm of her chair and repeated, "The Kraken forest has an illusion magic being placed there. That's why people have always thought that it was dangerous."
"Once people walked into the forest, they will immediately be casted under an illusion. Not just any illusion but an illusion of their darkest fear."
"They will experience a fate worse than death. They will keep wishing for themselves to die. Not many people will realize that they were under an illusion. And once they did, sometimes it would be too late for them," she continued.
"How did you know?" Erick asked, curious.
Paccia stared off daze for awhile before she confessed, "I was one of the survivors."
Erick's mouth dropped open in surprise. He did not expect that Paccia had been to the Kraken forest.
"I went there by mistake. It was just after the death of my mate. I was wandering around, with no goals and direction. I stumbled upon the forest by chance. And when I stepped into the forest, it was one of the most agonising experiences of my life. Luckily, I was strong enough to believe that it wasn't real. It took quite awhile to figure out that it was an illusion spell. I tried to break the spell but it was too strong. I believed that it has been placed there for many centuries. It probably grow stronger as the years passed by," she explained.
"Do you know how to counter the spell?" Erick asked, still leaning forward in his seat. His fingers linked together as he waited for her answer.
"Have a strong heart," she answered simply.
"Excuse me but what?" Erick asked, confused.
Paccia looked at him straight in the eyes and said, "You must have a strong heart. Don't fall into the trap. Be strong in your belief. Keep a clear and positive mind."
Erick sighed. "That's it?" he asked in disbelief. He did not expect that Paccia would not be much of a help.
Paccia smiled. "Yes. You will know soon enough once you're there."
-----
A couple of days later, Erick was getting ready for his 'adventure' to the Kraken forest. His foot has fully healed and he was raring to go.
He was in the car, on the way to the Kraken forest, with Roel driving him there.
Before he left his home, he had packed a few essential things into his backpack, such as clothes, food and more. His mother was crying, hugging him tightly to her bosom after Erick had told his parents that he will be leaving for the Kraken forest. He told his father to help him send a letter to the school to tell them that he would not be able to attend classes for a few days. He believed that he probably will spend at least two weeks in the forest.
And this news had made his mother crying with tears. She was hugging him, not wanting to let go of Erick. Lachlan had to pried open her fingers to make her release her death grip on Erick.
At first, Lachlan did not agree to the mission as he too heard about the rumours. After Erick and Paccia explained and told him about her story and what she knew about the Kraken forest, Lachlan reluctantly agrees. He was not surprised that Paccia had been to the forest, as Erick was. Lachlan knew how powerful Paccia was, even before she was mated.
After the teary goodbye from his parents, Roel had volunteered himself to bring Erick to the Kraken forest. He too has his own opinions regarding the forest. But since the Alpha has allowed it, there was nothing Roel could do.
Shortly after, they arrived at the entrance of the forest. Meters away, both Roel and Erick could see how gloomy the place was. There were vines everywhere and the place looked dark, with not a flicker of light could be seen.
Roel turned to Erick and asked, "Do you have your flashlight with you?"
Erick nodded, holding up his flashlight.
Roel slapped him on the back. "Be careful out there. You know my number. If there's something that you can't handle alone, just give me a call. I will drop everything and get to you."
Erick nodded again. "Thanks," he said.
A few minutes later, Erick found himself at the entrance of the forest. His backpack and his duffel bag was at his back and over his shoulder. By then, Roel had long gone. In front of him was an endless line of darkness, ready to shrouded him in the dark.
Erick took a deep breath and breathe out again. "Okay. Time for me to go," he said, a look of determination in his face as he took the first step towards the forest.
He walked further in until the darkness blanketed him, leaving nothing but blackness.
"Adorosa?" Erick repeated, as he stared down at the picture in the book. It looked eerily colorful. There was something about this plant that gave out a weird vibe. Paccia nodded solemnly. "The Kraken forest is the only forest that grows this kind of plant because it loathe sunlight." "Then, won't it die if I took it out of the forest?" Erick asked, looking up at her. Paccia slowly walked to one of her wooden cupboards and took out a dark ceramic pot. She carried it with her and placed it on top of the book on his lap. "You will need to place the plant inside this," she instructed. "This will help keep the plant stay moist and away from sunlight. Not a little peek of sunlight can get through this pot." Erick holds the pot and tested its weight. It felt heavy in his hands, probably around 5 kilograms or so. It would be a bit bulky in his backpack. He felt himself getting more excited yet bothered about the rumours he had heard about the Kraken forest. It was not a normal forest where one would go for a picnic nor a place where any normal person would go. Despite him having half of Dane's powers, it does not mean he was strong enough to go against shifters. Especially those who had fully shift and gone rogue. "What about those rogues that I heard about?" Erick asked, voicing out his concerns. He did not care whether he sounds cowardly but he knows his limits. Paccia rolled her eyes and tutted at him. "Don't you worry about them. I know for sure that you won't encounter any rogues in there." "How can you be sure?" he pressed. "People had talked about the Kraken forest. And it's not something to joke about." Paccia narrowed her eyes at him, disliking at the fact that she was being questioned by this little pup. "Do you not believe me?" she asked coldly. "It's not that I don't believe you," he said. "This is just something I've heard about. And it wasn't something nice." He knew that he was pushing the limits, questioning Paccia but he was a bit concerned about himself. Paccia scoffed. "Again, as I said before. It is not something that you should worry about." She then leaned closer to Erick and whispered in his ear, "Would you like to know why those people said it is dangerous?" Erick nodded. Paccia pulled back and gave out a loud laugh. "Wouldn't you like to know?" she teased. Erick growled, feeling slightly annoyed at her teasing. Paccia laughed even harder. "I thought you like to joke around. Seems like you're just another party-pooper, like that best friend of yours." Erick sighed as he rubbed his face with both of his hands, wondering how he ended up with this crazy old woman. He felt like his patience will grow thin if he spent too much time with her. Paccia chuckled as she walked over to the other armchair across him. She sat down and placed her walking cane beside her. She holds up her index finger and made a little twirl in the air. Little sparks shot off from her finger. And suddenly, a sound of tinkling and clinking was heard. Erick looked up and was surprised to see a tea cup on a saucer was floating in the air. It was floating towards Paccia. It looked as if someone who was carrying the tea cup and saucer was invisible. But he knew that there was no one in the room, other than Paccia and him. Or else, he could smell another presence. He knew that witches have the power of telekinesis but he has never seen it being done in front of him. Looking at Paccia using her telekinesis power, he looked awed. But then again, this kind of power was probably just a mere easy power. She probably could bring the whole house up. The teacup on the saucer landed softly on the palm of her hand. She brought the teacup to her mouth and took a sip. Erick waited for her to have her fill, leaning back against his seat. Paccia gave out a small chuckle as she placed her teacup on the table in front of her, with its saucer. The two of them were quiet for a few minutes until Paccia broke the silence. "The Kraken forest has an illusion magic being placed there." Erick blinked his eyes and leaned forward in his seat. "Eh? Come again," he said. Paccia tapped her fingers rhythmically against the arm of her chair and repeated, "The Kraken forest has an illusion magic being placed there. That's why people have always thought that it was dangerous." "Once people walked into the forest, they will immediately be casted under an illusion. Not just any illusion but an illusion of their darkest fear." "They will experience a fate worse than death. They will keep wishing for themselves to die. Not many people will realize that they were under an illusion. And once they did, sometimes it would be too late for them," she continued. "How did you know?" Erick asked, curious. Paccia stared off daze for awhile before she confessed, "I was one of the survivors." Erick's mouth dropped open in surprise. He did not expect that Paccia had been to the Kraken forest. "I went there by mistake. It was just after the death of my mate. I was wandering around, with no goals and direction. I stumbled upon the forest by chance. And when I stepped into the forest, it was one of the most agonising experiences of my life. Luckily, I was strong enough to believe that it wasn't real. It took quite awhile to figure out that it was an illusion spell. I tried to break the spell but it was too strong. I believed that it has been placed there for many centuries. It probably grow stronger as the years passed by," she explained. "Do you know how to counter the spell?" Erick asked, still leaning forward in his seat. His fingers linked together as he waited for her answer. "Have a strong heart," she answered simply. "Excuse me but what?" Erick asked, confused. Paccia looked at him straight in the eyes and said, "You must have a strong heart. Don't fall into the trap. Be strong in your belief. Keep a clear and positive mind." Erick sighed. "That's it?" he asked in disbelief. He did not expect that Paccia would not be much of a help. Paccia smiled. "Yes. You will know soon enough once you're there." ----- A couple of days later, Erick was getting ready for his 'adventure' to the Kraken forest. His foot has fully healed and he was raring to go. He was in the car, on the way to the Kraken forest, with Roel driving him there. Before he left his home, he had packed a few essential things into his backpack, such as clothes, food and more. His mother was crying, hugging him tightly to her bosom after Erick had told his parents that he will be leaving for the Kraken forest. He told his father to help him send a letter to the school to tell them that he would not be able to attend classes for a few days. He believed that he probably will spend at least two weeks in the forest. And this news had made his mother crying with tears. She was hugging him, not wanting to let go of Erick. Lachlan had to pried open her fingers to make her release her death grip on Erick. At first, Lachlan did not agree to the mission as he too heard about the rumours. After Erick and Paccia explained and told him about her story and what she knew about the Kraken forest, Lachlan reluctantly agrees. He was not surprised that Paccia had been to the forest, as Erick was. Lachlan knew how powerful Paccia was, even before she was mated. After the teary goodbye from his parents, Roel had volunteered himself to bring Erick to the Kraken forest. He too has his own opinions regarding the forest. But since the Alpha has allowed it, there was nothing Roel could do. Shortly after, they arrived at the entrance of the forest. Meters away, both Roel and Erick could see how gloomy the place was. There were vines everywhere and the place looked dark, with not a flicker of light could be seen. Roel turned to Erick and asked, "Do you have your flashlight with you?" Erick nodded, holding up his flashlight. Roel slapped him on the back. "Be careful out there. You know my number. If there's something that you can't handle alone, just give me a call. I will drop everything and get to you." Erick nodded again. "Thanks," he said. A few minutes later, Erick found himself at the entrance of the forest. His backpack and his duffel bag was at his back and over his shoulder. By then, Roel had long gone. In front of him was an endless line of darkness, ready to shrouded him in the dark. Erick took a deep breath and breathe out again. "Okay. Time for me to go," he said, a look of determination in his face as he took the first step towards the forest. He walked further in until the darkness blanketed him, leaving nothing but blackness.
