"Mrs. Gong!" Zoe gasped, her dainty fingers grazed on her parted lips. She could not believe how she reacted upon seeing her valued treasure.Mrs. Gong was a stranger to her. Still, Zoe opened up her private story to her while they were in that small boat going to the Ball"s Pyramid.
She was uncertain if it was because of her felt connection with her. Or she has carefully protected that part of her life concealed from new acquaintances for a long time.
Whatever the reason was, it was enough to make her disclose her tragic history. And even the special item that attached her with her past.
It was the cherished jewel that her beloved mother had given to her before she died. It was a unique piece of ornament that you don"t rarely see in a jewelry store.
Its thin chain was formed from pure gold. The pendant strikingly resembled a branch of a tree. And shooting out ruby red gemstones as their luscious fruits.
Anyone who paid attention to it would be captivated by it. That"s why she doesn"t display it often. There was even a point where she almost lost it. But as luck would have it, it reappeared and came back to her.
She couldn"t figure out why of all days; she carried it now. Nevertheless, an enormous burden was taken off from her chest as she presented it to Mrs. Gong. Yet, her shocking response caused her to step backward. It was distinct from the enthusiastic responses of the people that have seen it.
As soon as she looked at the family heirloom, she fell on her wobbly knees. Her confused head was likewise grounded on the floor as she sobbed out, "Your Highness!"
Fortunately, the travelers in the boat were gawking at Koby. He was describing the bird and marine lives surrounding the Ball"s Pyramid. He was also portraying the history of the neighboring islands.
As he delivers them, he used his voice and his hands in animated movements. The pa.s.sengers gazed at him, flabbergasted. They were like children listening to a new bedtime fairy tale for the first time.
They were so engrossed with them. They were oblivious of the extraordinary meeting that was happening in their midst.
"Mrs. Gong, what are you doing?" Zoe knelt in worry about the elderly woman. She had just recovered from getting drowned. But she was now flat on the floor just because of her necklace.
"I knew I looked like a queen in this gem. But was this necessary?" She mused as she bowed to help her stand. Mrs. Gong obliged and stood up as Zoe a.s.sisted her.
Zoe tenderly wiped off the gritty dust from her wobbling knees.
"You don"t have to do that. Come here," She enveloped her comforting arm around her. Then gently guided her to the nearest vacant seat.
She remembered the water jug that a gracious lady in the boat voluntarily offered her. She pulled it out from her handbag and opened it. She encouraged Mrs. Gong to drink it to cool down her hysterical outburst.
After sipping from the bottle, Mrs. Gong drew in a sharp gasp and peered back at the necklace. Then her astonished gaze went to Zoe. She studied every detail of her lovely face, her l.u.s.trous hair, and her fully grown body.
As she did so, tears welled up in her sad eyes and gushed out with no plans to stop at Zoe"s eyes reddened as well. She couldn"t help but sympathize with her. Her emotions are overwhelming her to make her cry out to a complete stranger like her.
She grabbed a facial tissue from her travel bag. Then she dabbed them on Mrs. Gong"s swollen fac, who was shuddering at that very moment. Zoe tenderly embraced her and rubbed her back to soothe her and help her feel less hysterical.
Zoe didn"t understand why Mrs. Gong was being very sensitive at that rare occasion. She did not understand how her necklace could have provoked her to be like that. Has she seen it before? Does she know about her mother?
They were in that emotional state when Capt. Nicky gleefully announced the delightful news. They were nearing Ball"s Pyramid! "Gear up! We are now at the sacred threshold of the tallest stack in the world!"
"Woo-hoo!" The boisterous crowd shouted triumphantly and clapped their eager hands in festive excitement. It was no easy feat to enter the dangerous vicinity of the legendary isle.
The grand expedition would always be at the divine mercy of the mighty weather. During this tour, though, they were more welcoming than any given time. The tourists were elated that they could enjoy its magnificent splendor.
As the land becomes within reach, the pa.s.sengers gazed in profound awe at the amazing fault lines. They were intentionally running the full length of the prominent cliffs. The geological formation was also very impressive.
Zoe looked down on the sea waters, which she could see as they were close to the gilded edge of the boat. It was nothing like the murky green-blue waves that she has seen before. She could naturally behold the star-fish beneath it. The crabs were scampering and the shoals of exotic fish darted here and there.
"Wow, it"s so beautiful," Zoe whispered impressively under her breath. She almost forgot that she was holding Mrs. Gong and comforting her.
She glanced at her again. Her previous anxious face was now relaxed, and she was not trembling anymore. Actually, she was smiling as she gazed at the island while they were drawing closer.
Zoe heaved a deep sigh. "Finally," she felt relieved after seeing Mrs. Gong beaming again.
But her joyous feeling of relief didn"t last for a meaningful minute. Mrs. Gong"s next words astounded her even more. "Come with me, your highness."
Zoe scrunched her forehead as she stared incredulously at Mrs. Gong? "What? Why? Where?" She asked consecutively.
Mrs. Gong was about to answer her when she caught an ominous shadow on the island. Her anxious eyes widened in horrid fear as she saw it.
Like a flash of lightning, she forcibly held her hand and sternly bid her last words, "This is where you belong." She jumped into the sparkling waters and miraculously disappeared.
***************************
Like the story? Buy me a coffee. ;)
read this novel at WEBNOVEL app and website only for your author"s welfare. Let"s say NO TO PIRACY. Thank you!
LEGITIMATE LINK:
FEEL FREE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH ME! :)
Discord Link: @authorhada.s.sah
Instagram: #authorhada.s.sah
Twitter: @AuthorHada.s.sah
Lots of love! :*