Chapter 21 - Snow White's Son

Translator's Note:

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Here you go, and I wish you a good read.

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Whether it was morning, noon, or already dusk or night, Crow could no longer tell. His sense of light and time had been swallowed by darkness, and so, he wandered through the forest, deeply unsettled.

 

He knew well that, now that his sight was lost, it would be best to stay close to the tower. But when the growls of the beasts had reached his ears, fear had driven him to flee, and in his panic, he lost his way.

 

It was only later that he realized his left-hand bracelet could drive the beasts away, but by then, he had strayed too far. He had no idea how to retrace his steps or how far he had wandered.

 

Now, all he could do was hope that the Beast would find him as he stumbled onward through the forest.

 

His exhaustion had caused him to lose consciousness several times, leaving him unsure of the hour. He walked in what he felt was the direction of the east, though there was no certainty in his steps.

 

When he moved his left hand forward, the light from the seven stones would glimmer faintly, offering him just the barest glimpse of shapes around him. Just before his fingers touched, he could make out a tree, a branch, or the sound of a trickling stream at his feet. It was a world barely visible within a half-step's distance, but it was enough to keep him from harm, as long as he moved carefully.

 

"Beast... Beast!"

 

His voice echoed through the forest, hoarse and unrecognizable even to himself.

 

The only help came from the stones the seven elves had left behind, and yet, the one he longed for did not appear. Bitterness swelled within him. How could he not come, when Crow needed him so? Had it not been for the Beast cutting his hair, he would have been able to safely descend the tower.

 

If his hair were intact, he could have escaped to the safety of the trees when the beasts approached. He would still have his sight and be free of wounds.

 

He's so cruel, Crow thought bitterly. To cut someone's precious hair and then leave... how heartless. I should never have fallen for him.

 

If only I had kept my love for Prince Kyle, I would have been happy...

 

But now... I hate him. I hate him so much.

 

"Beast!" he cried again. Please, come to me. Notice that I'm here. Help me!

 

I'll forgive you for cutting my hair, for leaving me. Just come to me now, stand by my side. The forest is too lonely, too terrifying. If you don't come, I fear I will grow to hate you even more.

 

Though I love you so dearly, my heart feels as though it's turning against me.

 

"Ah… ah..."

 

Crow's frantic thoughts were interrupted by the soft trill of a bird. Despite the darkness gnawing at his mind, he could hear it clearly. The song of the bird pierced through the silence.

 

He stopped, halting his weary steps, and sank to the ground. When he held the bracelet to the earth, he could see the faint outlines of grass and what looked like flowers nearby.

 

Though he could not tell the color of the blossoms, the scene reminded him of a picture drawn on black paper, with lines of white and gray bringing the shapes to life.

 

It's alright... at least I can see something, he told himself, trying to calm the storm within him. As his mind settled, his senses sharpened.

 

He noticed more now. The warmth of the sun gently touched his skin, and birds sang from many directions. The air and the grass were dry and crisp, with little humidity. It must have been afternoon.

 

Crow could even guess where the sun was, though no light graced his eyes. Yet something of the elves' magic still lingered in his body... or perhaps it was the power of the bracelet. Either way, the wounds on his eyelids had nearly healed.

 

When he touched them, he felt only the slight roughness of scabs. It seemed impossible that such a deep wound, pierced by thorns mere hours ago, could hurt so little now.

 

It looks like even the small wounds are healing. That's good. I should stay calm and have something to eat. Something sweet to give me strength.

 

Crow imagined himself in a beautiful meadow blooming within the forest, basking in the afternoon sunlight as he enjoyed a picnic.

 

He could not tell how far his imaginings strayed from reality, but by clinging to his inner strength, the forest seemed less daunting, even charming.

 

He opened the sack at his side and took out a biscuit and an apple. The sweet aroma lifted his spirits.

 

Even in a world devoid of color, he could vividly picture the glossy red of the apple, the honeyed gold within its flesh, and the warm, soft hues of the biscuit. These imagined colors began to soften the fear that darkness had woven into his heart.

 

I must focus on the good, he reminded himself. I cannot give in to despair, nor blame the Beast or anyone else for this. The path that led me here was my own choice—my fate...

 

I cannot turn back time. All I can do is make better choices going forward so that the future might be brighter.

 

Determined to lift his spirits, Crow took a bite of the biscuit. Crumbs fell with each break, attracting the nearby chirps of small birds that hopped closer, curious and lively.

 

When he bit into the apple, he felt a small creature place its paws on his thigh. A rabbit or perhaps a squirrel? Crow wondered. He brought the bracelet closer, revealing the silhouette of long, alert ears.

 

"A rabbit?" he whispered, extending his hand cautiously, hoping not to startle it. His fingers sank into the velvety fur, smooth and soft, bringing a smile to his lips. The sensation soothed him.

 

Whether it was the power of the elf's bracelet or some unseen magic, the rabbit showed no fear. It began nibbling on the apple beside him, soon joined by a squirrel, its bushy tail faintly visible in the dim light of the beads.

 

"You're not afraid of me?" Crow murmured. "I'm just an ordinary human. I can't even use magic."

 

The animals responded with soft, gentle noises, each one sweet and endearing in its own way. It was as if they sensed the kindness in Crow's heart.

 

It seemed the seven stones of the bracelet reacted to their owner's emotions. When Crow wished to reject the forest creatures, they feared him and fled. But when he opened his heart to them, they approached, seeing him as a friend.

 

Soon, the darkness no longer seemed so terrifying. Around him gathered small animals and birds, their soft chirps and delicate touches easing his fear. Tiny paws tapped his arm, seeking more food, while a playful bird perched on his shoulder, pecking at his ear with gentle mischief. The rabbit, heavier than it appeared, rested in his lap, warm and soft, its rhythmic breathing grounding him in the reality of life.

 

This must be a meadow full of light, Crow thought. The green grass is likely as bright as emeralds, grown lush after the snow melted, and the flowers, oh, there must be many kinds, all blooming beautifully.

 

Though his eyes could not see, he could picture it all clearly in his mind. The flowers, though small, bloomed bravely, swaying gently in the tender breeze.

 

Beast, I'm sorry, Crow whispered in his heart. I was so foolish. This happened because I wasn't careful... it wasn't your fault. I shouldn't have let myself think I could hate you. I'm truly sorry. I regret it so much... But even now, I feel uneasy being alone. When night falls and you are free to move... please, come find me. I'll be waiting for you, always...

 

Cradling the rabbit, Crow could feel the pulse of its tiny heart, reminding him of his own life, fragile yet present. It's enough... he thought, just being alive is enough...

 

As his hunger waned, drowsiness crept over him, and Crow lay down amidst the animals, feeling the soft brushes of wildflowers against his cheeks.

 

The Beast would come at night, when the forest was quiet. For now, resting was the wisest choice. If he stayed still and conserved his strength, the Beast, with his keen senses, would surely come find him.

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