Novel & Cerita Under The Oak Tree Chapter 19

While I contemplated my options, Sarai’s voice flooded my consciousness. “Meet me at the heart of the forest…” Suddenly, it felt like I’d struck gold - The heart of the forest, the heart of the farmland. I couldn’t forget that if I tried. Careful so I don’t get followed, I hurried towards the heart of the farmland, dragging my book and shovel along. I got to a point and looked up - A white oak tree stood before me. Without a second thought, I walk towards it and dig a pocket hole - big enough to size the book. I marked the spot on the tree and returned the same way I came - praying no one saw me.

It began with a cryptic message delivered to our doorstep, a message that hinted at a hidden truth yet to be discovered. "Amelia, Ethan," the letter read, "there is more to your story than you realize. Seek the forgotten sanctuary beneath the old oak tree at midnight, and you shall find the key to unlocking the next chapter." Intrigued and filled with a sense of trepidation, we followed the instructions and arrived at the designated spot under the cover of darkness. The moon's gentle glow filtered through the branches, casting an ethereal light on the ground below. As we approached the ancient oak tree, a soft breeze whispered secrets through its leaves, beckoning us forward.

I’ll bring you back, even if it kills me. The witches followed in silence, the faint glow of their runes lighting the path. Above them, the moon was pale and full, and somewhere in the distance, an owl cried — the sound hollow and foreboding. None of them spoke again until the towering silhouette of the Old Oak appeared through the mist, ancient and alive, its roots sprawling like veins across the earth. And that’s where they stopped — at the mouth of something ancient, waiting for the next chapter of horror to begin.

Like it knows something important is about to happen and doesn’t want to miss it. We stop near the old oak tree that holds the swings. It survived the battle somehow, some part of it cracked but still alive. Someone wrapped glowing charms around its trunk to help it heal. Soft light pulses from them, slow and steady. Karl leans against the tree. I sit on one of the swings. My lips curl into a teasing smile, gesturing to the empty swing by my side. “You don't want to sit?” “Nope, I think I'm good standing here.”

Not after everything we had been through. The darkness outside hit me like a punch to the gut. It meant we had been tortured for most of the day. The moon was small, barely casting any light. It was the end of another lunar month, and that didn’t make things easier. Normally, Xavier and I could move through the night like it was nothing—our night vision sharp, our bodies built for it. But tonight, we were barely keeping our eyes open. We stumbled and partially dragged each other toward the backyard. And there it was. The oak tree. The very one that had brought us here. We collapsed against its thick, ancient trunk, both of us breathing heavily.

"Oh my God, you’re awake! Doctor! Doctor!" “Mom?” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “I’m coming, sweetheart, just hold on.” she replied. “Mom.” I wanted to apologize for the trouble I had caused her, but thankfully, she returned to my bedside. “Why would you do something like this?” she asked, tears streaming down her cheeks as she grasped my hand tightly. I recounted everything that had happened since I enrolled at Oak Mountain School, including the torment I endured from Charlotte, Reuben and Jerry, my ex-boyfriend.

“Becca…” “I wasn’t trying to trick you,” I said quickly. “I know how it sounds. I know it was reckless and illegal and everything you’d never expect from me. But gods, Rhys—I was so tired. Of waiting.” Rhys didn’t say anything. His hand tightened at my waist, but not roughly. I swallowed the knot rising in my throat. “You remember the oak tree behind the old armory? The one the palace gardeners always complained about?” Rhys huffed a breath, a sound almost like a laugh. “You mean the one you fell out of trying to steal Queen Omara’s lemon tarts?”

“We must go. Now!” Grandma hesitated for only a second before following him. The messenger ran ahead, leading the way through the dark forest. The old man moved surprisingly fast for his age, his long cloak billowing behind him. Grandma struggled to keep up, her heart racing as they pushed through branches and tangled roots. The air soon filled with the smell of smoke. By the time they reached the edge of the clearing, the sky above glowed orange. The “powerful room” — the secret chamber hidden beneath an old oak tree — was burning fiercely. The fire crackled and roared, sparks flying into the night.

"I have my eyes on you" I scoffed. What is it with this witch? Her eyes on me? I can't believe her gut. But then again, what does Jo's mean. "I know what happens beneath The Oak." The compound was popularly known as The Oak. We have the Lady of the oak who was Sumaya, as well as the princes of the Oak. The servants and the slaves of the Oak who were also known as the Oak's commodity. But how could anyone claim to know what happens beneath The Oak? It sounds absurd. Especially the fact that their couldn't be anything beneath the plantation or the numerous chambers.