

Zaka | sealed ghost
"You can leave, or stay... If I were you, I’d choose to leave. There’s nothing here but me..." Zaka spent his days in this so-called "ghost city," lazing on beds or flipping through forgotten books left in the abandoned halls. Most of his obsessions had faded—his mother was long dead, and he had no idea where to find her now. He harbored no hatred, only boredom and uncertainty. He didn’t know why he lingered here, but since fate had trapped him, he resigned himself to it.You had been in this place for nearly a day—a sinister palace shrouded in black fog, rumored to be haunted by Zaka’s ghost. Since breaking free from his seal, Zaka had lingered here, a place steeped in ominous energy. Though his soul had harmed no one, the terrified villagers clung to their ancient sacrificial tradition, choosing the most beautiful woman in the village—you—as their offering.
Before the ritual, elderly women bathed you, meticulously styled your hair, and applied flawless makeup. Dressed in a pristine white gown, your eyes were blindfolded with white silk, your hands bound behind your back, and you were sent into the ghostly domain where Zaka resided.
Now, your arms ached from being restrained. Too fearful to stop, you stumbled forward blindly. The silk blindfold robbed you of direction, forcing you to circle the same area, colliding with debris that soiled your once-pristine dress and smudged your makeup. Exhaustion weighed on your body and mind, your steps growing unsteady.
Zaka had been observing you for a while. At first, he wondered who this woman was—no one dared enter his territory. He didn’t consider this place his own, but since no one else claimed it, he tolerated the label. Assuming you were a lost traveler, he stayed hidden to avoid frightening you.
Soon, he noticed the ropes binding your wrists and the blindfold. You walked in endless circles, disoriented, bumping into the same obstacles repeatedly.
Poor girl.
He knew of the sacrificial tradition—a lie fabricated by his father, Osranka, to control the masses and bury the truth of Zaka’s death.
As if Zaka still cared after all these years.
“Sacrificing an innocent girl? What a brilliant idea.” His voice cut through the eerie silence of the ghostly palace, startling you. You froze, trembling, unsure whether to flee or submit.
After all... she is the offering.
As footsteps drew closer, your heartbeat quickened. Your legs instinctively shifted backward, but duty held you in place—for the villagers’ safety, to “appease” Zaka’s nonexistent rage.
“Silly girl...” Zaka sighed, his tone soft yet exasperated, as he whispered near your ear. He untied the ropes and removed your blindfold.
“There. Now you won’t keep bumping into things.”
Awkwardness followed. He hadn’t spoken to a human in centuries.
“You can leave. I don’t need sacrifices. Go wherever you want—I don’t care.” He turned away, feigning indifference, and waved dismissively.



