Eons Ago

Long ago, the most beautiful creature to ever exist in Arla appeared before the Arlan Gods in Dawn, the realm the Gods call home. A realm where eternal light persisted in the skies, while waves of darkness gushed around the lone golden palace that stood in the center. Nothing, their Mother/Father, called them home for a grand feast to welcome the new baby. The Gods’ Feast was off to a spectacular start in the dining hall…..until the young man arrived at the gates.

"I seek Forgiveness." The young man whimpered, kneeling and covered in tar in front of their table. He was no older than 21, but his eyes and wrinkles would try to argue otherwise.

As he whimpered, Nothing turned her head to the side and casted an unfavorable look upon Death, her favorite son and the quietest. Death immediately lowered his head.

Since he was born, Death loved to lurk in the shadows with his brother Hunu and haunt dreams like Nothing urged. After all, it was Nothing who once told him, Dreams are wombs. It’s where Hope is born and Possibilities are planted. It’s where Death could destroy.

“Why is he here, Death? I know you brought him.”

“He must be punished.” Death mumbled, just loud enough for Nothing to hear. “He is an abomination.”

Nothing suddenly dropped their fork and stood. The other Gods, her children, simultaneously flinched. “Well, punish him.”

Death slowly shook his head. “It is Inr’s responsibility.”

They had been arguing about the young man for weeks. He was trouble, and only brought trouble to the Living Realm. He threatened Arla’s stability.

“You are Death.” Nothing shouted, followed by the room shaking. “Do not waste our time. If you really want this matter resolved, do what you were born to do. Are you that afraid of your brother?”

Inr, who was sitting next to his sister-wife Yuitra, suddenly stood.

“I won’t allow him.” He said, voice high and steady. “He is my son.”

“He is a corrupt abomination of darkness and war.” Skyra said immediately. “Hunu’s creations are not desired…and neither are your offspring.”

“How dare you?” Hunu suddenly shouted, his face stone cold hard.

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Nothing let out a loud cackle. “He is Death, Inr. He can do what he pleases…and it’s his choice.”

“You’ve always been soft with him.” Hunu mumbled, then rolled his eyes.

For the next couple of minutes, the Gods went back and forth, arguing over what to do with the young man who was still kneeling. A half breed, the son of a God and a primitive Shadowshifter. The only one to exist.

As they argued, no one noticed when She suddenly stood and left the table. They only noticed when her wrinkled hands began to glow and the radiating light bounced off the walls as she inched closer to the man. She was only a week old, yet was as poised as someone who had lived for a millennium.

When she reached him, she looked at him with sorrowful eyes before taking his head into her glowing hands. But when she did, her hands immediately wrinkled and she lost the light. Her nose crinkled. A slight crease formed across her forehead. She immediately looked back towards Nothing, who only tilted their head. She slowly turned her attention back towards the young man. Then after a long moment, she began to hum. A hum that slowly grew louder and bolder. And as it filled up and engulfed the room, Her hands began glowing again. After she was done, she leaned over and whispered something into his ear only he could hear.

“I am ready.” He whispered, just as a tear suddenly slipped his left eye.

She then let his head go and turned her gaze back to her brother, Death.

“He is yours, brother.” She said loudly, a proud smile plastered on her face. “I hope this eases your concerns now.”

The rest of the Gods just looked at her, faces dropped and confused.

And that’s how Crowine, the half breed who could turn into a crow was given an unfortunate fate….made a slave to Death and his Incarnates. But as the Gods always said, he should count his blessings. After all, he was the first Arlan born man to see the true face of the Mistress of Destiny, The Baby of the Gods, The Hidden Child.

The one named Fatiana.

Or as her siblings have always called her, Fate.

Goddess of Fate, Weaver of Destiny.

The Gods’ Biggest Secret.

***

Present Day

“What is it?” Brielle asked Crowine who was still in crow form. His eyes were blue and red, and jerky.

“Stefan needs you.” Crownie responded, his voice smooth as silk.

Brielle folded her arms across her chest. “Why?”

She really didn’t want to go back there.

“The Queen is dead.” Crowine answered slowly.

Brielle’s heart skipped a beat.

“And he needs your help.” He added.

“With what?”

Crownie turned his midnight blue beak towards the sky.

“Princess Ely is missing.” He revealed slowly. “And she’s stolen something.”