Luck. A word I've learned to despise over the years. People use it as an easy excuse to explain the inexplicable, to make sense of what seems beyond understanding. But I knew that behind every twist of fate lay a reason, a logic that few bothered to comprehend.

My awakening as a soulbound was the perfect proof. Some would say I was lucky, but they ignored the precise conditions, the silent trials I had to endure to get there. Even among us, few truly understood the requirements to acquire such a state.

And then there was Jalik, the king of djinns, my bond. Again, one might cry out about lucky chance. But how to explain that a being so ancient, so powerful, had never had a bond before me? No, our meeting was not the fruit of chance, but the culmination of a long series of events carefully orchestrated by destiny itself.

The discovery of my totem, shortly after my encounter with Jalik, only strengthened my conviction. Learning that he was the descendant of Sahar, the fennec who had saved me from starvation as I languished at the bottom of a well, was the final piece of a puzzle I was just beginning to glimpse.

Yes, being linked to both a totem and the king of djinns was an undeniable advantage. But as the days passed, I realized more and more that it was above all a crushing responsibility. A burden I had to bear with dignity and determination.

Eight years ago, long before all this began, I had made a promise. A promise to Jalik, to myself perhaps. I had committed to revealing to him, once my training was complete, the decision that would guide the rest of my life.

Today, as I prepare to leave Aether Haven, this promise haunts me more than ever. The decision I'm about to announce to Jalik is not a simple choice of a quiet life or a vague intention. No, it's the oath that will shape the years to come, that will define who I truly am.

With the final test of my training barely completed, I found myself summoned to Jalik's palace, Sahara by my side. The time had come to discuss my future.

The palace, despite my frequent visits, never ceased to amaze me. Its splendor seemed to grow with each visit, as if the edifice itself reflected my progress. Sahara, true to herself, trotted by my side. Her growth, slowed by the whims of time in this plane of existence, had in no way altered her adorable character.

Facing Jalik, king of the invisible world, I held his gaze without flinching.

"You've grown well, Zayn," he remarked with a benevolent smile.

"My mind more than my body, I'm afraid," I replied, amused.

Jalik chuckled softly before becoming serious again. "And now, what's your plan?"

I took a moment to gather my thoughts. "I'm going to leave Aether Haven to assume my role as future Soulmaster. Once a slave, I prayed to God for a savior. Today, I realize that I can be the one I wished for."

"So you're returning to the place of your captivity?" Jalik inquired, a hint of concern in his voice.

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I nodded. "Yes, but not blindly. I'll seek a solution, not only for the slaves but for the entire country."

"Why go so far?" Jalik insisted. "You suffered there, both at the hands of your masters and your fellow unfortunates."

"It's not out of pure kindness," I admitted. "It's a matter of responsibility. I want to be fair and prevent others from experiencing what I endured. Suraken and that other boy accepted me when I could no longer bear myself. I owe them that, and all those like them."

Jalik nodded, understanding. "And after?"

I turned to Sahara, gently stroking her chin. "I'll find my family. I want to keep them safe, spend time with them, show them I'm okay." A tender smile lit up my face. "And introduce them to my little Sahara."

Sahara's eyes misted over. "Daddy..." she whispered, moved.

"And your dream in all this?" Jalik asked.

My hand rested on my heart. "It will wait. The safety of my loved ones comes first. I have six years to accomplish my goals before the balance between my body and mind returns to normal. Then, at sixteen, I'll set off on a journey. I'll investigate Lutan and those bastards who dared threaten my family's life."

Determination hardened my features. "I'll found an organization, the Soulkeepers. I want to gather trustworthy people, act against injustice, and show that the next Soulmaster is coming. I'll be the nightmare of those who spread evil for their own benefit."

A smile appeared on Jalik's usually impassive face. With a snap of his fingers, he made a black mask appear. "A gift from my son Janus," he explained, handing it to me. "It will change shape at will and protect you from prying eyes."

Jalik has five children. He had named them in tribute to the great fighters who once stood up to him in his youth. However, I didn't know them all. I had learned that the eldest had met her bond and decided to accompany him on the material plane.

I took the mask, touched by this gesture, as Jalik began to explain its operation in detail.

I turned the mask in my hands, impressed by its complexity.

"This mask's purpose is not simply to hide your face," he began, his gaze fixed on the artifact. "It also has the ability to change shape according to your desires. As long as you wear it on your face, regardless of its appearance, it will prevent anyone from examining your features in detail."

Jalik continued, a bit teasingly: "Your beauty has increased, Zayn. This mask will help you avoid distracting the maids... and many ladies."

"Thank you, Jalik, but in that case, when can I remove this mask?"

"Only in front of those to whom you are ready to give your... no, our life."

"Jalik, if possible, I will make sure to never put your life or Sahara's in danger, that's why I will show my face only to those who join the Soulkeepers, because one of the criteria for joining my group is that I must accept them as a member of my family."

It was embarrassing to admit, but whether for Jalik or Sahara, I don't see them as friends or simply partners, but sincerely as my family.

I put on the mask and an idea comes to mind. I remember the shape of Sahar's head and concentrate to allow the mask to take the same shape while retaining the original dark color. As the mask doesn't need to cover my entire face to be effective, I limit it only to the upper part of my face, leaving the rest exposed. My eyes are no longer even visible, as if hidden in the darkness of the mask where white patterns have appeared.

I took Sahara in my hands and held her in front of me.

"So Sahara, how do I look?"

"It's too weird, Dad, I can't see your face!" Tears began to appear in her big eyes as if worried about not seeing her father.

I removed it, satisfied with its effectiveness and slightly concerned by Sahara's reaction.

Jalik was exploding with laughter, witnessing the scene.

"The chosen form is a good decision, Zayn, especially since when you don't activate MirEye, your original eyes make you the most beautiful of beings."

He handed me a second gift.

"Made by my second child Vulcan from two of my ribs, I offer you this bifid sword."

Touched by his gesture, I was nonetheless worried that he had sacrificed two ribs without flinching.

Taking the sword's handle, it immediately took on a size and shape adapted to my style and height. It seems to be made of the same magic as the mask.

"Thank you, Jalik." A big innocent smile appeared on my face in his direction.

The big departure is approaching, and with Sahara, we took the time to say goodbye to everyone, be it the teachers, the servants, Jalik's four present children despite the absence of one of them, and Jalik himself. With Sahara on my head and my mask on my face, I crossed a portal leading to the country that had made me suffer so much in the past.

"Let's go, Sahara, it's time for us to face our destiny!"

I thank the readers for coming this far. Thus concludes the first part of Zayn's origins. It's not yet time for you to discover what happened when Zayn returned to the lawless country and experienced significant events until he was sixteen. That's why the next chapter will mark the beginning of the first arc: Rastaino. You'll follow an older, stronger, more mature (and more attractive!) Zayn at the start of his journey!

Don't hesitate to share your comments to help me improve. I warmly thank those who have already given me feedback so far. Your support is precious for a novice author like me!

I hope you're enjoying this adventure and that you're eager to discover the secrets hidden in this story. See you soon for new adventures!