The air was thick with anticipation as the heavy door creaked open, revealing a chamber bathed in flickering candlelight. The scent of burning incense filled her nose, thick and sweet, almost nauseating. The crackle of the candles was the only sound beyond the children’s fearful breaths. Shadows danced along the walls, casting elongated figures that seemed to whisper secrets of power and fear. At the far end, a figure loomed, adorned in opulent robes that shimmered like gold.

Hannah’s heart raced as the man stepped into the light, his presence commanding and regal. Golden waves of hair framed a face that could only be described as otherworldly. She could feel the room’s air shift, heavy with a blend of fear and awe, as whispers of reverence mingled with dread among the children.

“Welcome, my dear children,” his voice resonating through the room, smooth and inviting, like a warm embrace. “You have been chosen for something greater than yourselves, a purpose that will shine brighter than the sun.” His golden hair glinted, catching the candlelight as he moved closer, an enigmatic smile playing on his lips.

As he walked, elaborate combinations of jewellery jingled against his skin. His draping silk-white robes fluttered behind him. “I must thank you for your prompt return to me children” he said with a smile. The confused exchanges between them kindled his laughter. Like soft bell chiming that felt like it had to have been accompanied by harps lest the sound be wasted. The group could not help but stare in awe.

Wiping a quick tear from his eye the man spoke, “My name… is Andrius young ones. The goddess’ incarnation.” With this the murmurings rose once more, Hannah listened intently. Anxious mumblings of this man is the goddess’ new body? A wave of recognition spread through the crowd. The ever-loving goddess who gifted water unto her people in need? One spoke, voice heightened with uncertainty. Another child hushedly responded, He definitely looks like a goddess.

Well, Hannah supposed she couldn’t argue with them in that regard, but she could only believe what she had seen. He certainly looked the part, his hair a shining golden hue. But the collar and chain around her neck weighed heavily. She would trust no-one.

Andrius elaborated, “Thus, you are all my sweet children under my domain. As such I wish to protect you all from the darkness that consumes this world. You have all heard of the Kreatures of the Night, yes?” With that an air of terror washed through the hall. The tiny bodies started to tremble, and a few let out soft whimpers at the memory. Hannah saw the flickering of last night’s escape play in her mind.

Andrius’ face contorted into one of sorrow, “See my children, they are but monsters hell-bent on destroying the land I have given to you.” He shed a tear, arms sweeping upwards “These Kreatures will be no more. I have but meagre abilities as my soul is stuck in the mortal limitations of the human body,”…He halted, drawing in a breath “and so I call upon you!” His voice rose, passion filled and strong. His excitement resonated throughout the crowd as they stared, raptured by his presence, “The pure, and righteous of the world to accept the power I can grant upon you. This world is cruel and unforgiving, but I wish to create a haven without those beasts.”

He raised his fist to the sky, “We will fight!” A chorus of young voices responded, “We will fight!” pumping their hands to the sky as they joined him.

Hannah joined them fervently; this man was still not to be trusted. The image of the body dragged out of their cell just minutes earlier remained fresh in her mind. Yet, if this man held such power over them, mystical or otherwise, she could not show disgust here. She would be the perfect puppet, all in order to garner herself freedom. To live. And so, she raised her hand to the sky and screamed with the others. Voice bleeding, she yelled. The battle had already begun.

As the echoes of their rallying cries faded, the flickering candlelight seemed to intensify, bathing the chamber in a warm, almost hypnotic glow. Andrius, basking in their devotion, smiled wider, revealing a hint of something sharp behind his charming facade. “Ah, my dear children, you respond so beautifully to the call of greatness. But to truly harness the strength I offer, we must bind ourselves together in a sacred act.”

He gestured toward a table draped in a silken cloth, where an ornate chalice sat, filled with a deep crimson liquid that shimmered in the candlelight. “This elixir,” he continued, his voice low and resonant, “is the essence of my very being. A gift forged in the fires of sacrifice and power. With this, you will not only gain strength, but you will also become part of something far greater than yourselves. This will be your ascension.”

Hannah’s stomach churned at the sight of the chalice. The hollow eyes and lifeless skin remained an unsettling reminder of the cost of power. The air in the room grew tense, her instincts screaming at her to flee, but she was rooted in place. Andrius’s golden eyes glimmered with an intensity that both intrigued and terrified her. She could feel the children around her, a mixture of excitement and fear, their wide eyes reflecting the flickering lights. Tiny hands fidgeted against their clothes, hands reaching for the smooth metal of their chains.

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“Fear not,” Andrius said, noticing their trepidation. “This is not a mere offering; it is a bond of blood. You will be my champions, imbued with strength to fight the Kreatures that threaten our world.” He lifted the chalice, and the light caught the faint glistening of his own blood around the rim, a sign of the sacrifice he was willing to make for them.

“Join me,” he beckoned, his voice honeyed and smooth, “in this ritual of unity. Take a sip, and you will feel the power awaken within you.”

The children murmured among themselves, fear mingling with a growing sense of determination. Hannah’s heart raced as she watched Andrius raise the chalice to his lips, his eyes never leaving theirs. With a swift motion, he drank deeply, crimson droplets trickling down his chin as he lowered the chalice. Hannah scowled internally, he wants to see who will drink and who will resist. This isn’t just about power; it’s a test—a sick game.

“Now, who among you will take the first step toward your destiny?” His gaze swept over the crowd; each child held captive by his charisma.

The room filled with a soft hum of anxiety. The fear of this unknown mixture took hold of them. One child spoke out, “Why must we fight?” the room became silent. The sharp tension the young boy had added to did not deter him as he continued, “Why should we prove ourselves? We’re just kids, we can’t fight against those monsters”. Shifts of unease spread throughout the room, before being quickly followed by other tiny voices murmuring in agreement, nodding along to the claim. Others, raptured by the only semblance of kindness they had seen in their lives, felt compelled to defend their angelic Andrius in front of them. Conflicts of whether Andrius was their true saviour or not spread through the room. Hannah stayed silent and felt relief wash over her as she realised Atlas and Ellie were not among them. It wouldn’t do them any good to get them noticed here.

Guards stood poised at the ready, but Andrius merely waved his hand at them, motioning for them to stay. He held a sympathetic gaze as he crouched to the ground, kneeling in front of the boy who had spoken, he gently wiped some dirt from the boy’s face. “Little one, what is your name?”. A firm voice answered, strong eyes bearing into his “Zephyr”.

“Zephyr, I see you are a kind soul, you are brave and strong,” Andrius raised a hand and lowered it on the kids’ shoulder, squeezing it softly. “The situation is dire; I am afraid I must call upon your aid. You children have what it takes to accept my gift. And thus, you can grow strong. You will grow strong, strong enough to protect this world.”

Zephyr looked into his eyes. He stared into the green eyes of the man, until he eventually nodded. “I…can become strong?” The child questioned aloud. Andrius stood, directing his next statement to the rest of the small crowd. “Yes, my child. All of you have the potential to rise.”

“To prove that,” he motioned the guards toward them causing the children to panic “I will remove your chains. If you wish to leave after this, you may…” The little ones’ eyes widened with joy. Finally, this man could free them! Andrius’ voice rose once more “but if you stay,” he continued in a melodic voice, “I will promise you a home with food and shelter. I will promise you strength to defend yourself from the Kreatures and the world. It will be gruelling work.” His eyes shone as he scanned the room, “But I believe we can accomplish great things together!”

Hannah stilled; this was a chance to survive. The terrifying way in which they had been brought here stayed true in her mind. This man was horrifying in the ease with which he sang his lies. As they had already killed those they saw fit, it was unlikely that anyone would truly get to leave. Instead, this would become a test. Finding out those who wouldn’t comply with this charade, a sure-fire way to kill those unloyal to his cause.

She couldn’t opt to leave, that much was clear. What would be the best move here then? Hannah remembered the last words Typhon had told them all, “Welcome to your new home”. To enact Andrius’ plan, they would be here for a while. In that case she would need his approval. She would need to drink the chalice.

At the very least it wouldn’t be poisoned, or at least kill her immediately. There had been many other opportunities from the carriage ride to their celled confinement for them to kill her. Yet they hadn’t, making it possible that her and the other children were special. Whether they could accept his powers or not, they needed as many kids as possible alive. She could use that, and her willingness to set a good example to the others, to give her some more leash in the long run.

She stepped forward, her hand trembling as she reached for the chalice. The others stared in awe; the weight of her decision hung heavy in the air.

In the back of her mind the last words of Typhon replayed in her mind, “Do as you’re told and you may survive”. Was Typhon alluding to this? Did she even trust him enough to take him at his word or was she just playing into their hands. Doubts swirled in her mind as she stepped forward, already in front of him.

“Brave child,” Andrius praised, his smile widening as he offered the chalice to her. “You will lead the way.”

As she grasped the cool metal, a shiver ran down her spine. Hannah’s fingers shook around the chalice. Every instinct screamed for her to reject the vile ritual, but the body that was dragged in the cell screamed louder. This was survival. She had to play along... for now. This would be fine. She will be fine.

With a deep breath, she tilted the chalice to her lips, the metallic taste mingling with an earthy richness that sent a jolt through her veins. Just before the chalice blocked Andrius from view, Hannah saw a covetous smile break from behind his smile, lasting just a second. A sense of foreboding surged within her. A creeping darkness that whispered promises of loyalty to Andrius.