© Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.

Chapter Seven: Doors of Destiny

Bradley stood still, lifting his wrist slowly as though time had frozen for a moment. The faces of those present were etched with astonishment, and a strange silence blanketed the gathering. Even the master of ceremonies—renowned for his unshakable composure—seemed to have transformed from stone into something fragile, his eyes fixed on Bradley's wrist, staring in a way no one had ever seen before. The atmosphere was charged, heavy with tension, as though everyone had ceased to breathe, waiting for what would happen next.

Elena, who only moments earlier had been laughing with tears of joy at Bradley's return, felt an abrupt shift. The smile vanished from her face, replaced by an expression of worry and confusion. Her features sharpened, as if she sensed some unseen danger in the air.

Standing amidst the oppressive silence, Bradley scanned the crowd with questioning eyes. He didn’t understand the sudden reactions, but when his gaze fell on his bracelet, he flinched in shock. The bracelet, long known for changing colours to reflect the paths of life, now glowed with a bright, blinding white.

‘White!?’ he muttered,

The word echoing in his mind like a clap of thunder. No one had ever told him about this colour; nothing like this had ever occurred in the ceremony before.

Questions stormed his mind like a ferocious gale: What does the white mean? Does it symbolise something? Has my fate changed? Endless questions crashed down upon him, making him feel as though his mind was trapped in a whirlwind with no escape.

He turned to Elena, searching her face for an explanation—any answer that might quell the fire of confusion raging within him. But her gaze mirrored his shock; her expression offered no answers. She, too, seemed unable to comprehend what was unfolding.

Desperate for clarity, Bradley looked to the master of ceremonies. He had hoped to find wisdom in the man’s eyes, or at least a cryptic explanation, but silence reigned supreme. Even the master of ceremonies, who usually had an answer for everything, appeared baffled, standing before a mystery he had never encountered.

Finally, the silence shattered as the master of ceremonies spoke, his voice laced with uncertainty, as though he was struggling to regain control.

‘There is something unnatural about your bracelet, stranger. I believe it would be best to re-select your path... but not today. The liquid cannot be consumed twice in a single day. We shall postpone the selection to another time.’

The words came slowly, haltingly, as though they had fought their way to Bradley’s ears. Yet they revealed a disquiet that no one had ever heard in the wise man’s tone.

Whispers began to ripple through the crowd, rising steadily as murmurs turned into debate. The glowing white bracelet was an unprecedented event in Desilta’s history, stirring both awe and bewilderment. Amid the growing commotion, Elena stepped forward, taking Bradley’s hand in hers, offering what comfort she could. Her voice was soft, though she struggled to mask her own concern.

‘Bradley, let’s go home. You need to rest and process what’s happened.’

But before they could move, the master of ceremonies raised a hand, signalling for them to wait. His gaze was charged with seriousness and intent, and he beckoned them to follow him to his home, as though he wished to speak far from the prying eyes of the crowd. Elena glanced at Bradley, her face betraying her unease. She knew that this meeting might reveal truths they were not prepared to face.

As the crowd began to disperse, the square buzzed with hushed conversations and speculation about what had transpired. The master of ceremonies walked towards his home with heavy steps, and Bradley and Elena followed in silence. Bradley could hear the pounding of his own heart, each beat louder than the last, as though every step brought him closer to uncovering a secret that might change his life forever.

Every time Elena’s eyes fell upon Bradley’s glowing white bracelet, they shimmered with a mix of fear and curiosity. Her gaze searched for answers, trying to unravel the mystery of this man who had entered her life - and her heart - only to become the centre of inexplicable events.

At last, they reached the master of ceremonies’ house, an ancient dwelling steeped in the scent of history and wisdom. The wide room they entered was filled with shelves stacked high with old books and neatly bound scrolls. The air was thick with the smell of aged paper and ink, adding to the solemn, almost eerie atmosphere of the moment.

Darren, the master of ceremonies, fixed Bradley with a deep, penetrating stare, as though he were attempting to peer into his very thoughts. When he spoke, his voice was measured and calm, yet unable to mask the tension beneath.

‘First, let me introduce myself. My name is Darren. I am one of Desilta’s sages, responsible for overseeing the path selection ceremonies and recording every choice made in this region. It is a sacred duty, burdened with immense responsibility, for we hold people’s destinies in our hands. Now then, stranger—may I know your name?’

Bradley answered hesitantly, his voice quiet.

‘My name is Bradley.’

Darren’s gaze remained steady on him as he continued,

‘Know this, Bradley—what happened to you today has never occurred before. It is an event that could alter the course of our lives, and perhaps your own. Therefore, I must ask you a few questions, so I may record them and send them to the High Council of Sages. Your words may hold the key to understanding this mystery.’

At this, Elena intervened, her voice edged with concern and a protective instinct.

‘But, Master Darren, don’t you think what happened could simply be a fault in the bracelet? Perhaps it’s damaged. Wouldn’t it be better to try again later, rather than confuse Bradley with details he might not be ready for?’

Her words carried an attempt to diffuse the situation, to contain the inexplicable event before it spread. She felt her heart pounding, a mix of fear and worry for Bradley. Any misstep could place him in danger, and she couldn’t bear that thought.

Darren, however, responded firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt:

‘I understand your concern, Elena, but my duty is to my people. I must ensure that every detail of the path selection is accounted for, especially when something as unusual as this occurs.’

Turning back to Bradley, Darren’s expression grew even more serious.

‘So, Bradley, do you consent?’

Bradley glanced at Elena, his eyes reflecting uncertainty and unspoken questions. Yet, deep inside, he felt an unfamiliar strength rising within him - as though he were standing before his destiny, even if its nature remained unclear. With a steadier voice, he replied,

‘Yes. Go ahead. Ask your questions. I’m ready to face whatever comes.’

Darren offered a faint, relieved smile before speaking again, his voice calm.

‘Very well, Bradley. I will not ask you what you saw during the path selection; that secret lies between you and the bracelet. However, I have one question that may seem strange… Are you from the Ravens Kingdom?’

Elena’s eyes widened in astonishment. Darren’s question felt completely unrelated to the events at hand. She turned to Bradley in surprise, as though seeing him for the first time. Bradley, too, was stunned, but he gathered himself and answered clearly:

‘No, Master Darren. I’m from Liverpool, in England.’

Darren’s expression relaxed slightly, as though some unseen burden had been lifted from him.

‘Very well, Bradley… I have never heard of your land before, and that only deepens my curiosity. How did you arrive in Desilta, and what journey brought you here? That information may help us unravel today’s mystery.’

Bradley hesitated, trying to piece together his fragmented memories.

‘The truth is, I don’t know exactly. All I remember is that I was in a taxi, and there was a terrible accident. We crashed into a lake. I thought I was going to drown, but… then Luca found me. Everything after that is a blur.’

Darren and Elena exchanged bewildered glances. Darren raised an eyebrow and said,

‘A car? A taxi driver?’

Before he could press further, Elena intervened, her concern evident as she tried to shield Bradley from questions that could arouse suspicion.

‘Master Darren… Bradley was injured when he arrived here. Perhaps what he’s saying is a result of the blow to his head. Not everything he says can be taken as absolute truth.’

Darren nodded slowly, though his eyes remained alight with the curiosity of a scholar faced with an unsolved riddle. After a moment’s contemplation, he said,

‘I need to ask you for something, Bradley. I want you to remove the bracelet. If it’s damaged, we’ll replace it before tomorrow’s ceremony. But…’

He paused, lowering his voice as though the weight of his words hung heavily in the air.

‘If the bracelet does not come off, then it means your life path has already been chosen. And that would be unprecedented in our history.’

Bradley’s heart pounded as though drums were beating within his chest. He slowly lifted his wrist, his eyes fixed on the glowing bracelet. With trembling fingers, he reached for it, trying to pull it off. Yet the bracelet felt fused to his skin, clinging with an inexplicable force.

He tried again, this time with greater determination, but the bracelet refused to budge, defying his increasingly desperate efforts. He raised his head to meet Elena’s gaze—a look full of disappointment and tension. She had been watching him with bated breath, her eyes wide with shock and fear.

Finally, Darren spoke in a hushed voice, his words thick with reverence:

‘That’s enough, Bradley… It’s decided, then. Your path has been chosen - a path unlike any before it. I will send word to the High Council in the White City immediately. Perhaps they will provide answers or guidance on what we must do next. For now, you must remain out of sight. We must avoid any further chaos until this mystery is understood.’

Elena had been thinking the same thing. Fear for Bradley’s safety grew stronger within her. She knew they had to keep him away from curious eyes, lest his glowing bracelet attract unwanted attention.

Bradley took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. Then he turned to Darren and said with a calmness that belied his inner turmoil,

‘Thank you, Master Darren. I’ll wait for your explanation. I… I’m ready for whatever comes next. But does this mean I’ve become immortal? I mean… like one of the Elven?’

Darren regarded him with surprise and said,

‘It seems you haven’t noticed the colour of your eyes.’

Bradley turned towards a nearby mirror and froze, astonished at the sight of his reflection—his eyes now glowed an unmistakable, vivid blue.

Elena broke the silence, her voice tinged with awe.

‘Bradley… you’ve gained the traits of the Elven - immortality, youth, and perfect health.’

✧ ✧ ✧

For a fleeting moment, Bradley felt a strange relief. At least he had achieved what he had once longed for—eternal youth.

Moments later, after bidding Darren farewell, Bradley and Elena departed, making their way back to her home. Night had fallen, and the sky above was strewn with shimmering stars, as though witnessing the unveiling of a new secret on this dark, fateful night.

A heavy silence settled between them as they walked. Thoughts battled within their minds, unspoken and unresolved. Elena stole a quick glance at Bradley, her eyes searching his face for answers she could not find. Her heart pounded as she tried to connect the whirlwind of events, to make sense of the enigma this stranger had brought into her life.

Bradley, too, was lost in a maze of confusion. His thoughts swirled as he retraced the events, searching his memory for any clue that might help him understand this mysterious kingdom and the path that had been thrust upon him.

As he tried to recall the strangest moment of all, an icy shiver coursed through his body, like an icy wave washing over him from within. He remembered drinking from the mysterious bottle, how the world had spun around him in a terrifying spiral, as though an immense vortex was pulling him into the depths. Tiny black dots had appeared before his eyes, flickering like stars scattered across a pitch-black sky, intensifying his nausea and dizziness.

Bradley was soon overwhelmed by an irresistible desire to sleep, as though his weary body was begging him to surrender to the darkness. With great effort, he dragged himself to a nearby table and collapsed onto it, squeezing his eyes shut as he tried to block out the dizziness crashing through his head like violent waves threatening to drag him into the depths of an ocean. A sharp pain spread through his body, like sparks of fire igniting inside him. Pain was no stranger to Bradley, but this was different—deep, elusive, as though it were tearing into his very soul.

He felt as though he were drifting into a deep slumber, but suddenly, he found himself standing in an expansive hall that glowed with a brilliant, blinding whiteness. For a moment, it was so dazzling that he had to shield his eyes. Everything around him was pure white—untainted, devoid of other colours—which gave the place an aura of both majesty and fear, as though he had stepped into a new world filled with awe and reverence.

In the centre of the hall, he noticed five enormous doors, each glowing with its own colour: blue, red, green, yellow, and violet. The doors seemed to pulse with life, radiating a power so vivid that he felt they were gateways to other realms—places that could only be reached by passing through them.

Without knowing why, Bradley felt an inexplicable pull towards the green door. It wasn’t ordinary curiosity; it was as though fate itself was calling him, urging him to cross that threshold, as if his destiny was irrevocably tied to it. Just as he was about to take a step forward, he noticed a shadow materialising at the far end of the hall. It was hazy and indistinct, like a ghost moving slowly through the brilliant whiteness that filled the space.

Then came the voice. It was powerful and cold, so chilling that Bradley’s breath seemed to freeze in his lungs. The voice spoke as though addressing him alone.

‘Bradley… your path is unlike the others. They belong to this land, but you… you have no place among them. You are a stranger.’

A wave of fiery anger surged through Bradley’s chest. For the first time in his life, he had felt like he belonged—to a place, to people who loved and embraced him. In Luca and Elena, he had found his true family, a purpose worth living for. He refused to let this mysterious entity strip away the precious sense of belonging he had discovered.

Turning to face the source of the voice, Bradley’s eyes glowed with defiance and determination. His voice trembled slightly but was filled with resolve as he declared,

‘You’re wrong! I belong with them—with Luca and Elena. They’ve taken me in as one of their own. This is my chance to live a new life… one filled with love and hope. I won’t let you, or anyone else, take that away from me.’

The voice responded, its tone even colder, like an icy wind sweeping through the void.

> ‘You live in an illusion, Bradley. You do not belong to this land, and you never will. You were born alone, and you will die alone—that is your fate.’

>

>  

The words struck like poisoned arrows, piercing Bradley’s heart and dragging up his deepest fears—memories of the isolation he had endured since childhood, of the loneliness that had always surrounded him. Yet, despite it all, he refused to give in. A strange force stirred deep within him—a strength born of his determination to carve out a different life, to prove to himself and to the world that his destiny was his to shape.

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With all the strength he could muster, Bradley roared, as though shattering the chains of his fear,

‘I will decide my own fate, not you! I’ll live the life I choose with the people I choose. I won’t let you, or this cursed bracelet, dictate how my story ends!’

In that instant, Bradley’s words felt like a spell, a powerful incantation that reverberated through the hall. Suddenly, the ground beneath his feet began to shake violently. The floor trembled, the walls swayed, and the entire space seemed on the brink of collapse. It was as though an earthquake had erupted, threatening to swallow everything whole.

In a state of panic, Bradley ran towards the coloured doors, desperately trying to open one, but they were all locked tight, refusing to budge. He hammered on each door with his fists, running frantically between them as though they were mocking his helplessness.

Amidst the chaos, pieces of the ceiling began to crumble. Huge chunks of white stone tumbled from above. The air filled with dust, choking him, while the deafening sound of the collapse roared through the hall as though the entire world were coming to an end.

Then suddenly, everything stopped. Silence fell once more. The tremors ceased, and the destruction stilled. Bradley opened his eyes to find himself standing exactly where he had begun - behind the master of ceremonies - as though nothing had happened. His breath came in ragged gasps, his heart thundering in his chest, but he was alive. He looked around to find the crowd staring at him with wide eyes, a mixture of shock and disbelief, as though they were seeing him for the first time.

Despite the terrifying experience, something new stirred within Bradley - a real strength, a resolve born from resisting the fate that had been forced upon him. It was a determination to carve his own path.

✧ ✧ ✧

By the time they reached the village, Luca was waiting at the entrance, his heart pounding with a mix of worry and anticipation. His eyes darted quickly between Bradley and Elena’s faces, searching for any clue as to what had happened. The moment he saw their expressions in the dim lamplight, an overwhelming sense of fear and unease swept through him. His throat felt dry, his hands trembled faintly, and he rushed towards them, his steps faltering. His voice, tinged with desperation, wavered as he asked,

‘Mum… what happened? Please, tell me!’

Elena’s prolonged silence only deepened his distress. He turned to Bradley, staring intently into his eyes, hoping for some kind of reassurance. But Bradley said nothing, as though neither of them was ready to reveal what had occurred, leaving Luca even more confused. Then, amidst the heavy silence, Luca’s eyes widened in sudden shock. He caught sight of something strange glowing on Bradley’s wrist.

Luca bent forward, narrowing his gaze at the luminous white bracelet. He stared in disbelief, unable to comprehend what he was seeing. It was as though the entire world had shifted in a single moment.

He remained silent, trailing after them as they made their way towards the house. His mind raced, desperately trying to process what he had seen, but every part of him screamed for answers.

Gathered around the table, the silence thickened, as though each of them carried a secret they were afraid to share. Luca tried several times to break it, but the words caught in his throat. His eyes flitted between his mother and Bradley, his unspoken questions growing heavier with each passing moment.

At last, Elena broke the silence. Her voice was quiet, filled with both exhaustion and worry.

‘You look tired, Bradley. Let me prepare some dinner, and afterwards, you can rest. Tomorrow, we’ll talk when our thoughts are clearer.’

Bradley nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting gratitude laced with weariness. Elena moved to prepare dinner, her actions automatic, as though her mind were lost in a labyrinth of tangled thoughts.

Luca, meanwhile, couldn’t take his eyes off Bradley’s wrist. The glowing bracelet seemed to demand his attention, its strange radiance sparking countless questions he struggled to suppress. He caught his mother’s firm gaze—one that clearly told him now was not the time. Reluctantly, he held his tongue.

After dinner, Bradley thanked them both softly before heading upstairs to Luca’s room to rest. Luca remained seated, watching his mother as she tidied the table. His eyes were full of concern, waiting for the right moment to ask her everything that weighed on his heart.

Finally, unable to contain himself any longer, he approached her and asked in a tense voice,

‘Mum, what really happened?’

Elena looked up at him, her face weary, yet her eyes softened with tenderness. She spoke calmly, her voice steady.

‘Luca… what happened is complicated, and I need you to promise me you won’t tell anyone about it. We’re still trying to understand it ourselves. Can you promise me that, my boy?’

Luca nodded solemnly and said with sincerity,

‘I promise, Mum.’

Elena took a deep breath before beginning to recount the details of what had happened. Her voice was low and cautious, as though the very walls might overhear. Luca listened intently, his eyes fixed on her face as he absorbed every word. Each revelation pieced together a picture he wasn’t prepared to see.

When she finished, Luca remained silent for a few moments, deep in thought. Finally, he spoke, his voice carrying unexpected maturity.

‘It sounds like Bradley needs a way to break free from this strange state he’s found himself in. Perhaps it would be wise for me to accompany him in the coming days. We could work together. Staying active might help him regain his balance while we wait for news from the master of ceremonies or the High Council.’

Elena looked at her son with a mixture of pride and surprise, realising how much this experience had accelerated his growth. She smiled softly and said,

‘That’s a wonderful idea, Luca. You never cease to amaze me with your thoughtfulness. I’m so proud of you.’

The next morning, Luca took Bradley to the White City, where he would work as an assistant—a requirement of the laws, which demanded that any newcomer begin with such tasks before anything else. Throughout the journey, Luca noticed Bradley’s wide-eyed wonder as he observed the landscape, his gaze full of awe, as though he were discovering everything for the first time.

As they neared the city, Bradley’s face lit up with amazement. The towering buildings, carved from gleaming white marble and intricately detailed stone, rose before them in grandeur.

Luca felt a sense of pride at Bradley’s reaction. Smiling, he began to explain the history of the White City, his voice brimming with pride:

‘These buildings were built by our ancestors centuries ago. They stood firm even during the occupation of the Ravens Kingdom. They are a symbol of our civilisation’s resilience.’

Bradley gazed at the architecture with reverence, his curiosity growing with every story Luca told. As he listened, he couldn’t help but imagine himself becoming a part of this ancient land, wondering if he, too, could someday belong to its storied history.

As they walked through the streets of the White City, Luca continued to share tales of Desilta’s heritage, his excitement tangible as he tried to help Bradley feel more at home—an effort to soothe the turmoil that had engulfed him since the night before.

✧ ✧ ✧

While Bradley and Luca explored the White City, Elena made her way—her steps anxious and unsteady—to Thomas’s house. He was the village elder, known for his sharp insight and wisdom that seemed to border on the mystical. Each step brought her heart hammering harder in her chest, as though her ribs could no longer contain the mounting fear and worry. She knocked lightly on the door, her touch barely brushing the wood, as though hoping it might not open. Yet she knew that revealing this secret had become unavoidable, even if the conversation could turn their lives upside down.

She waited for what felt like an eternity until the door creaked open slowly. Thomas appeared, his piercing gaze softening as he welcomed her in with calm hospitality. Elena stepped into his study, her eyes sweeping over the shelves of ancient books and fragile manuscripts. The yellowed pages seemed to whisper of forgotten ages, their secrets too heavy for even the oldest of souls to voice.

Sitting on the wooden chair across from him, Elena drew in a deep breath, trying to steady the fear constricting her. Finally, she began to recount the story that weighed so heavily on her shoulders.

She told him everything—about Bradley, the strange white bracelet, and what had happened at the path selection ceremony. Her words spilled out cautiously, alternating between hushed murmurs and carefully chosen phrases, as though she feared any misstep might reveal too much.

Elena expected Thomas to react with shock, alarm, or even disbelief. Yet what she saw in his expression was something entirely unexpected. His gaze remained steady, his face unreadable. There was no surprise or concern. Instead, he looked as though he had anticipated something like this for a long time—as though his eyes concealed secrets far greater than she could comprehend.

Thomas gazed at Elena, his eyes deep with an impenetrable mystery. When he spoke, his voice flowed like it came from some distant place, heavy with secrets:

‘Elena… do you truly know the history of Desilta? Do you understand the secrets this land holds within its depths?’

A shiver ran down Elena’s spine as she wondered what he meant. Her voice faltered as she replied,

‘Yes… of course, I know our history. We were under the Ravens Kingdom’s control for decades until the noble hero Luca liberated us. That’s what we all know, isn’t it?’

Thomas’s eyes wandered around the room, lingering on the shelves overflowing with ancient books, as though summoning the wisdom of forgotten ages from their pages. Then, with a deep voice laden with weighty mystery, he said,

‘That is the history they were taught—the one spread among the people. But there is another history. A history that was never shared, never spoken of. A history that remains hidden, known only to a chosen few.’

Elena felt her certainty begin to crack. Thomas’s words struck her like a blow, her heart pounding as her mind swam in questions without answers. Staring at him in disbelief, she asked, her voice trembling,

‘What does this have to do with Bradley? How could he be connected to this hidden history?’

Thomas inhaled deeply, as though centuries of untold secrets weighed down upon him. His tone carried a subtle warning as he replied,

‘I cannot reveal much. What I speak of is bound by an oath—an oath that cannot be broken. But I can tell you one thing: Bradley is not the first to appear wearing a white bracelet. There was someone else who bore the same mark, and… he came from the Ravens Kingdom—the kingdom that has always been a source of legends and a home to mysteries.’

Elena’s mouth fell open in shock, her eyes widening with disbelief. She shook her head as though trying to reject what she had just heard. Her voice was a strained whisper as she muttered,

‘What? Impossible! Bradley is nothing like them. He’s not even from Desilta, but… no, he can’t be one of them!’

Her voice wavered with confusion as she pressed further, desperate to understand,

‘Who are these people? How are they connected to what’s happening now?’

But Thomas turned away, a hint of restrained anger in his tone as he said firmly,

‘I’ve told you enough, Elena. I cannot reveal any more. What I’ve shared is the limit of what I can say—the rest of this history must remain buried.’

He paused for a moment, choosing his next words carefully. Then, with grave seriousness, he added,

‘However, you must understand this: what has happened to Bradley could place him in grave danger if the truth reaches the High Council. Some secrets carry consequences, even for those unaware of them.’

A cold tremor swept through Elena, as though her heartbeat had turned into cries of fear coursing through her veins. Thomas’s words struck like lightning, shaking the very foundation of her beliefs. In that moment, a dreadful realisation seized her: Darren, the master of ceremonies, had already sent word to the High Council about the appearance of the white bracelet on Bradley’s wrist.

While all this was happening, Bradley and Luca were in the White City, blissfully unaware of the looming threat.

Elena whispered, her voice ragged with panic as she tried to suppress her rising fear.

‘Dear God! If the High Council finds out… Bradley may not return safely! I need to go to them—I must warn them of the danger!’

Thanking Thomas in a voice trembling with tension, she rushed from his house, her steps quick and frantic as though pursued by unseen ghosts. Her mind was a storm of dark thoughts and terrifying scenarios. Each step she took echoed with the same unrelenting vow, repeating in her heart like a silent prayer:

‘I will protect you, Bradley… I will do everything I can to keep you safe. No one will reach you while I’m alive.’

Elena rushed through the dark alleys of the village, her eyes fixed on the path ahead. She was determined to reach Bradley and Luca before it was too late, clinging to the faint hope that she could warn them in time. The danger was closing in on them—a danger born from secrets buried deep within a history that was never meant to be unearthed.

When she reached her house, she was breathless, her chest heaving as though her heart might burst. Her body trembled with exhaustion, but she wasted no time. Immediately, she began to prepare for her journey to the White City. Her hands shook as she gathered her belongings, her mind racing to form a plan that would guarantee Bradley’s safety and keep him far from Darren and the High Council’s reach.

She whispered to herself softly, as though making a solemn vow,

‘I’ll tell him everything… I’ll confess the feelings I’ve hidden since I met you. I’ll protect him, no matter the cost.’

Her words carried the weight of a promise, echoing like a renewed oath deep within her soul—to protect the one who had come to mean so much to her.

✧ ✧ ✧

At the same time, Luca and Bradley were busy repairing a house on the southern side of the White City. The front door had been damaged, and Bradley had taken charge of fixing it with remarkable skill. Luca watched him with growing astonishment. Bradley worked like a seasoned craftsman, removing the door and handling the tools with impressive efficiency. Even the homeowner, who stood observing the work, couldn’t help but comment with admiration,

‘You’ve got yourself a remarkable assistant, Luca.’

Luca laughed proudly and replied,

‘Yes, he truly is.’

A grey cloth wrapped around Bradley’s wrist, concealing the white bracelet from view. Yet Luca couldn’t stop his gaze from drifting back to it, wondering about the secret it hid—one he desperately wished he could understand. Bradley, however, was lost in the rhythm of the work, his focus absolute. It was as though repairing the door gave him an escape from his muddled thoughts and the troubling questions that had plagued him since the ceremony.

Once the repairs were complete, Luca decided to take Bradley on a quick tour around the city centre. Bradley stood in awe, his eyes wide as he took in the towering buildings crafted from white marble and intricately carved stone. Every corner of the city spoke of beauty and grandeur, unlike anything he had ever seen. It felt as though he had stepped into a different world—one brimming with mystery and wonder.

Luca smiled at Bradley’s expression of amazement and said enthusiastically,

‘Later, when we have more time, I’ll show you all the landmarks of the city. You’ll learn its history and the secrets that have endured for centuries.’

Bradley nodded, his eyes gleaming with curiosity he could not hide. A part of him longed to know more about this place, which now seemed to pull at him as though he were somehow connected to its ancient story—a tale yet to be written.

By evening, after finishing their tour, Luca and Bradley set off in the carriage, heading back to the village. The road was long, and a heavy silence settled between them. Both were lost in their own thoughts. Luca pondered the uncertain future that awaited his friend, while Bradley watched the path ahead, wondering whether this moment of calm was fleeting or if a storm loomed on the horizon, ready to change everything.

At that very moment, Elena was still in her home, preparing her belongings for the journey. She would soon leave for the White City, determined to reach Luca and Bradley before word of the bracelet could reach the High Council—carrying with her a vow to do whatever it took to protect them from the dangers swiftly drawing near.

When they finally arrived at the village, exhaustion weighed heavily on them, each step towards the house feeling heavier than the last. Luca, who was used to seeing his mother waiting at the door with her warm smile, noticed her absence, a flicker of unease stirring within him. He saw the faint light glowing through the windows, and for a moment, a sense of relief washed over him. Perhaps she had simply fallen asleep after a long day.

He opened the door and stepped inside, his voice light and playful as he tried to break the strange silence that surrounded them.

‘Mum! I’m back, and I’m starving!’

But no response came. His gaze drifted to the table, where he saw Elena sitting with her head bowed, as though fast asleep. Luca’s concern deepened. He approached her slowly, wondering what could have left her so drained.

He whispered, placing a tentative hand on her shoulder,

‘Mum… are you alright? Mum… please, wake up.’

But her body remained still. An icy shiver crept through Luca’s spine, fear crawling into his heart. He shook her shoulder gently, then with increasing urgency, his voice rising:

‘Mum… Mum, please!’

At that moment, Bradley moved quickly towards them, his heart pounding as though it already knew something dreadful awaited him. He drew closer, his gaze falling on her face—and the horrifying truth hit him. Her still features, the pale skin, the cold, lifeless body… He had seen this before. He knew what it meant.

Terror coursed through him, freezing him in place, unable to comprehend what was happening. Then, suddenly, a scream tore through the silence—Luca’s scream. It was raw, filled with anguish, a sound that shattered the quiet and announced the collapse of his world in one dreadful moment.

Luca fell to his knees beside his mother’s lifeless form, tears streaming down his face as he clung to her, sobbing with a grief too great for words. His cries echoed through the house, his sorrow spilling out in waves as though the depth of his pain might never end.

Bradley stood frozen, his thoughts paralysed, his emotions numb. He struggled to process the devastating scene before him. What had happened, Elena? Why? How had this come to pass so suddenly? The questions swirled through his mind with no answers, and amidst the confusion, Bradley felt himself being dragged into a dark and twisted reality—one that felt like a nightmare he couldn’t escape.

Suddenly, like a voice echoing from the depths of his memory, he recalled the words of the entity he had faced in the white hall:

> ‘You do not belong to this land, and you never will. You were born alone, and you will die alone.’

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At that moment, Bradley sank into a nearby chair, his hands covering his face as bitterness and fear seeped into his very soul. Everything seemed to align with those cursed words. This wasn’t what he wanted, but he was powerless to stop the suffering unfolding before him. He had failed Elena—she had gone before he could thank her, before he could protect her.

After a few moments, Bradley rose unsteadily and moved towards Elena’s lifeless body. He sat beside Luca and gently wrapped his arms around him, offering what little comfort he could. His voice was soft, filled with compassion.

‘Luca, you’re not alone… I’m here with you.’

Luca looked up at him, his eyes red and swollen, his face etched with unspeakable grief. He clung to Bradley, his body trembling as though searching for strength to bear the unbearable. The sound of Luca’s sobs filled the room, raw and unrelenting, a soundtrack to the tragedy that had just unfolded.

As Bradley held him, he realised that everything had changed in that moment. His journey in Desilta had taken a turn from which there was no return—a dark and uncertain path filled with danger and the unknown. And now, more than ever, he knew he had to stand beside Luca, to help him face the overwhelming pain that had engulfed their world.

© Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.