Novels2Search

Veil of Shadows

Scene 1: Whispers of the Night

The moonlight spills into the room, casting a silvery glow over everything. Salvini sleeps soundly in his bed, undisturbed by the stillness. However, suddenly, an intense heat surges around him, just like the fire that woke Hamza before. Salvini jolts awake, eyes wide, his body tense as the heat dissipates. He blinks, the memory of casting the spell slowly returning.

Salvini (thinking): “What was that? Oh, right! I remember... I cast a spell to wake me up every hour. Did my theory work, or is it just me waking up?”

He sits up, glancing around the room, which is only illuminated by the faint glow of moonlight. His eyes land on the side table, where a glass of water sits, half-full.

Salvini (thinking): “I don’t remember drinking water... and the candles are out. I didn’t turn them off. Was someone in here? Or did he do that? There’s only one way to know for sure.”

With a growing sense of dread, he rises from the bed and makes his way toward the study table. His heart pounds in his chest as he approaches, uncertainty gnawing at him. He reaches for the book—the one he had written in before.

Salvini (thinking): “What if I’m just making wild guesses? Someone could be taking over my body... Maybe it’s all in my head... but if that’s true, what will happen to me?”

His breath catches when he opens it, revealing that someone has replied. Shock ripples through him, causing the book to slip from his hands and fall onto the table. He sinks into the chair, his eyes wide, the room feeling heavier as he struggles to breathe. Taking a moment to calm himself, he lifts the book again and begins to read the text.

Hamza (written in the book): “My name is Hamza. I’m not from your world. The best way I can explain it is that I come from a place very different from this. I was about to die in my world—a giant boulder was falling toward me. The next thing I knew, I was in your body, in the mountains, and then there was an explosion. It’s strange, but I was seeing you in my dreams back in my world too. The locket you have… I have the same one. Back in my world. So, maybe you’re right. Maybe we can communicate this way, through this book. I think you should know, you come from a magical world—something I’ve never experienced. Let’s figure this out together.”

(Salvini’s mind races, trying to make sense of what he just read. He slumps back into the chair, struggling to breathe as the weight of it all crashes down on him.)

Salvini (thinking): “Hamza... from another world? What’s happening to us?”

(He leans against the table, overwhelmed.)

Salvini (thinking): “Hamza... and the locket. He is not just a dream then. He says he was about to die. Could he actually be dead? Could his soul have possessed my body? No... I am just thinking too much. Something like that is…is impossible to happen. I need to calm down.”

He inhales deeply, trying to steady himself. Rising from the chair, he walks to the window, where the cool night breeze brushes against his face. The moonlight shines down, casting a calm glow across the room. Looking at the moon, Salvini feels a sense of relief. He reaches for his locket, gripping it tightly.

Salvini (thinking): “This locket... it must be important the stone Chief Kaedan told me about—that’s important too. I have a certain feeling about that…I might find answers in the restricted section of the library only accessible by Royal Family. I need to get that stone too. Kopaik has it... and I need to sneak in his chamber too, for the stone”

(He frowns slightly, glancing around the room.)

Salvini (thinking): “I have to check it out. And Father can’t know about any of this”.

(Determination settles into his expression as he straightens, resolved to uncover the truth.)

___________________________________________________________________________

Scene 2: The Weight of Truth

The dimly lit prison cell felt stifling, the air thick with tension as King Solomon and Chief Kaedan leaned over a battered table, their eyes fixed on the bound beast before them. Its wolf-like features twisted into a snarl, defiance radiating from every pore. The flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows on the stone walls, amplifying the sense of impending doom that hung in the air.

Chief Kaedan (grimly, breaking the tense silence): "We’ve broken their silence, but the truth is far worse than we imagined."

King Solomon (his brow furrowed in thought): "Indeed, Kaedan, but we must be ready for the war, as it is about to begin."

With urgency, King Solomon rushed back to the wolf-faced creature, his heart pounding with the weight of the revelation. He leaned in closer, his voice low but fierce.

King Solomon: "What is the count of the army?"

The beast erupted into an evil laugh, the sound chilling and mocking.

Wolf Face: "You will all die before even the real war starts!"

In a flash of fury, King Solomon struck the creature, the force of his anger reverberating in the damp air.

King Solomon: "Start speaking!"

With a sneer, the wolf-like figure reluctantly divulged, his voice dripping with malice.

Wolf Face: "More than ten thousand in each kingdom."

A wave of tension washed over King Solomon, his pulse quickening at the staggering number. He turned to Kaedan, his expression grave.

King Solomon: "We can’t afford to wait. Hold a meeting—wake the chiefs up and gather them!"

Kaedan nodded his mind racing with the implications of their discovery. Time was slipping through their fingers, and the looming threat of war hung like a dark cloud overhead. Solomon knew they had to act swiftly, for the safety of their kingdom depended on it.

___________________________________________________________________________

Scene 3: The Search in Kopaik’s Chamber

Prince Salvini walked briskly through the dimly lit hallway, the soft padding of his footsteps echoing in the silence. The palace always had an air of mystery at night, the flickering torches casting long shadows on the stone walls. His destination was clear, Kopaik's chamber but his heart pounded with unease as he approached the corner. Pressing himself against the wall, he peeked around the edge cautiously.

Prince Salvini (whispering to himself): "Strange… no one is here. There’s always someone guarding this place."

He straightened up, still feeling the prickling tension of being watched. The large wooden door stood before him, tall and imposing, yet eerily unguarded. Salvini hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward, his hand resting on the cold handle. He pulled the door open just enough to peek inside, his breath shallow. The chamber was empty, dark, and silent.

Slipping inside, he closed the door behind him with a soft click. His heart raced, and a thrill mixed with anxiety surged through his veins. It was his first time sneaking into Kopaik’s chamber like this. He couldn’t help but mutter under his breath, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Prince Salvini (monologue, his voice a low whisper): "I feel like a thief... Huh, never thought I’d be skulking around like this."

The room smelled of dust and ancient magic, lined with shelves filled with strange artifacts and magical devices. Kopaik had always been known for his expertise in magical instruments and weapons, and Salvini’s eyes darted around, searching for anything of use. The dim lighting only added to the tension, his nerves fraying as he tiptoed across the stone floor.

He rummaged through drawers and shelves, careful not to disturb anything too much, but his urgency grew with each passing second. His hands trembled slightly as he reached the final drawer of the heavy wooden table, pulling it open slowly, his breath catching in his throat.

There, nestled inside a simple wooden box, was the stone he had been seeking. Its faint glow pulsed with an unnatural energy, drawing his hand toward it. He grabbed the stone quickly, cradling it in his palm as if it were the most precious thing in the world. For a brief moment, he stared at it, a mix of awe and fear swirling in his mind.

With the stone secured, Salvini quietly retraced his steps, slipping out of the chamber with the same cautious grace he had entered. As he walked down the hallway, his heartbeat slowly returned to normal, though a part of him still felt the lingering thrill of what he had just done. The palace had never felt more foreboding.

Prince Salvini (muttering to himself as he moved down the corridor): "This... this could change everything."

His steps quickened, but his mind raced even faster, knowing the weight of what he now carried.

___________________________________________________________________________

Scene 4: The Gathering of Chiefs

The scene opens in the grand royal chamber, where King Solomon sits on a large, ornate throne. The backrest is shaped like a flaming symbol of the Fire Nation, giving the king an imposing presence. Beside him, Queen Marissa sits on a smaller throne, regal but slightly less adorned, her sharp eyes scanning the room, taking in the reactions of each council member. The air was thick with the gravity of the moment. Before them, the council members stand in two rows — five on the left and five on the right — each representing the powerful chiefs and influential figures of the kingdom. The recent events were weighing heavily on their shoulders. The tension in the room is palpable as the conversation begins.

King Solomon (voice steady, but grim): “We are running out of time. The shadow beasts are only a symptom of a greater evil—a force we have long tried to forget. The barrier between Develious and our world is crumbling faster than we anticipated. The very foundation of our planet is at risk.”

(Kaedan unrolls a large map on the table, a detailed depiction of Marth with its six continents. He taps the section representing Ignisara, showing the other nations connected by land bridges, surrounded by endless sea.)

Chief Kaedan (with urgency): “This is our world as it stands today. The shadow creatures are emerging through cracks in the border between our realm and Develious. These cracks follow the paths of dark ley lines. They are appearing in the forests, mountains, and deserts, allowing the monsters to slip through. If we don't act swiftly, the creatures will overwhelm us all."

(Chief Lorvan, standing tall and composed, adjusts his spectacles and steps forward to explain the context behind the looming threat. His scholarly tone fills the room.)

Chief Scholar Lorvan (calm, but authoritative): “For over a thousand years, the legend of Develious has echoed through the annals of time. As our ancestors recorded, it was not just a war we fought; it was an existential threat to our world. My duty, as it has been for generations of scholars, is to ensure these histories are not forgotten. The Emperor Devil, Lord Med, the most powerful of his kind, was sealed by our ancestors, splitting the key to his unsealing into five pieces—each safeguarded by one of the five nations.”

(The others listen intently as Lorvan points to the six continents on the map, emphasizing the long-standing alliances and rivalries between them.)

Lorvan: “Every five hundred years, when the alignment of the three suns and five moons creates the Black Light, the barrier weakens. In ten years, this alignment will occur again. However, as we speak, the barrier has begun to fracture early. The dark forces have amassed armies within our lands—10,000 strong. Their goal is clear: to recover the key and unseal their Devil Lord.”

Chief Rael (his voice cautious, eyes narrowing): “Our economy is already strained, and an army within our borders will threaten every trade route. If word of this spreads, panic will take hold, and our merchants will halt their shipments. Ignisara depends on trade not just for wealth, but also to keep our people fed. Without supplies, even our soldiers will suffer.”

Lady Elysia (thoughtfully): “It’s true the trade routes must remain open, but I believe our allies are under the same pressure. If we approach them carefully, they may be willing to collaborate to maintain secure passage.”

General Solmar (resolute): “Rael is right. Our trade routes are our lifeline. We’ll secure the major passages first to ensure food and arms keep moving. The beast-men and shadow creatures will not get far if they meet our finest soldiers. However, we cannot protect all the villages at once. We need to focus on the most strategic locations—station guards at the borders and keep the villages prepared to evacuate.”

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Chief Healer Eldrin (with a grave tone): “I’ve seen too many wounded already, but this is only the beginning. The shadow magic of these creatures is nothing like we’ve faced before. Even the strongest warriors succumb if they're not treated quickly. We need more healers prepared to handle the scale of injuries we’ll see in the days ahead.”

(Queen Marissa looks across the room, her calm voice cutting through the worry.)

Queen Marissa: “We cannot afford to make this about brute force alone. Our people will lose hope if they believe we are helpless. We must strengthen ties with the other nations and share our findings. Let them know the dangers we all face.”

Chief Kaedan (stepping forward, pointing the map of the world): "Your Majesty! As we all know, Ignisara and Krystallis are close, connected by a thin strip of land. Aerion sits at the centre of the five nations, a neutral force amidst the growing tension. Luxara and Krystallis have a long-standing rivalry, yet their relations with other nations remain cordial. But the most pressing matter is our relationship with Aquagelida."

(Lorvan burrowed in anger towards Kaedan)

(Lady Elysia pointed at the map, tracing the pathway that connected Ignisara and Aquagelida.)

Lady Elysia (nodding in agreement): “Our diplomatic relations with Aerion, Luxara, and Krystallis are stable. However, the real issue lies with Aquagelida. Ignisara and Aquagelida have been rivals for centuries. It’s no secret that our rivalry runs deep. The two of us remain one of the most powerful nations, and if we are to face this threat from Develious…Now, more than ever, we need to find a way to work together. If they see us as a threat, they will not listen, and the monsters will take advantage of that division.”

Lady Elysia (calm and diplomatic): "Ignisara and Aquagelida are evenly matched in power, though in different ways. We excel in fire magic, strength, and battle tactics, while they dominate the seas and control water and ice. Our relationship has always been competitive, but we’ve managed to maintain trade. However, with the rising threat from Develious, it may be time to put old grievances aside."

General Solmar (gruffly, folding his arms): "They’re not likely to trust us easily. Nevertheless, we’ve no choice. If the Develious army truly numbers over ten thousand in each nation, then we need every ally we can muster. We’re talking about more than just pride—this is survival."

(King Solomon nodded thoughtfully, but his eyes remained fixed on the map.)

King Solomon (speaking with quiet authority): "We are not the only ones who face the threat. Aerion, Krystallis, Luxara—they all protect a piece of the key that sealed Devil King Lord Med, a thousand years ago. If we fall, the entire world will crumble. We must send word to every nation."

Chief Kaedan (nodding): "The prophecy says the black light from the alignment of the three suns and the five moons is still ten years away. But the border is already weakening. We’ve captured two beastmen who’ve confirmed the existence of Develious armies—thousands strong—embedded within every nation."

He paused and gestured to the map, tracing the thin lines connecting the five nations.

Chief Kaedan: "The five continents are linked by these thin pathways, surrounded by the seas. Aerion remains in the middle, neutral. Moreover, the Dead Develious continent, isolated far to the east, looms as the source of all this chaos. No one who sails there returns."

Lady Elysia (thoughtfully): "If we do not act soon, the Develious forces will march on us, breaking through these weakened borders, and the nations will fall one by one. The ancient battles will repeat."

(King Solomon rise up from his seat and seeing him rise Queen Marissa also stands up.)

King Solomon (rising from his seat, the weight of the decision heavy on him): “In our previous meeting, we discussed sending an adventurer’s party. That mission will proceed after tomorrow's royal gathering. However, we need to do more. This is no longer just a scouting mission.”

(He turns to General Solmar and Kaedan.)

King Solomon: “Solmar, Kaedan, prepare the armies. Station our forces in every city and village. We will send dragon riders to every nation to inform them of the impending threat. We must warn them that the Develious army is here and that they aim to strike from within and we offer our aid too. If they accept our help, we will send troops immediately. Rael, make sure our trade routes remain open as long as possible. Eldrin, prepare your healers for the worst.”

General Solmar (nodding, his voice stern): "I’ll have the army ready, Your Majesty. We will protect the villages and keep the people safe. But it will take time to mobilize our forces."

Chief Kaedan (nodding): “The safety of our people comes first. I will make sure every city is prepared.”

Chief Kaedan (stepping forward): "I’ll inform every city’s and village’s chief. Communication will be key—we cannot afford to lose contact with anyone. Moreover, I’ll see that the dragon riders are prepared to leave for the other nations by dawn. If they accept our help, we’ll send additional troops."

General Solmar (firm): “The soldiers will be ready. We’ll crush these creatures before they get any closer.”

(Lady Elysia leans forward, her diplomatic nature guiding her words.)

Lady Elysia: “We must tread carefully. Aquagelida won’t easily accept our help, but if we can show strength without arrogance, they may realize we have a common enemy. We must approach them cautiously.”

(Lorvan speaks again, his scholarly demeanor evident as he taps the map.)

Chief Scholar Lorvan: “If we fail to unite the nations, the creatures of Develious will tear through us all, one by one. This is a time for strategy, not just strength.”

King Solomon (commanding): “Good. Make sure we offer aid to the other nations. Let them know we stand united against this threat. The rest of you, ensure that our people are ready for the coming storm.”

(Just as Solomon finishes speaking, the chamber doors burst open. Two soldiers stumble in, breathless and wide-eyed.)

Soldier 1 (breathless): "Your Majesty, forgive the intrusion... but something has happened!"

The room fell silent as all eyes turned toward the soldiers.

Soldier 2 (voice shaking): "Someone... someone sneaked into the palace, Your Majesty. They left a message on the walls of the hallway."

King Solomon (frowning, his voice sharp): "What message?"

The soldiers exchanged nervous glances before the first soldier spoke again.

Soldier 1 (hesitating): "The message reads... 'I am here Solomon. Find me.'"

A heavy silence settled over the chamber as every council member’s gaze shifted to King Solomon, Queen Marissa’s worry shows clearly on her face. Unease rippled through the room, evident in the clenched fists and tense stances of the gathered chiefs. Kaedan’s hand instinctively moved to the hilt of his sword, his gaze hardening, while General Solmar’s expression turned grim, muscles tensing as if ready for battle. The weight of the mysterious message lingered, and a murmur of apprehension passed through the remaining council members as they exchanged wary glances, each silently questioning what this new shadow portended for the kingdom.

King Solomon (quietly, his face darkening): "Kaedan, Solmar—prepare the guards. We will investigate this at once."

Without another word, Kaedan and Solmar left the chamber with urgency, and the meeting abruptly disbanded.

The weight of the mysterious message hung over the remaining council members as they dispersed, each left to wonder what new shadow had entered their midst.

___________________________________________________________________________

SCENE 5: A TENSE DISCOVERY

King Solomon strode through the hallway, a storm brewing in his eyes. Beside him, Queen Marissa’s face was a mask of fury as she glared at Chief Kaedan and General Solmar. The weight of their failure hung heavy in the air.

King Solomon (coldly, voice low but intense): “You both are the leaders of the army. How could this happen? Kaedan, you are not only in charge of our forces but also responsible for the royal guards and the palace's security. I don't understand how someone managed to slip past our defenses.”

The tension was palpable, and the soldiers behind them shifted uncomfortably, unsure of how to react to their king’s ire. Kaedan's jaw tightened, and Solmar’s brow furrowed in confusion, but they both remained silent, knowing the gravity of the situation.

Chief Kaedan (steadfast, though visibly shaken): “Your Majesty, I assure you, we have no understanding of how anyone could enter this palace, not with the security we’ve enforced. It’s… impossible.”

General Solmar (nodding in agreement): “We’ve doubled our watch. There’s not a chance someone slipped in unnoticed.”

As they reached the spot described by the soldiers, they halted, staring down at the ominous writing smeared across the stone wall. The words read; “I am here, Solomon. Find me.” The red stain, whether blood or something like it, left an eerie mark under the torchlight.

General Solmar (hesitantly): “Is this blood? Or something meant to look like it?”

Chief Kaedan (narrowing his eyes): “Looks like blood to me.”

A sudden realization struck them. King Solomon’s gaze shot to Queen Marissa, who had already locked eyes with him, her face mirroring his shock.

Queen Marissa (whispers): “Could… could it really be her?”

King Solomon (tense): “There’s only one person I know able to sneak like that; that’s the only explanation.”

King Solomon turned his face to Kaedan, who had also gone stiff, his jaw clenched as though a memory had resurfaced. Meanwhile, General Solmar looked between them, utterly baffled.

General Solmar (interrupting, his tone tinged with impatience): “Your Majesty, you say it could be her? Who are you talking about?”

However, the queen, king, and Kaedan stood frozen, as if Solmar’s words were lost to them. Their expressions betrayed a fear rooted deep, one that had not surfaced in years. Solomon finally shook his head, snapping out of his daze, his expression hardening.

King Solomon (voice tense, almost stuttering): “Sa… Salvini. Salvini might be in danger!”

Without another word, all of them turned, rushing down the hallway in the direction of the prince’s chamber, urgency and dread pulling them forward as they raced against the unknown threat.

___________________________________________________________________________

Scene 6: Shadows in the Hallway

Salvini walked briskly down the dim hallway, his thoughts churning as he clutched the stone tightly. “What power does this stone hold? Could it be connected to those creatures? Was it somehow responsible for that explosion?” His thoughts swirled with questions, his fingers tracing the stone’s smooth surface. “I have to understand what this is. If it’s a danger…” He shook his head, pressing on.

A sudden prickling on the back of his neck broke through his thoughts, and he spun around, instinctively hiding the stone behind him. However, the hallway was empty, the shadows still. Exhaling, he turned back toward his path, his pulse quickening. Then, just as he looked ahead again, he froze.

A figure stood in his way. Cloaked in a black, hooded shawl that shrouded her face and body, she wore gloves that concealed her hands, leaving only her eyes visible. Those piercing, blue eyes, framed by long lashes, locked onto him with an unsettling, predatory focus. “A woman’s eyes”, he thought with a jolt.

Salvini (wide-eyed, stepping back): “Who... who are you?”

Without a word, the stranger watched him, her eyes narrowing slightly, assessing him. Salvini’s shock quickly turned to determination. Salvini jumped back, thrusting the stone into his pocket. Igniting a flame in each palm, he faced the stranger head-on. With a surge of defiance, he raised his hands, releasing a stream of fire toward her. “I might not control my powers perfectly”, he thought, “but I have to stop her—whatever it takes”. Taking a deep breath, he willed himself to focus and threw the flame with all his strength.

However, the flames roared beyond his control. His hands shook as the fire spilled wildly.

Salvini (struggling to contain his fire): “Stop... just stop!”

(The woman tilted her head, her eyes flashing with mild disdain. In a smooth, arrogant tone, she finally spoke.)

Stranger (voice like a sneer): “How pathetic.”

With a flick of her wrist, a sphere of water appeared in her palm, swirling elegantly before she cast it toward Salvini. The water exploded, flooding the hallway and snuffing out his flames in an instant, sending Salvini sprawling back onto the cold stone floor.

As he scrambled to his feet, he glared at her defiantly.

Salvini (gritting his teeth): “A water magician… Who are you? How did you get in here?”

Stranger (smiling darkly): “All in good time, little prince. But first, I have a gift for you.”

Salvini’s eyes darted to a sword hanging nearby on the wall. Snatching it, he charged, his every step filled with determination. She sidestepped him effortlessly, her movements quick and calculated. She swung her fist, wrapped in water, striking him square in the chest. He stumbled, rolling to the floor, his hand reaching instinctively for his pocket where the stone lay hidden. But the stone tumbled out, clattering to the ground between them.

The stranger’s gaze fell upon it, her eyes glinting with intrigue. She bent down, extending her hand toward the stone. Salvini, seeing her intent, clenched his jaw. “This is my only chance”, he thought. “Even if I can’t control it, I have to try”.

Taking a deep breath, he unleashed the flame, sending it hurtling toward her at high speed. The fireball hit her left hand, igniting the glove she wore. She quickly tore it off, revealing a flawless, white hand adorned with a shimmering silver ring set with a blue stone shaped like a delicate flower.

Salvini (whispering, surprised): “A ring…”

The woman’s expression darkened, her eyes narrowing in fury. She extended her hand toward him, and a torrent of water surged forward, enveloping him in a flash, trapping his body from neck to toe. Salvini struggled, but the water held him in an unbreakable grip.

Stranger (coldly): “You puny little brat. Now listen to me—I am here for you.”

Salvini (struggling): “For… me? But… why?”

The woman’s eyes seemed to bore into his soul, as though seeking something deep and hidden within him. Her silence hung heavy in the air as she studied him, her face unreadable but her intentions unmistakably ominous. The scene faded, leaving only the oppressive tension of her unspoken plans lingering in the dimly lit hallway.

___________________________________________________________________________

The door flew open, hitting the wall with a loud crash. King Solomon stood in the doorway, his face stricken with worry.

King Solomon (anxious, voice tense): "Where is he? He's not here."

Queen Marissa stepped in behind him, worry etched deep into her features. She clutched her hands tightly.

Queen Marissa (whispering, a tremor in her voice): “Oh, my son... where are you?”

Kaedan and General Solmar exchanged worried glances as they joined them at the doorway. Kaedan’s usual composure was visibly shaken.

Kaedan (voice low, yet urgent): "The prince wouldn’t leave his chamber this late… it’s unlike him. Something’s not right, my lord."

(King Solomon nodded, his gaze hardening. With a flick of his hand, he motioned for everyone to follow as they hurried down the hallway, searching and calling Salvini’s name.)

The King’s gaze darted around, searching for any sign of his son, his face clouded with determination and fear. Suddenly, a faint sound reached his ears—barely perceptible, like the distant murmur of a struggle.

King Solomon (stopping abruptly, his hand raised to quiet the others): “Did you hear that, Kaedan?”

Kaedan paused, straining to listen. After a beat, he shook his head.

Kaedan: “No, sire… but if you heard something, we must investigate. Which way?”

(King Solomon pointed toward the faint noise, his eyes narrowing with grim resolve.)

King Solomon: “This way—toward the library.”

They moved swiftly, almost breaking into a run as they wound through the dimly lit corridors. The tension was thick, and each step seemed to carry them closer to something unknown yet undeniably dangerous. As they rounded the final corner, they froze, staring at the scene before them.

There, lying motionless on the cold stone floor was Salvini. His face was pale, his eyes closed, and a sword lay beside him, its blade glinting faintly in the torchlight. Around him, scorch marks and water stains marked the walls, the remnants of some fierce struggle, while a faint, ominous message glistened on the wall behind him: "No need to find me now, Solomon; I already escaped like before, 17 years had passed."

King Solomon and Queen Marissa exchanged a look of horror, their faces ashen. A heavy silence filled the corridor, thick with the weight of old shadows. It was as if the walls themselves held their breath, listening to the echoes of a past that refused to stay hidden.

___________________________________________________________________________

Until next time: