Morgan paced the room again, thinking about what the old man had told her after they risked their lives outside, just to learn the truth about the boy's terrifying dream and help him remember it. She wondered if him being the "divine creature" was connected to seeing those two doors in the eyes of the beasts.
Morgan shook her head and bit her finger, a sharp sigh escaping her lips. Then she suddenly remembered the folded papers she once found, clearly written by Gwen. A note she hadn't understood years ago. She had kept them hidden away. Now the words came back to her:
"What scares me more than anything are the visions, his path leading to something dangerous but still very beautiful. I fear he might not survive the consequences of who he is… and what he's destined for."
Morgan's eyes widened. She rushed to find the folded notes, thankful she hadn't thrown them away when they once seemed absurd.
Sitting at the dining table, she slowly opened the worn brown sheets and read them again. Every word seemed to connect with what the seer had said about the boy's destiny. Her heart pounded as she glanced at Landon, sitting on the floor with his new friend, a dark frog she found quite unappealing.
She would protect him. Even if it meant running from destiny itself.
Morgan looked down again to fold the papers when she noticed tiny scribbles on the back. Squinting, she read:
"The enchanted book. The words inside will save him from all evils and lead him to the path of his destiny as the divine creature."
Morgan's head shot up, confusion flooding her face. She squeezed the papers and tossed them aside. Gwen knew about this destiny? The seer might truly be right…
Her hands shook as she covered her mouth. The pressure in her chest grew tight. If anything happened to Landon, she would never forgive herself. The fear of Pluto finding the boy and destroying him clawed through her.
She had to make a decision.
Then, it struck her.
They would leave Petra.
Her town across the sea.
Yes. They could run. Far away from prophecies, monsters, and destiny.
The idea was wild, almost impossible, but safer than staying. Even if the sea was dangerous at night, even if the voyage would take nine hours, they would go with lamps and flames and escape this cursed land.
She turned to Landon and his little frog, now playing with cards. A small smile softened her lips. She stood and walked over, folding her legs as she sat beside him.
"I'm sure I'll beat you this time," she said, taking the cards with a grin.
The frog hopped onto Landon's legs, staring at her. They played quietly for a while… and Landon won again.
"I win," he said softly, smiling.
Morgan sighed. She never beat him. Not once. He was always three steps ahead.
"Do you still want to play, Mother? You might win next time," he teased.
Morgan swallowed. "Landon… there's something I need to tell you."
He looked up, hands resting on his cards.
"I'm listening."
She hesitated, licking her dry lips.
"I think… it's best for us to leave Petra."
Her gaze stayed low.
"We can travel to my father's place across the waters. We can use a boat, and we'll be there before you know it."
Landon stayed quiet, eyes gentle as he listened.
"I've thought about it for a long time," she continued. "It's for the best. Especially for you. I know it's dangerous to travel in darkness but… we must try."
After a breath, Landon nodded.
"Whatever you say, Mother. I'll follow you. And… grandfather's home doesn't sound bad."
He smiled at the creature hopping to his shoulder. Landon picked it up, cradling it with care.
"I see you two are getting close," Morgan said.
"He's my best friend. I never had one before. I'm glad I found him. His name is Friend."
"Oh? You named him already?"
She waved weakly. "Hi… Friend."
The frog stared briefly, then hid in Landon's hands.
"Is he scared of me?" she whispered.
Landon chuckled. "He was scared of me at first too… but now we're cool."
Morgan smiled. "He's lucky to have the kindest friend."
"And I'm lucky to have him," Landon said softly.
After a moment, Morgan cleared her throat.
"Landon, why don't you take a bath and let Friend rest? You've been awake since morning."
She still remembered when the nightmares began six years ago, him waking with screams, drenched in sweat, shaking in terror… every night since. She wished she could take the pain away.
"Yes, Mum." He stretched and yawned. "Can you hold Friend for a while?"
Morgan flinched and pulled her hands back.
"I'm sorry, Landon… I don't feel like it."
He sighed. "Okay. He'll wait on the bed."
He set the frog gently on the mattress.
"I'll be right back. Just a quick shower."
He grabbed an oil lamp and towel before heading toward the washroom.
Morgan hugged her knees, thinking.
They needed money. A boat. A sailor. Supplies. It would cost far more than what she had left.
Her heart sank, until a thought crossed her mind.
The Land of Petra — Twenty-Five Years Ago
Centuries ago, Pluto and the three prophets of darkness were sealed away by the god of hope and light, Erlys. Their souls were locked inside a forbidden temple for thousands of years.
Malik, desperate for power, traveled across Petra, through narrow gorges and high cliffs, until he reached the hidden cave shown on a stolen map. It took him twelve long hours to find the ancient temple where the evils were sealed.
He had learned that only a royal with the right blood could perform the ritual to awaken the god of death and wealth, the one who could give him everything he wanted.
He stepped off his horse, the air around the cave foul and thick. His anger burned hotter than fear. His father had crowned his younger brother king, leaving Malik second in command. Three years of humiliation built into rage and obsession.
He entered the temple made of red sandstone ruins, the stench almost unbearable. At the altar, he found the sealed tomb.
He opened the cursed book he carried, its dark pages filled with forbidden spells. Whispered voices soon filled the cave, surrounding him.
"I seek power!" Malik shouted. "I want to rule Petra! I offer loyalty in return!"
The whispering grew into a roaring wind.
"Free the evils. Shut the light. And power will be yours," the voices hissed.
Shadows rose.
"How do I free them?" he demanded.
"In the palace of Petra. Beneath the king's chamber lies an ancient tunnel. Remove the blue stone from the heart of the foundation. Then bring it here. Use the blood of your brother and his family to complete the ritual. Only then will darkness rise."
Malik smiled, hungry for what he believed he deserved.
"But there is a price…" the voices echoed.
Before he could ask, the whispers vanished. He turned back to his horse, gripping the cursed book.
He rode off with one purpose:
Claim the throne,
no matter the blood he spilled.