In a Faraway Land…
Thora could be seen pacing up and down her room.
She had been thinking of how to reach the Seer — especially after hearing whispers from the witches that the missing crystal was inside her.
"Mother!"
Someone called, but Thora was too lost in thought to hear.
"Mother!" Freya called again, tapping her gently on the hand.
Thora blinked and looked at her daughter.
"Freya..… what's wrong? Why are you awake at this hour of the night ?" she asked.
"I can see you're lost in thought, Mother," Freya replied softly. "But it isn't night yet. It's still evening."
"Oh… I see."
Thora let out a small sigh.
"Freya, dear…"
"Yes, Mother?" she answered.
"I would like you to do something for me," Thora said carefully.
"What is it?" Freya asked.
Thora hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Have you ever heard of Aldric?" she asked quietly.
Freya's expression shifted slightly.
"I believe I have… Isn't he the trapped demon in the forbidden land?"
"I heard he has awakened, Mother," Freya said quietly.
"And now he searches for the missing crystal."
Thora's lips curved into a slow smirk.
"Yes, my dear," she replied softly.
"But you see… the missing crystal rests inside the body of a powerless girl."
"A girl who possesses nothing but the ability to see."
"You mean… the Seer?" Freya asked.
"Yes," Thora answered.
"How can I help? What would you have me do?" Freya asked.
Thora stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on her daughter's shoulder.
"Find her," she said calmly.
"Become her friend."
"And bring her to me — so I may protect her from that outrageous demon."
Freya hesitated.
"But, Mother… I don't know what she looks like. I don't even know where she is. How am I supposed to find her?"
"Do not worry, my dear," Thora replied smoothly.
"I have my sources."
"I've heard someone knows where she is."
"I will guide you to her."
"Then you will leave with her… and she will bring to the Seer."
"Alright, Mother," Freya said with an innocent smile.
Unaware of the true intention behind her mother's words, she turned and left the room.
Once the door closed, Thora's expression changed.
Her smile darkened.
"Let us hope you succeed," she whispered.
"I will take the crystal… even if it costs you your life, Sage."
"So you are royalty…" she muttered thoughtfully.
"Unfortunately for you, your prophecy may unfold before you even learn who you truly are."
Thora let out a quiet, chilling laugh.
__________________________________________
Aldric sat on the cold floor, his gaze fixed on the silent girl seated on the bed.
Her eyes were closed.
Her breathing had finally steadied.
He rose slowly and approached her again, cautious this time. When his fingers brushed her skin, he paused.
The strange energy that had surrounded her earlier—
It was gone.
Completely.
What exactly are you? he wondered.
Aren't you Thalion's child?
What have you to do with this kind of power?
His thoughts darkened.
That kind of force… it was not ordinary.
Not mortal.
Not even common among immortals.
There can only be one person.....
It can't be...
Lost in thought, he didn't notice her body sway.
Until she fell forward and landed in his arms.
He looked down at her.
She had fallen asleep.
Exhausted.
For a moment, he simply stared at her face.
Then, carefully, he lifted her and laid her back onto the bed.
He pulled the covers over her.
His expression unreadable.