like watching a train wreck—horrifying, yet fascinating.
She fell to her knees and touched the blade in her chest as Zaros circled her like a predator. Calix silently wept, and Xalvador hugged him tightly, tears shining in his eyes.
Zaros pulled out his sword and, in one fluid movement, pushed it through her abdomen. She fell forward on the sword, and Calix let out a guttural scream, breaking free from his brother. He rushed to his mother as Zaros jerked the blade from her midsection, her blood soaking the ground around them.
“Mother.” Calix wept, clinging to her. “Mother.”
“Be b-brave,” she sputtered out, her mouth filling with her blood. “The Oracle comes. S-she will save… you.”
She closed her eyes, and the night went silent, with the exception of Calix’s soft sobs as he laid his head on his dead mother.
“Are you angry with me, boy?” Zaros asked.
“No,” Calix whispered, staring up at Zaros.
“Really?” Zaros asked, his eyebrows raised.
“It is as it should be,” Calix answered, rising to his feet.
Zaros watched as Calix walked away, disappearing into the night.
“I will await the Oracle.”
The visions swirled, and I saw Calix grow even older.
He spent most of his time alone, content with hunting and whittling wood. Zaros still tortured him whenever he could. Xalvador grew into a strong, young man, but Calix never bore him any ill will. In fact, they seemed close. Xalvador took time to teach Calix how to hold a sword, and they’d practice in the dead of night outside the palace walls.
The announcement was made that Xalvador would wed a child from the south. King Lauris and Queen Emmeline of Dar’ish’s daughter. Xalvador accepted it without question and did everything Zaros asked of him. Zaros was proud of Xalvador and despised Calix even more as the days wore on.
And then a war broke out.
The Outlanders, the Ascarians, were angry, and they attacked. In the coming days, Calix noticed Xalvador becoming edgier and edgier, and more withdrawn. Zaros sent Xalvador to the Gate of Hollows to protect an outlying village. Xalvador went forth, but not before going to Calix.
“Brother, I won’t return from this battle,” Xalvador spoke quickly. “I’m not like the rest. I don’t belong here any longer. You should run when you get the chance.”
“What?” Calix asked fearfully. “What do you mean?”
“Mother never told you what she was? Where she was from?”
“No,” Calix replied, confused.
“Mother was a shifter, Calix. She hailed from the mountains of Ascaria. They’re out for blood. They want Lor’Lak to burn.”
“A shifter?”
“Yes, Mother was a princess of Ascaria. They’ve learned of her murder. They went all these years thinking she died from the rattles. Now they know the truth. I won’t be coming back, Calix. Take the opportunity to flee. When you see my bride-to-be, tell her I’m sorry.”
“Wait,” Calix called out, rushing to his brother’s side. “I’ll come with you—”
“You can’t, Brother. You have your own destiny. Remember what mother told you? Leave at dusk. Take the side wall, the one with the hidden opening. Flee into the dark wood and wait for help. I’ll find you. Be brave. You have to do this. Our destinies will cross again someday. I must go,” Xalvador said, pulling Calix in for a tight embrace. “The Oracle comes. If something should happen, seek her out. She’s the key to saving us all.”
Xalvador pushed away, leaving Calix all alone.
The image shifted. Calix sat alone, holding Xalvador’s sword in his hands, his eyes filled with tears.
“You’re the future of Lor’Lak now,” Zaros said, coming to Calix’s side. “I’ve hated you since you were born. However, you are my son, and as such, I expect you to make me proud.”
“But you’ll never love me,” Calix murmured, looking out at the setting sun.
“How can one ever love a thorn in their side?” Zaros grumbled. “Xalvador’s bride-to-be falls to you. You’ll marry Analia of Dar’ish in his stead, bear children with her, and become king. We’ll take over starting with Dar’ish.”
“I don’t wish to take over, nor do I wish to marry the Princess of Dar’ish,” Calix replied hollowly.
“You don’t get a choice,” Zaros snapped. “Ready up. We ride for Dar’ish at nightfall.”
The scene faded again. Calix arrived at the gates of Dar’ish with Zaros at his side. They were allowed to enter and were brought to the throne room, where my mother and father greeted them. After the greeting, they went to the grand hall where they ate together.
Zaros stared longingly at my mother, and she gave him her kind smile, her eyes