《Whispers in the Void》


 Prologue

    Yet again, I am greeted with a familiar sight. I stand alone in the valley, the stillness pressing in around me. The hills rise on either side, piercing into the sky. It''s quiet here, too quiet, like the world is holding its breath. I take a deep breath, trying to shake the uneasy feeling that''s settled in my chest, but it just lingers, heavy and stubborn. I have lost count of how many times I have been here. Yet, somehow it always feels like a familiar place, like... home.


    The grass sways gently at my feet, but even the wind feels distant, like it''s not really touching me. There''s a strange sense of waiting in the air, like something is about to happen, and I know exactly what. I''ve been drawn here countless times, yet still I can''t say why. It''s like a pull, something telling me to be in this place.


    Suddenly, a dull ache begins, creeping in slowly at the back of my skull. At first, it''s easy to ignore, just a slight pressure. But it builds, spreading deeper until I can''t shake it off.


    I rub my temples, trying to clear my head. The ache grows sharper, like something is pressing in on me, and the air feels heavier, almost suffocating. I close my eyes and steady my breath. I look up, and there it is.


    Amongst the clouds there is a bird, swooping in towards the valley. Its wings seem to glow, radiating a light of their own. It glides closer, graceful in its movement. As it nears the ground, it spreads its wings wide, casting a soft glow across the valley.


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    A phoenix... that''s the only word that comes to mind. But I know better than that, having been here countless times. That bird is no phoenix. There''s a power in its presence, something ancient, something I can''t fully understand. Though I haven''t really communicated with it, that much I am certain of.


    The bird lands softly on the hill ahead of me. Its eyes, sharp and knowing, lock onto mine. I feel drawn to it, like it''s calling me without words. The pressure in my head pulses again, but I can''t look away now.


    I take a step forward, then another, my feet moving of their own accord. The closer I get, the more intense the pain becomes, as if something is trying to force its way into my thoughts.


    I grit my teeth, trying to fight it off, but the bird remains still, watching, waiting.


    Then, it hits. A sound cuts through the air, filling my ears. It sharpens into a shrill, a piercing scream that seems to come from everywhere and nowhere all at once. I stagger, pressing my hands against the sides of my head, but the noise only grows louder, more unbearable.


    "Stop," I mutter, barely able to hear my own voice over the deafening shriek. The sound intensifies. "Stop!" I shout as I fall to my knees.


    "STOP! Please, stop!"


    The sound surges one last time, so overwhelming me. And then, just as suddenly as it began, it ceases. The valley falls back into silence, the weight in the air lifting. And when I dare to look up again, the bird is gone.


    Confused, I stumble to my feet, trying to piece together what just happened. But before I can make sense of it, my vision goes black.

 Chapter 1: Crossroads

    I slept in. Again.


    I curse as I wake up, glancing at the clock. It''s already late, so I don''t bother rushing myself. There''s no real urgency, no deadlines. Still, the sun''s been up for hours, and I kinda hate that. I drag myself out of bed, the sheets tangled around my legs. rubbing the sleep from my eyes.


    This happens more than I''d like to admit¡ªstaying up too late, oversleeping, and waking up with a strange heaviness in my chest. Something always feels off. Then I remember why.


    It''s that same damn dream, night after night. There''s always that bird, and the ear deafening sound. And for some reason, I can never shake it. It''s always lingering at the back of my head.


    I shake my head, trying to snap out of it. "Just a dream, Heliar. Get a grip," I mutter to myself.


    Getting dressed, I head downstairs. The house is quiet¡ªno one''s home today. Mom and Dad are off on a trip. I make breakfast and, of course, coffee. You cannot live without it.


    Finishing my meal, I head out of the house. "Another lovely day," I think to myself as I head towards a nearby park. It''s spring, the weather is perfect; the kind that that makes you want to be anywhere but inside. The flowers lining the path are in full bloom too, the breeze cool and refreshing against my skin. The world feels alive, even if I don''t.


    I don''t really have plans for today¡ªjust wander around and try to relax. That dream keeps haunting me, lingering in the back of my mind like a shadow I can''t escape. I tell myself it''s nothing. Just another weird dream. Definitely.


    The park is quiet when I arrive. A few kids are running around and their laughter fill the air. Parents sit on the benches watching their children. I give a small wave to an old lady I always see sitting in the same spot. She nods back, smiling.


    I head to my usual bench. It''s a good spot¡ªpeaceful, with just enough distance from everyone else. I sit down, plug in my headphones, and let the music drown out everything else. Now this is the kind of quiet I need. I close my eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of the sun seep into my skin. Today will be peaceful, I think.


    But just then, I feel someone sit down beside me.


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    Opening my eyes, I glance to my right. A girl has taken a seat on the bench. She''s shorter than me, dressed in black clothes with white shoes, simple yet effortlessly put together. There''s something about her that I can''t quite put into words. She doesn''t look at me, just sitting there as if this bench was always hers.


    I take out my headphones, unsure if I should say something or not. She doesn''t seem to notice me looking, or maybe she''s just good at pretending.


    After a moment, she breaks the silence.


    "Hey."


    Her voice is soft but steady, and it catches me off guard. I don''t respond right away, taking a moment to collect myself.


    "Um, hey," I finally manage to say, feeling a bit awkward.


    She turns her head slightly, offering a small smile. "You always sit here?"


    It''s a simple question, but somehow the way she asks makes it feel like it means more. I nod. "Yeah. It''s a good spot.


    She gives a nod of approval. "I figured. You looked pretty settled in."


    Her tone is light, but there''s something else beneath it, something that makes me feel like we''ve met before, even though I''m certain we haven''t.


    "I just moved here two days ago. I was getting bored, so I came here," she says.


    "Ah, yes, I remember hearing about someone moving in recently," I reply, smiling.


    "I''m Stella, by the way," she says, extending her hand.


    "Heliar," I reply, shaking her hand.


    She leans back and asks, "Do you read much?"


    I blink, surprised by the question. "Uh, yeah. Quite often actually. Why?"


    She shrugs, "Well. I''ve been searching for something new to read. You seem like you would have some ideas."


    I smile at that. "Well, what do you usually read?"


    "Mostly fiction," she says with a slight laugh. "Something with a good story, you see? A little mystery doesn''t hurt either."


    "I might have something in mind" I say. "Have you heard of The Night Circus?"


    Her eyes light up just a bit, as if I''ve hit a mark. "Yeah, I''ve heard of it. Haven''t gotten around to it yet though."


    "You gotta try. It''s one of those books which sticks with you."


    She considers. "I''ll keep that in mind."


    After that we fall into a comfortable silence, neither feeling the need to fill the gap with small talk. There''s something easy about sitting here with her, and honestly, I like that.


    Eventually, she stands up, brushing off her hands. "Thanks for the suggestion, Heliar," she says with a smile. "Gotta get home now." Her eyes sparkle. "Say, how about we meet again tomorrow? Same time."


    I stand, willing to take the offer. "Oh certainly. Tomorrow it is then. See you around Stella."


    "Bye!" she says with a soft voice as she turns around to leave.


    "Bye, see you around" I say in reply as I watch her walk away, disappearing into the crowd of the park.


    Sitting there with my thoughts for a while, I stand up and head home. On the way back, out of the corner of my eye I see a figure disappear into an alley. He''s wearing a suit, and has a hat.


    Weird, I think. For someone to roam around in formals this late in the day.


    Without giving it much thought, I head home.

 Chapter 2: Fleeting Moments

    I wake up with a sense of anticipation, my mind immediately jumping to the evening. I''m meeting Stella today, again. Something about her lingers in my mind, like she''s more than just a new face in town. There''s just something about how easily we clicked, and I can''t shake the feeling that today will be just as easy, just as... right.


    Still, the day drags on. Each hour feels like it''s stretching just to mess with me. I keep checking the clock, feeling restless. Lunch, a quick walk around the neighborhood, even scrolling through my phone¡ªit''s all just passing time, until it''s late enough to head to the park. I''m not nervous exactly, but there''s an energy in me that wasn''t there yesterday. I am no doubt excited to meet her.


    My wait is over soon and the time finally comes. I grab my jacket and step out the door, hurriedly. The walk to the park feels lighter today. I find myself moving quicker, eager to reach the park.


    As I reach the park, the familiar sounds of laughter fill the air, with kids messing around as always. The flowers bloom vibrantly, their colors seemingly more alive today. I make way to the bench, settle down and wait for Stella.


    Five minutes pass.


    Then ten.


    Fifteen.


    Twenty.


    She doesn''t show up.


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    "Maybe she got caught up in something," I mutter to myself, trying to brush off the growing unease.


    But as the minutes drag on, the weight in my mind grows. I check my watch again. Two hours have passed since I arrived, and still, there''s no sign of her. Each tick of the clock feels like an eternity. I scan the park, looking for any sign of her, but I''m met with disappointment.


    The laughter of other kids echoes in the background, but it feels distant. It''s as if the world around me is continuing on, unaware of my turmoil. Yet, I can''t shake the feeling that something is off.


    "Maybe she just lost track of time," I tell to myself. But deep down, I sense that this isn''t just a simple delay. There''s an unsettling feeling creeping into my thoughts, a sense that something more sinister might be at play here.


    The sun is about to set. With a heavy heart, I finally decide to leave. As I walk home, I replay our last conversation in my mind. It feels like a distant memory now.


    ''Why didn''t she come?''


    I ponder the possibilities. Did I misjudge her interest? Or did something prevent her from meeting me? My thoughts spiral, turning over every detail, every word exchanged, and I can''t shake the feeling that I might never know the truth. That I might never see her again.


    By the time I reach home, the sun has dipped below the horizon. The door creaks as I push it open, and the familiar sight of home greets me.


    I head straight up to my room, thoughts racing in my mind. I need something to clear my head. I turn on the water heater and wait, the soft hum filling the silence in the room.


    A warm bath¡ªthat''s what I need.


    Once the water is ready, I sink into the tub, letting the heat relax my muscles. For a moment, I allow myself to melt into the warmth, with my mind going blank.


    But the peace doesn''t last long.


    As I close my eyes, an image of Stella flickers into my mind¡ªexcept something about it is not right. She looks... terrified. Her eyes are wide, darting around frantically, her face pale.


    "Help! Help! Heliar, help!"


    Her voice echoes in my head. I shoot up from the water, breathing uneasily, my heart pounding.


    "What the hell was that!?" I gasp, standing there, as I try to piece together what just happened. Just what was that?


    I step out of the tub, questions flooding my mind.


    What''s going on? Where is she? What''s happened to Stella?


    The vision, or whatever that was, felt too real to ignore. There''s something seriously wrong with my mind. First the dreams with that bird, now this...


    I grab a towel and dry off quickly, my mind still shaken. Her image is burned into my memory now, impossible to forget.


    Something has happened. Something bad. And I need to figure out what.

 Chapter 3: A Missing Piece

    Mom and dad return home shortly after. I''m already half asleep by the time they return, but their voices reach my ears; muffled through the walls as I lay in bed. I feel too drained to get up and greet them. My thoughts are still clouded by that strange vision.


    Eventually, the house quiets down, leaving me alone with my thoughts once again. I roll over in bed, trying to push the image of Stella''s terrified face out of my mind, but it just lingers.


    I groan softly, frustrated, and rub my temples. What the hell is going on? It''s not like I knew her that well, but now... now it feels like there''s something bigger at play here. I take a deep breath and try to clear my head.


    Eventually, I fall asleep.


    Mom and Dad are bustling around the house when I finally wake up. I glance at the clock. It''s already past noon.


    I rub my eyes, feeling lazy. "Great, I overslept again," I mutter to myself, sitting up. As I get out of bed, I hear mom''s voice calling from downstairs.


    "Heliar! Your dad and I are heading out to visit your aunt. There''s food in the fridge, okay?"


    "Yeah, got it!" I shout back, yawning.


    I shuffle downstairs just in time to see them grabbing their coats by the door.


    "We''ll be back by tomorrow evening. Behave yourself," Mom says, with her usual stern look, it softening into a small smile.


    "Don''t burn the house down," Dad says jokingly, giving me a light pat on the shoulder as he steps outside.


    "I''ll try my best not to," I reply with a smirk.


    They wave as they walk towards the car, and I stand there for a moment, watching them drive off. Shutting the door behind I head to the kitchen, grabbing a cup of coffee and some food to start the day¡ªwell, what''s left of it.


    Just as I finish eating, a strange sound catches my attention.


    I stop mid-bite, tilting my head toward the window. It''s not something I usually hear. Getting up, I go outside to check it out.


    Just as I exit the doorway, I freeze in my tracks. My heart pounds and my breath feels heavy. There, perched on a tree just above, is a bird.


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    It''s the same damn one from my dreams. Its feathers gleam in the midday light, and its eyes¡ªthose familiar, unnervingly sharp eyes¡ªseem to pierce right through me. I stand there, confused and unsure of what I should do.


    The bird caws softly, tilting its head as if observing me. My mind races. Why is this happening? Why now only?


    I look down at the ground by my feet and spot a small stone. Without giving it much thought, I pick it up and throw it towards that bird. I look up in time to see the bird just... disappear. The stone doesn''t even make it halfway before it clatters to the ground, useless.


    I stare at the empty branch, my heart still racing. Was I just imagining things? What the hell is happening?


    "Hey! Just what do you think you are doing?" a sharp voice enters my ears.


    I turn quickly. Standing not too far away is a girl, about my age, maybe a little taller. Her long black hair falls down her back, and she''s wearing a pink sweater and jeans, unusual for this weather. But what really gets me are her eyes¡ªpiercing blue eyes that seem too intense.


    "Uh... do I know you?" I ask, trying to keep my voice calm, even though she looks like she''s gonna kill me.


    "Of course not, you idiot!" she snaps. "What were you thinking, throwing a rock randomly like that? You could''ve hit someone!"


    I blink, completely caught off guard. "I... I didn''t mean to¡ª" I start, but how do I even explain the bird situation without sounding like I''ve seriously lost it?


    She crosses her arms, narrowing her eyes at me.


    "Sorry, I didn''t mean to cause any trouble" I finally manage to say.


    She lets out an exasperated sigh but shakes her head with a hint of a smile. "Alright, just be more careful next time, okay?"


    She extends her right hand for a handshake. "You can call me Elara."


    I take her hand, returning the gesture. "Nice to meet you, Elara. Are you new around here? I don''t think I''ve seen you before."


    "Oh, I''m actually looking for someone named Heliar. Do you happen to know him?"


    I raise an eyebrow, surprised. "Well, I guess today is your lucky day¡ªI''m Heliar."


    Elara narrows her eyes playfully. "Oh really? In that case, I''d like to have a word with you. Mind if we head to your place?"


    I pause, skepticism creeping in. "Now just wait a minute. Why would I let a complete stranger into my house?"


    Her expression shifts, showing a hint of earnestness. "Because Stella is my friend, and she''s been missing."


    At the mention of Stella, my heart skips a beat. "Stella? You know her?"


    "Of course I do! We''ve been friends for a while. She''s been gone, and I have a feeling you might know something that could help."


    I hesitate, processing her words. "And... what makes you think I have any information?"


    She takes a breath, softening her tone . "I understand this is all a bit sudden, but I really believe you can help me. Please, Heliar. Tell me what happened the last time you saw her?"


    Her sincerity strikes a chord within me. I can see the worry on her face, and it compels me to reconsider. Maybe she''s onto something; maybe I do know more than I think.


    "Alright," I finally say, glancing back at my house. "Let''s talk inside."


    "Thank you."


    As we step in the house, I feel a mix of apprehension and curiosity. What have I just walked into?

 Chapter 4: The Beckoning

    We head into the living room, and I gesture for Elara to sit on the couch. She settles down, and I take a seat across from her.


    "So, about Stella," I begin. "I don''t think I know much, but I will tell you everything I know. The day before yesterday..."


    I tell her everything about my meeting with Stella that evening. Elara listens quietly, her eyes fixed on me, nodding at times but never interrupting.


    When I''m done with my story, she takes a moment before speaking. "I appreciate you telling me all this, Heliar. Just so you know... Stella was actually excited to meet you again." She pulls out her phone and taps the screen. "Here, look at this."


    She hands it to me, and I read through the messages from Stella. Her words are cheerful, full of enthusiasm about how we met and how much she was looking forward to seeing me again.


    A sense of relief washes over me as I read through the messages. It''s comforting to know that she wasn''t just brushing me off. But at the same time, it raises even more questions. I hand the phone back to Elara, feeling a bit still worried.


    "If she was looking forward to it, why didn''t she show up?" I ask, lightly. "Was she busy? Did something come up?"


    Elara''s expression turns more serious. She hesitates for a moment. "That''s what I''m trying to figure out, too," she says quietly. "But... I think something happened to her, Heliar." Her voice drops. "She''s gone. Missing."


    I blink, taken aback. "What do you mean? Missing?"


    "She disappeared," Elara continues. "This morning, I went to her house. Her parents were frantic¡ªthey haven''t seen her since yesterday evening. She didn''t return home. They''ve already called the police."


    I feel a know in my stomach as I realize it.


    "But... she left to meet me."


    Elara nods. "That''s what I thought too. She was supposed to meet you, so I had hoped you might know something. But if she never made it to the park... something must''ve happened on the way." She looks at me, her eyes filled with worry. "The police are investigating, but they haven''t found any leads."


    My chest feels heavy, like a weight is pressing onto me.


    "What do you think could''ve happened?"


    "I don''t know," she replies, running a hand through her hair. "But we need to figure it out, Heliar. Her parents are really worried. We can''t just sit around waiting for them to find her."


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    "Do you think it could be a kidnapping? Any call for a ransom or the sort?" I ask, struck with worry.


    "Doesn''t seem so. There have been no calls yet. The police are doing their best, but they can only work with what they have. It''s frustrating," she sighs.


    For Stella to have disappeared like this, it''s just not normal. That vision I had... I finally decide to tell Elara everything.


    "Elara, I have something to share," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.


    Her eyes brighten with anticipation. "Go on, please. I''m listening."


    "When I returned home after our first meeting, I saw something unusual. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone go in an alley near the park. What struck me odd was the attire. He was wearing a suit and a hat. Formal wear, that late in the day. At first I didn''t think much of it, but looking back, something felt off."


    Elara''s expression shifts, concern visible across her face. "A suit and a hat? That definitely seems weird."


    "Actually, there''s more," I add.


    "Oh, please continue."


    "I might sound crazy, but yesterday I had a vision, about Stella. After I returned home and she didn''t show up. She looked terrified, her eyes wide and pleading. She was screaming my name, calling for help."


    Elara''s brows knit together, her concern deepening. "A vision? You sure it wasn''t just your mind playing tricks on you?"


    "Honestly, I don''t think so."


    I tell her about my recurring vision with that bird in the valley, and how I saw that same bird a while ago, just before I met her. She takes a moment to take in my words, trying to understand what I''m saying.


    "Heliar, this is much bigger than we anticipated. There''s something at play here, and we gotta figure out what."


    "I agree. How about we go and check the alley? We might find something."


    Elara stands, her expression shifting. "We definitely should do that. Let''s go."


    I lock the door behind us, and we head out onto the street. Time seems to slow down as we make way toward our destination. Seems like the park is empty today; barely anyone is around. Just as I''m about to head toward the alley, I pause, sensing something strange. I turn around, and that sight¡ªI will never forget.


    Looming behind Elara, there is a mass of darkness. My heart drops as I take a step closer, but the shadow shifts, pulsing like a living thing.


    "Elara!" I shout, panic gripping my chest. She turns, confusion etched on her face. It takes on a humanoid figure. I''m struck with horror. It''s the same figure I saw that day going into the alley.


    No, this can''t be happening. What the hell is going on?


    "Heliar!" She manages to scream, just as the figure places his right hand on her shoulder. Before she can even react, darkness pulses from the figure, wrapping around her.


    "Get away from her!" I shout, my voice hoarse. But before I can get any closer, they both just disappear, swallowed by the darkness.


    In absolute distress, I stand there, feeling utterly helpless. Something catches my eye. There, lying on the ground, is a black hat¡ªthe same one worn by the figure. "It did not disappear?" I think, a flicker of hope igniting within me.


    I bend down, picking up the hat, and take a closer look at it. The fabric feels smooth and cool in my hands, but the sense of foreboding lingers. I examine the inside; there''s a faint trace of something¡ªperhaps a residue or an insignia. My heart races.


    I tuck the hat under my arm, my resolve hardening. "Stella and Elara, I''ll find you," I vow quietly, determination surging through me.


    I put on the hat. That''s something I should not have done.

 Chapter 5: Who are they?

    Soon as the hat settles on my head, I am overwhelmed by a rush of sensations. In that moment, it feels as if something has connected. The park transforms into a blurry, hazy landscape.


    Memories flood my mind like a tide. There, I see her ¨C Stella. She''s the focus of the world, her heartwarming laughter and cheerfulness numbing the dread feeling in my heart. But the moment shifts as darkness encroaches. She''s near the park, and just behind her, the ominous figure¡ªthe Shadow Thing¡ªlooms. It''s in the exact same spot Elara stood just moments ago.


    Eyes wide, she freezes as the Shadow Thing extends its hand. I feel the panic rising within me as I witness this moment unfold, and am utterly helpless to stop it.


    "No!" I shout as I try reaching forward to do something, anything. But the feeling of helplessness gnaws at my heart.


    Stella''s expression shifts from surprise to fear as she realizes what''s happening. She goes pale. Her mouth opens, and just as she manages to scream "Help! Help! Heliar, help!", she is swallowed by the darkness. She is gone ¨C just like that.


    I stand there, her desperate voice still ringing in my ears. Slowly, the vision begins to fade. The colors of the world come flooding back to me. I stagger back, my heart pounding like a drum in my chest.


    "No!" I gasp, clutching the hat, a part of me believing that it could somehow bring Stella, and Elara back. The reality of what I just witnessed settles in on me, like a heavy stone.


    I stumble away from the park, my mind still haunted by what I just witnessed. The world feels dull and lifeless. The hat weighs in on me, a reminder of Stella and Elara''s disappearance. The streets blur past me, and the faces of strangers fade into an indistinct haze. I can''t shake the feeling of defeat clawing at me.


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    What could I have even done? What way could I have stood up against him, against the Shadow Thing, who is¡ªwhat even is he? Where did he come from, and why?


    I reach my front door and pause, staring at the familiar wood, now seeming foreign and cold. I push it open and step inside, the silence enveloping me. I want to scream, to rage against the injustice of it all, but I just feel... hollow.


    I toss the hat onto the table. I collapse on the couch, burying my face in my hands. The weight of it all crashes down onto me.


    I can''t help but replay the scene in my mind¡ªtheir faces, the fear in their eyes, that darkness. I close my eyes, wishing for a miracle, a way to turn back time, to have another chance. But that is a folly thought. Time wouldn''t bend to my will, and the past is set.


    But all is not lost. If I can''t change the past, I can at least affect the future. I have to find a way to confront the Shadow Thing. I can''t let fear dictate my actions any longer.


    I sit up, taking a deep breath. There has to be something I can do¡ªthere has to be.


    Then, it hits me. Maybe if I go to sleep, I will have that vision again. That damned bird, it has to be the key to all this. It''s connected to the darkness, to the Shadow Thing, and to Stella and Elara.


    I make my way to my bedroom, pushing aside the lingering doubt in my mind. I put the hat away. I take a piece of paper, and write their names on it. It is said that names have power, and this is the least I could do in their honor. The act feels grounding, a small ritual against the overwhelming chaos that has taken hold of my life.


    I set the paper on the table beside my bed, a silent promise that I won''t forget them, that I''ll fight for them. With that small flicker of hope ignited within me, I lie down, pulling the blanket over myself. I close my eyes and allow the darkness to envelop me, hoping it will bring me closer to the answers I desperately seek.


    But the hours slip away without revelation, and I awaken to the first light of dawn.


    As I blink into the new day, my gaze lands on the table beside my bed, where the piece of paper still lies. I reach for it, puzzled.


    "Huh? Stella and Elara? Who are they?"

 Chapter 6: Elara

    "Who are they?" I wonder to myself as I look at the paper which was lying besides my bed. The names, Stella and Elara, are written there in my own handwriting. But I can''t seem to recall who they could be. I frown, crumpling the paper and tossing it aside. I shrug it off, figuring it was probably some half-remembered dream.


    I sit up and glance out the window. It''s bright outside, the kind of morning that would usually feel refreshing, but today it just feels... empty. Mom and dad will return home by evening, so there''s not really anything to do. Boredom creeps in, and I know I can''t stay cooped up here for long. I reach for my phone and dial my friend Aric''s number.


    After a few rings, he picks up. "Yo Heliar," his familiar voice greets me.


    "Wanna hang out man? I''m bored as hell," I ask, yawning.


    "Bikes?" he suggests, like we always do when there''s nothing else to fill the time.


    "Yeah, bet! That sounds good. Meet me at my place."


    I hang up and get off from the bed. I finish my morning routine and get dressed. As I enter the living room downstairs, a black hat lying on the table catches my attention. I can''t seem to remember where I got it¡ªprobably Dad got it for me. I look at it again and put it on.


    I look at it again, and put it on.


    Quickly I prepare some breakfast and gulp it down with a cup of coffee. Perfect.


    I step outside, just as Aric rides up on his bike, skidding to a stop, grinning widely.


    "Ready to roll?" he asks.


    "Yeah, let''s go," I reply, hopping on my bike.


    "Nice hat, by the way. Suits you," he says.


    "Thanks man."


    We pedal down the street, the wind rushing past us. It''s the perfect day for this¡ªclear skies, warm sun, the kind of day where everything feels like it should be fine. But I feel a little uneasy.


    "Heliar, is something up? You''re too quiet," Aric asks, a bit worried.


    I shrug, unsure of what to say. "Just... one of those days, I guess. Felt like being outside."


    Aric doesn''t push it. He speeds up and nods at me to follow. We keep riding, zigzagging through a few empty streets. It''s freeing, being out like this, with no particular destination. The boredom starts to lift, and I start feeling lighter.


    "Hey how about a short break now. Wouldn''t hurt to get a breather." Aric suggests as he comes to a halt.


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    "Sure thing. Let''s head to the local park for a while."


    We head towards the park. We''re a few streets away when a group of girls comes riding towards us from the opposite end. They''re laughing and talking, not really paying attention as they speed up the street.


    One of the girls¡ªshe looks like she''s new to this¡ªsuddenly wobbles, her front tire jerking to the side. Losing control, she veers straight toward us.


    "Watch out!" Aric yells, swerving to avoid her.


    I slam on my brakes just in time, barely avoiding a collision. She comes to a shaky stop right in front of me, her face flushed with embarrassment.


    "Sorry! I¡ªuh¡ªlost my balance," she apologizes, catching her breath.


    "No worries," I say, giving her a smile. "You alright?"


    "Uh yeah! All good." She nods quickly, still a little flustered.. Her friends slow down and stop, giggling.


    "That was close," one of them teases, looking between her and me.


    Aric chuckles, glancing at the girl. "Hey, it happens. Your first time riding a bike or something?"


    "No!" she protests, her cheeks turning red. "Just... not my best day."


    We all laugh, the awkwardness easing a little.


    "Well, I''m Heliar, and this is Aric," I say, offering a smile to the group.


    There''s some laughter, introductions, and quick handshakes as we exchange names. But just as we''re settling in, one of the girls abruptly gets back on her bike, and starts pedaling away, fast.


    Her friends call out. "Elara, what happened? Are you okay?"


    Elara. Elara. Elara.


    The name rings in my ears. The world around me seems to slow down as memories come flooding in. Stella and Elara. The Shadow Thing. The hat.


    "ELARA, PLEASE STOP!" I scream just as she turns the corner.


    The others look at me in worry.


    "Heliar?" Aric begins, but I cut him mid-sentence.


    "We need to follow her," I say, getting on my bike. They don''t understand what''s going on, but nonetheless everyone gets on their bikes and we follow Elara.


    Oh no, she''s heading towards that park. This cannot be good.


    The laughter and lightheartedness of just moments ago feel like a distant memory. As she nears the park, we keep following her.


    "Heliar, slow down!" Aric calls as he tries to keep up.


    But I cannot. I need to reach her. "We have to catch up!" I shout back, determination fueling every push of my pedals.


    As we approach the park, we see that Elara has got down from her bike. She''s standing there ¡ª near that alley, just a few meters away from that spot where she disappeared just yesterday. I can''t seem to understand what''s going on. How could I have forgotten Stella and Elara, even when I wrote down their names? Is this girl actually Elara, or is it a trick? There are so many questions, yet not even a single answer.


    I come to a halt, and approach her quickly. The others follow behind.


    "Elara..." I call out. She turns around to look at me. She tries to say something, but suddenly she takes a few steps backwards. She''s at the same spot now.


    "What is happening?" one of the girls asks.


    No. No. No. No. No. This can''t be happening. Again?


    I watch with dread as there''s a lump of darkness behind her. The Shadow Thing.


    Why? Why? Why?


    I reach out for her. Almost there. Just a bit more. She stands still as darkness wraps around her. As it takes on a humanoid form, something within me snaps. I take off the hat and throw it at his face. I dash forward, grab Elara''s hand and pull her away.


    He stands still. Suddenly he glances towards me, and whispers¡ªI''m not sure if it is a whisper, but his voice enters my ears.


    "Try to find me," he rasps. And with that, he''s gone. Again, the hat is left behind.


    Whatever spell she was under, Elara breaks free.


    "Heliar!" she screams as she sees me, hugging me tightly. I can feel the warmth of her embrace.


    The others catch up.


    "What the hell was that?" they ask in unison.


    "Well, story time I guess," I reply smiling, glancing at Elara.

 Chapter 7: What awaits ahead

    "Memories never really leave you. They just hide in dark corners of the mind, and wait for the right moment to step back into the light."


    The words hang in my mind as we walk, their weight matching the quiet tension in the air. The park''s entrance is up ahead, framed by the low hanging branches of nearby trees. It''s early afternoon and a soothing breeze flows through, rustling the leaves. Still, there''s a lingering sense of foreboding in the air, which I wager is due to him, the Shadow Thing.


    We step inside. Sunlight filters through the canopy above, casting shadows on the ground. It creates patterns that seem to dance as we walk. The familiar sounds of chirping birds and the distant laughter of children playing seem muted, like they''re coming from somewhere far away.


    Elara walks ahead, quiet. I can see her shoulders tense, and my heart races, wondering what thoughts are swirling in her mind. Aric and the others follow, whispering to each other, their expressions a mixture of concern and confusion, but it''s my own turmoil that grips me the tightest.


    "Hey, Heliar," Aric nudges me. "You good? You''ve been awfully quiet."


    I take a deep breath, trying to find the words. "Yeah, I''m good. Just trying to be calm."


    Elara glances back, her soft eyes finding mine. "It''s okay Heliar, don''t worry. I''m back, and soon Stella will be too."


    "Stella? Who''s that now?" Aric asks, curious.


    "Yeah, we gotta talk. Let''s settle down over there," I say, motioning towards the benches up ahead.


    As we move closer, the breeze carries the faint scent of damp earth and blooming flowers, a mix of sweetness and decay that wraps around us. I take it in, allowing the sensations to ground me. A bee zips past and Kate, the one who almost collided with our bikes, shrieks, trying to brush it off.


    "Get it away! Get it away!" she squeals, ducking behind Elara, who''s laughing.


    "Calm down! It''s just a bee!" she teases laughingly, brightening the mood for a moment.


    I can''t help but chuckle, relieved at the change in the atmosphere. I lead the group to the benches, a small cluster of wooden slats nestled beneath a large oak.


    I glance around the park, as we settle down. The sun hangs high in the sky, illuminating the vibrant greens of the grass and the blossoms scattered about, but it feels hollow against the backdrop of our reality. Elara sits beside me.


    "Okay," I say, drawing everyone''s attention. "All that I''m about to tell you all might seem crazy, so bear with me." Elara nods approvingly.


    I take a look at Aric, and begin. "It all started after I met Stella, here in this park. We planned to meet again and she didn''t show up the next day. I had a vision of her... and she looked terrified. Then there''s this recurring dream I keep having about a valley, and this bird. It''s always the same¡ªthis incredible creature that seems to glow, almost like a phoenix."


    As I recount everything, their expressions shift, a mix of concern and skepticism across their faces. "I know it sounds insane," I add, sighing.


    "What about Elara?" Aric prompts, glancing at her.


    I continue, telling them about how I met Elara and how I saw that same bird near my house. "And then... Elara got taken by the Shadow Thing too," I finish.


    Their silence hangs in the air. "And well, as for what happened today, you guys all saw it firsthand," I say.


    "Heliar, you know, we won''t have believed a single word of what you said if not for us seeing it ourselves," Aric adds, looking at me. Jade, Maya and Rose nod in agreement.


    Elara nods, her brow furrowed in concern. "That''s understandable. Still, there''s something big going on here. We need to figure out what it is."


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    Aric leans forward. "Okay, so what do we do? Do we try to find Stella? Or confront this Shadow Thing?"


    I feel their gazes on me, expecting answers that I don''t have. "I think we have to find Stella first," I reply. "We can''t leave her with whatever this thing is."


    Jade, who''s been quiet until now, chimes in. "But how do we even start? We don''t know where Stella is or what this thing wants."


    "Well," I say, glancing at Elara. "Maybe Elara knows something. She did come back from the Shadow Thing after all."


    Everyone fixes their gaze at her, and I almost feel bad for putting her on the spot. But, she breaths calmly and says, "Honestly, I don''t have much to say. My memories from after I got taken away are hazy. But I was in a dark room, and it was oddly ''dreamy''. It seemed to be constantly shifting, the walls swirling with what seemed like waves of shadows. Somewhat fitting imagery for the Shadow Thing, I guess. I could hear Stella, or at least she seemed to be Stella. She was in a nearby room I think, asking to be let out. I tried to speak with her, but I''m unsure if she heard me."


    The atmosphere grows heavy. "That sounds terrifying," Maya says, shivering slightly.


    Elara continues. "And as for how I came back, I think this was sort of a trap. He might have wanted you, Heliar. So using me as a bait is not far-fetched. Still, you took me back and made him retreat, so I think there might be a way for us to do something."


    I nod, agreeing. "That''s definitely true."


    Aric leans forward, excitement gleaming in his eyes. "So, what''s the plan? How should we proceed?"


    I glance at him, feeling a flicker of gratitude. I knew my best friend would help me through this.


    "Honestly, we need more clues. We barely know anything right now. And as for where Elara was held, it might as well have not been a real place. Something magical or the sort."


    Elara interjects. "What if we try to retrace my steps? Maybe I can remember something that will help us. We need to tap into those memories, even if they''re hazy."


    "Good idea." I say, feeling a sense of purpose blooming among us. "But how can we do that? We can''t just walk into a dream."


    Rose points towards the hat on my head. "Well, what about that? Doesn''t that belong to him."


    Ah. The hat. How could I have forgotten about it.


    I take it off, and show it to the group.


    "Well, I had lost my memories of Stella and Elara after I woke up today. And yesterday evening, after Elara got taken away, I had put on this hat. That is when I saw the vision of Stella being taken away too. I think this hat definitely can help us."


    Elara leans closer, her eyes locked on the hat. "It''s worth a shot. If it''s connected to him, it might lead us back to whatever realm he''s in."


    "So like, how do we use it? Do we just wear it or what?" Aric asks, contemplating.


    "It all is connected with my dreams. If I go to sleep wearing this hat and have a dream, maybe that could help us."


    Elara looks at me. "Heliar, you certainly are smart. Excellent idea."


    I feel a rush of warmth at the praise. "Thanks, but I can''t take all the credit. We''re in this together, right?" I smile, glancing around at everyone.


    "It''s decided then," Jade says, her voice steady. "Heliar, you''ll wear the hat and try to sleep. And if you see anything, that''ll be what guides us further."


    Everyone nods. "Well, let''s head home for today then. And tomorrow, we meet here again."


    Aric smiles, "It''s a deal then."


    Everyone gets up and we move towards the exist.


    "Oh, I have another idea," Maya adds. "We should all exchange contacts."


    "Good one, Maya," Rose says.


    We exchange contacts and leave the park. Just before heading to our bikes, I say to Elara, "Be careful. We can''t have you taken away again."


    She smiles. "You too, Heliar." We bump fists as I head towards my bike. Aric waits for me.


    "Let''s go, man."


    I hop onto my bike, the familiar weight of it feeling reassuring beneath me. As we ride, the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the streets. The wind whips past us, a mix of exhilaration and nervousness bubbling up inside me. I glance over at Aric, who seems lost in thought.


    "Hey, you okay?" I ask, slowing down.


    "Yeah, just thinking," he replies, pushing his hair back. "It''s kind of crazy, you know? We are diving headfirst into something so... mysterious. Honestly it scares me a bit. But then again, we are in this together so I bet it will be alright."


    I smile at him, happy to have someone like him at my side. "You don''t say. If there''s anyone I can fully trust to have my back, it''s you, Aric."


    "Thanks, Heliar. That means a lot," he says, grinning back at me. "We''ve been together since forever. Whatever this is, we''ll tackle it like we always do."


    As we navigate the streets, the surroundings¡ªlaughter from nearby houses, the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze¡ªremind me that life continues, even as we''re caught in this whirlwind of chaos.


    "You remember that time we got lost during the camping trip?" I chuckle, recalling the adventure that turned into a hilarious disaster.


    He laughs, shaking his head. "How could I ever forget that. We had to sleep in a stable because we couldn''t find the way back to our tents."


    "And we had to eat those beans and potatoes for dinner."


    "Still the worst meal I''ve ever had," he agrees, sighing dramatically. "But hey at least we made some cool memories, and that''s all that matters, right?"


    "Certainly!" I reply with a grin.


    As we reach my house, I park my bike and hop off, glancing back at Aric. "See you tomorrow Aric," I wave, smiling.


    "Yeah, see you tomorrow Heliar," he replies as he rides off in the distance.


    As I near the doorway, I notice our car parked nearby. So mom and dad have returned home.

 Chapter 8: Their Secret

    I''m greeted with a familiar warmth as I step inside the house. It''s quiet, peaceful. The hallway is lit with the light of the living room as I enter.


    Mom is in the kitchen, making preparations for dinner. Dad is sitting on the couch, attending a business meeting.


    "That will be all, Mr. Ronan. I''m glad you liked our proposal. Let''s do our best on this project!" says the client, happily. Dad smiles at him as they end their meeting. Leaning back, he mutters to himself, "That was quick."


    He straightens up as he sees me enter. "Hello Heliar! I see that you haven''t burnt the house," he says smilingly. I reach for a hug.


    "Hi dad, welcome back. Missed you." He holds me for a while.


    He chuckles, ruffling my hair as we pull back. "Missed you too, my boy. And trust me, we could use some time at home for a change. How was your day?"


    "Good." I reply, managing a small smile. "Spent some time with friends."


    He nods, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "That''s good, that''s good."


    Mom walks in from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. "There''s my boy," she says warmly, pulling me into a hug next. She holds me close. "Look at you," she murmurs as she studies my face. "Looks like you''ve been upto something again. Just remember to stay safe, okay?"


    "Of course mom," I reply with a smile.


    "Hey Heliar, where did you get that?" Dad asks, reaching for the hat I kept on the table.


    "Ah. Aric gave it to me. Said it''d suit me. Honestly, he''s just so random at times."


    Dad eyes it for a moment. He chuckles, turning it over in his hands. "Well, he''s certainly got a point. It does suit you," he says, handing it back to me with a smirk. "Adds a bit of mystery, doesn''t it?"


    "As if you''d need any more of that," she teases, a sense of playfulness about her.


    "Exactly!" Dad replies, leaning back in his chair. "You should see the way the neighbors look at me when I come home late from meetings."


    Mom laughs, shaking her head. "Mystery or whatever, I''d prefer if you weren''t home late so often Ronan. Been a while since we''ve had a nice family dinner."


    Dad''s expression softens. "I know, Mara. And I''m sorry. It''s just ¨C" he hesitates for a moment, glancing at me. "You know what it''s like."


    "Yeah, I do," trying to keep my tone light.


    Mom steps in, sensing the change in the mood. "Let''s set aside our worries for now. Tonight all 3 of us are here, let''s make the most out of this moment, right?"


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    "Of course," I say standing up. "Gods, I''m really hungry. Is the dinner ready yet, mom?"


    "It is! You both wash your hands and get to the dining table."


    "Perfect timing Mara," dad replies with a grin, rising from his chair. He ruffles my hair again, and I swat his hand away playfully.


    As we move toward the sink, I catch a glimpse of Mom busying herself at the table, arranging the dishes carefully. It''s one of those things that make her special, how she puts her heart into every meal.


    "Did you help with this, or is it all her magic?" Dad teases me.


    I chuckle as I turn on the tap. "Mom''s the culinary wizard here. I just try not to set things on fire."


    "I appreciate the honesty," Mom calls, and we both laugh.


    After washing up, we settle at the table, the delicious smell of food drawing in the air. The conversation flows easily as we dig into dinner, and I relish the warmth of this moment.


    "So, what''s the plan for the weekend, Heliar?" Dad asks, passing me a plate.


    I pause, thinking of all that has happened the last few days. Stella, Elara, The Shadow Thing.


    "I might hang out with some friends, maybe go biking. Nothing too crazy though, I promise!"


    "Good," Dad nods, a satisfied smile on his face. "Just be careful out there, yeah. You never know what you might encounter."


    "Yeah, I''ll keep my eyes peeled," I assure him, trying to sound cheerful. The memories of recent events linger in my mind, but I brush them aside for now.


    Mom watches us with a smile, her eyes glimmering with warmth.


    As we continue eating, I steal glances at my parents, noting the subtle lines of worry across Dad''s face, the way Mom''s smile doesn''t quite reach her eyes. I wonder what weighs on them. What they''ve been upto the past few days.


    I shift my focus on the food, appreciating mom''s cooking. As we finish up, I momentarily think of telling them about everything. But I stop myself. I''d rather not have them dragged in my worries, especially when they already seem burdened by their own.


    "Thanks for dinner, Mom," I say smiling as I push my plate away.


    "Of course, sweetheart. I''m glad you enjoyed it," she replies, her eyes sparkling.


    Dad leans back in his chair, a contented sigh escaping him. "Nothing like a home-cooked meal. We should do this more often."


    "Absolutely," Mom agrees, though I can tell she''s already thinking about how busy the following week is going to be.


    After clearing the table together, I feel a sense of normalcy wash over me. Maybe I can keep everything at bay, at least for tonight.


    "I will head to bed now," I say entering the living room. The soft glow of the lamp casts a warm light across the room.


    "Alright Heliar. Sleep well!" they both call. I nod, passing them a smile, and exit the room.


    As I make my way to my room, the familiar scent of home envelops me, providing a momentary refuge from the chaos brewing in my mind.


    Once inside, I close the door, the soft click echoing in the silence. I let out a deep breath.


    "Alright, let''s do this."


    Changing into my pajamas, I put on the hat. Hoping that I find some of the answers I''m looking for in a dream, I drift to sleep.


    But I don''t have any dreams.


    Sometime past midnight, I''m woken by a loud, shimmering sound. It''s coming from the living room. There''s the voice of a man, and he is saying something. I can''t make out the words, but one stands out clearly ¨C Sun.


    After a few minutes, I head downstairs.


    I push open the door to the living room, and what I see stops me in my tracks.


    My parents are sitting on the couch, and opposite them sits a man who looks like a knight. His presence is imposing. There''s a wavy hologram, or something of the sort, hovering in their middle. It displays a scene I dread¡ªa dark figure looming over Stella as she is taken by the Shadow Thing. My heart races as I strain to hear the man''s voice.


    "What the hell is happening?" I ask as I enter.


    Startled, they all turn towards me. After a moment, the knight nods towards dad.


    "Hello, Heliar. Take a seat, would you?"

 Chapter 9: Echoes of the Ancient

    I take a seat across from the knight. His silver armor gleams even in the dim light. His dark blue eyes study me with a calm intensity, and black hair falls just over his brow, adding to his dignified air. He looks as though he''s walked straight out of a legend. I''d wager he has slain countless dragons too.


    There''s something about him ¨C an elegance, an ancient strength which I can feel even from across the table. Even sitting down, he''s tall.


    Mom and dad look towards us nervously. I decide to break the silence.


    "Will someone tell me just what is all this?"


    The knight looks at my dad again, then speaks.


    "Hello, Heliar. My name is Orin. I am a knight of the Aetherian Blades. It wasn''t yet time for us to meet, but seems like fate wills otherwise."


    Fate? I glance at my parents, their faces etched with worry, and then back to Orin, who remains composed.


    "Fate?" I echo, trying to wrap my mind around it. "What do you mean? Why me?"


    "Stella. You meeting her was not a mere coincidence. And neither was her being taken away. This is all a part of something much, much bigger, Heliar. You need to understand that. And you need to understand your own role in it."


    Stella.


    "I honestly don''t understand any of what you are saying. I do get that Stella being taken by the Shadow Thing is something more than I can comprehend, but can you explain it better?"


    Orin looks at me amusingly. "Shadow Thing? That''s an interesting name you''ve given him." His lips curl into a smirk. "The title you''re looking for, Heliar, is Voidscion."


    I blink, the weight of the word settling on me. "Voidscion?" I repeat, testing it on my tongue.


    Orin nods. "Yes, Heliar. Few know of the title. The Voidscion is no ordinary being. He is a vessel of ancient power and purpose, and he is driven by doom. His presence signals the awakening of old forces, ones that most would wish remain forgotten."


    The room feels colder. I look to my parents, hoping to find comfort in their gazes. But, their faces seem ashen, and distant.


    I try to process everything. "So... the Voidscion took Stella. But why her? And what does it all have to do with me?"


    Orin leans forwards, his attention focusing on me. "You do not know about your... Bloodline yet, do you?" He glances at Dad. "Ronan, you should tell him everything. He deserves to know."


    My father shifts uncomfortably in his seat, eyes flickering between Orin and me. He takes a long, steady breath.


    "Heliar," he begins, his voice carrying an unfamiliar weight, "there''s a history in our family that we haven''t told you about. We thought we could protect you from it for a little longer."


    "Protect me? From what?"


    "From the truth," my mother says quietly, her voice strained. "Our family, the Virethel bloodline... it''s one of the old houses, one that''s been tied to ancient forces for generations. And with that history, there comes a duty."


    Dad continues. "Long ago, there was a group of people. They could harness those powers of the ancient. Understanding the potential of that power, they decided to band together. They formed a civilization of their own, one which would not strive for glory but would instead dedicate their all to protecting the peace of the planet. That is the origin of our bloodline. And their finest warriors, they''d come to form an order which''d be come to known as the Aetherian Blades."


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    He pauses for a moment, his voice taking on a darker tone. "Naturally, where there is light, there is bound to be darkness. This is where the Voidscion comes into the picture. Mind you, he is not alone. He might have been acting by himself as of late, but he too leads numerous ''men''."


    My father''s words hang heavy in the air, and I feel a chill creep up my spine.


    "He leads... men?" I repeat, my voice barely above a whisper. "So, there are others like him?"


    Orin nods, his expression darkening. "Yes, Heliar. While they do not have the same powers as him, they are a menace in their own right."


    I try to wrap my head around it. "And this... ancient power you speak of. What is it? Where does it come from?"


    Dad takes out a gemstone, and places it on the table. He hovers his right hand over it, and an image of the Solar System shows.


    "Look, Heliar." He says pointing towards the Earth. "How many moons do you see?"


    I stare in surprise. Where there should be one, the Earth is circled by seven moons.


    Seven.


    Next, he points at Mars. "And how many moons does Mars have?"


    "Five," I speak.


    Dad''s gaze sharpens, his eyes flickering with a strange intensity as he speaks.


    "These moons, Heliar, they are no ordinary celestial bodies. They are the ancient sources of power. Every person on this planet has an affinity to one of these moons. While some are able to use that power to some extent, at times by accident, most people live their entire lives without even knowing about it. And the Earth''s and Mars'' moons, they... oppose each other. We draw our powers from the moons of Earth, while the Voidscion and his people''s powers are harnessed from those of Mars."


    Dad''s words hang heavy in the air, and I feel a mix of awe and fear washing over me. "So, you''re saying that these moons have different powers? And that there''s a divide between us and them?"


    "Exactly," he replies, his tone serious. "The moons of Earth are associated with creation, life, and illumination. They grant us the abilities to heal, to create, to protect and to find light in the darkest places. But the moons of Mars embody chaos, destruction, and darkness. They empower the Voidscion and his followers, fueling their ambitions to conquer and dominate."


    "I understand all that. But why can''t the Aetherian Blades and the rest of the bloodlines stop them? Haven''t they already been doing that for ages? Or is there a serious problem?"


    Dad looks at me with a heavy expression, as if weighing the gravity of my question. "It''s not that the Aetherian Blades haven''t been fighting back. They have. For generations, they''ve defended the balance between our worlds, standing against those who would seek to disrupt it. However, they are not what they once were, Heliar. Of the bloodlines, a lot have been lost. And of the few that remain, they too don''t retain any of their former prowess. The strength of our people is not what it once was."


    I feel a sinking sensation in my chest as dad continues. "Many of the houses have either fallen into obscurity or become complacent, losing the traditions and teachings that once made them powerful. The knowledge of our ancestors has faded, and along with it, our ability to fight against the Voidscion''s dark influence."


    Orin nods in agreement, his expression grave. "There was a time when the Aetherian Blades were a formidable force, feared by those who would threaten the balance. But as centuries passed, their ranks dwindled. The old warriors who carried the legacy of our bloodlines have either perished or chosen to live in isolation, far away from the conflicts of the world."


    "But why didn''t anyone do anything to stop this decline?" I ask, frustration creeping into my voice. "Surely someone must have seen it coming."


    Dad sighs, his gaze distant. "There were attempts, yes, but many were met with resistance. The younger generations, they grew disinterested, dismissing the old ways as mere myths. They sought their own paths, and abandoned the responsibilities that came with our heritage. The few who recognized the danger were often unable to rally support."


    Orin''s eyes blaze with intensity. "And now, with the Voidscion rising in power, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. We can''t afford to let this cycle continue. And Heliar, this is where you come into play."


    I blink, surprised. "Me? I get that I''m from the Virethel bloodline yes, but still... how?"


    Mom clears her throat, drawing our attention. "Your name, Heliar. Have you ever wondered why your name is so closely associated to the Sun? In the bloodlines, it''s incredibly rare, but there is a possibility for a child to be born who can harness the power of the Sun. To be honest, even we didn''t realize you had that potential. When we named you, it was more of a lucky charm than anything else. But it seems fate plays its hand in mysterious ways."


    "And the moons, no matter which, all draw their power from the Sun." I add, thinking.


    Mom nods, her gaze steady. "And now, it''s up to you to awaken that potential. The light you carry may be the key to turning the tide against the Voidscion."

 "To the Son!"

    Destiny. Fate. Magic.


    All these concepts have been always at best fictional to me, so it feels a bit unnatural to have everything shoved in my life all at once like this. Still, though, if this is something which was meant to happen nonetheless, me getting involved with the Voidscion and what not, the least I could do was to try and get used to all this.


    ¡°Orin. Dad. I¡¯d like to know more about this ¡®magic¡¯.¡±


    Orin¡¯s lips curl into a faint smile. ¡°Magic,¡± he begins, his voice carrying weight, ¡°is not some whimsical force from fairy tales, Heliar. It¡¯s an art. A science. A concept you must understand.¡±


    Dad nods, gesturing for me to focus. ¡°The power we call magic comes from the resonance between people and the moons. Each moon carries its own power, its own essence, and those attuned to it can harness that energy in ways unique to them. Magic, in this sense, is as natural as the tides or the changing seasons¡ªguided by laws and rhythms, not chaos.¡±


    I frown, trying to keep up. ¡°So, it¡¯s not some kind of all-powerful, arcane sorcery?¡±


    Dad shakes his head. ¡°No, son. It¡¯s nothing like those stories of untamed, godlike power. It is precise, like a muscle you train or an instrument you learn to play. Anyone can resonate with a moon, but to truly understand and harness that power? That takes discipline and understanding.¡±


    Orin gestures toward the gemstone on the table. ¡°Kindly allow me to demonstrate.¡±


    He holds his hand above the stone, his fingers curling slightly as he closes his eyes. The air around him hums softly, and the gemstone responds, its surface rippling with light. It begins to glow faintly, and a moment later, strands of silver-blue energy spiral upwards, weaving themselves into a delicate structure of light. It hovers in the air, pulsing gently, like it¡¯s alive.


    ¡°This,¡± Orin says, his voice calm but commanding, ¡°is the simplest form of channeling. The energy from a moon¡ªdrawn, shaped, and given a form.¡±


    I stare, mesmerized by the strands of energy swirling in the air. They twist and fold like ribbons in a gentle breeze. The structure Orin creates takes the shape of a blooming flower, its petals shimmering.


    ¡°This is just a fragment of what¡¯s possible,¡± Orin continues, his voice steady. ¡°The energy you see here is drawn from a moon¡¯s essence. For me, it¡¯s Seryna, the moon of clarity and balance. Its power flows easily when guided, but it requires focus to shape.¡±


    I nod. ¡°So, where does the core ¡®purpose¡¯ of this magic lie? You said that it¡¯s not an all-powerful sorcery. Then does it help the corresponding users in combat? Does it grant them different sorts of spells. What is it?¡±


    Dad speaks, ¡°It¡¯s a supplementary power. It¡¯s not exactly elemental, but us magic users can basically conjure and give form to the energy of a moon and have it enhance our combat skills and the like. To put it more clearly, let¡¯s say Orin has to face someone who holds the power of Phobos, one of the moons of Mars. Considering the affinities of these moons with each other, Orin will have the edge in the battle when it comes to magic alone. And with his combat prowess, victory will easily be in grasp. On the other hand, if I have to face someone from Phobos, I might not easily be able to win. That¡¯s how the affinities work in this case.


    ¡°There¡¯s also a special, and rare moon power. It¡¯s related to healing, and the one who holds that power is able to act as support and help their allies. They can easily turn the tide of a battle.¡±


    I lean forward, curious. ¡°That moon¡­ which is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Luna. The one true moon of Earth. It holds the power of restoration, renewal, and guidance. Those attuned to it can heal wounds, ease fatigue, and even stabilize energy flows within others. It¡¯s a power of support.


    ¡°But make no mistake¡ªsupport is not weakness. In many battles, the tide is turned not by brute strength, but by those who stand behind the front lines, providing support to their allies and ensuring they stay on their feet.¡±


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    I nod, understanding his words. *Luna, the one true moon¡­* A rare power, one that could turn the tide of battle.


    As I ponder, Orin shifts in his seat, his gaze focusing on me.


    ¡°You¡¯re thinking about it the wrong way.¡±


    I raise an eyebrow. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You keep looking at this like it¡¯s a game of strengths and weaknesses. Like it¡¯s a set of abilities that determine who wins and who loses.


    ¡°Magic isn¡¯t just a tool for battle. It¡¯s a force woven into everything. It exists beyond the fight.¡±


    Dad nods. ¡°People often tend to focus on combat applications, but the truth is, resonance¡ªmagic¡ªis something that shapes the world. The moons don¡¯t exist just to grant power; they are a part of the natural order.¡±


    I frown, trying to keep up. ¡°So it¡¯s not just about who¡¯s stronger or who has the best abilities?¡±


    Orin chuckles softly. ¡°If it were, the world would be a much simpler place.¡±


    I exhale, running a hand through my hair.


    ¡°I understand. Is that all I need to know? Or is there something else too?¡±


    ¡°Yes, my child. There is more to it.¡± Mom interjects.


    She continues, ¡°Every moon grants a unique type of power, and it can be categorized into three main applications. Firstly, it¡¯s physical enhancement. It boosts a fighter¡¯s strength, speed, agility, endurance, and all sort of physical properties.


    ¡°Then you have manifestation. That allows a user to generate moon energy in a form. For example, weapons and shields. And then there¡¯s tactical abilities. It includes more subtle effects like foresight, premonition, deception, or area influence. And of course, completely different from all is the unique power of Luna.¡±


    I think over it, her words repeating in my mind. I nod, slowly looking up at her. ¡°I understand. It¡¯s honestly quite easy to grasp.¡±


    Orin chuckles, ¡°That¡¯s right. These powers do follow a natural order after all.¡±


    A question comes to my mind, but before I can ask, he continues, ¡°My moon, Seryna comes under the third category.¡±


    Orin gestures with a hand, the lingering silver-blue light still faintly pulsing in the gemstone before him before fading away. ¡°It grants clarity, insight, and the ability to alter perception¡ªsubtle but invaluable in battle.¡±


    I watch the last traces of energy fade, my mind still processing everything. "So, every moon has its own kind of power," I murmur, tapping my fingers against the table. "But Luna¡­ its power is different from the others."


    Dad nods. "Yes. Unlike the others, which grant strength, manifestation, or tactical advantages, Luna is purely restorative. Those attuned to it have the ability to heal and support, keeping others in the fight when they would otherwise fall."


    I glance between them, a question coming to my mind. "Then¡­ who has it? Who''s attuned to Luna?"


    Momentarily, there''s a heavy silence. A fleeting hesitation in Orin¡¯s expression. Then, Mom speaks.


    "Stella."


    The name hangs in the air. A strange, weighty feeling settles in my chest.


    Stella. Of course it¡¯s her¡­


    I exhale slowly, trying to steady myself. Of course, it¡¯s her. Somehow, it makes perfect sense, like a puzzle piece falling into place¡ªone I didn¡¯t even realize was missing.


    My meeting with her, the strange sense of familiarity, the feeling of being drawn towards her, it all makes sense now.


    My power is related to the Sun. And hers is to the Moon. The one true moon of Earth, Luna.


    A strange feeling stirs in me¡ªsomething deep, something old, something which I can¡¯t name.


    Orin watches me closely, as if gauging my reaction. ¡°The sun and the moon,¡± he says, his voice almost distant, thoughtful. ¡°Two celestial bodies bound by an eternal cycle. Neither complete without the other. Their fates¡­ always intertwined.¡±


    His words send a shiver through me, something primal stirring in my core.


    Fates, intertwined.


    I have never believed in destiny. Never cared for the idea that lives could be predetermined, that paths could be set before we even take our first steps. But now, with everything that I¡¯ve seen, everything I¡¯ve learned¡­ I cannot ignore the weight of it.


    I think back to Stella¡ªthe way she looked at me, the way she smiled, like she knew something I didn¡¯t. It was like she had always known.


    ¡°Is that why¡­¡± My voice comes out quieter than I intend. ¡°Is that why I feel this connection to her?¡±


    Orin studies me for a moment, nodding. ¡°Perhaps. Some bonds are written in the very fabric of the world. Even without knowing it, your souls recognize each other.¡±


    I grip my hands together, feeling an uneasy tightness in my chest. If that¡¯s true¡­ then what does it mean for us? What does it mean for her?


    But before I can voice the thought, Orin¡¯s gaze sharpens, pulling me back to the present. ¡°But that connection alone won¡¯t be enough.¡±


    His tone shifts, more focused now. ¡°You¡¯ve been marked by the sun, Heliar. Whether you like it or not, your path is no longer that of an ordinary life. The Voidscion is already moving, and when it reaches you, when it reaches those you care about¡ªyou won¡¯t have the luxury of hesitation.¡±


    The memory of that thing¡ªthe Voidscion¡ªfloods back. The way it took Stella. The way it threatened Aric and others. And the way I was powerless to stop it.


    A slow, burning resolve starts to take shape inside me.


    ¡°Then teach me,¡± I say, my voice steady now. ¡°Teach me how to fight.¡±


    Orin rises to his feet, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he bows. A gesture of reverence. Of recognition.


    His voice is deep, steady.


    ¡°To the Son.¡±