《The Desilta Chronicles: The White Bracelet》


 Chapter One: Echoes of Regret

    ? Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.


    Chapter One: Echoes of Regret


    As the cold shadows of Liverpool evenings seep through the window of my small flat, cluttered with the memories of a long life, I find myself imprisoned between walls of my own making. I am Bradley, eighty-two years burdened upon my back, a man weighed not just by the years, but by the heaviness of a life I never dared to live as I wanted. Every evening, as darkness blankets the city, I sit in my worn-out chair, groaning under my weight, staring at the void before me while my weary eyes wander across everything and nothing at the same time.


    The ticking of the clock on the wall taunts me with its monotonous voice; every passing second whispers a merciless reminder of each moment wasted and every opportunity I failed to seize. I feel time slipping through my fingers, like grains of sand through an hourglass, irretrievable.


    How did I arrive at this barren crossroads? That question haunts me relentlessly, and regret¡ªthat cruel companion¡ªclutches my heart with icy fingers, drowning my soul in an unrelenting, heavy sorrow. My mind drifts back to the past, sifting through all the opportunities that once lay before me and all the moments I allowed to pass without truly living them.


    In my youth, I was na?ve, convinced time was endless, that I always had enough of it to do whatever I wanted. I postponed happiness, deluding myself that ¡°tomorrow¡± would grant me another chance. I delayed building relationships, fooling myself into believing I needed more preparation, more time. I deferred finding joy in life¡¯s small details, waiting for a perfect moment that never came. Tomorrow slipped away, days melted into years, and years stacked into decades. Now, I see clearly just how mistaken I was.


    Each morning, as I can barely muster the strength to lift myself from the bed, I feel my body transformed into a map of aches and pains¡ªa relentless reminder of time¡¯s unyielding march. I drag my feet toward the bathroom in slow, weary steps, and when I look into the cracked mirror, a stranger stares back at me. This tired face, these sunken eyes, this scattering of white hair... where had the young man I once been gone? How did I let myself wither, becoming this empty shadow, this ghost?


    In my younger days, I worked in construction. I can still recall the smell of dust and cement, the solid heft of tools in my hands, now stiff and rough. I built walls and structures, yet I failed to build anything of worth within my life. During work breaks, I would listen to my colleagues speak passionately about their lives, about their children and wives, the small adventures they¡¯d embark on during weekends, their dreams, their hopes for the future. There was a special gleam in their eyes as they recounted tales of their children¡¯s first steps, of warm family embraces, of holidays spent in nature¡¯s embrace.


    I listened in silence, an outsider looking in, feeling alien to these intimate conversations. I had nothing to share with my own life. No late-night vigils with a sick child, no family trips filled with laughter, not even petty arguments with a partner that ended in sincere reconciliation. Each evening, I would return to my flat, sitting before a television that filled the empty room with a faint glow, watching the lives of others unfold before me¡ªliving vicariously through programmes and shows. My life drifted by, and I remained nothing but a constant spectator. At every moment, I hid backstage, too afraid to step onto the stage of life. I watched as my life unfolded like a film where I had no role beyond that of a passive onlooker.


    I pinned my hopes on chance, believing luck would smile on me one day. Every week, I bought lottery tickets, my heart racing with every draw, dreaming of that triumphant win that would lift me from this silence. I imagined myself wealthy, living a life of luxury, travelling to the ends of the earth, buying a grand house, and finally finding a woman I loved¡ªmarrying her, and living the life I¡¯d always dreamed of. But the weeks passed, and the winning numbers always eluded me. My dreams evaporated time and again, and I returned to my routine, postponing every happiness for some indefinite future.


    For me, happiness was always a deferred idea¡ªa hidden force I expected to knock on my door one day, without making any effort to search for it myself. I believed that opportunity would appear suddenly, leading me to a life I hadn¡¯t planned but always wished for. Today, with a bitter ache, I realise I had been waiting for something I should have created myself. I postponed life itself while life moved on around me, abandoning me a little more each day.


    I have never been married. I had no children. Fear was my constant companion¡ªfear of commitment, of responsibility, of exposing myself to others and risking my wounds being laid bare. I saw love as a dangerous adventure, something that could break me if I dared open the doors to it. I remember Eva, the girl who would wait for me every evening as I returned from work, waving with an innocent smile from her window. She would approach me, offering a few fleeting words, but I ignored her time and again. I thought I was protecting myself from loss and pain, but the truth is, I was pushing away one of life¡¯s most precious treasures.


    To me, love was like a chain¡ªan unbearable weight from which there was no escape. I believed I was preserving my freedom by staying far from these bonds, but I never realised that love is what gives freedom its meaning. It colours life with the small details that make it worth living. Now, when I hear the laughter of children in the street piercing the heavy silence of my flat, I feel a painful emptiness. Memories that never existed flash before my eyes, a yearning for moments I never lived¡ªchildren laughing and running around me, a warm embrace of a family I never had.


    When the pandemic swept across the world, the cruel irony that gripped me only deepened. I heard people complain about lockdowns, about the isolation, about the loneliness invading their lives. I wanted to laugh bitterly and say to them: ¡°Welcome to my world. This has been my life for years.¡± Yet there remains a vast difference between us; their isolation is temporary, just a passing chapter. When the crisis ends, they will return to their loved ones, to passions and lives brimming with warmth. But for me, my life will remain unchanged¡ªsilent, confined to the cold walls of this flat, erasing a part of my memories with each passing day.


    I listened to Prime Minister Boris Johnson¡¯s speech, his voice grave and sorrowful as he warned the nation: ¡°Prepare to lose loved ones.¡± His words hit me like a slap, forcing me to confront a question I¡¯d long avoided: Who would miss me? Who would grieve for my departure? The stark, painful truth is no one. If I were to die now, days might pass before anyone noticed. Perhaps¡ªjust perhaps¡ªwhen an unbearable stench begins to seep from my flat. Even the nurse who used to visit me to give my insulin shots no longer comes. She called a few days ago, her voice heavy with regret, explaining she couldn¡¯t risk visiting me for fear of infection.


    And now, I find myself holding the needle in trembling hands. Fear consumes me every day¡ªthe fear of making a mistake, of a sudden health crisis with no one there to save me. Here I am, alone, weak, imprisoned not only by these flat walls but by the very chains of fear that have always bound my life. Today, they stand as an unrelenting barrier, isolating me from the world and from myself.


    I long for life to grant me a second chance¡ªa chance to whisper to my younger self words that might have changed everything: ¡°Live boldly. Love without fear. Step out of the shadows. Don¡¯t let fear guide you.¡± But time flows like a river, never turning back, never stopping, carrying away days that will never return. In the moments of solitude I now reflect upon, I bitterly realise how I allowed fear to chain me, to steal from me joys I never experienced, to hide from me a world I could have truly lived. And now, I fear more than ever. I fear a death that passes in silence, swallowing me in the darkness of forgetfulness without a single soul to mourn me.


    Heavy questions swirl in my mind: Is it too late to live the life I once dreamed of? My tired body and withering dreams remind me that time has almost run out. Sometimes I wonder¡ªif I could go back, if I had allowed myself to step out of that illusionary cave of safety¡ªwould I have lived each day with passion? Would I have dared to face challenges I was once too frightened to meet? I would have shattered my isolation, met new faces, and made friendships that might have lasted a lifetime. I would have cherished the small moments, travelled to see the world, tasted strange foods, learned foreign languages, and said "yes" to life instead of hiding behind the "no" that became a shield of fear and solitude.


    But now, all I can do is look back¡ªdown a long road littered with missed opportunities¡ªand wonder how my life might have turned out if I had simply made different choices, if I had found the courage to embrace the world instead of fleeing from it. I write these words for those who may read them one day, hoping they will not repeat my mistakes. Please, don¡¯t let fear decide for you. Don¡¯t stand as a spectator in your own life. Live it¡ªembrace its challenges and opportunities¡ªand pursue your dreams without waiting.


    Those were the final words Bradley wrote in his letter. He placed it carefully beside his pen, leaving it on the table near a photo of a tall, muscular young man with long blond hair waving in the wind¡ªa faint echo of his past self. He looked at the picture for a moment, then turned his gaze to the old clock on the wall and smiled softly. He muttered to himself in a faint voice, ¡°It¡¯s time...¡±


    ? ? ?


    The sharp chime of the doorbell pierced the heavy silence of my flat, a sound that seemed to hammer at the walls of my isolation¡ªa fleeting reminder that life still continued outside, even though I had locked myself away willingly behind these cold walls. I made my way slowly from the tattered chair, my hand gripping my cane, its weight pressing into my palm like a reminder of decades of loneliness and regret. Every step toward the door felt like a resurrection of years long past¡ªyears overflowing with missed chances and dreams I surrendered to without daring to live them.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    ¡®Mr Bradley? I¡¯m the taxi driver you called,¡¯ came the voice from behind the door.


    There was a hint of caution in his tone, as though he were trying not to intrude on my world or disturb the silence of my ancient refuge. I replied with a weak voice,


    ¡®Yes, just a moment.¡¯


    The words came out with difficulty, hesitant, as though they were fighting to break through the wall of silence that had encased me for so many years.


    I paused for a moment before the door, my eyes capturing every corner of the flat¡ªthe place that had been both my sanctuary and my prison for three decades. The walls were covered in tiny cracks, chronicling years of solitude, each fissure holding a memory of a life spent far away from the world. My eyes landed on the letter I had left on the table, beside my glasses and the worn-out pen I had carried in my pocket for so long, though it had barely touched paper or recorded a single thought. The letter stood as a silent reminder of a life unlived, of choices I failed to make, of people I never knew. Those glasses and that pen seemed like ancient relics from the life of someone I no longer recognised.


    With a sigh that carried an indescribable weight, I reached for the light switch and turned it off, plunging the flat into complete darkness. The shadows enveloped me like a shroud, hiding from me the final traces of that meaningless life I had clung to. The echoes of my footsteps and the tapping of my cane reverberated on the wooden floor as I moved toward the door. With every step, I noticed the cracks in the walls¡ªthe cracks that seemed like silent drawings of my broken paths, of the choices I had been too afraid to make, of the relationships I had failed to build. These cracks reminded me of what could have been, of the opportunities I let slip away, of the people who might have filled this silent world with warmth.


    I stopped at the door of Flat number 1, my insides churning with regret. The man who lived there¡­ I never knew his name, though he was always friendly, greeting me with a soft smile and a wave whenever I passed him on my way to my flat. How many times had I ignored him, pretending not to see him, dismissing his kindness as nothing more than meddling? As if his smiles reminded me of the world I had abandoned, of the people I chose to stay away from.


    Shame enveloped me, hot and biting. Why had I built these walls around myself, brick by brick? Why had I pushed the world away with such stubbornness, shutting the door in every opportunity for human connection? For a fleeting moment, I thought about knocking on his door¡ªto offer a belated greeting, a gentle apology for years of coldness and indifference. But even the thought of facing my own aloofness was more than I could bear.


    ¡®And here you are, making the same mistake again,¡¯ I muttered under my breath, my voice barely audible. ¡®You keep repeating the same mistakes¡­ right to the end.¡¯ The fear of confronting my failures was greater than I could endure.


    ? ? ?


    Outside, the rain poured down in torrents, a flood washing the streets and shimmering across the pavements, while I felt as though I were drowning in a sea of regret. The taxi driver stepped forward to open the door for me, apologising timidly for the delay brought on by the rain. I nodded curtly, refusing his apology with quiet politeness, content to reinforce the wall I had built between myself and the world. That invisible wall separated me from warmth¡ªfrom even the simplest forms of human connection.


    ¡®Sir, it¡¯s a long journey,¡¯ the driver said, his voice tinged with concern. ¡®Are you sure you¡¯re ready for this?¡¯


    ¡®Just drive,¡¯ I replied sharply, my words emerging harsher than I¡¯d intended.


    The relentless pounding of the rain on the roof of the taxi created a sombre, monotonous rhythm that accompanied my journey. The drive reminded me of all the journeys I never took, the places I never visited, and the people I never met.


    We were heading towards that small village in Yorkshire¡ªthe place where I took my first breaths as an adopted child who never knew how he came into this world. It was the place of my childhood, filled with innocence and magical realms, before the burdens of life swallowed me whole in Manchester, then Liverpool. Now, in what felt like this final journey, it seemed I was returning to where it all began, to write my own ending. I refused to wait in a cold, dark flat until death crept in to find me as nothing more than a forgotten corpse on a tattered sofa. There was a lake in my hometown where I had spent endless hours as a child, playing as my adoptive mother sat on a fallen tree trunk, spinning tales of fairies and fantastical worlds that stretched as far as the lake¡¯s tranquil shores.


    Those days were filled with magic¡ªa childlike belief that life was surrounded by countless wonders. The cruelty of old age lies not only in the weakness of the body but in the slow, bitter collapse of that faith. The myths dissolve, their glow dimming under the weight of harsh reality. Those stories¡­ Cinderella, Aladdin, the little fairies¡­ made me believe that life was full of surprises, that a happy ending always lay hidden just beyond the horizon. But now, they were little more than faded shadows of an ancient imagination, void of any real magic.


    The driver¡¯s voice broke through my thoughts suddenly.


    ¡®Mr Bradley, with this heavy rain, we might be a little late. I¡¯m sorry, but it¡¯s too dangerous to drive quickly right now.¡¯


    I nodded slowly, acknowledging that I understood, but inside me, I felt an inexplicable urgency. The rain grew heavier, as though it were washing away the old memories, mirroring the accumulated sorrows I had been unable to face throughout my life. The slower the car moved through the downpour, the more I felt a suffocating anxiety consuming me¡ªas if I were racing against time, as if I needed to reach my destination before it was too late.


    I couldn¡¯t help myself and asked the driver in a curt tone,


    ¡®Is there another route we can take?¡¯


    I felt as though I was on the verge of losing something precious¡ªsomething I couldn¡¯t quite define¡ªbut I knew with certainty that I needed to reach the lake before the feeling vanished.


    ¡®Yes, sir, there¡¯s another way,¡¯ the driver replied, his voice tinged with hesitation. ¡®It might be longer, but it could save us time.¡¯


    I didn¡¯t think twice, as though the decision itself was a form of rebellion against a life I had never chosen, against every moment I¡¯d let slip through my grasp.


    ¡®Then take it.¡¯


    The words escaped me without hesitation, as though I were leading myself to the end with complete awareness, with a steady hand that had long lost faith in everything else.


    ? ? ?


    The driver navigated expertly through narrow roads, avoiding the city¡¯s congestion via a dark, winding rural route that curled around the hills. Only the headlights pierced the blackness, and my eyes stared into the nothingness as the driver began speaking in a quiet voice. He told me about his wife and children, about debts that had piled up, and about a job that consumed nearly every hour of his day. He kept talking, but I barely listened. His voice faded into the background of my thoughts, a distant hum that painfully reminded me of the life I never lived, of the people I never knew, and the dreams I had always ignored.


    Finally, he fell silent, and the stillness once again gripped the journey. We crossed a long bridge stretching over a pitch-black lake, its waves crashing beneath the rain. The driver¡¯s exhaustion became apparent; his eyelids drooped occasionally as fatigue overtook him. Then, in the blink of an eye, the car swerved violently, jolted once, then again, before careening toward the edge of the bridge and smashing into the railing.


    The car came to a precarious halt, its front tilted dangerously over the edge of the bridge. Below, the black waters of the lake churned violently, and I felt as though the ground had been torn from beneath me. The scene played out like a nightmare¡ªa manifestation of all the fears I had ignored for years. It was as if, in this single moment, I was confronting every pain and regret from my past.


    The driver screamed suddenly, a raw, horrifying awareness of life erupting from within him.


    ¡®I don¡¯t want to die! I have a family! Not now!¡¯


    His voice was filled with a desperate longing to survive¡ªa longing that stood in stark contrast to the strange calm flooding through me. That cold feeling came from an inexplicable certainty: this was where I was meant to be, the natural end to a life that had never been lived properly.


    A sharp pain pierced my chest, a searing agony that seemed to come from the depths of my soul, as though all my frustrations and regrets had manifested in this moment. I didn¡¯t know if it was from the terror of the situation or a silent heart attack creeping through me¡ªand I no longer cared. As I stared into the darkness below us, I realised why I hadn¡¯t screamed, why I hadn¡¯t clung to anything as the driver had. I understood, with chilling clarity, that I had nothing left to live for. No family. No companion. No dreams to chase. Only the weight of solitude¡ªunrelenting and solid¡ªswallowing me as though it were my only fate.


    As the car teetered towards the lake, the driver¡¯s screams grew louder, while I wondered with a strange detachment: Why wasn¡¯t I afraid? Why wasn¡¯t I clinging to life, desperate for salvation? Then all questions vanished, replaced by a deep, profound sense of peace¡ªas if I had finally reached my destination, the end life had crafted for me without my knowing.


    When the car finally tilted and plunged, the darkness enveloped me, swallowing me whole. It snuffed out every sound, every movement, like a suffocating shroud concealing the echoes of a life I had never owned, the chances I had let slip away, and the dreams that remained nothing but faint whispers in my empty heart.


    As the cold water began seeping into the car, a wave of regret washed over me¡ªnot for the life I was losing, but for the life I had never truly lived. Friendships I ignored, love I refused to acknowledge, and time I wasted out of fear of taking risks¡­ all of those moments, those decisions I made with cowardly resolve, now rose like sombre elegies in my mind. They dragged me from the stillness of the moment to a profound and unfamiliar understanding.


    In the face of death, a cruel truth finally shone before me: my tragedy wasn¡¯t that I was facing the end, but that I had never allowed myself to truly begin. Life had passed before me like a film unravelling on the reel of time, and I had been nothing more than a silent spectator, sitting on the sidelines as the days and years faded away.


    As consciousness slipped from me, pulling me slowly towards the darkness, I desperately wished for a second chance. A chance to go back and change the course of my life, to embrace it with all its chaos, emotions, and risks, instead of hiding in the shadows. I longed to return, to correct my path, to live the life I had always imagined but never had the courage to pursue.


    But it was too late. The darkness closed in and took me with it, drowning the space in an eternal silence. It was the very silence I had sought to escape the noise of the world, but I finally understood its terrifying truth. The silence of death was not an end; it was an unbearable isolation¡ªan eternal solitude that made my loneliness in life seem like warm companionship.


    ? Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.

 Chapter Two: Lucas Shattered Dream

    ? Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.


    Chapter Two: Luca''s Shattered Dream


    ¡®Luca¡­ Luca¡­ wait, don¡¯t forget to have your lunch! And tomorrow is the celebration day. Prepare yourself!¡¯


    My mother called out from the window as I rushed outside, hurrying to catch the workers'' cart to the city. Her voice, filled with worry and tenderness, was something I¡¯d grown used to. But I couldn¡¯t stop¡ªthis cart was my only chance to reach the city on time. I ran as fast as I could, ignoring my empty stomach grumbling about the meal I¡¯d left behind.


    My name is Luca, I¡¯m nineteen years old, and my mother named me after the great national hero, Luca, who led our kingdom of Desilta to freedom from the Ravens Kingdom. That kingdom ruled over nations, enslaving people without mercy, and my mother¡¯s stories of the great Luca¡¯s bravery in facing oppression always filled me with deep passion. I¡¯d always imagined myself as a warrior like him, standing proudly among the ranks of brave fighters.


    I lost my father in the revolution that Luca led against tyranny. I never truly knew him¡ªall I knew were the stories my mother told of how he fought valiantly among the rebels under Luca¡¯s banner. My father died in a battle against the Ravens Kingdom, and whenever my mother spoke of him, tears would fall silently down her cheeks. It always left me with a mix of pride and sadness to hear about his heroics. His absence formed a gaping void in my life, but his memory, and the courage he passed down to us, burned like a fire pushing me forward.


    Tomorrow, I¡¯ll turn twenty years old¡ªthe day of the ¡°Path of Life¡± celebration for every young man in Desilta. The more I thought about it, the faster my heart raced, and the more my nerves tensed. I¡¯d watched others experience this event and always wondered eagerly: when will it be my turn? Tomorrow, at last, I¡¯ll learn about my destiny.


    This celebration determines my entire future¡ªthe path I¡¯ll follow for the rest of my life. The thought filled me with both dread and excitement; knowing that my entire life would be decided in a single day was terrifying, yet it also brought a sense of stability and certainty.


    I dream of becoming a warrior¡ªof walking in my father¡¯s footsteps and following the path of Luca, the great leader who guided the revolution against tyranny. He ruled the kingdom for only one year before disappearing, leaving behind his will and laws to establish justice and equality, the core principles that shaped our kingdom¡¯s governance. I picture myself wielding a sword, defending the oppressed, and fighting for justice. The images of my father and the great Luca never leave my mind; I can almost see them there, encouraging me to hold on to my dream.


    The disappearance of Luca was a devastating blow to all of Desilta, but he left behind a will, instructing his deputy to rule the kingdom temporarily until his return. My mother always said this was what gave the people hope¡ªshe believed he would come back. Even after all these years, we still cling to his words, living in the hope of his return and striving to uphold his teachings.


    ? ? ?


    I arrived at the village square, where the workers¡¯ cart waited to transport us to the ¡°White City¡±, the capital of Desilta, to continue the expansion and construction work. Workers crowded around the cart, each carrying their tools, ready for a long day of hard labour. The heat was stifling, and the road ahead rough, but our passion for building our homeland was enough to chase away the exhaustion. Each of us carried a sense of pride at seeing Desilta grow before our eyes.


    The supervisor called out firmly,


    ¡®You, go to the western part of the city¡­ and you, head to the north and help repair the roofs damaged by the rain¡­ and you¡­¡¯


    This was how the workers¡¯ supervisor distributed us when our cart stopped at the assignment square. The man was strict but fair, ensuring the work was divided equally. When my turn came, I was chosen to head to the southern part of the city, where I was tasked with helping to fix a house door damaged by the heavy rains that had fallen throughout the past week. I felt excited about this task¡ªit was a chance to prove my skills in manual work and learn more.


    I went with one of the senior carpenters, assigned as his assistant to repair the damaged door. The carpenter was a seasoned and meticulous man, and I tried to learn as much as I could from his experience. I knew that any skill I gained today could prove useful in the future, regardless of the path that would be chosen for me tomorrow.


    Once we completed the repairs, we returned to the gathering point in the centre of the city, where we waited for the supervisor¡¯s next instructions. This time, I was tasked with accompanying one of the builders to the western part of the city to repair the roof of a merchant¡¯s farmhouse. The sun had begun its descent, but the work was far from over. Exhaustion crept over me, yet I urged myself to keep going, reminding myself that this effort was my humble contribution to building my country.


    Finally, after completing the roof repairs, the supervisor announced the end of the day¡¯s tasks. I joined the rest of the workers in the cart that would take us back to our village. Despite the weariness that showed on everyone¡¯s faces, we all felt satisfaction in our day¡¯s achievements. We shared stories about the work and laughed at some of the amusing situations we¡¯d encountered.


    On the way back, my mind was occupied with thoughts of tomorrow¡ªof the ¡°Path of Life¡± celebration. I wondered what I would say if I were chosen as a warrior and imagined the joy of my village at the news. I pictured myself wearing the warriors¡¯ uniform, the Life Bracelet glowing red on my wrist, and wielding a weapon to defend my homeland. But deep down, a small worry lingered¡ªwhat if I were chosen for a different path?


    The Path of Life celebration was a complex ritual, requiring the participant to pass through the Life Gate to see the path they would follow. These were the laws of Desilta, set by the ancestors hundreds of years ago. I often wondered how this process worked. Would it be painful? These thoughts surfaced repeatedly as the outlines of my village came into view. Yet I promised myself that, no matter which path awaited me, I would give my all to serve my country, just as my father and the great leader Luca had done.


    ? ? ?


    The next morning, I awoke to the sound of my mother calling me, reminding me to prepare for the evening¡¯s celebration.


    A surge of joy filled me¡ªat last, the long-awaited day had arrived. Excitement and anxiety mingled within me, and anticipation coursed through my veins. I rose from my bed, fully aware of the importance of this day I¡¯d always dreamed of. I dressed slowly, my mind brimming with all the possibilities that might unfold.


    Moments later, I heard knocking at the door. It was my friend Chris, who¡¯d come to congratulate me and accompany me through the day¡¯s rituals. Village traditions dictated that men share lunch and drink together before wearing the ceremonial garments of Desilta. I opened the door to find him waiting, his face bright with a wide smile. He embraced me warmly, offered his congratulations, and entered the house brimming with enthusiasm, already talking excitedly about the day¡¯s plans.


    ¡®When the red dusk appears at sunset, we¡¯ll head to the celebration square atop the high hill, shared by several Desiltan villages, including ours, to begin the Path of Life ritual.¡¯


    Chris explained the details of the celebration, and with every word he spoke, my nerves intensified. I tried to hide my feelings, masking them with a show of confidence and eagerness. I looked at my mother and asked if she wanted to accompany me to the celebration, but she gently replied that she preferred to stay home and prepare the celebratory feast for my return.


    Chris and I headed to the nearby tavern, and as we drank together, I noticed an odd expression settle on his face¡ªa mix of worry and hesitation. Chris was a year older than me, and his path had already been chosen; he was a builder. Yet it seemed as though he wanted to tell me something important, something he was hesitant to say. I tried to read his mind, but his features gave nothing away.


    I asked calmly,


    ¡®Chris, is there something you want to tell me before I go through the Path of Life ceremony?¡¯


    Chris looked at me, hesitating before he said,


    ¡®No¡­ not exactly¡­ but listen to me, Luca. Your life will change. After today, you won¡¯t be the same Luca we¡¯ve always known, free of obligations. Your path will bind you to a way of life, and you¡¯ll have to sacrifice and dedicate yourself to it.¡¯


    There was a seriousness in his tone, and something deep in his eyes I couldn¡¯t quite place. It made the weight of his words settle heavily on me.


    I answered confidently,


    ¡®My friend, everyone knows that. My life¡¯s dream is to become a warrior, and I¡¯ll commit to it with everything I have.¡¯


    I tried to sound resolute, but doubts had started to creep into my heart.


    Chris gave a dry laugh, weighted by drink, then looked at me with tired eyes and said sarcastically,


    ¡®And what will you do if you¡¯re not chosen as a warrior? What if your path assigns you to be a builder like me?¡¯


    He raised his hand and stared at his glowing green Life Bracelet. His gaze carried a mix of mockery and pity. Anxiety surged within me; this was the thought I always avoided. Just imagining being chosen for anything other than the warriors filled me with fear and unease. I forced a strained smile, trying to banish those thoughts, but Chris continued,


    ¡®I wanted to be a warrior too, but the path chose me as a builder. And Jack¡ªthat chubby lad¡ªhe dreamed of becoming a merchant, but he was assigned to servitude. For him, it was the worst possible path, and that¡¯s why no one sees him anymore.¡¯Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    His words weighed on me, adding to my nervousness. I felt cold sweat gathering on my forehead.


    Chris carried on, his voice tinged with bitter acceptance:


    ¡®You know Desilta¡¯s laws and its paths. We must respect them. The ancestors established these paths, and through them, Desilta¡¯s greatness and prosperity continue.¡¯


    His words enveloped me in a sense of resignation. I began to recall the words of our schoolteacher, who once told us,


    ¡®There are five paths of life in Desilta: the path of builders, the path of merchants, the path of warriors, the path of sages, and the final path¡ªthe path of servants.¡¯


    I tried to steer the conversation away from these dark thoughts. I said,


    ¡®Chris, I¡¯m optimistic. My name is Luca, after the great leader Luca, and I have a strong will. My belief that my resolve will guide my path fills me with hope.¡¯


    Even as I tried to appear confident, uncertainty swirled inside me.


    Chris shook his head with a faint smile and said,


    ¡®Well then, I wish you luck, my friend. Let¡¯s head to the square to get dressed for the celebration. Perhaps others will join you today as they face their own path of life.¡¯


    His tone held a mix of encouragement and doubt, sending another wave of tension through me.


    ? ? ?


    We arrived at the celebration square, where I was presented with Desilta¡¯s ceremonial attire for the occasion. A black cloak embroidered with silver threads and the ¡°Life Bracelet¡±¡ªa heavy silver piece¡ªwas placed around my wrist. Its weight reminded me of the gravity of this day that could determine my entire future.


    The square was crowded with people¡ªfamilies and young villagers gathered to witness the ceremony. The air buzzed with tension and anticipation, and I could feel everyone¡¯s eyes following me. It only heightened my unease. I climbed onto the platform, where I met two other young people in identical ceremonial attire: a boy standing beside me and a girl with red hair dressed in the women¡¯s version of the ceremonial outfit, black with shimmering silver embroidery. I tried to read their expressions, but they both seemed far calmer than I felt.


    The Master of Ceremonies stood at the centre of the platform, his glowing blue bracelet marking him as one of the sages. His face was serious and stern. The Master of Ceremonies shouted,


    ¡®Today we celebrate these youths as they reach the age of twenty. Today, their path of life will be chosen. They will be bound to the great land of Desilta and will make sacrifices for its sake. Long live Desilta!¡¯


    The crowd responded in unison,


    ¡®Long live Desilta!¡¯


    My heart pounded, and my anticipation grew.


    The young man beside me was called first. A girl standing next to the Master of ceremonies carried a tray holding three small vials. With every step the boy took towards the table, I felt the tension within me rise.


    The Master of ceremonies handed him one of the vials and instructed him to drink it. The boy took the vial, drank its contents, and then lay on the large table in the centre of the platform. I watched every movement, trying to prepare myself for what was about to happen to me.


    Moments later, the boy¡¯s body began to rise slowly into the air. He looked as though he were in a deep sleep, but his features betrayed signs of intense worry, as if he were trapped in an endless nightmare. His body twitched and trembled, struggling against the invisible chains binding him. The sight was terrifying, and with each passing second, I felt an overwhelming dread creep deeper into me.


    Finally, his body descended slowly back into place, and he awoke. The Master of ceremonies ordered him to stand. The boy stepped off the table carefully as the Master called out once more,


    ¡®Your Path of life has been chosen. Raise your hand and your bracelet for all to see.¡¯


    The boy raised his hand, and I saw that the bracelet on his wrist had turned yellow. A mix of wonder and curiosity filled me as I wondered what colour mine would be.


    The Master of Ceremonies announced,


    ¡®Your Path of life is that of a merchant. You are now bound to your bracelet¡ªnever remove it, for to do so will rip life itself from you. This is the ancient law of our land. Your life is tied to your bracelet, so let it guide you. Now, go to the leader of the merchants to receive his advice and guidance.¡¯


    The boy left the platform with a satisfied expression, heading towards the merchants¡¯ hall. I watched him leave, my thoughts tangled with envy and fear. Would I be as content with my chosen path as he seemed to be?


    Next, the Master turned to the girl beside me. She approached the table hesitantly, her eyes glimmering with both fear and anticipation. Her hands trembled as she gripped the vial, then drank the liquid just as the boy before her head. She lay down on the table, and her body, too, began to rise.


    Like the boy, her body convulsed, as though she were trapped in a terrible nightmare unfolding before all of us. I watched her intently, my anxiety growing as I realised my moment was drawing near.


    When she returned to the table, her face was pale, her eyes wide with shock, as though her entire life had been turned upside down. The Master ordered her to raise her hand, and all eyes turned to her bracelet, which had turned a deep purple. A chill ran through me, as though time itself had frozen. The crowd began to whisper, murmuring amongst themselves.


    The girl burst into tears¡ªdeep, wrenching sobs that shook her entire body. She cried like someone facing an inescapable fate, tears streaming down her cheeks as though she had lost something irreplaceable.


    The Master¡¯s voice rang out coldly,


    ¡®Your Path of life is that of the servants. You must dedicate yourself to this path and give it your all. Now go to the leader of the servants for his guidance and instruction.¡¯


    His words felt harsh and unfeeling against the backdrop of her anguish. Yet, despite her despair, she obeyed, stumbling as she stepped off the platform, her tears revealing the depth of her sorrow. The scene was both painful and terrifying, and an even greater fear lodged itself in my chest as I thought about my impending fate.


    Then it was my turn. The Master of Ceremonies gestured for me to step forward. My heart thundered in my chest, and fear gripped me like a heavy hand holding me in place. I moved slowly, each step feeling harder than the last. My thoughts swirled, desperately trying to banish the fear of being chosen for any path other than that of the warriors.


    No matter how hard I tried to push those thoughts away, they clung to me stubbornly, reminding me of the possibilities I didn¡¯t want to face.


    I tried to steady myself, convincing myself,


    ¡®This is the day I¡¯ve dreamed of all my life¡ªthe day I become a warrior.¡¯


    But a small voice inside me planted seeds of doubt.


    The Master of ceremonies handed me the final vial. Despite my dry throat and the nausea swirling in my stomach, I drank it. The liquid was thick, and a wave of dizziness crashed over me as though the ground beneath me had begun to tilt. I struggled to stay upright, but my legs faltered, and black spots danced before my eyes.


    I stumbled back until I collided with the table, collapsing onto it like the others before me. The moment my back touched its surface, a sharp pain surged through my head¡ªlike a thousand arrows piercing me from within. The pain was unbearable; I nearly screamed from its intensity, a single thought echoing in my mind: Did everyone who came before me endure this torment?


    I tried to breathe deeply to calm myself, but the agony worsened with every breath. Then, in an instant, I felt a vast emptiness, losing all sense of time and place.


    ? ? ?


    I opened my eyes to find myself in a vast hall. Its walls were a deep, dark red, utterly devoid of any features. The air was stifling, and the unnatural silence weighed heavily on me, leaving me lost. I called out into the void,


    ¡®Is anyone there?¡¯


    There was no response. Only the echo of my own voice reverberated across the empty walls, intensifying my sense of isolation.


    Suddenly, the surroundings changed¡ªthe walls turned green. Nothing else appeared, but the abrupt transformation made my head spin. At the far end of the hall, a shadowy figure emerged, seated on a throne. Its features were unclear, but a deep voice resonated from the darkness:


    ¡®Luca, your Path of Life has been chosen. You will not fall ill, nor will you age, so long as you remain true to your path and dedicate yourself to it. But remember, if you falter or betray your path, your bracelet will betray you, and the land of Desilta will cast you out. You will become mortal, age, and wither... builder.¡¯


    His words struck me like a bolt of lightning. For a moment, I felt paralysed, then a voice of protest exploded from within me, shattering my world. I cried out in despair,


    ¡®What? A builder? No¡­ no¡­ no!¡¯


    But my cries vanished into the void. Only the silent walls heard me, reflecting my refusal back at me.


    The scream tore through me, filled with agony and crushing disappointment¡ªas though all my hopes and dreams had been obliterated in a single instant.


    ? ? ?


    I awoke from that nightmare to find the Master of Ceremonies staring at me with an expression devoid of emotion¡ªserious and unwavering. He motioned for me to rise and raise my hand to show the crowd my Life Bracelet, to reveal the truth. Fear gripped me as I lifted my hand slowly, terrified of what I might see.


    I whispered in disbelief,


    ¡®My God¡­ it¡¯s green. My path has been chosen as a builder.¡¯


    It felt as though my heart had stopped. The world around me dimmed into silence, and all I could see was the green light circling my wrist, announcing the end of my lifelong dream of becoming a warrior and the start of a reality I hadn¡¯t chosen.


    The Master of Ceremonies proclaimed to the crowd,


    ¡®Your Path of life has been chosen as that of a builder. Go to the leader of the builders to receive his guidance and instruction.¡¯


    His words felt distant, muffled, as though spoken from a faraway place. I couldn¡¯t fully comprehend them. I felt detached, watching myself from outside my own body as I descended the platform with heavy, numb steps. I didn¡¯t know where I was going or what I would do. The world around me seemed unfamiliar, as though I were walking in a dream¡ªor a nightmare.


    I was Luca who had lost himself. I was no longer Luca, the warrior. I had become Luca, the builder.


    A deep emptiness swallowed me, a wave of overwhelming sadness washing over me, as though something within me had shattered beyond repair. The dream I had lived for was gone, leaving a wound that ran deep in my heart. I tried to process what had happened, but my mind refused to accept this new reality.


    I wondered how I would face this life I hadn¡¯t prepared for, how I would carry the weight of a future I hadn¡¯t chosen. Each step I took felt heavier, as though my very soul had been burdened. My dream of freedom, of living a life of honour and battle, was gone¡ªreplaced by chains I hadn¡¯t asked for, binding me to a life I could no longer escape.


    ? Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.

 Chapter three : A World Apart

    ? Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.


    Chapter three : A World Apart


    A distant voice echoed as though emerging from the depths of an unfamiliar void.


    ''Wake up¡­ Are you all right? ¡­ Can you hear me? ¡­ Try to wake up!''


    Gradually, I opened my eyes, finding a young man with striking blue eyes leaning over me, gently shaking my shoulders in an attempt to rouse me. Pain coursed through my body like a searing current, as if I had just escaped from a nightmare that had gripped my very flesh. For a moment, I thought he might be a paramedic who had rushed to my aid, yet his attire was oddly unfamiliar, unlike anything I knew.


    He spoke in a worried tone.


    ''Can you sit up?''


    I nodded, and he offered his hand to help me sit before continuing,


    ''What happened to you? I found you lying by the lakeshore and thought you were dead.''


    I stared at him in astonishment, unable to discern where I was or how I had ended up here. His accent was peculiar, reminiscent of some rural English dialects I once encountered. Steadying myself, I asked,


    ''What about the taxi driver?''


    He appeared confused, then said,


    ''I don¡¯t know what you mean. There was no one else by the lake, just you. By the way, my name is Luca¡­ and you are?''


    I looked at him for a moment before answering coolly,


    ''Bradley.''


    Luca offered to help me stand, but I refused sharply, saying,


    ''No, no¡­ just call the paramedics; they know how to handle this sort of thing.''


    He gave me a startled look and replied hesitantly,


    ''Paramedics? ¡­ All right, I¡¯ll try.''


    He turned towards the lake and called out loudly,


    ''Paramedics¡­ your friend is here!''


    No one answered. He returned, looking baffled, and said,


    ''Bradley¡­ it seems your companions have either drowned or left. But don¡¯t worry, my village is nearby. You can spend the night at my home, and I¡¯ll arrange a place for you to rest.''


    I could not contain my anger and shouted into his face,


    ''You fool! Is this your first day on the job?''


    He surprised me with a calm reply:


    ''How did you know that? Indeed, I¡¯ve only just returned from the master builder, who gave me his guidance and advice¡­ I spent the night at an inn so I could return early this morning.''


    I felt even more bewildered. Builders? He was not a paramedic at all, and his strange clothing now seemed to confirm a different understanding of my predicament. Trying to regain my composure, I said,


    ''Never mind, just ring the emergency services on 999, and they¡¯ll handle the rest.''


    He looked more confused and said,


    ''I don¡¯t know what this service is, or these numbers you¡¯re mentioning. You seem deeply affected by what you¡¯ve been through. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll help you stand, though you¡¯re heavier than I expected!''


    Fury flared within me, and I shouted,


    ''Idiot! Is this how you treat someone my age, with such insolence? Is this the upbringing you received from your parents and school? Are you mocking me because I¡¯m an old man? If I had my walking stick, I wouldn¡¯t need your help, you ill-mannered wretch!''


    Luca stepped closer, his voice steady.


    ''It seems you¡¯re hurt, and that¡¯s why you¡¯re speaking this way. It¡¯s all right; I¡¯ll support you until you regain your strength. I can¡¯t accept leaving someone who needs help behind.''


    I felt his arm slip beneath my right shoulder to help me stand. Suddenly, a strange and overwhelming sensation took hold of me. I stood up without pain¡ªmy back straight, head held high. I realised with sudden astonishment that I was taller than Luca, and I no longer felt my chronic back aches. My hand rose instinctively to my face, feeling smooth, wrinkle-free skin.


    I asked, incredulous,


    ''Am I¡­ dreaming? Or have I actually died?''


    I pushed past Luca and rushed towards the lake, ignoring his urgent shouts. There, I gazed into the still waters; the reflection staring back at me was my old face¡ªmy younger face! It was the visage of Bradley in his youth, full of vitality and untouched by age.


    I turned to Luca, stunned.


    ''Where exactly am I?''


    He answered calmly,


    ''You are in the great Desilta Kingdom.''


    I had never heard of such a place, so I asked,


    ''Does that mean I¡¯m¡­ in heaven? Or perhaps in hell? Or am I somewhere outside all judgement and eternity?''


    Luca smiled reassuringly.


    ''Follow me and things will become clearer. We¡¯ve wasted enough time here.''


    ? ? ?


    I followed in his footsteps, almost convinced I was dead or in a deep coma caused by the accident¡ªthat this was a nightmare playing out before my life slipped away. I moved slowly at first, stumbling, steadying myself against rocks and trees along the path. It felt as though I were a child learning to walk again. I had relied on a walking stick for so many years that maintaining balance without it became a new challenge. Yet, as time passed, I gradually regained confidence in my steps and managed to keep pace with Luca.


    Inside me churned a blend of awe, excitement, and lingering confusion. I pondered this strange place and how I had regained my youth. Questions crowded my mind about Desilta Kingdom. Ah, how I had missed this feeling¡ªthe freedom of walking unaided, without a stick or a frame, without stooping to ease my chronic back pain, without fear that each step might topple me. I had longed to move freely, to take long strides without dreading a fall or thinking of my worn hip joint. It felt as though I had entered another world entirely, granted a second chance at life.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    As I followed Luca, my eyes roamed over the scenery in astonishment. Nature differed markedly from anything I knew in Liverpool. The trees were more vividly green and alive than any I had ever seen, and the air was so fresh I felt as though I were breathing freely for the very first time.


    I called out to the young man, panting slightly, unaccustomed to this sudden exertion:


    ''Young man, what are these marvellous trees? I¡¯ve never seen anything like them before.''


    Luca turned to me with a smile.


    ''These are life trees, Bradley. They grow only here in Desilta. Their sap can cure any illness. Though we seldom need it, these trees are among our most precious treasures for trade with other kingdoms.''


    At that moment, I glimpsed a white city in the distance, gleaming under the sunlight. Its towering buildings had a unique architectural style, unlike anything familiar¡ªmore like something from a science fiction book.


    Pointing towards that shimmering city, I asked,


    ''What is that place?''


    Luca replied proudly.


    ''That is the capital, the White City. It¡¯s the heart and soul of Desilta, home to sages and warriors, where the kingdom¡¯s affairs are governed. But we¡¯re not heading there now; my village lies in the opposite direction.''


    As we continued through forests and fields, I noticed some people we passed wore glowing, coloured bracelets¡ªgreen, red, blue, yellow, and purple. The sight was strange, their bracelets glowing brightly in the daylight. Some carried oddly shaped swords, as if I¡¯d wandered into a historical drama about Vikings, or something drawn from The Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones.


    I asked Luca, pointing to the glowing bracelets.


    ''What are these bracelets everyone¡¯s wearing?''


    He paused a moment, hesitating before answering.


    ''They¡¯re Life Path Bracelets. They reflect each person¡¯s role in our community from the age of twenty. Green for builders, red for warriors, blue for sages, yellow for merchants, and purple for servants.''


    I detected a faint sadness in his voice as he mentioned builders. Glancing at his wrist, I saw a gently glowing green bracelet. I recalled his talk of training as a builder. I wanted to ask more about this system, but sensed it might be a sensitive topic for him, so I chose silence.


    ? ? ?


    We continued on until we reached a small village. Its houses, crafted from stone and wood, had a beautiful, traditional style¡ªstrange yet simple at once. Everything seemed meticulously built, each detail telling its own story. The villagers wore clothing similar to Luca¡¯s, gazing at me curiously, as though I were someone from another world.


    Luca pointed to a small house.


    ''This is my home.''


    We stopped before a wooden door. Before Luca could open it, the door swung inward, and a young woman appeared. She had a gentle face and bright eyes, wearing a blue bracelet that glowed more intensely than Luca¡¯s green one.


    She exclaimed happily, her eyes gleaming:


    ''Luca! You¡¯ve finally returned!''


    Turning her gaze to me, she raised her eyebrows and asked with curious interest,


    ''And who is this with you, Luca?''


    He answered immediately,


    ''Mum, this is Bradley. I found him by the lake. It seems he¡­ isn¡¯t from here.''


    Mum? She was calling him her son, yet she looked barely older than twenty-five! How could she have a son Luca¡¯s age? Doubts swelled within me. Was I still dreaming, or was I embarking on a strange adventure in a mysterious world?


    The woman studied me intently, as if trying to read my innermost thoughts, then offered a warm smile.


    ''Welcome, Bradley. I¡¯m Elena, Luca¡¯s mother and one of the village¡¯s sages.''


    There was something unusual about her presence. With her gentle words, some of the disorientation within me seemed to lift, if only for a moment.


    Elena gestured invitingly inside.


    ''Come in, both of you. We have much to discuss. There¡¯s a small celebration planned for Luca¡¯s return from¡­''


    She broke off abruptly when her gaze fell upon Luca¡¯s bracelet. The smile vanished from her lips. Something troubled her¡ªsomething untold.


    ? ? ?


    I entered the house, feeling a strange mixture of fear, excitement, and curiosity. Questions swirled in my mind: Where exactly was I? Was this a dream or reality? I glanced around at the simple furnishings, reminiscent of medieval homes¡ªno sign of modern technology. No television, no clocks, no familiar devices. It was as though I had stepped back into another era.


    Elena asked me to sit on a nearby wooden chair, then began placing food on the table before us. Silence fell, broken only by the quiet clink of dishes. Tension seeped into me. I longed to understand what was happening.


    After a few moments, we sat around the table. Elena finally broke the silence, her warm voice directed towards me.


    ''Bradley, tonight you are our guest. Tell us, where have you come from? I¡¯ve not seen your face in Desilta before.''


    Tension tightened inside me. I wasn¡¯t sure how much to reveal. I decided to be cautious.


    ''I¡­ come from Liverpool.''


    Luca and Elena exchanged puzzled looks. Luca ventured:


    ''Liverpool? We¡¯ve never heard that name before. Is it beyond Desilta¡¯s borders?''


    I shook my head, striving to remain calm, and answered,


    ''Yes, it¡¯s¡­ a very distant place.''


    Elena regarded me with curious eyes and said,


    ''And how did you get here, Bradley?''


    Panic flickered inside me. How could I explain what I did not understand myself? I kept my answer vague:


    ''I don¡¯t remember exactly¡­ The last thing I recall was being in a taxi, then I woke up by the lakeshore.''


    Elena did not seem entirely convinced, but she didn¡¯t press further. After a moment¡¯s pause, she asked,


    ''Bradley¡­ do you remember anything about your life? Have you ever heard of Desilta or the surrounding kingdoms before?''


    I answered plainly,


    ''I remember my life well from my childhood in Yorkshire. I¡¯ve never heard of Desilta or any of these kingdoms. Your way of life¡ªyour clothes and daily living¡ªdiffers completely from anything I¡¯ve known.''


    Elena smiled gently.


    ''That¡¯s all right, Bradley¡­ It¡¯s clear you¡¯re a stranger to Desilta. I don¡¯t mind where you came from, and I¡¯m glad you¡¯re no spy from The Ravens Kingdom or anywhere else.''


    Then, with a confident tone, she continued,


    ''You should know Desilta is unlike any other place. We have a unique system that grants each individual a defined role in life, one they must uphold for the glory and prosperity of the kingdom.''


    Elena cast a meaningful look at Luca, then went on,


    ''One of Desilta¡¯s secrets is that we do not age, nor do we fall ill. Thanks to the life trees and the wisdom of our sages, we live long and healthy lives.''


    I stopped eating, stunned.


    ''That¡­ that¡¯s impossible! How can that be? Is it¡­ magic?''


    Elena laughed, a cheerful sound.


    ''Not magic, but advanced knowledge and a deep harmony with nature¡¯s powers. We¡¯ve learned to harness the earth¡¯s gifts to enhance our lives. This special ability of Desilta has long made it coveted by those around us.''


    Luca added in a heavy tone, as if bearing a weight of disappointment.


    ''This is the life we know.''


    Elena gently interrupted, as though easing a burden from her son¡¯s shoulders,


    ''Luca has just completed his path selection ritual. It¡¯s a pivotal moment in every young person¡¯s life here in Desilta, determining the course of their existence forever.''


    Then Luca turned to me, curious.


    ''What about your country, Bradley? Do you have similar systems?''


    Nerves prickled within me again. How could I describe my world¡ªits vehicles, phones, and digital networks¡ªto them? It would sound more outlandish than anything I¡¯d yet encountered. I chose my words carefully:


    ''In my country, things are a bit different. We¡­ well, we do age, we can become ill, and we have other ways of working and living.''


    Elena and Luca exchanged thoughtful glances. Their curiosity had clearly grown, but I did not want to delve into details that might seem pure fantasy. A part of me still believed I might be dreaming, or that this was all a hallucination following my accident.


    I added, hoping to calm the atmosphere,


    ''It¡¯s hard to explain everything now. Perhaps later I can tell you more.''


    Elena nodded with understanding.


    ''Of course. You must be tired from your journey. Let¡¯s finish our meal, and then you can rest. Tomorrow is a new day, and perhaps then you¡¯ll feel more inclined to talk.''


    I felt relieved they did not insist on more explanations. As we continued eating, I found myself lost in thought, wondering how I had arrived here and whether I could ever return to my own world. Or was I trapped in an endless dream, one that might evaporate at any moment? Questions surged through my mind, and I struggled to maintain the fa?ade of a simple traveller in this strange realm¡ªa world I might never truly understand, nor know how to leave.


    ? Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.

 Chapter Four: The Laws of Desilta

    ? Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.


    Chapter Four: The Laws of Desilta


    Am I dreaming, or is this reality? I still can¡¯t believe what has happened to me. I¡¯d always read about hidden worlds and parallel realms inhabited by strange people, wrapped in mystery and excitement. Worlds I would escape into through the pages of books, fleeing my harsh loneliness to live in places far more brilliant and alive.


    As I lay on Luca¡¯s bed¡ªhe had kindly lent me his room¡ªmy thoughts spun wildly, trying to make sense of this new world I¡¯d stumbled into. It only took a few minutes before sleep claimed me; perhaps my body and mind desperately needed rest to process these incredible events.


    The next morning, a light knock on the door woke me. It was followed by Elena, Luca¡¯s mother, saying in her warm voice,


    ¡®I¡¯ve prepared breakfast. You¡¯ll find some clothes that Luca left for you beside the bed.¡¯


    Their generous hospitality sparked a deep gratitude in me, though I couldn¡¯t shake off the strangeness of this unfamiliar place. I began dressing in the clothes Luca had left, glancing around the simple, comforting room. It reflected something of his kind personality. When I made my way down to the living room, I found Luca and his mother seated at the table, waiting for me to join them.


    The moment Luca saw me in his tight clothes, which barely fit, he burst out laughing, his infectious laugh filling the room. I couldn¡¯t help but smile, despite the embarrassment.


    I sat at the table, overwhelmed with shyness, unsure what to say. The mouthwatering aroma of food filled the air, deepening my appreciation for these strangers who had opened their home to me.


    Luca broke the silence in a friendly tone.


    ¡®Bradley, don¡¯t worry about the clothes. We¡¯ll head to a merchant later to get you something that fits. But before that, I need to go to the White City for my first day working as a builder.¡¯


    I noticed a subtle change in Luca¡¯s voice when he mentioned ¡°working as a builder,¡± as if the subject stirred unpleasant memories. I also caught the fleeting disappearance of Elena¡¯s smile, which hinted that ¡°builder¡± held a deeper story.


    I was torn. I wanted to break the awkward tension, but I wasn¡¯t used to opening up to people. I had spent so many years in solitude, surrounded by my self-imposed walls, that I never learned how to bridge the gap with others.


    And yet¡ªlike a shaft of light piercing through my thoughts¡ªI had an idea: why not use this opportunity to change? Here, in this new world, it felt as though life had handed me a second chance. Why shouldn¡¯t I try to become a new Bradley, a better version of myself?


    Before I even realised what I was saying, the words slipped out of my mouth:


    ¡®I¡¯ve worked in construction too.¡¯


    Luca and Elena turned to me with visible surprise, clearly not expecting such a declaration. Luca¡¯s eyes widened with curiosity as he asked,


    ¡®Really? You worked in construction in your country too?¡¯


    I laughed lightly, trying to cover my nervousness.


    ¡®Not exactly. In my world, you can choose to work in any field you like. You can learn another trade and switch jobs if you want something new.¡¯


    My words seemed to ignite a genuine curiosity about Luca. His eyes sparkled with interest, as though he was imagining an entirely different world, and for the first time, I realised that I¡ªBradley¡ªhad the ability to inspire others and make them curious through my words. It was a joy I¡¯d never known before. I¡¯d always denied myself the pleasure of the connection, yet here I was, feeling it for the first time.


    But before Luca could ask me more questions, his mother interrupted, reminding him of the need to catch the workers¡¯ cart heading to the White City.


    ? ? ?


    Luca left quickly after we bid him farewell, wishing him luck on his first day as a builder. As soon as he was gone, I was left feeling awkward and out of place. What was I supposed to do now? The idea of staying alone in the house with Elena made me uncomfortable, as though I were trapped in a spiral of uncertainty.


    Elena broke through my thoughts with her calm voice.


    ¡®Bradley, I¡¯d like to check your head first to make sure you¡¯re all right. After that, we¡¯ll go to the market to buy you some proper clothes, and then I¡¯ll take you to the village council.¡¯


    I felt grateful for her care, but was suddenly struck by another problem. I said hesitantly,


    ¡®But¡­ I don¡¯t have any money.¡¯


    Embarrassment engulfed me. I wasn¡¯t used to accepting help from others; I had always hated the idea of someone paying for me or relying on anyone. The thought of depending on Elena¡¯s generosity weighed heavily on me.


    She laughed softly, her voice filled with tenderness, and said,


    ¡®Bradley, if you¡¯re going to live in Desilta, you¡¯ll need to understand something simple: we help each other here without expecting anything in return. It¡¯s part of who we are.¡¯


    Her words warmed something deep inside me, as though this world carried lessons I had never learned in my old one¡ªlessons about solidarity and simplicity.


    After breakfast, which Elena had carefully prepared, she began examining my head with cautious hands, her fingers moving gently as she checked each part with precision.


    Curiosity bubbled within me, and I asked her,


    ¡®Elena, are you a doctor? You seem skilled at this.¡¯


    She smiled kindly and said,


    ¡®I¡¯m a Sage, Bradley. Here, the Sage path gives us knowledge across various fields. In Desilta, Sages specialise in sciences, medicine in all its branches, education, and strategic planning for the community.¡¯


    She continued speaking as she worked.


    ¡®In Desilta, you¡¯ll find a Sage who specialises in medicine, who knows how to heal illnesses and understands the human body deeply. Another may focus on teaching, able to pass on knowledge in innovative ways. We Sages play an essential role in advancing our society and solving its problems.¡¯


    I listened intently, beginning to grasp more about this place. Yet one question lingered, pushing me to ask:


    ¡®But I heard you don¡¯t get sick here in Desilta. So why do you need Sages in medicine? And what¡¯s the role of the Tree of Life I¡¯ve heard about?¡¯


    Elena laughed lightly, amused by my curiosity, and said,This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡®I¡¯ll answer you, Bradley. The Tree of Life is a vital part of our world, and while the people of Desilta don¡¯t suffer from common illnesses, there are still emergencies and injuries where care is needed. The Tree of Life grants us strength and vitality, but there are times when we require the help of Sages.¡¯


    Her words were filled with mystery and wonder, leaving me with more questions than answers, as though I had fallen into an endless secret.


    She took a deep breath before continuing, her eyes shining with an ageless wisdom:


    ¡®The people of Desilta are the descendants of humans and elves. We are born as humans, carrying all human traits. That¡¯s why, when children are born here, they don¡¯t possess the full immunity adults have. This immunity is only completed when they reach the age of twenty, at which point they undergo the Test of Life¡¯s Path. Until then, children and young people are vulnerable to illness, which is where the Sages¡¯ care becomes vital.¡¯


    Her words stunned me. Humans¡­ elves ¡­ How could that be possible?


    Seeing my shock, Elena added,


    ¡®The Tree of Life plays an essential role in strengthening the children and youths¡¯ immune systems; we use its extracts to protect them from severe illnesses. Once they turn twenty and their Life Path Bracelet is activated, the traits of the elves begin to appear. Their eyes turn blue¡ªa sign that they¡¯ve gained immortality, eternal youth, and health.¡¯


    I listened intently, my mind reeling at the revelations. I still couldn¡¯t fully comprehend it. Was that why Luca''s and Elena¡¯s eyes were blue? Fear gripped me briefly, but it was quickly replaced by a sense of safety¡ªElena¡¯s kindness and honesty reassured me.


    Elena finished examining my head and smiled reassuringly.


    ¡®It looks like your head is perfectly fine. Do you remember how you hurt yourself?¡¯


    I hesitated, unsure how to explain my complicated story, especially since I still didn¡¯t understand how I had arrived in this world. Instead, I said simply:


    ¡®I hit my head near the lake.¡¯


    She looked at me with understanding, then said,


    ¡®Well, you seem to be fine now. Come on, let¡¯s get you some proper clothes, and then we¡¯ll visit the leader of our village¡¯s Sages. He might have an idea about your city¡ªLiverpool¡ªand how we can help you.¡¯


    ? ? ?


    We left the house and made our way to the clothing market, where the merchant welcomed us with a warm smile. He wore a glowing yellow bracelet. The merchant helped me choose clothes that suited me, and as we left, I noticed Elena hadn¡¯t paid him anything. Feeling embarrassed, I slowed my steps until she turned to me with concern.


    ¡®Bradley¡­ is everything all right?¡¯


    I answered hesitantly,


    ¡®Elena, I feel embarrassed. I should pay for the clothes.¡¯


    She gave me a reassuring, kind smile and said,


    ¡®Bradley, there¡¯s so much you need to learn about Desilta. We don¡¯t use money here, nor do we trade. In Desilta, as long as you¡¯re committed to your Life Path, your Life Bracelet provides for all your needs. For instance, I¡¯m devoted to my role as a sage, and as a reward, the glow of my bracelet increases, allowing me to receive what I need.¡¯


    Her words filled me with amazement. This world seemed to be an ideal version of life, free from financial competition or survival anxieties. Everything was built on dedication and cooperation.


    What a world¡ªwhere people lived in harmony and served one another with sincerity. A thought crossed my mind: how could I become part of this system and contribute in my own way?


    We arrived at a large building situated at the centre of the village¡ªby far the most imposing and majestic structure I had seen. It stood as though it were the very heart of the village, its commanding presence and carefully chosen location marking it as the council of the village Sages. I entered alongside Elena, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the elaborate carvings etched into the walls, each telling a tale of the village¡¯s ancient history.


    Above us, the ceiling was covered with stained-glass windows depicting glowing Life Bracelets in five distinct colours. The sunlight streaming through them cast mesmerising hues of red, green, yellow, blue, and white across the room, bathing it in a magical glow that stirred an undeniable sense of awe and wonder deep within me.


    ¡®Wait here, I¡¯ll fetch the leader of the Sages.¡¯ Elena whispered softly, her voice barely audible in the reverent hush of the hall.


    I nodded silently and sat on one of the finely crafted chairs near the edge of the room. The stillness was almost overwhelming. Only the faint whisper of wind filtering through unseen cracks broke the silence, filling the space with an almost sacred calm.


    Before long, Elena returned, this time accompanied by a young man of striking appearance. He was tall and graceful, with sharp, handsome features and piercing blue eyes that shone even brighter than Elena¡¯s. Around his wrist, a Life Bracelet glowed with a brilliance unmatched by hers¡ªan undeniable symbol of his authority. I knew at once that this man must be the leader of the Sages.


    He stepped forward with an air of quiet confidence, a gentle smile on his face.


    ¡®Welcome to our village, Bradley,¡¯ he said, his voice steady and composed. ¡®I¡¯m Thomas. Elena has told me that you need our help to return to your city.¡¯


    I hesitated, suddenly unsure of myself. Both Elena and Luca had assumed that leaving was what I wanted, but now, standing in this mysterious and wondrous world, I felt an unexpected pull¡ªas though this place might be what I had been searching for all along. Still, I answered cautiously:


    ¡®Yes¡­ I want to return to my country, to England. Liverpool is where I live.¡¯


    Thomas¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, his expression tinged with curiosity.


    ¡®I¡¯ve never heard of England or Liverpool. Can you describe where it is? Perhaps it borders a kingdom or city I might recognise?¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s an island. It¡¯s surrounded by the sea on all sides.¡¯ I explained, my voice faltering slightly.


    Thomas tilted his head thoughtfully, the faintest trace of a frown on his face. he said slowly,


    ¡®I have travelled for more than two centuries, visiting all the kingdoms and lands surrounding Desilta. And yet, I have never heard of an island surrounded entirely by the sea.¡¯


    Turning to Elena, he asked,


    ¡®You said he had suffered an injury to his head? Are you certain of his condition?¡¯


    Elena¡¯s tone turned firm, almost defensive.


    ¡®I examined him carefully. Physically, he¡¯s perfectly fine.¡¯


    Thomas shifted his gaze back to me, his blue eyes intense and unwavering.


    ¡®Then we have a problem, Bradley. You don¡¯t know how to return to your world, and we have no knowledge of where it might be. According to the laws of Desilta, you cannot remain here.¡¯


    The calm finality in his voice sent a jolt through me. I stared at him in disbelief, the heat rising in my chest.


    ¡®But I¡¯ve done nothing wrong!¡¯ I exclaimed, my voice shaking with anger. ¡®Why are you forcing me to leave? Is this what you call hospitality in Desilta?¡¯


    Thomas regarded me with a mixture of patience and curiosity, his voice steady as he replied,


    ¡®You misunderstand, Bradley. This is not about punishment. After the war with the Ravens Kingdom, and the disappearance of our leader, Luca, the Council of Sages created laws to protect Desilta. One of these laws states that no one over the age of twenty may remain here without a Life Bracelet for more than a week. Traders and visitors alike are bound by this rule. Do you understand now?¡¯


    Desperation surged within me, and I answered bitterly,


    ¡®But where am I supposed to go if I¡¯m forced to leave? Why can¡¯t I stay until I find a way back home?¡¯


    Thomas¡¯s expression darkened, his tone growing serious.


    ¡®If you stay beyond a week, Bradley, your body will begin to deteriorate. Without the essence of the Tree of Life, time will reclaim you. You will age rapidly¡ªand you will not survive. According to our laws, the Tree¡¯s essence cannot be used by outsiders here. Those who purchase it must leave Desilta to use it.¡¯


    The weight of his words crashed over me, leaving me stunned. My mind raced as I considered the horrifying possibility: Would I return to my world, only to wither away like a crumbling shell of myself? My gaze darted to Elena, silently pleading for help. She smiled gently, her voice calm and soothing as she said,


    ¡®There is another option. You could become a citizen of Desilta. You could take the Test of Life¡¯s Path.¡¯


    Silence fell between us, heavy and uncertain. I searched their faces, my voice barely a whisper as I said,


    ¡®But¡­ as Elena told me, you are descendants of humans and elves. If I take this test, does that mean I¡¯ll become like you? Will the bracelet make me one of the elves?¡¯


    Thomas¡¯s expression softened slightly, and he nodded.


    ¡®You will become like us, Bradley. You¡¯ll gain immortality, eternal health, and youth. You would not be the first outsider to take this path. But understand this¡ªonce you accept it, the laws of Desilta will apply to you.¡¯


    His words hung in the air, forcing me to grapple with a choice that seemed impossible. On one hand, I could leave¡ªfacing an uncertain fate, possibly aging into ruin. On the other, I could remain here, gaining youth and health, but binding myself to a life I didn¡¯t fully understand. Would I trade one prison for another?


    Thomas watched me closely, as though he could read the war raging within me. In a quieter voice, he said,


    ¡®I know this is not an easy choice. The Life¡¯s Path is a vow, Bradley. It is a commitment to dedication and purpose.¡¯


    Elena placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, her warmth grounding me.


    ¡®But here in Desilta, the Life¡¯s Path isn¡¯t a prison. It¡¯s an opportunity to grow and learn. It¡¯s a journey to discover who you truly are and who you want to become.¡¯


    Her words sparked something deep within me¡ªa fragile ember of hope. Could this path truly be a chance for me to free myself from the loneliness and fear that had defined my old life? I thought back to my years of isolation, hiding from the world, too afraid to embrace change.


    Thomas took a step closer, his voice low and reassuring.


    ¡®Bradley, if you choose this path, you will not walk it alone. Each of us began as you are now¡ªunsure of ourselves, uncertain of where we belonged. With guidance and community, we found our purpose. You will too.¡¯


    Elena nodded, her eyes warm and encouraging.


    ¡®You will find your place here, Bradley. No matter the doubts or fears you carry now, you won¡¯t have to face them alone. We will be here for you.¡¯


    For a moment, silence reigned between us. I had never before faced a decision of such magnitude¡ªone that touched my very life and destiny.


    ? Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.

 Chapter Five: Crossroads of Destiny

    ? Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.


    Chapter Five: Crossroads of Destiny


    I was walking behind Elena on our way home, my mind drowning in a whirlpool of tangled thoughts. The choices ahead of me weren¡¯t easy. Should I decide to live here in Desilta, this strange land I had suddenly found myself in, and become an immortal young man... or should I seize the few remaining days to search for a way back to Liverpool, my familiar home city? Or perhaps, what I truly wished for: to suddenly wake up from this surreal dream that felt disturbingly real.


    Everything I saw, touched, and heard here was brimming with life. This world felt like one of those parallel universes I had often read about in science fiction books, but I never imagined I would experience one myself.


    I started to feel that it might be a unique opportunity to live the life I had never been given... a life full of adventure and discovery, a completely new existence. But with that choice came heavy commitments¡ªit meant binding myself to this foreign land and its laws, which I still knew so little about. As I mulled over these options, a middle ground appeared in my mind, a solution that could allow me to remain in Desilta while still returning to my own world.


    Unable to suppress my words, I called out,


    ¡®Elena¡­ I have an important question. What if I decided to leave the Kingdom of Desilta and live somewhere else? Is that possible?¡¯


    Elena stopped walking and looked at me with surprise and curiosity, as though she hadn¡¯t expected my question. She took a deep breath before answering.


    ¡®Yes, Bradley, you can leave Desilta if you wish. If you do, you¡¯ll live like any other person outside our borders¡ªyou¡¯ll grow old and age naturally, without being bound to the laws of Desilta. That way, you¡¯ll avoid the consequences of the Seven-Day Law we told you about.¡¯


    I felt some relief at this option, but before I could take a breath, Elena added in a serious tone,


    ¡®But¡­ there¡¯s something important you need to know. Unfortunately, the kingdoms surrounding us are not like Desilta. They suffer from endless wars and conflicts. If you decide to leave, there¡¯s a significant chance you¡¯ll find yourself caught up in those battles, and you may not be lucky enough to survive.¡¯


    A sharp disappointment pierced me upon hearing that. I didn¡¯t want to live in the midst of wars and strife. I screamed internally,


    ¡®Wars? Conflicts? That¡¯s not what I want at all!¡¯


    I wished for a peaceful life, to start a family, to see my children grow up before me, and to enjoy watching my grandchildren one day. These simple dreams now seemed unattainable in light of these hard choices.


    Suddenly, Elena cried out in warning,


    ¡®Bradley! Watch out!¡¯


    At that moment, a heavy goods cart sped uncontrollably down the hill towards us. Without hesitation, I wrapped my arms around Elena and leapt with her out of the cart¡¯s path, landing safely at the side of the road. I felt a surge of adrenaline flooding through my veins, my body moving with an unfamiliar swiftness, as though I had been granted entirely new strength.


    Elena looked at me with deep astonishment and sincere gratitude, then said,


    ¡®How did you move so quickly and so nimbly, Bradley? You¡¯re truly remarkable! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for saving me.¡¯


    I answered calmly,


    ¡®It¡¯s nothing. It seems the poor driver lost control of the cart, and it slid downhill so quickly.¡¯


    At that moment, I found myself questioning the strength and energy I had just discovered within me. It was truly strange; even in my youth, I had never possessed this level of vigour and strength. But what bewildered and amazed me even more was that I cared more about Elena¡¯s safety than my own, something that wasn¡¯t typical for me. Was this the change I had always been searching for?


    At that moment, I made a decisive decision. I would live a new life, one filled with meaning and purpose. I want to build genuine relationships with those around me, care for them sincerely, and share their joys and sorrows. I would become the version of Bradley I had always longed for¡ªthe version I had lost all those years ago in that lonely apartment, drowning in regret day after day.


    As I was lost in my thoughts, I heard a familiar voice calling from afar.


    ¡®Mum¡­ Bradley¡­ you¡¯re late!¡¯


    It was Luca, standing in front of the house, waiting. As we approached, I noticed how his eyes scanned my clothes with curiosity. He smiled and said,


    ¡®Wow, Bradley, you look like one of the people of Desilta! These clothes suit you perfectly, as though they were made for you.¡¯


    Then he burst out laughing, clearly trying to lighten the tense atmosphere. I attempted to return his smile, but it was a strained one, as everything I had just learned still occupied my mind.


    We entered the house, and Elena went straight to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Meanwhile, Luca approached me with a curious look and said,


    ¡®What happened, Bradley? Tell me everything!¡¯


    I found no reason to hide the truth from him, so I explained the entire story, from my encounter with Thomas to the laws of Desilta and my hard choices.


    When I finished, Luca began sharing his own ambitions and personal story¡ªabout the outstanding leader he was named after, and his father, who couldn¡¯t achieve his dreams and ended up settling for reality. I sensed that his words carried many pent-up emotions, as though these stories represented wounds that had yet to heal.


    As Luca spoke, I noticed the sadness on Elena¡¯s face as she listened while preparing the food. It seemed like his words touched something deep inside her¡ªold memories and sorrows she was desperately trying to hide. When she finished cooking and began serving the food, silence fell upon us all. The atmosphere grew heavy, as though Luca¡¯s words had opened the doors to everyone¡¯s painful past.


    I felt the need to break the silence, so I asked Elena a question that had been on my mind:


    ¡®Elena, is it true that Thomas is 200 years old?¡¯


    She nodded and replied,If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡®Yes, that¡¯s true. In fact, Thomas is considered one of the great sages of Desilta, thanks to his long life and deep wisdom.¡¯


    Before I could inquire further, Luca interrupted with his usual excitement,


    ¡®Absolutely! Our village is lucky to have a great sage like Thomas, not to mention my father, who was a friend and companion of the outstanding leader, Luca!¡¯


    This information piqued my curiosity even more, so I continued,


    ¡®Does that mean Thomas is immortal? I mean, can he live forever?¡¯


    Elena¡¯s eyes widened in surprise at my question, and she answered,


    ¡®Well¡­ immortality is one of the traits of the Elves, but even an immortal can die if they suffer an accident, such as drowning, falling, or being in a war.¡¯


    I felt the need to clarify my question, so I said,


    ¡®I understand that, but what I mean is: if someone doesn¡¯t get sick and avoids accidents, can they live forever?¡¯


    Before Elena could answer, Luca jumped in excitedly.


    ¡®No, that¡¯s impossible. Eventually, when the glow of your Life Bracelet fades, it returns to its original silver colour, and that means you¡¯ll inevitably die.¡¯


    Elena added, clarifying his words:


    ¡®Yes, that¡¯s true. Every person in Desilta¡¯s life is tied to their Life Bracelet. If the bracelet¡¯s glow fades, it marks the end of their life, stripping them of their Elven traits, and they¡¯ll quickly fall ill and die¡ªespecially if they¡¯re very old. We don¡¯t know exactly how it happens, but we know it¡¯s deeply connected to our lives and the bracelets themselves. Take Thomas, for example; even though he¡¯s over 200 years old, he remains healthy because his bracelet still shines brightly.¡¯


    These secrets that governed life in Desilta deeply fascinated me, as though an invisible system ran through everyone¡¯s existence here.


    All this new information made my head spin. How could a simple bracelet possess the power to control someone¡¯s life, determine its course, and even its end? How could something so small hold such profound influence? My mind felt like it might explode with all the questions and the overwhelming flood of unfamiliar knowledge.


    After dinner, I felt an urgent need to rest. I thanked Elena and Luca for their generosity and for all the support and information they had given me, then told them I wanted to retire to bed. The day had been packed with astonishing events, and I needed peace and quiet to reflect on my new reality.


    Over the following days, I wandered through the fields surrounding the village and strolled along its winding paths, savouring the richness of nature and its serene beauty. Those days were filled with deep thought¡ªI felt as though I were on a journey of self-discovery, searching for an answer to a lingering question: Was this an opportunity to start a new life? Or just another test I had to pass?


    In those days, I began to learn about the laws of Desilta¡ªstrange and complex as they were. The deeper I delved into them, the more I felt they would take months to fully understand. Among those laws, I learned that the leaders of Desilta always came from the Path of the Warriors, while advisors and ministers were chosen from the Path of the Sages, reflecting the value of wisdom in governing the kingdom''s affairs.


    What truly surprised me, however, was the rule that forbade those on the Path of the Builders from holding positions as advisors or ministers. It was also impossible for men working on the Path of the Servants to marry outside their path, whereas women were allowed to marry outside their path .


    As the days passed, I continued to test the capabilities of my renewed, youthful body, now full of energy and vitality. I no longer suffered from illnesses or exhaustion, and I found myself able to run long distances without feeling tired. Everyone noticed the physical transformation in me, amazed at my newfound strength and energy¡ªsomething I had never possessed before.


    Whenever someone needed help, whether physically or emotionally, I offered a helping hand without hesitation. And with each act of assistance, I felt an overwhelming happiness¡ªsomething that came from deep within me.


    Little by little, I began to open up to the world around me. I laughed, smiled, and joined people in their conversations and jokes. I played with the children and watched them laugh with innocent joy. Each morning, the villagers, with genuine smiles that spoke of true happiness, greeted warmly me.


    I had become the Bradley I had always dreamed of being.


    I noticed that Elena and Luca carefully avoided talking about my future plans, and I understood it was their way of giving me the time and space to make my decision without any pressure. Every evening, I enjoyed listening to Luca talk about his day¡ªhis work, the events, and the minor incidents that filled his hours. Those moments brought me great comfort and a sense of familiarity.


    In truth, I began to feel as though I had found an actual family. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, and the simple conversations gave me a deep sense of belonging¡ªsomething I never thought I would experience again. Each time I sat with them, the thought of leaving grew more distant. I found myself thinking: I don¡¯t want to lose this family... I don¡¯t want to leave them.


    In Luca, I saw the son I had never had. I enjoyed witnessing his enthusiasm and the energy that filled his days. As for Elena, she was far more than just a kind host¡ªshe had become a close friend who stood by me, cared for my needs, and gave her all to ensure I felt at ease.


    As the days went by, I felt I was no longer just a guest here, but a part of this small family.


    That evening, as the aroma of delicious food filled the kitchen and their laughter echoed warmly in the air, I came down from my room and approached where they were preparing dinner. I looked at Elena with confidence and said,


    ¡®I¡¯ve made my decision.¡¯


    Elena stopped what she was doing and turned to look at me, her eyes filled with anticipation, a mix of worry and curiosity. She said:


    ¡®I was wondering when you¡¯d decide. Tomorrow is the seventh day, and I was afraid the deadline would pass without you making up your mind.¡¯


    There was relief in her voice, as though she could finally breathe freely. Then she turned to Luca, who was watching us eagerly, and I announced with certainty,


    ¡®I¡¯m going to take the Path of Life test tomorrow.¡¯


    Their faces lit up with pure joy, but I added, still slightly puzzled,


    ¡®But as I understand it, people usually take the test when they turn twenty. I¡¯m well past eighty! Am I even allowed to take this test?¡¯


    Doubt clouded my mind. Even though I had regained my youth here in Desilta, I knew I was far older than the usual age. Luca burst into laughter, his joyous laugh echoing through the room. Despite my confusion, I couldn¡¯t help but smile. Elena looked at me with her warm, reassuring smile, the one that always made me feel safe, and she explained gently,


    ¡®It seems you really did hit your head harder than we thought. When I examined you, I confirmed that you haven¡¯t passed twenty-four.¡¯


    Her words hit me like a shockwave. I had been certain that I was much older. She continued, clarifying:


    ¡®In Desilta, any outsider who decides to stay can take the Path of Life test. From that moment on, they are bound to the land of Desilta forever.¡¯


    I began to understand the seriousness of the decision I was about to make¡ªhow deep and far-reaching its impact would be on my future.


    Suddenly, Luca broke into discussing his usual excitement, asking,


    ¡®What do you want to become? Will you choose the Path of the Warriors?¡¯


    The light of anticipation sparkled in his eyes as he waited for my answer. I smiled at him and replied calmly,


    ¡®Luca, I¡¯m a peaceful man... I spent my life working as a builder, so I think I¡¯ll choose the Path of the Builders. That way, I can stay by your side and help you.¡¯


    Luca¡¯s joy was palpable. It was clear that this was exactly what he had hoped I would choose. Elena looked at me, her eyes shining with pride, and said,


    ¡®Tomorrow, you must wear the ceremonial clothes and head to the place of celebration.¡¯


    Her words were a clear sign that the day of my test¡ªand my choice¡ªwas drawing near. Her voice carried both excitement and solemnity, making me realise the weight and importance of this step I was about to take.


    This wasn¡¯t just a decision to stay in Desilta¡ªit was a promise to myself, a commitment to become a part of this community and embrace a new Path of Life.


    That night, as I lay in bed, my emotions swirled between anticipation and uncertainty. I felt a strange mix of excitement for the new chapter ahead and fear of the unknown.


    I never imagined I would find myself in a place where I truly belonged, surrounded by a family who offered love and support without asking for anything in return. In this new world, I was certain I had made the right choice, and that tomorrow would mark the beginning of a life filled with meaning and strength.


    ? Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.

 Chapter Six: The Moment of Choice

    ? Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.


    Chapter Six: The Moment of Choice


    Bradley ascended to his room with slow, deliberate steps, leaving behind a heavy silence that seemed to weigh in the air. My son, Luca, and I remained seated at the dining table, exchanging faint glances across the empty plates, as though each of us were trying to avoid speaking. I could sense Luca¡¯s pressing desire to voice his feelings, so I smiled softly at him, looking into his eyes with warmth and encouragement, and said in a gentle voice meant to ease him,


    ¡®Luca¡­ my dear, don¡¯t you want to talk? I feel there¡¯s a lot on your mind.¡¯


    Luca raised his gaze to meet mine, clearly struggling to hide his unease. He sighed deeply before replying,


    ¡®No, Mother¡­ honestly, I¡¯ve accepted it. It seems I¡¯ll continue on this path in life, and I¡¯ll remain loyal to it. You don¡¯t need to worry about me.¡¯


    But as a mother, I could see beyond his words. I felt his attempt to show acceptance, though his heart was burdened with questions and doubts. I wanted to reassure him with a piece of my own experiences, hoping he might find comfort in my story. I said to him with a voice brimming with wisdom and warmth,


    ¡®Luca¡­ when I was your age, I had a very different dream. I always wanted to be a merchant, travelling through markets and striking deals. But as you can see, life led me down a different path. I found myself among the sages, and over time, my abilities grew and developed until I became specialised in medical sciences, a field I never imagined myself in.¡¯


    I paused briefly to see if my words had an effect, then continued,


    ¡®So don¡¯t worry too much, my son. Life is full of surprises, and what seems like an ordinary path may well be the start of something completely unexpected. The important thing is to remain open to possibilities and trust yourself and your abilities.¡¯


    Luca nodded in understanding, smiling at me with genuine gratitude, and then said hesitantly,


    ¡®Thank you, Mother. I promise I¡¯ll make you proud. I¡¯ll admit, I really admire Bradley¡­ he may become my companion on this path, along with Chris, who¡¯s walking it with me. I feel I can serve Desilta with all my dedication and devotion on the path that¡¯s been chosen for me.¡¯


    As I listened to him, I realised how much Luca had matured and gained clarity about his goal and destiny. At that moment, I felt a deep sense of pride and relief. But Luca surprised me with a question that stirred mixed emotions within me.


    ¡®What do you think will happen to Bradley tomorrow? Do you think he¡¯ll find his place among us?¡¯


    At the mention of Bradley¡¯s name, a wave of emotions overwhelmed me. Bradley¡­ the strange man who had arrived in Desilta only a few days ago, yet had so quickly become an integral part of our lives. There was something remarkable about his character¡ªhis quiet demeanour, his patience, and his genuine care for others. Despite his natural confusion about Desilta¡¯s laws, he held a rare appreciation for life, as if he understood both suffering and the value of fleeting happy moments.


    I recalled memories of the past few days¡ªhow we had grown closer in ways I never anticipated. There was a paternal touch in his interactions with Luca, a mixture of guidance and support that we all seemed to need. I had seen how he won the affection of the villagers with his humility, his constant smile, and his tireless help for anyone in need. His strength, too, was unwavering, never used begrudgingly.


    Luca broke through my thoughts with his voice.


    ¡®Mother¡­ what are you thinking? Is my question too hard to answer?¡¯


    I took a deep breath before responding honestly.


    ¡®The truth is, Luca, I can¡¯t say for certain what will happen tomorrow. But I have a feeling Bradley could become something wonderful¡ªjust as you suspect. I believe he has energy and talents that could flourish on this path. But remember, choosing a life path in Desilta isn¡¯t easy, and it often surprises us with its results. We need to be ready for any outcome.¡¯


    Luca interrupted me with noticeable excitement in his voice, reflecting his passion.


    ¡®How I wish Bradley would become one of the builders and join me! Imagine it, Mother¡ªBradley and I working together. I think we¡¯d create extraordinary things, things Desilta has never seen before! Combining his wisdom and experience with my enthusiasm and new ideas would make us an unstoppable team.¡¯


    I smiled at his enthusiasm, but I wanted to learn more about his own experience, so I asked him,


    ¡®Luca, did you meet the leader of the builders as planned? What did he tell you? I¡¯m curious to know more about your future on this path.¡¯


    Luca answered eagerly, as though he had been waiting for the question.


    ¡®Yes, Mother, I did meet him, and it was a fascinating meeting. He told me that after a year of beginning my path, the bracelet will start guiding me towards the most suitable specialisation for me. And believe me, the options are incredible! There are the Creators, for example¡ªthey¡¯re the minds that design buildings, machines, and even weapons. They form entirely new ideas and create marvellous designs for us.¡¯


    He paused for a moment, as though gathering his thoughts, then continued,


    ¡®Then there are the Craft Builders, who turn those ideas into tangible reality. They¡¯re masters of their craft, with precise skills to execute the designs. And, of course, we can¡¯t forget the Architect Builders, who combine creativity and precision to construct grand and complex structures.¡¯


    He added in a contemplative tone, gazing into the distance as if envisioning his future:


    ¡®Mother, from my conversation with the builders¡¯ leader, I realised the builders¡¯ path is far more diverse and exciting than I imagined. There are so many specialisations, each filled with challenges. I don¡¯t yet know which path I¡¯ll choose, but I¡¯m ready to wait for the bracelet¡¯s guidance, and I¡¯ll do my best to become a builder you can be proud of.¡¯


    I smiled and said to him with a voice full of pride,The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡®I¡¯m already proud of you, Luca. Your attitude shows great wisdom and maturity, and it makes me confident that you¡¯ll excel in your path.¡¯


    Then, with tenderness, I added,


    ¡®Tomorrow, when Bradley goes to the celebration square to choose his life path, I¡¯ll be by his side. I know you¡¯ll be at work, but I strongly feel I should accompany him at that important moment.¡¯


    I noticed a fleeting disappointment cross Luca¡¯s face¡ªhe had clearly hoped to be the one to accompany Bradley on this decisive day. However, he hid his feelings well and agreed to my suggestion. I could sense his genuine desire to support Bradley and how much he had grown close to and admired him.


    Inside me, my emotions were a tangled web. I wasn¡¯t sure why I so strongly wished to accompany Bradley tomorrow. Perhaps it was because I felt he might feel overwhelmed by our rituals and complex traditions, and I wanted to be there to clarify things and ease any tension. Or perhaps it was simpler than that¡ªperhaps I simply felt a deep desire to be with him, to share in his joy if he succeeded or to support him if he felt lost.


    Whatever the reason, I knew tomorrow would be a fateful day¡ªnot just for Bradley, but perhaps for all of us. As I watched Luca preparing for bed, a wave of optimism washed over me. I felt that, as a family, we were stronger together. And Bradley, who had arrived as a stranger, had become an inseparable part of this family.


    Whatever the future held, I was certain we would face it together, as one family, drawing strength from each other.


    ? ? ?


    The next morning, I awoke with my heart pounding¡ªa mixture of nerves and excitement that I couldn¡¯t quite explain. We ate breakfast together, and I kept stealing glances at Bradley. He appeared calm and composed, an air of quiet confidence that only deepened my admiration for him. After bidding farewell to Luca, who left for his work, Bradley and I made our way to the market to purchase his ceremonial robe and the silver life bracelet he would wear during the path-choosing ritual.


    I watched as Bradley chose his robe, his movements steady, his expression serene, as though he were born for this moment. By the time noon arrived, we set off toward the celebration square¡ªa wide, open space situated between the surrounding villages, where everyone gathered to witness the rituals.


    I tried hard to hide my own nervousness as we walked. Bradley, on the other hand, remained composed, his steps firm and unhurried. When we finally arrived at the square, we saw a lone boy dressed in ceremonial attire, already waiting for the sun to set and the ritual to begin. I turned to Bradley with an encouraging smile.


    ¡®Bradley, are you ready?¡¯


    He turned his head to look at me, his gaze steady, and said in that calm, resolute voice of his,


    ¡®Elena¡­ I promise I¡¯ll make you proud. You and Luca are the only family I have here.¡¯


    His words stunned me. A wave of deep happiness swelled within me, too strong to contain. He had said it with such certainty, and in that moment, I realised how much I had become part of his life. My cheeks flushed, and a soft warmth spread across my face. Had Bradley noticed the feelings I carried for him? I offered him a shy smile, watching as he ascended the platform with unshakable confidence. I didn¡¯t know what would happen next, but I knew I would be by his side.


    Soon, people began gathering around the square. Their murmurs and excited chatter filled the air, creating a festive energy. For them, this event was a chance to celebrate, a reprieve from their hard days of work.


    As the red hues of twilight began to spread across the sky, the master of ceremonies stepped forward onto the platform. He surveyed the crowd, and silence fell over the square as his booming voice rang out, explaining the laws and traditions of the ritual. When he finished, he raised his hands and shouted,


    ¡®Long live Desilta!¡¯


    The crowd roared in unison,


    ¡®Long live Desilta!¡¯


    Their voices merged into a powerful wave, sending shivers through me, a deep sense of belonging settling in my chest. I turned my eyes to Bradley, who stood on the platform, composed and still. Unlike many who had stood in his place before, he showed no signs of fear or doubt. It was as if he had been preparing for this moment his entire life.


    The other boy stepped forward first. He chose one of the coloured vials offered by the ceremony attendant, drank its contents with focus, and soon entered a state of stillness¡ªas if absorbing his decision. Moments later, he awoke and raised his wrist to reveal his life bracelet glowing red.


    ¡®Your path is that of the warrior,¡¯ announced the master of ceremonies.


    ¡®You are now bound to your bracelet. Guard it well, for removing it will strip you of your life.¡¯


    It was then Bradley¡¯s turn. He stepped forward with measured steps, his gaze fixed on the vials held by the attendant. He selected one without hesitation and gripped it firmly. Before he drank, the master of ceremonies addressed him, his tone grave:


    ¡®You are a stranger to the great kingdom of Desilta. By undertaking this ritual, you choose to become one of us, to live under the kingdom¡¯s protection and strength. Are you ready for this decision, stranger?¡¯


    Bradley met the master¡¯s gaze and replied in his usual calm tone,


    ¡®I am ready.¡¯


    Pride swelled in my chest at his unwavering voice. But my pride soon gave way to anxiety as the master gestured for Bradley to drink. Bradley uncorked the vial with steady hands, lifted it to his lips, and drank. Then he lay down on the table, his eyes closing as if sinking into a deep, untroubled sleep. My heart raced, every part of me on edge as I watched him, my anticipation almost unbearable.


    Then, something unexpected happened.


    The master of ceremonies frowned, his expression growing puzzled. Bradley remained perfectly still, serene even, without the usual tremors or tension that accompanied this moment. It was as though he had fallen into a deep and peaceful slumber. Whispers began to ripple through the crowd, their murmurs growing louder with each passing second. The master stepped closer to Bradley, placed a hand on his shoulder, and attempted to rouse him. But Bradley did not stir.


    The murmurs intensified, an undercurrent of worry spreading through the crowd. Finally, the master of ceremonies straightened, his voice cutting through the noise with a decisive tone.


    ¡®It appears the stranger has failed to choose his path. Desilta has rejected him.¡¯


    The words hit me like a thunderclap. My blood ran cold. What did this mean? Would Bradley remain trapped in this strange limbo, his life slipping away into rapid ageing? I couldn¡¯t accept it. Bradley was strong. He had chosen his path with conviction. This had to be a mistake.


    Before I knew what I was doing, I was running toward the platform. I pushed my way through the crowd, my voice breaking with desperation.


    ¡®You promised me, Bradley¡­ you can¡¯t break your promise!¡¯


    I heard nothing but the sound of my own voice. The cheers of the crowd¡ª¡®Long live Desilta!¡¯¡ªfaded into the background. All I could think about was reaching him, ensuring he was all right.


    But when I reached the top of the platform, I froze in my tracks.


    Bradley was standing behind the master of ceremonies, awake, steady, and very much alive. Relief flooded through me, so overwhelming that tears streamed down my face before I could stop them. He had awoken. He had chosen his path. He had kept his promise. I hadn¡¯t lost him.


    The master of ceremonies turned, clearly startled to see Bradley standing beside him. His voice was filled with disbelief as he said,


    ¡®It seems you survived at the very last moment. Come, raise your wrist so all may see your bracelet.¡¯


    Bradley lifted his arm, revealing his bracelet.


    And in that moment, the world seemed to come crashing down.


    A heavy silence descended over the square. I stood frozen, my breaths shallow, my gaze fixed on his wrist. My body trembled, a cold shiver coursing through me.


    ''My God¡­ what is this? What is happening, Bradley?!''


    ? Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.

 Chapter Seven: Doors of Destiny

    ? Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.


    Chapter Seven: Doors of Destiny


    Bradley stood still, lifting his wrist slowly as though time had frozen for a moment. The faces of those present were etched with astonishment, and a strange silence blanketed the gathering. Even the master of ceremonies¡ªrenowned for his unshakable composure¡ªseemed to have transformed from stone into something fragile, his eyes fixed on Bradley''s wrist, staring in a way no one had ever seen before. The atmosphere was charged, heavy with tension, as though everyone had ceased to breathe, waiting for what would happen next.


    Elena, who only moments earlier had been laughing with tears of joy at Bradley''s return, felt an abrupt shift. The smile vanished from her face, replaced by an expression of worry and confusion. Her features sharpened, as if she sensed some unseen danger in the air.


    Standing amidst the oppressive silence, Bradley scanned the crowd with questioning eyes. He didn¡¯t understand the sudden reactions, but when his gaze fell on his bracelet, he flinched in shock. The bracelet, long known for changing colours to reflect the paths of life, now glowed with a bright, blinding white.


    ¡®White!?¡¯ he muttered,


    The word echoing in his mind like a clap of thunder. No one had ever told him about this colour; nothing like this had ever occurred in the ceremony before.


    Questions stormed his mind like a ferocious gale: What does the white mean? Does it symbolise something? Has my fate changed? Endless questions crashed down upon him, making him feel as though his mind was trapped in a whirlwind with no escape.


    He turned to Elena, searching her face for an explanation¡ªany answer that might quell the fire of confusion raging within him. But her gaze mirrored his shock; her expression offered no answers. She, too, seemed unable to comprehend what was unfolding.


    Desperate for clarity, Bradley looked to the master of ceremonies. He had hoped to find wisdom in the man¡¯s eyes, or at least a cryptic explanation, but silence reigned supreme. Even the master of ceremonies, who usually had an answer for everything, appeared baffled, standing before a mystery he had never encountered.


    Finally, the silence shattered as the master of ceremonies spoke, his voice laced with uncertainty, as though he was struggling to regain control.


    ¡®There is something unnatural about your bracelet, stranger. I believe it would be best to re-select your path... but not today. The liquid cannot be consumed twice in a single day. We shall postpone the selection to another time.¡¯


    The words came slowly, haltingly, as though they had fought their way to Bradley¡¯s ears. Yet they revealed a disquiet that no one had ever heard in the wise man¡¯s tone.


    Whispers began to ripple through the crowd, rising steadily as murmurs turned into debate. The glowing white bracelet was an unprecedented event in Desilta¡¯s history, stirring both awe and bewilderment. Amid the growing commotion, Elena stepped forward, taking Bradley¡¯s hand in hers, offering what comfort she could. Her voice was soft, though she struggled to mask her own concern.


    ¡®Bradley, let¡¯s go home. You need to rest and process what¡¯s happened.¡¯


    But before they could move, the master of ceremonies raised a hand, signalling for them to wait. His gaze was charged with seriousness and intent, and he beckoned them to follow him to his home, as though he wished to speak far from the prying eyes of the crowd. Elena glanced at Bradley, her face betraying her unease. She knew that this meeting might reveal truths they were not prepared to face.


    As the crowd began to disperse, the square buzzed with hushed conversations and speculation about what had transpired. The master of ceremonies walked towards his home with heavy steps, and Bradley and Elena followed in silence. Bradley could hear the pounding of his own heart, each beat louder than the last, as though every step brought him closer to uncovering a secret that might change his life forever.


    Every time Elena¡¯s eyes fell upon Bradley¡¯s glowing white bracelet, they shimmered with a mix of fear and curiosity. Her gaze searched for answers, trying to unravel the mystery of this man who had entered her life - and her heart - only to become the centre of inexplicable events.


    At last, they reached the master of ceremonies¡¯ house, an ancient dwelling steeped in the scent of history and wisdom. The wide room they entered was filled with shelves stacked high with old books and neatly bound scrolls. The air was thick with the smell of aged paper and ink, adding to the solemn, almost eerie atmosphere of the moment.


    Darren, the master of ceremonies, fixed Bradley with a deep, penetrating stare, as though he were attempting to peer into his very thoughts. When he spoke, his voice was measured and calm, yet unable to mask the tension beneath.


    ¡®First, let me introduce myself. My name is Darren. I am one of Desilta¡¯s sages, responsible for overseeing the path selection ceremonies and recording every choice made in this region. It is a sacred duty, burdened with immense responsibility, for we hold people¡¯s destinies in our hands. Now then, stranger¡ªmay I know your name?¡¯


    Bradley answered hesitantly, his voice quiet.


    ¡®My name is Bradley.¡¯


    Darren¡¯s gaze remained steady on him as he continued,


    ¡®Know this, Bradley¡ªwhat happened to you today has never occurred before. It is an event that could alter the course of our lives, and perhaps your own. Therefore, I must ask you a few questions, so I may record them and send them to the High Council of Sages. Your words may hold the key to understanding this mystery.¡¯


    At this, Elena intervened, her voice edged with concern and a protective instinct.


    ¡®But, Master Darren, don¡¯t you think what happened could simply be a fault in the bracelet? Perhaps it¡¯s damaged. Wouldn¡¯t it be better to try again later, rather than confuse Bradley with details he might not be ready for?¡¯


    Her words carried an attempt to diffuse the situation, to contain the inexplicable event before it spread. She felt her heart pounding, a mix of fear and worry for Bradley. Any misstep could place him in danger, and she couldn¡¯t bear that thought.


    Darren, however, responded firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt:


    ¡®I understand your concern, Elena, but my duty is to my people. I must ensure that every detail of the path selection is accounted for, especially when something as unusual as this occurs.¡¯


    Turning back to Bradley, Darren¡¯s expression grew even more serious.


    ¡®So, Bradley, do you consent?¡¯


    Bradley glanced at Elena, his eyes reflecting uncertainty and unspoken questions. Yet, deep inside, he felt an unfamiliar strength rising within him - as though he were standing before his destiny, even if its nature remained unclear. With a steadier voice, he replied,


    ¡®Yes. Go ahead. Ask your questions. I¡¯m ready to face whatever comes.¡¯


    Darren offered a faint, relieved smile before speaking again, his voice calm.


    ¡®Very well, Bradley. I will not ask you what you saw during the path selection; that secret lies between you and the bracelet. However, I have one question that may seem strange¡­ Are you from the Ravens Kingdom?¡¯


    Elena¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment. Darren¡¯s question felt completely unrelated to the events at hand. She turned to Bradley in surprise, as though seeing him for the first time. Bradley, too, was stunned, but he gathered himself and answered clearly:


    ¡®No, Master Darren. I¡¯m from Liverpool, in England.¡¯


    Darren¡¯s expression relaxed slightly, as though some unseen burden had been lifted from him.


    ¡®Very well, Bradley¡­ I have never heard of your land before, and that only deepens my curiosity. How did you arrive in Desilta, and what journey brought you here? That information may help us unravel today¡¯s mystery.¡¯


    Bradley hesitated, trying to piece together his fragmented memories.


    ¡®The truth is, I don¡¯t know exactly. All I remember is that I was in a taxi, and there was a terrible accident. We crashed into a lake. I thought I was going to drown, but¡­ then Luca found me. Everything after that is a blur.¡¯


    Darren and Elena exchanged bewildered glances. Darren raised an eyebrow and said,


    ¡®A car? A taxi driver?¡¯


    Before he could press further, Elena intervened, her concern evident as she tried to shield Bradley from questions that could arouse suspicion.


    ¡®Master Darren¡­ Bradley was injured when he arrived here. Perhaps what he¡¯s saying is a result of the blow to his head. Not everything he says can be taken as absolute truth.¡¯


    Darren nodded slowly, though his eyes remained alight with the curiosity of a scholar faced with an unsolved riddle. After a moment¡¯s contemplation, he said,


    ¡®I need to ask you for something, Bradley. I want you to remove the bracelet. If it¡¯s damaged, we¡¯ll replace it before tomorrow¡¯s ceremony. But¡­¡¯


    He paused, lowering his voice as though the weight of his words hung heavily in the air.


    ¡®If the bracelet does not come off, then it means your life path has already been chosen. And that would be unprecedented in our history.¡¯


    Bradley¡¯s heart pounded as though drums were beating within his chest. He slowly lifted his wrist, his eyes fixed on the glowing bracelet. With trembling fingers, he reached for it, trying to pull it off. Yet the bracelet felt fused to his skin, clinging with an inexplicable force.


    He tried again, this time with greater determination, but the bracelet refused to budge, defying his increasingly desperate efforts. He raised his head to meet Elena¡¯s gaze¡ªa look full of disappointment and tension. She had been watching him with bated breath, her eyes wide with shock and fear.


    Finally, Darren spoke in a hushed voice, his words thick with reverence:


    ¡®That¡¯s enough, Bradley¡­ It¡¯s decided, then. Your path has been chosen - a path unlike any before it. I will send word to the High Council in the White City immediately. Perhaps they will provide answers or guidance on what we must do next. For now, you must remain out of sight. We must avoid any further chaos until this mystery is understood.¡¯


    Elena had been thinking the same thing. Fear for Bradley¡¯s safety grew stronger within her. She knew they had to keep him away from curious eyes, lest his glowing bracelet attract unwanted attention.


    Bradley took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. Then he turned to Darren and said with a calmness that belied his inner turmoil,


    ¡®Thank you, Master Darren. I¡¯ll wait for your explanation. I¡­ I¡¯m ready for whatever comes next. But does this mean I¡¯ve become immortal? I mean¡­ like one of the Elven?¡¯


    Darren regarded him with surprise and said,


    ¡®It seems you haven¡¯t noticed the colour of your eyes.¡¯


    Bradley turned towards a nearby mirror and froze, astonished at the sight of his reflection¡ªhis eyes now glowed an unmistakable, vivid blue.


    Elena broke the silence, her voice tinged with awe.


    ¡®Bradley¡­ you¡¯ve gained the traits of the Elven - immortality, youth, and perfect health.¡¯


    ? ? ?


    For a fleeting moment, Bradley felt a strange relief. At least he had achieved what he had once longed for¡ªeternal youth.


    Moments later, after bidding Darren farewell, Bradley and Elena departed, making their way back to her home. Night had fallen, and the sky above was strewn with shimmering stars, as though witnessing the unveiling of a new secret on this dark, fateful night.


    A heavy silence settled between them as they walked. Thoughts battled within their minds, unspoken and unresolved. Elena stole a quick glance at Bradley, her eyes searching his face for answers she could not find. Her heart pounded as she tried to connect the whirlwind of events, to make sense of the enigma this stranger had brought into her life.


    Bradley, too, was lost in a maze of confusion. His thoughts swirled as he retraced the events, searching his memory for any clue that might help him understand this mysterious kingdom and the path that had been thrust upon him.


    As he tried to recall the strangest moment of all, an icy shiver coursed through his body, like an icy wave washing over him from within. He remembered drinking from the mysterious bottle, how the world had spun around him in a terrifying spiral, as though an immense vortex was pulling him into the depths. Tiny black dots had appeared before his eyes, flickering like stars scattered across a pitch-black sky, intensifying his nausea and dizziness.


    Bradley was soon overwhelmed by an irresistible desire to sleep, as though his weary body was begging him to surrender to the darkness. With great effort, he dragged himself to a nearby table and collapsed onto it, squeezing his eyes shut as he tried to block out the dizziness crashing through his head like violent waves threatening to drag him into the depths of an ocean. A sharp pain spread through his body, like sparks of fire igniting inside him. Pain was no stranger to Bradley, but this was different¡ªdeep, elusive, as though it were tearing into his very soul.


    He felt as though he were drifting into a deep slumber, but suddenly, he found himself standing in an expansive hall that glowed with a brilliant, blinding whiteness. For a moment, it was so dazzling that he had to shield his eyes. Everything around him was pure white¡ªuntainted, devoid of other colours¡ªwhich gave the place an aura of both majesty and fear, as though he had stepped into a new world filled with awe and reverence.


    In the centre of the hall, he noticed five enormous doors, each glowing with its own colour: blue, red, green, yellow, and violet. The doors seemed to pulse with life, radiating a power so vivid that he felt they were gateways to other realms¡ªplaces that could only be reached by passing through them.


    Without knowing why, Bradley felt an inexplicable pull towards the green door. It wasn¡¯t ordinary curiosity; it was as though fate itself was calling him, urging him to cross that threshold, as if his destiny was irrevocably tied to it. Just as he was about to take a step forward, he noticed a shadow materialising at the far end of the hall. It was hazy and indistinct, like a ghost moving slowly through the brilliant whiteness that filled the space.


    Then came the voice. It was powerful and cold, so chilling that Bradley¡¯s breath seemed to freeze in his lungs. The voice spoke as though addressing him alone.


    ¡®Bradley¡­ your path is unlike the others. They belong to this land, but you¡­ you have no place among them. You are a stranger.¡¯


    A wave of fiery anger surged through Bradley¡¯s chest. For the first time in his life, he had felt like he belonged¡ªto a place, to people who loved and embraced him. In Luca and Elena, he had found his true family, a purpose worth living for. He refused to let this mysterious entity strip away the precious sense of belonging he had discovered.


    Turning to face the source of the voice, Bradley¡¯s eyes glowed with defiance and determination. His voice trembled slightly but was filled with resolve as he declared,


    ¡®You¡¯re wrong! I belong with them¡ªwith Luca and Elena. They¡¯ve taken me in as one of their own. This is my chance to live a new life¡­ one filled with love and hope. I won¡¯t let you, or anyone else, take that away from me.¡¯


    The voice responded, its tone even colder, like an icy wind sweeping through the void.


    <blockquote style="text-align: justify">


    ¡®You live in an illusion, Bradley. You do not belong to this land, and you never will. You were born alone, and you will die alone¡ªthat is your fate.¡¯


    </blockquote>


    The words struck like poisoned arrows, piercing Bradley¡¯s heart and dragging up his deepest fears¡ªmemories of the isolation he had endured since childhood, of the loneliness that had always surrounded him. Yet, despite it all, he refused to give in. A strange force stirred deep within him¡ªa strength born of his determination to carve out a different life, to prove to himself and to the world that his destiny was his to shape.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    With all the strength he could muster, Bradley roared, as though shattering the chains of his fear,


    ¡®I will decide my own fate, not you! I¡¯ll live the life I choose with the people I choose. I won¡¯t let you, or this cursed bracelet, dictate how my story ends!¡¯


    In that instant, Bradley¡¯s words felt like a spell, a powerful incantation that reverberated through the hall. Suddenly, the ground beneath his feet began to shake violently. The floor trembled, the walls swayed, and the entire space seemed on the brink of collapse. It was as though an earthquake had erupted, threatening to swallow everything whole.


    In a state of panic, Bradley ran towards the coloured doors, desperately trying to open one, but they were all locked tight, refusing to budge. He hammered on each door with his fists, running frantically between them as though they were mocking his helplessness.


    Amidst the chaos, pieces of the ceiling began to crumble. Huge chunks of white stone tumbled from above. The air filled with dust, choking him, while the deafening sound of the collapse roared through the hall as though the entire world were coming to an end.


    Then suddenly, everything stopped. Silence fell once more. The tremors ceased, and the destruction stilled. Bradley opened his eyes to find himself standing exactly where he had begun - behind the master of ceremonies - as though nothing had happened. His breath came in ragged gasps, his heart thundering in his chest, but he was alive. He looked around to find the crowd staring at him with wide eyes, a mixture of shock and disbelief, as though they were seeing him for the first time.


    Despite the terrifying experience, something new stirred within Bradley - a real strength, a resolve born from resisting the fate that had been forced upon him. It was a determination to carve his own path.


    ? ? ?


    By the time they reached the village, Luca was waiting at the entrance, his heart pounding with a mix of worry and anticipation. His eyes darted quickly between Bradley and Elena¡¯s faces, searching for any clue as to what had happened. The moment he saw their expressions in the dim lamplight, an overwhelming sense of fear and unease swept through him. His throat felt dry, his hands trembled faintly, and he rushed towards them, his steps faltering. His voice, tinged with desperation, wavered as he asked,


    ¡®Mum¡­ what happened? Please, tell me!¡¯


    Elena¡¯s prolonged silence only deepened his distress. He turned to Bradley, staring intently into his eyes, hoping for some kind of reassurance. But Bradley said nothing, as though neither of them was ready to reveal what had occurred, leaving Luca even more confused. Then, amidst the heavy silence, Luca¡¯s eyes widened in sudden shock. He caught sight of something strange glowing on Bradley¡¯s wrist.


    Luca bent forward, narrowing his gaze at the luminous white bracelet. He stared in disbelief, unable to comprehend what he was seeing. It was as though the entire world had shifted in a single moment.


    He remained silent, trailing after them as they made their way towards the house. His mind raced, desperately trying to process what he had seen, but every part of him screamed for answers.


    Gathered around the table, the silence thickened, as though each of them carried a secret they were afraid to share. Luca tried several times to break it, but the words caught in his throat. His eyes flitted between his mother and Bradley, his unspoken questions growing heavier with each passing moment.


    At last, Elena broke the silence. Her voice was quiet, filled with both exhaustion and worry.


    ¡®You look tired, Bradley. Let me prepare some dinner, and afterwards, you can rest. Tomorrow, we¡¯ll talk when our thoughts are clearer.¡¯


    Bradley nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting gratitude laced with weariness. Elena moved to prepare dinner, her actions automatic, as though her mind were lost in a labyrinth of tangled thoughts.


    Luca, meanwhile, couldn¡¯t take his eyes off Bradley¡¯s wrist. The glowing bracelet seemed to demand his attention, its strange radiance sparking countless questions he struggled to suppress. He caught his mother¡¯s firm gaze¡ªone that clearly told him now was not the time. Reluctantly, he held his tongue.


    After dinner, Bradley thanked them both softly before heading upstairs to Luca¡¯s room to rest. Luca remained seated, watching his mother as she tidied the table. His eyes were full of concern, waiting for the right moment to ask her everything that weighed on his heart.


    Finally, unable to contain himself any longer, he approached her and asked in a tense voice,


    ¡®Mum, what really happened?¡¯


    Elena looked up at him, her face weary, yet her eyes softened with tenderness. She spoke calmly, her voice steady.


    ¡®Luca¡­ what happened is complicated, and I need you to promise me you won¡¯t tell anyone about it. We¡¯re still trying to understand it ourselves. Can you promise me that, my boy?¡¯


    Luca nodded solemnly and said with sincerity,


    ¡®I promise, Mum.¡¯


    Elena took a deep breath before beginning to recount the details of what had happened. Her voice was low and cautious, as though the very walls might overhear. Luca listened intently, his eyes fixed on her face as he absorbed every word. Each revelation pieced together a picture he wasn¡¯t prepared to see.


    When she finished, Luca remained silent for a few moments, deep in thought. Finally, he spoke, his voice carrying unexpected maturity.


    ¡®It sounds like Bradley needs a way to break free from this strange state he¡¯s found himself in. Perhaps it would be wise for me to accompany him in the coming days. We could work together. Staying active might help him regain his balance while we wait for news from the master of ceremonies or the High Council.¡¯


    Elena looked at her son with a mixture of pride and surprise, realising how much this experience had accelerated his growth. She smiled softly and said,


    ¡®That¡¯s a wonderful idea, Luca. You never cease to amaze me with your thoughtfulness. I¡¯m so proud of you.¡¯


    The next morning, Luca took Bradley to the White City, where he would work as an assistant¡ªa requirement of the laws, which demanded that any newcomer begin with such tasks before anything else. Throughout the journey, Luca noticed Bradley¡¯s wide-eyed wonder as he observed the landscape, his gaze full of awe, as though he were discovering everything for the first time.


    As they neared the city, Bradley¡¯s face lit up with amazement. The towering buildings, carved from gleaming white marble and intricately detailed stone, rose before them in grandeur.


    Luca felt a sense of pride at Bradley¡¯s reaction. Smiling, he began to explain the history of the White City, his voice brimming with pride:


    ¡®These buildings were built by our ancestors centuries ago. They stood firm even during the occupation of the Ravens Kingdom. They are a symbol of our civilisation¡¯s resilience.¡¯


    Bradley gazed at the architecture with reverence, his curiosity growing with every story Luca told. As he listened, he couldn¡¯t help but imagine himself becoming a part of this ancient land, wondering if he, too, could someday belong to its storied history.


    As they walked through the streets of the White City, Luca continued to share tales of Desilta¡¯s heritage, his excitement tangible as he tried to help Bradley feel more at home¡ªan effort to soothe the turmoil that had engulfed him since the night before.


    ? ? ?


    While Bradley and Luca explored the White City, Elena made her way¡ªher steps anxious and unsteady¡ªto Thomas¡¯s house. He was the village elder, known for his sharp insight and wisdom that seemed to border on the mystical. Each step brought her heart hammering harder in her chest, as though her ribs could no longer contain the mounting fear and worry. She knocked lightly on the door, her touch barely brushing the wood, as though hoping it might not open. Yet she knew that revealing this secret had become unavoidable, even if the conversation could turn their lives upside down.


    She waited for what felt like an eternity until the door creaked open slowly. Thomas appeared, his piercing gaze softening as he welcomed her in with calm hospitality. Elena stepped into his study, her eyes sweeping over the shelves of ancient books and fragile manuscripts. The yellowed pages seemed to whisper of forgotten ages, their secrets too heavy for even the oldest of souls to voice.


    Sitting on the wooden chair across from him, Elena drew in a deep breath, trying to steady the fear constricting her. Finally, she began to recount the story that weighed so heavily on her shoulders.


    She told him everything¡ªabout Bradley, the strange white bracelet, and what had happened at the path selection ceremony. Her words spilled out cautiously, alternating between hushed murmurs and carefully chosen phrases, as though she feared any misstep might reveal too much.


    Elena expected Thomas to react with shock, alarm, or even disbelief. Yet what she saw in his expression was something entirely unexpected. His gaze remained steady, his face unreadable. There was no surprise or concern. Instead, he looked as though he had anticipated something like this for a long time¡ªas though his eyes concealed secrets far greater than she could comprehend.


    Thomas gazed at Elena, his eyes deep with an impenetrable mystery. When he spoke, his voice flowed like it came from some distant place, heavy with secrets:


    ¡®Elena¡­ do you truly know the history of Desilta? Do you understand the secrets this land holds within its depths?¡¯


    A shiver ran down Elena¡¯s spine as she wondered what he meant. Her voice faltered as she replied,


    ¡®Yes¡­ of course, I know our history. We were under the Ravens Kingdom¡¯s control for decades until the noble hero Luca liberated us. That¡¯s what we all know, isn¡¯t it?¡¯


    Thomas¡¯s eyes wandered around the room, lingering on the shelves overflowing with ancient books, as though summoning the wisdom of forgotten ages from their pages. Then, with a deep voice laden with weighty mystery, he said,


    ¡®That is the history they were taught¡ªthe one spread among the people. But there is another history. A history that was never shared, never spoken of. A history that remains hidden, known only to a chosen few.¡¯


    Elena felt her certainty begin to crack. Thomas¡¯s words struck her like a blow, her heart pounding as her mind swam in questions without answers. Staring at him in disbelief, she asked, her voice trembling,


    ¡®What does this have to do with Bradley? How could he be connected to this hidden history?¡¯


    Thomas inhaled deeply, as though centuries of untold secrets weighed down upon him. His tone carried a subtle warning as he replied,


    ¡®I cannot reveal much. What I speak of is bound by an oath¡ªan oath that cannot be broken. But I can tell you one thing: Bradley is not the first to appear wearing a white bracelet. There was someone else who bore the same mark, and¡­ he came from the Ravens Kingdom¡ªthe kingdom that has always been a source of legends and a home to mysteries.¡¯


    Elena¡¯s mouth fell open in shock, her eyes widening with disbelief. She shook her head as though trying to reject what she had just heard. Her voice was a strained whisper as she muttered,


    ¡®What? Impossible! Bradley is nothing like them. He¡¯s not even from Desilta, but¡­ no, he can¡¯t be one of them!¡¯


    Her voice wavered with confusion as she pressed further, desperate to understand,


    ¡®Who are these people? How are they connected to what¡¯s happening now?¡¯


    But Thomas turned away, a hint of restrained anger in his tone as he said firmly,


    ¡®I¡¯ve told you enough, Elena. I cannot reveal any more. What I¡¯ve shared is the limit of what I can say¡ªthe rest of this history must remain buried.¡¯


    He paused for a moment, choosing his next words carefully. Then, with grave seriousness, he added,


    ¡®However, you must understand this: what has happened to Bradley could place him in grave danger if the truth reaches the High Council. Some secrets carry consequences, even for those unaware of them.¡¯


    A cold tremor swept through Elena, as though her heartbeat had turned into cries of fear coursing through her veins. Thomas¡¯s words struck like lightning, shaking the very foundation of her beliefs. In that moment, a dreadful realisation seized her: Darren, the master of ceremonies, had already sent word to the High Council about the appearance of the white bracelet on Bradley¡¯s wrist.


    While all this was happening, Bradley and Luca were in the White City, blissfully unaware of the looming threat.


    Elena whispered, her voice ragged with panic as she tried to suppress her rising fear.


    ¡®Dear God! If the High Council finds out¡­ Bradley may not return safely! I need to go to them¡ªI must warn them of the danger!¡¯


    Thanking Thomas in a voice trembling with tension, she rushed from his house, her steps quick and frantic as though pursued by unseen ghosts. Her mind was a storm of dark thoughts and terrifying scenarios. Each step she took echoed with the same unrelenting vow, repeating in her heart like a silent prayer:


    ¡®I will protect you, Bradley¡­ I will do everything I can to keep you safe. No one will reach you while I¡¯m alive.¡¯


    Elena rushed through the dark alleys of the village, her eyes fixed on the path ahead. She was determined to reach Bradley and Luca before it was too late, clinging to the faint hope that she could warn them in time. The danger was closing in on them¡ªa danger born from secrets buried deep within a history that was never meant to be unearthed.


    When she reached her house, she was breathless, her chest heaving as though her heart might burst. Her body trembled with exhaustion, but she wasted no time. Immediately, she began to prepare for her journey to the White City. Her hands shook as she gathered her belongings, her mind racing to form a plan that would guarantee Bradley¡¯s safety and keep him far from Darren and the High Council¡¯s reach.


    She whispered to herself softly, as though making a solemn vow,


    ¡®I¡¯ll tell him everything¡­ I¡¯ll confess the feelings I¡¯ve hidden since I met you. I¡¯ll protect him, no matter the cost.¡¯


    Her words carried the weight of a promise, echoing like a renewed oath deep within her soul¡ªto protect the one who had come to mean so much to her.


    ? ? ?


    At the same time, Luca and Bradley were busy repairing a house on the southern side of the White City. The front door had been damaged, and Bradley had taken charge of fixing it with remarkable skill. Luca watched him with growing astonishment. Bradley worked like a seasoned craftsman, removing the door and handling the tools with impressive efficiency. Even the homeowner, who stood observing the work, couldn¡¯t help but comment with admiration,


    ¡®You¡¯ve got yourself a remarkable assistant, Luca.¡¯


    Luca laughed proudly and replied,


    ¡®Yes, he truly is.¡¯


    A grey cloth wrapped around Bradley¡¯s wrist, concealing the white bracelet from view. Yet Luca couldn¡¯t stop his gaze from drifting back to it, wondering about the secret it hid¡ªone he desperately wished he could understand. Bradley, however, was lost in the rhythm of the work, his focus absolute. It was as though repairing the door gave him an escape from his muddled thoughts and the troubling questions that had plagued him since the ceremony.


    Once the repairs were complete, Luca decided to take Bradley on a quick tour around the city centre. Bradley stood in awe, his eyes wide as he took in the towering buildings crafted from white marble and intricately carved stone. Every corner of the city spoke of beauty and grandeur, unlike anything he had ever seen. It felt as though he had stepped into a different world¡ªone brimming with mystery and wonder.


    Luca smiled at Bradley¡¯s expression of amazement and said enthusiastically,


    ¡®Later, when we have more time, I¡¯ll show you all the landmarks of the city. You¡¯ll learn its history and the secrets that have endured for centuries.¡¯


    Bradley nodded, his eyes gleaming with curiosity he could not hide. A part of him longed to know more about this place, which now seemed to pull at him as though he were somehow connected to its ancient story¡ªa tale yet to be written.


    By evening, after finishing their tour, Luca and Bradley set off in the carriage, heading back to the village. The road was long, and a heavy silence settled between them. Both were lost in their own thoughts. Luca pondered the uncertain future that awaited his friend, while Bradley watched the path ahead, wondering whether this moment of calm was fleeting or if a storm loomed on the horizon, ready to change everything.


    At that very moment, Elena was still in her home, preparing her belongings for the journey. She would soon leave for the White City, determined to reach Luca and Bradley before word of the bracelet could reach the High Council¡ªcarrying with her a vow to do whatever it took to protect them from the dangers swiftly drawing near.


    When they finally arrived at the village, exhaustion weighed heavily on them, each step towards the house feeling heavier than the last. Luca, who was used to seeing his mother waiting at the door with her warm smile, noticed her absence, a flicker of unease stirring within him. He saw the faint light glowing through the windows, and for a moment, a sense of relief washed over him. Perhaps she had simply fallen asleep after a long day.


    He opened the door and stepped inside, his voice light and playful as he tried to break the strange silence that surrounded them.


    ¡®Mum! I¡¯m back, and I¡¯m starving!¡¯


    But no response came. His gaze drifted to the table, where he saw Elena sitting with her head bowed, as though fast asleep. Luca¡¯s concern deepened. He approached her slowly, wondering what could have left her so drained.


    He whispered, placing a tentative hand on her shoulder,


    ¡®Mum¡­ are you alright? Mum¡­ please, wake up.¡¯


    But her body remained still. An icy shiver crept through Luca¡¯s spine, fear crawling into his heart. He shook her shoulder gently, then with increasing urgency, his voice rising:


    ¡®Mum¡­ Mum, please!¡¯


    At that moment, Bradley moved quickly towards them, his heart pounding as though it already knew something dreadful awaited him. He drew closer, his gaze falling on her face¡ªand the horrifying truth hit him. Her still features, the pale skin, the cold, lifeless body¡­ He had seen this before. He knew what it meant.


    Terror coursed through him, freezing him in place, unable to comprehend what was happening. Then, suddenly, a scream tore through the silence¡ªLuca¡¯s scream. It was raw, filled with anguish, a sound that shattered the quiet and announced the collapse of his world in one dreadful moment.


    Luca fell to his knees beside his mother¡¯s lifeless form, tears streaming down his face as he clung to her, sobbing with a grief too great for words. His cries echoed through the house, his sorrow spilling out in waves as though the depth of his pain might never end.


    Bradley stood frozen, his thoughts paralysed, his emotions numb. He struggled to process the devastating scene before him. What had happened, Elena? Why? How had this come to pass so suddenly? The questions swirled through his mind with no answers, and amidst the confusion, Bradley felt himself being dragged into a dark and twisted reality¡ªone that felt like a nightmare he couldn¡¯t escape.


    Suddenly, like a voice echoing from the depths of his memory, he recalled the words of the entity he had faced in the white hall:


    <blockquote style="text-align: justify">


    ¡®You do not belong to this land, and you never will. You were born alone, and you will die alone.¡¯


    </blockquote>


    At that moment, Bradley sank into a nearby chair, his hands covering his face as bitterness and fear seeped into his very soul. Everything seemed to align with those cursed words. This wasn¡¯t what he wanted, but he was powerless to stop the suffering unfolding before him. He had failed Elena¡ªshe had gone before he could thank her, before he could protect her.


    After a few moments, Bradley rose unsteadily and moved towards Elena¡¯s lifeless body. He sat beside Luca and gently wrapped his arms around him, offering what little comfort he could. His voice was soft, filled with compassion.


    ¡®Luca, you¡¯re not alone¡­ I¡¯m here with you.¡¯


    Luca looked up at him, his eyes red and swollen, his face etched with unspeakable grief. He clung to Bradley, his body trembling as though searching for strength to bear the unbearable. The sound of Luca¡¯s sobs filled the room, raw and unrelenting, a soundtrack to the tragedy that had just unfolded.


    As Bradley held him, he realised that everything had changed in that moment. His journey in Desilta had taken a turn from which there was no return¡ªa dark and uncertain path filled with danger and the unknown. And now, more than ever, he knew he had to stand beside Luca, to help him face the overwhelming pain that had engulfed their world.


    ? Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.

 Chapter Eight: The White City

    ? Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.


    Chapter Eight: The White City


    Elena¡¯s departure left an immense void, one no one could fill. Though only four days had passed since her death, each day weighed on Luca like bitter centuries. Her absence was not just a loss¡ªit was an earthquake that tore apart the fragile stability of Luca¡¯s life. He was still struggling to recover from the emotional trauma of seeing his dream of becoming a warrior crumble. That dream had been his beacon of hope, fuelled by the unwavering support of his friend Bradley, who had brought strength and purpose into his life. But now, misfortunes followed one another with cruel speed.


    In these sorrowful days, Bradley stood firm against the grief that had engulfed the village. Outwardly, he appeared steady, but inside, his heart churned with a tangled mix of profound sorrow and guilt, the sense that he was somehow to blame for what had happened to Elena. He had spent less than two weeks with her family¡ªa family that had welcomed him with open arms and hearts, giving his life new meaning and hope after so many years of emptiness. And yet, those short days were brimming with warmth and tenderness, memories that would remain etched into his heart like stars lighting up the darkness of his past.


    Despite his grief, Bradley drew strength from eighty years of experience that had taught him how to endure and be a pillar of support. He resolved to stand beside Luca, reminding him that he was not alone in this storm of loss.


    During this period, Bradley noticed that Thomas, the leader of the village elders, was showing particular interest in him and Luca. Thomas had been close to Elena, like family, so it was no surprise that he understood the sorrow consuming them. Yet, there was something else in Thomas¡¯s gaze¡ªsomething concealed, as though he was preoccupied by an invisible burden.


    One day, as Bradley prepared a meal for Luca, trying to pull him from his despair, Luca broke the silence with a decisive tone that carried a deep resolve.


    ¡®Well, I¡¯m going to move to the White City. I¡¯ll start a new life there.¡¯


    Bradley turned to him with clear concern.


    ¡®Why such a sudden decision? Why leave your home? This is your place¡ªwhere you were raised, where your roots run deep.¡¯


    Luca replied with unwavering clarity.


    ¡®This is no longer my home, Bradley. It¡¯s no longer where I feel safe or at peace, because my mother isn¡¯t here anymore. She¡¯s gone, and she¡¯s not coming back. If there¡¯s a way to honour her memory, it will be by fulfilling her dreams. I¡¯ll go to the White City, train as a builder, and master my craft. I¡¯ll achieve her ambitions. She dreamed of me becoming like my father, leaving my mark on Desilta, ensuring that my accomplishments endure¡ªjust as she hoped.¡¯


    A bittersweet smile spread across Bradley¡¯s face, a mixture of admiration, sadness, and surprise. Though astonished by this newfound determination that spoke from Luca¡¯s grief-stricken heart, he saw in him a young man brimming with hope, drawing strength from his mother¡¯s memory. Still, Bradley¡¯s voice carried a note of caution:


    ¡®Luca, if this decision comes from pain or grief, I urge you to think carefully before you move forward. I want you to be sure this comes from deep within, and not as an escape from loss.¡¯


    Luca met Bradley¡¯s gaze, his eyes filled with unwavering resolve.


    ¡®Bradley, this decision wasn¡¯t born in a moment. I¡¯ve thought about it many times since I chose my path. I dreamed of telling my mother, of starting a new life together in the White City.¡¯


    Bradley studied Luca¡¯s face, seeing a strength he hadn¡¯t expected. Smiling warmly, he said firmly,


    ¡®Alright, Luca. If this is the path you¡¯ve chosen, then I¡¯ll stand by you¡ªas your companion and supporter. We¡¯ll prepare what we need and leave at dawn to begin our new adventure.¡¯


    That evening, the two of them began gathering their belongings, determined to embrace a new life in the White City, where Luca¡¯s ambitions awaited him, guided by Elena¡¯s dreams at every step.


    That night, Thomas, the leader of the village elders, visited Luca and Bradley¡¯s home. He sat with them, as was his habit, to check on their well-being and offer his steady support. When he learned of Luca¡¯s bold plan to move to the White City, a mix of pride and caution crossed his face. Turning to Bradley, he asked with a tone full of concern,


    ¡®So, you¡¯re going with him to the White City? Is that your final decision?¡¯


    Bradley answered without hesitation, his voice firm and unwavering,


    ¡®Absolutely. I won¡¯t leave him alone. I¡¯ll stand by him every step of the way.¡¯


    Thomas¡¯s expression remained clouded with worry.


    ¡®Bradley, remember that the matter of the bracelet is still unresolved. If your secret is revealed there, or questions arise about it, you could find yourself in serious trouble. The risks of this decision are not trivial.¡¯


    Bradley smiled faintly, attempting to reassure Thomas.


    ¡®Don¡¯t worry, Thomas. It seems everyone has forgotten about the bracelet since the festival. No one has brought it up¡ªnot even the Master of Ceremonies, who promised to contact us if he uncovered anything.¡¯


    Thomas lowered his head, his gaze distant, as if his mind was lost in contemplation. His voice grew quieter, as though he spoke more to himself than to Bradley:


    ¡®And that¡¯s precisely what worries me¡­ There¡¯s been no mention of your bracelet in any of the nearby villages that attended the festival, even though everyone saw it. This silence is¡­ unsettling.¡¯


    Bradley shrugged off Thomas¡¯s concerns, though a shadow of unease flickered in his eyes.


    ¡®Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll manage.¡¯


    Thomas left them that evening with words of good luck and an air of lingering caution. As the door closed behind him, the two friends exchanged a glance, heavy with anticipation and hope for what awaited them in the White City.


    ? ? ?


    The following morning, Luca and Bradley set out for the White City aboard a cart carrying goods and passengers. Among the travellers was Chris, Luca¡¯s close friend. Chris greeted Luca with warmth and introduced himself to Bradley as a distant cousin from northern Desilta.


    Not long into the journey, Chris noticed that Bradley¡¯s arm was wrapped in a white cloth, concealing the place where his life bracelet should have been. His brow furrowed in curiosity, and he asked,


    ¡®Why can¡¯t I see your life bracelet, Bradley? Don¡¯t they test for it in the north?¡¯


    Before Bradley could respond, Luca interjected smoothly,


    ¡®Bradley will be tested here in our region since he lived outside the Kingdom of Desilta for a long time.¡¯


    Chris gave Luca a look of mild surprise.


    ¡®You must not be up to date with the news, Luca¡­ Our region has temporarily stopped holding the Life Path Ceremonies until a new master of ceremonies is elected.¡¯


    Bradley¡¯s head snapped towards Chris, a flash of unease in his expression. He chose to remain silent, listening carefully. Luca, however, frowned and asked with confusion,


    ¡®Really, Chris? Why? What happened to the Master of Ceremonies?¡¯


    Chris sighed, his voice tinged with sadness.


    ¡®I know you¡¯ve been grieving your mother¡¯s death, so you probably haven¡¯t kept up with the news. The Master of Ceremonies died just a few days ago. His life bracelet dimmed right after the last festival.¡¯


    A chill passed through Bradley at Chris¡¯s words. Unable to hide his curiosity, he asked quickly,


    ¡®When exactly did he die?¡¯


    Chris raised an eyebrow at Bradley¡¯s sudden interest but answered nonetheless:


    ¡®I don¡¯t know the exact date, but I heard he died four or five days ago¡ªright after the festival.¡¯


    Bradley¡¯s gaze met Luca¡¯s, and a silent understanding passed between them. On the same day Luca had lost his mother, the Master of Ceremonies bracelet had gone dark. Both had died on the same day, and both deaths were somehow tied to Bradley.


    A deep unease began to take root in Bradley¡¯s mind, as though a dark curse or an unfathomable secret shadowed him. Something he could not yet explain, but its effects were as real as deep, unhealed wounds.


    ? ? ?


    When the cart finally stopped outside an inn in the White City, Chris bid them farewell, and Luca quickly arranged for their stay. Bradley watched in mild confusion as Luca spoke to the innkeeper and secured a room without discussing payment. Once inside their modest room, Bradley couldn¡¯t suppress his curiosity any longer.


    ¡®How much is this going to cost us?¡¯ he asked.


    Luca turned to him, looking genuinely surprised.


    ¡®Nothing, Bradley. There¡¯s no money in Desilta. Everyone here receives what they need¡ªfood, shelter, and supplies¡ªin exchange for their dedication to their chosen path and their hard work.¡¯


    Bradley blinked in disbelief.


    ¡®What about the innkeeper? What does he gain from this?¡¯


    Luca smiled.


    ¡®The innkeeper follows the path of traders; he wears a yellow bracelet. Our system is harmonious¡ªthe builders, traders, servants, and even the guards all support one another. It¡¯s a system of exchange that ensures everyone gets what they need. The guards, for example, protect the inn from danger, while servants provide food and drink to guests.¡¯


    Bradley let out a small laugh under his breath, baffled by the oddity of this world. He wondered how such a system would function in his own world. Would it have eliminated the poverty and hardship he had known back home? Despite its apparent perfection, there was something deeply unsettling about this society¡ªsomething about the life bracelets that gnawed at him.


    As they sat quietly in the room, Bradley finally voiced the question burning in his mind:


    ¡®Isn¡¯t it strange that your mother died around the same time as Darren, the Master of Ceremonies?¡¯


    Luca looked at him thoughtfully, as though waiting for someone to voice that very thought. He replied carefully,


    ¡®Yes, it is strange. But in the end, it¡¯s just a coincidence¡­ As long as a bracelet¡¯s glow fades, it means the death was natural.¡¯Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    Bradley frowned, unsatisfied.


    ¡®But don¡¯t you think there¡¯s something strange about these bracelets? I want to know more¡ªwhat¡¯s the history behind the life bracelets? Who makes them, and how?¡¯


    Luca looked uncertain, but answered.


    ¡®All I know is that the bracelets are made of silver and distributed by the traders during the Life Path Ceremony. No one really knows where they come from or how they¡¯re made. It¡¯s an ancestral secret, part of Desilta¡¯s legacy. Without them, Desilta would abandon us¡ªwe would become mere humans again, ageing, falling ill, and eventually dying.¡¯


    Bradley¡¯s curiosity deepened, though Luca¡¯s answers left him far from satisfied. He remembered Elena¡¯s warning not to reveal the secret of his white bracelet until the truth was clearer.


    The following morning, Luca and Bradley set out for their first day of work in the White City. At the labour distribution square, a foreman assigned them a task: repairing the roof of a house in the eastern part of the city. The moment they arrived at the site, Bradley couldn¡¯t help but notice that the building stood out. Unlike the pristine white architecture surrounding it, the house was built of dark grey stone, giving it an unusual and somewhat foreboding presence.


    The owner, a young woman with a face etched with both worry and relief, greeted them at the door.


    ¡®Welcome. There¡¯s a problem with the eastern part of the roof¡ªrainwater keeps seeping through, and I fear the damage will only worsen.¡¯


    Luca offered her a reassuring smile.


    ¡®Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll fix it for you.¡¯


    They climbed to the roof, the heat of the day making their task even more challenging. As they worked to replace the damaged panels, Bradley¡¯s gaze wandered across the structure. Out of habit and experience, he carefully inspected for additional damage. It was then that he noticed something odd¡ªa panel on the western side of the roof was loose. At first glance, the roof seemed perfectly fine, but something about the misalignment caught his eye.


    Driven by curiosity, Bradley cautiously pried the panel open. What he discovered beneath made his blood freeze.


    Hidden below the roof was a dark, forgotten room, choked with dust and cobwebs. But it wasn¡¯t the room itself that shocked him¡ªit was the figure within. A girl, pale and gaunt, sat chained to a small bed. Her long, unkempt hair spilled over her shoulders, and her white, tattered dress looked as though it hadn¡¯t been changed in years. The chains binding her wrists gleamed faintly in the dim light.


    Bradley froze, unable to comprehend what he was seeing. Swiftly, he replaced the panel, his hands trembling. He turned to Luca, his voice low and tense.


    ¡®Luca, come here. There¡¯s something strange you need to see.¡¯


    Luca approached, and Bradley carefully lifted the panel again, exposing the girl beneath. Luca stared, stunned, before quickly regaining his composure. He reached out to close the panel, saying firmly,


    ¡®This doesn¡¯t concern us, Bradley. Let¡¯s finish our work and leave.¡¯


    Bradley gaped at him. ¡®Are you serious? There¡¯s a girl¡ªchained¡ªin there! We can¡¯t just ignore this!¡¯


    Luca¡¯s face hardened, though his voice held a hint of unease. ¡®We don¡¯t know the full story. Interfering might only bring trouble. Let it go.¡¯


    Though reluctant, Bradley didn¡¯t argue further. They finished the repairs in heavy silence, both weighed down by the disturbing discovery. That evening, back at the inn, Bradley couldn¡¯t stop thinking about the girl. The image of her pale face and lifeless form haunted him. Over dinner, he broke the silence.


    ¡®Luca, wasn¡¯t that girl¡¯s situation strange? Why was she chained like that?¡¯


    Luca hesitated before replying, his voice uncertain. ¡®It was strange¡­ But did you notice her bracelet?¡¯


    Bradley frowned.


    ¡®Her bracelet? No, I didn¡¯t. What about it?¡¯


    ¡®It was blue,¡¯ Luca said quietly. ¡®But the glow was faint¡ªbarely there. That¡¯s unusual.¡¯


    ¡®A faint glow?¡¯ Bradley repeated, his confusion deepening. ¡®What does that mean?¡¯


    Luca sighed, as though reluctant to explain. ¡®In Desilta, the bracelet¡¯s glow reflects a person¡¯s dedication to their chosen path. If someone strays from their path or loses their purpose, the glow begins to fade. If it weakens too much, the bracelet abandons them altogether.¡¯


    Bradley stared at Luca, horrified.


    ¡®And what happens then?¡¯


    Luca¡¯s voice grew sombre. ¡®They become fully human again. They age rapidly, grow sick, and eventually die.¡¯


    Bradley fell silent, his mind racing. The idea that a bracelet could dictate life and death seemed monstrous to him, a form of imprisonment masquerading as harmony. After a long pause, he spoke, his tone sharp with disapproval.


    ¡®Isn¡¯t that just another form of slavery? How can you let a bracelet control your lives like that?¡¯


    Luca looked at him in surprise, as though the thought had never occurred to him. He had always accepted the system as a natural part of life. Now Bradley¡¯s words planted a seed of doubt.


    Later that night, unable to sleep, Bradley found himself standing at the window, gazing out at the silent city. The memory of the girl and her faintly glowing bracelet gnawed at him. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong, that the girl¡¯s plight was part of a larger, darker truth.


    At dawn, as the sun cast its first golden rays across the white rooftops, Bradley and Luca headed to the city square for the daily labour assignments. Bradley¡¯s heart pounded as he silently wished for an assignment in the eastern district. But his hope faltered when they were instead assigned to a project in the city centre. Trying to mask his disappointment, Bradley couldn¡¯t hide the flicker of regret that crossed his face.


    As they prepared to leave, Chris approached them with a cheerful grin.


    ¡®Morning, Luca! Where are you off to today?¡¯


    Luca replied calmly.


    ¡®The city centre. What about you?¡¯


    Chris beamed.


    ¡®I¡¯m headed to the east! The work there is tough, but the views are stunning.¡¯


    Bradley¡¯s eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope. Trying to keep his voice casual, he said eagerly,


    ¡®Chris, would you mind if I tagged along as your helper? I¡¯d like to get a feel for the different parts of the city and the work there.¡¯


    Chris glanced curiously at Luca, hesitating for a moment, before saying,


    ¡®Well, I don¡¯t have a helper, so if you¡¯re willing, you¡¯re more than welcome. What do you think, Luca?¡¯


    Luca chuckled softly.


    ¡®Of course, Chris! Take Bradley with you¡ªhe won¡¯t let you down. My task today is simple; I don¡¯t need any help.¡¯


    Luca knew exactly what Bradley was hoping for. Though concerned, he decided to give his friend a chance to pursue the truth.


    ? ? ?


    Bradley set off with Chris, their path bringing them closer to the neighbourhood they had visited the day before. As they passed the mysterious house, Bradley fixed his gaze on it, scrutinising every detail, searching for any clues. The house stood still, its windows dark and lifeless. Bradley made a mental note of the route, vowing to return before continuing with Chris on their assignment.


    By the time the sun began to dip below the horizon, the sky painted with the warm hues of twilight, Bradley turned to Chris and said in a calm tone,


    ¡®Chris, would you mind if I head back on my own? I¡¯d like to wander around a bit and admire the architecture here.¡¯


    Chris smiled, clearly impressed by Bradley¡¯s enthusiasm.


    ¡®Sure thing! I¡¯ll let Luca know you¡¯ll be back later. Enjoy yourself!¡¯


    As the darkness gradually enveloped the city, Bradley found himself hidden behind a tree near the house, his sharp gaze fixed on it. Every muscle in his body was tense, ready to react to the slightest movement or sound.


    Suddenly, he noticed a faint motion¡ªa figure approaching the house with quiet, deliberate steps. Bradley held his breath, focusing intently, trying to discern the identity of the approaching individual.


    Then, as the figure drew closer, Bradley recognised her¡ªit was the homeowner, the woman who had greeted them so warmly the previous day. She carried a small basket covered with a cloth, moving towards the door with quiet, deliberate steps.


    She opened the door silently and disappeared inside. Moments later, light spilled from the windows as the interior of the house illuminated.


    Bradley remained hidden among the trees, his sharp eyes fixed on the house, watching every movement and shadow with unwavering focus. The minutes dragged by, each one stretching into what felt like an eternity, his tension building like an unrelenting fire. Despite the chill of the night nipping at his skin, sweat trickled down his temples.


    Suddenly, after what felt like hours, the lights within the house extinguished, leaving it shrouded in darkness once more. Moments later, Bradley heard the faint creak of the front door opening. The homeowner emerged, stepping out with the same basket in hand. She closed the door softly, as though afraid of waking someone, then walked briskly away, her steps purposeful yet silent.


    Bradley¡¯s instincts told him that this house concealed a profound mystery¡ªone he couldn¡¯t ignore. The woman¡¯s furtive behaviour, coupled with her brief visit and the enigmatic basket, ignited an insatiable curiosity in him. Yet, he knew he needed to tread carefully; any rash action could have dire consequences.


    Once he was sure the woman had disappeared into the night, Bradley crept closer to the house. His movements were slow and deliberate as he examined the front door, trying to open it. But it was locked tight, and his initial attempt ended in frustration. Refusing to give up, he began circling the house, looking for another way in.


    His heart skipped a beat when he noticed a window left slightly ajar. A mix of trepidation and determination surged through him. Approaching the window cautiously, he ensured the area was clear before beginning to lift it ever so slowly. The creak of the window sliding along its frame made him pause, his breath catching in his throat. He froze, straining his ears for any sign of movement within the house. When no sound came, he mustered his courage and continued.


    With painstaking care, Bradley climbed through the window. His feet touched the floor silently, though his hands trembled with a mix of excitement and fear. As he steadied himself, a sharp pain lanced through his wrist¡ªhe had grazed it against the edge of the frame. Ignoring the sting, he pressed forward, his curiosity propelling him deeper into the house.


    Now inside, he knew there was no turning back. The darkness enveloped him like a suffocating shroud, and the silence was eerie, heightening every creak and shuffle of his movements.


    He inched towards the staircase leading to the upper floor, each step on the creaking stairs magnified in the oppressive stillness. The sound echoed ominously, as though the house itself warned him to retreat. Pausing after each step, he listened intently, ready to flee at the faintest sign of danger.


    Finally, he reached the top of the stairs and made his way toward the western room¡ªthe place he was certain the mysterious girl was being kept. His heart pounded violently in his chest as he approached the door, the intensity of his fear and anticipation making every breath feel like a struggle.


    As he neared the door, his steps slowed, his breaths shallow and quick. But just as he was about to touch the door, he froze.


    From within the room came a hauntingly soft voice¡ªa woman¡¯s voice, carrying a melody of sorrow and despair. She spoke in a hushed tone, her words barely audible, yet they sent chills racing down Bradley¡¯s spine.


    The voice, filled with a quiet anguish, whispered,


    ¡®Why do you keep me here? What have I done to deserve this¡­?¡¯


    ¡®The wait has been long... is it not time for you to shine in white?¡¯


    Bradley¡¯s blood ran cold, his body freezing in place as the haunting voice echoed in his mind. He whispered to himself, the words lodging deep in his thoughts like a dagger,


    ¡®Shine in white...?¡¯


    His heart pounded as panic gave way to confusion. Was she talking about my bracelet? How does she know about it?


    Those cryptic words only deepened Bradley¡¯s conviction that there was a profound mystery at play¡ªone that somehow connected him to this girl.


    Driven by an overwhelming curiosity, Bradley acted without considering the consequences. He knocked on the door, his voice trembling but firm as he called out,


    ¡®Can I come in?¡¯


    For a moment, silence hung thick in the air. Then, the same voice answered, soft and sorrowful, repeating the exact same words:


    ¡®The wait has been long... is it not time for you to shine in white?¡¯


    The repetition sent a chill through Bradley¡¯s spine, but it also strengthened his resolve. This time, he spoke with greater determination.


    ¡®Miss, I need to speak with you. Please, let me in.¡¯


    Bradley tried the door, but it was locked tight with a heavy iron bolt. The sight of it only confirmed his suspicions¡ªthis girl was not here by choice. The idea of someone being imprisoned in such a way ignited a wave of fury within him. Lowering his voice, now thick with anger, he muttered,


    ¡®Who would do this? What kind of monster locks her away like this?¡¯


    From his tool belt, Bradley retrieved a set of small instruments. With steady hands and a racing heart, he began working on the lock, his every motion fuelled by urgency and anger. After several tense minutes of effort, the bolt gave way with a quiet click.


    Bradley pushed the door open slowly, stepping cautiously into the room.


    The moonlight streaming through a slanted window on the roof illuminated the girl in the corner. She was the same as she had been the previous day, but now her face was clearer in the silver glow¡ªpale and frail, yet heartbreakingly serene. Her sorrowful blue eyes fixed on him, and her long black hair fell over her shoulders like a veil of shadows.


    But what caught Bradley¡¯s attention most was the bracelet around her wrist. The blue band emitted a faint, flickering glow, as if on the verge of extinguishing. A shiver ran down his spine as he took a few cautious steps toward her, his voice trembling despite his effort to steady it.


    ¡®I... I¡¯m sorry for intruding, but I saw you yesterday. I don¡¯t know what brought me back here today, but... are you all right? Do you need help?¡¯


    The girl¡¯s sorrowful gaze lingered on him, her eyes filled with an unfathomable mix of pain and longing, as though she had been waiting for this moment for an eternity. Her voice, fragile yet resolute, broke the silence.


    ¡®You¡¯ve come at last... At long last, my wait is over. Show me your white bracelet. Show me the bracelet that carries the light.¡¯


    Bradley froze in place, his expression frozen in shock. Time seemed to stop around him, the weight of her words crushing him under their gravity.


    ¡®Bracelet... how do you know about my bracelet?¡¯ he murmured to himself, barely audible.


    His mind spiralled into a storm of questions. He tried to make sense of the inexplicable connection between him and this girl, but the threads of logic only tangled further. What is her link to the bracelet? How does she know me? Why does she say she¡¯s been waiting?


    Bradley¡¯s breathing quickened as the implications began to dawn on him. This was no coincidence. This was a revelation¡ªa key to a mystery that had shadowed him for as long as he could remember.


    He realised, his adventure in this enigmatic world had only just begun, and it was bound to take him to places and answers he wasn¡¯t sure he was ready to face.


    ? Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.

 Chapter Nine: Shella

    ? Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.


    Chapter Nine: Shella


    Bradley loosened the band around his wrist cautiously, as though afraid it might harm him. The white glow of his life bracelet illuminated the dim room entirely, revealing details previously obscured, including the hidden beauty of the imprisoned girl beneath her exhausted features.


    A strange wave of emotions coursed through Bradley¡ªfeelings he''d never experienced before. He gazed into her sunken eyes, weary from deprivation, yet within them lingered a faint spark of hope, as if it were the last thread she clung to. Suddenly, weak words escaped her lips, carrying a note of triumph:


    ¡®At last¡­ you¡¯ve come.¡¯


    She spoke with a victorious smile, as if she had waited for this moment her entire life. But no sooner had she uttered the words than she fainted, collapsing before Bradley''s eyes.


    Without hesitation, Bradley approached her and gently called out, attempting to rouse her.


    ¡®Wake up¡­ please wake up. I¡¯ll get you out of here. You¡¯re safe now.¡¯


    He repeated the words, hoping they would reach her consciousness. When he was certain she would not respond, he examined the thick, sturdy chains binding her. They were strong, but not strong enough to deter him. From his pack, he retrieved a tool and worked tirelessly to break the chains. Finally, after much effort, the girl was freed.


    He lifted her in his arms as though holding something precious and fragile. Her frailty alarmed him, her lightweight a stark reminder of her condition. Carrying her carefully, he descended to the lower floor, moving silently to avoid making any noise that might alert others. Reaching a large window in a shadowed corner, he pushed it open, guiding the girl through first before following her outside.


    The night was shrouded in darkness, broken only by a faint glow filtering through the surrounding trees. Bradley carried the girl cautiously, his senses alert. As he walked, he noticed his exposed bracelet and paused. Gently lowering her to the ground, he quickly wrapped his wrist again before resuming their escape. He had left his tool pack behind in the house but decided to abandon it, prioritising the girl¡¯s safety above all else.


    When they neared a grove of unusual trees, their twisting forms reminiscent of the fabled Life Trees, inspiration struck him. He remembered Elena¡¯s stories of these trees¡¯ miraculous properties and their potential to heal. Laying the girl down gently, he snapped off a small branch and returned, letting its sap drip onto her lips.


    The liquid fell drop by drop, and slowly, her body began to respond. Her eyelids fluttered open briefly, and she looked at Bradley, only to slip back into a deep slumber. He watched over her, a glimmer of hope sparking in his chest. When he reached out to check her pulse, his fingers brushed against her faintly glowing blue bracelet.


    Without warning, her bracelet erupted in a brilliant blue radiance, flooding the area with a luminous light that forced Bradley to step back, shielding his eyes. The intensity of the glow enveloped her entirely.


    When the light subsided, Bradley opened his eyes, and what he saw left him breathless. The girl before him had transformed into a being of otherworldly grace. Her skin, once pale and drawn, now shone with a radiant purity, her cheeks delicately flushed. It was as though a master painter had crafted her features anew.


    Her hair, previously tangled and brittle, now gleamed with silky smoothness, cascading in ebony waves that framed her glowing face. The faint light around them caught on her hair, casting a halo-like effect that made her beauty almost ethereal.


    As their eyes met, Bradley¡¯s heart raced uncontrollably. Her once-dull eyes were now a vivid, striking blue, glinting like serene lakes under a clear sky. The depth and brilliance in them were almost hypnotic, erasing any trace of exhaustion.


    She was breathtakingly beautiful¡ªa beauty unlike anything Bradley had ever encountered, as if she belonged to another world, impossible to resist or ignore. He stood frozen before her strange transformation, struggling to comprehend what had occurred. Breaking the silence, he managed a simple question:


    ¡®What¡¯s your name?¡¯


    The girl responded, her voice calm and resonant.


    ¡®My name¡­ is Shella.¡¯


    Her name echoed within him, sparking a deep curiosity about her story and the events that had brought her to this state. But before he could ask further, distant footsteps shattered his train of thought. Fear crept into his heart, and instinctively¡ªan instinct he didn¡¯t know he possessed¡ªhe grabbed Shella¡¯s hand and pulled her to hide behind a dense cluster of trees. His mind raced with the possibility that the house¡¯s owner had discovered their escape and was pursuing them.


    Moments later, a familiar voice rang through the night air:


    ¡®Bradley¡­ Bradley!¡¯


    It wasn¡¯t the voice of a stranger. Relief washed over him as he recognised it¡ªit was Luca, his closest friend, seemingly out searching for him. Bradley gestured silently for Shella to remain hidden among the trees before cautiously emerging from the shadows.


    Luca¡¯s expression shifted to one of astonishment as soon as he saw Bradley stepping out of the darkness. He hadn¡¯t expected to find him here, in such a remote place, especially at this late hour.


    ¡®Where on earth have you been, Bradley?¡¯ Luca¡¯s voice was tight with concern.


    ¡®Chris told me you were heading to the eastern region, but when you didn¡¯t return, I figured you went to see her. I went straight to the house, but it was pitch-black and empty. What¡¯s going on?¡¯


    Bradley answered hurriedly, trying to calm his friend.


    ¡®I¡¯ll explain everything, Luca, but not here. Please come with me. There¡¯s something you need to see.¡¯


    Leading Luca cautiously, Bradley returned to the thick grove of trees where Shella was concealed. The tension in the air was palpable, heightened by the oppressive silence of the surrounding night. As the two approached, Shella emerged without warning from her hiding place, stepping into view like an apparition in the dark.


    Luca froze, his face a mask of astonishment. His eyes widened as they fell upon Shella, struggling to process what he was seeing. The full moon cast its silvery glow across the clearing, illuminating her serene features and lending an otherworldly luminescence to her appearance. Her calm expression, radiant in the moonlight, rendered her almost unearthly in her beauty. Luca was transfixed, rendered speechless and motionless, as though caught in an enchantment.


    Finally, after an agonisingly long silence, Luca managed to stammer.


    ¡®Who¡­ who is this girl? Who is she, radiating such beauty?¡¯


    Bradley, attempting to steady his friend¡¯s racing thoughts, replied simply,


    ¡®She¡¯s the girl we saw in the house¡ªthe one we¡¯ve been searching for.¡¯


    Luca shook his head in disbelief, his voice a mix of awe and incredulity.


    ¡®Impossible¡ªshe was on the brink of death.¡¯


    Bradley, sensing the urgency of their situation, spoke with determination.


    ¡®Luca, this is Shella. I know it doesn¡¯t make sense right now, but we can¡¯t stay here debating it. We have to move. The night is nearly over, and if her disappearance is discovered, we¡¯ll be in grave danger.¡¯


    Still reeling, Luca glanced between Bradley and Shella, his face shadowed with doubt and anxiety. Finally, in a hushed, tense voice, he asked,


    ¡®Bradley¡­ what have you done? Do you realise the trouble you¡¯ve brought upon yourself? They¡¯ll be hunting for you everywhere, and no one will forgive this. Never in Desilta¡¯s history has a girl been taken from her family¡¯s home like this!¡¯


    Before Bradley could respond, Shella interrupted with a warm voice filled with emotion,


    ¡®He didn¡¯t abduct me¡­ he saved me. I¡¯ve waited my entire life for him¡ªthe bearer of the white bracelet. He is the saviour I¡¯ve dreamed of since I was a child.¡¯


    Luca was stunned by Shella¡¯s words. He turned to Bradley, his expression a mix of shock and anger.


    ¡®You¡¯ve revealed your secret, Bradley! How could you let yourself get involved in something this dangerous?¡¯


    Bradley responded calmly, attempting to pacify his friend.


    ¡®Luca, please, let¡¯s move now. I¡¯ll explain everything on the way. Time isn¡¯t on our side.¡¯


    Reluctantly, Luca agreed, and the three of them began their journey back to the village. Shella remained silent, her footsteps light as if she feared disturbing the ground beneath her. Meanwhile, Bradley whispered hurriedly to Luca, recounting the events. He explained how his curiosity about the girl¡¯s mysterious words and her knowledge of his white bracelet compelled him to act. It wasn¡¯t his intention to take her away, but he couldn¡¯t ignore the desperation in her eyes. He felt he had no choice but to help her escape.


    ? ? ?


    Luca listened intently, his gaze occasionally darting towards Shella, who walked beside them, her expression serene. After Bradley finished speaking, Luca gave him a searching look before speaking in a deep, deliberate tone.


    ¡®Bradley¡­ I don¡¯t know what lies ahead after tonight, but I promise you, I¡¯ll stand by your side, no matter the cost. But you need to understand, we¡¯re walking into a storm. They¡¯ll search for you everywhere, especially since your name was written on the tool pack you left behind. Before we plunge deeper into this, we need to be sure she¡¯s worth all this risk.¡¯


    He spoke with quiet resolve, his eyes fixed on Shella, who seemed unfazed by the gravity of their conversation. She strolled beside them, her face tilted towards the gentle night breeze, as if savouring its touch.


    Suddenly, without warning, Shella looked at them both and said in a calm yet confident voice,


    ¡®Luca¡­ your name reminds me of a great man who once fought for Desilta¡¯s freedom. I see much of him in you¡ªcourage and loyalty shining in your eyes.¡¯


    Luca felt her words ignite a quiet pride within him, though he tried hard to conceal the emotions now churning inside.


    Shella continued, her voice gaining depth and wisdom.


    ¡®Elena¡­ she must have been very proud of you, Luca. I can see her spirit in you.¡¯


    Bradley and Luca stopped abruptly, their faces etched with shock. Luca turned to Bradley, his eyes wide with confusion and anger. His voice rose, trembling with emotion.


    ¡®Did you tell her about my mother?! How does she know about Elena?¡¯


    Bradley quickly raised his hands in a gesture of reassurance.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡®I swear, I didn¡¯t say a word about you or your family. I¡¯m just as baffled as you are!¡¯


    Shella interjected softly, her tone soothing, as if to dispel the tension.


    ¡®Luca, there¡¯s no need to worry. Bradley hasn¡¯t told me anything about you or your mother. I promise to explain everything to both of you, but not now. Let¡¯s focus on reaching a safe place first.¡¯


    The three of them resumed their walk in silence, each lost in their thoughts and unanswered questions. The night began to retreat, and the faint light of dawn crept over the horizon, hinting at the start of a new day¡ªone that could change their lives forever.


    ? ? ?


    By the time they reached the house, the sun had risen, flooding the scene with its warm, golden light. The tranquil morning brought a momentary sense of peace after the chaos of the night.


    Luca suggested that Shella freshen up and change into something clean. He offered her some of his late mother¡¯s clothes, preserved carefully in an old chest. As he retrieved them, his expression grew sombre, his grief evident despite his efforts to hide it.


    Shella accepted the clothes with quiet gratitude, her gaze softening as she observed the care with which they had been kept.


    Bradley and Luca sat in the living room, the air heavy with unspoken questions. Luca studied his friend carefully, his gaze a mixture of curiosity and concern. Taking a deep breath, he broke the silence in a calm voice.


    ¡®Bradley¡­ what¡¯s going through your mind right now? It feels like there¡¯s a lot you¡¯re not saying, and even more we need to figure out.¡¯


    Bradley met Luca¡¯s gaze, his eyes clouded with deep thought. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke.


    ¡®First and foremost, I want to understand Shella¡¯s story¡ªhow she knows so much about me and even about you. It¡¯s baffling, and I feel like we need to uncover more about her past.¡¯


    Luca nodded slowly.


    ¡®And then what? What¡¯s your plan once we have all the answers?¡¯


    Bradley considered the question for a moment before replying,


    ¡®Well, I suppose it would be best to let her go her own way. That way, no one can accuse us of kidnapping her. Doesn¡¯t that make the most sense, legally?¡¯


    Despite his words, Bradley felt the weight of an internal conflict. Deep down, he knew he couldn¡¯t simply let Shella go. Seeing her alive and well stirred an unshakable sense of responsibility within him¡ªa feeling he wasn¡¯t accustomed to. The old Bradley might have walked away without a second thought, indifferent to the fate of others. But now? He was a man changed, striving to make amends for a past defined by apathy and wasted potential. This transformation in himself left him quietly astonished.


    ? ? ?


    A short while later, Shella returned from her bath, now dressed in Elena¡¯s clothes. She carried herself with effortless grace, the simple yet elegant attire complementing her natural beauty. Bradley¡¯s gaze lingered, admiration evident in his expression. Luca noticed, and eager to ease the awkward silence, addressed Shella in a welcoming tone.


    ¡®Shella¡­ are you feeling better now? We¡¯re ready to hear your story, if you¡¯re prepared to share it.¡¯


    Shella smiled faintly and replied in her calm voice,


    ¡®Yes, I feel much better now.¡¯


    Taking the steaming cup of coffee Luca had prepared for her, she sipped it slowly before continuing,


    ¡®My name is Shella, and I am from the Path of the Sages.¡¯


    Luca, intrigued, couldn¡¯t help interjecting with enthusiasm.


    ¡®Yes, that much is clear from your bracelet. It¡¯s truly remarkable. But what I really want to know is¡ªwhy were you chained in that house? It¡¯s horrifying and utterly inexcusable.¡¯


    Shella turned her gaze towards Luca, her deep, steady eyes conveying an unspoken message: Don¡¯t interrupt me. The look was powerful, carrying an unyielding wisdom born of hardship. Luca quickly realised his mistake and apologised, nodding for her to continue.


    Her voice remained calm, but grew more resolute as she spoke.


    ¡®I am from the Path of the Sages, and my specialisation lies in divination¡­¡¯


    Luca, unable to contain his curiosity, interrupted again.


    ¡®I¡¯ve never heard of that before. Is it some sort of rare ability?¡¯


    Once again, Shella fixed him with the same piercing look, and he hastily apologised. This time, he sat back, determined to remain silent. Shella continued, her tone now imbued with a deeper, almost commanding presence.


    ¡®Yes, it is rare¡ªso rare, in fact, that it only emerges among some individuals once every hundred years. Because of this, the leaders of the Paths often refuse to acknowledge it. They see it as an aberration, a flaw in the Path of life. They fear what they cannot control or comprehend, and unfortunately, my abilities made me a target of that fear.¡¯


    Bradley had been listening intently, and he couldn¡¯t help but exclaim in astonishment,


    ¡®A hundred years? How old are you, Shella? That¡¯s incredible!¡¯


    Shella offered him a faint smile, her expression calm but tinged with a hint of amusement.


    ¡®I¡¯m eighty years old.¡¯


    Bradley blinked in disbelief. He felt an unexpected kinship with Shella, as though her life¡¯s burdens mirrored some of his own. There was a mysterious sense of familiarity, a connection that defied explanation.


    Luca, observing Bradley¡¯s reaction, decided to intervene in a playful yet cautionary tone.


    ¡®Bradley¡­ you know it¡¯s considered impolite in Desilta to ask someone their true age unless they offer to tell you. It¡¯s a rather sensitive matter in our culture.¡¯


    Shella chuckled softly at Luca¡¯s words but remained composed, her demeanour radiating serenity. The tension in the room eased as the conversation shifted back to a more light-hearted tone. Yet Bradley couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Shella¡¯s revelations were only the beginning of a much larger story.


    Shella continued her explanation, her tone measured, showing an appreciation of Luca¡¯s patience.


    ¡®That¡¯s correct¡ªthese matters are considered some of Desilta¡¯s deepest secrets. The Path leaders don¡¯t want the full truth to be known. There is a hidden history, carefully erased from all the records. But seers like me can uncover those secrets and expose buried truths. That¡¯s what makes us dangerous in their eyes.¡¯


    Bradley took a moment to process this information before asking, his curiosity evident:


    ¡®And what¡¯s your connection to all this? Why were you kept as a prisoner? It seems like a terrible injustice.¡¯


    Shella smiled enigmatically, her gaze steady as she answered.


    ¡®Because of you, bearer of the white bracelet. You¡¯re an important part of this story¡ªfar more important than you realise.¡¯


    Bradley¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief.


    ¡®Because of me?! How could I possibly be the cause of your suffering when I¡¯ve never even met you before?¡¯


    Luca noticed that Shella seemed far more comfortable with Bradley¡¯s interruptions than his own. There was a strange familiarity in the way she addressed him, as though she instinctively trusted him. Suppressing his frustration, Luca spoke in a firm tone.


    ¡®Bradley, please don¡¯t interrupt her. I need to know how she¡¯s connected to my mother. This is too important.¡¯


    Shella acknowledged Luca¡¯s urgency with a solemn nod, understanding the weight of what she was about to reveal. She resumed speaking, her voice calm but deliberate:


    ¡®As I mentioned, I¡¯m a seer from the Path of the Sages. I have the ability to perceive the history and hidden truths of others. However, my visions of the future are incomplete¡ªfleeting glimpses that come to me in dreams. Sometimes they¡¯re accurate, and other times they¡¯re not. It¡¯s a complex gift, one that often confuses even me.¡¯


    She took a sip of her coffee, pausing as though organising her thoughts. When she continued, her tone was tinged with tenderness.


    ¡®That¡¯s why, Luca, when I saw you, I also saw your late mother, Elena. I saw her holding you as a child, the pride and love she had for you shining in her eyes. She was truly an extraordinary woman. I also saw the dream you had as a boy¡ªof becoming a warrior like the great leader Luca. And I saw the day you sat by the tree, crying after you were chosen for the Path of Builders. That must have been a difficult day for you, wasn¡¯t it?¡¯


    Luca¡¯s face flushed crimson with embarrassment. He stammered, his voice faltering.


    ¡®Enough, enough¡­ that¡¯s enough.¡¯


    Bradley, sensing Luca¡¯s discomfort, gestured for Shella to stop. She turned to Bradley, her expression softening into a mixture of concern and curiosity as she said,


    ¡®Bradley, I couldn¡¯t see any history or secrets tied to you. It¡¯s as though you were just born, with no past to uncover. It¡¯s¡­ unsettling.¡¯


    Bradley knew the reason why, but he didn¡¯t want to address it just yet. Instead, he deflected her observation with a careful response:


    ¡®I¡¯m not from Desilta. I¡¯m a stranger to this land.¡¯


    Shella nodded slowly, though her expression suggested she wasn¡¯t entirely convinced. She fell silent for a moment, as though reluctant to delve deeper into the subject. Bradley gently broke the silence, asking,


    ¡®You didn¡¯t do anything wrong to deserve to be locked away in that room, did you? This all seems like a terrible injustice.¡¯


    Shella sighed deeply, her shoulders sagging slightly as though carrying the weight of her memories. When she spoke again, her voice carried a sorrowful undertone.


    ¡®Long before I chose my life¡¯s path, I started having visions in my dreams. I kept them secret¡­ I didn¡¯t want anyone to know.¡¯


    Her gaze shifted to Luca as she continued,


    ¡®My parents couldn¡¯t accept that I was a seer. It wasn¡¯t just my unusual abilities that frightened them, but the consequences those abilities could have on their standing in Desilta. As a seer, I began to uncover secrets about Desilta¡¯s hidden past, truths that had been deliberately buried. When I shared some of what I learned with my father, he was furious. He feared that this knowledge might leak and be used against him, jeopardising his political and social position.¡¯


    Shella paused, inhaling deeply, as if summoning the courage to reveal the most painful parts of her story. Then she continued, her voice trembling with emotion,


    ¡®One day, I had a long argument with my parents about my abilities and how I needed to hide them from everyone. That¡¯s when I shared a secret I¡¯d never told anyone before¡ªa vision I¡¯d had since childhood, even before I was assigned my path in life.¡¯


    Shella paused, her face softening with a faint, bashful smile as her cheeks flushed at the memory.


    ¡®In my vision, I was bound to a bed in a dark room, teetering on the edge of death. Then, someone entered the room, illuminating it with the light of a white bracelet, bringing me back to life.¡¯


    Her voice dropped to a whisper as she continued,


    ¡®When I told my parents about this vision¡ªthat the bearer of the white bracelet would come to save me¡ªthey were stunned. Their reaction was¡­ strange, as though they knew something I didn¡¯t. Not long after, my father ordered me to be locked away in that house so no one could hear what I¡¯d said or learn about my abilities. It was a harsh decision, but they believed it was necessary to protect themselves and the system of Desilta they were so invested in.¡¯


    Bradley leaned forward, his expression a mix of disbelief and outrage.


    ¡®How long were you kept there? That¡¯s¡­ unimaginable.¡¯


    Shella¡¯s gaze shifted to Luca, sorrow darkening her eyes as though bracing for his reaction. Her voice trembled as she answered,


    ¡®Since the day your heroic father was killed?¡¯


    Luca, who had been silently listening, shot up from his seat, his voice loud with shock.


    ¡®What?! You knew my father? He was killed twenty years ago! Are you saying you¡¯ve been imprisoned all this time?¡¯


    Shella nodded slowly, her voice calm yet laden with grief.


    ¡®Yes, I knew him well. Your father ¡°Liam¡± was my bodyguard. But more than that, he was my friend. He was a brave, noble man who believed my abilities could help Desilta, not harm it. Just days before I was locked away, he went and joined his revolutionary friend, Luca. If he¡¯d known what was going to happen to me, he would never have let it happen.¡¯


    Bradley sat frozen, trying to absorb the torrent of revelations¡ªShella¡¯s decades of captivity, the hidden history of Desilta, her role as a seer. It was overwhelming for someone used to relying on his physical strength rather than intellect or emotions. But this journey was already reshaping his understanding of the world¡ªand himself.


    Noticing Bradley¡¯s unease, Shella offered him a gentle smile and said softly,


    ¡®Bradley¡­ thank you for freeing me. I¡¯ve waited so long for this moment. But we need to leave here as quickly as possible. It won¡¯t be long before the guards come looking for me.¡¯


    Still processing the gravity of the situation, Bradley straightened up and said with quiet determination,


    ¡®Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ve done nothing wrong. We freed you from an illegal imprisonment, and the truth will come out.¡¯


    Shella smiled faintly, but her eyes were heavy with concern.


    ¡®Bradley¡­ I appreciate your optimism, but things aren¡¯t that simple. My father is one of the leaders of the Path of the Sages. He won¡¯t take this lightly. My escape threatens his position, and he won¡¯t stand for that.¡¯


    Her tone grew more serious as she added,


    ¡®More than that, my escape means the vision has come true¡ªthe bearer of the white bracelet has appeared. This will upend all of Desilta and bring changes few are prepared to face.¡¯


    Luca, who had been following the conversation with mounting unease, exclaimed,


    ¡®What?! What does Bradley have to do with this? Are you saying that¡ª¡¯


    Shella gently interrupted him, her voice calm but firm.


    ¡®I can¡¯t explain everything now. Time is running out. We need to leave for the Green Mountains. There¡¯s a safe place there, somewhere no one will find us. Once we¡¯re there, I¡¯ll explain everything. The truth is much bigger than any of you can imagine, and it will take time to understand it all.¡¯


    The three of them exchanged serious looks, the weight of their situation settling over them like a storm cloud. A monumental decision lay before them.


    They stood at the threshold of a journey that would not only alter their lives but could determine the fate of all Desilta. Though fear and excitement coursed through them, they were united in their resolve to face whatever dangers lay ahead¡ªtogether.


    ? Faris S. J. 2024. All rights reserved.