Lakkan's POV
Kira! What in the depths just happened?
The ringing in my ears from the explosion drowns everything else. I cough, hard, my lungs burning as I choke on the mix of blood and dust. I wipe the debris from my eyes and realize I've fallen into a pit.
Did this save me?
My hand instinctively grips the pendant around my neck—a spherical gem, red as blood with streaks of black lamellars. I've worn this amulet ever since discovering it could protect its bearer in moments of life and death. I suppose this is what saved me.
I glance at the corpses sprawled around me and scoff.
Of course, I deserve to live.
I shove aside the shattered pieces of the catapults that had trapped me, struggling to my feet. My right leg is bleeding heavily, a shard of metal lodged deep in my thigh.
How did it come to this?
As I barely manage to stand, I feel the warmth of my blood still gushing from the wound. Desperate, I begin piling bodies and broken armor, using them as a makeshift ladder to escape this grave-like pit.
I leap, pulling myself up.
My thigh is killing me. Damn it.
When I finally reach the top, I scan the devastation. Hundreds of dead bodies are strewn everywhere, their remains scattered and unrecognizable. Sinagthalian or my soldiers, it doesn't matter—they're all cold, lifeless.
I shift my gaze toward the palace of Sinagthala. It's history now—nothing could have survived that destruction. As I start limping in its direction, something catches my eye—a shimmer of reflected light.
There, among the bodies, I spot the corpse of Emir Akkainu. His right arm and part of his torso are completely obliterated, and a sword is buried deep in his heart, its hilt catching the light.
"Poor Akkainu. Looks like the explosion dealt you a heavy blow." I shake my head and smirk, finding a twisted satisfaction in his fate.
I move closer, my steps slow and labored amidst the sea of carnage. Bending down, I grab a torn piece of fabric from the partly covered ground and tie it tightly around my wounded thigh.
When I reach Akkainu's body, I notice it—a key, just barely visible, peeking out from the cracked hilt of the sword. I grip the handle, trying to pull it free, but the blade is driven deep through his chest and into the earth below. I tug harder, but my injured leg gives out, and instead of freeing the sword, I end up pushing it deeper into his body.
Kira!
I attempt to pull the sword again, even stepping on his stomach for better leverage. Then, finally, I wrench it free. I smash the hilt against a nearby boulder, and the key clatters to the ground.
I pick it up and blow off the dust, revealing the engraved inscription:
Emir's Luxian Chest
A grin spreads across my face as I realize this key will unlock the receptacle where he hid the Mythical Egg.
Fate truly favors me. It knows the power is meant for me—the superior Gat of all time.
I glance once more at Akkainu, then shift my gaze to the area behind him, where I see his son lying motionless. Though his eyes flicker, suggesting he's still conscious, I don't have time for that now. I need to get to the Western shore—the farthest point from where the explosion originated. I believe some of my men are still out there, and I must get home quickly. If I don't, I'll die here pathetically from blood loss.
Minutes feel like days. I'm nearly out of breath, my body growing numb. I still haven't found any of my men alive.
Weak peasants!
Frustration washes over me. The sand on this shore is a gruesome blend of blood and the black remnants of the Umbraquor's essence. I sink to one knee, using the sword as support as my strength fades. Suddenly, I hear the sound of armor clashing. I look back to see my men struggling to rise.
I call out to one of them, and their faces brighten as they recognize me.
"Gat!" Their voices are low but urgent. They rush over, helping me to my feet.
"Gat, I think we're the only ones left," one of the knights informs me, as if I hadn't figured that out already after wandering here for an hour.
But I don't have the energy to lash out. I stay silent, and then another knight comes running.
"Gat Lakkan, Kirruga is still alive! He's already left to return to Luwalhat'ti. Reinforcements should be on their way."
Finally, a competent underling.
"Good." It's all I manage before collapsing, as the last of my strength drains away.
I wake up to find myself lying in a military carriage. The sound of horses' hooves thudding outside tells me we're moving. My thigh has been bandaged, but then it hits me—the Mythical Egg, the very cause of this war, I still haven't retrieved. Anger flares up inside me, and I kick the wooden interior wall of the military carriage to get their attention.
"Halt this instant!" I command, my voice cold and sharp, leaving no doubt that I'm far from amused by their foolishness.
I burst out to order these incompetent knights to find and secure the egg.
"You fools! Where's the Mythical Egg? Have you forgotten our ultimate goal?"
My fury boils further as they all look down, ashamed of their negligence. Then I spot Kirruga and hand him the key—my loyal spy, the only one I can trust in this situation.
"Kirruga, lead them. Bring me the Mythical Egg, and you'll be handsomely rewarded."
"Consider it done, my lord," he replies, bowing before galloping back to Sinagthala with the other knights.
My gaze returns to the remaining paladins and knights on their horses, assessing their mounts until one catches my eye.
"You! Dismount. That horse is mine."
My thigh throbs painfully, but I refuse to retreat to that damned carriage—it would make me look weak. With my royal entourage, I quickly make my way back to my kingdom, the realm of Luwalhat'ti.
We travel a few more miles and ultimately cross the border—the place where light and shadow never meet. The narrow space between them is the only safe passage. Anyone not of Sinagthala who touches the light declares war on that realm, and those who step into the shadow lose years of their life span; their realm destined for destruction at the hands of Luwalhat'ti.
At last, we arrive in the Shadow Realm. As the gates open, horns blare, announcing my return. My subjects halt their tasks as I pass, each bowing low in submission.
Yes, that's right, my people. Bow before your Gat.
As I approach the steps of my castle, I turn to face my people. That's their cue to erupt into cheers.
"All hail Gat Lakkan! Long live the king!"
Their voices rise in unison, a symphony to my ears. Satisfied, I enter the palace, signaling the servants to shut the doors behind me.
"Find Neferr! I'll be in the throne room," I command a nearby servant, watching him fumble nervously, trying to compose himself under my gaze.
"Y-Yes, Your Majesty," he stammers. I turn away, irritated. Such inept fools are a sore to my eyes.
Inside my chamber, my handmaid immediately follows, tending to my wounds as I allow myself to rest. An hour passes, and I'm stirred from sleep by a faint knock on the door.
Who dares disturb my slumber?
I am ready to rebuke the intruder but hold back as I see my youngest daughter quietly open the door and step inside.
"Father," she says in her usual mellow voice. She's about to continue when Namarri, my eldest, shoves her aside, rushing toward me and bowing deeply.
"It's not my fault you're so clumsy," Namarri mocks, her voice dripping with disdain as Klarra falls to the floor. Feisty, just like me. A grin tugs at my lips at the thought.
"Stand up, Klarra," I commanded, gesturing for her to bow just like her sister.
She's only eight, and she should be learning from Namarri, yet something about her feels different. Her eyes are soft—too gentle. I see no fire in them. She needs to be forged. I won't allow my own blood to be trampled by other clans because her heart is too weak—just like her mother.
"Father, how are you? Did Hanna treat all your injuries?" Klarra approaches me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She moves to hug me, but I stop her. I have no time for sentiment; I need to speak with Neferr immediately.
"Oh, shut up, Klarra. Stop coddling our father! Let's go. You still need to practice your royal etiquette," Namarri reprimands her.
Good. She senses my urgency.
"Gat Lakkan, excuse us. We're delighted you returned safely and victorious." Namarri never fails to amuse me. I nod in acknowledgment as they both leave my chamber.
Once my handmaid exits, I head to the bathroom to clean myself up and change into my grand royal attire, donning my crown in the process. Without a moment to lose, I stride confidently to the throne room.
"Sire," Neferr greets me, bowing as I enter. I approach the throne with an air of authority, touching the armrest and scanning the hall around me. Finally, I'm back where I rightfully belong.
"Neferr, the Mythical Egg will be in my hands any moment now. I haven't forgotten what you told me about gaining its power and the heavy price that comes with it. I told you to handle this matter; now, enlighten me with what you've discovered."
Neferr, an elderly man who has devoted his life to being buried in books and lecturing the youth of Luwalhat'ti about our illustrious history, knows better than to waste my time. Since the day I appointed him as my adviser, I've demanded nothing short of perfection—no room for idiocy.
"Your Majesty, since you left for war, I've spent hours poring over ancient texts, exploring every book that leads to the unknown story of the Luxian beast," he begins. He steps back slightly, moving to the corner to pick up a massive tome intricately carved with scales resembling those of a dragon. He walks slowly, the weight of the book evident, and places it on the table beside him.
"Sire, this ancient tome says: Legends speak of the Mythical Egg's immense power, capable of granting its possessor unimaginable strength and the ability to command the elements. However, these tales also warn of the egg's insatiable hunger, demanding a sacrifice of the bearer's most cherished possession in exchange for its might."
I raise an eyebrow, wondering what Akkainu sacrificed. My mind races as I try to piece together the events surrounding the explosion. I concentrate, forcing the fragments of memory into place. Then—snap! It hits me. I remember Akkainu's son levitating just before the explosion. Has he already tapped into the power of the Mythical Egg? If so, what's the curse? Did Akkainu bear the full brunt of it? Is that why he died so violently?
My thoughts swarm like a storm, questions spiraling in every direction, leading to dead ends. Fear creeps in—what if the curse strikes me even worse? I can't let that happen. I have to find a way to bend its power to my will.
"Sacrifice?"
My deep contemplation is abruptly interrupted as my wife—my mentally unstable wife, emerges from behind the curtains.
"Hera Lanorra, my queen," Neferr says, turning to her and showing respect.
That smile. I hate it. She always wears it, as if the world is full of blooming flowers that will never wilt. She's insane. If it weren't for her wealth, I'd never have laid eyes on her in the first place.
"What are you doing here, Lanorra? Where are your attendants? I gave explicit orders to keep you out of the throne room!"
I'm furious. We're in the middle of something serious, and I can't afford distractions.
"Lakkan, you look good today," she says, smiling widely, walking toward me slowly.
My patience shatters. Standing with force, I grab her arm, intent on dragging her out of here myself. But just as I grip her firmly, two servants rush in, announcing Kirruga's return with the knights.
"Neferr, find Lanorra's ladies-in-waiting and ensure she stays confined in her room. When I return, we'll settle the matters of the egg at the clandestine hearthstone."
I step into the hallway, and Kirruga approaches, a chest cradled in his arms. The knights behind him march in formation, bowing as I pass. Kirruga raises the chest with both hands, presenting it to me like an offering, the key already resting on top. I turn it and lift the lid, a soft white and yellow glow illuminating my face. I'm captivated by its radiance. Carefully, I pick up the egg and regard my spy with a hint of pride.
"Kirruga, you've once again exceeded my expectations. Go home; your reward awaits you there. The rest of you, make your way to the medieval infirmary to tend to your injuries. Your rewards are also prepared—though, of course, they pale in comparison to mine." Yes, I acknowledge their efforts, but their accomplishments barely match my own.
I can't wait to unleash the powers of this egg, so I rush to meet Neferr. As I enter, I see him gripping his hair in distress, panic etched across his face.
"Neferr," I call, and he jumps at my sudden arrival. When he turns around, he is drenched in sweat; his eyes wide and trembling.
"Your Majesty, we must not continue this." He holds both my shoulders, eager to convince me.
I push him away. "What are you talking about, Neferr? Are you out of your mind?"
His strange behavior fuels my anger. Without waiting for a response, I reach for the egg.
It immediately floats up, almost brushing the high ceiling. The walls begin to shake, and Neferr, now more frantic than ever, scrambles to reach it like a madman. The egg hovers erratically, glowing and tracing patterns in the air. I'm entranced, as if it's speaking to my very soul.
Suddenly, I hear a crash—Neferr has fallen to the stone floor. I hadn't realized he climbed atop the cabinet, and now he lies unconscious.
The ceiling starts to cave in, bookshelves crumbling and blocking my way out.
Kira! Is this the end for me?
"Lakkan, I sense your thirst for the ethereal," an unworldly voice whispers in my mind.
"But you now stand at the threshold of death. Before you is a being you have yet to fathom. If you truly wish to gain power, it shall be granted. But know this, every gift comes with a cost. Name the one you cherish most, and the power you seek will be yours. But heed this warning: Upon them, a curse shall befall, entwined with a gift. The threads of fate are yours to weave."
This is it. The power will be mine! I laugh, a wild joy surging through me at the thought of this supreme strength.
In a booming voice, I proclaim, "I cherish my youngest daughter, Klarra!" To ensure there's no misunderstanding, I shout again, "Klarra, I sacrifice Klarra!"
Third-Person POV
The entire palace of Gat Lakkan shook, a tremor stronger than the last quake at Sinagthala. The people of Luwalhat'ti felt its vibrations throughout the realm.
In the eastern garden courtyard, near a windmill, Namarri was teaching Klarra how to walk with poise and elegance—an essential skill for a princess.
With a book balanced on her head, Klarra moved slowly across the flat stones, her gaze fixed straight ahead while Namarri watched closely.
Suddenly, the quake reached them, and both girls fell. Klarra, deeply focused on maintaining her balance, was taken by surprise.
"Namarri! Is this another one of your pranks?" Klarra's voice trembled with anxiety.
"What are you talking about? It's obviously an earthquake! Do you think I can control a natural phenomenon?" Namarri shot back, irritation seeping into her tone. As the tremor subsided, she struggled to get back on her feet and brushed the dust off her dress.
"Stand up now! We need to move to open ground. It's not safe here anymore."
Klarra didn't answer; she remained staring at the ground, unable to get up.
"Klarra! Are you even listening? I'm leaving you here if you keep being stubborn!"
Tears filled her eyes as she cried out helplessly, "Namarri, help! I can't see!"