Dinis walked beside Irina, her words echoing in his mind like a portal to a long-forgotten time. As he listened to her speak about the fate and dangers of Dhymeria, images of his own past began to surface—painful memories, yet impossible to forget. He could still see his mother's face, the fear in her eyes when she pushed him away, whispering, "Go, seek help... you need to save yourself."
But now, years later, he understood what had once been an illusion of hope. His mother knew from the beginning that sacrifice was inevitable. She only wished he had a chance to survive. "She saved me," he murmured, lost in thought.
Irina observed him in silence, perceiving the pain and scars that the past had left on his soul. She too knew the weight of loss, the echo of the void left by those who had disappeared. "Dinis," she said, breaking the silence, "disappearances are not rare in Dhymeria. Many have vanished without a trace, but... there are rumors. Legends speak of something darker. They say that, in the beginning, the creatures only killed and devoured their victims. However, an ancient prophecy predicts that when the true heir finally takes the throne, those who have fallen into darkness will not only have their bodies devoured—their souls will be taken to... the other side."
The young Sentinel turned to her, his gaze now tinged with a mixture of hope and skepticism. "What if... what if there's still a chance? If this prophecy is real, then maybe..." He swallowed hard, almost unable to say the words pounding in his chest. "Maybe my parents are still alive. And trapped... somewhere."
Irina nodded, understanding the thread of hope to which he clung. "Perhaps, Dinis. But seeking answers to these questions is dangerous. They say that at the foot of Mount Targot lives an oracle—an entity capable of seeing beyond the veil of life and death. He can see destinies... but the price is high. Many believe that if an oracle judges you unworthy, your future will be forever condemned, without a chance for redemption."
The idea of seeking the oracle seemed reckless, but Dinis had already made his decision. "I... need to know," he said, his tone firm, though insecurity showed in his eyes. "Even if it costs dearly, I need answers. If there's a chance, any chance to find them, then... it's a risk I'm willing to take."
Irina observed the determination in Dinis's eyes. He seemed young, but that expression bore a seriousness she rarely saw, even among experienced Sentinels. "Then let's go to Mount Targot," she replied with a slight smile. "Who knows what the oracle will reveal to us?"
As they continued their journey, she tried to understand the young man beside her better. There was something about Dinis that intrigued her. Perhaps it was the mystery of his origin, or perhaps it was what he hid in his past. "Dinis," said Irina, choosing her words carefully, "do you know why you are a Sentinel? Was it a gift passed by blood? Some kind of ritual?"
Dinis sighed, reluctant to share a truth he himself did not fully understand. "I was adopted. My parents... they never told me anything about my origins. Maybe they didn't know either." He looked at the ground, his thoughts tangled with memories and confused feelings. "The truth is, I don't even know where I came from."
Irina noticed the dissatisfaction on his face, a reflection of old, unanswered doubts. With a gentle gesture, she opened the large grimoire she carried—a relic covered in ancient symbols and faded pages. "Dinis," she said softly, "this book holds stories about the past of the Sentinels. Perhaps we can find some answers in it... or at least an understanding of what we are."
He watched her, curiosity overcoming the momentary bitterness. "What do they say about the creation of the Sentinels?"
Irina met his gaze with a serious look. "There is much to tell, but I believe that for someone like you, the story will have a special meaning."
As night fell around them, they continued to walk, with the weight of ancient stories and unfulfilled promises hovering between them.