The storm swept across the valley like a living thing, the thunder's growl growing louder with each passing moment. For days, the remnants of the once-great kingdoms had marched toward the ancient temple—a place of legend where destiny would unfold.
The princess, at the head of her cavalry, steered her horse through the mud-soaked path. Her gaze was fixed, unwavering, toward the temple that awaited them.
"Selene will be upon us soon," Eldric said, his voice rough but steady. He was armored and bloodied, yet there was no fear in his eyes—only resolve.
"We'll reach the temple first," the princess replied. Her voice was cool, the weight of her decision evident in her every word. "Then we'll make our stand."
Behind them, the storm raged as if in anticipation, mirroring the conflict brewing in the hearts of the last few kingdoms.
---
Far from the princess's army, the forces of Queen Selene moved like a dark tide, a sea of black banners unfurling in the wind. Her army was disciplined, silent, ready to strike.
"Are they close?" Selene asked, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon.
"They approach the temple," her general replied, eyes scanning the valley. "But they won't get there first."
"Let them think they will," Selene murmured. "The Black Sun will bring them to their knees."
Her hand tightened around the hilt of her sword. "And when they're broken, we will claim what is ours."
---
In the shadow of the temple, the seeker knelt before the altar, tracing the ancient symbols etched into the stone. The child sat nearby, their glowing eyes fixed on her.
"They come," the child said, their voice soft yet clear.
The seeker nodded but did not speak. She had felt it too—the tremors of fate, the inevitability of the coming conflict.
"What will happen?" the child asked.
The seeker hesitated, then whispered, "You will choose. The fate of all will rest in your hands."
The storm outside howled louder, as if the heavens themselves were preparing for what was to come.
---
He watched.
From his vantage point beyond time, He saw the unfolding events below. The princess's resolve, the Black Sun's shadow, the child's quiet certainty—they all moved toward the same inevitable conclusion.
But He did not act. He was not part of this world, not of its conflicts. His role was simple: to witness.
Yet as He watched the child, a strange stir of curiosity grew within Him. The child saw Him—acknowledged Him in a way few ever had. He wondered, for the briefest moment, if their fate would be as he had witnessed on other worlds or if they would change the pattern forever.
But the storm raged on, and He remained still.
---