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~The door won't move for steel or might,
But bends to a child's quiet light.
A father's plea, a fragile bond,
Can break the chains and move beyond?. ~ By Eva
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The king's gaze returned to the sealed door, his crimson eyes glowing with suppressed rage and desperation. The symbols on the door pulsed faintly, almost as if mocking him. He turned back to Eryndor, his tone sharp and commanding.
"You said the prince holds the key. Explain yourself, Prophet. How can an infant control such power?"
Eryndor straightened, his fear evident but his voice steady. "Your Majesty, the Crimson Prince is no ordinary child. He is the embodiment of prophecy, his very existence woven into the fabric of our fate. His power is not bound by age or understanding, it is innate, eternal. If he wills the door to open, it will open. But if he does not…"
The king's voice was cold and venomous. "Then my wife's soul remains trapped, and I am left to suffer this cursed prophecy."
Eryndor lowered his head. "I am afraid so, Your Majesty. However, there may be one last way, though it is dangerous."
"Speak," Dravok demanded, his patience thin.
"The Crimson Prince is still a child, untrained and unaware of the full extent of his power. If you can reach him, connect with him, perhaps you can persuade him to will the door open. But be warned, his power may react unpredictably, even to you, his own father."
Dravok's eyes narrowed. "You suggest I place myself at the mercy of that… creature?"
Eryndor hesitated but nodded. "It may be your only chance, Your Majesty. The bond between parent and child could be the key to unlocking his will."
The king's jaw tightened as he considered the prophet's words. He despised the thought of pleading with the child responsible for his wife's death, but the alternative was unthinkable.
"Very well," Dravok said, his voice like ice. "Prepare whatever is necessary. I will face him."
Eryndor bowed deeply. "As you wish, Your Majesty. I will prepare a ritual to strengthen your mental defenses and ensure your safety during the interaction."
The king waved him off impatiently. "Do it quickly. I won't wait another day while my wife's soul remains bound to that room."
Eryndor nodded and hurried away, leaving Dravok alone with Kael and Ryven.
Kael spoke cautiously, his tone respectful but firm. "Your Majesty, if I may… Are you certain this is wise? The Crimson Prince is an unknown force, and the prophecy warns of his immense power. Perhaps another way---"
"There is no other way!" Dravok snapped, cutting him off. "Do you think I don't understand the risks? I will not rest until that door is open and my wife is freed. If I must confront the cursed child, so be it."
Kael bowed his head. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I meant no offense."
Ryven stepped forward, his voice calm but resolute. "Your Majesty, if you face the prince, allow us to stand guard outside the room. If anything goes wrong, we will act immediately."
Dravok nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Very well. Your loyalty will not go unrewarded."
The tension in the chamber was palpable as they awaited Eryndor's return. The air seemed to grow colder, the faint hum of the sealed door a constant reminder of the power that lay beyond.
When Eryndor finally returned, he carried a small vial of shimmering liquid and a bundle of black and red candles. "The ritual is ready, Your Majesty. With your permission, I will begin."
"Do it," Dravok commanded.
Eryndor arranged the candles in a precise circle around the door, lighting each one with a flick of his wrist. The flames burned unnaturally bright, casting eerie shadows on the walls. He poured the liquid onto the floor, where it spread out in intricate patterns, glowing faintly.
"Step into the circle, Your Majesty," Eryndor instructed.
Dravok obeyed, standing tall in the center of the ritual. Eryndor began to chant, his voice resonating with ancient power. The air around the king shimmered, a faint barrier forming around him.
"This will protect your mind and spirit," Eryndor said. "When you enter the room, focus on your intention. Do not let fear or anger cloud your thoughts. The prince will sense your emotions, and they may influence his reaction."..
And it began.....
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