Seth stood watching his wife. What is this woman doing? he thought.
Tamera was scanning the monitor, flipping through recent relays, searching for maps, trying to figure out where they were. All she knew was that they were in a cave... and there was sand everywhere. “Darn it!” she hissed, throwing her hands up in frustration. “Where are we? There’s gotta be some kind of map, some kind of coordinates...” Seth cleared his throat. “Tamera, what are you doing?” “Trying to learn how to work the screen, darling,” she lied—boldly. And he knew it. “In the war room?” he asked with a smirk. “I can help you with anything you need.” “That’s okay.” She forced a brittle smile onto her face. “Why don’t we go into our room?” His voice dropped, low and coaxing. “There are screens in there... and we can have some alone time.” She turned around slowly. What is this fool thinking? she wondered, watching him with cautious eyes. “It’s been two days since you came back to me,” he murmured. “And we haven’t had any time together.” She had no choice. She had to play along. “Of course, darling.” She stepped closer. “I know it’s been a long time. Thank you for being so patient with me.” She ran her fingers through his thick black hair. “You mean so much to me. I just... didn’t want to rush. I’m still recovering.” “Since when have you ever been patient?” he teased, then crossed the room in two strides and swept her up, pressing her against the table's edge, where the monitor flickered behind her. “Uh—!” Her heart jumped. “Somebody might walk in... can’t this wait?” Panic gripped her as she scrambled for another excuse. He wasn’t listening. He leaned into her ear. “No,” he whispered. “You’re my wife. And I want you.” His kiss was sudden, hard. “Everyone’s in the kitchen eating,” he continued, his breath hot. “They won’t be back for another hour. So, I have you all to myself.” “I need you to get off me!” she shouted. Seth ignored her. His voice was smooth, seductive—most women would’ve melted. “Do you still like it when I—” She shoved him hard. He stumbled back, crashing to the floor as she bolted from the room. Seth stood, touching his mark with a grimace. “War room protocol. Lockdown.” The system whirred. The room sealed shut behind him. No one could enter now. --- Charlene was finishing her breakfast. The twins were full and fast asleep, their heads tilted sideways, soft snores escaping as they lay slumped over their high chair trays. Professor E and Tabitha lingered nearby in the kitchen. “Do you mind if I ask you a question, Charlene?” Tabitha said. “Go right ahead.” “How are you able to summon ReNew?” Her tone was curious, not accusatory. “Have you always been able to use your spirit? To my understanding, you just became aware of your abilities a couple of weeks ago. Correct?” “You’re right,” Charlene said, sipping water. “My parents kept me... let’s just say suppressed for the last fifteen years. I’ve only learned how to use my abilities in the past few weeks. Give or take a couple of days.” “Astonishing,” Tabitha said, eyes wide. “You know, it takes most Fates years—decades—to learn to communicate with their souls. Let alone remove it... to allow it to work independently without dying in the process? Remarkable.” Suddenly, Idris ran in. “Charlene, we need your help! We have to lock down the cave!” Everyone paused. “Stay here,” he told the others. “Don’t let anyone in.” He touched his mark. “Lockdown: kitchen area.” Charlene jumped to her feet and followed Idris down the corridor, feet pounding the stone as they raced toward the threat. “Unc! What’s going on? Why are we locking it down?” We can’t let it out, Idris thought, but didn’t say. Should I tell her? They turned the corner—and there was Seth. “It went in there!” he shouted, brandishing a glowing Spirit Saber. He pointed toward the gym. Inside, Issa was lifting weights, music blaring through headphones Idris had given him. Rap blasted. Clack. Thud. Clack. Thud. “There’s no other way out,” Seth said. “Idris, block the exit. Charlene, take the left flank.” “I’ll go right!” Idris added. “Remember, you need to remove its head!” Charlene called out, summoning her marrow blade. She nodded. Clack. Thud. Clack. Thud. Issa kept singing—completely unaware. “Up in the club... with a bottle full of bub...” Seth pointed. “We have it surrounded. Move in.” They closed in. Seth raised his saber—just as Charlene saw her mother crouched in the corner. Mom? “No!” she screamed. She darted forward, just in time to push her mother out of the way. Seth’s saber sliced air instead. Tamera cowered. “Don’t let him kill me, Charlene!” Seth’s expression twisted. “That’s not your mother!” “Dad, whatever it is—we can solve this! Just don’t hurt her!” The thing in her mother’s form stood up, using Charlene as a shield. “Protect your mother, sweetie. Don’t let him hurt me,” it whispered, laying a hand gently on Charlene’s shoulder. Seth raised his saber again. “Dad, don’t!” Charlene shouted, freezing his arm mid-air with her powers. “This is Mom! I’ll prove it. What’s the emergency word we always use?” The creature blinked. “Darling, it’s been so long. How am I supposed to remember that? Give me a moment, I think I know it. Just...” Nails extended. They plunged into Charlene’s throat. She gasped. “How long have you been in my mother’s body?” she growled, blood trickling down her neck, tears forming in her eyes. “Release my daughter, and I’ll let you live!” Seth bellowed. The demon didn’t even flinch. “Aww... are you crying?” it purred, licking the tear off her cheek. “Not so fast, big boy,” it said to Seth, tightening its grip on Charlene’s throat. Blood flowed. “Let me enjoy this... just for a moment.” It inhaled deeply. “Mmm. I love the smell of fear. It’s delectable.” “To answer your question—we never were your precious mom. She’s probably worm food by now. Ha! Ha!” “Don’t believe it, Charlene!” Seth shouted. “Demons lie!” “When the bastard child of the Trinity came to our domain, we found it to be the perfect time...” “To enact your plan?” Charlene said coldly. “To take over the Realm, of course.” Charlene narrowed her eyes. “Thank you for the long monologue.” Her voice turned icy. “You gave me enough time to figure it out... you’re not my mother.” Charlene raised her hand, grabbed the wrist of the hand still buried in her throat—and snapped it. The bones cracked. The demon screamed, transforming back into its original form. It clutched its wrist in agony. “You’ll pay for that!” Charlene ducked. Seth moved like lightning—one clean strike. Thud. Its head hit the floor and rolled to Issa’s feet. Issa finally pulled off his headphones. “What’s going on?” Idris stared at him, exasperated. “You seriously need to pay attention to your surroundings, dude.” Charlene stared at the body, trembling. “If that’s not Mom...” she turned to Seth, “then where is she?” Seth lowered his saber. “I’m not sure, Princess. But we’ll find her.”This has been the longest day of my life. Charlene thought to herself. It's only 9am, and I got to be here until three pm. She began to whine, "Why me?" She laid her chin in her hands and looked towards the teacher in front of the class. The mark on her forearm would not stop itching. "Ahhhh." Maybe if I wrapped it tighter. She thought. Rolling up her sleeve to take a look. This badge is cutting off her circulation. She tried to keep it in place as best as she could without revealing her secret. Charlene quickly rolled her sleeve back down to conceal the mark. Charlene went back to frowning at the large round-faced man in the front of the room. Who was struggling to keep control of the over crowd classroom. Being homeschooled for so many years has been a blessing and a curse. Not having to socialize with people her own age was freeing. Her life as the only child was perfect. So she thought, but in this environment, Charlene was at a disadvantage, never learning how to ma
Charlene struggled to recall the lessons her parents had drilled into her since childhood.One: Protect yourself.Two: Never reveal your secrets.Three: If you’re ever caught, run—don’t look back.Most importantly, you may only get one chance. Make it count.She took a deep breath. You got this.Scanning the room quickly, she searched for anything that could aid her escape. Her eyes landed on a small metal chair in the center. Carefully, she moved toward it, wondering if she could use it to break a window or force the door open. But the moment she reached down to grab itA voice boomed through the room.“Sit down.”Charlene froze, her heart hammering in her chest.“Who’s there?” she demanded, her voice trembling.“If you take a seat, I will reveal myself.” The tone was smooth, almost inviting.She scanned the room again but saw nothing. Warily, she reached for the chair, sat down, and spoke sharply. “Explain yourself! Why have you taken me?”The voice remained calm. “You weren’t suppo
Charlene and Renew settled onto a worn park bench, their next move weighing heavily on their minds. With a deep sigh, Charlene pulled out her lunch, stomach grumbling. Grandma had packed her favorite—turkey and cheese with mayo, sweet pickles, sliced tomatoes, a sprinkle of salt, pepper, oregano, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on a soft roll. A classic Lay’s bag sat beside it. She grinned, popping a few chips into her sandwich for that perfect salty crunch.“Yum, so good! Grandma is awesome!” she squealed in delight, taking a big bite. Between the lip-smacking, finger-licking, and crunching, Renew’s voice rang in her head. “We really need to work on our table manners.” Charlene rolled her eyes, cheeks stuffed. “Sorry, I haven’t eaten since last night. I’m starving over here.” “I’m aware,” Renew said dryly. “Just don’t choke yourself.” The voice carried a smirk—if that were even possible. Charlene swallowed and chuckled. “That’s right, we are one,” she joked, lick
“How did you even do that?” ReNew asked, sounding both concerned and amused. “Slow down, Charlene. You’re giving me whiplash.” ReNew gently wiped away Charlene’s tears, her actions tender. “We are one, remember?” they said in unison, both of them stopping to giggle at the oddity of their synchronized words. “Ha ha ha!” Charlene smiled through her tears, but the sense of urgency began to creep back. ReNew’s voice returned, more focused this time. “Are you good now, Charlene? I just needed you to see a friendly face. It’s easier to talk when you feel understood.” Charlene nodded, her breath still shaky. ReNew continued, “I’m not making excuses for your mom, and I’m certainly not making excuses for your dad either,” she said, her hands gently resting on Charlene’s shoulders. “But if we want answers, we have to talk to her. And who would know where she is?” In unison, they both said, “Grandmom.” Again. Charlene’s heart raced. She hadn’t seen her grandmother for days. Mabel Gre
Charlene slowly turned the knob to her mother’s bedroom door. Please, Lord, let her be asleep.Tiptoeing forward, every floorboard beneath her feet seemed to betray her. Crick. Crick. Crick.“Oh my goodness,” she whispered, her eyes wide with anxiety.Snap!A sudden silence swallowed the room. No creaks. No whispers. There is no sound at all. Charlene froze, her back straightening in alarm. What just happened?The air felt thick, as if something unseen hovered in the room with her. Her breath caught in her throat. She stepped back, then, with a sudden shiver, realized she wasn’t alone.ReNew’s voice echoed in her mind—a calm voice - yet filled with urgency. "Quickly—remove the charm from around your mother’s neck. Be careful not to wake her. We need her to recover her memories."Charlene nodded instinctively, her movements becoming more deliberate. She crossed the room with gentle, cautious steps. Yet every inch she took seemed to push her back, as though an invisible force was repell
Charlene stepped out of the void and into the light. She moved carefully, fists clenched, unsure of what awaited her on the other side.At first glance, she was astonished—this realm looked so much like Earth. The grass was green, the trees familiar. A soft golden glow bathed everything, giving it an ethereal quality. But as her eyes adjusted, she saw the differences. Towering domes stretched across the landscape, some small, some vast. Homes? Offices? She couldn’t be sure. Their surfaces shimmered like liquid metal, reflecting the surroundings yet remaining solid.A cool breeze rolled through the valley, carrying a scent both familiar and foreign. It was crisp, alive, as if the very air held whispers of the past. Charlene tilted her head back, inhaling deeply. The sensation filled her chest with something she couldn’t quite name—peace, perhaps, or nostalgia for a place she had never known.“This is home. Everything here has a life of its own. Can’t you feel it?”Charlene closed her e
Seth drifted in and out of consciousness, barely able to hold onto a coherent thought before another wave of reconditioning surged through his mind.Submit. Come back to the Fold. Be one with us. Your life is not your own. With us, you belong.The words echoed endlessly, a horrific chant looping over and over. The relentless message drilled into him, a steady pressure against his sanity. Images flashed before his eyes—fragments of a life spent in the Fold, playing out like a cruel reminder of what they expected him to be.The cycle repeated, faster and faster. He couldn’t even blink. He had no choice but to watch.How long had it been? Hours? Days? Time was meaningless now.His throat burned as he screamed, raw and desperate."I yield! I yield! Let me down!"Silence answered him. No footsteps, no voices of comfort. No rescue.A chill ran down his spine as a new voice, deep and venomous, slithered into the room.
Charlene peered through the window of the domicile and saw her father suspended in the air, unconscious. "Renew," she whispered, "what do we do now?""Charlene, duck down! He's not alone!"Charlene crouched instinctively, her heart racing. She watched as the figure checked to see if Seth was still unconscious, then shimmered out of the room."For a moment, I thought we had been spotted," Renew muttered under his breath."What was that thing?" Charlene demanded, her voice trembling."That," Renew said solemnly, "was a fate. Your not the only one with powers, some can do awesome things and others not so much."Charlene's mind was whirling, trying to comprehend what was happening. "Why would it hide its presence like that? It looked like… if I'm not mistaken, it's harming your father."Renew's voice grew urgent. "That can't be. We don't do that kind of thing here! Are they torturing him? N
Seth stood watching his wife. What is this woman doing? he thought. Tamera was scanning the monitor, flipping through recent relays, searching for maps, trying to figure out where they were. All she knew was that they were in a cave... and there was sand everywhere. “Darn it!” she hissed, throwing her hands up in frustration. “Where are we? There’s gotta be some kind of map, some kind of coordinates...” Seth cleared his throat. “Tamera, what are you doing?” “Trying to learn how to work the screen, darling,” she lied—boldly. And he knew it. “In the war room?” he asked with a smirk. “I can help you with anything you need.” “That’s okay.” She forced a brittle smile onto her face. “Why don’t we go into our room?” His voice dropped, low and coaxing. “There are screens in there... and we can have some alone time.”
Ever since last night, Idris had a knot in his stomach he couldn’t untie. “For a human who’s just been in a demon domain,” he muttered under his breath, watching from the shadows of the corridor, “she doesn’t have a single scratch.” Don’t get him wrong—he was beyond relieved that they found Tamera. The woman meant a lot to this family. And he felt sick over what the First Spear had to give up to bring her back. If he could trade his right arm to heal her, he would do it in a heartbeat. But Tamera… something about her just didn’t sit right. The moment he hugged her, it was like holding a mannequin—stiff, unfamiliar. No warmth. No scent of lilac and sandalwood like before. Nobody else seemed to notice, too caught up in their emotions. Overjoyed she was alive, safe, returned to them. He didn’t want to kill the moment with his suspicions, but… He chewed his bottom lip. “How did she survive ou
Charlene buried her face in her dad’s shoulder, sobbing. Her body shook with the weight of her grief. Seth held her, torn between his need to comfort her and the ache he carried for the woman lying still before them.He knew why she was like this. He knew what she had done.She had sacrificed herself… for his love."Dad..." Charlene’s voice cracked. "Will she ever wake up?" She sniffled. "It’s been two days now."Her eyes were swollen, skin raw from crying. She looked so young in that moment, so helpless.The First Spear—her grandmother, Destiny—had exhausted nearly all of her energy fighting back the hordes of demons. She had pushed her limits far beyond what was safe for her kind. And now… she hovered between form and spirit, barely holding herself together.She had something to say—something important—but the words were lost to her failing strength. Even keeping her current form was a burden too g
Seth finally got his morning brew. He turned to pull out a chair, but before he could even take a sip, a hand shot out of nowhere. "Ummm—hot!" Argun winced, snatching the mug like a thief in the night. "Where did you come from?" Seth muttered, rolling his eyes. "Darn portals." Without another word, Argun downed the entire cup in one go. Steam hissed from his lips as he exhaled. "Aaah. Tasty." He slammed the empty mug down in approval. Seth blinked in disbelief. "Dude, really? Want another?" Just then, Charlene and ReNew entered the kitchen. The energy shifted instantly. Argun, without turning, spoke quietly. "Hello, little one." Shame still lingered in his voice—from the last time they’d met, when he obeyed Destiny’s command and left Charlene to fend for herself. "Argun!" Charlene ran full-force and hugged him from behind. A faint smile cracked across his face. "There’s no time for a reunion," he said, the light in his expression fading. "The First Spear needs our help."
The first orb was high in the morning sky. Seth was still stirring, not fully awake. "Gi-Gi?" he mumbled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Why are you in my room?" He paused, noticing her unease. "Is everything okay?" "Yes and no," she replied softly, settling on the foot of his bed. She crossed her legs, smoothing the folds of her robes, buying herself time to choose her words. Turning her head slightly away, she spoke. "How attached are you to that?" She didn’t turn back around—she just waited. Seth, half-awake, instinctively twirled the chain around his neck, fingers brushing over the rings. “Oh—this? You mean the rings? Well…” His cheeks colored. He hadn't realized she’d noticed how often he fidgeted with it. "Attached? I guess… since Tamera’s been missing, I’ve just… I keep it close. It reminds me of her." His voice dropped as he looked down at the necklace, then back up. “Grandmother… what is this about?” "Do you mind if I hold it for a while?" she asked gently. “I p
The group consisted of four—Seth, Idris, Charlene, and Issa. Idris led the way to the other side of the cave, guiding them to the whirlpool he had once discovered in his youth. "When we were younger, Seth and I used to play in these caves. One day, we stumbled across this whirlpool," Idris explained, standing above the dark swirling pool of water. He nudged a few loose pebbles over the edge with his foot. "Plop." The pebbles were immediately pulled under. "Well?" Idris asked, hands on his hips. "Well what, Uncle Idris?" Charlene blinked, confused. "Who's going in first?" he grinned. Seth rolled his eyes. "Seriously, Idris? Bro, c'mon." "What? It was your idea!" Charlene stepped closer. "I did say I could see tunnels earlier... maybe I can see them again." "Try now," Seth suggested, kneeling by the edge. Charlene leaned forward, blinking slowly. Her e
The lagoon's exact depth was unknown. Mist drifted upward like soft breath from the cavern’s throat, and warm, damp air clung to their skin. The stone walls wept slowly, glistening with sheets of mineral-rich water that painted them like ancient tapestries. It frizzed Charlene’s hair mercilessly. She caught her reflection in a smooth ripple of obsidian water and groaned inwardly. If only I had my cell phone, she thought. I could check my hair. She tried to smooth down her edges, hoping Issa didn’t notice her stealthy grooming. They walked slowly along the slick stone, boots squishing softly with each step. The cave opened wider the deeper they went, the lagoon stretching endlessly before them like some subterranean sea. Charlene tilted her head. “This isn't a lagoon… It’s a whole underground lake.” Issa paused beside her, glancing around in awe. “It’s beautiful… but eerie. Like the lake’s holding its breath, waiting for somethi
The First Spear paused at the mouth of the cave, her presence stilling the air. "I sense a disturbance," she said. "You two are needed outside. I recommend handling this yourselves." She turned to go, her tone solemn. "Remember—these Fates are no longer under the Council’s rule. Everything has changed for them. Show grace." A soft blessing: "Be well." And she departed. "Wait, GiGi!" Charlene called after her. "I wanted to ask you something—" A distant voice floated back, almost amused. "We’ll talk later, sweetheart. Go ahead—you’re needed outside. I’ll be back." Seth and Charlene emerged from the cave into chaos. The air was thick with noise—shouts, sobs, and arguments swirling into the sky. Hundreds of Fates were packed tightly together, shoving, yelling, fraying at every edge.
Seth and the First Spear stood there awkwardly, saying nothing at first. The cave echoed with silence, the kind that grew louder with every passing moment. Seth's thoughts spun like a storm. Where do I start? I have so many questions. “Start anywhere,” she said gently. “I’ll answer your questions.” He blinked. “That’s right—you can read minds.” “Absolutely right. And emotions, just like you and Charlene.” Her tone was soft, steady, trying to ease the tension she could feel rising in him. She sensed his nerves and didn’t want to make this any harder than it already was. “Walk with me, Seth.” They paced through the cave, the cool air brushing against them like ghosted memories. “Can I just talk plainly to you?” Seth asked, hands shoved in his pockets. “Without all the prestige? Your Majesty and whatnot. All due respect.” “Your daughter certainly does,” she grinned.