PROLOGUE

  

The loud cries of the newborns echoed past the building, stirring up every sleeping soul and awakening the dead in the darkest part of the forest. The moon slowly took a bloody shade of red, casting red glows on the earth. 

  

Midwives wore mixed expressions as they held the boys in their arms. The twins that had just entered the world. 

  

"The oldest is…a monster." One of the midwives declared, staring with fright at the little bundle in her arms. 

  

Just then, fireflies lit up the room, surrounding the boy and causing his skin to glow. Gasps filled the room and the midwife carrying the child almost dropped him. 

  

She was trembling and tearing up. "Oh dear goddess, what is this?" She mumbled in frantic tears.  

  

"Ma'am?" The second of the midwives called out to the woman who had just given birth to the boys. But there was no response. 

  

The woman had her eyes closed and she wasn't breathing anymore. She was gone. Everyone in the room broke into deep sobs as they mourned her. 

  

The door opened and everyone bowed their heads. "Welcome, Master." They greeted simultaneously. 

  

"What happened to her?" The man asked, squatting next to the bed of the woman. He was close to breaking down as he watched her lifeless body. 

  

"She died, master." The second midwife announced amidst tears. "But she gave birth to twins." She pointed at the youngest of the twins who was sleeping soundly in a cot. 

  

"And him," The midwife carrying the oldest one added with fear. "He's a monster. What should we do?" 

  

The man went closer and took a peek at the boy whose eyes shone a dark shade of blue. Fear rippled down his spine but he tried to hide it. 

  

"So it's true. The prophecy…" The man muttered bitterly, smiling slightly at the child. He was the replica of his father.  

  

"Do we kill him, Master?" One of the sentinels asked. 

  

"No. Don't you dare!" The master warned. "We'll help him. We'll avert the prophecy." 

  

"How are we gonna do that?" 

  

"Take him to Limelight Castle. The witches will take care of him." The master declared. He moved to the cot and carried the youngest of the twins into his arms. This time, his smiles were bright. 

  

"What will his name be?" A random person in the room asked. 

  

"Rex." The man announced proudly. "Rex Luciano. Heir to my throne." 

  

"And him?" The midwife with the oldest of the twins asked, gesturing at the child in her arms. 

  

The master glanced at her and the child in her arms. "Max. Max Luciano. He might be the oldest but, sadly, he won't be staying here. Alert the soldiers. They'll be taking him to the witches tonight. He'll stay there until they find a cure for him." 

  

The master carried the youngest twin and left the room. Near the door, he took a glance at the woman lying lifelessly on the bed. A tear dropped. 

  

"I hope I get to save Max. I hope he doesn't turn out like his father. It'll be chaotic for us." 

  

The child in his arms whimpered and the man averted his gaze to him. "Rex. In the future, I hope you never hurt your brother. I hope we avert the prophecy." 

  

Then he left the room, with Rex Luciano sleeping peacefully in his arms. Deep down, he said a quiet goodbye to Max. And again, he prayed to the moon goddess that Max doesn't return to them in the future as a threat.