2025-11-09 13:45:01
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WHAT MY MOTHER HIDES
The evening breeze slipped through the open window, stirring the dim glow of the lantern inside the hut. Arden sat on the edge of his bed, his hands gripping his knees, his eyes heavy with thoughts that refused to fade.He muttered softly, “Narlok, Zerath, the seal… everything’s becoming a twisted puzzle.” His gaze drifted toward Maya, who lay asleep nearby, her breathing shallow, her face pale after what had happened.His voice dropped to a whisper, “Mother… you couldn’t have done this. You wouldn’t.” He remembered her soft smile, the warmth in her touch, and the way she used to hum to calm his fears when he was a child. None of it matched the image of a woman capable of binding a demon’s soul inside her own son.He ran his fingers through his hair, frustrated. “But if not her… then who?”Narlok’s low, echoing voice stirred from within. “You still deny what’s in front of you? The truth is never as gentle as you wish it to be.”Arden clenched his fist. “Shut up. You’ve done nothi
ECHOES OF THE SEAL
It was midday, and the sunlight streamed through the cracks of the hut’s window as Arden sat silently, lost in thought. The voice of Narlok echoed deep within him.“Your mother hides something from you, vessel,” the demon said in a low, rumbling tone that stirred in Arden’s mind. “You can sense it, can’t you? Her hesitation, her fear.”Arden sighed, pressing his hand against his forehead. “Enough, Narlok. I’ve heard enough of your riddles. My mother has done nothing wrong. I won’t let you poison my thoughts.”“You deny the truth even when it stands before you,” Narlok hissed. “She knows more about the seal than you think.”Arden stood up abruptly. “Stop talking about her!” he snapped under his breath. “I said stop—”Before he could finish, the door flung open. Lina ran in, her face pale and filled with panic. “Arden!” she gasped. “Something’s wrong with Maya! Her eyes— they’ve turned green again, and those scales, they’re appearing on her skin!”Arden’s expression changed immediate
THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM
Morning light slipped gently through the cracks in the hut. Arden sat near the window, lost in thought while Maya and Lina were still asleep beside the fire. Their soft breathing filled the quiet room.Shina had gone out early, saying she needed to fetch some food from the market, but her mind was far from calm. The words her son asked last night kept echoing in her head as she walked down the path.Mother, was Narlok’s soul sealed in me by you?Her chest tightened as she gripped the basket in her hands. “Why did you have to ask that now,” she murmured under her breath, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. “You should never know the truth, my son.”She stopped for a moment, staring at the forest beyond the village. Her heart ached as she whispered, “I only did what I had to do to keep you alive.”A villager called out to her with a warm smile. “Shina, it’s good to see you! You’re out early today.”She forced a smile back. “Yes, I just needed some food for the children,” she said, tr
LOVE AND GUILT
Arden stood quietly in front of his family hut, his heart pounding. The old wood looked just the same as he remembered. Maya and Lina stood behind him, both unsure what to expect. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door.Moments later, the door creaked open. Shina stood there — her eyes widened the instant she saw him. For a second, she didn’t move. Then her hands trembled as tears welled in her eyes.“Arden… my son?” she whispered, her voice shaking.Arden smiled faintly, his throat tightening. “It’s me, Mother.”Shina’s tears spilled over as she threw her arms around him. “I thought I’d never see you again,” she cried. “You and Maya—oh, my heart!” She pulled Maya into her embrace, unable to contain her joy. “You’re both safe!”Leina and Fira, hearing the commotion, rushed out. “Brother!” they shouted together, leaping into Arden’s arms.He hugged them tightly, his voice breaking. “You’ve grown so much… I missed you all.”They all stood there, wrapped in warmth and disbelief
THE PLACE WE ONCE BELONGED
They stood before the towering wooden gates of Eldervale. The evening wind brushed through the trees, carrying the faint scent of home, familiar but heavy with memories.Arden stared at the gates in silence, his eyes distant. “It feels strange standing here again,” he said quietly. “The same gate that once opened for me… closed when they found out about the demon inside.”Lina glanced at him with soft concern. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?” she asked.He nodded slowly. “I don’t know if I’m ready, but I don’t have a choice. My mother, Fira, and Leina… they’re still here.” A small smile tugged at his lips, bittersweet and fragile. “It’s been too long since I saw them.”Beside him, Maya was silent. Her hands were trembling slightly. Arden noticed and turned to her. “You’re quiet,” he said.Maya looked down. “This place judged you because of what’s inside you,” she said softly. “What do you think they’ll do to me if they find out about the serpent within me?”Arden’s expression d
A HEART IN SHADOWS
Three days had passed since they began their journey back to Eldervale. The road was long and quiet, the kind that made every thought feel heavier. Arden led the way, his eyes fixed ahead, but his mind was miles away. He hadn’t said much since they left the hut.Maya walked behind him, her steps uncertain. Her fingers kept brushing the side of her hand where the serpent mark rested. She was deep in her thoughts, her fears whispering louder with every mile.Lina glanced between them, sensing the tension in the air. “You’ve both been quiet,” she said softly, breaking the silence. “Is Eldervale really that bad?”Arden didn’t look back. “It’s not the place,” he muttered. “It’s the people. I was banished once. Going back feels like walking into a cage.”Maya lowered her gaze. “At least they knew you. If they find out about what I carry, they won’t just banish me—they’ll torment me.”Lina frowned. “You both sound like you’re heading toward your graves instead of home.”Arden let out a dr
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