The Choice

Caspian

I was woken up by a sound. At first, I thought it was nothing—just the forest shifting in its sleep—but then I heard my name. Faint, whispered, like the rustling of leaves. Something in me stirred, urging me to follow.

The voice led me deeper into the trees, where blossoms swirled on a gentle breeze. From among them appeared a dryad, her form woven of petals and light. She was the most beautiful creature I've ever seen—so pure it made my chest ache. With a graceful gesture, she beckoned me to follow.

As I obeyed, the trees shifted, branches parting until they formed a path. My feet carried me forward until, suddenly, a lion stood before me.

The lion, I suppose.

I froze, remembering the stories my siblings had told—their "big angry cat." But standing there now, with his golden mane gleaming in the sun, he looked anything but angry. Powerful, yes. Majestic. Yet his eyes shone with a gentleness that made me want to fall to my knees.

So, I did.

"Arise, my child," he said, his voice deep and warm, like the earth itself speaking.

I rose slowly, staring up at him in awe.

"I believe you call me the big angry cat," he rumbled, amusement in his tone. "But here, I am known as Aslan."

Guilt flooded me. "I—I didn't mean to be disrespectful."

"Do not trouble yourself," he said with a chuckle. "I rather like the nickname."

The sound eased the tightness in my chest. Somehow, I already felt a bond forming, as though he had always been a part of me.

"Why am I here?" I whispered. "I don't think I'm needed."

"My dear one," Aslan said gently, "you are needed more than you know. You are here for a different reason than your brothers and sisters. Soon, you will see."

"The prophecy," I breathed. "Trumpkin said— "

"It is true," he confirmed. "You will help bring freedom back to Narnia."

"But what if I fail? What if I'm not enough? What if no one believes in me?"

He stepped closed, his golden eyes steady on mine. "Do not be so quick to doubt yourself. I chose you. Believe in that, if nothing else. You are stronger than you realise. "

Emotion swelled in my chest. "Thank you," I whispered, tears stinging in my eyes.

"You never have to thank me, child."

Before I could stop myself, I blurted out, "Can I hug you?"

His eyes sparkled. "Of course. You never need permission."

I rushed forward, wrapping my arms around his thick mane. His warmth surrounded me, steady and safe, as laughter rumbled in his chest.

"I'll never leave you," he muttered. "If you ever need me, call my name, and I will come."

I closed mu eyes, clinging tighter, not wanting to let go.

And then—I woke.

Blinking, I sat upright. Across from me, Lucy was stirring. She met my eyes and whispered, "Did you dream of Aslan too?"

I nodded.

Before I could say more, a sharp crack split the silence. A branch breaking. Lucy's eyes lit up with hope. "Maybe it's him. Maybe he wants to see us both this time."

"Stay behind me," I warned, gripping the daggers at my belt,

We crept towards the sound. Then came a low growl.