The wood creaked under their feet as Darion, Lucian, Pax, and Ariella approached the director's office door. They had been summoned without warning, and while each had their own speculations about the reason, none had shared their thoughts along the way. The atmosphere was heavy, charged with a tension they all could feel.
The deep, firm sound of the director's voice resonated from within: —Come in—
They exchanged glances, their faces reflecting a mix of uncertainty and resolve. As always, Darion was the first to step forward, pushing the door decisively and entering the dim office. The room that unfolded before them was imposing, larger than any of them remembered. The gloom that pervaded the space, interrupted only by a faint glow filtering through the heavy curtains, cast everything into deep shadows. The walls were adorned with old paintings depicting scenes of mythical battles and legendary creatures, silent reminders of stories heard since childhood—tales that, until now, they had considered mere fantasies.
In the center of the room, like a monarch on his throne, the director awaited them. Seated in an imposing carved wooden chair, his figure exuded an authority that seemed to defy the weight of years. The elderly man, tall and thin, had wrinkled, pale skin that contrasted with the surrounding darkness. His eyes, hidden beneath a white bandage, were a testament to his blindness, but the gnarled staff he held was not merely a support but a symbol of his unyielding power.
The silence that settled after their entrance was dense, filled with palpable tension. The four young people aligned themselves before the director, with Darion slightly ahead, naturally assuming his position at the forefront. He observed the elderly man intently, aware of the hidden strength behind that frail appearance. Rumors about the director's enigmatic past were abundant, but the truth remained shrouded in mystery. Nevertheless, they all knew that, despite his blindness, nothing escaped his notice.
The director inclined his head slightly, as if he could see them through the blindfold covering his eyes. —You have passed the tests. You have proven your worth in combat and defeated the other teams with skill and cunning. Now, you are ready to learn the truth—
A shiver ran down Darion's spine, not from fear but from the growing curiosity that had accompanied him since he first heard about the "tests." He knew there was something more, something that had been kept from them, and now, at last, it seemed they would uncover that secret.
The elderly man lifted his staff, pointing to one of the paintings on the wall, a canvas depicting an ancient, ruined kingdom beneath a darkened sky. —Centuries ago, before this orphanage existed, even before the kingdoms you now know were born, there was a prophecy— His voice, though low, carried the weight of history. —A prophecy that spoke of four warriors who would rise in times of great darkness, when the world stood on the brink of the abyss—
Lucian and Pax exchanged looks, their expressions revealing a mix of disbelief and concern. Ariella, always self-assured, raised an eyebrow, evaluating each word of the director. However, Darion, despite his calm exterior, was fully absorbed in the elderly man's account. Each word resonated in his mind, as if it were the key to unraveling a greater mystery.
—These warriors— continued the director, his tone taking on a graver note —would not be chosen for their lineage or wealth, but for their strength, intelligence, and ability to survive under the most adverse circumstances. And when the time came, they would be called to confront the evil destined to consume the world—
The silence that followed was profound, filled with an anticipation that seemed to freeze time. Darion felt his heart start to beat faster. Could it be that...?
The director inclined his head again, as if he could see the unspoken question in Darion's eyes. —You are those warriors. The prophecy is calling you, and now you must prepare for what is to come—
The magnitude of the old man's words began to settle in Darion's mind. Everything they had experienced: the tests, the struggles, the victories. Had all been preparation for this moment. And although the weight of that responsibility was immense, he also felt a spark of excitement ignite within him.
The director leaned back in his chair, letting his words sink in. —But there is more you need to know, and time is of the essence. What you face is a darkness that has slept for centuries and is now awakening—
Fixing his gaze on the elderly man, Darion nodded slowly. He was intrigued, and more than that, he was ready. He knew this was only the beginning of something much larger. And while he couldn't foresee what lay ahead, he was determined to face it. After a lifetime of striving for power, he finally felt there was something more, something truly worth fighting for.
YOU ARE READING
Sad Moon
FantasíaWhat is destiny? Is it even real? Or is it perhaps a lie that others use to make us part of their will? Maybe the world won't live long enough to know. Since the Moon no longer shines, the night is darker.
