The sky was a deep, endless blue, stretching above the green valleys that flanked my view. The air carried a mix of rust and earth, a scent both familiar and foreboding. I could sense them approaching, the darkness ready to swallow us whole.
Our family was a blessing from the Almighty, guardians of life, charged with ensuring that the living breathed freely, untouched by the destruction that darkness wrought. I am Derek, the child of the sun and moon, born from these celestial forces. I am the warrior and protector of light. My brother, on the other hand, is the warrior and protector of night.
We always knew that darkness was tied to the night, and a prophecy foretold that one day, my brother would betray us, turning from good to evil. But none of us expected it to happen so soon, so suddenly, that we would be unprepared to lose one of our own.
Dhaka is coming, and my brother is with him, leading the charge to destroy us and seize control over all life on Earth. Dhaka, the king of darkness, born from the tendrils of dark matter that flow through the universe, is a force unlike any other. My brother Kyle, with the cunning of a serpent and the determination to preserve the night, is a twisted enigma—his words as riddled as his thoughts.
I can see them now, advancing towards us. My army is ready, armed with the world’s most powerful weapons, but without the strength of the night on our side, victory seems distant. They are stronger now, but I know their weakness. I have a plan to distract them, to end this once and all including my brother. Despite everything, I loathe him, but that is our father’s order to keep him alive.
The battle begins. My warriors clash with dark tendrils, lustful souls, and horned demons that tower over us. My focus is on Dhaka and my brother, who seem to relish the chaos. I find Kyle, and we fight, my heart aching as I try to reason with him. He is not himself—speaking in riddles, trying desperately to distract me.
Suddenly, he lunges towards me, slips, and falls against me. “Brother,” he whispers, a twisted smirk on his face, “it would be best if you stayed out of this.” I stare at him, confused, as he adds, “There’s still time. Leave now.”
I try to understand what he means, but I know in my heart that this is just another trick.
In an instant, darkness engulfs me. My weapons are torn from my grasp, clattering to the ground. I see my brother, also ensnared, before we are both pulled into the abyss. We find ourselves in a dark cave, far from the battlefield.
Dhaka is there, his army surrounding him, and he laughs—a deep, hollow sound that echoes off the cavern walls. He claps, calling out, “Traitor!” But he isn’t speaking to me. He’s addressing my brother, who is chained to the wall, the dark matter shackles biting into his flesh, drawing blood.
Dhaka knew how easily Kyle could deceive him, and now we are both his prisoners. Immortal as we are, this is our fate—an endless cycle of suffering, dying without death. Dhaka has ensured that our souls will endure eternal torment.
As I dangle from the tendrils, loathing myself for what I have allowed to happen, I can only wonder: will anyone ever come to save us?
______________________________
Want to dive deeper into Derek and Jennifer’s unforgettable journey?
Follow @mystic_quill_tales for more passion, mystery, and heart-stopping moments!
YOU ARE READING
ENGULF ME
FantasyRaised by her aunt, Jennifer has always been haunted by the mystery surrounding her parents' death. Now, as dark forces close in, she embarks on a dangerous quest to uncover the truth. But she is not alone. Derek and Kyle, two enigmatic brothers wit...
