Fated Encounters

Chapter 22

Patrick stood at the entrance of a secluded cave deep within the forest, the Andasastra held firmly under his arm. Beside him, Morgana surveyed the area, her silver hair shimmering in the fading light of dusk. Rex sniffed around, already getting accustomed to the spot, knowing it would soon serve as a place to hide the ancient book.

"This will do," Morgana said, her voice calm but laced with urgency. "The cave’s natural barriers, combined with my protection spells, will keep the book safe. No one, human or alien, will find it here."

Patrick nodded, glancing around the area. The cave appeared ordinary, its entrance hidden by thick vegetation and a boulder that only someone like him or Rex could move. It was far enough from any town or road that it would take someone with exceptional tracking abilities to find it. Patrick knew this was the right place.

Rex padded over to him, nudging his leg with his nose as if reassuring him. Patrick knelt down beside his loyal companion, placing a hand on his head. "Good boy, Rex. Keep watch over it, alright?"

The dog’s amber eyes met Patrick’s, as if understanding the gravity of the task ahead.

After securing the book inside the cave, Patrick and Morgana stepped back, watching as the protection spells she cast began to shimmer faintly, creating an invisible barrier that sealed the entrance.

"Six months," Morgana said, breaking the silence. "That’s how long we have before the leader of the alien forces breaks free from astral confinement. When he returns, he’ll be stronger than ever, with no restraints holding him back."

Patrick exhaled slowly. The weight of that deadline pressed heavily on him. Eight months to prepare for a battle that could decide the fate of not just him and Angela, but of everyone they cared about. And, as Morgana had warned, he had only three months before his powers would start to fade—unless he married Angela.

The thought of it sent his heart racing. He had known, ever since his father’s final words, that his destiny was tied to Angela. Yet, as everything around him seemed to accelerate toward chaos, Patrick felt unprepared. He wasn’t just a fighter; he was supposed to lead, to strategize, to pull together an army of allies to stand against the alien leader when the time came. And that meant making hard decisions.

"There’s much to do," Morgana continued, her tone firm. "You must gather those who will stand with you. People you trust. You need their skills, their loyalty. But above all, you must end things with your past. There's no room for distractions when the battle comes."

Patrick tensed. Morgana’s words hit him in a way he had been trying to avoid since the moment Angela left. There was no denying it anymore. Before he could think about leading a fight, before he could even attempt to win Angela back, he needed to confront his past. And that meant facing Stephanie—once and for all.

"I know," he said quietly. His voice was strained with emotion, but he couldn’t hold back the truth any longer. "I have to talk to Stephanie. End things with her."

Morgana’s gaze softened. "You’ve carried her with you for too long, Patrick. She’s part of your history, but not your future. If you want to protect Angela, you need to let Stephanie go."

Patrick clenched his fists, a mix of guilt and sorrow swirling inside him. His feelings for Stephanie were complicated—what they had shared was real, but it wasn’t meant to last. And he had been selfish, clinging to that past while his future with Angela crumbled.

"She deserves the truth," Patrick said, more to himself than to Morgana. "I should’ve told her long ago."

Morgana stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Closure is the first step to moving forward, Patrick. It’s time to do what you must."

Patrick nodded, determination filling him. He knew he couldn’t delay it any longer. If he wanted any chance of saving Angela, of fighting the alien leader and keeping his powers, he had to confront Stephanie. He needed to be free of the past to face the future with a clear heart and mind.

"I’ll go to her now," Patrick said, his voice steady with resolve. "End it once and for all."

Morgana gave him a nod of approval. "Good. Time is not on our side. The next three months will be crucial, and you need every advantage you can get. Gather your people, prepare for the fight. And remember—you’re not alone in this."

Patrick glanced at the cave one last time, knowing the Andasastra was safe for now. But his mind was already on the difficult conversation ahead.

He had loved Stephanie once, but that time was over. His path was clear now. He had to focus on the battle looming over them all, on protecting Angela, and on the role he was meant to play in the coming war.

With a final look at Morgana, Patrick turned and headed toward the forest trail that would take him back to town. Rex followed faithfully, as always.

It was time to close the chapter on Stephanie—and fully embrace the future that awaited him with Angela, no matter how uncertain or dangerous it might be.