Divided

Metamorphosis

A/N: Only 26 days into the year and already dealing with too many things. So, I got sick the whole week. I puked my guts out for one whole day. I was dealing with blurry vision and headaches, so I had to rest. I even felt like getting my laptop and working but I knew I had to prioritize my health. I'm now able to work at my desk and do what I have to do. So, I'm very happy to be back and be okay.

Third POV

Tzan's heart begins to race as he notices that his twin sister, Ajia, is taking longer than expected. His brows furrow in concern. He pushes himself up from where he's been waiting in the castle and darts toward the door, stepping out into the cool air.

"Ajia, what's taking so long?" he mutters under his breath, his voice tinged with worry. Without wasting another moment, he sprints into the dense forest, the sound of his shoes against the earth as he moves faster.

He reaches into his pocket, fingers brushing against the familiar smoothness of a card. Drawing it out, he presses his thumb to its surface and whispers a chant under his breath, words barely audible through his clenched teeth.

"Enc' fi Ajia," (find) he murmurs, the words flowing from his lips like an incantation, the magic activating in response. A thick, swirling green smoke begins to seep from the card, spiraling upward and twisting into a path that seems to beckon him forward. The trail glows softly in the dim light, guiding him deeper into the woods.

Tzan follows the green smoke, each step swift and determined. But as the mist begins to thin, his chest tightens with unease. His pace falters when he reaches the end of the path, his breath catching in his throat.

A chill runs down his spine as he sees his sister on the ground. Ajia is sprawled out on the forest floor, her body shaking as she struggles to crawl, her face twisted in anguish. Her cries are muffled, barely hearable, but Tzan can feel the weight of her pain pressing against him.

"Ajia!" he shouts, his voice breaking as he rushes to her side, falling to his knees in the dirt beside her. His hand reaches out, trembling, and touches her back. The moment his palm makes contact with her clothes, he recoils slightly, staring at the crimson stain that has soaked into his hand.

"What happened?" His voice cracks with desperation, the panic rising in his chest as he watches her struggle. Ajia's sobs become more frantic, louder, filling the silence of the forest.

"S-she's..." Ajia chokes out, her words unintelligible, the sound of her grief raw and painful.

"C-caterina's g-gone," Ajia finally whispers, her voice breaking as the weight of the truth settles in.

Tzan's stomach twists in horror. His eyes flicker to the ground, where two lifeless bodies lie sprawled beneath the trees. His heart slams against his ribcage.

"No..." he mutters under his breath, his gaze darting back to his sister. Ajia is shaking uncontrollably, tears streaming down her face, her eyes filled with guilt and devastation.

"I-it's my f-fault," she sobs, her voice trembling as she lifts her tear-streaked face to look at him. Her eyes are filled with an ocean of pain, her shoulders shaking with the force of her sobs.

"How did this happen?" Tzan demands, his voice tight with urgency, his gaze burning into her. His fingers curl into fists at his sides, the helplessness gnawing at him.

Ajia looks down at the ground, unable to meet his gaze, her body wracked with uncontrollable sobs.

"Ajia, answer me," Tzan urges, his tone growing more frantic. He leans closer, grabbing her by the shoulders, trying to get her to focus, to speak.