World Of Worlds (Arula: One)

Chapter 22

Karma stared out the window of her bedroom, clutching the crumpled note in her hands. She had received it just two days ago, and the words still burned in her mind:
Dear Creator,
I do believe we got off on the wrong foot the last time we met. But on this specific occasion, I must say that if you wish to see your brother and sister again, I suggest you bring me the book and the key by the first snowfall. Otherwise, you can say goodbye to them forever.
Yours truly,
King Termis
The letter had arrived by falcon, and as soon as she read it, Karma had gone straight to Omar, Dagner, and King Curlus. They had debated their next move, but Curlus had insisted he needed a few days to gather his best warriors.
"I don't have a few days," Karma fumed, squeezing the letter even tighter in her fist.
"You can't give Termis the book, Karma," Omar had warned her the day before during their meeting.
"Aye, Lass," Dagner had added, his voice laced with concern. "Who knows what that man will do with such power."
But Karma had barely listened. She had stormed out of the meeting, retreating to her room in frustration. Now, as she stood by the window, staring at the land she had created, the anger inside her grew. The first snowfall would come in two months—perhaps sooner, without warning. I can't wait that long.
But what truly boiled her blood was the question gnawing at her mind: How did Termis get his hands on my brother and sister in the first place? A terrifying thought struck her—one she had been trying to push away.
He couldn't have a portal... could he? The letter in her grasp was now crushed beyond recognition, her nails digging painfully into her palms. Angel, sensing her distress, let out a soft whine beside her. Karma's gaze shifted to the fox, and she bent down, running her fingers through Angel's thick fur.
As she stared into the fox's ocean-blue eyes, a sudden idea sparked in her mind. "Hey, girl," she murmured, a determined glint in her eyes. "How do you feel about doing me a favor?"
~~~~
Omar found Karma in the stables, strapping supplies onto Pepper's saddle. "And what exactly do you think you're doing?" he asked, crossing his arms and leaning against the wooden doorframe.
"What does it look like?" Karma shot back, tightening the straps.
"It looks like you're being reckless," Omar countered. Karma ignored him, double-checking her supplies.
"I have two months—maybe less—to rescue my siblings," she snapped. "I can't just sit around waiting for Curlus to get his army together. Every day that passes is another day Termis could—" She stopped herself, jaw clenching.
Omar sighed. "How do you know Termis isn't just playing with you?"
Karma didn't even pause as she continued packing. "Because, Omar, I never told Termis I had siblings—or even what gender they were. And two, we both know he doesn't bluff when it comes to threats." Finally, she turned to him, eyes burning with determination.
"When Curlus has the army ready, meet me at Orina Field. We'll regroup there and come up with a plan." Omar exhaled, pushing himself off the frame before grabbing Jack's reins.
"If I can't stop you," he muttered, "I might as well join you. I started this with you, I might as well finish it—with my head held high." Karma's lips tugged into a small smile as she watched Omar pack. "I'll have Wiltin take the army to Orina Field," Omar added. Wiltin was one of the most skilled warriors in the Elven army. He had led countless victories and trained many of the elves who now stood as frontline soldiers.
"And I'll tell Dagner to rally his dwarves and meet us there," Karma said. Omar nodded in agreement. By evening, they were on the road—returning to the place they had once fled.
~~~~
Orina Field—the place where it all began. The birthplace of Arula. That was what Karma had always called it. A sacred land, untouched and pure, where the first sparks of her world had come to life. But when she arrived weeks later, what she saw shattered her.
The symbolic tree—the very heart of Orina Field, the tree that represented life itself—was gone. Chopped down. Only a pathetic stump remained, surrounded by the raw scars of an unforgiving axe. Karma's breath caught in her throat. Her vision blurred as tears welled up, threatening to spill.
"This can't—" she choked, her voice barely a whisper. Then the dam broke. Hot, bitter tears streamed down her face, falling like raindrops on parched earth. "Why?" she whispered. "Oh, why?" Omar stepped beside her, placing a firm yet gentle hand on her shoulder, offering silent strength.
"Because he wants everything in Arula to fall," he said, his voice quiet but edged with certainty. "Like all madmen do." Karma shook her head violently, refusing to accept it. This can't be happening. It just can't be!
Rage burned in her veins, hot and suffocating. Her hands clenched into tight, trembling fists. Her whole body quaked with fury. Omar didn't need to say another word. He could see it in her eyes. The last fragile thread of restraint had snapped. And now, Termis would pay. Dearly.