“Titus?”
“Go away!”
“Titus?”
And there I am. I am standing in front of the mirror and I see my dad’s reflection in me. I am crying so hard, I want to just pass out but I am in a dream.
“Titus?”
“I hate you. I DON’T NEED YOU, DAD!”
I looked at my dad when I uttered those words. It broke my heart but I had to do it. I can’t be the same me who easily trusts especially not on dreams. I saw my reflection turned his back on me. I wanted to tell him I don’t mean any of those words but I am too exhausted. Slowly, all the images start to fade.
“Titus, are you OK?”
“Where am I?”
I tried to stand up but my head and my back hurt. I looked around and realized I am in my room.
“Mom?”
“Oh, my baby. Are you OK?”
“I am, Mom. Thanks. Why am I here? How did I…”
“Sir Orion’s downstairs. You’ve been out for three days now.”
“Where’s Sky?”
“He’s with sir Orion. Don’t worry.”
Knock. Knock.
“Can I come in?”
King Orion was wearing a black coat and holding his crane again. He looked at me and smiled. I tried to smile back. He nodded at my mom and she picked up the tray on my bedside table and went downstairs.
“How are you feeling?”
“Feeling better. What happened? I mean, the war and the do..”
“Oh. The war is over. It turned out they weren’t after the portal after all.”
“What do you mean?”
I tried to remember the conversation Jeca, Estefan and I had in my room. The thought of them made me sad and worried at the same time.
“They were after someone.”
“The man in the dungeon?”
King Orion nodded. I looked away because I can’t take away the guilt. I am the one who opened the door. I am responsible for making the man escape.
“Who is he? I let him escape. I opened the door. I am sorry.”
“No. You don’t have to apologize. It’s my fault. I underestimated his power. He used you.”
“He sounded like my dad. I thought he was there.”
“I know. He is known for using one’s weakness to his advantage. You don’t have to be guilty. I should have told you earlier about him.”
“What happened to Jeca and Estefan?”
He smiled.
“I sent them home too. The kingdom’s doing fine right now but it seems like the human world is safer as of the moment.”
“So, what now?”
“You have to take a rest and get stronger. We have to start your training so we could defend the kingdom.”
“Will Paraiso be fine?”
“Yes. You don’t have to worry just yet. Our force is still stronger and we have the three of you to help us. As long as you’re alive, we are good.”
I looked out the window. I still can’t forget what happened in the dungeon. I am so stupid. I can’t believe I let myself be used by the dark force.
“I better go now, Titus. I have some things to deal with. By the way, Estefan said this is yours.”
He handed me the dagger with my mark on it. To take something from the kingdom is something that affirms Paraiso is not a dream or an imagination after all.
“Thanks.”
“See you around, Titus.”
YOU ARE READING
The Three Marked Guardians
Teen FictionA story of an ordinary teenager who grew up taking care of his depressed mother after his father died on war plane simulation. His life will change of his sixteenth birthday. Little did he know that he carries one of the Three Ancient Marks destined...
