In Shadows of Night

The Legacy

Legacy

Cora

I stood on shaky legs and blinked slowly, the night sky blurred in my vision. An overwhelming sense of peace overcame my heart, and I wept. I could hear footsteps thundering toward me as Theos came into my vision. His hand swept my bangs to the side and he lifted me to his chest. Energy vibrated between us, confirming what we already knew.

"So it's true." He whispered. "You're my half-soul." He held me close for what seemed like an eternity before a glimmer of light interrupted the perfection of night. Gem had returned with our most precious cargo. I asked for help to stand, walking to Thedia and wrapped her in my arms. My world was complete.

Several Centuries Later

Thedia

For centuries, my mother and father ruled the underworld together, restoring faith and good-will in all areas of the kingdom, not just those near the palace. For many centuries after the cleansing, the underworld never knew what had happened in the Far Forest that night, though rumors flew and speculation continued to run rampant. Finally, my mother spoke out about her people, and found she wasn't the last of the Okiyah, after all.

Hidden from the majority of the underworld on a small island well out of palace reach, Mom found her ancestral heritage and learned much more than she realized. You see, my mother and Virtue were never separate entities, and were always meant to be as 1. The elders assured her that balance had been restored after her suffering, and she could live in peace with her half-soul for an immortal life of leadership or she could move to the after-life with my Father and allow me to rise to the throne. Mother and Theos' chose the latter, and trusted me to ascend to the throne and honor their legacy with dignity and strength. To continue to maintain peace, balance, and equality whenever possible. My mother taught me to be the voice of reason, and my father taught me to rule with character and virtue. Virtue taught me to lead with ferocity and choose to see the opportunity for restoration. Rarely, if ever, is something completely lost or destroyed.

Urlo, however, has taught me that oppression is overrated and our people deserve freedom. His voice rings louder and louder every day. One day, our people will be free and the gates will no longer protect the crossing. Humans will learn, one way or another.

But, that is a story for another day.