Anniken

A stranger stands before me. Where I expected Tobias.
The ground beneath him is torn apart. A ring of flames spreads around him, symbols carved into the earth. The firelight reveals him clearly-a middle-aged man, striking in appearance, but his clothes are worn and filthy.
He continues speaking in a language I've never heard.
The air vibrates.
And I understand who he is.
This is the curse.
He raises his hands. Lightning crashes down around him. Thunderous booms echo. Flames surge higher. The grass beneath me browns and withers. Leaves shrivel on the trees.
He laughs loudly-then looks straight at me. His expression completely calm.
I frown.
"The world is not worth saving," he says. "Humanity is not worth saving."
His voice is steady as he continues:
"The curse began long before you were born. All who were sent to save the world failed."
He laughs. "Just like you will."
"Weak. Afraid. Dishonest-dark at heart, every last one of you."
I lift my chin and meet his gaze. This is a power game.
"You think I'm lying?"
I remain silent.
"He's hiding something from you."
My body is hurled backward. I hit the ground like a rag doll. My eyes roll back as familiar darkness closes in.
Lift the curse.
The same voice from my earlier visions-but weaker now.
Something is wrong.
I can feel it.