“Violence is not the answer. Many fathers have mistreated many sons in similar manners–it is not what the Great Creator ever intended,” the masculine voice said.
“The Ancients are bound in many ways; they follow laws, given by the Creator. A human being’s right to choose what they do, whether that be good or bad, it is not something Ancients can control.” She paused. “You have two paths before you, Caidian, Prince–two paths, and this choice will be the deciding factor for you.”
“Two paths? I see one, one where I die right here.” I looked around.
She walked closer and placed a hand on my shoulder, her hood still covering her face. The man was silent behind her. There was something electric about her touch; she buzzed, as if every single molecule in my body reacted to her.
I looked up, trying to make out her face, but still, it was hidden in the hood’s shadow. Who is she? I thought.
“Two paths, prince. On one path, you truly become soulless. Take the other, and you find your soul.”
I was listening. I wanted a soul more than anything.
“How do I claim my soul?”
“You have tasks to accomplish. It will be a long and difficult process, but you are a patient one. The inner strength you have is unlike any we have seen before. This is one reason why you have been chosen.” She moved her hand away, and I missed the sensation of her touch instantly.
Who is she? What is she? Before I could ask those questions, I needed to know how to save myself, how to find my soul.
“What do I have to do?”
“You must rid a new realm, called Earth, of the corrupt before the corruptor can steal the powers from their souls.”
“Earth?”
“It is another realm, also made by the Creator, similar to Terra–and some Terrans have made their homes there. Unfortunately, Earth is not familiar with our ways. They have a long way to go before they can be blessed with melodies; however, many Terrans who have gone to live upon this Earth end up corrupting their souls because of the realm's dangerous ways. The ways of Earth are different for those who have soul’s melodies, and although we knew the risk was great—we sent many others there in an attempt to keep them all safe. But many have fallen to the corruptor.”
The things she said confused me. Another realm? Sending people away from Terra? I would do whatever it took to find my soul. I would save who I must and travel any distance, even to another world.
“How will I save them?”
“With this.” She held out a metal chain with a black crystal pendant, dangling from it. “This is a midnight crystal, and it can only be used by an heir of Terra, which is you.” She was quiet for a moment. “You are the only one who can complete this task, Heir Prince. We need you. There are other midnight crystals just like this on the Earth, and you must find them so that you can save your people.” She clutched my hands in hers as she placed the crystal inside them. Her hands were so soft and warm, and as she touched my bare skin, she made my entire body buzz again, and I wanted her to never let go.
“How?” I asked as she moved away from me, the rock cold within my palm. I wanted her to touch me again. The feeling of her skin upon mine was one I had never known before, and I liked it, even craved it; I needed it.
“Find the crystals; find the corrupt of your people, and relieve them of their souls’ melodies. As you do this, you will eventually stumble upon a way back to Terra, and you must return. I am here, ever waiting for your return, prince.”
“I don't understand—I know very little about–everything, anything. You see—I have been kept from even knowing Terra and from its people for most of my life.”
“Terra is crumbling. The ancient heirs are becoming corrupted. In order to stop it, we must defeat the corruptor. It will take many hands to defeat him—including your hands, Prince Cadian.”
I watched as her head dropped to her chest, and then lifted back up, and she peered up into the ceiling. I listened to her intently as her voice changed. So beautiful and captivating was the sound of her voice in song. The words she sang were similar to those I had heard Hava sing:
When souls do wear their open shields,
When Knights their swords no longer wield
When false heirs rule, the true heirs are lost
There is still one hope but at such great cost.
The lost must be found—
Their Souls forever bound.
So–Cast out the dark–
Two melodies shall mark
