Silver awoke with a gasp, opened his eye, and found himself surrounded by an army of doctors tending to his injuries. He was in excruciating pain all over his body. His arm was almost severed. They were able to stop the blood and began to stitch his various deep wounds.

  “Ugh... what… happened to Terny?” he rasped.

  One of the doctors addressed him, “Terny? You mean that Ferenzial you were fighting? She’s gone. Disappeared right after you struck her.”

  “Oh… I see…” Silver said, wincing in pain.

  “You just lay still. You were stabbed multiple times. Honestly, you should be dead.”

  Silver groaned in agony as a sharp pain ran through his chest. “Feels… like I’m still being stabbed…”

  “It’s all we can do for you…”

  They eventually finished stitching up his wounds and began to bandage him up. The wolf was still quite exhausted from the whole ordeal. The doctors continued to stand around him in wonder by how exactly he lived through such an onslaught of blades.

  “Step aside.” A melodious voice echoed through the dimly lit chamber, smooth yet commanding.

  “Apologies, Queen Artemis,” the doctors said, moving aside.

  Silver tried to sit up but winced in discomfort. “Uh… what? The Queen?”

  “Yeah, the Queen is here. She wants to talk to you.”

  “What!? How’s me fur!?” Silver said in a panic.

  “Valiant warrior, do not fret over your fur.”

  Silver barely turned his head to see a figure standing near his bedside, glowing softly—flowing red hair, a perfect human face, and massive white wings that twitched elegantly at her back. Swirling cerulean eyes watched him with an unsettling knowingness. Amaranth armor gleamed even in the low light. She looked like Tyr. Too much like her.

  Silver swallowed hard, exhaling through his nose. “Me Forever Queen,” he muttered, voice hoarse. His body barely allowed for a respectful nod, let alone a bow. “Silver, at yer service. I’d stand an’ greet ya proper, but… well, reckon ya can see the issue.”

  Artemis stepped closer with a fluid grace, her presence too gentle for royalty, yet carrying an undeniable force. “At ease, dear warrior. You fought well.” She let her gaze linger on him, assessing. “I must say, that last fight was quite… peculiar. Wouldn’t you say?”

  Silver huffed weakly, trying for a smirk but barely managing. “Weren’t nothin’. I was just lookin’ for me sister. Turned out she was…” He hesitated, feeling the importance of the moment. “Possessed, I say.”

  “Ah, that was your sister, was it? Yes, I could tell something was strong between you.” Her eyes gazed along his bandaged body. “Looks like you held up well enough in the end.”

  He let his eyes drop to his body, bloody matted fur, and bandages wrapped around that were slowly bleeding through. He looked back at Artemis’s enchanting eyes. “How… am I alive, anyway?”

  “How, indeed. That is what I’d like to know.” Artemis folded her arms, tilting her head slightly. “And yet, now that I see the blade you carry, things became much clearer. There is more to you than at first meets the eye.”

  Silver followed her gaze to his side. The blade rested beside him. “Whaddya mean? Is there… somethin’ ‘bout this here blade?”

  “It is the Black Katana,” Artemis murmured. “Tell me, warrior… how exactly did you come across such a blade?”

  Silver’s ear twitched, though he kept his expression neutral. “That’d be me father’s blade. He was very secretive and didn’t tell much ‘bout his… occupation. Not sure where he got it, me Forever Queen. ”

  A small, knowing smile touched her lips. “Please. Artemis will do.”

  “Aye… Artemis.”

  She knelt slightly, her fingers barely brushing the air above the weapon, as if she were testing its presence rather than touching it. “I see. Yes, this ancient mystical blade. I believe one of its abilities was that it can exchange life from one to another. But only if they’re both succumbing towards death.”

  Silver blinked slowly. “Ah… what? Ya mean, that’s how I’m still alive?”

  A soft chuckle escaped her lips. “So it would seem. I, for one, am not privy to the details of how the blade works, but judging based on the events that transpired. That would appear to be the case. Quite the blade indeed.”

  Before he could process the importance of her words, Artemis raised her other hand. His breath hitched at what she held—Enlongnius. His stomach knotted.

  Her eyes gleamed. “Surely, my warrior, you know of this blade too.”

  His voice came out quieter than intended. “Aye… Reckon I do.”

  Artemis’s expression never wavered. She lowered herself to sit beside him, slow and deliberate, her wings folding neatly behind her. “It is a strange thing… Tell me, how exactly did you come to know of it?”

  Silver hesitated. Something about this conversation felt too intentional. “Vol had it,” he said carefully. “Him and me father found it in some old ruins. Me thinks it curses its wielder. I do. Not sure how me sister came across it, being dead ‘n all.”

  Artemis gave a slow nod, her gaze unreadable. “I see… And that is all you know of the blade?”

  Silver’s body tensed despite the exhaustion weighing on him. “Yes… that be all.”

  Artemis’s smile didn’t subside, but something sparkled behind her eyes—satisfaction, amusement, maybe even curiosity. “Did you know it was forged by one of extraordinary power? The Black Katana as well. An exemplary creator crafted both blades”

  Silver’s jaw tightened. “I see… I have heard the legend of mystical weapons back in the days of the Chimeran War…”

  She studied him, tilting her head slightly. “But that is not the only reason why you are not surprised by any of what I am saying...”

  Silver let out a slow breath. “Nah. Can’t say I’m surprised.”

  “Because you know of the legend, and you know of others of remarkable power. Do you not?”

  Silver’s ear twitched. He forced his face to remain neutral, though his exhaustion made it difficult. “Aye, madam… I been travelin’ with one of ‘em.”

  Artemis rolled her shoulders to spread her wings just slightly in a display of presence. “One that resembles the Furthians? One that looks… a bit like me?”

  Silver clenched his teeth as a shot of searing pain cascaded through his ribs. “Aye… that be true.”

  There. A glimmer of something in her expression. Pleased? “I see.” Artemis exhaled, leaning back slightly. “Yes, that does concur with what my subordinates, Roak and Fugg, have told me.”

  Silver’s chest tightened. Roak and Fugg. The notorious traitors to her highness? Why are they now… subordinates? He thought there must be some reasoning to this.

  She decided to change the subject as she could tell Silver held back about their current topic. “Tell me, dear warrior. How would you like to be a part of my elite guard? You did win the contest after all.”

  “Aye, that would be greatly appreciated, it would.” He said with a hearty tone. “But ya see, I do need to get back to me friend…”

  “Your friend. You mean to tell me that you would decline your Queen… for your friend?”

  His eye widened. “No, ma’am! I mean to say–”

  She laughed hysterically at his stuttering and placed a dainty hand on his shoulder, “Dear me, that was hilarious. I am joking! Of course, you must see to your friend. Surely, you owe him a great debt.”

  “Now that ya mention it, he did say… he wanted an audience with ya.”

  “Is that so, an audience with the Queen? Hmm,” she thought for a moment, “Yes, I believe an audience with me would do nicely. Is that a formal request from my warrior to his Queen?”

  “Aye!”

  “So be it.” She leaned down. “So tell me about your friend…. Is it by chance Sebooro I keep hearing about?”

  “Aye… yes, he is ‘ceptionally powerful. He’s not able to fly… wings be broken, sire. And yes, some seem to think it is Sebooro incarnate.” Silver nodded respectfully. “But… I think it impossible… Sebooro disappeared…right?”

  “That is how the legend goes. For I was the one to witness it.” She chuckled to herself, “Timelessness can do that to you.”

  “Aye, yes. I can see that bein’ the case. But ya look like ya haven’t aged a day.”

  “You sure are kind to your Queen. Yes, it’s true. I do not age. I was… made this way…” She looked on through the corner of her eye at the curious Chimerans. They instantly realized that they were being too nosy and went back to their business of tidying up the clinic area.

  “Aye… I see… lotsa mysterious things…”

  She then stood to her feet, “Come, walk with me.”

  “I... uh...” he could barely move.

  “Oh, right, silly me! Here.” She pressed her hand upon his chest. A moment later, she lifted it.

  “Oh…” Silver was now able to move his arm that was almost severed and felt around his body, it was tender but bearable. It was placed in a sling, and he was able to stand. The doctors couldn’t believe their eyes. They bowed and worshiped Artemis. But she looked on, like it was just another day being Queen. Her focal point was Silver, after all. The latest addition to her elite crew.

  “How does that feel?” she said with a smile.

  “Feels perfect! Ya really are somethin’ else me Queen – I mean, Artemis, me liege.”

  She mused, “Great. Now. Come. Walk with me.”

  “Yes, me liege.” He said, gathering his things. The pain was mostly gone except for a twinge now and again. Once he gathered his things, he joined her to leave the clinic. As they left the room, they headed to the bathing area. She walked with him, leading him to it.

  “Surely you know that our world is beginning to succumb to strange forces. The appearance of one thought to be Sebooro in the dark forest near Artemis Roost for one. The curse of the woods, waters, and caves for another. The fire-breathing Rezzo that terrorized the neighboring cities was suddenly subdued by the one they call Sebooro and his friends. And then, of course, the humans…”

  “Aye, yes, me friend and I… we did travel through one of them forests. Quite the dangerous place indeed. Almost lost our lives, well I almost did. Me friend is made of somethin’ else.” He chuckled and continued to share, “Then… we subdued that fire-breathin’ Rezzo… turns out to be much more complicated… Seems Kaiden be one them leaders, sayin’ they be accountin’ us. Says he’s been tryin’ to reach ya.”

  She nodded as she was not surprised by any of what he said, “Yes, that does align with what I’ve heard.” She glanced away in thought. “Kaiden… was an old friend. He came by earlier requesting an audience, but I gracefully declined. I will not be seen speaking with humans again, not after what I’ve heard about their… activities.”

  “All this bein’ sad, what would yer majesty have of me?”

  She smiled knowingly, “So glad you asked. You are a part of my elite guard. There is something coming. Something unseen. Something big. It is going to end up becoming the end of this world if left unchecked. But we will not allow it. I had to be sure that whoever I onboarded would be up to the task, as was the purpose of the contest. How lucky I am to have met you, for you are the connection to the one known as Sebooro. I fully believe this. So, I ask you now, as your Queen, for you to bring me the one called Sebooro.” She stopped for a moment and examined him, “But first, I would like for you to take a bath. You look and smell like you’ve been put through hell and back.”

  “Aye, milady!”

  “Also, I would like you to take my escort. It is outside Coliseum. A chariot carried by Furthians. They will be able to take you to wherever you wish. I would prefer that you use them to bring your friend… and anyone else that may be with you.”

  Silver was shocked by this statement about the chariot. Not long ago, this was mentioned by Dante. He nodded.

  “Once you meet back with your friend, please come to the Quadraseph. Take your place as my elite guard! You know where it is, correct?”

  “Yes, me liege. I do as ya say!”

  “Great. Make haste. I expect you shortly.” She stood briefly for a moment and then gracefully turned away.

  “Yes, ma’am!” He said excitedly as he turned to make his way to the bathing chamber, stepping inside with a slow, deliberate pace. The scent of steam and herbal oils filled the air, mixing with the faint traces of blood–some his, some not–still clinging to him. The water was drawn in a wide stone basin, warmed by natural heat vents beneath the Coliseum. It wasn’t a luxury afforded to all, but a warrior who reached the final rounds was given some privileges.

  Silver eased himself into the water, wincing as the heat met his wounds. The initial sting gave way to a dull, soothing ache, and he let out a low sigh. He submerged himself briefly, letting the grime and dried blood loosen from his fur, then scrubbed himself clean with slow, deliberate movements. The warmth seeped into his sore muscles, easing the tension that had settled into his limbs. For the first time since entering this damned tournament, he allowed himself to relax.

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  After what felt like minutes but could have been an hour, he stepped out, gently shaking the excess water from his fur before wrapping himself in a clean cloth. A medical professional was already waiting for him outside, their hands swift but careful as they applied fresh bandages over the deeper wounds. The sting of medicinal paste burned against his raw cuts, but he hardly reacted. His arm was still sore and required the use of the sling, but he paid it no mind.

  Once he was tended to, he made his way out of the Coliseum. It was still as lively as ever. In fact, many of the Chimerans that watched the show were there to cheer him on. They loved his battle prowess, and many wanted his autograph. He wasn’t used to such attention, but that was okay. It was worth it. He then allowed the big Athros guards to escort him to a chariot. The vehicle was a marvel of Furthian craftsmanship—an open-air carriage powered not by wheels but by a team of Furthians who would carry it over the land. The structure itself was reinforced with light metals, designed to be both sturdy and agile.

  Silver climbed aboard, sinking into the cushioned seat with a deep groan. The Furthians at the front turned their heads slightly, awaiting his command. They showed him a crude drawing of what looked to be a map. The Chimerans may have been mighty, but they were no cartographers. He winced as he pointed to a place on the map.

  They gave a short nod, understanding without further instruction. With that, the chariot lurched forward, the rhythmic pounding of the Furthians’ flapping set a steady pace.

  Silver leaned his head back, watching as the Coliseum grew smaller behind him. The cheers, the bloodshed, the tension—it all faded away, reduced to just another memory. The wind rushed past him, carrying the scent of the open sky. He barely registered it, his body surrendered to exhaustion.

  He let his eye drift closed, his mind hazy with the weight of everything that had happened. He sighed one last time before finally letting sleep take him.

  The memory faded.

  Dante and Ezekiel were staring at him. “Think he’ll wake up?” Dante asked Ezekiel.

  “Hard to say. Mind Transference on lesser beings does take a bit to recover from.”

  “You’re telling me this now?” Dante furrowed his brow and raised his hands.

  “My apologies… I, uh, am still tired from earlier…” Ezekiel said sheepishly. Dante rolled his eyes and focused on Silver, hoping that he would wake soon. It had already been two hours since Dante awoke from the memory. Silver must’ve needed his rest.

  Another hour later, Silver sat up, startled, looking around the Den in a daze. “Oi, how long was I out?”

  “Not that long,” Dante said. “Right, Ezekiel?”

  He nodded.

  “What all happened, anyway?” Silver asked, stretching as much as his body could handle.

  “A lot. I saw pretty much everything about your life. I must say, you came from quite a tragic background. And congrats on the fight and becoming Artemis’s elite guard.”

  “Ah. I see. Ya saw all that, huh?”

  Dante looked on, thinking about what he was going to say next. “Yeah, but about the Queen…”

  “Right. The Queen wanted to meetcha!”

  “The thing is… your Queen… she looks a lot like the person that gave me this power. Which means…”

  “Most likely a trap,” Ezekiel grumbled.

  “Most likely.” Dante agreed. “You all keep seeing me as someone that I am not. But she seems to think something else entirely, according to the memory.”

  Even though Ozma said all that about my other selves… apparently there are hundreds… maybe one is here. But what does it all mean… Dante thought to himself.

  “But that… would be impossible, right? I mean, from what ya said. Just doesn’t seem right. Me thinks it would be best to see the Queen!”

  “Yeah, I know. I saw your memory. I saw it all.” Dante leaned and pressed his hands to his face. “I just don’t think I’m ready…”

  “So… ya ain’t gonna go?”

  “I don’t know. I have to think about this. A lot has happened since, ya know… everything. I don’t want to jump into anything. I still have questions for Ezekiel about his memories.” He glanced at the dragon, then to Silver, “Yours were at least clear as to what was going on. I guess it gives us another angle. Perhaps this Artemis isn’t who we think she is? Or maybe… she could help?”

  “It's quid pro quo, Dante.” Silver said with a grin. “That’s one of our laws of the land, no one does nothin’ for free.”

  “Except of course this free gear…”

  “Ya earned that! ‘Member?”

  “Right… the bar fight where all I did was stand there and take a hit.”

  Silver chuckled at the recollection.

  Ezekiel sighed. “I suggest we keep moving, though. Knowing the Kaleidoscopians, they would have discovered us by now if they were not already on their way. They are particularly keen at locating me, and I do not have my full abilities yet.”

  Dante nodded again. “That’s true… They seem to be able to pass through alternate realities, from what I remember about the Celestia and the Subnet. If they were going to attack, they would have already. They have a lot of power. And wouldn’t think twice to destroy a world. That being said, something smells funny about all of it.”

  “Indeed,” Ezekiel grumbled low.

  Dante thought about what to do. It wasn’t a good idea to sit around. They’ve been sitting around a long time already. Over a week it has been, and then a day or so when Silver returned. Sitting around thinking wasn’t going to solve anything, and he knew it. He stared at a wall, unsure of his next step. Everything was screaming at him that it was a trap to go to Artemis. It was all too convenient. But what more could he do? Sit around and wait for the enemy to come to him? No. He wasn’t going to run. Not anymore. If Artemis is the enemy, then he is not going down without a fight. He came too far to just roll over and give up. Even with his power diminished, there was still power within him, and it was growing. It was still a possibility to win. He had Ezekiel on his side. He finally made a decision.

  “Alright, guys. I think… I’ve come to a decision.”

  “All ears, mate.” Silver said with a grin.

  Ezekiel knew what was going to happen. “You want to meet Artemis.”

  “Yes. I say we go. If she’s bad, then we fight her. If she's good. Then she can help us. Fifty-fifty chance, right? Better than sitting here, waiting for the enemy to come kill us. Right? At least we would have a fighting chance meeting them head on versus being ambushed while we sit on our asses.”

  Silver stood and winced, “Ya do realize, if she is bad… ya would make enemies with all of Chimera.”

  “Even you?” Dante mused.

  Silver shrugged and chuckled, “Mebbe yer the bad guy, eh?”

  Dante smiled, “Wanna find out?”

  Silver winced. “Right now… no.”

  “Anyway, if she turns out to be the enemy, then I guess that is that. We’d all become enemies. I really wouldn’t want it to come to that. So let’s assume that she's NOT the enemy.”

  Silver shrugged. “I can live with that.”

  “Great, well, I’m gonna be ready for anything. That’s what I’m going to do. What about you, Ezekiel?”

  “Fair enough. I, too, do not want to sit around waiting for Sophitia to kill us. Besides, if it is a way I can atone for my crimes. Then I am onboard.”

  “Great. Okay, well, let’s move out!”

  Silver gathered some supplies before the three headed out. He walked with a slight limp, his red cloak draped over the bandages wrapped around his arm and legs. He scratched at the edge of a bandage on his head absently before grumbling and lowering his hand.

  “Are… you gonna make it, Silver?” Dante said as he watched him limp out of the door.

  “What, ya think I’m some kinda invalid?” He barked.

  “Nah, just gimpy…” Dante joked as he followed them both out the door. “I just–”

  He stopped in his tracks as they were all struck with such a sight. The Chariot was still there waiting for them! And next to the chariot stood a couple of the Furthians. The rest were in the sky, keeping a watchful eye over the area.

  “Whoa! How long have you guys been here?” Dante said in shock.

  The leader of the Furthian group stepped forward. “Not long. You see, Queen Artemis told us to bring Champion Silver and anyone with him back to the Quadraseph.” He sized up Dante, “You must be Sebooro?”

  “I… uh… sure… I’m Sebooro…” Dante gave up trying to correct every single living being. It was just easier to live with the name. “And this is Ezekiel… he’s also the one that took down the flying Rezzo.”

  “Praise Artemis, you saved all our lives!” The Furthians cheered.

  Ezekiel looked on, unsure what to make of it. Guess he gave up on trying to correct others, too. Not like they would understand a thing he said anyway; it would be too much effort to constantly have to do mind transference on every chance meeting, so he left it up to Dante to translate whenever he needed to speak.

  Dante nodded. “So you’ll take us to the Quadraseph?”

  “That’s the plan. Hop aboard!” The leader Furthian said as they leaped into action, preparing for lift off.

  “Dante, I can fly. I do not want to be carried,” Ezekiel added.

  “Sure, sounds like this trip is gonna be great!” He was excited to finally have something go right for a change.

  With a powerful surge, they launched into the air, their muscular bodies cutting through the dense woodland canopy. Leaves scattered in their wake as the towering trees blurred beneath them. The ground shrank rapidly, the sprawling forest unfurling like a vast, painted canvas of deep greens and rolling hills. Rivers cut through the land like silver veins, winding between untouched valleys and dense thickets.

  The wind howled past, tugging at Silver’s fur, the force of their ascent sending a thrill through his tired body. He gripped the side of the chariot as they climbed higher, catching glimpses of the land stretching endlessly toward the horizon.

  Dante could smell the scent of pine and damp earth filling the air, mingling with the crispness of the high altitude. Below, the great forests stretched toward the distant peaks, their rugged beauty unmarred by civilization. It was a place that reminded him of something long forgotten—a world without the presence of men and machines, where the land itself breathed freely.

  He stood at the edge of the chariot, silent, his dark hair whipping against the wind. His glowing blue eyes reflected the moonlight, unreadable as he gazed toward the distant mountain range marking their destination.

  Silver exhaled slowly, his body still aching from the contest, but for now, he allowed himself to take in the view. Somehow, he wasn’t scared of heights anymore, which was refreshing. He could be at ease as they flew through the sky. The chariot soared onward toward the Quadraseph, which was far, far to the north.

  “The Quadraseph’s somethin’ else,” expert Silver said. “Biggest city this side o’ the Chimerans. Useta be some old human tower way back, but we done fixed it up. Furthians live there mostly, since the Queen calls it home.”

  “Sounds impressive,” Ezekiel said as he thought about it being a place he may have flown over and possibly tried to destroy.

  Silver huffed. “Yeah, well, ‘impressive’ don’t make it closer. Though we got this flying chariot, we gotta cross a helluva lot ‘fore we even see it.” He jabbed a clawed finger ahead. “We’re talkin’ forests full o’ creeps, rogues prowlin’ round waitin’ to gut ya, and then there’s the wasteland—almost nothin’ but dirt an’ bones far as ya can see. Used ta be ol’ farmin’ lands the humans used to the point that the land all withered away. There is an old Rezzo town and a few oases.”

  Dante sighed. “So basically, we’re in for a long and miserable trip.”

  “Nothin’ we can’t handle, eh? Sides, there is at least a long beach we’ll be passin’ by could be a nice relaxin’ spot.” Silver joked.

  “Never cease to amaze, Silver. Glad you survived.” Dante said with a grin.

  “Not rid me yet. Ya still owe me for the guidin’. Don’t think I ferget.”

  “Oh, right, still got that treasure-hunting sense, eh?”

  “O’course.”

  During the trip, Dante and Ezekiel were often lost in quiet contemplation, their gazes fixed on the endless sprawl of wilderness beneath them. Silver, on the other hand, leaned lazily against the side of the chariot, smoking his pipe, the embers glowing faintly in the cool night air. The rhythmic beating of the Furthians’ wings had become a soothing backdrop, their powerful forms silhouetted against the star-speckled sky.

  Hours passed, and fatigue began to settle in. As the moonlight bathed the land in silver hues, a town emerged below, its warmly lit streets glistening like scattered fireflies amidst the darkness. Smoke curled from chimneys, and Owl Furthians greeted them.

  Silver stretched. “Looks like a good spot to rest,” he muttered, exhaling a stream of smoke into the wind. Dante gave a single nod, while Ezekiel said nothing, merely watching as the Furthians began their descent.

  The landing was smooth, touching down just outside the town limits near a small clearing. As the chariot met solid earth, they let out deep, exhausted huffs. Silver ran a hand through his fur, shaking off the lingering chill from the high-altitude winds. He slowly moved off the chariot and stretched his limbs before patting the Furthian leader on the shoulder. “Good work, lads. Ya earned this rest.”

  While Dante and Ezekiel remained near the chariot, Silver took it upon himself to wander into town. The streets were quiet but not lifeless; a few late-night wanderers moved between taverns and shops, their voices carrying in the crisp air. The scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meat wafted from an open inn door, and Silver’s stomach reminded him that he was starving. He grinned, stepped inside, eager to boast about his hard-won championship to anyone willing to listen.

  Outside, the Furthians settled onto the soft earth, folding their wings as they rested their tired bodies.

  Dante sauntered over to Ezekiel as they stepped over some stony landscape. “Doing okay? I mean… for the most part?”

  Ezekiel turned his gaze toward Dante, his golden eyes reflecting the dim light around them. “Yes. And I appreciate your concern… and your willingness to have me among you.”

  Dante waved a hand. “By all means. I was just thinking about your story. I mean, I can relate… but only with the whole ‘end of the world’ part. I wasn’t a warrior. Didn’t live by some code of honor. I just kind of… coasted. I was never leader material.”

  Ezekiel studied him for a long moment before nodding. “What was your world like, Dante?”

  Dante sighed, glancing down. “Mine? Well… full of machines. Cars, pollution. People were always staring at screens—talking through them, playing games through them. It was all… hollow.” His voice quieter. “I didn’t make any difference. Hell, I added to the problem.”

  Ezekiel listened with quiet patience, then responded, “It seems your world was one of consumption rather than connection. You call it advanced, yet you describe stagnation. That, to me, is a world in its twilight.”

  Dante frowned, shifting uncomfortably. “Yeah… I guess you could call it that.”

  Ezekiel inclined his head. “Ours was the first world, but it functioned differently. It was alive with power, unpredictable, unshackled. Other worlds… they do not work the same way. They run along set guidelines. Controlled.”

  Dante’s expression darkened. “Like a prison…”

  Ezekiel let out a slow breath. “Perhaps. I have known that feeling well.” He folded his hands together. “But surely you do not feel trapped here?”

  Dante hesitated. “I don’t know. I don’t feel like my choices are making much of a difference. Like I’m just moving from one thing to the next because I have to. Like it’s already been decided.” He clenched his jaw. “And compared to your world? Yeah, mine was primitive. It had technology, sure, but no mystery, no magic. Just people chasing the next big thing, like it would somehow fill the void. But it never did. It was never enough.” He exhaled, shaking his head. “I know I didn’t do much with my life. Didn’t explore. Didn’t push myself. And then, when it came time to step up, I failed.”

  Ezekiel’s voice was steady. “Did you?”

  Dante blinked at him.

  “You believe yourself to be at fault for the fall of your world, but tell me—was it truly within your power to stop it? Or were you simply there to witness it?”

  Dante rubbed his face. “I don’t know. Maybe if I’d wanted it enough, I could’ve stopped it.” He let out a bitter laugh. “Or maybe that’s just me trying to make myself more important than I really was.”

  Ezekiel leaned forward slightly. “Dante, listen to me. You cannot damn yourself for failing to halt a force greater than you. No one being, no matter how strong, can single-handedly hold back the tide.”

  Dante scoffed. “You sure? ‘Cause it sounds like you think fate is predetermined.”

  Ezekiel shook his head. “I think fate is a river. It has a current that is strong and relentless, but we are not stones caught in its flow. We can swim, we can fight, we can carve out our own path within it. Ozma believed it was folly to try. That all things were set in stone. But I reject that notion.”

  Dante crossed his arms. “Even though he could see time itself?”

  “Yes.” Ezekiel’s voice was firm. “Because knowledge is not the same as control. He may have seen countless possibilities, but he lacked the will to act. He allowed himself to become an observer.”

  Dante exhaled slowly. “So you’re saying… even if we knew what was coming, it wouldn’t matter unless we had the strength to do something about it?”

  Ezekiel nodded. “Precisely.”

  Dante mulled that over, then smirked. “Man, you really make me feel like a brooding idiot sometimes.”

  Ezekiel gave a small, knowing smile. “You are not an idiot. You are questioning your place, your purpose. That is not a weakness. That is growth.”

  Dante hummed in thought. “Maybe. But what is actually pulling the strings?”

  Ezekiel sighed. “Truly, what is pulling the strings?” He chuckled to himself, “Right now, our course is clear. We must meet Artemis, learn her nature, and see if she will stand with us. And when the time comes, we will face Sophitia… and we will win.”

  Dante met his gaze, the conversation settling between them. Then, with a small nod, he said, “I think you’ll redeem yourself, Ezekiel. And I’ll be with you every step of the way. You have my word on that.”

  Ezekiel inclined his head. “Then let us rest, my friend. The future is still ours to shape.”

  “Yeah, let’s do that,” Dante said as he sat down against a tree stump. The Furthians made themselves a campfire and tended to their own needs. Silver eventually came around, inebriated, smoking, chuckling to himself. It was nice to see how carefree he became. The old wolf sat with the Furthians. They talked about their various hobbies until finally sleep came.

  Then came morning…