As their steps echoed on polished beige stone floors, faintly veined with gold, Cassidy's breath caught at the sight of the Golden Palace's grandeur. The tall, soft blue walls—gilded with delicate white and gold accents—exuded a timeless luxury. She paused, taking it all in, her eyes drawn upward to the high, arched ceiling.
The ivory cream expanse gleamed softly in the light, adorned with intricate mouldings that stretched the length of the walls. Golden latticework formed radiant suns, their brilliance a testament to the palace's majesty. The sheer beauty stirred something deep within Cassidy—her dad would have cherished this moment, she mused.
"Yeah... your dad's a bit of a history buff, isn't he?" Angel said with a faint chuckle, his unease flickering beneath the surface. His gaze lingered ahead, tense and pensive, bracing for their imminent meeting with 'His Highness.'
Emily walked silently behind the group, her thoughts elsewhere. Supporting Devin as they moved forward, she couldn't stop herself from stealing glances at him. His dark brown eyes had always unsettled her, but now, as she gazed into his empty crimson pearls, a chill ran down her spine. Concern flickered in her amber eyes as a thought tugged at her mind: What's going on in that head of yours, Devin?
Deep within Devin's crimson eyes, the void stretched endlessly.
Whip! "Dev!"
Whip! "Dev!!!"
Whip!
"Devin…"
Back in the grand hallway, the group paused as they reached the exquisite polished ebony double doors.
Knock. Knock. Knock. Douglas rapped on the solid wood before addressing the man on the other side. "Your Highness, I have brought our honoured guests."
Douglas waited patiently until the man's deep yet gentle voice responded from within: "Please, come in."
Gripping the pure bronze handles, Douglas pushed the double doors open, revealing the opulent room beyond. For a moment, no one moved, their breath held as the grandeur unfolded before them.
Gold and crystal chandeliers bathed the expansive room in a warm, golden glow, their light glinting off the polished ebony dining table. The table stretched impressively long, its edges adorned with delicate gold leaf accents, while a strip of inlaid lapis lazuli ran its length, catching the flicker of the chandelier light.
The group's eyes widened at the dazzling display of food laid out on golden platters, the rich aroma of spiced meats and freshly baked bread weaved through the air. Goblets, crafted from gold and brimming with deep red wine, shimmered enticingly under the warm glow. A collective gasp escaped them, surprised by the luxurious offerings.
"I am glad you are all pleased by my homeland's hospitality," the man at the head of the table spoke with calm authority, drawing their gazes upward toward him.
His brown skin glimmered like gold, and his golden eyes reflected Angel's and the others' weary faces. His flowing blond hair rested on his shoulders as he smiled warmly. Placing a hand on his shoulder, he said, "As a representative of our Great Kemet, I thank you all for your patience and for joining me at this fine dinner."
He gestured to the seats closest to him and requested, "Please, have a seat."
'Is this just the calm before the storm?' Angel wondered, complying with the host and taking the seat closest to the seat of honour, the others filing in silently behind him.
The man waited until they all took their seats, with Emily guiding Devin to the end of the row, before settling into his chair. Douglas stood silently behind him, his measured breaths filling the quiet room. Angel and the others sat in tense anticipation, awaiting the man's words.
"I am Statheros Harib Amun," he began, his calm voice carrying a quiet authority. "The first prince of Kemet—and the one entrusted with ensuring your care."
"So what's really going on here, Your Highness?" Angel cut through the silence, his tone firm yet curious. Aidan froze, his gaze darting nervously between Angel and the prince. Talking like that to a figure of power—especially a prince—could land them all in trouble.
Statheros's golden eyes fixed on Angel. A faint chuckle escaped him, followed by a sigh. "I admire your directness," he said before his voice turned cold. "Our world is in danger."
'I called it!' Aidan's heart leapt, as Angel and the other's collectively gasped.
Statheros continued, "Every ten thousand years, our world faces a cataclysm—a destructive force that threatens to swallow it whole." His gaze swept across the group, weighing their reactions. "Through the ages, our world has endured, birthing gods who ensured its stability. Yet now, a new cataclysm looms—one more destructive than any before."
His words hung heavy in the air. Emily's amber eyes gleamed with unease as she leaned forward. "What makes this one different? Why is it so dangerous?" she asked, her voice steady but edged with concern.
"The magnitude," Statheros replied with a weary sigh, clasping his hands before him. "Throughout history, whether it was Vehin's god ending the war of good and evil or our Sun God Amun eradicating the spawns, it has never taken more than ten champions to overcome the darkness."
"And now?" Angel pressed, his tone resolute.
Statheros's eyes darkened, the golden glow dimming as he met Angel's gaze. "It's been confirmed—each of the six official realms now have five champions. Thirty in total."
"Damn!" Aidan blurted, his voice breaking the silence as a collective gasp escaped the others.
"But how do we fit into all of this? How are we—suddenly champions—supposed to save the world?" Angel fired off, his frustration mounting at the thought of being forced to risk his life, especially with Cassidy at his side.
"I saw you all through Great Amun's revelations," Statheros replied, his golden gaze steady as it swept over the group. "Angel Britanstein, Cassidy Becker, Aidan Gabriel Galice, Emily Watson, and Devin Draik." His eyes lingered on Devin for a moment longer before continuing.
"Now…" Statheros rose from his seat, his presence commanding. "I understand your concerns—your frustrations. To be ripped from your world and thrown into an unfamiliar realm…" He walked to the arched window behind him, gazing out at the bustling streets of Harib. "I abhor slavery—too many of my people have suffered in chains."
Turning back to face them, his voice gained strength. "None of you will be forced," he said firmly. "But I refuse to die without question. I refuse to sit idly while everything burns around me. I will fight. I am not just a prince, but a warrior for my kingdom!" His voice thundered, and the energy in the room seemed to shift. The air grew warmer as Statheros's hair drifted behind him, carried by an unseen force.
"I cannot do this alone. I humbly ask for your strength—please, join me." Statheros bowed deeply before them, his sincerity leaving the group—and even Douglas—taken aback.
"Your Highness…" Douglas murmured, his voice barely audible as he followed suit, bowing deeply in reverence.
Silence fell over the dinner table as the group sat in quiet contemplation. Devin remained still, the prince's words reverberating through the fractured void of his mind.
I refuse to die without question…
I refuse to sit while everything burns around me…
I will fight! The declaration roared within him, and suddenly Devin rose from his seat. The abrupt motion startled Emily and the others, their eyes snapping to him in shock.
End of Chapter 25