Nothing about what's happening to me makes sense.
There was no prophecy handed to me. No magical guide. No divine being explaining my role, my purpose, or what I was supposed to do next—nothing like the books or shows I grew up with.
No instructions.
No rules.
No reset button.
So how am I supposed to know what to do?
There are no mechanics to this world, no checkpoints. Just consequences.
I have no choice but to rely on fate—or whatever madness this world throws at me.
In such a short time, I've lived through more fear, desire, loss, and chaos than I have in my entire life. Now I'm expected to be the hero.
My resolve feels unbreakable—but can I actually follow through?
Am I brave… or just reckless?
No.
No time for doubt.
Talon needs me.
I follow the path leading toward the mountain peak. I was lucky I didn't fall too far earlier, and my plan—closing the distance day by day—worked. The climb is brutal, but my body remembers discipline. Training. Endurance.
Triathlons weren't just for fun after all.
By the time I reach the rock wall, my legs tremble, my lungs burn—and my courage finally wavers.
The wall is sheer. Steep. Jagged.
How am I supposed to climb this without being seen?
I've rock-climbed before—but I'm no expert. I tilt my head back, staring up at the impossible height.
My resolve cracks.
What if I fall?
If I fail, Talon dies.
If I die—so be it. But I won't run.
Still, fear sinks its claws into me. I drop to my knees, my mind spiraling between fight and flight.
Then—
"I can help you."
That voice again.
I spin around.
The snake.
It followed me.
"You?" I ask breathlessly. "You told me to run."
"I changed my mind," it replies calmly, circling me. "I want to see if you can actually defeat those loud buffoons. Follow me. I know a safer path."
A safer path means a chance.
But there's always a price.
"If I follow you," I warn, summoning a flicker of flame in my palm, "know this—I am not prey. If you try anything, I will burn you alive. And what do you want in return?"
"For now?" the snake muses. "I just want the bats gone. We'll discuss payment later—if you survive."
Fair enough.
I follow.
He leads me through hidden terrain—narrow ledges, shadowed crevices, thick foliage that shields us from above. It's still a climb, but manageable. The snake moves effortlessly, his body clinging to stone like it was made for this.
I never would've found this path on my own.
How did he know me?
Was he connected to the water snake?
He doesn't speak again.
We reach the top faster than I expect.
The bats' voices echo across the peak—jeering, laughing, cruel.
"This king is nearly dead," one sneers. "We should've ended him already. That vessel isn't coming."
"I want my reward from Vera already!"
"Don't get greedy," another snaps. "Kairo might be the only one who gets it."
They haven't sensed me.
Now or never.
I summon fire—both hands blazing. Heat surges through me, intoxicating, alive. I take cover behind a smooth rock with a clear view of the battlefield.
I strike.
Fireballs rip through the air.
One bat ignites. Then another.
Burn.
I whisper it like a command—and the flames obey.
Screams tear through the sky. Some bats freeze in horror, watching their kin burn like it's the first time they've ever feared death.
I keep firing.
Too much.
The power thrills me—my body heats, my breath quickens, and I want more.
No—stop.
Control.
I force myself to breathe.
When the smoke clears, only one bat remains—smart enough to use Talon as a shield.
"Come out, Goddess," it snarls, desperation shaking its voice. "Or I hurt the King!"
My heart clenches.
Talon is barely conscious, bloodied, broken.
Rage explodes inside me.
I step into view.
"Let him go!" I shout. "If I'm what you want—then take me."
Talon's eyes flutter open.
"Sienna…" he rasps. "Why did you come? You should've run."
"Why would I leave you?" I snap back, tears burning. "Your flock needs you. Don't throw your life away for me—I'm alone in this world. You're not!"
I face the bat again.
"Let him go!"
The bat grins, eyes gleaming. "You won't attack. You're too afraid."
Wrong.
I launch a fireball.
"What are you doing?! You'll kill him!" the bat shrieks.
"You think hiding behind him makes you safe?" I roar. "If you don't release him—I'll force you to!"
But I made a mistake.
I was so focused on Talon, so blinded by fury, that I didn't sense the presence behind me—
Hands seize me.
"I've got you!" a bat snarls, wrapping its grip tight.
Laughter erupts behind me.
I fight—kick, shove, twist—but the bat is strong. Still, my resistance forces him backward, step by step, until my heel meets empty air.
The edge.
I summon fire again, grab his wrist, and burn it.
He screams and lets go—
And I fall.
The last thing on my mind—
Talon.