Keli - The Goddess Of Death

"YOU HAVE GAINED THE EX-RANKED GODHOOD LEGACY!!!!"

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The words echoed like a divine decree, filling the space with their power. Eryndor's gaze burned with newfound intensity, his once-doubtful expression replaced by one of fierce determination and strength.

Elyria gasped, falling to her knees once more. "The Godhood Legacy…" she whispered, awe and fear mingling in her voice. "My son… do you realize what this means?"

Eryndor looked down at his hands, feeling the surging energy within him. "It means I'm no longer the same," he said, his voice steady but tinged with wonder.

The Creator's voice returned, resonating with a sense of finality. "YOU HAVE CHOSEN WISELY, ERYNDOR. THE GODHOOD LEGACY IS A POWER UNLIKE ANY OTHER. IT WILL GUIDE AND PROTECT YOU UNTIL THE TIME COMES TO AWAKEN YOUR TRUE BLOODLINE. USE IT WELL, AND REMEMBER: GREAT POWER COMES WITH GREAT RESPONSIBILITY. DO NOT SQUANDER IT."

Eryndor nodded, his fists clenching as he felt the power coursing through him. "I won't fail," he vowed.

The Creator's light began to fade, leaving behind an aura of divine energy. Its voice lingered, softer now but no less commanding:

"YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS ANEW, ERYNDOR. PROVE YOURSELF WORTHY, AND YOU SHALL ASCEND TO HEIGHTS GREATER THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE."

As the Creator vanished, the realm grew still once more. Eryndor turned to Elyria, his resolve stronger than ever.

"I'll make them all pay," he said, his voice low and determined. "And I'll reclaim what's mine."

Elyria smiled faintly, pride and sadness mingling in her eyes. "Then let us begin, my little star. The tide waits for no one."

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a shimmering portal opened, a gust of wind swept through the sacred space. Its radiant light illuminated the serene waters around them, casting dancing reflections on Elyria's tear-filled eyes. She smiled, though sadness lingered in her expression.

"My little star," Elyria whispered, her voice trembling with both pride and sorrow. "It's time. Your destiny awaits."

Eryndor hesitated, his gaze shifting from the glowing portal to his mother's face. His heart ached, knowing this might be the last time he would see her. She pulled him into a tight embrace, her warmth comforting him in the face of the unknown.

"Mom," he said as he pulled back slightly, searching her eyes. "Before I go… what happened to you? Did Fa… King Alden kill you?"

Elyria's smile softened, though her eyes gleamed with unspoken truths. "It's all up to you to find out," she said, brushing a hand gently against his cheek. "Now go."

Before Eryndor could say another word, the light from the portal surged forward, engulfing him entirely. He felt a rush of energy as if being swept through time and space, the air around him humming with ancient power.

When the light faded, Eryndor found himself standing on a dark and lonely bridge. The atmosphere was heavy, the air thick with an eerie silence. He glanced down and immediately staggered back, his heart pounding.

The bridge hung high above a black, swirling river that seemed alive, its currents twisting and churning unnaturally. Shadows danced across its surface, whispering in a language he couldn't understand.

Eryndor steadied himself and began walking forward, the echo of his footsteps the only sound in the void. As he reached the middle of the bridge, he stopped abruptly, his eyes narrowing at the sight before him.

A woman stood there, her presence commanding and otherworldly. She was breathtakingly beautiful, her raven-black hair cascading down her back like liquid night. She wore a flowing black gown that shimmered faintly, as if woven from the shadows themselves. Her striking red eyes glowed like embers, filled with both curiosity and mischief. In her hand, she held a delicate fan, which she casually folded and unfolded with an air of elegance.

"Finally, you're here," the woman said, her voice carrying a note of excitement. "It's about time."

Eryndor took a cautious step back, his hand instinctively moving toward his side, though he had no weapon to draw. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice wary.

The woman laughed, the sound echoing across the void like a haunting melody. Her laughter sent a shiver down his spine, and he couldn't tell if it was from fear or awe.

"I've waited so long for this day," she said, her crimson gaze locking onto his. "Oh, Great One."

Eryndor's brow furrowed in confusion. "Great One?" he repeated. "Who are you?"

The woman began to walk toward him, her every step exuding grace and power. The hem of her gown seemed to melt into the bridge as if she were part of the shadows themselves.

When she finally stood before him, she smiled, a smile that was both inviting and dangerous. "I am Keli," she said, her voice soft yet resonant. "The Goddess of Death and the spirit of the River of Death."

Eryndor stared at her in awe, his mind racing. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.

Keli's smile widened as she tilted her head, studying him. "I've been patiently waiting for this day," she continued, her tone almost wistful. "I saw what your brothers did to you."

The mention of his brothers jolted Eryndor out of his stunned silence. His face darkened with anger, his fists clenching at his sides. "Then why didn't you save me?" he demanded, his voice sharp. "If you've been waiting for me, why didn't you do something?"

Keli's smile faltered, her expression turning solemn. "It was not within my power," she said, her voice tinged with regret. "Your fate was written by the Creator themselves. I could not intervene, even if I had wanted to."

Eryndor scoffed, his anger unrelenting. "I don't care about fate," he said, his voice rising. "You could have done something. Anything."

Keli sighed, folding her fan with a snap. "You misunderstand, Great One," she said, her tone patient but firm. "The Creator's will is absolute. Even I, as the Goddess of Death, must bow to it. Your suffering was necessary for what is to come."

Eryndor glared at her, his chest heaving with frustration. "Necessary? You call that betrayal and torment necessary?"

"Yes," Keli said simply, her red eyes unwavering. "For only through suffering can one truly rise to greatness. You are more than you were, Eryndor. And soon, you will understand why."

Eryndor turned away, his thoughts a whirlwind of anger and confusion. The bridge seemed to stretch endlessly before him, but he knew there was no turning back. Whatever awaited him, he would face it on his terms.

"I'll rise," he muttered, his voice low but resolute. "But not because of fate. I'll rise because I choose to."

Behind him, Keli's smile returned, this time laced with pride. "Spoken like the Great One you are destined to be."

Keli's striking red eyes gleamed with anticipation as she folded her fan and looked directly into Eryndor's troubled gaze.

"Great One," she began, her voice smooth as silk, "there's something you need to know. Something I'm certain your dear mother didn't tell you."

Eryndor frowned, suspicion clouding his expression. "What is that?" he asked, his tone low and guarded. He pointed a warning finger at her. "It had better be useful. And if you dare slander my mother….."

Keli interrupted with a sly smile. "Calm yourself, Great One," she said, her tone amused. "I wouldn't dream of speaking ill of your beloved mother. But… I think you'll find what I have to share quite enlightening."

She stepped closer, folding and unfolding her fan with a deliberate rhythm. "Your death, Endric's, his household and that of your sister's," she said, her voice growing colder, "isn't enough to guarantee the sweet victory and revenge you seek. You need something more. Something solid. Something provocative."

Eryndor's eyes narrowed, anger simmering beneath the surface. "What are you implying?"

Keli's lips curved into a mischievous smirk. She licked them slowly, as if savoring the moment, before replying, "Did your mother ever tell you how she died?"

Eryndor froze, the words hitting him like a thunderclap. "No," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "She… she said nothing."

"Of course she didn't," Keli said with a chuckle, her tone laced with mock sympathy. "Then allow me to enlighten you." She gestured toward the river far below. "Look down into the River of Death and witness the truth for yourself."

Before Eryndor could protest, Keli waved her hand, and a crimson light shot into the dark, swirling waters below. The river churned violently, sending ripples of smoke into the air. Slowly, the surface transformed, becoming a screen that glowed with a haunting clarity.

Eryndor's heart pounded as the image came into focus. His breath caught in his throat as he saw his mother, Elyria, lying weakly on a cold, stone floor, surrounded by a pool of her own blood.